Over 60,000 fans, 300 artists gather for 29th annual Motor City Comic Con
Over 60,000 fans gathered for a three day celebration of geek culture at the 29th annual Motor City Comic Con from May 18-20.
The event, which was held at the Suburban Collection Showplace, is known for connecting comic book fans from various backgrounds with their favorite comic artists, television stars, and film actors.
This year’s lineup of stars included names such as Stephen Amell, Val Kilmer, Trish Stratus, Diamond Dallas Page, Cress Williams, Lucy Lawless, Wallace Shawn and the cast of the hit horror blockbuster “IT.”
Several actors from the original 1978 “Superman” film were also in attendance to celebrate the film’s 40th anniversary. Margot Kidder, who played Lois Lane in the film, was one of the actors scheduled to appear before her unexpected death on May 13. Her booth was turned into a memorial where fans could sign a guest book and a poster of Kidder.
Part of what makes Comic Con so unique is the personal interactions between stars and their fans. Nafessa Williams, who plays the character Anissa Pierce/Thunder in the hit show “Black Lighting,” said that fan interactions are amazing experiences.
“It’s great to hear the feedback from people who are watching your show daily, and ultimately the people who are helping keep your show on air,” Williams said. “It’s cool to meet them one-on-one and have those conversations.”
Black Lightning himself, Cress Williams, was also in attendance and spoke very highly of Motor City Comic Con, saying that it was a cool experience and that it’s one of the biggest comic conventions he’s been to.
Along with the several television and movie stars in attendance, there were also roughly 300 comic book artists. Their talents were on display for all to see in Artists Alley, a section of the convention where comic artists can show off their work.
There were several booths filled with artwork that featured both popular, fan-favorite characters, and original designs.
Comic book artists and rapper Kameron Reynolds has been writing comics since he was a kid. He said he’s happy to see how big comic con has grown, and how open people are to new stories and characters.
“As the years go on, Comic Con just keeps getting bigger and it’s a cool thing,” Reynolds said. “All the fans have been really receptive and want to see something new.”
Comic Con is also known for all the fans who cosplay, or dress up as their favorite characters. This year certainly didn’t disappoint, as fans were dressed head to toe in costume.
Some of the most notable costumes included Captain America from “Avengers: Infinity War”, a "Deadpool" Stormtrooper, a life size Hulk, Groot and Chewbacca.
Comic Con offers a space for comic book fans and artist to express their passion for comics and geek culture.
"Black Lightning" and "Descendants" star China Ann McClain said that interacting with such passionate fans is his favorite part about being on a superhero show.
“The best part about working on a comic book show is that you get to meet so many dedicated fans and they’re all dressed up-- it’s just awesome,” McClain said.
