Comic Fans Prepare for Super Convention

Fans of comic books, super heroes and sci-fi will gather this weekend for the annual Tampa Bay Comic Con.

The popular convention will return to the Bay area for the 13th year Saturday, April 6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, April 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel, 4500 W. Cypress St., Tampa.

The convention will feature more than 100 vendors selling collectible comics, videos, action figures, toys, anime, video games, Star Wars memorabilia, artwork and trading cards.

In addition, guests will have an opportunity to meet the stars of the hit television show, "The Walking Dead." Actress Lauren Cohan of "The Walking Dead" and "Supernatural" will be on hand Sunday.

Actress Emily Kinney of "The Walking Dead" will be at the convention both Saturday and Sunday as will actor/musician Drake Bell, star of "Drake & Josh" and "Ultimate-Spider-Man."

The stars will sign autographs for $30 each.

Also expected at the convention are comic book artists Rich Buckler ("Fantastic Four" and "New Crusaders"), Clayton Crain ("Carnage," "Ghost Rider" and "X-Force), Jenny Frison ("Angel," "Revival" and "Spike"), Joe Jusko ("Conan," "Vampirella" and "Warlord of Mars"), Bob Layton ("Iron Man," "X-Factor" and "X-O Manowar"), Clay Mann ("Gambit," "Magneto" and "X-Men Legacy"), Luke McDonnell ("Iron Man," "Popeye" and "Suicide Squad") and King Arthur Suydam ("Deadpool," "Marvel Zombies" and "Vampirella").

Special events Saturday include an Artist Throwdown with cash prizes at 10 a.m., Nerd Trivia at noon, a panel with artist Clayton Cray at 1 p.m., Speed Dating at 2 p.m., a panel with Drake Bell at 3 p.m., a panel featuring "Iron Man" artists Bob Layton and Luke McDonnell at 4 p.m. and a super hero or comic book character costume contest with cash prizes at 4 p.m.

The fun continues Sunday with Speed Dating at noon, a Drake Bell panel at 1 p.m., a Rich Buckler panel at 2 p.m., a panel featuring the stars of "The Walking Dead" at 3 p.m., a costume contest at 4 p.m. and an Artist Throwdown at 4 p.m.

Guests also can expect raffles and giveaways at the convention.

Tickets will be available at the door for $15 for one day and $25 for both days. Children 12 and under will be admitted for free.

After the convention Saturday, guests are invited to head over to the Culture and Thrills Collectibles Gallery in Seminole Heights, 5205 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, from 5 to 9 p.m. for an including the June 1938 Action #1 comic book with the first appearance of Superman and the Amazing Fantasy #15 comic book introducing Spider-Man.

The evening also will include complimentary snacks and drinks and a chancet o hang out with comic creators, collectors and fans.

For more details, click here.

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