Planet Comicon Celebrates 25 Years
I scream, you scream, we all scream for Scream. The 25th anniversary gift is silverware, so it is appropriate that Planet Comicon celebrated its silver anniversary with the iconic slasher franchise. Though it was reported last year that Planet Comicon would be celebrating its 25th with another franchise also celebrating its 25th, but with stars like Melissa Barrera, Jamie Kennedy, Matthew Lillard, Dermot Mulroney, and Skeet Ulrich appearing, it’s hard to quibble over a few years.
Of course, Planet Comicon celebrated more than just Scream this year. From the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Paul Bettany. If fantasy is more your style, from Lord of the Rings (and Indiana Jones), John Rhys-Davies. Music fan? Spencer Charnas from ICE NINE KILLS. Feeling nostalgic? Hocus Pocus. Feeling very nostalgic? Land of the Lost! I haven’t even begun to scratch the surface on the celebrity guests, or mention that Emperor Palpatine himself showed up, Ian McDiarmid.
Planet Comicon has come a long way in its 25 years, from its humble beginnings at the Overland Park Convention Center, with a dozen or so comic book vendors, and a small handful of guests, to becoming one of the largest Comicon’s in the Midwest. PCC has evolved quite a bit over the years, and there truly is something for everyone. Looking for a copy of Solar Man of the Atom #10 (all black cover)? One of the vendors is sure to have it. An unfolded 1977 Star Wars movie poster? Check. Feeling crafty? Plenty of people give presentations on Cosplay, and costume building; even a station where you can paint pottery. And this is just on the showroom floor (and doesn’t mention all the pinball machines, arcades, and VR).
Into a more passive experience? The Comedy Club of Kansas City hosted a Pop Culture roast battle. Want to hear what Ken and Barbie really think of each other? Ever want to see Dog the Bounty Hunter and Barf from Spaceballs go toe-to-toe? They got you covered. Want more comedy? Comedienne Lisa Corrao hosted NERDS! Stand-up, a 2 hour comedy show starring Lisa, and some of Kansas City’s favorite comics. Plus a Cosplay contest, and an improvised Space Opera: truly something for everyone.
There was a time when comic books were looked down on, and being branded a nerd or a geek was a scarlet letter. But with over 60,000 people attending, this has become an outing for the entire family, and allows everyone to let their geek flag fly.
Planet Comicon will be returning March 21st-23rd in 2025, and will surely be another incredible time. If you go, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, and deodorant.
For more information, and tickets, visit https://planetcomicon.com/
Words and Photos by Josh Chaikin
