(Ark.) KATV —Thousands of fans are gathering in downtown Little Rock this weekend for Arkansas Comic Con at the Statehouse Convention Center
Comic Con staff expect more than 22,000 people to attend the convention, which brings together fans of comics, gaming, movies, television, anime and pop culture. Organizers say the crowd also creates an economic boost for downtown businesses.
Joey Mills, the event’s emcee, said visitors travel to Little Rock from across the region and spend money on hotels, restaurants, gas and other businesses during their stay.
“Every year, it has an impact,” Mills said. “That is why the business community, the Chamber of Commerce, everybody embraces and supports this event year after year because it does make a real impact on the bottom line for these businesses up and down the strip here.”
Mills said the convention gives fans a place to reconnect year after year, often bringing friends and family along with them.
“They’re strangers, but they come together and they geek out over whatever they’re fans of,” Mills said. “Then the next year they come together, and the year after that, they come together and they bring some friends.”
For many attendees, cosplay is a major part of the experience.
Sisters Grace and Stella Rausch spent hours creating costumes inspired by their favorite characters. Grace said her original character costume from the video game “Terraria” took about 60 hours to complete, including 20 hours spent painting the shoes.
“This is probably, like, the most fun cosplay I’ve ever done,” Grace Rausch said.
Stella Rausch said she added her own personal touch to a costume inspired by Rin Kagami.
She said Comic Con has become a welcoming space where fans can express themselves and connect with others who share their interests.
“Overall, it’s just a very nice community,” Stella Rausch said. “They’ve been very welcoming to me ever since I started coming here.”
Vendors also filled the convention floor, selling art, collectibles and other pop culture merchandise. Lisa Cosentino, a vendor who has attended conventions since 2013, said the events allow artists to share their work with people who appreciate the same styles and fandoms.
“It’s just so fun to be creative and to meet fellow nerds just like me,” Cosentino said.
Arkansas Comic Con continues through Sunday at the Statehouse Convention Center in downtown Little Rock. Visitors can find event schedules, guest information and ticket details through the Arkansas Comic Con website.
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