The annual Comicon comes to Campus
Ben Marxer
Issue date: 4/23/09 Section: News
Gamers, collectors, enthusiasts, aficionados and fanatics of all things from the geek chic subculture will get the opportunity to get their nerd on at the 4th annual Cape Girardeau Comi-Con. The action figure, action hero, action-packed event will be held this weekend, April 25-26, at West Park Mall.
Various vendors will be on hand to hock their wares of action figure collectibles, graphic novels, and various fantasy/sci-fi accessories and accoutrements. Other scheduled activities include a cash prize costume contest and a video game tournament featuring contests in Guitar Hero, Halo 3, Street Fighter 4 and Madden 09. The local gaming shop, Championship Games, will also be hosting various gaming competitions with prizes for the winners.
In addition to the sellers, various names from the comic book industry will be making guest appearances and giving presentations. Chief amongst these special guests is Gary Friedrich, creator of legendary Marvel Comic character Ghost Rider and writer/editor for several Marvel titles in the 1960s and '70s. Roy Thomas, another legend in the world of comic books, will be on hand as well. Thomas is perhaps best known as Stan Lee's successor as Editor and Chief of Marvel Comics.
Another featured event will be the premier of "Fanboy," an independent film produced by local filmmaking crew, The Paducah Imperials. Also on hand will be Kartina Lynn, chairman of Kawa Kon, a Missouri Anime convention. Lynn will be hosting a panel discussion on cosplay, manga, Japanese culture, and all things anime.
Local Artisans will also be attending the convention, including local author D.L. Moore, who will be signing copies of his new book Local artist Doug Baltz will also be attending.
Ken Murphy, former owner of local comic book shop Marvels and Legends has been the director of the Cape Girardeau Com-Con since its origin and has been quite pleased with the growing support the convention receives.
"We get support from St. Louis all the way down to Memphis. We experience a 25% percent growth in ticket sales every year," says Murphy. "Our goal this year is to see 1,300 attendees."
Various vendors will be on hand to hock their wares of action figure collectibles, graphic novels, and various fantasy/sci-fi accessories and accoutrements. Other scheduled activities include a cash prize costume contest and a video game tournament featuring contests in Guitar Hero, Halo 3, Street Fighter 4 and Madden 09. The local gaming shop, Championship Games, will also be hosting various gaming competitions with prizes for the winners.
In addition to the sellers, various names from the comic book industry will be making guest appearances and giving presentations. Chief amongst these special guests is Gary Friedrich, creator of legendary Marvel Comic character Ghost Rider and writer/editor for several Marvel titles in the 1960s and '70s. Roy Thomas, another legend in the world of comic books, will be on hand as well. Thomas is perhaps best known as Stan Lee's successor as Editor and Chief of Marvel Comics.
Another featured event will be the premier of "Fanboy," an independent film produced by local filmmaking crew, The Paducah Imperials. Also on hand will be Kartina Lynn, chairman of Kawa Kon, a Missouri Anime convention. Lynn will be hosting a panel discussion on cosplay, manga, Japanese culture, and all things anime.
Local Artisans will also be attending the convention, including local author D.L. Moore, who will be signing copies of his new book Local artist Doug Baltz will also be attending.
Ken Murphy, former owner of local comic book shop Marvels and Legends has been the director of the Cape Girardeau Com-Con since its origin and has been quite pleased with the growing support the convention receives.
"We get support from St. Louis all the way down to Memphis. We experience a 25% percent growth in ticket sales every year," says Murphy. "Our goal this year is to see 1,300 attendees."
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