TAMPA, FL – The Tampa Bay Comic Convention 2025 concluded on August 3rd after an exhilarating three-day celebration that brought together fans, celebrities, artists, and creators from across the pop culture spectrum. Held at the Tampa Convention Center, the event solidified its reputation as one of Florida’s premier gatherings for comic book enthusiasts, film and TV buffs, gamers, and collectors. With record-breaking attendance, star-studded panels, exclusive merchandise, and immersive fan experiences, this year’s convention proved to be one of the most memorable yet.
A Stellar Lineup of Celebrity Guests
One of the biggest draws of Tampa Bay Comic Con 2025 was its impressive roster of celebrity guests, featuring icons from beloved franchises across generations. Fans eagerly lined up for autograph signings, photo opportunities, and panel discussions, where stars shared behind-the-scenes stories and interacted with their admirers.
Film & Television Legends
Henry Winkler (Happy Days, Barry) charmed audiences with his wit and warmth during his panel, reflecting on his decades-long career.
Zachary Levi (Shazam!, Chuck) brought his signature energy, engaging fans with stories about superhero roles and his love for the geek community.
Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride, Stranger Things) delighted fans with tales from the set of classic films, including never-before-heard anecdotes about The Princess Bride.
Doug Jones (The Shape of Water, Hellboy) discussed his incredible career in creature acting, showcasing his ability to bring otherworldly characters to life.
John Rhys-Davies (The Lord of the Rings, Indiana Jones) captivated audiences with stories about working on some of cinema’s most legendary adventures.
Voice Acting & Animation Stars
Grey DeLisle Griffin (the voice of Daphne Blake, Azula, and countless others) hosted a lively panel discussing her prolific career in animation.
Nolan North (Uncharted, Destiny) and Troy Baker (The Last of Us, Batman) reunited for a hilarious and insightful discussion on video game voice acting.
Bryce Papenbrook (Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer) and Abby Trott (NieR: Automata, My Hero Academia) drew massive crowds of anime fans eager to hear about their roles in iconic series.
Comic Book & Creative Talent
Jim Starlin (Infinity Gauntlet, Thanos) and Amanda Conner (Harley Quinn, Power Girl) led engaging discussions on comic book storytelling and character creation.
Mike McKone (Teen Titans, Fantastic Four) offered live sketches and portfolio reviews for aspiring artists.
Colleen Doran (Sandman, A Distant Soil) shared insights into her groundbreaking work in the indie comic scene.
Panels That Captivated Fans
Beyond celebrity meet-and-greets, Tampa Bay Comic Con 2025 offered a packed schedule of panels, workshops, and Q&A sessions, giving fans deep dives into their favorite franchises and creative processes.
Spotlight on Iconic Franchises
A Lord of the Rings retrospective featuring John Rhys-Davies (Gimli) and Temuera Morrison (who played Jango Fett but is also a LOTR fan) explored the enduring legacy of Middle-earth.
A Shazam! reunion panel with Zachary Levi and Asher Angel gave fans a glimpse into the making of the DC films.
A Stranger Things deep dive analyzed the show’s cultural impact, with surprise appearances from cast members.
Behind-the-Scenes & Industry Insights
“Breaking Into Comics” – A must-attend panel for aspiring artists and writers, featuring Jim Starlin, Amanda Conner, and Mike McKone.
“The Art of Voice Acting” – Nolan North, Troy Baker, and Grey DeLisle Griffin shared tips on building a career in animation and gaming.
“From Script to Screen” – Screenwriters and directors discussed the challenges of adapting comics and books into films and TV shows.
The Ultimate Shopping Experience: Artist Alley & Vendor Hall
No comic convention is complete without exclusive merchandise, rare collectibles, and original artwork, and Tampa Bay Comic Con 2025 delivered in spades.
Artist Alley Highlights
Fans flocked to artist tables for custom sketches, signed prints, and limited-edition comics.
Independent creators showcased their original graphic novels and webcomics, offering fresh stories outside mainstream publishers.
Live art battles thrilled onlookers as artists competed in timed drawing challenges.
Vendor Hall Treasures
Rare comic book dealers offered key issues, graded collectibles, and vintage finds.
Toy and statue vendors displayed highly sought-after action figures, Funko Pops, and premium statues.
Local businesses sold handmade jewelry, prop replicas, and geek-themed apparel.
Gaming & Anime Zones
For gamers and anime fans, the convention provided dedicated spaces to immerse themselves in their passions.
Gaming Tournaments & Demos
Tournaments for Super Smash Bros., Street Fighter 6, and Tekken 8 drew competitive crowds.
VR gaming stations let attendees experience cutting-edge virtual reality.
Indie game developers showcased upcoming titles, offering hands-on demos.
Anime Screenings & Fan Meetups
Theater-style screenings of Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, and My Hero Academia episodes brought fans together.
Japanese cultural panels explored anime history, voice acting, and manga trends.
Cosplay gatherings for One Piece, Naruto, and Attack on Titan created photo-worthy moments.
Final Thoughts: A Weekend to Remember
Tampa Bay Comic Con 2025 exceeded expectations, offering fans an unparalleled mix of celebrity access, creative inspiration, and community connection. Whether attendees came for autographs, rare comics, industry insights, or simply to be among fellow fans, the convention delivered on every front.
As the doors closed on another successful year, one thing was clear: Tampa Bay Comic Con remains a cornerstone of fandom culture, and fans are already counting down to next year’s event.
Did you attend? Share your favorite moments in the comments below! #TBCC2025 #TampaComicCon
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NocedoPhoto Media Group is an innovative and creative consortium that unites photographers, writers, cosplayers, event promoters, vendors, costume and prop makers, and other creatives under one roof to use their collective skills to maximize their distribution and presence on digital media platforms. Their goal is to create a well-rounded and successful network for all involved.
