The eighth annual Verde Valley Comic Expo will return to the Cottonwood Recreation Center on Saturday, March 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Organized by the Cottonwood Public Library, this family-friendly event is intended to provide Verde Valley residents with access the world of comics in their own backyard without having to drive to Phoenix.
The expo will feature vendors, artists, authors and illustrators displaying and selling their comic books, figurines, costumes and more. Over 70 vendors will be present, including a mix of returning and new exhibitors, and the event will also include cosplay opportunities and panels. Special guests will be Steve Rude, Joseph Culp, Chris Giarrusso and Michael Gallagher, who will be at the expo all day.
Rude has worked for Marvel and DC Comics, and is the co-creator of the comic space saga “Nexus.” Culp is an actor and director known for his role as Doctor Doom in the first film version of Marvel Comics’ “The Fantastic Four.”
Giarrusso is the creator of G-Man and Mini Marvels. His G-Man books follow a young superhero who acquires superpowers when he puts on a magic cape.
Gallagher is a comic book writer who worked on “Alf,” “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” “Sonic the Hedgehog” and MAD Magazine’s “Spy vs. Spy.”
Food trucks will be available throughout the day.
“The Verde Valley Comic Expo is not just a fun and affordable event, it’s also a fundraiser for the Cottonwood Public Library’s Summer Reading Program,” Youth Services Supervisor Danielle Ave said. “Every summer, many children experience the ‘summer slide,’ a loss of academic skills when school is out. Our program helps combat this by encouraging reading with exciting activities and prizes, all made possible through community support.”
Kids 10 and under are admitted free. Admission for adults is $5, or $3 with two canned food donations. All attendees are encouraged to dress up as their favorite comic book or sci-fi character, within “family-friendly” limits.
“There will be plenty to see and do throughout the day, and we’d love to see the community turn out to enjoy the event while supporting a great cause,” Ave said. “Plus, I can’t wait to see all the incredible cosplayers, especially members of the 501st Stormtroopers and the Ghostbusters.”
The Cottonwood Recreation Center is located at 150 S. 6th St. For more information, visit verdevalleycomicexpo.com.
