If you head to the downtown library today for a Superman comic, it may just be the Man of Steel who grabs it for you.
The second annual Barrie Public Library Comic Con has taken over the Downtown branch and numbers are expected to pass last year’s inaugural event; and that was over 2,000 people. There is something for everyone at the convention and organizer Genevieve Chittendene feels that this is an event that the community had been waiting for.
“It used to be that you had to head to Toronto for these events and you would spend an arm and a leg on gas, parking, food and of course your tickets,” said Chittendene. “Now you just come out to this free event right here in town and enjoy yourself. The geek community in Barrie is huge and being that I put myself in geek culture, it was a no-brainer that I would help run the event.”
Dressed in her TARDIS outfit (from the massively popular sci-fi TV show Doctor Who), Chittendene was greeting kids and families as well as making sure everything was going smoothly. It seemed like a tough job with the many people that were there shortly after the library opened, but the Manager of the Branch and Public Services feels that the hard work is worth it and the end goal is in sight.
“Libraries all over Ontario have been embracing the comic con events because it’s a fantastic way to promote this culture,” said Chittendene. “It’s the perfect venue when you think about it because its free to the public, everyone of all ages, and we have a wide selection of movies, music, comics and graphic novels that tie into the event. We have seen many familiar faces from our last year’s convention that started coming out here more to use our building for family fun and learning.”
Plenty of families were on-hand and dressed up in their cosplay best. Dad Aaron Majovsky and his wife brought out their littles ones Nadia and Emerson for a fun family day and even got all suited up to show off their love of comics.
“This is our first year and we’re already having a blast,” said Majovsky. “We love comic books and have been reading them for a long time; enjoying that super-hero high with the kids. Nadia picked out who she wanted to be and we kind of built around that. It’s a great thing that library is doing and we leave here with some reading materials too, and that’s what you want the kids doing more of.”
While most people were dressed up in their favourite cosplay outfits and sharing selfies with new-found friends, there is also much more to do. There are vendors selling the latest items for a collection, comic books and art all on sale or even for just admiring. The games section was taken over by popular local business OMG Games. OMG focuses on games and sees many of their regulars come out to the event.
“This is our second year coming out and being a part of this great event,” said OMG owner Rick Bates. “We’re an all games location whether its Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons and Dragons or even just board games; all of that is part of the culture and something I love to host. Board games have become hugely popular again and we’ve got many on display here today. Its nice to see the geek culture become so embraced and a place where everyone is accepted.”
Popular Canadian comic book writer J. Torres was amazed at the reception for the event in the city. The DC Comics writer has been crafting books for 15 years and being based out of Whitby, Torres knows very well the popularity of comics in the Greater Toronto Area but was happily surprised at how it’s growing farther north.
“This is fantastic to see,” said Torres. “There are so many people here all dressed up and families laughing and having fun; it makes me very proud of how the genre has grown. Growing up through the eighties and nineties it was still very sub-culture in a way, but I think the success of super-hero movies has made the comics business a popular place. People here are coming up and asking me about my works and checking them out, that’s very gratifying and encouraging.”
Some of Torres’ more popular works include work based off the series Teen Titans Go and his own personal work Bigfoot Boy, about a boy who turns into a sasquatch is geared towards middle aged readers.
One of the highlights for many was seeing Thor walk around the building and outside to drum up more interest. Snow Hawk Cosplay (he also goes by Ed) is on hand today as a featured guest.
“We’re very proud to have a live podcast recording from True North Nerds, a costume competition and even Jedi training,” said Snow Hawk. “Over the last ten years, comic cons have expanded to huge numbers. It is becoming a huge business but at the same time, it really is a passion for those who take the time to get dressed up and head down if for nothing else but to share conversation with others who have the same interest. Its like one big family and we see each other at these conventions.”
The BPL Comic Con runs until 4pm today.
