‘Feel validated’: Time to nerd it up at Penticton comic book convention

There’s no shame in indulging in geeky pleasures at Penticton's annual comic-book convention.

Penti-Con is a comic-book convention for nerds to fully embrace the worlds of sci-fi and fantasy through dozens of novelty vendors, fanciful activities and enthusiastic cosplayers.

Pokemon trainers will be competing in Pokemon gym battles. Dungeon Masters are travelling from Vancouver for the Dungeons and Dragons tournaments. Fans of the medieval ages will be able to make their own armour at the chainmail keychain workshop. Lip sync battles aplenty. 

The Penticton Art Gallery will be hosting interactive events. And this year’s featured artists include voice actor Matt Hill and ThermoCosplay.

Lily Knelsen, association chair for Penti-Con, expects characters from the games One Piece, Baldur’s Gate 3, and Super Mario Bros to be popular among this year’s cosplayers.

Many people aren’t as embarrassed to embrace the worlds of make-believe anymore. Knelsen credits the advent of the internet – which helped fans of niche games and shows to connect with one another, and then the success of Marvel movies which elevated comic book culture into the mainstream.

“Suddenly realizing you’re not alone is a huge thing,” she said. “Realizing your weird likes are the same as someone else’s, you feel validated.”

Penti-con runs Oct. 21 and 22 at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Passes can be purchased for a single day or the weekend, and area available at valleyfirsttix.com, the South Okanagan Events Centre’s box office, or at the door. Children under 12 can attend for free.

Visit convention's website here for the full schedule.

— This story was originally published by the Penticton Herald.