Comic Con

Kevin J. Anderson has published more than 140 books, 56 of which have been national or international bestsellers. He has written numerous novels in the Star Wars, X-Files, and Dune universes, as well as unique steampunk fantasy novels "Clockwork Angels" and "Clockwork Lives", written with legendary rock drummer Neil Peart, based on the concept album by the band Rush. His original works include the Saga of Seven Suns series, the Terra Incognita fantasy trilogy, the Saga of Shadows trilogy, and his humorous horror series featuring Dan Shamble, Zombie PI. He has edited numerous anthologies, written comics and games, and the lyrics to two rock CDs. Anderson and his wife Rebecca Moesta are the publishers of WordFire Press.

Meet Kevin J. Anderson in the Expo Hall, where he will be selling books and signing autographs. Kevin will also be presenting “Building My First Lightsaber: how I went from being a small-town fanboy to #1 international bestselling writer, working in Star Wars, X-Files, Batman and Superman, and Dune” (Main Stage 2:00pm).

Mike Baron is the creator of "Nexus" (with artist Steve Rude) and "Badger," two of the longest-running independent superhero comics. "Nexus" is about a cosmic avenger 500 years in the future, and "Badger" is about a person with multiple personalities, one of whom is a costumed crime fighter. Baron has won two Eisner awards, and an Inkpot award. He has written for "The Punisher," "Flash," "Deadman," and "Star Wars," among others. Baron has published seven novels and has written for the Boston Phoenix, the Boston Globe, Oui, Fusion, Creem, Isthmus, Front Page Mag, and Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine.

Meet Mike Baron in the Expo Hall, where he will be selling books and signing autographs. Mike Baron will also be speaking about “The Art of Storytelling” (Main Stage 11:00am).

Kirby Krackle is an internationally touring nerd-rock artist featuring the music of songwriter and performer Kyle Stevens. Pioneering the genre in 2009, Kirby Krackle is known the world over as the go-to band for heartfelt songs dedicated to the best in comic books, video games, and geek-culture with YouTube videos totaling over 3.5 million views and has been featured on MTV, iO9, Boing Boing, Gizmodo and more. Presented by the Avalon Theatre Foundation.

Meet Kirby Krackle in the Expo Hall, where they will be selling merchandise. Kirby Krackle will be presenting on “a journey into nerd rock, geek culture, and discovering your inner superhero” (Main Stage 12:30pm). Kirby Krackle will also be performing at the Avalon Theatre on Saturday, Oct 6th (get tickets here).

The 501st Legion is an all-volunteer organization formed for the express purpose of bringing together costume enthusiasts under a collective identity within which to operate. The Legion seeks to promote interest in Star Wars through the building and wearing of quality costumes, and to facilitate the use of these costumes for Star Wars-related events as well as contributions to the local community through costumed charity and volunteer work.

The 501st will be available for photos and questions in the Expo Hall, with a special Cosplay Stage photo op at 11:00am.

Panels

Cosplay 101 Panel: Come hear from a panel of cosplay experts as they share their experiences about getting into cosplay, how they honed their skills over time, and what they do to grab the attention of fans and judges at Comic Con events.This all-star panel includes Steven Malson of the 501st Legion, Morgan Hinz, award-winning cosplayer Trinity Renee, and Brian Weller of Western Slope Ghostbusters. (Main Stage 9:30am)

Dungeons and Divas: A Beginner's Guide to D&D: This fun and interactive beginner's guide to the world of Dungeons and Dragons presented by Mesa County Libraries’ Rachel Davis includes information on how to play, tips for being an effective dungeon master, and a step-by-step guide on how to create your own character sheet. (Panel Room 10am)

Comics and Childhood Literacy: Learn how comics can be a powerful and positive medium for kids to become excited about the world for a lifetime. The comics-loving panelists are speaker Nathan Herald, librarian Becky Johnson, and Garrett/Gennessee (Panel Room 11:30am).

LGBTQ Representation in Pop Culture: From Thunder Cats to Steven Universe, the world of media and pop culture has come a long way in regards to LGBTQ+ representation. Join us for a discussion on current representation and where it is headed. The panelist line-up is: horror author Jorgan Bean, comic illustration artist Mary Carman, illustrator S. Ferrieri, and CMU Communications Professor Elaine Venter. (Panel Room 1pm)

Paper Trails: What’s a Zine: Short for "magazine", a zine (pronounced “zeen”) is a handmade, self-published work of text or art that allows people to share ideas, art, political thoughts, otherwise unheard voices. Please join zine enthusiast Devan Penniman from Fruita Zine Party as she presents a brief history of zines, how they are applied in today's technology-driven world, and how you can start self-publishing a zine of your own! (Panel Room 2:30pm)

Censorship in Comics: A History of Controversy: Explore the history of censorship in comics including Frederic Wertham's The Seduction of the Innocent, the rise and fall of the Comics Code Authority, and challenges currently raging in schools and libraries. Published local author Nathan Herald will provide tools and resources for attendees who seek ways to champion free speech. (Panel Room 4pm)

Cosplay

Costume contests will take place on the Cosplay Stage at the west end of the Expo Hall. Contestants may wear costumes of any kind as long as they conform to the Rules for Cosplayers.

10am - Kids Costume Contest (Ages 11 and under)

1pm - Teen Costume Contest (Ages 12-18)

4pm - Adult Costume Contest (Ages 19 and up)

Registration will take place in the Cosplay Stage area 30 minutes before each contest. The first 100 cosplayers to arrive for registration in each age group will be entered in their respective contests. Contestants will line up during registration and then wait to be called to the stage. Pre-registration will not be available this year.

Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each age category will be awarded shortly after each contest. Qualities that judges will be looking for are: creativity, craftsmanship, and stage presence. Prizes will be gift cards to Downtown Grand Junction and Top 5 Comics.

Judges will include library staff, volunteers, costume professionals, and community artists.

Fandom Meetups Schedule

10:30am – Harry Potter

11:30am – Marvel

12:30pm – Star Wars

2:30pm – Horror

3:30pm – Rooster Teeth

4:30pm – Supernatural

Full Schedule

Full and Printable Schedule Coming Soon!

Comic Con FAQs

What is Comic Con?

Mesa County Libraries Comic Con is a fun, free, family-friendly event that brings together fans and creators, old and young in celebrating the importance of stories and fandoms that connect us and enrich our lives. Since our first Comic Con in spring 2015, this highly anticipated event has quickly grown to attract more than 5,000 attendees from across the Western Slope. Highlighting graphic literature, sequential art, and comics as a literary medium, Comic Con includes an Expo Hall featuring local and regional artists, authors, cosplayers, crafters, and media creators. Panel presentations give attendees a deeper dive into their chosen topic, fan meet ups provide an opportunity to discuss favorite characters and meet others with a similar passion, and everyone can take part in cosplay, photo ops, and costume contests. A literary special guest highlights Comic Con each year.

What is cosplay?

Literally "Costume Play"-- dressing up and pretending to be a fictional character (usually a sci-fi, comic book, or anime character).

Cosplay Etiquette - View Rules for Cosplayers

Cosplay events can be exciting and fun, whether you're a participant or guest. Sometimes all the excitement can be a little overwhelming, causing us to forget our manners and basic social behavior lessons. Here are a few reminders:

Personal Hygiene - Please wear plenty of deodorant. This may seem like a no-brainer but it gets hot in packed convention halls and rooms especially, if you are wearing a heavy or thick material costume.

Photos and Videos - Ask first. Most cosplayers are proud of their costumes and will pose for you but ask first. It’s polite!

Don't touch - Don’t run up and just grab someone. There are real people underneath the character and costume. If you want a hug or a pose with your arm around them, politely ask their permission first.

Don't get stupid - If you are a cosplayer, remember, you are representing a character that is cherished by fans. Don’t do or say anything stupid that will tarnish the representation of the character.

Props - Don’t pick up a fellow cosplayer’s prop without their permission. People put a lot of work into their costumes and props, so respect them.

Don’t monopolize the guest artists’ time - Others want to have a meaningful experience, too. Have yours and then move on! Also, remember, don’t touch!

Weapons - If your cosplay character carries a prop, make sure it doesn’t violate convention rules; also, be aware of where you are in relation to other people when you brandish it or swing it around.

How much does it cost?

Admission is free with a Mesa County Libraries Library Card or $5.00 donation at the door. No tickets will be sold in advance. Also, there will be lots of Awesome things for sale by local and regional artists, authors, crafters and collectors in the Exhibit Hall.

No outside food or drink is allowed in the convention center, however, the concession stand will be selling food and snacks including Yoda wraps, Gotham’s Bat Wings and Jurassic Nachos. There are also many great restaurants within walking distance.

Are there any activities for kids?

Yes, there will be fun activities for kids throughout the day.

Hotels and Local Information

Hotels

Do you want to reserve a hotel within walking distance of Two Rivers Convention Center? Call one of the hotels below, mention Comic Con, and ask for the discounted rate of $134 per room.

970-424-5777

970-242-2525

970-243-3222

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