The con will combine a dealer room with comics and collectibles, along with guest artists, auctions, panels and other special activities.
“This is the show the fans deserve,” said Jesse Noble, who took over as the con’s organizer last year and also runs the successful annual Gem City Comic Con in Dayton. “This event is important. There are collectors out there and this is a fun community event to be at.”
To keep the show fresh, Noble has invited in new and different comic and collectibles dealers and tightened up the artists’ section, bringing in a core of guests. The goal is to establish an identity here and give fans a break from the feel of the big corporate shows with their endless guests and autographs that can overwhelm things.
That means while people can learn how to draw with one of the artists and enjoy a podcast being done live, the focus is for an experience at an affordable admission – just $3 for ages 13-older and 12-under free.
“I love going to those shows too, but what’s really important to us is to promote reading comics as a gateway to other books,” Noble said. “It can get you interested in reading fiction and any other number of things.”
Tying in with that is Halloween ComicFest. Similar to the annual Free Comic Book Day promotion the first Saturday in May, this will allow attendees the chance to select from 15 titles for no cost.
It’s geared toward younger readers with popular titles and characters available. There will also be Halloween treats for the kids.
Older fans can enjoy the panels and later at 6 p.m. the annual Comic Book Champion Award and Roast where a local fan is honored for their contribution to comics – at a price.
Noble said the roast is open to the public, but not recommended for younger fans due to the adult nature of such an event.
WANT TO GO?
What: Champion City Comic Con
Where: Quality Inn and Conference Center, 383 E. Leffel Lane, Springfield
When: Sunday, Oct. 29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $3; kids ages 12-under free
More info: www.facebook.com/ChampionCityComicConc4/
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