The Niagara Falls Comic Con got off to a rousing start yesterday as thousands of pop culture enthusiasts descended upon the Scotia Bank Convention Centre. Fans lined up to meet celebrities such as Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings, Goonies), Billy Dee Williams (The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi), and the original Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Kristy Swanson.
Artist Alley provided fans with the opportunity to see their favorite comic book creators. Artists like Amanda Conner, Francis Manapul, G.I. Joe legend, Larry Hama, and Yanick Paquette were on hand to take pictures, sign comic books and to draw sketches.
Cosplayers roamed the convention floor and horror fans had the opportunity to meet some of the genre’s stars and make up artists.
Toys, and comic books were available in the retailers section and a vintage arcade was set up in the lobby for anyone wanting to relive their youth. Iconic rides were also on display with K.I.T.T., the General Lee and the Batcycle and Batcopter in the building.
Today promises to be even busier than yesterday. Alfonso Ribeiro (The Fresh Prince of Bel Air), Jason Priestly (90210), Margot Kidder (Superman) and David Hasselhoff (Baywatch) will be available for celebrity signings, and comic book creators Meredith and David Finch are expected to make an appearance. One of today’s highlights will be the announcement of the Joe Shuster Awards nominations at 1:00 pm. The Shuster Awards are Canada’s equivalent to the Eisners in the U.S., and celebrates the best in the Canadian comic book industry.
