Think comic-cons are events that just happen in big cities? Think again. Wake Forest, a burgeoning community of 50,000, hosts its own Comic-Con Saturday, Aug. 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. And unlike the arm and the leg generally needed, this event costs just $5, and is free for kids under 12.
Held at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, the sixth Wake Forest Comic-Con is co-hosted by Play4Life Comics and the nonprofit Wake Forest Downtown Inc. The con features 30-plus tables with more than 100,000 comics for sale from area shops and private collections, as well as toy, figurine and collectibles vendors, local artists, authors and publishers.
“The Comic-Con is great for both fans of the comics and for folks who just like having fun,” says Play4Life owner and event organizer Brandon Wright. “We hope everyone has a good time.”
There’s a cosplay/costume contest at 3 p.m. (sign-up is at 2 p.m.) with prizes for best youth, adult and group costumes. Anything goes, so long as entrants remember this is a family friendly event. Originality and handmade costumes are a plus. Last year’s costume contest drew a wide swath of cosplay characters, including Hawkgirl, Kilowog, Michael Myers, Spider-Man, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, and Napolean Dynamite.
Among the panel of judges is Wake Forest Mayor Vivian Jones. The contest is emceed by The Variant, an online organization which promotes and showcases area cosplayers. Get your picture taken professionally at The Variant’s photo booth setup at the event.
There’s also a supervised kids area with coloring and crafts.
Comic-wise, you’ll find Silver Age to modern titles, and everything from $1 blowout run filler to specialty titles and graded keys. Don’t know what all that means? Don’t worry, the comic book dealers are very knowledgeable and can help you with what you’re looking at – or looking for.
The Wake Forest Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter will have its Chuck Wagon in the parking lot to provide hungry attendees with burgers, hot dogs, snacks and drinks, with all proceeds going to help the organization serve military veterans and their community. Or enjoy an air-conditioned seat at one of several neighboring restaurants: Strike and Barrel bowling alley, Over the Falls Deli, and The Lemon Tree at Page 158 Books are all just a few steps away.
The Renaissance Centre is in the heart of downtown Wake Forest at 405 Brooks Street. Parking is available right out front for no charge. For directions, go to wakeforestrencen.org and click “Plan Your Visit.” For other information, including updates, news about vendors and links to their websites, see facebook.com/WFComiCon.
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September 7, 2024
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