Takeaways from the 2nd Annual Imperial Valley Comic Con
The second annual Imperial Valley Comic-con may be over but it was the only place where you can find time lords and Jedis and superheroes all under one roof.
Hundreds of fans filled the Ricochet Recreation Center in Imperial this weekend to celebrate their love of pop culture and comics. The comic book convention included vendors, guest celebrities and panels and local artists.
For fans who can’t afford comic-cons like the ones San Diego or Los Angeles, this is one right in their back yard.
“I mean we have our own comic con now. And like the same vendors that you can go see over there you can see them here. The same celebrities you can see them here. So we have our own culture that we’re building here,” said Convention organizer, Ruben Najera.
Stunt Actor Nick Palma said the best part of the convention is hearing how his work influenced fans.
“You know I’ve met a lot of fans that yeah definitely have made it into the tournaments and have ranked very highly in tournaments and were inspired by watching the turtles growing up,” said Palma.
Comic Book Artist, Joe Rubinstein said it’s an honor to be part of the local con.
“I’m here, people are saying very nice things to me. I influenced their childhood. I made their growing up a better and nicer place. They want to shake my hand. Their brother got them into comic books. They ask for my autograph. Most people in their life don’t get asked for an autograph,” said Rubinstein.
What makes the cons special is being able to give back to the fans.
Former WWE Wrestler, Vickie Guerrero said, “For me to be able to return a thank you and a hug back to them. I’ve already received so much love and support it’s only been 30 minutes. So to able to say thank you to them is really important to me.”
Valley resident, John Molina who’s attending his first comic-con says it’s like being a kid again.
“Whenever you’re a kid you’re soaking all this stuff in. You know you fall in love with all these characters and whenever you’re a little kid and you come to an event like this. You know even if they’re dressed up like cosplayers or whatever they’re still looking up to them,” said Molina.
Adan Huerta who brought his wife and kids said having a local convention makes it a family fun event.
“Being able to bring the family here, spend time together. And especially it’s something that we all have the same interest. So I think it’s something that’s great not just for us but for everybody here in the valley,” Huerta said.
Najera says the event is only growing and that the sky’s the limit for next years Imperial Valley Comic-Con.
