COMIC CRAZY

Calling all comic fans! The Brick City Comic and Toy Show will once again take place at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion Auditorium.

// BY MELISSA PETERSON

Who 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 no cosplay events this year, guests are encouraged to attend in costume. Tom Raupp “WE’LL HAVE A VERY NICE SELECTION OF COMICS, TOYS AND ART. WE WANT PEOPLE TO JOIN US IN A SAFE-ASand Tony Hines, POSSIBLE ENVIRONMENT TO promoters of the Brick City CELEBRATE A GATHERING OF As Tom explains, vendors will be available Truck will serve breakfast and lunch outside the auditorium. While you’re at the event, know Comic and Toy LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE. from both local and out-of- that masks are mandatory and aisles have been show, explained town comic book shops. widened to assist with social distancing. Hand that although -TOM RAUPP “Vendors will sanitizer will also be available throughout the hall. there will be no primarily sell comic For Tom, the best part about the event is panels at this year’s event, all artists will be books, toys and other pop culture items,” getting to see friends and colleagues in the available at their tables. As of press time, the he says. “Three of the four sponsor stores— comic book industry. He also loves when following guests were scheduled to attend: Bearded Brown Coats Comics and Games, someone asks for a speci c item and you just Roland Mann, a former Marvel Comics Captain Kirk’s Geek Shop and Vibranium happen to have it. editor, who now runs the Silverline Comics Comics—will have tables at the event. Vintage “We’ll have a very nice selection of comics, brand; Darla Vasilas, artists and author of Toy King is another sponsor store and all are toys and art,” he says. “We want people to join us Darla’s Animal Art; Cadena Kuhn, an artist located in Ocala.” You can view a full list of in a safe-as-possible environment to celebrate a known as xravengrapex who specializes in vendors on the event’s website. gathering of like-minded people.” comic and comic-like art; Martin Pierro, Who doesn’t love Pokémon? While you’re the publisher and owner of Cosmic Times; at the event, you’ll also be able to visit with Steph Cannon and Matt Knowles, creators for PikaBelleChu and check out her Pikachu vehicle. InSymmetry Creations; Monica and Graven PikaBelleChu has been on the comic scene Ravenwolf, artists, designers and creators; for over 20 years and is known for her passion and Terance Baker and James Bethel of B for Pokémon, having over 22,000 collectible Brothers Comic Books. You can learn more Pokémon items, including the PikaBug. about these artists on the show’s website. When it’s time to eat, the Fillin’ Good Food 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