SCI-FI, fantasy and Anime fans await their yearly Finncon gathering, this year held in Helsinki on 10-12 July. The guests of honour will be George R.R. Martin and Alastair Reynolds, with Kaapelitehdas serving as the venue.

Jukka Halme, co-organiser of the event, is excited about the two star authors attending the convention: “They are both top professionals and complement each other rather beautifully. Both of these gentlemen are top-notch writers who not only enjoy meeting fans, but look forward to it. Martin is The Reigning King of Fantasy at the moment and his forthcoming book is undoubtedly the most awaited novel in the making”.

New Jersey-born Martin has become known for his book series Song of Ice and Fire, which currently consists of four volumes, with three more in preparation. The books by Welshman Reynolds are classified as hard science fiction and space opera. “Al has been in Finland a couple of times already, so he knows the score and can help Martin to find his footing among the local crowd,” ensures Halme.

Finncon was first held in 1986. Tampere, Jyväskylä, Turku and Helsinki take turns by alternating as host cities. Halme guarantees that the audience will witness events “ranging from literature to media-sf, from j-rock to fan workshops, lectures to serious discussions and all the way down to the most bizarre and silly.” The last couple of years have seen a remarkable growth of Anime fans, who have outnumbered the customary sci-fi fans at recent conventions.

“The stone-cold fact is that most newcomers and casual visitors alike will be in awe of the visual element of the cosplayers, ie. fans wearing Anime/Manga costumes. That is the most striking, visceral part of the convention,” adds Halme.

Manu Paavola - HT