The Garden State Comic Fest Returns to Morristown

The humble New Jersey arena was transformed into a vibrant haven for comic book and pop culture enthusiasts (one of whom arrived in their very own Ghostbusters “Ectomobile”). There, fans and creatives came together to buy and sell their merchandise or meet renowned celebrities in the industry.

This festival was a veritable fandom library as dozens of tables sold thousands of classic and priceless comics to diehard readers and collectors. Many other vendors came to sell diverse, homemade artworks that pay tribute to classic comic books and countless other pop culture icons.

The GSCF also featured renowned comic book writers and artists who continue to be the unsung heroes in the world of superpowered crimefighters. The event featured creators like New Jersey colorist Bob Sharen (X-Men, The Amazing Spider-Man), writer/artist Bob Wiacek (Star Wars, The Uncanny X-Men), Darryl Banks (co-creator of Kyle Rayner from Green Lantern), and young artist Ava Schrager (Tragedy), amongst many others.

Likewise, the comic festival invited beloved actors to headline the event, signing autographs and taking pictures with their many fans. Amongst these Hollywood names was acclaimed voice actor Billy West. Along with his leading roles in Space Jam and The Ren & Stimpy Show, West is best known for portraying various wacky characters on The Simpsons creator Matt Groening’s classic animated series, Futurama, such as Philip J. Fry, Prof. Farnsworth, Dr. Zoidberg, and Zapp Brannigan.

Though the convention planned to have big screen legend Tony Todd attend on Sunday, the beloved actor had to cancel his appearance. Todd is most famous for his portrayal as the titular hook-handed killer in the Candyman horror franchise, as well as his roles in 1990’s Night of the Living Dead, the Final Destination films, the Star Trek franchise, The CW’s The Flash, and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.

Other visiting actors included Cathy Moriarty (Raging Bull, Law & Order), Alexis Knapp (Pitch Perfect, Project X), Kristin Minter (Home Alone), John Capodice (Seinfeld, Independence Day), and Lisa Raggio (G.I. Joe). The event even featured the likes of original Blue Öyster Cult drummer Albert Bouchard and screenwriter David Seltzer (1976’s The Omen, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory).

In addition, the festival held a panel that put donated art pieces up for auction. The proceeds went to support Eleventh Hour Rescue, an organization that saves and cares for animals on death row. The earnings also went to Inkwell Awards, a nonprofit that promotes and educates aspiring comic book artists.

Another panel celebrated the life and work of the late great comic book writer/artist George Pérez. Pérez became famous for helming DC Comics’ 1987 relaunch of Wonder Woman and for penciling acclaimed crossover stories like Crisis on Infinite Earths and Marvel’s Infinity Gauntlet (the main inspiration for the 2018 mega-blockbuster Avengers: Infinity War).

The GSCF didn’t just highlight classic writers. Many new, independent creators set up stands to sell their stories to future fans. Such up-and-coming writers included H.H. German, author of Sigma Comics’ mature superhero series Here Comes Calico, highlighting the exploits of a grizzled vigilante similar to Black Panther and the Punisher. German donated his profits to the animal protection group American Humane, showing how even lesser-known creatives make a difference with their work.

The convention’s other panels included a brief 101-course in cosplay hosted by Instagram celebrity “Cosplay Katie.” There was even a panel centered around “Do You Pooh?”, a team that, for some reason, has designed variant comic book covers depicting Winnie the Pooh as various other characters for the past ten years.

The festival wrapped on Sunday with a unique panel titled “Ancient Ones: Monsters From the Near East.” This event discussed how monsters were viewed in areas around the Mediterranean Sea and how they influenced modern culture.

As a whole, the GSCF was an exciting way to beat the heat and celebrate pop culture with like-minded fans. Though comic book admirers may have to wait another year before the next festival, the GSCF will likely host another interim Winter Fest in Sussex County this January.