Lexington Comic Con guide: Celebrities, cosplay, vendors and all things geek
The Lexington Comic and Toy Convention, commonly referred to as Lexington Comic Con or LexCon, is officially entering double-digit territory.
Over the past 10 events, the attendance numbers, activities, vendors and the celebrity guests just keep growing. While the popular annual downtown Lexington event has fans from across the country and globe who make it a point to attend every year, a big reason the convention keeps growing is some person, couple or family decided to attend for the first time — and found their inner geek.
With that in mind, here is a handy how-to guide for first-time attendees to let them know what to expect this year at the Central Bank Center.
What is a Comic Con?
Comic Con is short for “comic convention” where fans of graphic stories can meet comic book creators, both writers and artists, while hitting up comic vendors’ boxes and crates to find something new or rare to add to their collection. It has since expanded to encompass toys, collectibles and almost all things related to popular culture.
The Lexington Comic Con event has a heavy emphasis on comics while also bringing in celebrities from the worlds of film, television, voice-over acting, cosplay and professional wrestling.
“It doesn’t necessarily have to be comics or toys,” said Catrina Hencye, event coordinator for Lexington Comic Con. “You can be a geek over a certain TV show or art. Everybody is a geek about something.”
What should I expect to see at Lexington Comic Con?
While some people may come to Lexington Comic Con for the art, shopping or celebrity meet-and-greets, the event’s major emphasis will be hard to miss once you approach the convention space in the Central Bank Center.
“Within the first five minutes you will definitely know you are at a comic convention,” Hencye said, referencing everything from the fans’ t-shirts to walls of comics.
“You’re going to know you are at a comic-related event very quickly. You will see Spider-Man and Deadpool within the first 60 seconds,” said Jarrod Greer, promoter for the event.
The actual layout, or map, of the event space will have a vendor floor on Level 3, followed by photo ops and rooms for celebrity panels taking place on Level 2. Level 1 will be the convention’s main ballroom area where most of the event’s celebrity guests will be stationed for meet-and-greets.
What celebrities will be at Lexington Comic Con?
There will be nearly 100 celebrity guests at the convention, ranging from TV to film stars to comic creators, even pieces from shows such as Kitt from “Knight Rider.
The celebrity guest list from TV and film includes names you will recognize including Giancarlo Esposito (Gus Fring from “Breaking Bad,” Moff Gideon from Star Wars series “The Mandalorian”), Ron Perlman (“Hellboy,” Clay from “Sons of Anarchy” and John C. McGinley (Dr. Cox from “Scrubs”).
For the gamers, Steve Downes (Master Chief from “Halo” video game franchise) will be on hand and for those longing for the 1970’s, there will be a mini “CHiPS” reunion with the cast — Erik Estrada (Ponch), Larry Wilcox (Jon Baker) and Robert Pine (Sgt. Joseph Getraer).
Can I get my picture taken with celebrity guests?
Yes. But, depending on which celebrity you want to meet, it may require some patience and your pocketbook.
“For people who have never been to a Comic Con before, they may get overwhelmed by the fact they have to stand in line to meet one of the guests,” Hencye said.
Event organizers said the bigger celebrity guests will all usually have a longer line and a shorter face-to-face experience. While actually meeting any celebrity at Lexington Comic Con won’t cost you anything but time in line, things like autographs and a photo will cost something and every celebrity has a different price range. Also, attendees may have to choose between a brief encounter in a longer line or a more meaningful encounter with a lesser-known guest.
“If there’s two people in line, you are going to get more time than if there was 200 in line,” Hencye said.
What kind of stuff can I buy at Lexington Comic and Toy Convention?
Other than just about any kind of graphic novel or comic you can think of, you can purchase rare toys and collectibles, art work and goods from vendors ranging from leather goods and bags to wood carvings. This year at LexCon, you can even walk away with a permanent tattoo.
“We’ve got a pretty diverse vendor crowd,” Hencye said. “We tell them if they are somehow tied to geeky culture or art, they’re welcome.”
Is LexCon kid-friendly?
Definitely. While families can enjoy themselves no matter which day they decide to attend the four-day event, organizers said Sunday is much calmer with fewer attendees and more room for strollers.
Can I dress up? Is there a costume contest?
If the previous answer stating you may see Spider-Man or Deadpool within seconds of entry wasn’t an indicator, costumes are definitely allowed and cosplay is encouraged at Lexington Comic Con. Also, there is a costume contest held Saturday evening, with prejudging at 5 p.m. and a public showing at 6 p.m.
The contest has three levels: Novice, journeyman and masters for costume creators, with a $2,000 in cash up for grabs along with trophies and prizes.
Are there Q&As?
Yes. There will be both individual celebrity Q&As and cast Q&A panels this year. Cast-based panels include “Demon Slayer” and “Twin Peaks” while Kevin Eastman (creator of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”) and John C. McGinley (Dr. Cox from “Scrubs”) will also have Q&As. A full panel schedule can be found online at lexingtoncomiccon.com.
How much are tickets to Lexington ComicCon?
That depends on what day you go and how many days you want to attend.
Tickets are $30 Thursday, March 24, which is the “all about comics” day. There are no celebrity guests, but attendees can attend and have first dibs to buy from comic vendors. Tickets are also $30 for Sunday, March 27.
Admission prices to Lexington Comic Con is $40 on Friday, March 25, and $50 on Saturday, March 26. A four-day festival ticket can be purchased for only $100 in advance online
at lexingtoncomiccon.com. Daily tickets also are available at the door, but be warned, Saturday can sell-out.
Lexington Comic and Toy Convention
When: 6-10 p.m. Thursday, March 24; Noon-8 p.m. Friday, March 25; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, March 26; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, March 27
Where: Central Bank Center, 430 W. Vine St.
This story was originally published March 23, 2022 at 6:00 AM.