How sweet is to be back at Rhode Island Comic-Con!

Well, the title says it all! On Nov. 5 and 6 I had the chance to reunite with the convention community at one of my favorite events—Rhode Island Comic-Con. I checked out the amazing cosplays, met cool creatives and bought some great merch over the weekend. And of course, many interviews were done.

To start, I met up with Author Coral Isabella Aurora to learn about her new book and the messages about bullying and treating others fairly.

Next, the writers from the comic Starside catch me up on a series I got into two years ago and give a few hints about the story's future.

Cosplayer Stevie Oaks shares his dead-on impersonation of Peter Griffin and what it's been like being at a convention for the first time as one of the guests.

On the convention's second day, I chatted with Wayward Raven founder Mark Frankel about the diverse stories they publish, a special request for submissions, and why in their comics, dead is dead.

Bringing this episode to a close is Khepera Cosplay, who shares how it feels to be back after two years and the various villains she's cosplayed as.

Rhode Island Comic-Con, Part 2

In the second installment of our Rhode Island Comic-Con coverage, I speak with cosplayer Zabracus about joining the vast community of convention-goers, some of her more challenging costumes, and being on the East Coast for the first time.

Writer Jenn Dugan and artist Ryan Butt share their comic series “Gnaw” and “Circadia”, stories of rodent apocalypses and love across worlds. We dive deep into the concepts and the work done to bring them to life.

Author Debra Zannelli has some great tales to talk about! Her books, “Dark Night of the Soul” and “Sister World I: The Arrival” offer deep, introspective characters, some amazing alternate histories, and ominous backdrops, and tells us all about them.

Cosplay Dad has been to a number of the conventions in New England, whether it's as Bruce Wayne from Batman Beyond or Mr. Rogers. He tells us about what got him into cosplay, experiences with the RICC, and what he has planned for future costumes.

Rhode Island Comic-Con, Episode 1

In the first episode of Citywide's coverage of Rhode Island Comic-Con, I open the show with Jane Lei, creator of the popular webcomics Pigeon Gazette and Genji Cat. Jane talks about how these comics came to be, where the inspiration comes from, and how she powers through events like the RICC.

Cosplayer Dezcreepcore and I spoke at last fall's Keystone Comic-Con, and this weekend we got to catch up on what she's been up to, new cosplays that she's done, and the work it takes to make it into a career.

Michael Terracciano, the writer behind the Star Power comic series, is another familiar face, whom I spoke to in January. He and I talk about the upcoming volume five of the series, as well as some of the conventions he and artist Garth Graham will be appearing at.

The character of Vortex Man has become something of a staple at conventions in the New England area, with that larger than life green statue and a booth that commands attention. We take a deep dive into the character's history, the series' immense cast, and the goal of encouraging a positive change in people's environmental actions.

It wouldn't be a comic-con without some gaming, and so this episode is closing with Clark Huggins, co-creator of the Reckless Deck card game. In this game, you make the hero—literally. By choosing a combination of characteristics, including weapons, items, and abilities, you craft a unique individual that is brought to life through your story.


 

Rhode Island Comic-Con, Part 3

Our final episode of Citywide's Rhode Island Comic-Con coverage features interviews with authors R.K. Bentley and L.L. Craft. 

R.K. has a new book out, “Where Weavers Daire,” first book in a series. The book blends sci-fi with fantasy elements, and is set 10 years after a devastating war. Three characters, a salvager, technomage and necromancer, find themselves on a course to Stuk's Hollow, where a New Year's celebration is bring something most unexpected.

L.L. has a new book out as well, “Trial By Fire,” which continues the story of Abigail Lefay. Mafia lieutenant Donnie Bellino, assassin Dracul Abati, and cult leader Maxime Ruine all want her head, but she's not the type to run and hide.