Fanboys and fangirls unite for Seattle’s own comic-con festivities.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of nerds flock to So-Cal for the San Diego Comic-Con, in order to get a glimpse of the past, present and future of comic culture. Inaugurated in 1970, the Comic-Con is the largest convention of its type in the Americas. But for most of us Seattleite nerds, we could only sit and drool longingly at the comic wonderland 1,200 miles away.
That is, until last year, when the Jet City Comic Show (JCCS) debuted in Seattle. This year, the 2nd annual JCCS festivities will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 24 at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. Over 200 tables and booths will be present, featuring a handful of local artists and writers, as well as vendors selling everything from comics to trading cards, collectibles and toys.
This year’s featured guest — believe it or not — will be actor William Katt, best known for his title role on “The Greatest American Hero,” a television show from the early 1980s. Other notable film credits include Tommy Ross in Brian DePalma’s 1976 film “Carrie” and the role of The Sundance Kid in the 1979 film “Butch and Sundance: The Early Days.” In his latest role, he stars opposite Elliot Gould in “The Encore of Tony Duran,” a recent Jury Prize Winner at the Las Vegas Film Festival.
Featured comic book guests will include Dan Brereton (creator/artist: “The Nocturnals,” “Thrillkillers,” “Giantkiller”), Nick Dragotta (artist: “Vengeance,” “Captain America: Forever Allie”) and Dustin Nguyen (artist: “Batman: Streets of Gotham,” “Detective Comics”).
The show will also feature a number of prominent local writers and artists, including Greg Rucka (writer: “Batwoman,” “Queen & Country”), Matthew Clark (“Ghost Rider,” “Superman”), Emi Lenox (creator/artist: “Emitown”), Eric Trautmann (Writer: “Vampirella,” “Red Sonja”), Justin “Moritat” Norman (artist: “Elephantman,” “The Spirit”), Shane White (creator/artist: “Things Undone,” “North Country”) and many more.
“We’re proud of the fan feedback that we received last year and feel we’ve put together an even better show this year,” says co-founder James Taylor, himself an accomplished artist and publisher of Rorschach Entertainment. “Jet City Comics Show is a fan-friendly event, a chance for attendees to have fun, be entertained, browse through comics and discover some fantastic artists and writers.” Taylor, Along with fellow co-founder Brian Meredith, kicked off the first JCCS in 2010 to rave reviews.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper comic convention without costumes. Everyone is encouraged to dress up as his or her favorite superhero, villain, or pop culture personality, and there will be prizes for the best costumes (just remember, nobody is cooler than Batman).
Tickets cost $8 and are available online, or at a handful of select retailers listed here. All pre-ordered tickets will receive a free print of “The Bomber Girl” by Matthew Clark at the door. Children 10 and under are free while accompanied by an adult.
2nd Annual Jet City Comic Show | 10 a.m. — 6 p.m. | Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011
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