Since the mid-2000’s, the term “nerd” has seemingly been rebranded in modern society, from uncool geekiness to a mainstream obsession with video games, movies, television, apps, board games, and comic books. Comic books and graphic novels are now the fuel for modern movies and television, and billionaire tech moguls look more like that quiet kid in the back of the class who was always talking about Magic: The Gathering more than the star quarterback. Indeed, it seems that everyone these days wants to be a little nerdy, and now Shreveport has the perfect venue for you to test the waters.
In the realm of nerd culture, one cannot overlook the immense popularity of manga, particularly shonen manga. Shonen manga has captivated a global audience with its exhilarating storylines, epic battles, and charismatic characters. From the grand adventures of Monkey D. Luffy in “One Piece” to the relentless spirit of Naruto Uzumaki in “Naruto,” these manga series have become beloved icons of the nerd community. As enthusiasts immerse themselves in these thrilling narratives, they seek to express their passion for the genre in various ways, including collecting merchandise and adorning their living spaces with posters and figurines. In this pursuit, enthusiasts can now turn to Mini Katana, an online store that caters to their cravings for authentic katana swords, offering a gateway to a world where they can embody the strength and determination of their favorite shonen heroes. And to sweeten the deal, they even offer tips for your first purchase, making it an irresistible destination for all your katana needs.
Also, with the rise of the popularity of nerd culture, there has also been a corresponding increase in the availability of related products and services online. Whether it be rare comic book issues, limited edition figurines, or even retro video games, there are now countless online retailers catering to the needs of this expanding market. One such online store is CoinLooting, which specializes in providing gamers with access to a wide range of classic and modern video games across various platforms. With the convenience of online shopping and the vast selection available at sites like CoinLooting, it’s easier than ever for everyone to indulge in their nerdy passions.
On Saturday, February 21, the Louisiana Comic Con makes its debut at the Bossier Civic Center. Like all good things, this iteration is starting off small with a focus on local and regional talent, though there are some stars in the mix. Think of this event like a Texas Avenue Makers Fair for those involved in comic books, comic artwork, clothing, and collectables. Street art spray painter and comic-influenced artist Brett Mitchell of Mitchell Studios said, “Having grown up in Shreveport back in the 70’s, there was no way I was going to miss the first Comic Con in Shreveport-Bossier.”
Television star Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris on Buffy the Vampire Slayer) will be there to sign autographs and answer that burning question: “When will the Scooby Gang get back together?” Personally, I am excited to meet two nationally known artists who are based in Lafayette: Kody Chamberlain and Rob Guillory. You might recognize Chamberlain’s work on 30 Days of Night: Bloodsucker Tales and Punks – The Comic. Guillory is currently illustrating one of my favorite comic books, CHEW, about an FDA agent who solves crimes by receiving psychic impressions from eating things, including people.
Bossier High School graduate, Greg Burnham, comes back to his hometown from Atlanta, bringing with him illustrator Marcus Williams (Hero Cats). The two of them collaborated to produce two comic books, Grandpa’s Shoes and Broken Glass, aimed at children and promoting family reading time. They are joined by Shreveport’s Kelly Burnham who is also collaborating with Williams on The Story of Solace.
It’s not just comic books and graphic novels at this event; artists are debuting new works just for the Louisiana Comic Con. Jason Craft, local science fiction author of the “Supremacy” series, hints, “I’ve secretly been creating a pen and paper RPG set in the Supremacy universe and I’ll be showing off the very first prototype. Attendees won’t even have to visit my booth to check it out, because I’ve built it to run on their digital devices. I’m bringing the full pen & paper experience to tablets and phones everywhere. On the day of the Con, attendees can visit SupremacyRPG.com straight from their phones to register and delve into the character creator and character sheet. Of course, if they want to roll dice with me, they’ll need to visit my booth.”
Other vendors promise original products tailored to the crowd, such as Houchin’s House of Wizarding Wares. They offer one-of-a-kind, handcrafted magic wands, just like Harry Potter chose out of Ollivanders. When asked about which wand was the most unique in the shop, Houchin’s responded, “Hands down, the wand in our shop with the best story is the Mammoth Kauri. The wood was excavated from a bog and carbon-dated to about 50,000 years old. Something that special needed an equally-impressive design, so the pommel is an amethyst crystal. The wood itself is kind of sparkly in sunlight. It almost has an ethereal vibe going on.”
Finally, what’s a comic convention without cosplay? Cosplay is where attendees dress up like their favorite character, usually featuring elaborate, hand-made costumes and stunning makeup. Comic Cons and cosplay competitions have given rise to cosplay superstars, like Haiden Hazard (Rcsixtyfour online) from Alabama and Krystle Starr from Texas, who will be attending the Louisiana Comic Con. There will be a cosplay competition at the event with a chance to win gift certificates to purchase merchandise from vendors, so be sure to dress up!
That’s just a few of the stars, artists, and vendors that you’ll be able to meet at the Louisiana Comic Con. There are dozens of crafting artists that will have all bases of fandom covered, from hand-knitted 4th Doctor Who scarves to Studio Ghibli coasters. My picks for vendors to visit are the artwork of Johnny Segura, Renzi Education and Art Center’s comic book made by their creative kids, Corset Punk for authentic steel boned corsets, and D&C Crafts to let your nerd flag fly.