Comics, pop culture and cosplay enthusiasts of all ages flocked to Virginia Peninsula Community’s Historic Triangle Campus on March 7 for the Williamsburg Comicon.
Called a huge success, the family-friendly event was a first for VPCC’s 4601 Opportunity Way campus. The fun ran 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with more than 90 vendors and special guests for attendees to enjoy.
In an overwhelmingly positive response, most vendors reported strong sales and expressed interest in participating again in the future, coordinators noted.
While 1,350 community members registered for the event, 900 signed up online in advance, and 450 registered at the convention. Organizers estimate that attendance topped 2,000, as registration was not required for those under age 18.
The College’s mascot, Gillie the Gator, made an appearance in one of the day’s highlights. He was among the numerous participants in a cosplay contest. The convention also featured appearances by members of the 501st Legion and the Rebel Legion, internationally renowned Star Wars costuming groups known for their accurate portrayals of the storied franchise’s characters. The Ghostbusters franchise was also represented, with its iconic 1967 Ecto-Hearse parked outside, manned by well-costumed members of Ghostbusters Virginia. The group is a non-profit charity organization recognized by Sony’s Ghost Corps.
Encouraged by the huge turnout and glowing reviews, organizers are already exploring bringing the Williamsburg Comicon back next year.
“We appreciate the vendors, special guests, and everyone who turned out to enjoy the convention. Our community truly made this a success. It really exceeded our expectations. We’re excited to start planning and are hoping to make it bigger and better in the future, building on this year’s success,” said Eric Pesola, the College’s interim associate vice president for Advancement, who collaborated with John Millington ofJersey’s Gaming, Cards & Comics and Conquest Publishing on the event.
The event was centered on family fun but also allowed VPCC to provide a glimpse of its programs and services. Faculty and staff representing various areas, including Enrollment Management and Student Success, Workforce Development and more were on site, meeting guests and providing information.
Kerri Duncan, a VPCC Emergency Medical Services instructor, said the EMS lab drew more than 150 visitors, who toured the state-of-the-art space and enjoyed its interactive learning features.
The convention provided excellent exposure, Duncan enthused, saying he encountered parents as well as other adults. Visitors ranged from 5-year-olds to an entrepreneur over age 50, seeking information for his business. In one conversation, he informed three teenagers interested in healthcare careers that EMT certification is available in Virginia at age 16. Thus, teens can explore the field while earning college credits and clinical experience.
“I took the opportunity to use the lab as a recruitment tool,” he said. “Unlike many of the programs on campus, the EMS division relies on recruitment and community engagement for its student base- and even though this was a ‘fun’ event, it afforded us the opportunity to show what we do and how we teach. We even experienced two EMS programs, who specifically came by the event to tour the labs and meet and greet … Awesome bridge building opportunities.”
Organizers agreed, emphasizing the College will provide information about the future of the Williamsburg Comicon at its Historic Triangle Campus as developments unfold. Looking ahead, the event is tentatively scheduled for March 6, 2027.