Caped crusaders, cosplayers, and celebrities ready to celebrate Big Lick Comic-Con’s return to Roanoke

ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — Pop culture fans, unite! From superheroes to supervillains, the Berglund Center will have something for everyone to enjoy at the Big Lick Comic-Con this weekend!

Back in 2017, JD Sutphin — the founder of Big Lick Entertainment — couldn’t imagine that Big Lick Comic-Con would grow to such epic proportions. Even a pandemic couldn’t keep comic lovers away when the convention took place in October 2020!

The event was canceled back in February due to coronavirus restrictions. Now, here we are in August as organizers prepare the Berglund Center for a weekend full of caped crusaders, cosplayers, and celebrity guests.

“It’s unbelievable, you know, just to be able to come back and celebrate with folks,” said Sutphin.

This year, Big Lick Comic-Con will have more vendors and special guests on Saturday, Aug. 7 and Sunday, Aug. 8.

“We have Emily Swallow that was in ‘Supernatural’ for several seasons, as well as ‘The Mandalorian;’ Johnny Young Bosch from ‘Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers,” said Sutphin. “We’ve got voice actors from ‘Yu-Gi-Oh’ and ‘Pokémon.'”

Anyone who’s looking to unlock their imagination and explore will be able to have fun at the convention.

Brian Roberts, comic con-goer: ” It’s like a nerdy flea market, you know, any fan of comic books, movies, games,” said Brian Roberts, a comic-con-goer. “I think it’s expanded beyond comic books to pop culture itself.”

Roberts has been coming to the Big Lick Comic-Con since the beginning and shared with WFXR News one of the reasons he keeps coming back.

“It’s nice to be around a group of people where you don’t have to worry about the ostracization. You can just be yourself,” Roberts explained. “You can be around people who accept you for who you are, enjoy the same things you do.”

When it comes to face coverings, organizers are not requiring guests to wear masks, but say that everyone working the event will be taking precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. There will also be touchless options and hand sanitizing stations throughout the event.

Tickets are $16 for one day or $25 for the two-day festival. If you want to buy tickets or purchase a photo op with some of the special guests — such as Swallow and Bosch — follow this link.