The Wallaceburg Comic Con is only in its second year and the event is already making big gains.
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Organizer Andrew Bourdeau was pumped as he described how the event went from one celebrity last year to five this year.
He noted Shishir Innocalla, who was martial artist for Michelangelo, of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT), returned for a second year.
Bourdeau said Innocalla was joined by Gord Robertson, puppeteer of Michelangelo, Rahzar from TMNT 2, and many more characters along with David Fraser, the main suit actor for Michelangelo and the voice of many Sailor Moon characters.
Social media influencer Michelle Ivy, whose appearances include TV series The Toys That Made Us and the Turtle Power: The Definitive History of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles also attended along with Dave the TMNT Collector.
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He also noted attendance had already nearly doubled with about 700 people coming through the door of Wallaceburg’s Canadian Belgium Dutch Club by 2 pm, three hours before the event ended.
“I wanted to bring comic con to Wallaceburg, just really to bring the experience for everyone who may not be able to go the big conventions,” Bourdeau said.
He added attendance is free because he wants to make the event accessible to everyone so they can spend their money on vendors and the celebrities.
Hamilton-based Dave the TMNT Collector, who does comic con events across North America, said, “This is awesome I’ve never been to Wallaceburg before.”
He added the big comic cons are great, but noted he also likes the feel of a small town event with all the local vendors.
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Dave the TMNT Collector said after being contacted by Bourdeau, he decided to come because it would be great to see his friends Michelle Ivy and Shishir Innocalla.
Colin Hebert, owner of Xtra Life Toys & Games from Simcoe, travels across Canada selling his impressive light sabers at comic cons.
When asked about Wallaceburg’s small event, Hebert said, “It’s nice that anybody can run a comic con so that way we have some diversity, different shows to check out.”
He added it is great to see the different perspectives on running a comic con.
A favorite aspect of comic cons is it a great opportunity to portray your favorite character and enjoy some cosplay.
Chatham residents Enne Lenover and Shae Heinhuis, who attended for the second year, were dressed as Princess Peach and Princess Rosalina from Mario.
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“I just love interacting with other fans of pop culture,” said Lenover, 20.
“As a person who likes watching cartoons and anime, I remember in elementary school I was kind of ostracized, so just seeing all this and how well-received it is, it’s really nice,” said Heinhuis, 20.
Nic Sheremeto, 21, was also attending for the second year, while portraying Tanjiro from with Demon Slayer Corps.
He appreciates having a comic con in his hometown.
“I think it’s great for people that can’t afford to go out to the big comic cons.”
He added it is an easy way for local people to get to a place they love and enjoy the day.
Sheremeto said he found “a lot of cool stuff” including a rare action figure –Vault Boy from Fallout, that has a limited run of less than 4,000.
“It amazing, I spent all my money in one day,” he laughed.
Bourdeau said the future looks good for Wallaceburg Comic Con.
“We’re definitely already starting to talk about next year,” he said. “It will hopefully be an annual thing we’re going to host in Wallaceburg.”
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