By Raymond Tyler
For two days every year in April, the Ocean City Free Public Library sponsors OC Con, a family friendly comic book convention which transforms the Ocean City Music Pier into a Hall of Justice teaming with your favorite superheroes, sci-fi and fantasy characters.
OC Con 2024, which took place this past weekend, (Saturday and Sunday, April 6-7), has become a favorite for families, kids, and long-time comic book collectors as well as science fiction fans.
Collectors had the opportunity to pick up rare comic books like “The Incredible Hulk” issue No. 271, the last second appearance of the popular character, Rocket Racoon. Another rare find that was on display and for sale was “The Amazing Spider-Man” issue No. 129, which features the first appearance of the anti-hero, The Punisher.
While hard-core collectors were seeking to purchase specific comic books of rare value, more casual fans found great deals on books both classic and recently released. Most comic book enthusiasts just wanted to find great stories about Spiderman, Batman and other comic and fantasy favorites while enjoying the company of other fans.
Others came in search of superhero, cartoon, and pop culture toys and memorabilia. The OC Con did not disappoint fans who were there for things other than comic books as there were rows and rows of vendors with great deals on toys from the Star Wars, Marvel and DC universes plus many other vintage toys, games and cards.
In truth, comic cons have been expanding beyond just superheroes for the past 20 years. Yes, there are thousands of comic books, but also represented were all things science fiction, pop culture, fantasy and video gaming.
Another aspect that keeps the OC Con exciting are the visual artists who come to sell original posters, books, and t-shirts. The artists attending also created (for a nominal fee) custom art masterpieces while their patrons waited.
This year 13 acclaimed artists appeared at OC Con. One of the most accomplished artists appearing was Bob Petrecca who has been working as an artist in comics for more than 25 years.
Petrecca’s art has appeared in both Marvel and DC comics. OC Con brought in Petrecca, who shared his DC/Marvel comic book art and created some on-the-spot commissioned art, but was also happy to discuss the business of drawing comics with attendees.
Almost everything at OC Con sparked the imagination, but the costume play or cos-play really was a win for all. Kids (even big kids like me) got to interact with Star Wars Storm Troopers and Bounty Hunters. I believe they came to the con in search of rebel traitors and two suspicious droids.
Admission to the OC Con was free. It also offered plenty of activities with rounds of trivia for fun and prizes, live entertainment and a chance to make a lightsaber.
OC Con had other great activities such a superhero themed fun run, and a chance to see sci-fi vehicles the Bat-Mobile, the GhostBusters ECTO-1 and the DeLorean
from “Back To The Future.”
I believe the real heroes are Karen Mahar, the Ocean City Free Public Library director and her staff. OC Con was great again thanks to the superhero team at the Ocean City Free Public Library. Their work saved the day again.
You can connect with Raymond Tyler via Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram @RaymondTyler2018.
