Writer Dominic Riggio, of Birmingham, displays the work he does through his business, Mess Bucket Comics, at Motor City Comic Con Oct. 14-16. One of his comics series is based on his time playing junior hockey, and one of the comics features a story based on his experiences with former Detroit Red Wing Darren McCarty.
By: Charity Meier | Novi Note | Published October 26, 2022
NOVI — Comic Con-goers got an extra thrill this year as the Motor City Comic Con brought back its second show, for the first time since 2006, this month.
“You guys got some awesome guests for the fall. That was really cool,” Joel O’Neal, of Taylor, said of the second show.
The fall show brought in some extra special “spooky” elements, such as the Ghostbusters Car, a screening of the original “Hocus Pocus” that featured live commentary and a discussion with three of the original 1993 cast members — Vinessa Shaw (Allison), Omri Katz (Max) and Jason Marsden (Binx) — and a “Doctor Who” reunion that brought together for the first time at a convention cast members Matt Smith (the Eleventh Doctor), Karen Gillan (Amy Pond), Alex Kingston (River Song) and Arthur Darvill (Rory Williams).
“I’m really into Pokémon. It’s not just kids nowadays. It’s everybody. It’s fun. I really like the classics, like Batman and Spider-Man and all that, and I love that they included the horror into it. That really made it funner. So, I definitely enjoyed it, comics and all. It’s definitely something that we’re into,” said first-time attendee Amber Camaj, of Clinton Township, who attended the event dressed as Catwoman with her family. “I love it. Glad we came. I would definitely come again.”
Teresa Lowell, of Ypsilanti, said the show offers something for everybody. She explained that her husband likes to collect G.I. Joe stuff; she said she likes “The Office,” Harley Quinn merchandise and comics; and her kids like Pokémon.
“We always come every year. We love it. It’s something to do with the family. We are comic fans and superhero fans,” said Lowell. “I love (having the fall show). We go to every (comic con) we see.”
Michael Goldman, convention promoter, said the overall attendance for the event was down compared to the spring show, but he believes that it will grow to be just as well-attended. The attendance for Sunday alone, which featured the “Doctor Who” special event, was much greater than any other Sunday though, he said.
“Real nice attendance overall, and I think over the next couple years we’ll continue building up the fall (show),” said Goldman.
Camaj said she thinks the convention should add more characters, but that people and sales were busy, and the prices were decent.
“It was really fun. Everyone’s been really fun here,” said Camaj. “I never get to dress up (in costume) anymore. I’m a mom. So, you know, it’s fun to dress up. Glad we came. I would definitely come again.”