PENSACON IS A GO FOR 2021
MAY 21–23
DOWNTOWN PENSACOL A
BY JESSIE GANN
Pensacon: Pensacola Comic Con was founded in 2013 and unites self-proclaimed comic book nerds, film buffs and TV connoisseurs all under one roof at the Pensacola Bay Center for three full days. From capes, costumes and furries to autographs and fan memorabilia, the convention offers a little of something for everyone. Although the comic con is usually held in February, it was rescheduled due to COVID-19 and will now be held Friday, May 21, through Sunday, May 23. With a variety of guest celebrities and city-wide events scheduled to take place at seven different locations across downtown Pensacola, Pensacon will be taking over the streets.
“I always like to tell people, if there is anything you like in pop culture—if you like movies, TV, games, animation, reading, art—we have something that you are going to like,” Pensacon Marketing and Media Director, Julio Diaz said. “People normally think it’s science fiction, but it’s not just science fiction.” There will be a guest for every genre at this year’s convention. One of Pensacon’s most anticipated guests this year is Kaylee Hottle, known for her role as Jia in Godzilla vs. Kong, the latest movie in the franchise. Her character is known for her relationship with Kong in the movie, and Pensacon will be her first comic con appearance. Hottle, who is a deaf actress, has gained a massive following for her role teaching Kong sign language in the movie. Other featured guests will include Michael Cudlitz, who plays Abraham in The Walking Dead, George Wendt, who plays
Norm from Cheers, and Emily Swallow, who played The Armorer in Disney’s The Mandalorian. There will be guests from classic films and new releases, including the last two living stars from the original Planet of the Apes, Lou Wagner and Linda Harrison. Harry Waters Jr. and Jeffrey Weissman from Back to the Future will also be featured guests. Pensacon has a guest for everyone to enjoy no matter, the age demographic or genre. “Of course in addition to our celebrities, we also have upwards of 25 artists and authors that will be here as guests encompassing everything from comic book and fantasy artists, to New York Times bestselling authors,” Diaz said. Some of this year’s featured visual artists will include Guy Gilchrist, who is known for his illustrations of the Muppets comic strip; Michael Golden, the co-creator of the X-men’s Rogue character, Spartan X and Bucky O’Hare; and Matt Frank, MAY '21
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