South Side Comic Book Show Features Vendors, Artists, Family Fun

ALSIP, IL -- Whether you’re an avid collector, a beginner or somewhere in between, come let your inner geek shine at the first-ever South Side Comic Book Show this Saturday, Sept. 29. This family- friendly show runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Apollo Recreation Center, 12521 S Kostner Ave, Alsip. Admission is $4 for adults; kids under 8 are free.

The South Side Comic Book Show is being produced by Alsip resident Rocky Sodin, who, when he’s not sharing his love for comic books, works for the railroad. The Richards High School graduate has been collecting comic books for over 40 years, ever since he purchased his first Star Wars comic book in 1978. Sodin helped others set up dozens of comic book shows over the years, but thought it was time to put on a show in the south suburbs. (SUBSCRIBE: Get Real-Time Alerts and a Daily Newsletter for Alsip-Crestwood)

“It’s going to be quality show in a more intimate venue,” Sodin said. “We want to do a fun show for the whole family.”

Comic book vendors, local artists and writers, and other dealers will be selling comics, graphic novels, T-shirts, toys, action figures and more. There will also be a kids craft area where kids can create their own stories and a face painter. Sodin has lined up numerous vendors, writers and artists, including:

Rick Goldschmidt (Rankin Bass historian /artist/author)
TomKat Comics (comics silver age -bronze age)
Crusader Hobbies (comics/toys)
Oscar's Collectibles (comics/toys)
Tony's Toyz, (hard-to-find McFarlane toys)
Happy Day Comics (comics and Signed prints)
Dave's Comic Vault (huge selection of comics)
Windy City Workshop (custom T-shirts and wood crafts)
Rock's Comics (comics pulps, toys, prints)
Jim Simants (comics, Silver Age-Bronze Age)
Tom Gallagher (action figures/prints)
Paul Maiellaro (movies)
Frank Graves (models, toys, Funko pop)
Michael A. Black (author of the current Executioner series, new pulp, Doc Atlas, Ron Shade P.I)

Artists:

Darryl Young---artist that designed the logo for me
Raz Ortiz
Doug Klauba--award winning artist
Melissa Capriglione---artist/creator of webcomic Falconhyrste
Artwork By Sydney
Juan Gomez