SAN ANGELO, TX - Have you ever wondered what it would be like to dress up as your favorite cartoon/game/Disney/super hero character and walk through a crowd of people doing the same? How about in a place where spectators stop in their tracks with amazement asking for a photo or autograph, and people of all ages can enjoy the fantasy of role play? Well, get ready San Angelo; now is your chance. San Angelo Comic Con is ready to kick off next weekend for three glorious days.
What is Comic-Con?
Comic-Con is a convention where like-minded intellectuals with similar interests gather for a particular type of "entertainment." Comic-Con International began in San Diego in 1970 when a group of comics, movie, and science fiction fans banded together to put on the first comic book convention in southern California. Originally, most people thought of Comic-Con as a gathering for geeks and nerds, but over the years, it has become more mainstream.
Chris Slatosch, a native southern Californian who now resides in Odessa, Texas, is an event promoter who eats, sleeps, and breathes everything Comic-Con.
"We held our 2nd Annual Comic Con in Odessa in March, and thousands attended the weekend event (click here)," said Slatosch.
After realizing West Texas does have a desire for such an event, two weeks later, Slatosch made plans to bring it here.
"The response (locally) has been amazing; we want this to become a 'staple' in the area for San Angelo fans," said Slatosch. "The one in San Angelo is going to be in a much smaller venue compared to Odessa's, but we'll make it work."
Earlier last week, rumors spread online that the location was being changed, but Slatosch confirmed it will be at the Foster Communications Coliseum at 50 E. 43rd Street.
"It kicks off Friday, September 30, and only VIP's and their one guest will be admitted from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. the first night. On Saturday, the festivities will continue from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and again on Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for those with general admission tickets." Slatosch also noted that VIPs get in at 10 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, and as far as the special guests, they "will be there Saturday and Sunday--gauranteed."
What to Expect at San Angelo Comic Con
If this is your first time, here's what to expect this weekend. There will be comic book writers, illustrators and graphic designers such as Ken R. Salinas, Rita Moore, Dale Carroll, McLain McGuire, and many more. Several vendor booths will have tons of collectibles and memorabilia for sale.
Slatosch added, "We'll just have all kinds of activities; a Cosplay contest (dressing up as a character from a movie, book, or video game), bingo, scavenger hunts, heroes vs. villains photo shoot, and a vast array of 'meet and greets' with celebrities from the world of comics."
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, Batman and Cat Woman will all be there as well, and a couple of major celebs one would never expect to see in our humble town.
Dana Snyder is an actor and writer known for his character Master Shake of Aqua Teen Hunger Force (Adult Swim 2000), Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters (2007) and Chowder (2007). Dana has also voiced Granny Squidbilly, the Penguin in the new DC Batman animated series Adventure Time and The Thundermans.
Peter Dante, another famous attendee scheduled to make an appearance this weekend, played Peter in the cult favorite Little Nicky and Dante in Grandma's Boy. He also played a poofy lawyer named Tommy in Adam Sandler's movie Big Daddy, the quarterback Guy Grenouille in The Waterboy, Murph "Murphy" in Mr. Deeds, and a security guard in 50 First Dates.
Slatosch also said, "A couple of nights ago, we added another event especially for princesses. One Perfect Party will host the soiree where 10-15 princesses will get up there and walk the catwalk in a fashion show so they can show off their outfits. Girls of all ages are invited to sign up as well, [for] it's a real confidence booster."
Unfamiliar with the area, Slatosch said organizers of the event made the ticket prices a little lower to attract a larger crowd and was shocked by the response.
"We've already sold 32 Red Ranger VIP passes at $175 a piece," said Slatosch. "We've got the Red Ranger and the Pink Dino Ranger coming out--the ones who play the actual characters in the show."
"So mark your calendars, prepare your costumes, and get ready to enjoy the world of gaming and make believe for the weekend," Slatosch concluded. "We look to bring out the inner pop culture in everyone!"
For more information, check out San Angelo Comic Con on Facebook, and tickets, as well as an event schedule, are available at www.SanAngeloComicCon.com.
Note: This event and Odessa's are spelled Comic Con. The international event is referenced Comic-Con.
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