Boone Comicon set for April 18

By Frank Ruggiero

With the ever-mounting wave of comic book movies hitting the silver screen, it seems as though the medium is stepping from the shadows of social obscurity to the streets of mainstream.

Now, it’s coming to Boone.

Author Scott Nicholson is organizing the inaugural Boone Comicon on April 18, to be held at the National Guard Armory in Boone, offering a variety of related activities and opportunities to meet some of the area’s – and the medium’s – finest.

A lifelong fan of comics, Nicholson now writes his own and regularly attends numerous similar conventions, including MonsterCon, Stellarcon and Hypericon, promoting his work and observing the joys artists share when meeting their public.

“Part of my goal for the Boone Comicon is to inspire new, young artists, or even people who are curious, so they can see the artists actually working,” Nicholson said. “And really, I feel the community needs something fun in the midst of all this bad economic news, and here, you can have some fun for not much money.”

The artists are the convention’s main attractions, and Nicholson expects about 10 to attend. “They love to meet the public because it’s largely a solitary occupation,” he said.

A youth-friendly event, though by no means solely for children, the Boone Comicon promises entertainment for young and old.

Attendees can participate in a coloring contest, where artists supply inked, black-and-white sheets for aspiring artists to fill in. Supplies will be furnished by the convention, and participants can submit their work on site or mail it in later. Those over 10 can contribute original black-and-white art, with the winning appearing in an issue of Post Mortem Comics.

The Todd-based Elkland Arts Center will be running an arts table, and hourly door prizes promise comic books, art supplies and original artwork, while other items available for purchase include collectible figurines, role-playing games, non-sport collectible cards and, naturally, comic books.

“Some of the dealers have been telling me they’ve recently discovered some good, older titles and toys and are encouraging people to bring their ‘wish lists,’” Nicholson said, adding that there is still dealer space available. “This is a show for both serious collectors and those who want to learn more about comics and art.”
A number of artists and illustrators will exhibit and work with young artists at the show, including Billy Fowler of Boone and Appalachian State University student Evan Dahm. Other artists and studios include Post Mortem Comics, Thomas Boatwright, Bitter Tea Studios, Hardway Studios, Jester Press, Bobby Nash, Bradd Parton and John Hairston Jr., who is currently exhibiting at ASU’s Turchin Center for the Visual Arts with the God City project.

Nicholson’s love of comic books dates back to his childhood. When he was five, he would write and draw his own, later attempting to sell them to his brothers and impress girls.

Now, as an acclaimed horror novelist, he has set his sights on the graphic novel. He is currently working with Post Mortem comics, writing for the “Dirt” series, while adapting four of his novels for comics. He also edits comic copy, working with screenwriters like Stephen Susco of The Grudge and bestselling authors like Sherrilynn Kenyon and Jonathan Maberry.

“I can’t draw my way out of a paper bag, but to see my stories come to life through talented hands is amazing,” Nicholson said. “Comics have sort of come out of the closet a bit, and Hollywood obviously has a fascination with them right now. But I’ve been amazed with the diversity of subject matter – serious literature covering social issues, and some of this stuff you can only get away with in comic books.”

And now is an ideal time to embrace the genre, he said, particularly due to the evolving technology that sparks electronic life into the medium, making titles available the world over by way of the Internet.

However, community and fun are at the heart of the Boone Comicon. “Part of it is to spark or recreate a love for comics,” Nicholson said, adding the convention will be kept quite affordable at $2 per adult, and children 8 and under are admitted free, with all attendees getting a free comic book of their choice. There will also be a concession stand.

Sponsors include Mountain Times Publications, Plan 9 Comics, McFarland Publishers and Art Mart, with prize giveaways on local radio stations.

The Boone Comicon will be held Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the National Guard Armory at 274 Hunting Hills Lane in Boone.

For more information, call Nicholson at (336) 877-2985 or visit www.hauntedcomputer.com.