Uticon brings fans together with creators from 'GI Joe,' 'Star Trek': What to know
Bob Elinskas might not wear tights and a cape, but there are some who may consider him a superhero.
Elinskas is the founder, organizer and mastermind behind Uticon, a comic book and pop culture show that has been held for almost two decades and returns Sunday, Oct. 2.
He founded it while he was still in college in the early 1990s, ran it for 10 years and then took a decade off before bringing it back a few years ago at the urging of local fans, comic writers and illustrators.
Elinskas started Uticon as a fundraiser for the American Diabetes Association, in honor of his brother who has diabetes. Uticon would later become a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society when Elinskas took a job with the organization.
Over the years, Uticon has helped raise several thousand dollars for the cancer society.
“I’ve been the one to coordinate the show over the 17 years it has run,” Elinskas said. “The show is a fun way for people to enjoy their hobby or the pop culture that they love while also helping contribute to the fight against cancer.”
“The guests are always generous with their time in attending and helping us raise as much as we can to further the American Cancer Society’s programs of research, education, advocacy and patient services. We’re grateful for everyone who attends — whether they wear a cape or not — for helping us make a difference in this important fight.”
Uticon guests include Larry Hama, Michael Kelleher
Uticon – Utica's oldest and longest-running comic book benefit show – will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 2 at the Jorgensen Athletic Center at Mohawk Valley Community College.
This year’s guests include Larry Hama, a writer, artist, editor and actor, best known as the writer of Marvel’s “GI Joe” and “Wolverine” in the ‘80s and ‘90s; Michael Kelleher, an illustrator, digital colorist and storyboard artist that has worked on numerous books, including “Star Trek,” “Spider-Man,” “Vampirella” and “Sgt. Fury”; and Bob Rozakis, who has worked as DC Comics' “Answer Man” answering trivia questions from readers in the Daily Planet promotional page in many late ‘70s comics.
Besides having the chance to talk with those creators, Elinskas said attendees will meet many new creators working on independent titles, as well as authors who have new science-fiction and fantasy novels.
“They also have a chance to look through and shop thousands of new and old comic books, vintage toys, original artwork, Funko figures, role playing games and much more," he said. "We'll also have a Star Wars costuming group to take photos with.”
A full list of guests and activities can be found at the Uticon website, uticoncomicshow.com.
How volunteers help put Uticon show together
Elinskas said Uticon is an entirely volunteer-run event.
He attends other comic book-related shows in the Northeast and talks with professional guests about attending Uticon. Some guests come back year after year and others tell colleagues about the show, helping news of it spread.
Most of the guests travel to Uticon at their own expense because they love the show and want to support the cause, Elinskas said.
Elinskas started collecting comics when he was in his early teens and said it is terrific to see so many kids discovering the medium.
“I think comic books have become a huge part of pop culture over the last decade, especially with the tremendous success of the various comic book-inspired movies,” Elinskas said. “So many people have grown up reading comics and enjoying these characters, it's a great way for people to share something in common and have fun — even across generations. To have the chance to meet some of the folks who have had a hand in writing or drawing these characters is a real treat, too.”
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Uticon brings fans and comic book creators together: What to know
