PITTSBURGH, Pa. (EYT) – This year’s 3 Rivers Comicon, created in part by a former area native, wrapped up on Sunday.
Jon Engel, a Clarion University alumnus who grew up in St. Marys, currently works as the Regional Manager of New Dimensions Comics and is one of the minds behind the 3 Rivers Comicon, along with New Dimensions Comics owner Todd McDevitt.
They premiered 3 Rivers Comicon in 2016, and the event has continued to grow each year since. This year they moved it to a new location: the former Macy’s location at the Waterfront.
According to Engel, the move seemed to be a good choice.
“I’ve had great compliments about the layout at the flow. I’ve had multiple people as they leave tell me how good it was,” Engel told exploreJeffersonpa.com.
“It’s been phenominally good. I feel that the energy in the room is higher, and I feel that everyone here is having a good time.”
The show itself featured something for everyone. It included over 130 creators, 50 vendors from all over the country, and six publishers.
Those attending could meet and speak to creators like Michael Golden, Ron Frenz, Robert Hack, and Josh Baylock, whose artwork was featured on the cans of custom craft beer created for the convention. Some of the creators offered special convention exclusives and were available to sign purchases.
The show also featured a number of artists and illustrators, plus crafters and vendors of all kinds. While comics are the focus, those in attendance could find everything from t-shirts and jewelry to handcrafted wands and unique one of a kind handcrafted sculptures.
“I’ve seen more people in just general areas, especially the vendor area this year, a lot of people shopping,” Engel noted.
Along with the creators, artists, and other crafters and vendors, there is still more to see, as well.
Interested in costumes and props for everything from film, stage, and television to haunted attractions? Check out Creative Cave Productions booth.
Younger visitors familiar with Disney’s Cars movies could have their picture taken by the Mini-Mater.
With attendance looking good and the show continuing to grow, Engel is also looking ahead, already beginning to plan for next year’s convention.
Considering 2020 will mark the fifth anniversary of the event, Engel said there are some special plans in the works.
“We do have a couple of things. I can’t talk about them yet, but we do have some stuff in the works coming down the pipe. We’re hoping to announce it definitely before the forth quarter, but I would look for some bigger announcements in the July area.”
According to Engel, as the new location worked out so well this year, they’re hoping to be able to continue to hold the event there in the future.
“Really, we’d just like to say thanks to everybody who showed up to the show. It’s been phenominal. It’s been a great welcome to the Waterfront for us. And, for those who haven’t checked out the Waterfront, you should totally check it out.”
Copyright © 2024 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited.
