You may have heard about Ithacon, the second longest running comic convention in America, before. Our own Ed Catto is a major force behind making it a terrific little comic show. It is going to happen next weekend, and as the weeks leading up to it are now down to just days, we wanted to let you know all the amazing things that will be there.
First of all Pop Culture Squad will be attending. Mike Gold is a Featured Guest and will be the subject of the discussion panel “Reinventing Characters with Mike Gold” on Saturday 4/22 at 11:30AM. You won’t want to miss it.
Also Bob Harrison will be representing Pop Culture Squad and hosting and participating in a bunch of panels at the con. Follow this link for a look at the complete programming schedule.
The list of Featured Guests also includes Will Dennis, Jamal Igle, Roger Stern, Glen Whitmore, Tom Peyer, and Stuart Moore. The full list of guests can be found here.
Here are some of the things to look for at Ithacon from their announcements that you may have missed.
Cosplay
ITHACON provides numerous cosplay opportunities for fans of all ages, most notably the annual cosplay runway, which gives attendees a chance to display their creative costumes while promoting the spirit of their favorite comic and pop-culture icons.
The cosplay runway is scheduled for both days of the convention, April 22nd and April 23rd at 1:00 PM. This year, ITHACON will also feature a unique figure drawing session for all cosplayers. No previous art experience is required to participate, and cosplay lovers of all ages are encouraged to engage in the event. Art supplies will be provided, but attendees are more than welcome to bring their own.
In addition to the cosplay runway and the live figure drawing, there will also be a cosplay critique panel. Guests to the panel will provide guests with tips and tricks on how to create the perfect cosplay, as well as a Q & A session among attendees in costume.
We are also pleased to announce that the 501st Legion, the fan-favorite Star Wars cosplay group, will be returning for this year’s event. The group, also known as Vader’s Fist, is dedicated to bringing villains from the Star Wars universe to life, and is composed of fan volunteers worldwide.
ITHACON will also feature a cosplay repair station for any restoration needs and countless photo opportunities.
Coloring Contest
This year’s ITHACON will host a unique event… the nation’s first Comic Convention Poster Coloring Contest!
Fans are invited to exercise their creative talents and design their own colored version of an ITHACON poster. Fans will also be encouraged to bring their colored poster to the convention for the Coloring Contest. Ten finalists will have their work reviewed by longtime comics colorist Glenn Whitmore, who professionally colored the Superman illustration featured on the poster when it debuted. The top 3 winners will win comic-themed prizes!
Fans can download a copy of the poster to color online and the full rules, from ITHACON.org. Several leading comic shops will also have copies of the poster available for fans.
This contest is just one of the ways ITHACON is revisiting the “Death of Superman” event for its 30th anniversary. This year’s convention will also feature a panel discussion that will include writer Roger Stern and colorist Glenn Whitmore, who worked on these comics originally.
“We think this is a lot of fun, and allows fans to express their creativity. And it does build on the recent adult coloring craze too,” said ITHACON’s Ed Catto.
Activities for Kids
Parents, looking for something fun for your kids this spring? The beloved annual local event, ITHACON, will host a myriad of kid-friendly and kid-focused activities this year.
Crafty kids can try our button-making activity, where crafters will teach how to make and decorate your own pinback buttons. If comics are more your speed, the build-your-own superhero event will allow kids to be creative and become a superhero! Kids can also play with and decorate their own slime in the Ithaca Falls room. Kids of all ages are encouraged to walk in ITHACON’s annual Cosplay Runway on both Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 pm.
ITHACON will be hosting a Scooby Doo-themed mystery activity and games of Quidditch. Children are also encouraged to participate in ITHACON’s first Poster Coloring Contest, where winners judged by professional colorist Glenn Whitmore can win comic-themed prizes.
“So much of ITHACON is all about reading and creativity”, said Ed Catto of Ithaca College’s School of Business. “This non-profit event offers so much for kids and families.”
ITHACON 2023 tickets are now on sale at Ithacon.org. Tickets are $20 for adults, youth memberships (for ages 7 – 17) are $5, and children under 6 can attend for free (when accompanied by an adult).
Anime
This year, ITHACON is branching out— anime, manga, and animation are coming to ITHACON! ITHACON 46 will be held at Ithaca College’s Emerson Suites on April 22 and 23. Fans who order tickets early will receive a Swag Bag including up to $40 of free merchandise.
In partnership with the Ithaca College Anime Club, ITHACON is excited to announce a screening of the classic Studio Ghibli film from legendary director Hayao Miyazaki, Howl’s Moving Castle. The screening will be hosted by members of the IC Anime Club’s executive board.
There will also be an animation trivia game! The quiz, hosted through Kahoot, will test competitors’ knowledge on all things animation including cartoons, movies, anime, and more.
What To Next?
Tickets can be purchased now at Ithacon.org.
There is a special bonus to keep in mind. All who purchase tickets by April 16 will receive a “swag bag” when they check in! The value of the items in the swag bag is expected to exceed the cost of membership. (Limit 1 per person.)
Get tickets and go see the show.
Ithacon 46
Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23, 2023
Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM, Sunday 11 AM – 4 PM
Evening gaming until 8 PM
Campus Center and Williams Hall • Ithaca College • 953 Danby Rd. • Ithaca, NY
