By Melody Vallieu
MIAMI COUNTY — While everyone can’t score a ticket to San Diego’s Comic Con, a gathering of like-minded people will soon be offered right here in Miami County.
The area’s version of the event is also getting a new name and new venue this year.
Miami County Comic Con — formerly known as Piqua Comic Con — is coming Saturday, Nov. 12, and previously held at the National Guard Armory in Piqua, has now been moved to the Miami County Fairgrounds.
“We just outgrew the armory, and the fairgrounds met our needs,” said organizer Paul Lee, who, along with his wife, Tina, own Are u Game in Piqua. “It also looks to be a place we can continue to grow.”
Lee said each year they have offered the event, approximately 450-500 people have been in attendance.
“With the move, we really think that it will grow,” Lee said.
The event will be offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Duke Lundgard Building at the fairgrounds.
According to Lee, the day will be filled with activities, including a Super Smash Brothers tournament, Magic: The Gathering tournament, comic and collectible dealers from all around, charity raffle, door prizes, cosplayers and panels, artists and writers.
Comic Con also will include some special guests such as Bunny Bombshell, cosplayer artists Uko Smith, Brian Latimer, Aaron Matthies, Scott DM Simmons, Justin Wasson, Adam Fields, Gary Church, Joel Cramer, Jay E. Fife and Frank James Bailey. Author Allison M. Dickson also will be on hand.
Other special guests will include Rockstar Wrestling, Jennifer’s Dolls, WPI World Paranormal Investigations, Horror host Baron Von Porkchop and more.
Lee said Comic Con events such as his remain popular because of comic book characters again coming to life in the everyday.
“The resurgence of them in movies, TV shows and video games makes them popular,” Lee said.
Proceeds from the charity raffle will go to food banks to help them prepare for Thanksgiving and art supplies for mentally challenged adults.
For more information on the Miami County Comic Con, visit its Facebook page, follow it on Twitter at @MiamiCountyComicCon, email [email protected] or call Lee at Are u Game at (937) 418-3595.