MOUNT VERNON, NY — If you are a fan of comics, gaming, anime, sci-fi/fantasy, you might want to grab your cosplay costume and head to the MVPL Comic Expo this Sunday.
The Mount Vernon Public Library announced that the 5th Annual MVPL Comic Expo will be held this Sunday, from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Organizers describe it as a “vibrant celebration of pop culture that offers a plethora of attractions, including vendors, artists, entertainers, engaging children’s activities, thrilling gaming tournaments, and much more!”
Cosplayers will interact with attendees and special guest characters will show up at the Kids Comic Clubhouse. In addition, a K-pop dance challenge and other entertainment events are planned.
The Comic Expo’s staff members predict that this year’s event will surpass the previous years’ events.
There will also be an “epic” cosplay costume contest where contestants 13+ can win a $500 grand prize. Children 12 and under can compete to win one of three gift prizes. This year’s contest will be hosted by nationally recognized cosplayer, Tranquil Ashes, with judges Rizuki, New York’s Sixth Ranger, SenpaiNextD00r and Spike Schumacher.
The event is free and open to the public. The library says that the Comic Expo was made possible due to generous funding from NYS Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow.
An Honoree Ceremony is schedule for 2:30 p.m. and will be hosted by Khaleelah Higgins-Brown, owner of the Mz. Hulk 4 Life Comic Book Store in Mount Vernon. This year’s Comic Expo Honorees include:
- Alitha Martinez: Eisner Award-winning All-Star comic illustrator and graphic novel artist for Marvel and DC Comics
- Will Torres: nationally celebrated comic book writer, artist and publisher of Mr. Venture and Killborg comics series
- Dawn Cancellieri: President of the Friends of the Mount Vernon Public Library
- Robert Williams: owner of Squiggy’s Dugout, a comic book and gaming institution in Westchester for 35 years
- Lisa Garland: community activist, youth advocate, CEO of nonprofit EVERYONE MATTERZ
- Boyd Hutchinson: CEO of Black Maverick Comics, writer and illustrator of D’Voyant comic book series
More information about Comic Expo can be found on their Facebook page, or by contacting Cathy Webb at 914-668-1840 ext. 236 or via email.