By Koy Flores
This weekend marks the 10th anniversary of Comic Con, which will be held Nov. 3 – 5 at the DeVos Place on Monroe Avenue.
The event, akin to years past, will feature creators specializing in various forms of pop culture including comics, literature, YouTube, professional cosplay and art.
The event will feature well-known artists such as Tom Kenny (voice of Spongebob), and George Takei (Star Trek), as well as entrepreneurs and local artists like K. Lynn Smith (PLUME comic) and Corrine Roberts (author of the “Out and About” series).
For anyone interested in learning to play a new video, card, or board game, or looking to compete with others in a game in which you’ve achieved mastery, the gaming department’s hours are as follows: noon to midnight on Friday, 10 a.m. – midnight on Saturday, and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday. There will also be an escape room event and game demos available for upcoming games Sour Grapes and Manic Mages – the latter being designed locally. Board games are available for rent but you will need a photo ID.
Comic-Con has also partnered with Versiti Blood Centers and is hosting a blood drive during the event, which will be held in Exhibit Hall A of Devos Place. Times vary: 12 p.m. – 6.15 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. – 6.15 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. – 4.15 p.m. on Sunday.
While walk-ins are acceptable the team prefers appointments, which you can register for at versiti.org, by typing “Comic Con Blood Drive” into the search bar; or by calling 866-642-5663. Blood donors will also receive an exclusive commemorative t-shirt and a coupon for a half-off entree after purchasing one at Noodles and Company.
Comic-Con is a chance to enrich your imagination when life begins to feel too nuanced. Times vary but the main show and vendor times are: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday.
If you’d like to gain access to the event for the whole weekend 3-day passes are available for $65. There is also a group rate if you go on Friday and have at least five people in your party, the price drops to $25/person. The price for kids aged 5- 12 years is $7/day, and anyone younger than 5 is free, if you plan on sending young padawans into a galaxy far, far, away. Tickets can be purchased at grcomiccon.com.
