C-U kicks off first anime, comic convention
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Fans of anime and comics are gathering in Central Illinois this weekend for the first UI-CON.
The convention, hosted at the Illini Union, is a free event for the public and students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign alike. The focus of the event is anime, comics and WEBTOON.
Participants can expect local artist and product vendors, performances and a cosplay contest. The featured guests of the event include voice actress Krystal Laporte (Hazbin Hotel), MaryMaryCosplay and The Kao Studios.
The event came together as a collaborative effort from different student-registered organizations at UIUC including the Japanese Anime Club, Cosplay Design League, Character Creation Hub and more.
Comic-Con returns in full force with costumes, crowds
“We aim to provide opportunities to students and local artists to sell their art and products, make new connections, and support fan culture in Central Illinois, especially for students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign,” said Emma Weber, programming coordinator for the event.
Weber said the organizers have collaborated with multiple high-scale entities such as video game developers, voice actors and WEBTOON.
The event is going on this Saturday, March 2 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., as well as on Sunday, March 3 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. More information, such as a map and schedule, can be found on the event’s website.
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