By Brian Argabright
The 830 Times
Del Rio’s premiere celebration of all things pop culture returns this weekend with vendors, celebrities and more.
The latest incarnation of the Del Rio Comic-Con Retro Expo kicks off Saturday morning and continues through Sunday evening in the Red Oak Ballroom of the Del Rio Civic Center. Doors open each day at 10 a.m. The event closes Saturday at 8 p.m., and comes to a complete end Sunday at 6 p.m.
This is a ticketed event. Tickets are available at the door or via a QR code available on the event’s flyers and on the official Del Rio Comic-Con Facebook page.
Event organizer Paul Mancha explained that this year’s event is a little different than those in years past. While many of the vendors are repeat sellers from previous comic-cons, Mancha explained that there would also be a variety of new things for visitors to enjoy.
Among those new displays is a replica of the AT-ST from the Star Wars franchise, a custom designed automobile featuring pop culture graphics, renowned cosplayers, a cosplay contest and Selena Quintanilla Perez best outfit, cosplay contest, and information booths from entities such as the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce and Whitehead Memorial Museum.
There will also be many of the regular attractions including video game tournaments, local artists and vendors, and a memorial table honoring former comic-con supporters who have passed away.
The first 50 ticket holders through the door will receive a goody bag featuring a variety of items to commemorate this year’s event.
Of course one of the highlights of the event are the special guests. This year’s group features some familiar faces and some newcomers.
The celebrity groups includes:
- American voice actress Melanie Kohn, who is best known for her work as the voice of Lucy van Pelt from “The Peanuts” cartoons and films from 1974 to 1977.
- 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 to meet fans, sign autographs and take photos.
- 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.
- Robin Alvarez, a Young Adult author who is slated to have a pair of releases this year – “When Oceans Rise,” due to be released in May, and “Paramour,” which is set to drop in September. According to her biography, Alvarez’s work has been featured on OwlCrate, ABC, and NBC news affiliates.
- Abby Hernandez, a special guest artist from San Antonio who specializes in unique hairstyles and award winning makeup.
—
Contact the author at drnhsports@gmail.com
