Gem State Comic Con Attracts a Throng of Enthusiastic Pop Culture and Comic Lovers

April 18, 2022

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Despite the cold and unrelenting wind, thousands of pop culture and comic fans flocked to Expo Idaho on Saturday, April 9th to attend Gem State Comic Con 2022.

The con brought together fans and 70 creators, 46 exhibitors, 11 organizations and fan groups, and 21 special guests, including Reb Brown, Kyle Pacek, and Cesar Garcia from film and television; anime diva Jackie Lastra; and artists Christie Shinn, Floyd Sumner, Blake Coker, Jorge Pacheco, Mat Heagerty.

Brown was the original Captain America from the 1970’s ‘Captain America’ TV show and went on to star or costar in 22 films and have guest roles on 32 television shows. Television and film lovers know Garcia from his roles as Juvenal in “Fast & Furious” and No-Doze on “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul.”

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Pacek is best known for his role as Cornelius on “Ned to Earth” and his roles on “The Mandelorian.” Lastra is best known for voicing characters such as Melty Q MELROMARC from “The Rising of the Shield Hero,” Conny from “The Promised Neverland,” and Kiyo TERAUCHI from “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.” Shinn is an illustrator and comic artist who among other artistic works is the creator of Demon Bitch. Sumner is a self-trained artist and the imagination behind THE ROCKING DEAD trading cards.

Coker is an Idaho educated illustrator and disability advocates, and both Pacheco and Heagerty are Idaho residents. Pacheco has worked with all major comic book publishers, and Heagerty is a Middle Grade and YA graphic novelist.

Professional entertainers, creators, and artists of all types were everywhere. Their posters popped with color, and their personalities shone bright. Adding to the fun and excitement were a series of wrestling matches that elicited cheers, laughter, and enthusiastic applause.

But the most interesting and fun part about comic cons is arguably not about the special guests. Pop culture conventions are interactive events, stages for attendees to live out their fandom and shine in their own way. This comic con was no exception. In addition to opportunities for fans and stars to meet, panel discussions, and live pro performances, the con organizers hosted lip sync and costume contests and opportunities for local groups to strut their stuff.

Gatherings such as Gem State Comic Con are feasts for the eyes, proof that age is no match for enthusiasm, and a wonderful way to spend a day regardless of the weather.

If you love pop culture and comic cons, you might also be interested in “‘Surviving Supercon,’ Two Films in One: Documentary Film Review.”