Find a comic convention near you

Your guide to science fiction, horror, comic book and anime conventions

By Gary Brock

Gary Brock photo At the 2015 Cincinnati Comic Expo held last September, a row of stormtroopers “guard” a display promoting the new “Star Wars” film.

They are growing both in popularity and numbers, and their numbers in Ohio could reach an all-time high this year.

We are talking about science fiction, horror, comic book and anime conventions, collectively known as “fan expos” and “cons.”

Thousands of Ohioans who are devoted fans of these conventions used to have to travel hundreds or even thousands of miles to attend a gathering of like-minded followers. But not anymore.

Now the conventions are coming to the fans.

Already this year, the Wizard World Comic Con in Cleveland was held in February. In March, the HorrorHound Weekend was held in Cincinnati. Early in April, the Cinema Wasteland movie festival was held in Strongsville, near Cleveland.

But not to worry. If you missed these conventions, there are plenty more in Ohio and neighboring states all spring and summer. Also, if you enjoy “dressing up” as your favorite action heroes or heroines, conventions will love to see you, and there are often costume contests with cash prizes.

UPCOMING CONVENTIONS

April 29-May 1

Animatic Con. Eastgate Holiday Inn and Suites, 4501 Eastgate Blvd., Cincinnati, OH 45245. Visit animaticcon.com.

June 5

Lake Effect Comic Book Convention. Holiday Inn, 7850 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. Visit comicsandfriends.org/lakeeffectcomiccon.

June 10-12

Midwest Haunters Convention. Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215. Haunted house-related seminars, trade show, haunted house tours, costume ball, contests and 100-plus vendors. Visit midwesthauntersconvention.com.

June 24-26

Days of the Dead horror convention. Wyndham Indianapolis-West, 2544 Executive Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46241. Visit daysofthedead.net/indianapolis.

July 29-31

FanDom Fest. Kentucky Fair and Expo Center, 937 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY 40209. Visit fandomfest.com.

Wizard World Comic Con. Greater Columbus Convention Center, 500 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215. Visit wizardworld.com.

Aug. 14

NEO Comic Con. Holiday Inn, 15271 Royalton Road, Strongsville, OH 44136. Visit neocomiccon.com.

Sept. 2-4

Days of the Dead horror convention. Crown Plaza Louisville Airport, 830 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY 40209. Visit daysofthedead.net/louisville.

Sept. 23-25

Cincinnati Comic Expo. Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. Visit cincinnaticomicexpo.com.

Sept. 30-Oct.2

Scarefest horror and paranormal convention. Lexington Convention Center, 430 W. Vine St., Lexington KY 40507.

TO BE ANNOUNCED

Horrorhound Weekend. Indianapolis.

Salt Magazine

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