ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Avengers, assemble!
Lehigh Valley Comic Convention on Saturday returns to the Allentown Fairgrounds Agri-Plex, bringing with it a wealth of celebrity artists, writers, actors and countless comics, memorabilia and more.
From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., fans can explore 59,000 square feet of space packed with just about anything and everything a fan could want during the convention’s 24th year.
Admission is $10 for adults, with tickets available at door via cash or credit, and parking is free.
"I think that Lehigh Valley is a great place if you're into comic books or into art — this is the convention to be at.”Tarot: The Black Rose creator and celebrated Catwoman artist Jim Balent
The guest lineup is stacked with legends.
They include artist, writer and art director for Marvel, DC, and Nickelodeon Darren Auck, and Tarot: The Black Rose creator and celebrated Catwoman artist Jim Balent.
Also, School Bites creator and BroadSword Comics Vice President Holly G!; Marvel and DC artist Jim Calafiore; and Eisner Award-winning Marvel and DC artist Scott Hanna.
And Eisner and L.A. Times Book Prize-nominated artist, writer and colorist Sarah Myer.
Actors Dee Dee Benrey, Terence Michos, and Apache Ramos — all from the 1979 cult classic movie thriller “The Warriors” — and Brian J. O’Halloran, best known as Dante in Kevin Smith’s Clerks movies, also will be at the convention.
Last year, Balent — who co-owns BroadSword with his wife, Holly Golightly — said the Lehigh Valley was an ideal spot to hold such a convention.
“Oh, it's wonderful," Balent said. "I love meeting all the readers. These lovely people are fantastic; that they came all this way.
"I think that Lehigh Valley is a great place if you're into comic books or into art — this is the convention to be at.”
Cosplay, competitions
Also this year, there will be cosplay.
Dozens of professionals will be on hand for photo opportunities, including Batgirl and Batman by Batastic Cosplay, The Iron Giant by Pros and Cons Industries, the Lehigh Valley Power Rangers, The Rebel Legion of Kyber Base and more.
Other highlights will include a Creator Alley, with handmade and custom merchandise, gaming gear.
"And yeah, I'm a girl, and I love drawing women. It’s joyful.”BroadSword Comics Vice President Holly G!
There will be gaming competitions for Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, and Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, with host Fight Your Rival FGC.
Also there will be various vehicles, including the Batmobile and the Jurassic Park SUV; and dozens of vendors offering up new and antique comics, trading cards and fan merchandise.
Golightly said she was thrilled to see the expansion of the comic and gaming fandom, especially as it welcomes a more diverse crowd.
“You know, the world will always change and hopefully we grow and evolve,” Golightly said. “I love all forms of the way people depict women.
"I think we have so many different goddesses, and I love every single one of them, every spectrum. It's so exciting to be an artist.
"And yeah, I'm a girl, and I love drawing women. It’s joyful.”
