By Amy Ng

Are you planning on going to the New York Comic Con this October, but just can’t wait to get your fix of cosplay, panels and screenings? For the first time in Newark history, costumed super heroes and villains will occupy downtown to welcome Newark Comic Con to NJPAC, Robert Treat Hotel, and Military Park just two weekends into the semester.

Save the date this September 12 from 9AM to 8PM to enjoy vendors of comic books, video games, apparel, collectibles, and even a maid café! The event will also include an artist alley, a unique opportunity to engage with and support your favorite artists. There will be a Cosplay Contest with a grand prize of $2000, and of course, celebrities will be in attendance for autograph/photo sessions. These special guests include Michael Jai White, the first African American to portray a major comic book superhero in a major motion picture, Jeffrey Parazzo and Kevin Duhaney from Power Rangers: Dino Thunder, and Jeryl Prescott of the Walking Dead among many others.

The weekend’s events are being organized by Newark resident, Mark D. Boulding, who hopes to create a non-typical event for Newark, something that would attract people to come to the area from afar.

To take part in the leading pop culture event of New Jersey’s largest city, purchase your ticket through Newark Comic Con’s website http://newarkcomiccon.ticketleap.com and help spread awareness for an otherwise underexposed Newark about the most thrilling artists and figures in gaming and film.