Comic-Con brings out the heroes in the community

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman! Superheroes have captured the imagination of fans since their inception. As kids, many of us dressed up as our favorite comic book character for Halloween or just for an action-packed playtime. Dressing up is not just for kids, however. Residents of Jacksonville and the surrounding communities had the opportunity to come out the 2nd annual Jacksonville Comic-Con at the Red Carpet Inn in Jacksonville, July 7. For those in attendance and those running the event, the opportunity to interact with fellow fans was a special occasion.

“I love talking to and meeting new people,” said Summer Noel, keynote cosplayer. “These events are always so much fun for me. I am glad to come to Jacksonville to celebrate with the people here.”

The JCC started last year in efforts to find creative new ways to engage residents of Jacksonville, Camp Lejeune and the surrounding areas.

“We enjoy delivering this event to Jacksonville,” said John Stamey, Cape Fear and Jacksonville Comic-Con coordinator. “As the community grows, we want cosplayers and fans in Jacksonville to be able to have an event where they can express their creativity and enjoy themselves.”

This year’s JCC brought out an estimated 500 participants who were able to check out science fiction and comic book art, trading cards and other memorabilia. Special guests included author Dave Atwell, body artist Tiffany Beckler and former professional wrestler and actor Papa Stro Maestro.

“Bringing families and fans of all ages together is what it is all about to me,” said Papa Stro Maestro, whose real name is Robert Kellum. “I also get to help support small businesses in communities like Jacksonville when I come out to events like this. I enjoy making great memories with the fans and cosplayers who come out.”

There was no shortage of enthusiasm as participants dressed up as iconic characters such as Batman, Green Arrow and Thor. People of all ages received their chance to “geek out” and let their passion for art and superhero fandom be known.

“This is my first comic con,” said Amanda Grays, a cosplayer in attendance. “When I saw Jacksonville was hosting one I knew I had to come out.”

In addition to providing recreation, the JCC also gave participants the chance to have a creative outlet, something that is very valuable to members of the staff who work to coordinate it.

“I hope to see more Marines and other Jacksonville residents come out and join us and express themselves,” said Joshua Alexander, JCC director and Marine Corps veteran. “Artistically expressing yourself can be a great way to overcome whatever you might be struggling with. After getting out of the Marines, I struggled with depression and posttraumatic stress and trying to find my place in the world. I started making costumes and cosplaying and it took off from there. There is a lot of talent here in Jacksonville and I hope we can continue to tap into it and help other Marines and individuals who might be struggling like I was.”