May 6 is when the 2023 Curious ComiCon returns to Nanaimo. It's also Free Comic Book Day, which happens on the first Saturday in May across North America. (Curious ComiCon)

By Jordan Davidson

free family event

Enhanced ComiCon event takes over Nanaimo mall

May 6, 2023 | 5:55 AM

NANAIMO — Following a widely successful event last year following a pandemic hiatus, the Curious ComiCon 2023 is back in Nanaimo for its sixth year.

The all-age, free event is being hosted again by Curious Comics and taking place inside Country Club Centre on Saturday, May 6, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. featuring a host of artists, a cosplay contest, and of course, everything comics.

Mike Drummond, president of Curious ComiCon non-profit society, said they are stepping it up a notch by doubling the size of the event.

“Last year we only kind of did half the mall, but this is the year that we come back with our full shows. We are from one end of the mall to the other end of the mall, all inside, and we’re going to have some stuff outside, hopefully, if the weather holds.”

Money raised from the silent auction, donations, and playing pinball will once again benefit the Nanaimo Child Development Centre (NCDC).

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Drummond said they’ve raised over $25,000 for the NCDC over the last five events.

“I know last year between our Halloween show and our ComiCon last year we raised over $9,000 for the NCDC. We’re hoping to start off this year with a big bang and at least hit around the $5,000 range. We’ve patterned up with the Vancouver Island Pinball League, and they’re putting 8-9 pinball machines into the show.”

The pinball machines only cost a loonie, and each play gets your name entered into a draw for a chance to win some prizes.

Canadian actor Aleks Paunovic surrounded by Mandalorian and Ghostbuster cosplayers at a previous Curious ComiCon. (Curious ComiCon)

Special guests this year include stuntman and Arnold Schwarzenegger body double Peter Kent, as well as artists from the worlds of comics, tv shows and movies.

“Colin Lorimer who was the story boardist for The Last of Us TV show that blew up everywhere. We’re flying John Delaney in from Kelowna, he’s the artist who did Futurama and The Simpsons and a bunch of DC (comics) animated stuff. He’s done pretty much all of it.”

Also featured will be Sonic the Hedgehog comic artist Reggie Graham, and a returning guest Hugh Rookwood, who’s created covers for shows like Rick and Morty and Marvel Comics.

“I’ve got probably another 14 artists that are going to be our artist alley. It’s Free Comic Book Day, so we’re going to be handing out comics at Curious Comics,” Drummond told NanaimoNewsNOW. “We also have the Vancouver Island Pro Wrestling coming. They’ll be there and they can sign autographs…we’re excited to have them for the first time too.”

More information on the event can be found here on their website.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow