If you’re wondering what happened at Space City Comic Con, here’s the truth: Space City Comic Con suffered from severe mismanagement, broken promises from organizers, and a total lack of communication with fans.
The main issues included major celebrity guests not honoring prepaid tickets, rumors of non-payment to talent, canceled panels, and hundreds (even thousands) of fans leaving without the experiences they paid for. The event’s failures led to widespread disappointment, refund requests, and lasting mistrust among attendees.
From Excitement to Disappointment
In full disclosure, as Nola Nerd Couple, we were thrilled to receive a media pass for Space City Comic Con. Like every other con we cover, we hoped for a professionally run event and memorable moments. We typically offer constructive criticism, focusing on what could be “even better if.”
When the main thing that could be better is “don’t betray fan trust,” that’s not a small fix. It’s a foundational issue.
Mismanagement and Broken Promises
All major problems seemed to center around the Sons of Anarchy guests—especially Charlie Hunnam, the event’s biggest draw. At most conventions, high-profile autograph sessions are pre-sold and tightly managed. Events like Wizard World and Star Wars Celebration have systems in place to make sure supply (the actors’ time) matches demand. At Space City Comic Con, there was no such planning. Nobody seemed to know how to handle Charlie Hunnam’s lines or the pre-purchased tickets.
Rumors of non-payment and bounced checks started circulating (and were reported in news sites). Actors themselves told us to contact our credit card company because, in their words, “you probably got robbed.” At the time of this writing, we’ve been told we’ll receive a refund. But we spent hundreds of dollars, and VIPs spent thousands with nothing to show for it. Refunding the ticket price doesn’t cover travel, hotel, or the emotional cost of being let down.
Lack of Transparency and Communication
One of the most frustrating parts was the total lack of information from the con itself. We understand there may have been legal issues, but silence is not a solution.
We found out about problems—from canceled panels to guests not showing up—from the actors or their representatives, not from the con.
Critical updates came via actors’ social media, not official channels. When we asked about a missing artist, no one on staff knew the answer. Instead of proactive damage control, Space City Comic Con’s official accounts acted as if nothing was wrong.
The Human Cost
We love comic cons. We budget, we travel, and we’re passionate about these fandoms. This was one was special because it was our anniversary trip.
We’ll keep attending, but with new caution. This con was a business failure, but it was also a human one.
The staff and volunteers, who did their best under impossible circumstances, bore the brunt of fan anger and confusion. They deserved better. So did the fans.
What We Learned
1. Never Assume a Big Name Means a Well-Run Con
No matter how impressive the guest list, poor management can ruin everything.
2. Pre-Purchase With Caution
If a con doesn’t have a clear, professional system for high-demand guests, think twice before buying expensive tickets or VIP packages.
3. Demand Transparency
Attendees deserve timely, honest communication—especially when things go wrong.
4. Support Volunteers, Not Just Organizers
Remember that most staffers are fans like you, doing their best with the information they’re given. Staffers and volunteers do not deserve to bear the brunt of an anger they didn’t incite.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up
If you feel you’ve been defrauded, document everything and pursue refunds. Your voice matters.
Final Thoughts
Not all of Space City Comic Con was a bust. Some moments, like our photo op, with Charlie Hunnam was a great memory. He even wished us happy anniversary.
We used our platform to champion Space City Comic Con before the event. We previewed guests, spotlighted artists, and broadcasted our excitement for the trip. In the end, the lack of honesty and accountability burned not just us, but the entire fan community.
Space City Comic Con was dangerously close to being a con in every sense of the word. Fans, volunteers, and guests deserved so much better.
If you’re planning to attend a comic con, do your homework. Learn from our experience—and don’t let anyone take your passion (or your money) for granted.
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Sorry your journey to Houston for SCCC ended like this. Hopefully it won\’t sway you from joining us for other cons, like Comicpalooza! Would love to meet up with you two at some point for a proper discussion! ^Sully
It won\’t. Work is the only thing stopping us from comicpalooza. I just feel bad for people who attended a con for the first time and had a bad experience. It probably soured them on cons and that\’s a shame. I\’ve met Ron Perlman before and he was a blast. And yes, we do need to get together next time we go to con your way (or if you come to one near us) *this comment has been edited because voice to text can\’t understand cajun.