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Parkersburg Pop Con to be Saturday

File Photo Alyse Carter, of Athens, Ohio, dressed up as Rey from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” for last year’s Parkersburg Pop Con at West Virginia University at Parkersburg.

PARKERSBURG — Lovers of popular culture from books to comics to television to movies and beyond will gather Saturday at West Virginia University at Parkersburg for the third annual Parkersburg Pop Con.

The pop culture convention will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday in WVU-P’s activity center.

Adult general admission is $5, or $4 with a non-expired and undamaged canned good donation. Children 10 and under will be admitted free with an adult ticket purchase. Veterans and current armed force members showing a valid military ID card will also receive free admittance.

Sponsored by Tekko and Blue Heron Campground, and supported by the WVU-P Foundation, the event is a celebration of popular culture comics, costuming (cosplay), sci-fi, gaming, and film, and will feature national and local authors, publishers, designers and artists.

Several special guests will be featured at this year’s event.

File Photo Vendors, artists and others drew a crowd of hundreds to West Virginia University at Parkersburg for last year’s Parkersburg Pop Con. This year’s event will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the college activity center.

Shawn Langley is a southern Ohio comic illustrator and concept artist. He is best known for his work on the “Earthruler” graphic novel and “Rapid City: Below Zero” comic series. Langley also produces original concept art for various authors and publications. Guests who purchased the event VIP package will receive a limited edition print and shirt featuring Langley’s artwork.

James Hamilton is a graphic designer, photographer, and YouTube personality who is best recognized for his cosplay. Hamilton has portrayed characters such as Adam West’s Batman, Han Solo and Jack Sparrow. He is also a member of the Ghostbusters-West Virginia Division and the Rebel Legion-Apollo Base.

James Patrick is a critically-acclaimed creator and former writer for DC Comics. His work includes “Batman Confidential,” “Brightest Day: Green Arrow,” and “Joker’s Asylum II: Harley Quinn.” Patrick continues to write comics for major publishers and develop intellectual properties for Hollywood.

“Parkersburg Pop Con 2018 is a growing celebration that brings people together on campus each year so they may discover and grow their interests in the pop culture realm,” said Jackie Bennett. Parkersburg Pop Con event chair and WVU- P professional technologist.

The event is supported by the WVU-P Foundation, a non-profit corporation that aids the college’s efforts by funding scholarships, programs for single parents, events, activities and more. Proceeds from Pop Con will benefit the college’s Riverhawk Food Pantry as well as the WVU-P Foundation and WVU-P Alumni fund.

Bennett said surprise vendors and guests will also make appearances.

“The only way to find out who else is going to attend, is to visit the event,” she said.

“We are excited to host the third annual Parkersburg Pop Con,” said WVU-P Foundation Director Senta Goudy. “It will be a day of fun with the fantastic benefit of helping so many students.”

The schedule of events includes:

* 10 a.m.: Doors open.

* 11 a.m.: Opening ceremony takes place.

* 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: “History of Pop Culture” panel with Aaron Crites in Panel Room 1 in Room 1535; “Makeup Basics” class with Jackie Bennett in Panel Room 2 located in the lounge behind the cafeteria.

* 1-1:45 p.m.: Youth cosplay contest, guests may register at the Danger Zone outside of the WVU-P Veteran’s Resource Center; “Cosplay on a Budget” panel with Christian Foster in Panel Room 1; “Super Smash Brothers” video game tournament presented by Multiverse Comics, registration at the Gaming Galaxy area located in the WVU-P cafeteria; “What if They Made a Sequel?” panel with James Hamilton in Panel Room 2.

* 2-2:45 p.m.: Adult cosplay pre-judging, guests may register for the contest at the Danger Zone; “Comic Values and Grading” panel with James Patrick and Mick Williams in Panel Room 1; Lightsaber Academy in Panel Room 2; “Pop Con Trivia” in Gaming Galaxy area.

* 3-4 p.m.: “Comics are for Everyone” panel with Doug Anthony and Mick Williams in Panel Room 1; Adult cosplay contest in the College Activities Center.

* 5 p.m.: Closing ceremony takes place.

Visit parkersburgpop.com for more information about the event and Facebook at ParkersburgPop to see vendor and special guest announcements.

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