JUDD WEIL
Hutch Post
SMALLVILLE, Kan. — Smallville Con's 10th Anniversary convention will be on June 24 and June 25 at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Smallville, Kansas (the temporarily renamed Hutchinson, Kansas). The annual and local comic book convention is a two-day celebration of all things comic books and pop culture.
Jon Robinson, creator, operator, and owner of Smallville Con, got the idea to start a local comic book convention when he and his son, Kal-El (named after Superman, specifically his Kryptonian name), met Laura Siegel Larson, daughter of Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel.
This was during the year 2013's Man of Steel, starring Henry Cavill as Superman, came out.
They met in Topeka when the state inducted Clark Kent, Superman's civilian identity, into the Kansas Hall of Fame as the most recognized Kansas in pop culture.
This coincided with the 75th anniversary celebration of the creation of Superman by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1938.
"Back then there wasn't a whole lot of local comic-cons, so I thought it would be really cool to make one," Robinson said.
Robinson approached his wife and brother to help him put together the first Smallville Con in 2013.
"It's been a lot of years since then," Robinson said.
This year will include over 130 vendor booths, cosplayers decked out in cosplay, a variety of special events, an incredible line-up of celebrity guests, talented professional and local artists and creators, children’s events, and giveaways. There will also be a few live demos and a car show.
The complete events of Smallville Con will be spread out between the Sunflower North, Sunflower South, and the Meadowlark buildings on the Kansas State Fairgrounds.
Events include costume contests with a cash prize courtesy of Hutchinson Clinic. There is no registration for either costume contest this year. People are invited to just show up in Sunflower North just 15 minutes prior to start.
The Individual Costume Contest is Saturday, June 24 at 6 p.m. Judges will evaluate costumes based upon character portrayal, costume complexity, and craftsmanship.
Group Costume Contest is Sunday, June 25 beginning at 4 p.m. Judges will evaluate costumes based upon collective theme, costume complexity, and craftsmanship.
More details about the costume contest and other Smallville Con programs at their website.
Other comic book and collectible vendors will be there, and there will be a variety of exhibitors from art to magic to martial arts to 3D art and more.
There will also be interactives like the Smugglers Room, Youtube DIY sensations.
Then, of course, there will be an impressive line-up of guests, including celebrities.
A few of those attending are:
Phil Morris, known for his work in DC Comics media such as live-action appearances in the WB/CW show, Smallville; and in the Dc Universe/MAX show, Doom Patrol; and various voice work in DC animated media.
Heather Matarazzo, known for her work in Scream 3, Princess Diaries, and Welcome to the Dollhouse.
Sarah Douglas, a classic Superman actress from the Christopher Reeve/Richard Donner-era of Superman films.
Special guests include:
Ande Park, a Kansas City native and comic book artist known for Daredevil, Ant-Man, Wonder Woman, and Green Arrow.
Rick Stasi, a writer and artist who has done work for DC Comics, Marvel Comics, and LucasFilms/Star Wars.
For a complete lists of guests as well as possible guests cancellations, visit the Smallville Con website.
While advanced passes sales have ended. single day and weekend passes available at the door.
Children are admitted free with one paid adult pass. This is limited to two free children per one paid adult. Children must be supervised at all times. People with more than two children under six will be charged a Youth Pass price for each additional child.
More ticket information is available at the Smallville Con website.
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