Lina Irawan
By James Bacon
The air is mild, the morning coffee is strong, and the atmosphere at the convention center is electric. It is a day defined by the convergence of legacy, future ambition, and the deep, communal bonds that define international science fiction fandom. As we navigate the schedule at Metropolcon, it is clear that the machinery of European fandom is not just running; it is thriving.
The Eurocon—the premier annual science fiction convention for Europe—serves as the heartbeat of the continent’s speculative fiction scene. On this Saturday, the focus was firmly set on the roadmap ahead, with delegates from across the continent gathering to determine the venues and visions that will shape the genre’s landscape for the next several years.
The Future of Eurocon: Strategic Planning and Selection
The morning began at 9:00 AM with the second European Science Fiction Society (ESFS) meeting. The room was packed, filled with a palpable, barely restrained enthusiasm. The primary order of business was the formal selection of future Eurocon host cities, a process that requires both logistical rigor and a shared vision for the growth of the community.
2028: Zagreb’s Milestone
The bidding process for 2028 concluded decisively. The Croatian bid, centered in Zagreb, was met with unanimous approval. This event will mark the 50th anniversary of SFeraCon, a historic milestone for the region. Ivan Kranjcevic led the presentation, revealing an impressive initial lineup of Guests of Honor, including Ian McDonald, Robert Jackson Bennett, Autumn Purser, and Tomislav Tonic. The anticipation surrounding this 50th-anniversary celebration is high, with organizers promising further announcements to bolster an already stellar roster.
2027: Fórum Fantástico’s Ambitious Expansion
Attention then shifted to the upcoming 2027 Eurocon, Fórum Fantástico. Rogério Ribeiro provided a comprehensive update, showcasing a truly international breadth of talent. The confirmed list of guests now includes Portuguese novelist Mafalda Santos, American artist Sara Felix, Swedish game producer Brjánn Sigurgeirsson, and Turkish author Seran Demiral. These figures join the previously announced British author Adrian Tchaikovsky, creating a diverse and intellectually stimulating program.
Beyond the panels, the organizers are leaning into the unique cultural geography of their host city, planning historical tours that include a notable local Gothic cemetery. Furthermore, in a nod to the importance of local flavor, the organizers are currently finalizing a selection of craft beers from an on-site microbrewery, ensuring the event’s social offerings are as robust as its literary ones.
The 2029 and 2030 Bidding Landscape
The horizon beyond 2027 and 2028 is already taking shape. For 2029, two compelling bids are currently under consideration:
- Warsaw, Poland: Represented by Mikolaj, the Polish team is proposing a summer event. Drawing on their experience running a massive 7,000-person convention that successfully integrated literature, gaming, and the broader "Fantastic" spectrum, they are well-positioned to host a large-scale international gathering.
- Sofia, Bulgaria: Joro presented the Bulgarian case, highlighting that 2029 would mark the 25th anniversary of the last time Bulgaria hosted the Eurocon. Their bid emphasizes accessibility, with plans to provide free public transport travel cards to attendees.
Both teams expressed a willingness to remain flexible, open to moving their bids to subsequent years should the committee require it, demonstrating the collaborative spirit that defines ESFS operations.
Meanwhile, the 2030 outlook has shifted. Copenhagen, Denmark, has formally stepped back from the 2030 race, with potential plans to bid for 2032. In their place, a robust tri-partite bid from England—involving the British Science Fiction Association (BSFA), the Eastercon, and the Eurocon team—has emerged. Allen, representing the bid, delivered a highly professional presentation. The goal is clear: utilize the convention as a catalyst for the growth of the BSFA. The vision for the program is centered on the expansion and elevation of the BSFA Awards, turning them into a centerpiece of the event.
Italy, represented by Flora, also remains a strong contender for 2030. Their bid is centered in Fiuggi, a location with a proven track record, having hosted two previous Eurocons. With proximity to Rome, the support of the Italian Space Agency, and a reputation for excellent hospitality and high-caliber guests, Italy presents a compelling, "relaxed yet prestigious" alternative.
A Legacy of Literature and Community
While the future is bright, the community remains deeply conscious of the figures who have built the foundation upon which today’s fans stand. The recent passing of author Ian Watson was felt keenly throughout the convention. Watson was more than just a writer; he was a steadfast champion of international fandom and a bridge between cultures.
In his honor, publisher Hardy Kettlitz and translator Bernhard Kempen presented a session on Watson’s latest collection, Mythen, Monster und Manien – Fantastische Geschichten aus einem anderen Deutschland. The session served as both a literary exploration of his work and a poignant tribute to his friendship with the community. It was a sobering reminder that the "Fantastic" community is, above all, a human community.
Programming and Intellectual Engagement
The program at Metropolcon has been widely praised for its depth and variety. Vincent Docherty, a veteran of the convention circuit, described the schedule as "really interesting," noting that the international diversity of the participants has allowed for a refreshing range of perspectives.
From sessions like "With Love, Queer Finland," which explored how identity and love challenge norms in speculative fiction, to a deep dive into the "Musical history of Swedish Fandom," the organizers have successfully curated an environment that is both educational and thought-provoking. The dedication of the volunteers is evident; even when faced with the "problem" of overwhelming popularity, the team responded with grace, dynamically adding extra meetups to accommodate demand.
The Holocaust in Comics: A Case Study in Discourse
One of the most significant panels of the weekend was "The Portrayal of the Holocaust in Comics," which I had the privilege of presenting alongside political scientist Dirk van den Boom. The panel explored the history of how this traumatic subject has been handled in sequential art, from the graphic portrayals published during WWII to the post-war constraints imposed by the Comics Code Authority.
The audience engagement was profound. As Vincent Docherty noted, many attendees were unaware of the extent to which these subjects were depicted in early comic books. The session served as a crucial reminder of the role media plays in shaping collective memory. The respectful silence observed during the presentation, followed by a rigorous and empathetic Q&A, underscored the maturity of the fandom. My own research, deeply informed by the work of Rafael Medoff, Neal Adams, and Craig Yoe, was met with encouragement from the audience to continue expanding this study, highlighting the desire for the convention to remain a space for serious, necessary intellectual discourse.
Implications: The Road to Worldcon
One of the most telling comments of the weekend came from a current Eurocon chair, who noted with a laugh, "Eurocon is a step towards a Worldcon, theoretically!"
This sentiment captures the growing ambition of European fandom. There is a palpable shift in the energy of these meetings—a move toward larger, more globally-integrated goals. As organizers discuss the logistical challenges of hosting thousands of fans, the "Worldcon" ambition is no longer a distant fantasy but a subject of serious, albeit lighthearted, discussion in the convention bars.
The "smiling laughter of individual denial" when discussing the personal commitment required to chair such a massive bid speaks to the sheer scale of the task, but the foundation is being laid. European fans are building a network of collaboration, talent, and logistical expertise that makes the prospect of more European-hosted Worldcons increasingly likely.
Conclusion: A Stunning Saturday
As the day transitioned into the evening, the atmosphere remained vibrant. The Brisbane in 2028 Worldcon party provided a lively interlude, but it was the dance floor—led by the energetic and charismatic convention chair, Claudia Rapp—that truly encapsulated the spirit of the event.
Metropolcon is a testament to what can be achieved when a community is driven by a shared love for the "Fantastic." The commitment of the volunteers, the professionalism of the bidders, and the enthusiasm of the attendees have combined to create an experience that is both smooth and deeply memorable. As the festivities stretched well past midnight, it was clear that the future of the European science fiction community is not just secure—it is vibrant, growing, and profoundly connected.
Azzam Bilal Chamdy
Iffa Jayyana
