Every year at TerrifiCon , social media lights up with Connecticut comic book fans who’ve just met their idols. These are superhero moments when those who write and draw mythic characters from comics and movies get to gather with the mere mortals who read and worship their work. Sometimes you notice the creators and their fans becoming Facebook friends or staying in touch.
Often it’s just a brush with greatness, but it’s enough. TerrifiCon has been at Mohegan Sun since 2015 (except for the pandemic times). This year’s convention, at the Mohegan Sun Expo Center in Uncasville Aug.
16-18, brings such big names from the comic book world as Scott Snyder (one of the best Batman writers ever), exceptional X-Men scribe Chris Claremont (who’s done great work for DC, Marvel and Archie comics), Skottie Young (“I Hate Fairyland” and some wonderful adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s “Oz” books), Adam Hughes (known for his lush depictions of Wonder Woman, Catwoman and other superwomen) and true industry giants like Walt Simonson and Howard Chaykin. TerrifiCon also brings movie and TV stars to the party.
Some are there mainly to sign autographs. Some also take part in panel discussions about their most famous movies or shows. This year has everyone from Sylvester McCoy (the seventh Doctor of the “Doctor Who” continuum) to fave “Guardians of the Galaxy” villain Michael Rooker to several generations of “Star Trek” cast members (Walter Koenig, Nana Visitor and Celia Rose Gooding among them) to a “CHiPs” TV reunion of Larry Wilcox and Eric Estrada.
Daphne Zuniga from “Melrose Place” and Mel Brooks’ “Spaceballs,” and C. Thomas Howell from the “Outsiders” movie will be there, as well as revered character actors like Joe Pantoliano from “Risky Business.” Also on board is Matt Ryan, who played the creepy trenchcoated John Constantine in two DC TV series, “Constantine” and “Legends of Tomorrow” and still voices the character in animated features.
There’s even room for wrestlers like Samoa Joe and Sgt. Slaughter. Of course, the convention also features vendors, collectors and lots of folks dressed up as their favorite movie or comic characters.
The three-day TerrifiCon ends with a costume contest on Aug. 18. Categories include Best Comic Book Superhero, Best Anime Character and, for those who like to act out, Best Character Performance.
Comics conventions are often defined by the crowds they attract. The depth and breadth of the special guests at TerrifiCon show how deep the attendees’ interests run and how well they know the names of the unsung writers and artists who have guided some of the best-known superheroes in the universe (multiple universes, actually) on their incredible adventures. One-day passes are $40 on Aug.
16 and Aug. 18 and $45 on Aug. 17, or $20 for children on any day.
A three-day pass is available for $115 or $60 for ages 8 to 13. Kids under 7 are free with a paying adult. Single-day tickets are available at the Mohegan Sun box office or several comics shops throughout the state, including Arisu in Mystic, Boom Tube Comics in Southington, Cave Comics in Newtown, Infinite Heroes in Watertown and Richie’s Comics Cabana in Waterbury.
For more information, including a full schedule of when the guests appear, go to terrificon.com ..
