DesignerCon (also known as “DCon”) 2019 took place at the Anaheim Convention Center Friday, November 22 through Sunday, November 24 – and it was our first time!
The convention started out in 2006 at the Pasadena Convention Center with the name Vinyl Toy Network. But then in 2009, it changed its name to DesignerCon, and then in 2018, having outgrown Pasadena, it made the move to the Anaheim Convention Center. We had heard a little about the show in the past, but being that we are not really collectors, but are more of “panel people” when it comes to comic and pop culture conventions, it didn’t really interest us. However, with the move to Anaheim last year, and continuing to hear nothing but good things from numerous friends in the convention community, we decided to check it out, considering that it’s just down the street from us. This turned out to be a good decision.
DesignerCon felt like it was part art museum, and part Artist Alley, in that there was a lot of interesting art just to look at, while there was also a great amount of different forms of art available for purchase like there would be at a typical comic convention. This made for an enjoyable experience, because even if you weren’t planning on buying anything, there were plenty of unique things to see. But yes, if you were looking to buy, not only were there small independent vendors, there were also bigger names, like Mondo, Mezco Toyz, and Medicom Toy.
Although still art made up the majority of what was at DesignerCon, there was some moving art as well.
We didn’t end up attending any, but DesignerCon actually did have a few panels, which took place on a stage on the con floor, where several chairs were set up.
Probably my favorite thing at DesignerCon was the Into the Spider-Verse augmented reality display. There was a special app you could download, and then with that activated, you could point it at the still panels, and they would come to life on your device, not only with video, but with sound. There was also non-Spider-Verse art that would offer up an additional AR aspect to it with the app. Our friends over at Parks and Cons have good videos of this in action.
Bringing the panels to life #spidermanintothespiderverse #DesignerCon2019 #DCon2019 pic.twitter.com/81V7FCghJn
— Parks And Cons (@ParksAndCons) November 23, 2019
The Hamilltoon display was another great aspect to DesignerCon, with art highlighting the many voices of Mark Hamill. I’m not sure if Mark Hamill himself ever showed up at the con, but there were some exclusive Mark Hamill Funko POP! figures available for purchase.
I also enjoyed being able to get a photo op with the Batmobile.
One thing that surprised me was the amount of sneaker art that was there. I recently watched the episode of the Disney Plus show The World According to Jeff Goldblum that focused on the world of sneakers, so I at least felt a little more familiar with this concept. In fact, one pair of sneakers on display was from the Shoe Surgeon, who was featured on the episode. There was even a place to have your sneakers cleaned!
The award for creepiest art at DesignerCon 2019 definitely goes to the taxidermy deer.
We didn’t end up purchasing anything at DesignerCon, but it was still fun just to walk around and look at everything, so we’re glad we finally checked it out!
Are you interested in attending DesignerCon next year? It will return to the Anaheim Convention Center November 13-15, 2020.
You can view more of our photos from DesignerCon 2019 in the photo gallery below.
