in downtown Windsor and on the web at: RGComics.com. “Events like ‘Windsor ComiCon’ need to exist,” Cousineau believes. “It provides an opportunity for Rogues to gain exposure while driving new customers to the shop who may be curious one-time buyers or returning clients who set-up ongoing files.” And the 2015 Biz X Award winner for “The Model For Success Hobby Shop” Paper Heroes Comic Book Lounge & Collectibles, is participating as well. “‘Windsor ComiCon’ provides a bigger venue for our community to celebrate the hobby together in one place,” says Scott St. Amour, Owner, Paper Heroes, 2857 Howard Avenue in Windsor. “It also gives me an opportunity to drive new business to my store.” Cartoon Kingdom at 2001 Provincial Road in Windsor also will be a vendor with an amazing selection of products from all kinds of studios, eras, characters and theme brands. Check them out at the event or visit them by logging onto: CartoonKingdom.ca. THE SUPPORT GROUP This year, “Windsor ComiCon” reached out to a variety of new partners, including the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA). Staff and BIA members are currently working to generate events and strategies to drive traffic to local businesses in the city centre. According to DWBIA Executive Director Debi Croucher, “We’re thrilled to partner with the Con and we’re lining up a unique suite of opportunities that supports local business and engages families through super hero takeovers!” To bolster support, “Windsor ComiCon” teamed up with The University of Windsor through The University of Windsor Students’ Alliance (USWA) in collaboration with the Organization of Part-time University Students (OPUS).
From the shire to Caesars Windsor, one hobbit is making the journey. From the movie “The Lord of the Rings” you can meet Sean Astin (Samwise Gamgee) at the “Windsor ComiCon!” Astin is pictured here with (left) Elijah Wood (Frodo Baggins). Photo courtesy of “Windsor ComiCon”
On Wednesday, October 5, the University hosted “Windsor ComiCon U” inside the CAW Student Centre Atrium from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. exclusively for students, faculty and staff. “We host a large number of international students who have never experienced an event like this and this gives them a prime opportunity to learn the culture of comics and its popularity in a fun, interactive way,” says Sandra Riccio-Muglia, Director of Student Events and Programs for the CAW Student Centre. “It’s important to work alongside community partners to support wonderful events like this that are hosted within the city of Windsor.” Menzie adds, “It will also give us a platform to attract students to the show later that month, which will in turn help support local business in the downtown core.” STAR POWER & COMICONS — A DYNAMIC COMBINATION So why are your favourite movie and TV stars attending? “Comics represent a large culture of followers, which often spill into the realm of Sci-Fi and Gaming. Many characters are often portrayed through TV shows and movies, which eventually transition into video games, traditional board games and
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finally books and graphic novels like ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ or ‘The Lord of the Rings’,” says Jeremy Renaud, Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator, “Windsor ComiCon”. “In reverse order, comic books have also inspired TV shows, movies and video games such as ‘The Incredible Hulk’.” This year’s program promises to delight fans of all ages, and according to actor Sean Astin (Samwise Gamgee, “The Lord of the Rings”) — “I am thrilled to come to ‘Windsor ComiCon’. I’ve been told there are local Goonies and Hobbits running around. I haven’t heard much about Fighting Irish fans in the City of Roses. It’s all hockey, hockey, hockey.” (Publisher’s Note: Astin starred in the 1993 football film, “Rudy”). GETTIN’ “BIZ”-ZY WITH “WINDSOR COMICON” As an all-ages accessible event, there will be tons of fun for everyone! Celebrity Guests (please also see photos on the cover of this issue) • Sean Astin, “The Lord of the Rings,” “The Goonies” and “Rudy” • Jason Priestley, “Beverly Hills, 90210” • Tia Carrere, “Relic Hunter” and “Wayne’s World”
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