Whaley Hall to host comic book show
Holy graphic novel, Batman – the Suncoast CGA comic book show is back at Whaley Hall Sept. 13.
Also geared towards gaming and anime enthusiasts, the event is set for the Lee Civic Center from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Among the featured events will be a costume contest, anime, game tournaments, console gaming, and a showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a twist.
Jason Bailey, who has owned the business for nine years with his wife, Lyn Williams, has brought the show to North Fort Myers for the last four years. It was formerly held at Grace Community Center and moved to Whaley Hall this time around.
“People can expect lots of costumes and geeky goodness, as well as vendors, video games, and table-top games,” Bailey said.
Among the featured events will be a shadowcast performance of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, the cult classic that was a staple of late-night drive-ins and cinemas for years, with the show done by The Forbidden Triffids.
“They will dress up like the people in the movie and there will be a great amount of audience participation,” Bailey said. “I don’t know if people will bring things to throw because it’s always a messy clean up.”
There will also be a costume contest where the winner gets free admission to all CGA shows and a chance to join the Chibi Pa contest on Nov. 24 for a $500 prize.
“Anime will be most incorporated into the costume aspect and with the vendors,” Bailey said. “Anime is real big everywhere. It’s amazing how so many like it.”
Of course, there will also be close to 20 vendors of comic books, anime and other collectibles, video games and other things, as well as 15 artist tables.
Bailey said there won’t be many overly pricey comic books, but they will have some Gold and Silver Age merchandise priced at $200 to $300, which should bring the crowd.
“We usually get about 500 people to come. Sometimes we get as many as 800 if there’s a concert,” Bailey said. “We sometimes book bands and have a dance, but it didn’t seem the right time for it.”
The cost is $8, or $6 with can of food, children under 4 are free except if they’re in a stroller. The food donation will go to the Harry Chapin Food Bank.
“It will be a fun day. Consider what you can do for $8, and if you bring a can of food, it’s $6,” Bailey said.