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Comic Crazy Calling all comic fans! The Brick City Comic and Toy Show will once again take place at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion Auditorium. // B Y M E L I S S A P E T E R S O N
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ho says comics are just for kids? The Brick City Comic and Toy Show is back for its second year to bring together guests—the young and the young at heart—for a day of pop culture fun. First held in 2019, the show was canceled last year due to COVID-19. Organizers received plenty of positive feedback from vendors, guests, artists and attendees and decided 2021 was the perfect year for a comeback. The event will feature special guests; food for sale; and vendors selling comic books, toys, and other pop culture items. And while there will be WE’LL HAVE A VERY NICE no cosplay events SELECTION OF COMICS, TOYS this year, guests are encouraged to AND ART. WE WANT PEOPLE attend in costume. TO JOIN US IN A SAFE-ASTom Raupp and Tony Hines, POSSIBLE ENVIRONMENT TO promoters of CELEBRATE A GATHERING OF the Brick City Comic and Toy LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE. show, explained -TOM RAUPP that although
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there will be no panels at this year’s event, all artists will be available at their tables. As of press time, the following guests were scheduled to attend: Roland Mann, a former Marvel Comics editor, who now runs the Silverline Comics brand; Darla Vasilas, artists and author of Darla’s Animal Art; Cadena Kuhn, an artist known as xravengrapex who specializes in comic and comic-like art; Martin Pierro, the publisher and owner of Cosmic Times; Steph Cannon and Matt Knowles, creators for InSymmetry Creations; Monica and Graven Ravenwolf, artists, designers and creators; and Terance Baker and James Bethel of B Brothers Comic Books. You can learn more about these artists on the show’s website. 20
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As Tom explains, vendors will be available from both local and out-oftown comic book shops. “Vendors will primarily sell comic books, toys and other pop culture items,” he says. “Three of the four sponsor stores— Bearded Brown Coats Comics and Games, Captain Kirk’s Geek Shop and Vibranium Comics—will have tables at the event. Vintage Toy King is another sponsor store and all are located in Ocala.” You can view a full list of vendors on the event’s website. Who doesn’t love Pokémon? While you’re at the event, you’ll also be able to visit with PikaBelleChu and check out her Pikachu vehicle. PikaBelleChu has been on the comic scene for over 20 years and is known for her passion for Pokémon, having over 22,000 collectible Pokémon items, including the PikaBug. When it’s time to eat, the Fillin’ Good Food
Truck will serve breakfast and lunch outside the auditorium. While you’re at the event, know that masks are mandatory and aisles have been widened to assist with social distancing. Hand sanitizer will also be available throughout the hall. For Tom, the best part about the event is getting to see friends and colleagues in the comic book industry. He also loves when someone asks for a specific item and you just happen to have it. “We’ll have a very nice selection of comics, toys and art,” he says. “We want people to join us in a safe-as-possible environment to celebrate a gathering of like-minded people.” Brick City Comic and Toy Show // April 17, 10am-4pm // Southeastern Livestock Pavilion Auditorium, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala // $5 at the door, 12 and under free with adult. Free parking. // Event will take place indoors and will happen rain or shine. // brickcitycomicandtoyshow.com
