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Comic Con coming to Sidney as part of Canada 150 celebrations

The Island’s ‘geek culture’ is getting excited about an all-new comic convention
web1_170519-PNR-BigHeroChrisWilliamsfile

SIDNEY — In celebration of Canada’s 150the birthday, a new event — the Vancouver Island Comic Con, or Van Isle Con for short — is set for Sunday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney.

The Comic Con is part of a two-month festival happening during May and June in conjunction with the “Up, Up and Away – Comic Book Superheroes and Our Culture,” special exhibit at the Sidney Museum.

Convention Co-ordinator Josh Kully is working with a team of passionate volunteers and community organizations to coordinate an event that showcases the Island’s talent and brings together a full day of fun and entertainment under one roof.

“We have an active fan base and incredible talent here on the Island that travel to Cons in Vancouver, Seattle and even further.,” Kully stated in a media release. “With Van Isle Con, we want to bring the show to them and even draw the fans from off the Island here. Everyone involved in the event is doing it out of passion and we want to see that transfer to the Con.”

Organizers have secured Academy Award winner, director, writer and animator, Chris Williams of Disney Studios as a keynote speaker. Among his many creative accomplishments, Williams was the co-director of “Big Hero 6” which won the 2015 Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film.

“Chris has an outstanding body of work,” stated Kully. “He has worked in the capacity of director, writer, story board artist - he even did voice acting as the voice of Oaken the Shopkeeper in Frozen. We are thrilled to have him share his experiences at the Con!”

The day will include several panels and demos covering a broad range of industry topics and interests such as cosplay, fantasy art, and comic book development and publishing.

A new Island created publication called “Monsterella” will be unveiled at the Convention. The project is the brainchild of Nevin Arnold, owner of the indie comic book company Hangman Comics. Arnold brought together five creative artists and writers to produce the sci-fi/horror compilation Monsterella, inspired by the classic Vampirella magazines of the 1970s.

Van Isle Con’s exhibitor lineup includes an Artist’s Alley, collectors, dealers, gamers, crafters who cater to geek culture, food trucks, cosplayers with guests like the talented Teryl Dactly and guest judges Courtney Pozzolo (Purple Rogue Cosplay), Sidney Merrick (Batarang Kisses), Vlara Atran and Emily Paul (Embelievable Cosplay).

In the tradition of Comic Cons, everyone attending is encouraged to dress up as their favorite superhero, comic or sci-fi character. Additionally, a Cosplay Contest is part of the day’s lineup with prizes in the categories of Master, Journeyman, Novice, Group and Kids.

Those entering the Cosplay Contest should pre-register online on Van Isle Con’s website at www.vanislecomiccon.com.

Some of the special attractions include Holy Cow Communications’ Doctor Who TARDIS and Used Victoria’s “Chill Lounge” where you can play original NES games.

Appearances will be made by Superheroes of Victoria and the Dark Knight of Victoria and his team.

There will be no shortage of photo opportunities with all this talent under one roof.

For more information, visit www.vanislecomicon.com.