El Paso Comic-Con Cancels 2020 Convention, Plans to Return Spring 2021

If you were hoping to “fly your nerd flag high” this year, I have some bad, but certainly not unexpected, news. El Paso Comic Con 2020 will not be returning to downtown in October, afterall.

Organizers of the annual hometown comic book and sci-fi festival announced Tuesday (7/14) this year’s convention has been canceled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. EPCON had previously been rescheduled from its original April dates to October because of the outbreak.

In a press release posted on social media, officials cited several reasons, including unease with the idea of going forward with the show on the part of City of El Paso leaders -- an unease event organizers shared.

“In light of the recent spikes in cases in the state of Texas, mandatory shutdowns and restrictions on mass gatherings, and after consulting with the El Paso Convention Center and City of El Paso officials, we have decided to cancel our October 2-4, 2020 convention,” the press release reads.

“We feel very strongly that the health and safety of our staff, guests, and attendees are of the utmost concern to us,” the statement continues. “We are looking forward to the return of El Paso Comic Con April 15-18, 2021.”

Golden Globe® and Emmy Award® winning actor William Shatner of Star Trek fame was scheduled to be this year’s top draw. Actor Michael Rooker, best known for his roles as the blue-skinned alien named Yondu Udonta in The Guardians of the Galaxy movies, and former wrestler Mick Foley (“Mankind,” “Cactus Jack”) had also signed on to attend. No word if their appearances have been rescheduled to 2021.