2nd Annual Permian Basin Comic Con X Attracts Thousands

Sarah Dunn, of Big Lake Texas, is perhaps having the best week ever and has a lot to smile about. A childhood friend she hasn't seen for 12 years, Jennyfer Cook, flew in from Dallas Thursday, and the two made plans to celebrate their reunion by attending the Second Annual Permian Basin Comic Con X event. The three-day Comic Convention will last through this afternoon at the Midland County Horseshoe Arena at 2514 Arena Trail, off I 20, in Midland, Texas.

The event focuses on comics, super heroes, animation, and the like, but there was something for all ages and tastes. Vendors sold t-shirts, books, figurines, art work, props, and various other types of collectibles. Towards one side of the arena sat a wrestling ring, theater stage, and trailer stating a "Mortal Kombat tournament" would take place later in the day.

Many spectators came in costume as their favorite characters and random strangers stopped them to pose for photos. Sarah and her friend, Jennyfer, were dressed as Sims characters and turned many a head with recognition. It was almost as if the clock had gone back in time for these two and they were children once more. Not only did they get to pose for photos with famous celebrities Kel Mitchell (Comedian, Game Shakers, Kenan and Kel, etc.) and Kevin Nash (Pro Wrestler, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II, Magic Mike, etc), but, the night before, they had also attended the VIP Party. Last that night, they joined in the "after party."

Cosplay, balloon animals, professional photographers, food and drink booths, and an enormous projection screen were just some of the sights and offerings at the event. Kathleen Rowe, of Desert Queen Jewelry, had an elaborate display of custom-made jewelry and stones for sale. She said it also allowed her to educate some of the younger clientele, as one child had quizzed her on a particular geode and returned the next day saying he was going to do a class project with what he had learned.

Johnny Segura, an artist and writer, said he "self publishes all of his stuff." He said, "There are websites that, as long as you do the art and format it, they'll print it for you." He added that he knows he won't make a living off of it, but he just likes getting his stories out there. Segura noted he is always willing to help others save the steps he had to go through because it took a lot of trial and error to get where he's at today.

Eroll See said he has been to a lot of shows all over the U.S., but this is his first time in Midland. He started drawing in pencil, and his art work has turned into a collaborative effort with several friends. He stressed there are copyright rules, but artists are allowed to draw their own versions of the image. Although he has no formal training, he does at least two shows per month. He added the best part of his journey has been meeting a lot of people, networking, traveling, and seeing the joy his art brings to individuals.

Billy Pon, aka "Bloody Bill", is a director who specializes in horror movies and haunted houses. His resume includes radio, internet, commercial, film, and television, and he spent time Saturday signing posters for his most recent project, "Circus of the Dead."  He and his associate, Rusty Edwards, aka "Mr. Blister," laughed and joked with fans as a way of giving thanks for their loyalty.

Marcus Zertuche, another attendee, said this is the second time he has been to this event in his hometown. He had just left the table of Walter Jones where they posed for a photo, chatted, exchanged various handshakes, and Zertuche received a personalized autograph. With an ear to ear smile, Zertuche said he grew up watching the Power Rangers and played all the games. He added it was surreal that someone he thought he would never meet would come to his town, and it was amazing that they would make the time to greet their fans.

Tim Miller, of Odessa, has been writing since he was a kid, but he's been publishing since about 2010-2011. His style varies from graphic horror to the paranormal and beyond. His inspiration comes from watching true crime documentaries and a vivid imagination, and his books are available in e-book format online, hard cover, and audio. 

"When it comes to extreme horror, everyone has different thresholds so my fan base varies greatly," Miller said.

He added that fans have contacted him online willing to pay to be a character in his book to where he chooses their fates. He has also been approached by several directors interested in working with him regarding translating his ideas to the big screen. Miller said he looks forward to what his literary future has in store.

Mclain McGuire is the Editor-in-chief and Owner of CCP Comics in Austin, Texas.  He said his is a company that produces comics for the "Indie Comics" section of the world and houses over 36 artists, writers, and creators. 

"We basically help them with the right tools, knowledge and experience to publish their comic books and get their work out there," said McGuire. 

Eight years ago, he said he worked for a comic book store, and several customers would come in asking how to go about creating their own comic books. Artists were looking for writers and writers were looking for illustrators so he and the owner decided to put together a small writers group.

"This is my first time to this particular event and the positive response here is incredible,"McGuire stated.

Over the years, McGuire said he has been to many Comic Con events and has fans as young as 7, and, nowadays, he is grateful to work alongside the very creators he was actually a fan of as a child.

Dale Carroll, of Austin Texas, is an artist who has been drawing since he was a kid. He said he started with pencil, but now uses a lot of pastel inks, colored pencils, and has recently started with acrylics, but the medium of charcoal is his preference. He likes the horror genre and drawing scary stuff.

"That's my thing," Carroll noted.  

His favorite work of art to draw is the Bride of Frankenstein, and Carroll said he has had a lot of requests to draw Frankenstein and his Bride together. He added several people have also asked him to draw the Bride of Chucky as well, but, for now, he just had a drawing of Chucky on display.  Surprisingly, he said it was requested by a 6-year-old. To view more of his works, readers can check out his Facebook page at Dale Carroll Art. He encouraged the public to give him ideas of what to draw, as that is what fuels him.

Chris and Casey Slatosch of Odessa have always been fans of Comic Con and saw their area had nothing like this and wanted to bring it to their community. They are hoping to accommodate 10,000 people or more over the weekend. Casey added they are already in the process of planning the next one, which will be in Lubbock sometime in August. 

"We are really wanting to get more Anime, but this is only our second year; we hope the event will continue for years to come. We have people working on our social media all the time and encourage anyone with an interest to feel free to contact us," said Casey.

As the day progressed, each of these artists, writers, celebrities and vendors sat in their allotted booth spaces, meeting, greeting, chatting and posing for the magnitudes of adoring fans. The evening continued with a costume contest, improvisational plays, wrestling matches, and much more. From infant to mature adult, there was something for everyone at this event. FMI go to http://www.pbcomicconx.com/, and check them out on Facebook at Permian Basin Comic Con X.