Just like in previous years, attendees to Curious ComiCon are encouraged to dress up in their favourite fantasy outfit, like these attendees did in 2017. (Curious Comics)

By Jordan Davidson

free family event

Curious ComicCon giving Nanaimo children’s non-profit a superhero boost

May 7, 2022 | 6:07 AM

NANAIMO — A local charity providing programs and services for children with developmental challenges will be getting a big assist thanks to local comic book enthusiasts.

Curious ComiCon 2022, put on by Curious Comics, returns to the Country Club Centre on Saturday, May 7, after a two-year pandemic-related hiatus.

Mike Drummond, president of Curious ComiCon non-profit society, said they made the event free after seeing raising prices drive out families from other ComiCons.

“We wanted to really have a show that didn’t have anything to do with how much money you made.”

Money raised from donations and silent auction items will all go towards the Nanaimo Child Development Centre.

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“They actually bring in their own debit machine, so when you are paying for the silent auction items it’s actually going directly into their accounts.”

He said they wanted to make sure the charity has a presence at the event.

“Especially when we have around 4,000 people in attendance that’s a really good way to get your eyes on the charity and let people know what the charity is all about. Nobody can describe the charity better than the people who work there.”

Hosted by Curious Comics, about 500 people showed up to their first event in 2016, and around 4,000 people showed up for the 2019 event.

Drummond said he heard from a single mother of five who felt like a “superhero”, being able to give her kids the ComiCon experience without breaking the bank.

“People call us the anti-con because we don’t charge an entry fee, we’re giving away free comics, whatever celebrities we bring sign autographs and photos for free, we never charge for them.”

Past celebrities at Curious ComiCon included Canadian actors Mackenzie Gray from the Marvel show Legion, and Aleks Paunovic from the Marvel series, Hawkeye.

While there are no celebrity guests from the TV or movie world booked for this year, Drummond said two artists will be on hand drawing sketches and displaying their work.

You can also get yourself “Simpsonized” by illustrator James Lloyd, who worked on The Simpsons as well as Futurama.

Attendees are also encouraged to dress up in their favourite fictional character gear, with a green screen being provided for customized photo shoots.

Curious ComiCon is on from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and also coincides with Free Comic Book Day, which happens on the first Saturday in May.

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