The ninth annual Big Lick Comic Con has returned to the Berglund Center in Roanoke, Virginia, for a two-day celebration of pop culture. Founded by J.D. Sutphin, the event brings together fans for cosplay, gaming, and celebrity interactions.
Filling the void left by San Diego's uncertainty
The landscape of major fan conventions is shifting, with massive industry pillars like San Diego Comic-Con potentially facing delays or hiatuses.. As a result, regional hubs are stepping up to provide the community engagement that enthusiasts crave. the Big Lick Comic Con in Roanoke, Virginia, is a prime example of this trend, acting as a significant East Coast destination for those looking to connect over shared passions.
By hosting the event at the Berglund Center , organizers have created a localized epicenter for fandom. This move reflects a broader movement where fans are increasingly looking toward regional gatherings to find the intimacy and accessibility that massive, often overcrowded, national conventions sometimes lack. for the East Coast community, this event serves as a vital touchstone for comic book and film appreciation.
From Twilight reunions to TMNT nostalgia
The convention has built a reputation for attracting high-profile talent that spans various eras of pop culture. As the report highlights ,recent attendees have enjoyed a Twilight reunion featuring Peter Facinelli and Kellan Lutz, as well as a Q&A with Lenore Zann, the voice of Rogue from X-Men.
The event also leans heavily into nostalgia, having hosted Judith Hoag and Ernie Reyes Jr. to discuss the 1990 live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film. This ability to bridge the gap between different generations of fans—from those who grew up with 90s cult classics to modern franchise followers—is a key driver of the convention's ninth-year success.
New craft studios and tabletop gaming at the Berglund Center
Beyond the traditional autograph sessions, the ninth iteration of Big Lick Comic Con has expanded its interactive offerings. The convention now includes specialized hours for tabletop gaming and a dedicated craft studio designed for custom figurine making.
These activations, along with a competittive cosplay event, signal a shift toward more participatory experiences. According to the report, the agenda is designed to emphasize community building through premieres, educational sessions, and hands-on creativity, moving the event beyond a simple marketplace for memorabilia. This focus on interactivity aims to resonate with both long-time collectors and newcomers to the scene.
Which celebrities will headline this year's ninth iteration?
While the report emphasizes that the convention is bringing in "higher-profile guests" and "major names," it does not explicitly name the specific celebrity lineup for the current year. This leaves fans wondering exactly which stars will be appearing at the Berglund Center for the upcoming autograph sessions and panels.
Additionally, while the report mentions the expansion of the event's scope, it remains unclear how much larger the "expanded array of panels" actually is in terms of sheer volume compared to previous years. For attendees, the excitement remains tied to the specific names that will eventually be confirmed for the schedule.
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