2024 Arctic Comic Con draws sizable turnout

ANCHORAGE — The 2024 Arctic Comic Con two-day event drew a large number of visitors from across the state and beyond at the Dena'ina Center.

Arctic Comic Con is an annual comic book convention that features a variety of booths and activities for visitors to enjoy. This was a chance for attendees to purchase all kinds of items related to comic books, anime, pop culture movies and television shows, video games, tabletop gaming, and more. It was also an opportunity to meet local and visiting artists and industry professionals.

This year's event included several points of interest such as a professional wrestling demonstration, a video game tournament featuring Tekken 8, and a cosplay contest.

One of the most common practices for comic book convention attendees is dressing up as their favorite characters. Some visitors even make up their own characters.

A large number of attendees participated in the cosplay contest with handmade costumes.

Several families attended the Arctic Comic Con event with group themed costumes.

Tadd McCauley brought his family and they were all dressed up at “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle” characters. He said it was their first time attending this event and he was glad they got to do it.

“I got them to dress up with me so it makes it more fun," Tadd said. We enjoyed it. The kids are loving it

Tadd’s wife Sarah McCauley said that she was very impressed with all the different costumes people showed up in. She said it was evident that most of them put a lot of effort into their cosplay.

“People are so passionate about it. They do such a great job,” Sarah said.

The Last Frontier Ghostbusters, an Alaskan nonprofit organization that focuses on celebrating everything involving the Ghost Busters franchise, participated in this year's Arctic Comic Con.

Last Frontier Ghostbusters member Edward Mooney said they had a lot of people come by to get pictures. He said they also carry several sizes of Ghostbusters uniforms for anyone wishing to match their attire for their photograph.

“It's a blast," Mooney said.

Last Frontier Ghostbusters founder Bill Prince said that it was great to make so many people happy at the event.

“The joy on their faces, that's what makes it worth it,” Prince said.

The Last Frontier Ghostbusters booth featured numerous homemade props including a proton pack that was signed by Dan Aykroyd. Those getting pictures posed with Last Frontier Ghostbusters members by a custom dog sled fashioned with sci-fi elements akin to the style seen in the movies. Mooney said this offered an Alaskan touch that was appreciated by locals and visitors alike.

“People loved it,” Mooney said.

One of the staples of Arctic Comic Con is its ability to bring in celebrities and industry experts from across the country. Visiting talent ranges from movie stars and voice actors to comic book writers and artists. This year's roster included big names such as Brian O'Halloran from “Clerks,” and Seth Gilliam from “The Wire.” There were Q&A panel discussions with all the special guests.

“There's really a great representation of the various parts of fandom,” Arctic Comic Con co-founder Mike Lajoie said.

Lajoie sold comics from his personal collection at a booth throughout the event. He said that he had a lot of positive interactions with attendees, and he was even able to help people find rare comic books.

“I think it was a great experience all the way around. The vibe was overwhelmingly positive," Lajoie said.

For more information about Arctic Comic Con, visit arcticcomiccon.com.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com