Grand Rapids Comic Con 2019: 11 Things We’re Looking Forward To
The Grand Rapids Comic Con (https://www.grcomiccon.com/) will return to the DeVos Place Convention Center the weekend of November 8-10, bringing a stellar lineup of guests and lots of family-friendly fun. We had a blast at the 2017 Comic Con and after not attending last year, we can’t wait to check out this awesome event once again. Below is a list of some of the things we are looking forward to as well as all of the informational links you need to help plan your visit. For first time comic con attendees, there is a helpful and comprehensive guide at https://www.grcomiccon.com/first-timers/.
Movie and TV guests – One of the highlights of any con is the chance to meet celebrities from favorite films and TV shows. Grand Rapids Comic Con has a solid lineup this year, including Patrick Warburton (Emperor’s New Groove, Seinfeld, Family Guy), Ross Marquand (The Walking Dead, Avengers:Endgame), Paul Freeman (Raiders of the Lost Ark), Tony Todd (Candyman), Tobin Bell (Saw franchise). You can get autographs from and photos with these celebrities and more, and many of them will be taking part in panels throughout the weekend.
Star Wars! – Fans of the beloved sci-fi franchise will have the chance to meet actor Paul Blake (Greedo), voice actor Tom Kane (Yoda in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”) and author Timothy Zahn. The Great Lakes Garrison will be in attendance and will be available for photos, and the Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club will be there as well. The R2-D2 Builders Club will be at the con, and all three of these groups will be leading panel discussions over the course of the weekend. For full Star Wars info head to https://www.grcomiccon.com/star-wars/. Don’t forget there is also a limited edition GR Comic Con Star Wars patch available at the Great Lakes Garrison booth while supplies last.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Villains Reunion – fans of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers franchise will have plenty of fun at this year’s con. A reunion of villains includes Barbara Goodson (voice of Rita Repulsa), Kerrigan Mahan (voice of Goldar), Vernon Wells (Ivan Ooze) and Paul Schrier/Jason Narvy (Bulk and Skull). Photo ops, autographs, and panels will run throughout the weekend. Find out more at https://www.grcomiccon.com/power-rangers/.
Cosplay – It’s always fun to see the great homemade costumes that festival attendees have spent time putting together. Saturday will feature a costume contest for adults, while Sunday features a kids costume contest and a Star Wars costume contest (https://www.grcomiccon.com/costume-contest/). Several cosplay groups will be attending, and there will be instructional panels to help you learn how to put a costume together (topics range from thermoplastics, armor fabrication, foamsmithing).
Panels – Want to hear one of the comic con’s celebrity guests talk about their career? How about learning how to join local fan groups for your favorite film or TV series? At just about any time the convention is going on there will be a panel going on. Find the full list at https://www.grcomiccon.com/schedule/ and start planning which ones you want to check out!
Brazen Monkey’s Dragons – The kids absolutely loved getting to take pictures on sculptor John Marks’ “Toothless” (How To Train Your Dragon) replica the last time were at Grand Rapids Comic Con. This year BrazenMonkey’s display will feature Toothless and a Light Fury – “These creatures, along with an assortment of viking props, are available for photo ops in a fully immerse experience to delight of the young and young at heart. All are welcome to take pictures, and every dragon “rider” will receive a special commemorative dragon rider coin (while supplies last) with partial proceeds going to Make-A-Wish Foundation.”
Vending Hall – We have always been blown away by the amount of merchandise for sale at this convention. In addition to comics, you can track down things like Star Wars items, Star Trek items, Funko POP figures, cosplay supplies, paintings, movie props, and more. Make sure you bring plenty of money!
Comic Guests – Celebrity guests aren’t just limited to movies and television, there will also be many comic book authors and artists on hand. Guests can meet Jim Shooter, Gail Simone, Heather Antos, Graham Nolan, Tony Isabella, and more. Head over to https://www.grcomiccon.com/comic-guests/ for a full list of guests and individual panel topics and times.
Frankenstein Museum display – We can’t wait to check out the large, interactive display celebrating the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley’s masterpiece, Frankenstein. On Saturday at 3:45 Sara Karloff, daughter of legendary Frankenstein Boris Karloff, will present stories about her father.
Movie Vehicle Display – among the movie vehicles on hand are replicas of the Mystery Machine from Scooby Doo, the Mach 5 from “Speed Racer,” Ghostbusters and Jurassic Park replica cars, and a version of K.I.T.T. from “Knight Rider.”
Film Fest/Grindhouse Film Fest – Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. a film festival featuring more than 20 short films will compete for awards. A adult-oriented film festival on Friday night (9pm – 11pm) will feature six films.
