I’ve been around the block when it comes to comic cons. Big ones, small ones, the ones that feel like you’re walking through a massive pop culture Walmart, and the ones that barely fill a hotel ballroom. Every con has its “thing”—something that makes it stand out from the rest. But every once in a while, you stumble across a brand-new show that surprises you. For me, that was Ozokucon.
This was a first-year convention right here in my home state of Michigan, and I’ll be honest—I went in with modest expectations. New cons are tricky. They either overpromise and underdeliver, or they’re so barebones you wonder if you accidentally walked into someone’s family reunion. Ozokucon, though? It was one of the better experiences I’ve had in a long time.
Small But Mighty
Let’s get the obvious out of the way: Ozokucon was small. Not Motor City Comic Con small, not C2E2 small—just small small. There was a single main show floor, two ballrooms for panels, one little game room filled with retro arcade cabinets (which instantly had my nostalgia senses tingling), and another room dedicated to console tournaments.
Now, here’s the thing: the size actually worked in their favor. It wasn’t cramped, and it didn’t feel empty either. It struck this rare balance where you could breathe, but you didn’t feel like the con was under-attended. If the attendance had been doubled or tripled, I don’t think the flow would’ve been as smooth. The limited scale gave the whole weekend a more intimate, personal vibe—and that turned out to be one of the best parts.
What Sets It Apart
The moment I checked in, I noticed something that set Ozokucon apart immediately. Getting my content creator wristband was a breeze, but what really stood out was who I ran into in the lobby. Ricky Soria, the COO of Ozokucon, was personally greeting attendees, guests, and creators as they walked in.
Now, that might sound small, but think about it—when’s the last time you went to a big-name con and the leadership team was out front shaking hands? Usually, you’re lucky if you even know who runs the thing. Ricky being there, smiling and genuinely welcoming people, was a little detail that spoke volumes. It made you feel like the showrunners actually cared about creating a good experience, not just cashing in on badge sales.
A Small Show With Big Personality
Once I hit the main floor, I saw the second big difference: accessibility. The voice actors and celebrity guests were lined up along the outer edge of the floor, while vendors and artists were positioned in the middle. It almost felt symbolic—the “faces” of pop culture surrounding the creators who keep it alive.
The layout also made interactions way easier. You didn’t have to navigate an endless maze of booths just to find a guest or stand in a winding line that stretched into another zip code. Instead, you could casually walk up, say hi, and actually talk with the people you came to see. That kind of setup has pros and cons. On the plus side, it makes every interaction feel personal. On the flip side, it does limit the scale of what you can do—don’t expect Marvel Studios to roll through with a Hall H-level panel anytime soon. But honestly? For a show like this, the tradeoff worked.
Necessary Programming
Despite its size, Ozokucon checked all the important boxes. There were a handful of panels, some solid cosplay meetups, late-night programming, and, of course, the all-important cosplay contest. Nobody reinvented the wheel here, but everything was well-organized and fun. Attendees had plenty to do beyond just shopping on the floor, which is crucial for keeping a con’s energy alive throughout the weekend.
The cosplay contest in particular felt like a highlight. Smaller cons often struggle to get good turnout for contests, but Ozokucon brought in a strong mix of passionate fans who were clearly excited to show off their work.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Ozokucon proved that small doesn’t mean insignificant. What it lacked in scale, it made up for in heart, accessibility, and community. You could tell the organizers were invested in creating a welcoming environment, and that personal touch made all the difference.
Bigger cons may have more bells and whistles, but they also come with long lines, overcrowded floors, and an overwhelming sense that you’re just another badge in the crowd. Ozokucon felt different. It felt like you mattered. And for a first-year con? That’s an incredible foundation to build on.
If they can keep that same energy as the con inevitably grows, Ozokucon has the potential to become one of Michigan’s standout shows. And trust me—I’ll be there to see it happen.
