WonderCon has descended on Anaheim, CA, at the Convention Center bringing with it tens of thousands of diehard comic fans and super-hero wannabes. Often considered the little brother of the bigger Comic-Con that sells out a year ahead of time, WonderCon has become a hot ticket in its own right as it enters its 26th year, and moving to SoCal this year because its usual location in San Francisco is under construction.
Among the many trade show booths, panels, gaming demo areas, and massive merchant floor, a virtual Who’s Who of entertainment in gaming, comics, movies, TV, and internet flock to this event. WonderCon, like Comic-Con and Anime Expo, is also incredibly interactive with hands-on meet-and-greets of favorite characters, festival activities for fans and a huge masquerade ball which participants take very seriously, often assembling key costume pieces for months before the event.
This year, WonderCon has moved into the world of philanthropic humanitarian causes and the way that they are engaging people to participate in their cause are among many trends utilizing new media to capture a specific marketplace. Called “We Can Be Heroes,” WonderCon has teamed up with DC Comics to dedicate a text-to-give campaign towards fighting the atrocities, particularly hunger, in the Horn of Africa.
Specifically, the campaign is raising money to give to 3 organizations, Save the Children, International Rescue Committee, and Mercy Corps, and their efforts to help alleviate hunger in various drought-stricken areas. By texting “HEROES,” DC Comics is matching every dollar donated up to $1 million. The text also, obviously, captures important data for DC Comics. According to Diane Belson, President of DC Comics, “Fans at WonderCon and beyond can band together with Justice League to make a difference and save lives.” (Justice League are the superheroes from DC Comics that are the official ambassadors onsite and with whom fans can get their pictures taken for their site and own social media.)
WeCanBeHeroes campaign so far from the trade show floor is working and fans are talking about it and texting Heroes to donate and get close to their own superheroes. For a $1, they can become one themselves.
Check-out the video.
