While Saturday 3rd saw Collectomania trending high on UK Twitter thanks to the presence of the current Doctor Who Jodie Whittaker, Sunday 4th September was the day three Fantha Trackers – Mark Newbold, Carl Bayliss and Matt Booker (Richard Mitchell had attended on Saturday) – headed to the NEC for two events, with Mark and Carl heading to Hall 2 for Collectormania and Matt to halls 6, 7, 8, 19 and 20 for the annual Autumn Fair trade show. We parked at Birmingham International Train Station, walked through the station across to the NEC (paying far less than the customary extortionate NEC car park prices) and quickly collected our wristbands for the day.
As ever, the show featured a wide array of Star Wars products, with one hall for the event (harkening back to the Memorabilia shows of the 90’s which this Collectormania most closely resembled), there was plenty to seek out for fans of the GFFA. Of course, there were Funko Pops galore, but beyond that were some very cool treats including the deftly drawn creations of Gav The Retro Draughtsman, comics from Marvel and Dark Horse and plenty of action figures from the start of the saga right up to the latest releases.
Within the show was an area dedicated to LEGO under the Showmasters Brick Festival banner, giving fans of all things block the chance to admire some amazing work, including a selection of Star Wars images and a classic image from Prog 227 of 2000AD as Judge Dredd punches his fist right through the face of Judge Death.
While we’re now (for the most part) beyond the pandemic, it feels like events in general have yet to get back to their pre-COVID selves. Collectormania – while focused predominantly on celebrity signings from TV, film and sports stars – wasn’t the hotbed of cosplay many other events are, and without the presence of Star Wars costuming groups (UKG, Rebel Legion or Mando Mercs) the halls of the NEC seemed comparatively quiet. The aisles were spaced further apart, and with the Sunday being the quieter of the two days there’s little doubt the lack of cosplay activity made for a quieter, less rowdy experience. That said, to be able to peruse the stalls and walk the hall with few obstacles was most welcome.
That may all give the impression that the day was underwhelming, but that’s not the case. With numerous events across the calendar year – many of them bringing the same vibe and feel – it’s a palate cleanser to attend a major event at an international convention centre that isn’t a shoulder-to-shoulder, queuing for an overpriced cup of coffee, stressful experience. Make no mistake, there was a steady stream of attendees at the show, and as stated Saturday was far busier with its marquee guests.
Be sure to take a listen to our special episode of Making Tracks where myself, Carl and Matt walk the halls to discuss Collectormania 27 and Autumn Fair, as well as interview puppeteer Dave Barclay about his work on The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi bringing Yoda and Jabba the Hutt to life.
As always, thanks to the team at Showmasters for their generosity in providing press passes for the Fantha Tracks team over the weekend.
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