FACTS landed in Flanders’ Expo once again to bring back the magic of Belgium’s original Comic Con. We’ve been going to this event for a very long time, and it always feels like coming back home. Was this edition another hit? Let’s find out.
Gaming
Since we’re a gaming website first, we always check out the gaming booths. Right from the big middle lane, we were greeted by the big red Nintendo booth featuring some exclusive previews. Gaming fans could go hands-on with the upcoming Metroid Prime 4, Kirby Air Riders, and Hyrule Warriors, a first for a lot of gamers! Besides that, Nintendo brought some of their big Nintendo Switch 2 games to the booth with Mario Kart World, Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, Pokémon Legends: Z/A, and more. It has been a big year for Nintendo thanks to the Nintendo Switch 2, and it’s good to see them back at full force for the convention season, too. Besides the playable games, you could check some exclusive merch, score a photo with Super Mario, or showcase your skills in a big Mario Kart World tournament. Nintendo definitely delivered a lot of smiles, and that’s exactly why you want them at events like this.
If you were looking for even more games, you could play Tetris at the RedBull stage or play some retro games in a separate hall. FACTS is a lot more than a gaming convention, but that being said, this edition really had a lot to offer for the gamers. From exclusive merchandise, local artists, and lots of gaming stations, this is for sure the place to be.
Looking for some merchandise? You’ll find it here!
FACTS is a lot more than just gaming; the vendor place is also a huge part of the convention every year, and this edition didn’t disappoint. In the main hall, you’ll find vendors who will probably sell your next favorite collectible, so it’s always worth your time looking around. Compared to other years, I had the feeling that the market was better curated with more high-end collectibles while still leaving room for the smaller businesses selling some of their personal collection. A lot of Pokémon and retro game vendors this year, probably because of the hype, and I was extremely happy to score the exclusive Tokyo Skytree Pikachu keychain, which was sold out during my trip to Japan last Summer. Moments like that are what make events like FACST so memorable. Aside from the actors and artists, you’ll hear a lot of joyful screams when someone spots their favorite fandom at one of the market’s many booths. It’s dangerous to carry a full bank account to FACTS since you’ll definitely leave with some extra goodies on your way home. There were times when we noticed that the marketplace became too important and there was less room for innovation, but with new halls for board games and even tattoos, FACTS proved that they’ll continue to innovate. The addition of new and bigger halls also resulted in a better overall shopping experience, so we can only applaud this continuous growth.
Artists , directors & an armada of guests!
Attending FACTS is a must if you’re in need of your artist or even Hollywood-fix! The many guests and artists were happy to bless you with their autographs or even take a picture. A typical Belgian celebration was also due for 70 years of “Jommeke” and a 80th anniversary celebration for “Suske & Wiske”. They might not have broken records internationally like the Smurfs, but they’re our very own best kept secret and have been a part of many generations’ childhoods here in Belgium. Hence the overall theme of FACTS this year! A very nice way to celebrate and maybe even introduce them to international visitors. Another Belgian pride is our very own Jan Verheyen who took the time to interview and introduce us to 5 other great Belgian directors on how filmmaking in Belgium is something we can actually be proud of! Peaky Blinders and House of Cards are only a few examples of our tiny country’s influence in international filmmaking. This overall experience was not only bound to the Main Stage as stardom was everywhere. Influencers and (smaller) actors were also looking for their next collectible just as we were! One big FACTS family.
Cosplay, naughty and nice!
One of the biggest changes last year was the addition of a Kid You Not Spot which was 18+ and this year was no different. A mature spot where adult content has a right place away from the main area. Even though the theme is more naughty over there everyone was treated with respect and consent, one of the most important rules of Cosplay. Creators were happy to engage with fans and with the bar next to it, it was a respectful adult experience that has found its right spot at FACTS hidden behind the stairway. If you’re more into ink a whole new experience just opened up beneath those very stairs. Your favorite Comic/Manga or any fandom tattoo artist you’re looking for, took their entire workshop to FACTS. If you’re strong enough to endure the pain in front of passer-by’s you could get your inkwork done right here at FACTS. They even had discounts just for this event!
Cosplay is still the heart of FACTS. Being yourself or anyone you like is the core of this convention and looking around was a testament to this! Every single fandom was present and whether you visit FACTS with your kids or without, cosplayers are more than happy to let you take pictures if you ask nicely and respectfully. This is how this creative and colorful hobby keeps standing, with respect and admiration from both sides of the camera! I was a witness of someone’s button falling off an amateur cosplayer that was immediately sown back on by a friendly cosplay group.
Screenless games!
We are a gaming website first but gaming has taken its origin long before screens came into play. Cards, boardgames, role-playing games or even martial arts were present in many forms and across multiple halls for everyone to enjoy. Wether you’re new to D&D or you just want to throw Bicycle cards at a target to channel your inner “Gambit”, the staff were so kind and helpful to get you started into another hobby. We heard people talking about their roles during their lunch break in the food hall. With the extra halls and more real estate to play in there was more than enough to talk about this edition.
FACTS keeps getting bigger but it’s never empty! The warmth of the people is what makes it another full edition with fun, amazement and respect for the many hobbies we engage in! The only empty thing might be our wallet, but it was spent well!
