WILMINGTON — If you’re a fan of superheroes, zombies, comic books, wrestling or the occult, then get ready. The Cape Fear Comic Con is returning to the Port City for its third year, bringing some of the best talent and artists from across the region to an all-day celebration of pop culture.
Here in North Carolina, fans traditionally have had to travel to places like Charlotte or Raleigh to really get their nerd on.
Now, there’s a dedicated team working to provide an outlet for residents of southeast North Carolina. This year’s Cape Fear Comic Con is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 12, at the Best Western Plus, 5345 Market St., from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The convention is organized by John Stamey, aka host of “Dr. John of the Comic Con Stars” podcast, who said this year’s event is going to be a lot of fun.
Cape Fear Comic Con
The convention will feature games, contests, and events for patrons of all ages, including a new “Murder at the Comic Con” event, as well as cosplay and zombie contests at 4 and 4:30 p.m.
At the end of the day, there will even be a “Zombie Walk,” so participants can get their undead on with the best in the business. To get you fully prepped to join the living dead, special effects artist Bill Stein and body artist Tiffany Beckler, of the “Skin Wars” TV show, will be ready, brushes in hand to deck out guests to look as gruesome as possible.
Speaking of zombies, Stamey says that “you can’t do a comic con without someone from ‘The Walking Dead!'” So, for con goers, Stamey has recruited his good friend, actor Greg Crews, who was in season four of the hit TV show. Crews will be on hand talking “TWD” and zombie culture.
Director Mike Roberts, who organized the old Port City Pop Con, will be on hand with the cast of his new Wilmington based sitcom “Vaughan,” which premiers this fall, and stars Vaughan Wilson (Fergie of “One Tree Hill”), and Ryan Williams.
“I’m very happy I know Mike Roberts,” Stamey said. “He’s the go to guy for this kind of thing in Wilmington.”
Members of the famed 501st Legion Carolina Garrison will be in attendance, and comic artists Alex Smith, Andy Bonesteel and Ernie Suggs will be in the house showcasing their work.
As a special treat, artist Gregbo Watson, who designed this year’s convention poster and has his artwork featured in a commercial for the new “X-Files” TV show, will be doing demonstrations and signings at the con.
Watson has worked with companies like Marvel, Xenoscope and Upper Deck, and is a featured artist at many of the major conventions across the country.
But the highlight for the show, at least according to Stamey, is the Wrestlers. The Cape Fear Comic Con will feature WCW legend and current UPWA World Heavyweight Champion Papa Stro Maestro, who will be doing a Q&A session with fans at 1 p.m.
After that, Stamey said be on the lookout for something big to happen, as rival wrestlers Gabe Ross, Daniel Mecina, and Jimmy Valiant will be on hand to stir up trouble.
Stamey will also be doing a special screening of Rob Vanderhill’s film, “The Carrigan Event,” which delves into the real life and massive 1859 solar storm that destroyed many of the world’s telegraph machines. That will be followed by a special presentation about the end of a modern civilization that is reliant on technology at the hands of a massive solar storm, just like the one in 1859.
Entry to the convention will cost $10 for adults. Children 12 years old and under are free. Tickets can be purchased at the door, or online at capefearcomiccon.com. Vendor registration costs $75, and artist booths are $35.
For more information, visit capefearcomiccon.com, or follow its Facebook page for the latest updates on guests and vendors.
Get in touch with Reporter Cory Mannion: follow him on Facebook, Twitter, or send an email at cory@localvoicemedia.com.
