Comic-Con returns to Wake Forest Aug. 17

Whether you’re a serious collector, or just someone who enjoys the art, characters, and costumed cosplayers of the comic book scene, the 2024 Wake Forest Comic-Con is the place to be. This year’s “con,” as they’re known, is Saturday, Aug. 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre. The cost is just $5, and free for kids under 12.

The event features over 35 vendor tables, with 100,000 comic books, anime figurines and vintage toys, Pokémon cards, D&D stuff, books, art, T-shirts and trinkets, and all things cute and creative. There’s a supervised kids area for coloring and crafts as well. Attendees run the gamut: youth, teens, and adults all find something of interest at the con.

“There’s lots to see, costumes, fun stuff to buy or just check out,” says comic-con founder and organizer Brandon Wright. “It’s great for people of all ages.”

This is the seventh Wake Forest Comic-Con, co-hosted by Play4Life Comics & Used Books and Wake Forest Downtown Inc. What started in a room above The Cotton Company with a few vendors and 250 attendees in 2017, is one of the town’s biggest summer events, bringing in 1,000 to 1,500 visitors in recent years.

The cosplay contest is a big draw. Creative costumes seen at past events include Goku and Ghostbusters, Hawkgirl and Harley Quinn, original characters and others. Any subject is allowed, so long as entrants remember this is a family friendly event. Originality and handmade costumes are a big factor in who wins the prize for the categories of best youth, adult, and group costumes.

The costume contest starts at 3 p.m. the day of the event, and sign-up begins at 2 p.m. Contest judges include Wake Forest Mayor Vivian Jones, and cosplayers from The Variant, an online cosplay site, which provides a professional photo booth at the con. The mayor has judged every contest since the first.

“I think it’s a lot of fun and it’s a great thing for the town of Wake Forest to have,” says Jones.

Comic vendors are bringing everything from Golden Age to Modern titles, popular Marvel, D.C. and independent runs, individually produced and local comics, from $1 to graded key issues. You don’t have to be a comic book guru to peruse or shop – vendors are eager to share their knowledge.

There is no food at the event, but there are several restaurants next door, at Strike & Barrel bowling alley, The Lemon Tree and Over the Falls Deli.

The Renaissance Centre is in the heart of downtown Wake Forest at 405 Brooks Street.

Parking is available at the center for no charge. For directions, see wakeforestrencen.org and click “Plan Your Visit.” For other information, including updates, news about vendors and links to their sites, check out the con page at facebook.com/WFComiCon.

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