Garden State Comic Fest at Mennen Arena this weekend
MORRIS TWP. – Break out the superhero capes because the Garden State Comic fest returns to Morris County this weekend, moving to a larger venue and adding an additional day to accompany what organizers expect to be triple the attendees.
Comic book creators, vendors, and plenty of costume players – “cosplayers” dressed up as their favorite comic, film, and television characters - will unite for the third annual event Saturday and Sunday, this year at Mennen Arena in Morris Township.
Previous festivals were held at hotels in Roxbury and Morristown, but the 25,000 square-foot Mennen venue will allow for more than 200 tables and booths.
“That along with the switch from one to two days allows us to bring in more A-plus exhibitors," said Sal Zurzolo, festival organizer along with founder Dave O’Hare.
The added space will help the festival continue to grow. Last year’s event brought 1,250 to Morristown, and O’Hare expects 3,000 to 5,000 attendees for this year’s extended showcase.
“I’m quite happy with the growth we’ve had. I didn’t expect it to happen this quick. I’m excited more than anything,” O’Hare said. “The feedback from fans and creators had been phenomenal. The biggest complaint has been that it wasn’t big enough so we’ve tripled in size and have one of the best creator lists on the east coast.”
O’Hare says awareness of the Garden State Comic Fest has boosted in recent weeks following the most popular comic event in the country, the San Diego Comic Con, which attracts more than 130,000 attendees over four days.
“Comics are so popular in today’s culture,” O”Hare said. “And events like that and New York Comic Con in the fall give a lot of buzz to the whole industry.”
O’Hare said what sets the Garden State event apart from the larger Comic Cons is a stronger focus on the comic books.
“Those major shows are very pop culture and celebrity driven. This is about the comics and the creators, which is why we’ve been able to attract major names,” O’Hare said. “And it’s more intimate so fans can spend time interacting with creators instead of going into drone mode.”
O’Hare is particularly excited about artist Greg Hildebrandt, who has drawn iconic work for Marvel and the “Lord of the Rings” films, but is most well-known for his iconic original “Star Wars” poster.
“He’s one of the most iconic painters of our time,” O’Hare said. “That he’s living in New Jersey is even greater. And he’s excited to come do the show.”
Other notable artists and writers attending include Neal Adams, Amy Chu, Alex Saviuk, Ethan Van Sciver, Joe Staton, Larry Hama, and Erica Schultz.
"We also have some of the top comic book dealers in the world like Metropolis Collectibles, owners of the $3.2 Million first appearance of Superman comic book, and Dave’s American Comics, as well as Jersey stores like Zapp! Comics, Fat Moose and East Side Mags,” O’Hare said. “At its heart the Garden State Comic Fest is going to be a good old fashioned comic book convention that’s fun, fan friendly and affordable. We will have new and rare comics, art, toys and other collectibles.”
Well-known cosplayers expected to attend include BelleChere and Mikomi Chan, Ruby Rinekso, and Brea Biaa.
Steve Conte, owner of FUNNYBOOKS Comics & Stuff in Parsippany, will have a booth representing his store – now in its 24th year – and his own comic books, “Action Figure Kingdom” and spinoff “Action Zombie Kingdom.”
“It’s an opportunity to meet now people and promote the store and my comic book,” Conte said. “It’s a big comic book party that generates a lot of excitement. Hopefully it parlays into people wanting more.”
Conte said space is limited, so he’s spent weeks planning out how he will set up his booth and represent his store. He’s planning on bringing “all ages” comics and toys to represent FUNNYBOOKS’ family friendly vibe. He also plans to bring MINNYBOOKS, the store mascot, which is a smaller, animated version of the store.
Conte said there is a lot of demand for a comic convention in Morris County due to the nearby New York Comic Con, which attracts more than 100,000 people.
“New York Comic Con is a tough ticket and people are looking for alternatives,” Conte said. “Garden State Comic Fest handles that overflow.”
The festival nearly growing faster than it can handle. O’Hare said there are 150 vendors he had to put on reserve due to space.
At its current pace, Conte thinks the Garden State will soon become a difficult ticket to acquire as well.
Tickets for the Garden State Comic fest cost $15 online and $20 at the door for Saturday and $13 online and $15 at the door Sunday. Two-day tickets cost $25 online and $30 at the door. Children under 10 are free.
A limited amount of $65 VIP tickets are available, which includes early entry, reserved seating for panels, and a “swag bag” featuring Hildebrandt prints and trading cards.
Parking for the festival is free.
Go to http://www.gardenstatecomicfest.com/ or Garden State Comic Fest on Facebook for more information.
Editor’s note: A story that ran in Monday’s print edition of the Daily Record listed Bob Rose as a guest. Bob Camp is the cartoonist attending the event. The story also listed Saturday’s at-the-door price as $18, but it is $20.
Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@GannettNJ.com
If you go:
Garden State Comic Fest
When: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Mennen Arena, 161 East Hanover Avenue in Morris Township.
Cost: $13 to $65. Children under 10 and parking are free.
Website: http://www.gardenstatecomicfest.com/