Comicpalooza 2026 draws cosplayers, pop culture fans to Houston
TEXAS — Texas’ largest comic convention, Comicpalooza, is drawing thousands of fans from near and far in a celebration of all things fandom, including sci-fi, anime, horror, gaming and cosplay competitions. The doors opened at 2 p.m. on Friday.
“The scale of this event is awesome. I’m really excited to see this place packed out with people throughout the weekend,” said Alison Birbz, a cosplayer who goes by the name of the main character of a game called Love and Deepspace. “She is heavily inspired by dragons and their lore.”
Birbz and Kaye Cosplay, who was dressed as the villain Queen Nehelenia from the "Sailor Moon" series, are also judges of the cosplay competition.
“When we’re judging competition, we look for cleanliness, the execution of the skills that are used, and how accurate the costume is to the source material,” Kaye said.
That execution is what you’ll see at comic conventions around the world and in Texas, including Fan Expo in Dallas, Big Texas Comicon in San Antonio and other events around the state.
Norma Diaz, Comicpalooza’s director of public relations, described what she says has drawn crowds to the Houston event since its beginnings outside the Alamo Drafthouse in Katy back in 2008.
“Not only do we bring in a diverse array of exhibitors every year, but we also bring in legends and some of pop culture’s greatest stars,” said Diaz, referencing this year’s stars, which include cast members from the Marvel TV series "Daredevil: Born Again" and "The Matrix." “We really try to listen to our fans and hear what they’re wanting.”
Comicpalooza continued through May 24.
“Whatever you’re into, there’s gonna be something here for everybody,” Birbz said.
