By Louis Zylka
The 830 Times
Del Rio Comic Con (DRCC) returned to the Del Rio Civic Center on Saturday and Sunday for a
fall event celebrating all corners of pop-culture.
created of K.T.T.T from the Knight Rider TV series at Del Rio Comic Con (DRCC) on Saturday
afternoon. He shared that the show was a significant part of his childhood and that it took a
whole year to turn this “lifelong dream” into reality. (Photo by Louis Zylka)
Paul Mancha, DRCC executive director, said over 6,500 people attended both days of the
convention. Mancha said there were “close to 50 vendors,” and it had a format to fit in line with
other conventions by using more tables and drapes.
Wrestling representation was a large presence at the convention. Thamiko Fatu, the fourth son
of Rikishi Fatu, attended the convention on Saturday and Sunday. Fatu said he felt the love in
Del Rio and mentioned how it is always fun to meet new wrestling fans. Gangrel David Heath
said Del Rio is “fangin’ and bangin’ when asked about his experience visiting the city.
Power Rangers stardom was also well represented. Tracy Lynn Cruz, known for her role as the
Yellow Ranger in “Power Rangers Turbo" (1997), “Power Rangers in Space” (1998), and “Power
Rangers Lost Galaxy,” was in attendance on Saturday. Cruz expressed how DRCC felt intimate
and expressed her enjoyment of visiting smaller towns, meeting Power Rangers fans and
hearing what the series meant to them.
Comic Con brings unique attractions each year, including replicas of vehicles and props from
various franchises. Marcos Montellano, a San Antonio resident, brought a replica vehicle of
K.I.T.T. (Knight Industries Two Thousand) from the “Knight Rider” TV series. Montellano brings
his car to other conventions.
DRCC focuses on the celebration of comics and artists from all over. Alfredo “Freddy” Lopez Jr.
traveled from San Antonio to sell comic covers and original prints created by him and his wife,
Sheri Lopez. Alfredo works for Marvel’s trading cards and creates art for various role-playing
games. He and his wife were promoting their comic, “Runewave.” Deece Casillas also traveled
from San Antonio to promote his comic book series, “Kill Stan,” which incorporates crime-thriller
elements and focuses on one man’s journey dealing with loss and trauma.
Comic Con is also a place where people can dress up as their favorite fictional characters,
whether from comics, anime, or horror movies. Jacob and Joel Adlrete have been regular
visitors to DRCC since October 2023 and have created five costume sets since then. Jacob said
he and his brother love Halloween and wanted to take their costumes “up and beyond.”
Cosplay contests were held on both days. Barbara Olguin, a local artist and one of the contest
judges, mentioned some of the prizes she would be giving to the contest winners is art prints
from her booth.
The DRCC also provides another opportunity for local businesses to expand their brand at
various events. The owners of Momo’s Coffee, 217 S. Main St., participated in the DRCC on
Saturday. Atzimba Morales, owner of Momo’s, expressed how relaxed and organized the
convention was.
