The Wildcat Comic Con – which uniquely combined academics, art and just plain fun – gave hundreds of people unprecedented access to industry heavyweights during a two-day festival on Pennsylvania College of Technology's main campus. Excitedly received in its first-ever offering, the event featured a variety of presentations on comics and video games, children's activities, creative insight and hands-on instruction from internationally known practitioners, a cosplay (costumed play) contest, book signings and more.
Welcome to Wildcat Comic Con!
Walter Koenig, whose credits include Pavel Chekov on "Star Trek," greets a fan in Madigan Library.
Penn College's Wildcat mascot leads the opening procession, joined by students Crystal J. Broscious (dressed as the Tardis from "Doctor Who") and Joshua Rice (portraying Nathan Drake from the "Uncharted" video-game series).
John Shableski, program developer and publisher liaison for the Wildcat Comic Con, officially opens the two-day event.
College President Davie Jane Gilmour greets attendees to a rare event: a comics convention held at a postsecondary institution.
Keynoter Karen Green, Columbia University’s graphic novel selector and librarian for ancient and medieval history, discusses "Comics and Context."
President Gilmour joins the Wildcat and several "Star Wars" characters, including Obi-Wan Kenobi (in the person of Jeffrey D. Filko, left), assistant director of dining services.
Oscar-winning special effects artist Tom Woodruff, a Loyalsock Township High School graduate, provides insight into "Creating the Ultimate Creature Characters."
Jay Hosler, who combines the art of science and comics, clearly captivates a young fan.
The vampire-hunting "Blade," portrayed by Fred Holt, of Maryland, cuts an imposing figure ... and walked away with first prize in a cosplay contest that unexpectedly attracted more than 50 participants.
Registrants at the Field House with Joann L. Eichenlaub, library circulation services manager, include Frank, the demonic bunny from "Donnie Darko."
Youngsters from the Children's Learning Center warily approach Darth Vader's offer of a "high five."
Williamsport Area High School teacher John Weaver, among the first proponents of a local comics convention, addresses a Klump Academic Center Auditorium audience.
Anthony P. LeVan Jr., among the winners in a poster contest, stands by his design – inspired (and now autographed) by event presenter Tania del Rio.
When worlds collide: Homer and Maggie Simpson pose with Princess Leia
With an inventory that included many of the authors and artists in attendance, Betsy Rider (right foreground) from Williamsport's Otto bookstore set up shop in Madigan Library.
On a campus crowded with characters both iconic and obscure, the Wildcat was enduringly popular.
Ashley M. Dieter, an advertising art student from Walnutport, captured second place in the cosplay competition as Rei Miyamoto from "High School of the Dead."
Far, far away from its intergalactic roots, the Dark Side is forced to rely on more earthbound transport.
David Small signs a copy of "Stitches," a graphic memoir and National Book Award finalist.
The auditorium stage is converted to a mini-museum of Tom Woodruff's big-screen creations, from "Alien" to "X-Men."
Josh Spangenberg, a fifth-grader from Millville, won one of two R2D2 prize packages donated by the Pepsi Bottling Co.
Mark McKenna shares "An Inker's Life" with his Penn's Inn audience.
Members of the Gamers' Guild carry Nerf guns to defend the Wildcat from zombie attack during Friday's costume parade from the Bush Campus Center to the Field House.
In her presentation, "Hem Tape and Glue Guns: The Art of Costuming on a Budget," artist Brianne Tupper turns Natalie Prindle into one of the undead.
Keynote speaker Karen Green cozies up with fellow presenter Alex Simmons for an impromptu photo in the Student and Administrative Services Center.
Two of Penn College's most respected representatives share a smile during Saturday's activities.
Walter Koenig and Juan Baez talk about the imminent publication of "Things to Come," a post-apocalyptic hybrid of horror and science fiction.
Wearing capes fashioned at the Children's Learning Center, youngsters and staff maintain a sidewalk vigil for Comic Con characters.
With their scheduled speaker's flight delayed, other presenters hold a makeshift roundtable on the library's first floor.
Attendees gather around artist Tania del Rio (right) after her workshop, "Creating Your Story in Manga vs. Western-Style Comics."
Alex Simmons, at a book signing in the library
Members of the USS Susquehannock Starfleet Chapter, who later would serve as escort during closing ceremonies, give a hero's welcome to Walter Koenig.
John Gallagher indulges in some cartooning on demand in his "Buzz Boy to the Rescue!" presentation ...
... which inspired even the youngest audience members to create their own superheroes.
Walter Koenig busily signs photos of his beloved "Star Trek" character.
Tracy White, author of "How I Made It to Eighteen," explains creation of comics in digital media.
The cosplay parade, a time for self-expression and a public declaration of individuality
Artists yuumei and Tania del Rio engage the audience during a panel discussion of deviantART's vibrant online community of rising creative talent.
A Make-a-Cape workshop in the Hager Lifelong Education Center
Emmy winner Dean Haspiel talks of the different approaches to storytelling through comics.
Smiles follow the Wildcat wherever he goes.
A "Star-struck" fan wonders if he can believe his eyes.
Also taking home an R2D2 cooler filled with Pepsi products, as well as a "Star Wars" cutout and other swag, was 2010 architectural technology alumna Christina L. Kessler, of Bloomsburg.
After a screening of his short film, "Handball," Walter Koenig takes audience questions in the auditorium.
Jerry Craft exhibits a fluid flair in his presentation, "Create Your Own Comic Book Characters."
Hunter Staron, an "Angry Bird" whose smile makes him anything but, claimed third-place honors among contest entries.
"Star Trek" fans queue up for an autograph from Walter Koenig.
Tom Woodruff talks with a visiting group of students from his Loyalsock alma mater.
Dave Sims – an associate professor of English at Penn College, a Wildcat Comic Con panelist and an early champion of graphic novels in the classroom – takes to the stage with his band for "Zombie Train," a multimedia punk-blues event featured during a Masquerade Ball in the Field House.
Armed for battle, members of the Gamers' Guild prepare to defend their campus from harm.
Robert Berry explains how "Ulysses 'Seen,'" an iPad incarnation of the James Joyce classic, helps readers decipher the deeper meaning inside the novel's impenetrable style.
Everyday superheroes from the Children's Learning Center, reporting for duty.
Students in Penn College's early childhood education major entertain the littlest conventioneers during Wildcat Story Time.
Jerry Craft goes well beyond a signature inside the front cover of a fan's book.
A cosplay contestant, dressed as Link, the courageous protagonist of Nintendo's "Legend of Zelda" games, displays his intricate shield.
Mark McKenna offers a young artist some hands-on assistance during a "Drawing Your Banana Tail" workshop in the Campus Center.
Michael Mendheim signs a poster shortly after his Friday presentation, "Next Generation: The Ins and Outs of the Videogame Industry."
Using supplies from the college's Early Educators Club (and a fair amount of innate artistic talent), Jack Peters crafted a personalized cape at a workshop attended with his parents.
Blair E. Smith, library support services specialist, escorts the Wildcat – a tireless mascot for the college in general and the Comic Con specifically – along his busy convention intinerary.
Jim Zubkavich shares "Funny Things and Horror Stories," an inside look at the comics industry.
Adding blood and multimedia to the brass and woodwinds, the "Zombie Train" rolls on.
The convention's youngest presenter, Williamsport Area High School's Collin Shableski, details the labor-intensive process of "Creating Your 'Halo' Master Chief Rig."
A candid (and costumed) group photo.
Barry Lyga, one of the panelists fora discussion of "Comics Editors: A Critical Element."
Student organizations staffed a varied Campus Center food court.
Amid a colorful cluster of latter-day characters, a familiar face travels the parade route.
The Pennsylvania National Guard, one of the sponsors, had multiple displays on campus.
Representatives of Garrison Carida, 501st Legion, a global community of "Star Wars" fans, present tips on "Dressing for the Dark Side of the Force."
A Hall of Merchants and Artists' Alley attracted shoppers in the SASC.
The National Guard erected a climbing wall outside Madigan Library.
Jason Fink, executive director of the Lycoming County Visitors Bureau (which helped promote the Wildcat Comic Con as a tourist attraction), brought one of his children to the event.
One of the event's busiest presenters, comic book everyman Dave Elliott, takes a breather during a library book-signing.
Members of the Harrisburg-based USS Susquehannock Starfleet Chapter
With a "Thank you" to sponsors, presenters and the Penn College hosts of Wildcat Comic Con, John Shableski begins the closing ceremonies.
— Photos by graphic design student Anthony P. LeVan Jr.; Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday;
student photographer Michael S. Fischer; and Tracey Amey, librarian for access initiatives
Welcome to Wildcat Comic Con!
Walter Koenig, whose credits include Pavel Chekov on "Star Trek," greets a fan in Madigan Library.
Penn College's Wildcat mascot leads the opening procession, joined by students Crystal J. Broscious (dressed as the Tardis from "Doctor Who") and Joshua Rice (portraying Nathan Drake from the "Uncharted" video-game series).
John Shableski, program developer and publisher liaison for the Wildcat Comic Con, officially opens the two-day event.
College President Davie Jane Gilmour greets attendees to a rare event: a comics convention held at a postsecondary institution.
Keynoter Karen Green, Columbia University’s graphic novel selector and librarian for ancient and medieval history, discusses "Comics and Context."
President Gilmour joins the Wildcat and several "Star Wars" characters, including Obi-Wan Kenobi (in the person of Jeffrey D. Filko, left), assistant director of dining services.
Oscar-winning special effects artist Tom Woodruff, a Loyalsock Township High School graduate, provides insight into "Creating the Ultimate Creature Characters."
Jay Hosler, who combines the art of science and comics, clearly captivates a young fan.
The vampire-hunting "Blade," portrayed by Fred Holt, of Maryland, cuts an imposing figure ... and walked away with first prize in a cosplay contest that unexpectedly attracted more than 50 participants.
Registrants at the Field House with Joann L. Eichenlaub, library circulation services manager, include Frank, the demonic bunny from "Donnie Darko."
Youngsters from the Children's Learning Center warily approach Darth Vader's offer of a "high five."
Williamsport Area High School teacher John Weaver, among the first proponents of a local comics convention, addresses a Klump Academic Center Auditorium audience.
Anthony P. LeVan Jr., among the winners in a poster contest, stands by his design – inspired (and now autographed) by event presenter Tania del Rio.
When worlds collide: Homer and Maggie Simpson pose with Princess Leia
With an inventory that included many of the authors and artists in attendance, Betsy Rider (right foreground) from Williamsport's Otto bookstore set up shop in Madigan Library.
On a campus crowded with characters both iconic and obscure, the Wildcat was enduringly popular.
Ashley M. Dieter, an advertising art student from Walnutport, captured second place in the cosplay competition as Rei Miyamoto from "High School of the Dead."
Far, far away from its intergalactic roots, the Dark Side is forced to rely on more earthbound transport.
David Small signs a copy of "Stitches," a graphic memoir and National Book Award finalist.
The auditorium stage is converted to a mini-museum of Tom Woodruff's big-screen creations, from "Alien" to "X-Men."
Josh Spangenberg, a fifth-grader from Millville, won one of two R2D2 prize packages donated by the Pepsi Bottling Co.
Mark McKenna shares "An Inker's Life" with his Penn's Inn audience.
Members of the Gamers' Guild carry Nerf guns to defend the Wildcat from zombie attack during Friday's costume parade from the Bush Campus Center to the Field House.
In her presentation, "Hem Tape and Glue Guns: The Art of Costuming on a Budget," artist Brianne Tupper turns Natalie Prindle into one of the undead.
Keynote speaker Karen Green cozies up with fellow presenter Alex Simmons for an impromptu photo in the Student and Administrative Services Center.
Two of Penn College's most respected representatives share a smile during Saturday's activities.
Walter Koenig and Juan Baez talk about the imminent publication of "Things to Come," a post-apocalyptic hybrid of horror and science fiction.
Wearing capes fashioned at the Children's Learning Center, youngsters and staff maintain a sidewalk vigil for Comic Con characters.
With their scheduled speaker's flight delayed, other presenters hold a makeshift roundtable on the library's first floor.
Attendees gather around artist Tania del Rio (right) after her workshop, "Creating Your Story in Manga vs. Western-Style Comics."
Alex Simmons, at a book signing in the library
Members of the USS Susquehannock Starfleet Chapter, who later would serve as escort during closing ceremonies, give a hero's welcome to Walter Koenig.
John Gallagher indulges in some cartooning on demand in his "Buzz Boy to the Rescue!" presentation ...
... which inspired even the youngest audience members to create their own superheroes.
Walter Koenig busily signs photos of his beloved "Star Trek" character.
Tracy White, author of "How I Made It to Eighteen," explains creation of comics in digital media.
The cosplay parade, a time for self-expression and a public declaration of individuality
Artists yuumei and Tania del Rio engage the audience during a panel discussion of deviantART's vibrant online community of rising creative talent.
A Make-a-Cape workshop in the Hager Lifelong Education Center
Emmy winner Dean Haspiel talks of the different approaches to storytelling through comics.
Smiles follow the Wildcat wherever he goes.
A "Star-struck" fan wonders if he can believe his eyes.
Also taking home an R2D2 cooler filled with Pepsi products, as well as a "Star Wars" cutout and other swag, was 2010 architectural technology alumna Christina L. Kessler, of Bloomsburg.
After a screening of his short film, "Handball," Walter Koenig takes audience questions in the auditorium.
Jerry Craft exhibits a fluid flair in his presentation, "Create Your Own Comic Book Characters."
Hunter Staron, an "Angry Bird" whose smile makes him anything but, claimed third-place honors among contest entries.
"Star Trek" fans queue up for an autograph from Walter Koenig.
Tom Woodruff talks with a visiting group of students from his Loyalsock alma mater.
Dave Sims – an associate professor of English at Penn College, a Wildcat Comic Con panelist and an early champion of graphic novels in the classroom – takes to the stage with his band for "Zombie Train," a multimedia punk-blues event featured during a Masquerade Ball in the Field House.
Armed for battle, members of the Gamers' Guild prepare to defend their campus from harm.
Robert Berry explains how "Ulysses 'Seen,'" an iPad incarnation of the James Joyce classic, helps readers decipher the deeper meaning inside the novel's impenetrable style.
Everyday superheroes from the Children's Learning Center, reporting for duty.
Students in Penn College's early childhood education major entertain the littlest conventioneers during Wildcat Story Time.
Jerry Craft goes well beyond a signature inside the front cover of a fan's book.
A cosplay contestant, dressed as Link, the courageous protagonist of Nintendo's "Legend of Zelda" games, displays his intricate shield.
Mark McKenna offers a young artist some hands-on assistance during a "Drawing Your Banana Tail" workshop in the Campus Center.
Michael Mendheim signs a poster shortly after his Friday presentation, "Next Generation: The Ins and Outs of the Videogame Industry."
Using supplies from the college's Early Educators Club (and a fair amount of innate artistic talent), Jack Peters crafted a personalized cape at a workshop attended with his parents.
Blair E. Smith, library support services specialist, escorts the Wildcat – a tireless mascot for the college in general and the Comic Con specifically – along his busy convention intinerary.
Jim Zubkavich shares "Funny Things and Horror Stories," an inside look at the comics industry.
Adding blood and multimedia to the brass and woodwinds, the "Zombie Train" rolls on.
The convention's youngest presenter, Williamsport Area High School's Collin Shableski, details the labor-intensive process of "Creating Your 'Halo' Master Chief Rig."
A candid (and costumed) group photo.
Barry Lyga, one of the panelists fora discussion of "Comics Editors: A Critical Element."
Student organizations staffed a varied Campus Center food court.
Amid a colorful cluster of latter-day characters, a familiar face travels the parade route.
The Pennsylvania National Guard, one of the sponsors, had multiple displays on campus.
Representatives of Garrison Carida, 501st Legion, a global community of "Star Wars" fans, present tips on "Dressing for the Dark Side of the Force."
A Hall of Merchants and Artists' Alley attracted shoppers in the SASC.
The National Guard erected a climbing wall outside Madigan Library.
Jason Fink, executive director of the Lycoming County Visitors Bureau (which helped promote the Wildcat Comic Con as a tourist attraction), brought one of his children to the event.
One of the event's busiest presenters, comic book everyman Dave Elliott, takes a breather during a library book-signing.
Members of the Harrisburg-based USS Susquehannock Starfleet Chapter
With a "Thank you" to sponsors, presenters and the Penn College hosts of Wildcat Comic Con, John Shableski begins the closing ceremonies.