The Huntington Comic and Toy Convention returns on Saturday and Sunday (Aug 12-13) in Huntington, West Virginia. The annual event, now in its third year, will be held at the Mountain Health Arena in Huntington, but will spread across several blocks including Pullman Square. This year will feature more of the celebrity guests, pop culture personalities, creators, vendors, and Cosplayers patrons have come to expect. Catrina Hencye of HCTC said that the event truly has something for everyone of all ages.
“It’s going to be a great mix again this year,” Hencye said. “We have John Barrowman, Corey Taylor, and Tom Kenny to just name a few of the big names we have this year.” The event will also feature major names in the creative world as well, with the legendary Jim Shooter and Kyle Starks being on hand to speak with fans and sign their favorite artworks. Tickets are on sale now through the HCTC website, and currently, some VIP tickets (which give access one hour before the doors officially open, a “swag bag”, and a free HCTC T-Shirt) are available.
Hencye said that photo-ops with favorite celebrity guests are always extremely popular and can be purchased at the convention, but she encourages pre-purchasing whenever possible. “We also have our panels and Q&A schedules online so you can look ahead and be able to plan ahead to maximize your enjoyment and not miss out on anything,” she said. Q&A attendance is at no additional charge, and there are also other “free” things at the convention that patrons can look forward to. Tom Kenny (best known for voicing Spongebob Squarepants) will be having a free concert in Pullman Square with his band High Seas. “That’s going to be a lot of fun.” Hencye said. “He is great and so entertaining.”
“People get nostalgic for their childhood, or any other memorable time in their lives,” Hencye said of the popularity of conventions in general. “That’s the same mentality we opened the Inner Geek with,” she said. “We remind people of what made them happy – and in most cases still does.” Hencye said that is why it is so important to HCTC that everyone, whether they attend to get a favorite comic book signed by the creator or meet celebrities from their favorite television shows and movies, has the best experience possible. “We try to have something that everyone loves,” she said.
“We have the CHiPS reunion this year,” Hencye said, highlighting the power and importance of nostalgia. The popular television show aired from 1977 through 1983, but fans still love meeting the actors and of course watching the show on streaming services. “I’m kind of an old soul,” Hencye laughed. “And I remember watching the show with my dad as he was getting ready for work. But I also think that (the reunion) helps to bridge the gap for people who aren’t really sure what a comic convention is all about. They might think the convention has nothing for them – but a lot of people remember CHiPS.” But, she added, after someone goes to a convention for the first time, they usually realize that there are a lot of things they already love right there waiting for them to enjoy. And, more often than not, they will find brand-new things to enjoy as well.
Fans are welcome to bring items they already own to have signed by their favorite celebrities and creators, Hencye said, and the prices each celebrity charges are dependent upon the celebrity in question, though most of that information is available on HCTC social media sites. There are few restrictions on such items (and of course photos, etc. can be purchased on site), but some celebrities do have their individual restrictions. Corey Taylor, frontman for the Heavy Metal Band Slipknot, does not sign instruments. And, on the subject of signatures, JSA will be at the conventions for fans to have their autographs officially authenticated. An individual fee applies, but certain convention discounts apply.
Hencye said that she is sure you and your entire family will find something to enjoy at the Huntington Comic and Toy Convention. “It’s always a great time,” she said. “You can make memories while seeing your memories come to life.”
Tickets for the Huntington Comic and Toy Convention can be found here.