By Brian Argabright
The 830 Times
Pop culture enthusiasts will have their own winter wonderland this weekend when artists and vendors return for a smaller offshoot of the annual Del Rio Comic Con.
Saturday morning, Del Rio Comic Con: Artists Christmas Edition will emanate from the ballroom at the Ramada. Doors open to fans and customers beginning at 10 a.m. and will remain open until 8 p.m.
This smaller gathering of local artists and area vendors is being viewed as a chance for fans of comic books, science fiction, anime and more to pick up Christmas gifts for themselves or their closest friends and family. Toys, handmade jewelry, collectibles, handmade crafts and more will be available to buy.
“We wanted to have a Christmas one where people can pick up local arts and crafts from our awesome hometown local artists and artisans,” Paul Mancha, Del Rio Comic Con Executive Director, said. “Initially we looked at having our big Del Rio Comic Con in November or December, but we were able to get Stephanie and her dates worked with available dates we had at the civic center in September.”
The “Stephanie” that Mancha is referring to is American voice actress Stephanie Nadolny who made her Del Rio Comic Con debut at the show in September. Nadolny, who is best known for her work as Son Goku and Son Gohan in the Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z animated series, will return Saturday to meet fans, sign autographs and take photos.
Joining Nadolny as a celebrity guest will be artist Phil Salazar. Salazar, who calls Texas home, is best known for his work with IDW including Transformers and the IDW/Dark Horse crossover Transformers versus Terminator. He will also have a booth with unique and one-of-a-kind items for sale.
Mancha said there will be about 18 vendors at the event, but explained there should be something for everyone there that may be looking for a last minute gift for the pop culture fan in their life.
This marks the final Del Rio Comic Con event of the year, but Mancha hinted that more of these smaller gatherings or even pop-up markets could be coming in 2023. He did add that next year’s Del Rio Comic Con would take place Aug. 5 and 6 and would be an anime edition.
“We are looking forward to next year. Hopefully we’ll be able to bring in more artists and celebrities in the conventions to come,” Mancha said.
Admission to Saturday’s convention will be $5 for ages 9 and up. Ages 8 and below and ages 65 and above can get in for free. Along with vendors, a pair of cosplay contests will also be held. The first will be at 4 p.m. for children and teens. The second will be at 6 p.m. for adults. Sign up and information will be made available at the ballroom entrance.
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