Zombies, sci-fi celebs in town this weekend
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Updated: October 28, 2009 5:48 PM
Bill Code is hedging his bets. The promoter of this weekend’s Victoria Comic Convention is hoping more than 10,000 paying customers find a reason to head down to the Victoria Harbour Towers Hotel.
To do that, he’s put together a veritable variety show of attractions while leaning on the tried and true drawing power of comic books.
“Comics are a small part of it,” Code said. “But because comics are such a big thing right now ‘comic’ is a key word for everyone.”
The show kicks off Friday night with a mixer for VIPs and invited celebrities -- a list that includes blasts from the past such as Margot Kidder, who played Lois Lane in the Superman movies, and William Katt, best known for his role as the Greatest American Hero. Contemporary celebs include the likes of Chase Masterson, from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Richard Hatch, who returned to the spotlight in Battlestar Galactica.
“I decided it was smart to try and load the shotgun up with a scatter shot,” Code said. There will also be areas focused on gaming and animation. “I want everyone in Victoria to have a reason to show up.”
The 43-year-old was behind a comics-book convention in Victoria 2001 that he described as “ill-fated.”
“I had delusions of grandeur,” Code said, adding he was in over his head.
This time around, he’s paid a lot more attention to marketing in an effort to build a buzz around town.
It seems to be working. Down on Victoria’s comic book row, staff at Curious Comics say customers are excited.
“It’s definitely high profile,” said Glenn Russell, who works at the store. “This one is pretty big in the scheme of things.”
Next door, Gareth Gaudin of Legends Comics and Books is hoping for the best.
“Everyone is talking about it. We’re selling lots of tickets.” Gaudin said, acknowledging he’s not sure if labelling the weekend’s eclectic mix a comic convention is accurate. “I’m a comic book snob and I just hope people treat it with some respect. I’m pretty optimistic the people putting on the show know what they’re doing.”
Code traces his love of the art form back to his days working at the now legendary Island Fantasy store, formerly located in Market Square. He promises hundreds of thousands of comic books will be for sale at the show. But, as a promoter, he knows it will take more than that for this weekend to turn out better than 2001.
The timing of this year’s convention could also help.
With the opening ceremonies falling on Halloween, Code is hoping people will gravitate to an event known for attracting its share of costumed customers.
People dressed as stormtroopers, Klingon warriors and any number of characters pulled from sci-fi or comic books are expected to attend. There’s also an organized zombie walk that will march from Centennial Square to the hotel on Saturday afternoon.
The Victoria Comic Convention runs from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1 at the Victoria Harbour Towers Hotel.
Advance tickets are $20 for a day pass or $30 for the entire weekend. For more information, go to www.victoriacomicconvention.com.
editor@saanichnews.com
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