Gem City Comic Con preview

Are you in the mood to suit up and fight crime? The annual Gem City Comic Con is returning to the Ervin J. Nutter Center this weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Admission to the event is $10 a day ($8 with student ID) or $15 for the weekend.  Children under 12 are free.  The admission fee grants you access to the event which hosts numerous comic, toy, gaming and memorabilia vendors, as well as costume contests, gaming tournaments (extra fee required for participation), guest meet-and-greets and guest panels on the Nutter Center floor.

The big draw this year is guest Kevin Eastman, co-creator of the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”  He, and all of the other guests, will be signing autographs throughout both days.  They will also hold various panels throughout the two days.  Panels are free, but space is limited. No promises, but sources say there is a possibility that Eastman may be premiering an exclusive trailer for the upcoming Michael Bay-produced “Ninja Turtles” movie during his panels.

In addition to the guests and merchandise, there are two costume contests and several gaming tournaments, including two “Magic: The Gathering” tournaments.  The costume contests are free with the adult contest being held on Saturday and the child contest being held on Sunday.  On both days, registration is at 11am with the contest at being held at 2pm.  Gaming contest info and participation fees as well as a full list of the Con’s guests and contact info can be found from the gemcitycomiccon.com home page.  On the event days, parking at the Nutter Center is free and guests should enter through Gate 9 (McLin Gym) entrance.