Entertainment

Comic-Con comes to Monroe

Monroe will welcome its very own comic book and card convention on Saturday, Oct. 4.

The Monroe Comic-Con and Card Show was founded last year by Gary Pillette. His son, Drake Pillette, is an MCCC student.

“This year’s show is going to be pretty fun,” Drake said.

“I believe it will interest students because of the ability to talk to various talents, from artists to actors, and see if any of those may be a possible career choice.”

The pair got the idea for the convention when they visited the Motor City Comic-Con to meet comic book legend Stan Lee.

“We fell in love with the atmosphere,” Gary said.

“I was also in the process of selling a lady’s 15,000 comic collection for her, and it just clicked.”

Gary said his previous experience as a shop owner helped him create the convention.

“I’ve always loved organizing events and used to own our own collectibles shop, so it just went from there,” Gary said.

The first show was held in September 2013 and debuted to an outpouring of local support. The convention’s charitable donations combined with a growing interest in comic culture made for a successful event. They are hoping for 3,000 to 5,000 attendees this year.

“There’s lots more to do. There’s a costume contest and we even have a Hollywood makeup artist who is going to turn someone into a zombie,” Drake said.

Proceeds from the convention’s raffles went to The Down Syndrome Guild of Southeast Michigan. This year, a $5 donation to the DSG buys a wristband that allows access to autographs and photo-ops with the celebrity guests.

This convention is more than just a place to pick up comics, art, and collectibles – it also will feature a slew of celebrity guests. The line-up includes television host and actress Gigi Edgley from the Sci-Fi series, Farscape; Michigan-born actor Martin Klebba, best known for his roles in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and Oz:The Great and Powerful; and model Alloy Ash, who has been seen on the Discovery Channel’s Fast N’ Loud, among others.

 Stuntman Travis Russell also will be in attendance. Russell has performed stunts in NBC’s Chicago Fire, Into the Storm, and is filming the upcoming Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, in Detroit.

“I’m happy to be a part of a great cause and helping local charities,” Russell said. “I’m really just looking forward to seeing everyone and just hanging out.”

Local celebrity and professional boxer Bronco McKart also will make an appearance.

Raffles and giveaways have been promoted on the Monroe Comic-Con and Card Show’s Facebook page to lead up to the event.

The convention will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall from 9 a.m to 6 p.m and admission is $2.

For more information, go to monroecomic-con.com or like their page on Facebook.