Kokomo-Con Fosters Community through Comics and Games

For the 14th year, Kokomo-Con is returning to Kokomo for another year of gaming, comics, cosplay, toys and crafts.

The annual convention will feature 30 vendors from Kokomo and the surrounding areas from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 22 at the Baymont by Wyndham Kokomo. Admission is $5 a person.

Along with entertainment and shopping, guests can join other attendees in a series of social deduction games, in which players attempt to uncover each other's hidden role or team allegiance.

Guests from Kokomo-Con join in for a photo
Photo Provided | Austin Meissnest

But it’s the sense of belonging that co-promoter Austin Meissnest values most.

“We do our best to make everyone feel welcome. We’ve had numerous people from all walks of life who would never grabbed a comic, who feel welcome here,” said Meissnest, who has been involved with the event since 2010.

“The stigma of ‘geek’ culture is you’re an outcast,” he said. “If nothing else, Hollywood has showed that geeks rule, and everybody wants to be us now.”

Another thing that makes this Comic-Con stand out is the relationships built between returning vendors and guests.

“Vendors will bring products for specific guests because they have built that bond over time,” said Meissnest.

Attendees shop vendors at the Baymont Hotel

Photo Provided | Austin Meissnest

With an average attendance of around 700 people, this year’s event brings more artists than ever before, including local artist Gavin Smith, who is responsible for the art for the ongoing “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” series from IDW Publishing.

Tickets may be purchased for $5 at Comics Cubed or at the door the day of the event.

The Baymont is located at 1709 E. Lincoln Road, Kokomo.

For more information, visit www.kokomocon.com.