Superman, cosplaying, featured in 2024 HOH Comic Con

Feb. 28—ELKHART — The Hall of Heroes Comic Con, now entering its seventh year, continues to grow.

This year, it's not only doubling in size, but bringing staples from the first Elkhart-based Comic Con as well as brand new special guests.

Superman himself returns as one of this year's special guests. Dean Cain, who played Clark Kent "Superman", in "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman;" hosted Ripley's Believe It or Not!, and many other programs, and starred or cameoed in dozens of films and television series through his career will return to the Con for the first time since its inception in 2017.

Several other Superman saga actors will join him during the weekend-long celebration in Elkhart.

Sarah Douglas, who played Kryptonian supervillain Ursa in Superman (1978) and Superman II (1981), as well as roles in Conan the Destroyer, and Falcon Crest, among others, will greet attendees throughout the weekend.

Her counterpart, Jack O'Halloran, who played Non, the silent member of the trio of villains, will also be at the Hall of Heroes Comic Con. O'Halloran is also known for his work in "King Kong," "Dragnet," "The Flintstones" and more.

The final villain of the Christopher Reeves Superman saga will also join them. Mark Pillow played Nuclear Man in "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace," and has his own history of notable TV and film appearances. It's the last film before Dean Cain took on the role.

From there, Elias Toufexis, takes on the mantle of Superman saga participant of the Con, having held three different roles in the series "Smallville." Toufexis was also in Star Trek Discovery, Supernatural, The Expanse, and has voiced several video game characters.

Ryan Hurst, known for his roles in the Walking Dead, Sons of Anarchy, Benedict Society, Remember the Titans and many more, will also be on site thorughout the weekend.

There are also artists including Michelan Sisti, Guy Gilchrist, Scott Rosema, Stuart Sayger, Rags Morales, Tim Seely, and Hailey Renee Brown, and cosplay professionals Knightmage, Envy the Green Fairy, Shamus Smith, and Andi Serpenti Cosplay.

Check the website for photo and autograph opportunities at hohcomiccon.org.

Throughout the weekend there will also be plenty of special classes and activities to join in.

The live auction begins at 4 p.m. Saturday, benefiting the Boys & Girls Club. The cosplay contest will be held from 2-4 p.m. Sunday. There will also be a Con after party at Five Star Dive Bar, 526 S. Main St., Elkhart, with hero-themed alcoholic drink specials, a mini cosplay contest, and live music by Shock Roxy, beginning at 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

Special guests will also host Q&A sessions, there will be panel discussions on all aspects of cosplay, and a children's cosplay area for kids to create their own costumes.

The Con opens at 10 a.m. Saturday, continuing through 7 p.m. and on Sunday goes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Over 100 vendors and regional artists will be on-site selling everything from comics to toys to artwork.

The Hall of Heroes signature Hollywood vehicles the 1960s Batmobile and the Back to the Future Delorean will also take the spotlight.

Single-day tickets are $24 for adults, and $15 for youth up to age 12. Two-day admission packages are $40 for adults, and $24 for youth. VIP Tickets are $50 for those 13 and up, and $35 for those aged three through 12.

Veterans receive a free ticket with proof of service.

The Hall of Heroes Comic Con will take place at the Northern Indiana Event Center and the RV Hall of Fame, 21565 Executive Parkway.

Dani Messick is the education and entertainment reporter for The Goshen News. She can be reached at dani.messick@goshennews.com or at 574-538-2065.