by Andy Lyons, Editor-in-Chief
After having some success during its inaugural year last year, Kansas City Comic Con is coming back with comics at the forefront this year.
“This year, we’ve tried to re-focus on the comic book aspect of our show, putting the comic back in comic con,” said Justin Cline, who runs social media for KCCC. “Not only have we offered free table space to Kansas City comic book creators, but we also have more new-to-the-area comic book pros attending this year than any other local convention has had in the last two years combined. Whether you’re a fan of Marvel, DC, or independent books, we’ve got guests for everyone.”
The focus of the inaugural show was focused on the fans, and the organizers have stuck by that motto leading into the second annual KCCC.
“We’ve continued our weekly state of the union addresses every Monday for the last year in the hopes of allowing people behind the curtain and showing our audience our decision-making processes,” Cline said. “A lot of last year’s suggestions for guests have become realities in 2016. For us, the fans have really dictated our direction, and we certainly hope they enjoy the show they helped put together.”
Cline said the organizers took a lot away from the 2015 show, and built on that in 2016. The most important piece of the puzzle in putting together a con of this magnitude is the volunteers who make it happen.
“I think the most important thing we learned from last year’s show was not only our own strengths but the strengths of our volunteer staff,” Cline said. “We have a lot of those same folks returning this year to be staff members as a direct result of their incredible work in 2015. Without them, there may well not have been a second year.”
There are some big changes to this year’s show, and Cline said the main room of Bartle Hall is packed.
“The word is out, and we’ve had a significant number of people who’ve wanted to become involved,” Cline said. “Whether it’s creators, vendors, or cosplayers, the list for all departments is longer, and we’ve tried to get as many people in as possible.
“Along with our live art stage, we’ve also got several acoustic music acts performing, and there will be a big concert after-party on Saturday night at the Midland featuring MC Chris, Tribe One, and Second Hand King.”
There are many parts that set KCCC apart from other cons across the country. Cline said the main thing is the focus on bringing families together and enjoying the show.
“Since its inception, Kansas City Comic Con has been designed as a family adventure,” Cline said. “We want to be a place where everyone from parents and grandparents to the youngest of children will have things to do and see. We’ll have two costume contests, kids and adults, five rooms worth of panels, video games, role-playing games, face painting, cosplay, celebrities, and comic books. We want families to be able to spend either a whole day or an entire weekend with us and have them feel like there was never a shortage of activities.”
While guests are still being announced, Cline dished which he is most looking forward to.
“I feel very fortunate that we have such a good line-up of media guests, John Schneider and Tom Wopat, Nichelle Nichols and Billy Dee Williams, but I probably spend more time working with the creators,” Cline said. “I’m interested to meet Christopher Priest and Jonathan Maberry as well as catch up with a lot of friends from the area. Three days sounds like a lot of time at the outset, but it’s never enough.”
Cline also suggested people have a game plan coming in to KCCC because there are special activities happening almost hourly all three days of the con.
Kansas City Comic Con will take place Aug. 12-14 at Bartle Hall, located at 301 W. 13th Street in Kansas City, MO.
For more information, including a schedule of events, visit www.kansascity-comiccon.com. Follow them on Facebook here.
