Planet Comicon will be at Bartle Hall this weekend for two days filled with special guests from all genres of media. (Logo property of Planet Comicon)
By: Jacob Elyachar
Fanboys and Fangirls will unite this weekend for Kansas City’s number one comic book and pop culture convention: Planet Comicon.
For 13 years, this two-day celebration has brought out thousands of fans to mingle with some of their favorite creators and media personalities.
“What I love about Planet Comicon is how amazing the people are.” said Jessica Porter, a longtime attendee, cosplayer and volunteer. “Each person brings their own element of excitement.”
To add to the excitement is Planet Comicon’s change of location. This marks the first time that Bartle Hall will host the massive two-day pop culture convention.
“Bartle Hall was the only facility that we could go to that was big enough for Planet Comicon.” said Elite Comics owner and Planet Comicon co-creator William Binderup. “Bartle Hall will allow us to grow the show and expand it.”
In addition to its new location, there will be numerous media guests making their first appearance at the convention including George Takei, Wil Wheaton, Lee Meriwether, Firefly’s Adam Baldwin and Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s Nicholas Brendon and Clare Kramer. Planet Comicon veterans Blair Butler, Lou Ferrigno, Tom Kane and Peter Mayhew will also be back this year.
“It is so much fun getting to meet someone you usually only see on TV or getting to speak to an actor like Tom Kane who does so many voices, it blows you mind.” Porter added.
Fans will also be able to meet their favorite local and national creators.
“We wanted to get a lot of the top guys from Marvel, DC and all of the Indie companies to come out and participate at the convention.” Binderup said. “This year, we got Jason Aaron, he’s local but he is also the number one guy at Marvel. In addition, we got another top writer Cullen Bunn and C.B. Cebulski, who is one of the talent scouts for Marvel. “
DC’s own superstar creators and first time guests Scott Snyder, Neal Adams, Brian Azzarello, Patrick Gleason and Ethan Van Sciver will represent the New 52 at this convention.
While you are on the show floor, you may run into fans dressed up as their favorite characters. The fans that you see on the floor are cosplayers, who are ready to dress to impress and participate in three of the show’s costume contests. The various categories for this year’s costume contest include Comic Book Heroes and Villains, Fantasy, Movie, Anime and Video Games. The winners receive various cash prizes.
“I love seeing how crazy people get over their costumes.” Porter, who cosplays as Supergirl, added. “I am always amazed each year because those costumes get better and better.”
A couple of days before each show, Porter (as Supergirl), Binderup and several volunteers head to Children’s Mercy Hospital to bring a mini-version of the show to the patients.
“I love getting to meet each and every one of the children and volunteers.” Porter said. “Their faces light up and become so excited with all the fun things, we bring for them. Each child is so loving and so full of life. They bring joy to my heart.”
In addition to having all of the fun and excitement for fans of all ages, Planet Comicon is also one of the most important events of the spring.
“If people do not come to Planet Comicon, they are going to miss the biggest party in the city.” Binderup said.
For more information about Planet Comicon, visit the convention’s website: http://planetcomicon.wordpress.com/
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