Unleash Your Inner Superhero at the Wilkes Comic Con

Welcome Wilkes Comic Con

Unleash your inner superhero and come to one of the most unique events to hit downtown Wilkesboro -- Wilkes Comic Con.

Comic book conventions have become wildly popular over the years as gathering places for fans of science fiction, role playing games, and of course, traditional comic books. One of the biggest conventions is Comic-Con International, held in San Diego, which attracts thousands of people each year. But others occur at cities all over the United States, allowing a place for fans to meet people within the industry, practice cosplay and network with other people who share their passions. Now we have our own, thanks to the inspiration, passion and hard work of Denis Lachapelle and Wendy Harmon.

For years these two Wilkesboro residents traveled to other places to enjoy the fun of these conventions. “I’d been to conventions in Charlotte, Raleigh, Winston-Salem, and other places around the region, and I found myself thinking, we need to do something locally,” says Wendy Harmon, co-chair of Wilkes Comic Con. “There weren’t any events like this in the foothills, and we wanted to create something for people who are interested in comics, gaming, and collectibles that was local and accessible.”

Denis had been holding mini-events at the Wilkes County Public Library, and he and Wendy teamed up to host a bigger event with the inaugural Wilkes Comic Con in 2019. After that successful launch, the crew is looking forward to an even bigger event this summer. “We weren’t able to do an in-person event in 2020 due to COVID restrictions, but that hasn’t slowed us down any,” Wendy says. “In working with others to plan this year’s event, I can feel that people are really ready to get out, to fellowship with others, and have experiences again.”

More than 500 fans are expected to gather at the Stone Center on Saturday to take part in the convention that includes Artist’s Alley with more than 50 vendors and a full schedule of events. Wendy, an artist herself at Two Tiger Moon Studio, has used her years of networking within the Comic Con base to bring a strong showing of vendors to the Wilkesboro convention. “We’re excited to have a great variety, from comic book vendors to people who create resin cast jewelry and hand carved wooden wants, to a vendor selling the always popular Funko Pops,” Wendy says.

Comic Con attendees can also take part in the different events, including a Magic the Gathering Tournament hosted by Dragon’s Den of Boone. “We’re doing a pre-release of the Forgotten Realm which has a lot of people very excited,” Wendy says. Other events include a panel with Ghost Tours of Wilkesboro, and special guests Karen Whitfield, the Bronze Age Batgirl, and Jody Rushbrook, aka Major Havoc, a professional wrestler in the EWA.

While the activities and vendors are the main draw, the cosplay is one of the most exciting parts of any comic con. “One of the things I look forward to the most is how many people come in costume,” Wendy says. “Seeing the kids come in, the delight on their faces at getting to be their favorite superhero for the day, is just fabulous. And also seeing the time and talent put into the costumes of the adults. It’s just really neat to see this happening in our hometown.”

Wilkes Comic Con runs Saturday, July 17, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Stone Center, and tickets are available online at WilkesComicCon.com.

After the convention, the party keeps going at Dom Bakeries, which is hosting a Drink & Draw from 6:30-9 p.m.

Complete the Wilkes Comic Con experience with a weekend stay in Wilkesboro. Check out all our ameneties and things to do.