Comic Con comes to Sidney by the Sea
Sidney by the Sea might not seem like the kind of town that would host a comic book convention, and that’s one reason Josh Kully decided to launch it.
“That’s part of what makes having it here is so cool, because it’s unexpected that Sidney would have something like this,” said the local comic book artist and co-ordinator of the inaugural Van Isle Comic Con.
Kully’s cool Wolverine display and his comic book The Kid are featured in Sidney Museum’s comic book superheroes exhibition. He credits his mom, Paula, who works for the Town of Sidney, for inspiring him.
“She suggested I help do some displays for them,” said Kully, who took it one step further when opportunity knocked and Mary Winspear Centre got on board as the venue for Sunday’s convention.
“That’s where it all started, in a way. This is a passion project for everyone,” Kully said.
The day-long event has attracted some top local and international talent.
The big draw, if you’ll pardon the pun, is special guest and keynote speaker Chris Williams, the Oscar-winning writer, director and animator best known for his work with Disney Studios.
His credits include working as story artist on Mulan, Lilo and Stitch and The Emperor’s New Groove; story artist on Frozen; director of Bolt and Big Hero 6, and co-director of Moana.
Other notable guests include John Gallagher, the production and concept artist who has worked in the art department on series and features including Once Upon a Time and Night at the Museum 3. Gallagher also worked on the upcoming Power Rangers movie and is involved in both The Flash and Supergirl.
Fans will also get a chance to meet Shane Molina, the Vancouver-based concept artist currently working on fan art including Topps Star Wars sketch cards and content for Paramount’s Transformers, and comic book artist and illustrator Ken Steacy, the Canadian Comic Book Hall of Fame inductee who teaches Comics & Graphic Novels with his wife, author/illustrator Joan Steacy, at Camosun College.
Beyond the exhibits, convention highlights include panels on cosplay and fantasy art, a cosplay contest and show, and signings and photo opportunities.
“I didn’t want to do this unless I knew we had the ability for it to be a success,” Kully said. “Then Winspear came on board and Chris agreed to it, and all the other opportunities aligned.”
Admission to Van Isle Comic Con, which takes place from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sunday, is by donation.
Meanwhile. the long-running Victoria Comic Book Expo will also be underway from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at the Comfort Inn, 3020 Blanshard St.
“It’s more of a place for people to buy and sell and trade comic books,” said organizer Glen Jack, whose comic show will also have graphic novels and trade paperbacks for sale.
There will be thousands of comics on display, featuring characters from the golden era to modern heroes featured in recent Hollywood blockbusters.
“If people are looking for Wonder Woman stuff, they might find some of that,” he said. “If you don’t, you might find something else there that piques your interest.”