New Mexico Comic Expo underway in Albuquerque
Event organizers expect 15,000 people, 60 celebrities and 200 vendors and artists
Event organizers expect 15,000 people, 60 celebrities and 200 vendors and artists
Event organizers expect 15,000 people, 60 celebrities and 200 vendors and artists
You may see some very interesting costumes around downtown this weekend for the New Mexico Comic Expo.
It’s shaping up to be one of the biggest weekend events of the summer.
That includes more than 60 celebrities and close to 200 vendors and artists.
“This is actually different than anything we've done before,” New Mexico Comic Expo spokesperson Teresa Ewers said.
The goal of the first annual event is: Go big!
“We think it’s time New Mexico had a real comic convention that had big, A-list celebrities that you're seeing in all these other cities,” Ewers said.
One thing that's always popular at these events – cosplay – people dressing up as their favorite superhero or villain.
“I'm just excited to see something of this magnitude finally come to Albuquerque,” event attendee Chris Molony said.
It's also a big economic boost for the Duke City.
“We were even coming in, seeing the traffic, it's just a really great thing to see, and bringing in business too, to the city is really important,” event attendee Lauren Barreca said.
It's also a chance for local talent, like Albuquerque artist Andrew Sanchez, to shine.
“This isn't just for nerds, or kids who live in basements with their mom and stuff like that. It's a real big part of a culture, that's not only from movies, but picking up a book and reading it. It's amazing to be here,” Sanchez said.
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said with all the movies and television series being filmed in New Mexico now, it's the perfect time for an event like this.
“Whether it's the filming of 'Avengers' or it’s our local comic book writers who are doing very good nationally, this is actually part of our growing creative economy,” Keller said.
Keller, who has acknowledged he resembles actor Aaron Eckhart, did his best "Harvey Dent" impression.
“It's my best Halloween costume, so when I'm clean shaven it works pretty good,” Keller said.
Keller also declared Friday as New Mexico Comic Expo Day.
That celebrity list of attendees is actually pretty impressive.
Jason Momoa and Elijah Wood are just a few of the who’s-who.
The expo continues Saturday and Sunday at the convention center.
If you haven't purchased tickets yet, don't worry, you can purchase them online or at the gate.