Hamptons Comic Book Show Returns to Southampton

With Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron smashing box office records and grossing well over $1 billion worldwide and a panoply of comic-based television shows popping up on multiple networks, it’s clear comic books and related geekery have taken the country by storm. The Hamptons traditionally had few outlets for fans of superheroes, zombies and space-based swashbucklers—that is, until the Hamptons Comic Book Show fell from geek heaven and answered our prayers. Now this local festival of comics, toys, cosplay, art and more will return this Saturday, much bigger and better, for Memorial Day weekend.

Like the raging, monstrous Ultimate Universe Hulk replacing Lou Ferrigno’s beloved, but lesser, TV version of the character, the 2015 Hamptons Comic Show is promising to be a serious upgrade from last year’s successful event. For starters, superstar writer Joe Kelly, of Man of Action Entertainment, is headlining the show’s excellent guest list. Kelly has worked on most of the major comic characters for both Marvel and DC comics, including Disney XD’s Avengers Assemble and Ultimate Spider-Man cartoons, megahit Ben 10, and recent animated blockbuster Big Hero 6. He’s also credited with revitalizing Marvel’s super-popular Deadpool character, and his Eisner-nominated graphic novel I Kill Giants has earned numerous awards and honors, including being named among the Young Adult Library Services Association’s “Top Ten Great Graphic Novels for Teens.”

Science fiction and fantasy illustrator David O. Miller will also be on hand to meet fans on Saturday. Miller has created epic artwork for major gaming and publishing companies, including TSR, original publishers of Dungeons & Dragons, its predecessor Wizards of the Coast, Munchkin creator Steve Jackson Games, West End Games, White Wolf Publishing, GDW, Topps Collectible Trading Cards and Doubleday books.

In addition, look for veteran and new artists, including Louis Small Jr. (Vampirella), pinup master Mike Renzine (Wonderland, Grimm Fairy Tales), Dave Fox (Satan’s Prep, Star Wars, X-Men), Mike Mastermaker (Sovereign), Jessica Oliveri, Benjamin J. Colon (SoulExodus) and Paris Cullins (Blue Devil, Blue Beetle), as well as poet Kate Fox and performance artist/cosplayer Nicole Oliva.

Both kids and adults will also enjoy even more cosplayers—people dressed as their favorite comic book, movie and video game  characters—this year. Long Islander and fan-favorite cosplayer and spokesmodel Kitty Young will host her own table, as will Team Moonbase, the Philadelphia-based cosplay group who stole the show at the first Hamptons Comic Book Show. Also look for bikini model and Miss Teen Hawaii 2012, Melissa Paulino of the Celebrity and Model Expo in Los Angeles and New York.

Of course, beyond all the great guests, fun events and activities, the Hamptons Comic Show is bringing tables and table of dealers, offering cool toys and comic books rarely found in the Hamptons, at great prices!

The 2015 Hamptons Comic Book Show is flexing its muscles and showing off its new omega-level strength at 230 Elm in Southampton this Saturday, May 23, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Regular adult admission is $9 at the door. Kids 5 and younger enter free. Half price for veterans and first responders with ID.

For more info, visit hamptonscomicbookshow.com.