The Comic and Collectibles Convention is coming to town and it promises a weekend full of events, food, comics and collectibles. Nittany Valley Sports Centre will host over 100 vendors, artists, and activities for families, students, and fans alike on February 25-26, 2023.

“We have a really good mix for all types of people that want to come, it's not just comics,” Julia Coulter, an intern with the Happy Valley Sports and Entertainment Alliance, said. “There's anything and everything at this comic-on.”

There will be unique activities and special guests to see both days. There will be Magic the Gathering tournaments each day with prizes, as well as the Magic Draft Event on Saturday and Commander tournament on Sunday. There will be a $5 dollar entrance fee for the tournament.

Fans of Star Wars will have a chance to practice their lightsaber skills at a Padawan Training Academy run by the Central PA Saber Guild. A Star Wars cosplayers event will also be run by Garrison Carida and the 501st Legion of Central PA.

Food and drink vendors such as Axemann Brewery, Koala Tea bubble tea, and Revolutionary Hot Sauce will be available for those that attend.

If you're looking for a tattoo as a souvenir (and who isn’t?!) tattoo artists will make an appearance as well. “Members of the Holey Truth Body Art LLC will be on hand to create tattoos starting at $60,” Coulter said. “Pick your favorite superhero symbol or perhaps an image of Frylock or Master Shake and have a professional tattoo artist put it on your body!”

There is truly something for everyone, making it an exciting weekend adventure for the family. For students looking to attend, there will be a shuttle every 30 minutes starting at 9:30 a.m. that runs for the tennis courts at East Halls to the convention.

The two-day event is also going to feature multiple artists and special guests. Just a few of the names include Mike Ancas, who is the writer, director and producer of Tributaries, Chasing Giants and is also the featured zombie in Day of the Dead. Bruce Whectenhiser, owner of a collection of Spiderman memorabilia built over 50 years, will also be there.

Authors such as Olivia Berrier, author of SciFi and fantasy books, who will be there to discuss and sell their books.

More personalities will be featured on the Instagram @Happyvalleycomiccon, as well as general information. Looking at social media, including Facebook, is a good way to stay up to date.

Superfans will get a chance to live the role of their favorite characters in a cosplay competition. There will be three categories, one for those 10 years old and younger, one for those between the age of 11 and 17 years old, and another 18 and up. The prizes will range from $100 dollars in Con Cash for first place in the 18 and up competition.

Con Cash can be used across the convention and more can be won through other events like the Magic the Gathering tournaments.

Costume and accessory seekers will find numerous artists and vendors with unique wares like Skjaldborg Artisans will be selling viking and medieval garbs, accessories and jewelry. BB Creative Designs will sell items like pocket watches, music boxes and leggings.

Penn State students will also be involved in the event with some clubs represented as vendors for the convention.

For more detailed information look to the website, happyvalleycomicon.com. The website has specific information about travel, tips for where to stay and more. For those coming into town especially for the event, the website features some specific hotels that have good rates on nightly stays.

The Happy Valley Comic and Collectibles Convention is bound to be a memorable experience for fans, friends and families. No matter what you are going for there is a booth or activity for everyone and there is so much to look forward to.

Both days will be filled with exciting events and competitions and there will be plenty of ways to remember your stay.

Tickets will be available at the door for $15 on Saturday and $10 on Sunday. A two day pass is $20 dollars, for kids between 5-10 years old $5 on Saturdays and free on Sundays. Kids under 4 are free to enter.