If there ever was a place where a comic show needed to visit, Metropolis, Ill., is it.
Its location in the center of America, along with the lore of local hero and adopted son Superman, makes Metropolis irresistible to superhero junkies and conventions.
“It would be like having a guitar show and not bringing it through Nashville,” Fandomfest coordinator Mark Ballard said. “It just wouldn’t happen. Metropolis is perfect.”
Fandomfest will stop in Metropolis this weekend for the third annual SuperCon, a two-day festival featuring collectibles and entertainment, as well as live music and games. “This town is made for a comic show,” said Ari Lehman, who portrayed Jason in the first installment of “Friday the 13th” and will appear at the show. “They have the Superman statue, and the town really embraces the idea. Metropolis is a real hidden gem.”
Ballard said the most important part of Fandomfest’s tour is that organizers have kept the event kid friendly. Tickets for SuperCon are $5, compared to other comic conventions where admission could soar above $50. The show also gives away a free poster to everyone who attend.
“This is something that is geared toward having a whole family come out and have fun for the day,” Ballard said. “It’s less than the price of a movie, and in my opinion it’s much more fun.”
All who buy a ticket to SuperCon will receive free admission to the Super Museum, which features a history of the Superman franchise. They will be allowed into the Americana Hollywood Museum, a gallery of items from American actors and musicians such as Elvis Presley and James Dean.
“These guys do a great job putting together a show that everyone can enjoy,” Lehman said. “It’s something that you can’t do every day. You get out there, meet people and you get the chance to make some memories.”
The two-day comic festival will feature thousands of collectible items from nearly every genre, along with comic displays. Attendees also can participate in a trivia contest and a costume contest, as well as watch movies in the daily film festival. Fandomfest will also include panel discussions with comic creators.
The comic show will feature appearances by several celebrities — Jackson Bostwick, who played “Shazam” in the TV series and was the original “Tron,” along with Lehman and his band First Jason. Horror writer Stephen Zimmer, along with comic artist Jacob Rougemont, writer of the Marvel Handbook, will also appear.
Contact Corianne Egan, a Paducah Sun staff writer, at 270-575-8652.
Want to go?
- What: Fandomfest Comic Show
- Where: Metropolis Community Center, 900 W. 10th St., Metropolis, Ill.
- When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.
Tickets can be purchased at the door.
