Transcendent Attendance Helps 'Wildcat Comic Con' Avoid Sophomore Jinx

Published 09.29.2013

News
Events
The Gallery at Penn College

Pennsylvania College of Technology's second Wildcat Comic Con, one day shorter and nearly twice as popular as its 2012 predecessor, brought close to 1,000 people to main campus Saturday for its trademark blend of fun and education – all centered around graphic novels, comic books, animation and gaming. The daylong event (named for the college mascot) offered a range of presentations, children’s activities, small-group interaction with all-stars from the field, a costumed-play contest and parade, autograph sessions, vendors and musical entertainment.


– Photos by Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday;
Marc T. Kaylor, student photographer; and Philip C. Warner, web designer


Keynote speaker Michael Bitz officially opens the Wildcat Comic Con (joined by the beloved mascot for whom the event is named).

Keynote speaker Michael Bitz officially opens the Wildcat Comic Con (joined by the beloved mascot for whom the event is named).

Tim Russ, a member of the “Star Trek Voyager” cast – just one of the credits on an impressive multimedia resume – answers audience questions in the Klump Academic Center Auditorium.

Tim Russ, a member of the “Star Trek Voyager” cast – just one of the credits on an impressive multimedia resume – answers audience questions in the Klump Academic Center Auditorium.

A climbing wall proves no match for Spider-Man, among the Heroes 4 Higher sponsored by the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

A climbing wall proves no match for Spider-Man, among the Heroes 4 Higher sponsored by the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

Professional costumer Tonya Adolfson shows how to achieve stunning results that belie budgetary constraint.

Professional costumer Tonya Adolfson shows how to achieve stunning results that belie budgetary constraint.

Creativity flows between the Bush Campus Center and the Field House, as participants show off their talents in the cosplay parade.

Creativity flows between the Bush Campus Center and the Field House, as participants show off their talents in the cosplay parade.

Comic Con attendees, vendors and artists fill the Field House floor.

Comic Con attendees, vendors and artists fill the Field House floor.

Five-year-old Ronin Parker took first place in the children's cosplay contest, portraying the Eleventh Doctor from

Five-year-old Ronin Parker took first place in the children's cosplay contest, portraying the Eleventh Doctor from "Doctor Who" ...

... while his mother, Danielle, dressed as a Dalek from the same series, placed third in the adult competition.

... while his mother, Danielle, dressed as a Dalek from the same series, placed third in the adult competition.

Jerry Craft, among the presenters to return from last year, engages his Penn's Inn audience.

Jerry Craft, among the presenters to return from last year, engages his Penn's Inn audience.

Young heroes take a break from saving the world, drawn by a speaker's power to fascinate.

Young heroes take a break from saving the world, drawn by a speaker's power to fascinate.

The Penn College Wildcat gives an impromptu dance lesson to a young attendee.

The Penn College Wildcat gives an impromptu dance lesson to a young attendee.

A

A "Make a Cape" workshop proves a standing-room-only attraction in the Parkes Automotive Technology Center.

The top prize in the adult cosplay competition went to Deadpool, embodied by Joseph A. Rudy IV.

The top prize in the adult cosplay competition went to Deadpool, embodied by Joseph A. Rudy IV.

Erica Schroeder discusses

Erica Schroeder discusses "The Yin and Yang of Voice Acting," joined by a pictorial roundup of numerous studio successes.

A colorfully coiffed cosplayer enjoys a presentation in the Campus Center.

A colorfully coiffed cosplayer enjoys a presentation in the Campus Center.

As animated as his topic, Michael Bitz shares the valuable links among comics, literacy and creative thought ...

As animated as his topic, Michael Bitz shares the valuable links among comics, literacy and creative thought ...

... and in a way that piqued interest and prompted questions from some of the youngest participants.

... and in a way that piqued interest and prompted questions from some of the youngest participants.

Penn College physics instructor Joseph E. LeBlanc, who formerly lived in Japan, demystifies the background sounds in manga.

Penn College physics instructor Joseph E. LeBlanc, who formerly lived in Japan, demystifies the background sounds in manga.

The instantly recognizable

The instantly recognizable "bat cowl" was everywhere Saturday, including this classroom presentation on voice acting.

A display of comics lays the groundwork for presenter David S. Sims ...

A display of comics lays the groundwork for presenter David S. Sims ...

... an associate professor of English-composition, who worked graphic novels into his Penn College syllabi decades before the Wildcat Comic Con.

... an associate professor of English-composition, who worked graphic novels into his Penn College syllabi decades before the Wildcat Comic Con.

Tim Russ talks with Jean M. Bremigen, Madigan Library's operations/public services manager, who arranged for presenters' travel to Williamsport.

Tim Russ talks with Jean M. Bremigen, Madigan Library's operations/public services manager, who arranged for presenters' travel to Williamsport.

"Star Wars" Storm Troopers from Garrison Carida of the 501st Legion take a breather during opening ceremonies ...

... then visit with the Lady Wildcats a short time later on a soccer field not so far, far away.

... then visit with the Lady Wildcats a short time later on a soccer field not so far, far away.

Williamsport Area High School teacher John Weaver (who, with his co-presenter John Shableski, helped bring about the first Wildcat Comic Con in 2012) discusses his longtime advocacy of graphic novels in education.

Williamsport Area High School teacher John Weaver (who, with his co-presenter John Shableski, helped bring about the first Wildcat Comic Con in 2012) discusses his longtime advocacy of graphic novels in education.

"Con" attendees make sure they're in the running for an R2D2 cooler and soft drinks, courtesy of Pepsi Beverages Co.

A young fan connects with Tim Russ in the auditorium.

A young fan connects with Tim Russ in the auditorium.

Fans of the

Fans of the "Homestuck" webcomic dress the part (and oblige a photographer).

Quizmaster Jon Mackey tailors his trivia menu for the Comic Con crowd ...

Quizmaster Jon Mackey tailors his trivia menu for the Comic Con crowd ...

... serving up several rounds of Quizzo teasers that required superhuman feats of deduction.

... serving up several rounds of Quizzo teasers that required superhuman feats of deduction.

Also back for another year is Jamar Nicholas, sharing his knack for populating the comic-book universe with memorable characters.

Also back for another year is Jamar Nicholas, sharing his knack for populating the comic-book universe with memorable characters.

Presenter Joseph E. LeBlanc stops by keynoter Michael Bitz's Comic Book Project booth in the Field House.

Presenter Joseph E. LeBlanc stops by keynoter Michael Bitz's Comic Book Project booth in the Field House.

Batman (from Heroes 4 Higher) shares a moment with general studies major/Wildcat Comic Con volunteer Arianny D. Vizcaino, of Williamsport.

Batman (from Heroes 4 Higher) shares a moment with general studies major/Wildcat Comic Con volunteer Arianny D. Vizcaino, of Williamsport.

The college's intimate classrooms allow fans enviable access to Mark McKenna, a returning speaker whose quarter-century experience includes Marvel and DC comics.

The college's intimate classrooms allow fans enviable access to Mark McKenna, a returning speaker whose quarter-century experience includes Marvel and DC comics.

Caricaturist John Sprague draws a member of the USS Susquehannock Starfleet Chapter in a popular Artist Alley attraction.

Caricaturist John Sprague draws a member of the USS Susquehannock Starfleet Chapter in a popular Artist Alley attraction.

Fans check out the Mustang superwheels that accompanied Heroes 4 Higher.

Fans check out the Mustang superwheels that accompanied Heroes 4 Higher.

2012 presenter Alex Simmons returns to campus, telling comics fans that they have the right to expect quality and positive messages from their favorite artists.

2012 presenter Alex Simmons returns to campus, telling comics fans that they have the right to expect quality and positive messages from their favorite artists.

Dressed as Mike Wazowski from

Dressed as Mike Wazowski from "Monsters Inc.," a young cape-maker trains her three eyes on the work at hand.

Supervised by Blair E. Smith, the college library's support services assistant, the Wildcat stirs up the raffle entries.

Supervised by Blair E. Smith, the college library's support services assistant, the Wildcat stirs up the raffle entries.

John Gallogly, who has inspired and trained thousands in his many years as a voice actor and producer, shares tips on

John Gallogly, who has inspired and trained thousands in his many years as a voice actor and producer, shares tips on "Getting Paid to Talk" during an early-bird session.

Dressed as the Johnny Depp version of the Mad Hatter from Disney's live-action

Dressed as the Johnny Depp version of the Mad Hatter from Disney's live-action "Alice in Wonderland," a cosplayer is a hit with visiting Loyalsock Township High School students.

Taking home second-prize honors in the competition for adults is Savanah Muska, dressed as Vocaloid Rin Kagamine.

Taking home second-prize honors in the competition for adults is Savanah Muska, dressed as Vocaloid Rin Kagamine.

Joann L. Eichenlaub, library assistant director and Comic Con coordinator, introduces the keynote speaker as emcee for the opening ceremonies in Penn's Inn.

Joann L. Eichenlaub, library assistant director and Comic Con coordinator, introduces the keynote speaker as emcee for the opening ceremonies in Penn's Inn.

Dave Elliott, among last year's favorites, fills a Campus Center classroom with a captivating recap of his years in the industry.

Dave Elliott, among last year's favorites, fills a Campus Center classroom with a captivating recap of his years in the industry.

Wildcat Comic Con co-creator John Shableski expresses gratitude to the college administrators, faculty and employees who help make the event a success.

Wildcat Comic Con co-creator John Shableski expresses gratitude to the college administrators, faculty and employees who help make the event a success.

Spider-Man takes time out in the Field House to show the proper way to sling a clingy web.

Spider-Man takes time out in the Field House to show the proper way to sling a clingy web.

Mike Pawuk outlines a variety of resources to help librarians bring comics to life for their young readers.

Mike Pawuk outlines a variety of resources to help librarians bring comics to life for their young readers.

... including 9-year-old Drake Probst, whose personification of Steve from

... including 9-year-old Drake Probst, whose personification of Steve from "Minecraft" won second prize in the children's category.

Co-presenters Gene Kannenberg Jr. (left) and Robert Berry discuss

Co-presenters Gene Kannenberg Jr. (left) and Robert Berry discuss "Digital Collaborative Scholarship" during an afternoon session.

Nicole S. Staron, Madigan Library operations/public services coordinator, joins John Shableski to announce the cosplay winners ...

Nicole S. Staron, Madigan Library operations/public services coordinator, joins John Shableski to announce the cosplay winners ...

Nancy Basile dishes some delicious dirt from her years of critically watching TV animation for a living.

Nancy Basile dishes some delicious dirt from her years of critically watching TV animation for a living.

Michael Bitz brings the world to Williamsport, expanding his opening remarks to include a Google Hangout with colleagues in Australia and Canada.

Michael Bitz brings the world to Williamsport, expanding his opening remarks to include a Google Hangout with colleagues in Australia and Canada.

Dave Roman (left) and John Green detail the use of their talents to help readers deal with

Dave Roman (left) and John Green detail the use of their talents to help readers deal with "The Angst of Being a Teen."

John Shableski joins Tracey Amey, Madigan Library director, in giving away a

John Shableski joins Tracey Amey, Madigan Library director, in giving away a "Star Wars" beverage cooler ...

... to Breanna Hanley, dressed as Grell Sutcliff from the Kuroshitsuji manga.

... to Breanna Hanley, dressed as Grell Sutcliff from the Kuroshitsuji manga.

Still playfully costumed at the end of a long, long day, a mixed company of cosplayers do battle with faux weaponry while waiting for closing ceremonies.

Still playfully costumed at the end of a long, long day, a mixed company of cosplayers do battle with faux weaponry while waiting for closing ceremonies.

Back for

Back for "Year Two" is Thom Pratt, who was joined by his wife, Kambrea, for "So You Wanna Make a Webcomic?"

April Line outlines some of the tools that have helped her make the leap to self-employment as a witer/editor, including physical well-being; she even got her audience on its feet for a brief exercise session!

April Line outlines some of the tools that have helped her make the leap to self-employment as a witer/editor, including physical well-being; she even got her audience on its feet for a brief exercise session!

"Ghostbusters" Andy Killian (left), of New Columbia, and Colby English, of Milton, dusted off an old Halloween costume, made the necessary repairs and hit the road for Comic Con fun.

Batman offers an empowering message at the start of the cosplay parade, urging everyone in his audience to

Batman offers an empowering message at the start of the cosplay parade, urging everyone in his audience to "Be the Hero."

"To climb or not to climb?" That is the question facing the Wildcat as it ponders a temporary change of habitat.

Sunlight bouncing off the west side of the Campus Center confirms it: There will be no rain on this parade.

Sunlight bouncing off the west side of the Campus Center confirms it: There will be no rain on this parade.

<br />
The cosplay parade makes its way alongside the Carl Building Technologies Center.


The cosplay parade makes its way alongside the Carl Building Technologies Center.

The caped triumverate of two bats and a 'cat leads the march.

The caped triumverate of two bats and a 'cat leads the march.

The Medical Imaging Club was a hit with its

The Medical Imaging Club was a hit with its "Walking Dead Tacos."

Comic-book vendors were just one of the attractions in the

Comic-book vendors were just one of the attractions in the "Hall of Merch" inside the Field House.

... followed by an autograph session in the Academic Center.

... followed by an autograph session in the Academic Center.

A Vulcan emissary meets with a Penn College ambassador (Lr. Cmdr. Tuvok from

A Vulcan emissary meets with a Penn College ambassador (Lr. Cmdr. Tuvok from "Star Trek: Voyager" and Katelyn A. Wertz, a pre-dental hygiene major from Bernville).

<br />
An awesome musician atop an already accomplished career, Tim Russ includes an afternoon performance ...


An awesome musician atop an already accomplished career, Tim Russ includes an afternoon performance ...

Among the student organizations tempting tastebuds is the U.S. Green Building Council, serving burgers cooked behind the Field House.

Among the student organizations tempting tastebuds is the U.S. Green Building Council, serving burgers cooked behind the Field House.