Fantasy Basel: A new star in the Swiss trade fair sky

A wide variety of game, film and comic characters cavort at Fantasy Basel. The best "cosplayers" will be awarded a prize.The queue that forms in front of the exhibition center in Basel on Thursday, May 5, is huge. People in fancy costumes are flocking to Fantasy Basel from all directions. The "Swiss Comic Con", which is being held for only the second time this year, seems to have struck a chord with the younger "multimedia generation" in particular, who are enthusiastic about the new platform that event expert Martin Schorno has brought to life. Already in its second year, the fair recorded twice as much space, artists and exhibitors as last year.

Over 30,000 visitors are expected at the second edition of Fantasy Basel.The number of sponsors and partners has also increased significantly. On the one hand, these are companies from the IT industry such as Steg, Data Quest, Digitec, Samsung, Sonos and HP, and on the other hand, for example, bookstores such as Thalia and Orell Füssli.

Merchandising at Fantasy Basel: In addition to plush game figures such as Yoshi, fantasy paintings, games, T-shirts, mugs, books and much more will be on sale.This year, the trade show organizers were able to lure two star guests to Basel: Kevin Sussmann and Kristian Nairn. Sussmann is known worldwide for his role as Stuard ("Comic Book Guy") in the popular series "The Big Bang Theory". The TV star likes it in Basel: "It's so beautiful here - almost too beautiful," says Sussmann with a twinkle in his eye. The fact that his character in "The Big Bang Theory" is becoming more and more of a loser doesn't bother him, on the contrary: "Since all the main characters have now become a bit cooler and have a girlfriend, I guess it's up to me to represent the lonely nerd. "Kristian Nairn plays Hodor, a recurring character in Game of Thrones. HBO's award-winning series Game of Thrones, based on the books by George R. R. Martin, has enjoyed great success around the world. Hodor is a servant of House Stark and worked in stables of Winterfell. He serves as Bran Stark's porter, replacing his legs, which he has been unable to move since a fall. Hodor can only say one word, "Hodor", which can mean everything and nothing. In contrast to the character Hodor, Nairn is very talkative. He also likes it in Basel. For example, he said, he has stayed in the best hotel he has ever been in. The self-confessed homosexual actor came to the role in the cult series more by chance than anything else - he had actually applied for a part in the film "Hot Fuss. To the astonishment of fans, Nairn has read virtually none of George R.R. Martin's books, nor has he seen the fifth season, in which Hodor plays no role.

The two star guests at Fantasy Basel: Kristian Nairn (left) and Kevin Sussmann.Another attraction at Fantasy Basel are the so-called "cosplayers". In the Japanese dress-up trend, fans represent a character from manga, anime, computer game or film as faithfully as possible through costume and behavior. At the end of the first day, the best "cosplayers" were awarded prizes.

The winner of the Cosplay Award convinced with a sexy ninja costume and a rousing show performance.Fantasy Basel will take place until Saturday, May 7. Shortly decided can here secure a ticket.Author: Simon Wolanin