Sunday

08-24-2025 Vol 2062

Rose City Comic Con to Celebrate Nerd Culture with Iconic Guests and Panels

Portland is preparing to host its most significant gathering for fans of nerdy obsessions at the upcoming Rose City Comic Con, taking place from September 5 to 7 at the Oregon Convention Center.

Organized by the team behind Washington, DC’s Awesome Con and Texas’s Anime Frontier, this year’s convention is expected to attract around 60,000 attendees.

Fans will flock to the event in their best Starfleet uniforms and Mandalorian armor, eager to celebrate their favorite sci-fi TV shows, fantasy movies, roleplaying games, and, of course, comic books.

A major highlight of the event is the presence of beloved B-movie star and Oregon icon Bruce Campbell, adding to the star-studded lineup.

This year’s convention carries a reflective tone with panels focused on iconic titles such as The Goonies, Battlestar Galactica, and the rebooted Doctor Who.

The event plans to honor the legacy of these franchises while also providing a glimpse into the future with meet-and-greets and discussions featuring prominent figures in the nerd community.

Special guests include Wil Wheaton from Star Trek: The Next Generation, Felicia Day from Supernatural, as well as Liam O’Brien and Sam Riegel from the Dungeons & Dragons web series Critical Role.

Carla Gugino, known for her recent work in Lisa Frankenstein and several Mike Flanagan miniseries, and David Harbour, famous for his roles in Thunderbolts and Stranger Things, will also be present.

Among the standout events is the highly anticipated Goonies Never Say Die: Cast Reunion Spotlight scheduled for Saturday, September 6, from 10 to 10:45 AM on the Main Stage.

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the cherished kids’ film, this panel will feature stars such as Robert Davi, Kerri Green, Martha Plimpton, Sean Astin, and Corey Feldman discussing the iconic movie.

Fans are advised to arrive early for this event, especially since it coincides with a Goonies-themed dance party shortly after the panel on the Remix Stage in the MLK Lobby.

Another highlight of the convention is the Kelly Sue DeConnick: Going Where It’s Not Safe panel, taking place from 12:15 to 1 PM on Saturday in Room E141-144.

DeConnick, a local legend in the comic book industry, has spent over two decades championing feminist themes in comic books.

Her notable works include Captain Marvel (the Marvel version), Avengers Assemble, and Wonder Woman, earning her multiple accolades, including the Will Eisner Comic Industry Award.

During the panel, Kate Kelp-Stebbins, the University of Oregon’s codirector of comics and cartoon studies, will engage DeConnick in conversation about her impactful career and her contributions to the comic book field.

Following that, the Battlestar Galactica Cast Spotlight will host Katee Sackhoff, Mary McDonnell, and Edward James Olmos from 12:30 to 1:15 PM on the Main Stage.

With the deep connection that the show has with Portland, fans will have the opportunity to ask these stars questions about their legendary roles.

This panel offers a unique chance to delve into discussions around crucial plot points, misunderstandings, and emotional moments from the series.

For dedicated Doctor Who fans, the A Doctor and His Companion: Billie Piper & Christopher Eccleston panel on Sunday, September 7, from 4 to 4:45 PM on the Main Stage provides a rare opportunity.

This gathering features the Ninth Doctor, Christopher Eccleston, and his companion Billie Piper, celebrating their iconic roles in the series’ successful revival in 2005.

Despite previous disagreements between Eccleston and BBC executives, their reunion in audio dramas has sparked excitement among Whovians.

The Rose City Comic Con promises a thrilling weekend filled with nostalgia, enriching discussions, and engaging interactions for all attendees.

As fans prepare to celebrate their favorite franchises alongside some of their most beloved stars, the convention stands out as a pinnacle of nerd culture in Portland.

image source from:pdxmonthly

Abigail Harper