Post by The Ultimate Nullifier on Feb 16, 2015 21:57:12 GMT -6
The second annual NWI (Northwest Indiana) Comic Con is coming this weekend to Schererville, with a slate of guests that includes Cory Hamscher, Mike Norton, Hilary Barta, Tim Seeley and Jim Terry. Last year’s event drew 2,100 attendees, and show runner Brian Grabinski points out that it’s a good opportunity for those who have never been to a con before to dip their toe in the water: “It’s not as large and intimidating as the others. It’s easier to walk around and be comfortable. A lot of bigger shows are three-day shows.”
www.nwitimes.com/lifestyles/fans-vips-to-assemble-at-return-of-nwi-comic-con/article_b57ea3b7-fb26-563b-a7ab-e06144d62c96.html
SCHERERVILLE | In a galaxy not so far away — this one, in fact — fans of comic books, movies and all sorts of pop culture will converge on a local banquet hall to interact with like-minded fanatics.
The second annual NWI Comic-Con is coming Saturday to Halls of St. George, 905 E. Joliet St.
The venue is bigger and the list of featured guests is longer this time, said Brian Grabinski, show runner of the event.
"I approached a lot of people last year, but they weren't sure because it was the first year," he said. "When I approached this year, it was instant: 'yes.'"
VIP guests this year include popular artists and writers, such as Cory Hamscher, Mike Norton, Hilary Barta, Tim Seeley and Jim Terry.
Other familiar faces include Scott Mitchell and Gabby Leithsceal from the Syfy Channel reality television series "Face Off," actor Kevin J. O'Connor and WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Ron Simmons, also known as Faarooq.
The convention will include a cosplay corner, table top gaming room, artists, dealers, and cosplay contests. Cosplay is when people dress up and act in character.
Proceeds from raffle items will be divided between two local charities — Northwest Indiana Cancer Kids and Humane Society Calumet Area.
At comic-cons, people can interact with comic book artists and writers, science fiction television show creators, actors and fellow fans.
Last year's event drew more than 2,100 people. Many came in character, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, RoboCop, Shredder, Svengoolie and The Ghostbusters, Grabinski said.
The relatively small size of the local comic-con can make it less intimidating for people who want to dress in character but never have.
"If they've never cosplayed before, this is a good time," Grabinski said.
The size also is ideal for those who are curious but don't want to commit a whole weekend and a lot of money to attend.
"It's not as large and intimidating as the others," he said. "It's easier to walk around and be comfortable. A lot of bigger shows are three-day shows."
He expects at least 2,500 people to attend the eight-hour event.
Last year's inaugural event drew people from beyond Northwest Indiana. They came from Ohio, Michigan, Indianapolis and Chicago, among other places.
A Beecher native, Grabinski lives in Schererville and works as an art director for a South Holland printing company. He grew up a comic book fan and took on odd jobs to save money to buy new comic books every week.
He credits his wife, Kelly Grabinski, for helping organize the event.
"There's no way I could pull this off without her," he said.
Kelly Grabinski serves as convention coordinator, focusing on the behind-the-scenes work, such as scheduling, ordering supplies and processing ticket requests.
She never had an interest in comics until her husband introduced them to her.
"My first appreciation for comics was when I saw the difference it made with my son when he was struggling with reading and Brian introduced them to him," she said. "When he suddenly started grasping the concept of reading, and the enjoyment he has for comics, I started really appreciating them as well."
She continues to learn more about comics and enjoys attending conventions with her family.
"Honestly, the things that excites me the most about the upcoming convention is seeing all the hard work pay off, seeing families enjoy time together at an event we put together, seeing all of the great Cosplayers and the creativeness and talent that flows in our community," she said.
www.nwitimes.com/lifestyles/fans-vips-to-assemble-at-return-of-nwi-comic-con/article_b57ea3b7-fb26-563b-a7ab-e06144d62c96.html
SCHERERVILLE | In a galaxy not so far away — this one, in fact — fans of comic books, movies and all sorts of pop culture will converge on a local banquet hall to interact with like-minded fanatics.
The second annual NWI Comic-Con is coming Saturday to Halls of St. George, 905 E. Joliet St.
The venue is bigger and the list of featured guests is longer this time, said Brian Grabinski, show runner of the event.
"I approached a lot of people last year, but they weren't sure because it was the first year," he said. "When I approached this year, it was instant: 'yes.'"
VIP guests this year include popular artists and writers, such as Cory Hamscher, Mike Norton, Hilary Barta, Tim Seeley and Jim Terry.
Other familiar faces include Scott Mitchell and Gabby Leithsceal from the Syfy Channel reality television series "Face Off," actor Kevin J. O'Connor and WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Ron Simmons, also known as Faarooq.
The convention will include a cosplay corner, table top gaming room, artists, dealers, and cosplay contests. Cosplay is when people dress up and act in character.
Proceeds from raffle items will be divided between two local charities — Northwest Indiana Cancer Kids and Humane Society Calumet Area.
At comic-cons, people can interact with comic book artists and writers, science fiction television show creators, actors and fellow fans.
Last year's event drew more than 2,100 people. Many came in character, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, RoboCop, Shredder, Svengoolie and The Ghostbusters, Grabinski said.
The relatively small size of the local comic-con can make it less intimidating for people who want to dress in character but never have.
"If they've never cosplayed before, this is a good time," Grabinski said.
The size also is ideal for those who are curious but don't want to commit a whole weekend and a lot of money to attend.
"It's not as large and intimidating as the others," he said. "It's easier to walk around and be comfortable. A lot of bigger shows are three-day shows."
He expects at least 2,500 people to attend the eight-hour event.
Last year's inaugural event drew people from beyond Northwest Indiana. They came from Ohio, Michigan, Indianapolis and Chicago, among other places.
A Beecher native, Grabinski lives in Schererville and works as an art director for a South Holland printing company. He grew up a comic book fan and took on odd jobs to save money to buy new comic books every week.
He credits his wife, Kelly Grabinski, for helping organize the event.
"There's no way I could pull this off without her," he said.
Kelly Grabinski serves as convention coordinator, focusing on the behind-the-scenes work, such as scheduling, ordering supplies and processing ticket requests.
She never had an interest in comics until her husband introduced them to her.
"My first appreciation for comics was when I saw the difference it made with my son when he was struggling with reading and Brian introduced them to him," she said. "When he suddenly started grasping the concept of reading, and the enjoyment he has for comics, I started really appreciating them as well."
She continues to learn more about comics and enjoys attending conventions with her family.
"Honestly, the things that excites me the most about the upcoming convention is seeing all the hard work pay off, seeing families enjoy time together at an event we put together, seeing all of the great Cosplayers and the creativeness and talent that flows in our community," she said.