Sample Cover Story- Lexington Comic Con 2013

March 16^th and 17^th marked the second annual Lexington Comic and Toy Convention which had Power Rangers, Pro wrestlers, actors, artists, cosplayers, gamers and more in attendance.

The convention was organized by local promoter Jarrod Greer who planned the event along with his wife. He wanted to do something in line with his interest in toys and comics but wanted to go somewhere where there wasn’t already a similar convention, so he chose Lexington.

“I’ve been doing things like this here and there but this was the first time I planned something this big and I didn’t expect as many people as last year so it should be even more people this year.”  Greer said.

The convention was nothing less than a bustling crowd comprised with fans coming out of the woodwork to support their beloved mediums, get a photo op with their favorite actors, and to spend as much money on merchandise as possible.

The convention invited dozens of notable media personalities like Pro wrestler Jim Duggan and Carel Struycken who portrayed the character Lurch in the Addams Family movies.  

This year the biggest attraction was of course two cast members from the original Star Wars movies including Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca, and of course Billy Dee Williams, better known as Lando Calrisian. The lines for both actors were massive and had to be adjusted as to not clutter the hall any further.

The usual staple of Power Rangers alumni were also featured including fan favorite Jason David Frank and the actors Paul Schrier and Jason Narvy, who both played the popular comedic duo Bulk and Skull respectively.

“We love doing conventions. It still blows our minds that so many people still watch our stuff and love what we do.,” said Schrier.

Of course after several hours of crowded convention walking people opted to take an incentive break inside one of the many panels and workshops where attendees can rest their feet while hanging out with their favorite celebrities. Different panels included a Star Wars panel with Mayhew and Williams, a Power Rangers panel headed by Frank and other originals, and even a panel with just Bulk and Skull that had just as many if not more people than the actual Power Rangers.

Other guests were notable comic book writers and artists including Frank Brunner, Janet Lee, Mike Grell, and Roger Stern. They were there to answer questions, sign and sell their work to their fans, and give comic creating advice to anyone who wanted to listen.

“I love conventions, I think it’s a wonderful crowd of people and I always tell people that this is the best jobs I’ve ever had.” said Stern.

Another attraction to the convention would be more than 100 personalized booths of store owners and freelance artists selling their work ranging from super hero fan art drawn in story book form to grotesque Giger-esque sculptures. Another form of art would be the abundant cosplayers, or people who dress up as fictional characters, ranging from convincing storm troopers to gigantic cardboard Megazords. Cosplayer model, Maria Ramos, with the moniker of Marie doll who was dressed as Black Cat from Spiderman, held a booth at the convention.

“I love to cosplay, and becoming that character that you love and have fun in the costume and making it too.” Ramos said, co from Houston, TX.

The event is only two years old but has gotten as big as other notable conventions and according to a ticket sale proximity map had people from all over the country in attendance.  With lots to see and lots to do the 2013 Lexington Comic and Toy convention went off without a hitch and has ensured its continuing success.