Clark Kent, Wolverine, Supergirl, zombies, an alien, and pirates could be seen roaming Meadowdale Library at last weekend’s Comic Con event. The event tickled the imagination, inspired and promoted creativity.
“The planning starts in the summer before the event,” said Kate Denwiddie, one of the organizers of the event, “It takes about nine months to plan.”
In its fourth year the local Comic Con event is one of many in cities across the country.
The first year, Denwiddie explained, we had under 2,000 attendees, the second year it was over 2,000, and last year it was 3,000. It seems to be growing each year. This year’s total was not in at press time.
The event had many activities and displays. Numerous games, a Yu-Gi-Oh card tournament, a comic book swap, a station was available to print t-shirts and there were exhibitors such as the Steampunk Alliance of Eastern Virginia who brought a full size T.A.R.D.I.S., similar to the one seen on the television show Doctor Who.
Local artist and designer Bizhan Khodabandeh, illustrator of the comic book Little Red Fish, presented “Comic Pacing and Storytelling.” Cosplay artist Brandon Moseley demonstrated “The Art of Crafting a Monster” and shared the story about his costume from the movie “Alien.”
There was a wide range of ages in the crowd with small children to teens to adults attending.
“It’s really a big hit with the teens,” Denwiddie said smiling, “It’s a great opportunity for fellowship. It’s an opportunity to connect with others with the same interest. “
The event is not only good for the attendees; it’s also good for the libraries. At the Comic Con events at the library, Denwiddie said in addition to lots of comic books being checked out, hundreds of novels are checked out.
For some this event is the highlight of the year. “I had one teen remark to me that this [the event]was the best day of her life,” Denwiddie said, “that’s what it’s all about.”
