Magical Moments at Comic, Film & Manga Fest Rotterdam 2024

Our Experience at Comic, Film & Manga Fest Rotterdam 2024

Hi, we’re Ranbert and Daryene, the duo behind Comic Con Wanderers! We’re comic con enthusiasts originally from Aruba, now living in the Netherlands. We travel to fan conventions, sharing our experiences with our followers. From our first comic con in Germany to assisting special guests, comic cons have become a huge part of our lives.

When Comic, Film & Manga Fest Rotterdam was announced this year, we were thrilled. Rotterdam isn’t too far from The Hague, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity for us. Initially, we planned to attend as fans, but our excitement reached new heights when we received press accreditation for the event. We were overjoyed. This was our very first time being invited as press, and it was an incredible honor. The decision to attend as press made our participation even more special.

When Rebecca Mader was announced as a guest, we were beyond excited! As huge fans of her role as Zelena Mills from Once Upon a Time, we knew we had to be there. Zelena, the Wicked Witch of the West, quickly became one of our favorite characters with her complex backstory and fierce determination. Rebecca Mader brought an incredible depth to the role, showcasing Zelena's struggles with her identity and relationships throughout the series.

Originally hailing from the UK, Rebecca has had an impressive career in television and film, appearing in various popular shows such as Lost and The Devil Wears Prada. Recently, she has also been cast in Poppa's House, a show that promises to highlight her versatility as an actress. Her talent for portraying strong, multifaceted characters has made her a beloved figure among fans. We admire not only her acting prowess but also her engaging personality and openness with fans at conventions. Meeting Rebecca and discussing her journey as Zelena, was an opportunity we simply couldn’t miss. We can't wait to hear her stories from behind the scenes of Poppa's House!

Back to Comic, Film & Manga Fest Rotterdam, the excitement continued to build (weeks before the event) )when we found a Zelena Mills Funko Pop! on eBay. As avid collectors of Funko Pops! with six signed Pokémon Funko Pop! by Jason Paige, the OG singer of the Pokémon theme song, the addition of a signed Zelena Mills Funko Pop! was a must-have for us!

One week before the convention, we had an exciting chance to give back to our followers. Comic, Film & Manga Fest Rotterdam generously provided us with two tickets for a raffle. We were thrilled to offer these tickets to one of our followers, giving them a chance to experience the convention with a friend. It was our way of sharing the excitement and joy of the convention with our growing community.

On March 23rd, we attended the convention as invited press. We arrived at Rotterdam Ahoy bright and early, eagerly ready for the day. After checking in at the press booth, where we received our badges with "Comic Con Wanderers" proudly displayed, we joined other press members for a backstage tour following a press breakfast. The tour included a look at the signing booths, the photo booth, and the iconic DeLorean, which was there for Christopher Lloyd’s appearance. We were also shown our reserved front-row spots at the main stage, where we could capture up-close photos and videos during the guest panels.

Our main highlight was meeting Rebecca Mader, the talented actress known for her role as Zelena, the Wicked Witch from Once Upon a Time. Having followed her work for so long, it was a dream come true to meet her in person. We had the chance to go on photo ops with her and get our Zelena Mills Funko Pop! beautifully signed. The way Rebecca connected with her fans, including us, made the experience even more special. The photo of Rebecca Mader's signing booth perfectly captures the excitement and anticipation we feel as we were preparing to meet her there at Comic, Film & Manga Fest Rotterdam. With her vibrant poster serving as a backdrop, the table can be seen set with various items ready for autographs, a clear sign of the incredible moments that was awaiting fans.

Although Rebecca wasn't at her table yet when I took the photo, the atmosphere was already buzzing with energy, and we could hardly contain our enthusiasm. The prospect of finally connecting with the talented actress who brought Zelena Mills to life had us counting down the moments until we could share our admiration and perhaps hear some behind-the-scenes stories from Once Upon a Time and other shows she was on.

This photo of our Funko Pop! of Zelena Mills, beautifully graced with Rebecca Mader's autograph on the front of the box, is a treasure we will always cherish! The added touch of her writing "Zelena" along with a 💚 on the right side of the box brings an extra layer of magic to this special piece, reminding us of the incredible character she portrayed. As our very first item in our autograph collection signed by Rebecca, it symbolizes a milestone in our journey as fans and collectors. We are overflowing with gratitude for the opportunity to have this unique memento that captures not only her artistry but also our admiration for her work. It truly feels like a dream come true!

When we met Dean-Charles Chapman at his signing booth, the experience was not just about autographs and photos—he took the time to ask us who we were, where we were from, and what we do. We told him we were originally from Aruba but living in the Netherlands, and he was in disbelief that we had left our Caribbean island to settle in Europe. He even shared that he had just returned from a trip himself, making the conversation feel more personal and relatable.

But what made our encounter with Dean-Charles Chapman even more special was the unexpected opportunity to meet him backstage, coincidentally right after our conversation at his signing booth. That moment gave us a chance to connect on a more personal level. He was waiting for his turn for photo ops with fans while Rebecca Mader was in the photo booth. Having just finished our own photo op with Rebecca Mader, we found ourselves waiting alongside Dean-Charles and his personal assistant appointed by Comic, Film & Manga Fest Rotterdam. We kept them company and had a very pleasant conversation, touching on a variety of topics. His humility and warmth left a lasting impression on us—he was so easy to talk to, genuinely down-to-earth, and kind.

Known for his roles as Tommen Baratheon in Game of Thrones and his work in Star Wars: The Acolyte, Dean-Charles Chapman has proven himself to be a versatile and talented actor. We’re thrilled to meet him again at Comic Con Holland on October 12 and 13 in Vijfhuizen at Expo: Greater Amsterdam, where he’ll be appearing as a special guest. We can't wait to reconnect and see what new stories and experiences he’ll share this time!

In addition to Rebecca Mader and Dean-Charles Chapman, we interacted with a fantastic lineup of other guests including Tom Felton, Christopher Lloyd, Kim Coates, Paige Turco, Marie Avgeropoulos, Jeff Ward, Chelsey Reist, Georgia Hirst, Cassady McClincy, and Emily Kinney. Each interaction was a highlight, adding to the overall magic of the event.

With our camera and mobile phones in hand, we captured every exciting moment—from the welcoming of the special guests on stage to their panel sessions and signing moments. We documented it all to share with our followers, bringing them closer to the stars of the show.

Besides the fun, attending as press was also a valuable learning experience for us. Being part of the press program allowed us to gain deeper insights into the event, enhance our skills, and understand the behind-the-scenes aspects of organizing and covering such a grand convention.

We want to extend a huge thank you to Comic, Film & Manga Fest Rotterdam for the trust and the invitation. It was an awesome experience for us, and we are grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a fantastic event. To this day, we’re still so happy and grateful for the special moments we shared, especially with Rebecca Mader.

Stay tuned for more of our comic con adventures and behind-the-scenes moments!