The Big Apple Comic Book, Art & Toy Show will be back at St. Paul’s Auditorium on Friday & Saturday with a special event celebrating the new films “X-Men II” and “The Hulk.”
Organized by Queens native and area comic legend Mike Carbonaro, BigAppleCon, as it is known, is timed to hit Manhattan the same day the “X-Men II” hits the theaters. In honor of the coincidence, Carbonaro will have the first 100 issues of the “X-Men” comic on display throughout the event.
Headlining the list of fantasy and sci-fi celebrities are BarBara Luna — Lt. Marlena Moreau in the “Mirror, Mirror” episode of “Star Trek,” Koori on Buck Rogers in the 25th Century,” Maria Roberts in “One Life to Live;” Karen Lynn Gorney of “Saturday Night Fever” and “All My Children;” and Mike Quinn, who played Nien Numn in recent “Star Wars” films.
Appearing at the event are some of the legendary names from the comic art world, including Guest of Honor Jim Steranko (Saturday only), Russ Heath, Billy Tucci (Saturday only), Graig Weich (doing a learn-to-draw art class), Tony Isabella, Guy Gilchrist, Jim Krueger, Jamal Igle, Robin Riggs, Elayne Riggs, Scott Roberts and Jim Salicrup.
Wrestling superstars attending the convention include Jasmine St. Claire, Dangerous Johnny Diamond, The Beautiful Diamond Vixxxen, Nikita Bresnikov, ECW’s Metal Maniac (doing face painting for the kids, Friday only), Johnny Valiant (Friday only), Nikolai Volkoff, Pryme Tyme Amy Lee (Saturday only), Anita Bush (Friday only), Andrew Anderson (The Reinforcer – Saturday only), Johnny Thunder, Gino Caruso (Mr. Italy), Stryker and Justin Credible.
There will also be an artist arena, raffle drawings (win a Hulk #181 comic), free giveaways (tickets for X-Men II) and great food. In addition, there will be more than 100 dealers & exhibitors showcasing comics, toys, action figures, original art, videos, autographs, non-sports cards, TV and movie memorabilia, and more. It’s the place to buy, sell or trade your collectibles.
St. Paul’s Auditorium is located at 410 Columbus Ave. (corner of 59th St.) The convention will be held Friday from noon to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information call 201-865-3288 or go to www.bigapplecon.com.
