Geeks Unite At Southside Comic Book Show

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 returns for a second year this Saturday, Sept. 14. 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 $5 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.

“Some might say this is a super-geek reading, collecting, selling and trading show,” Sodin said. The big shows are great but I thought it has been awhile since a smaller show has been put on in the south suburbs of Chicago. "It's going to be a quality show in a more intimate venue. We want to do a fun show for the whole family."

This year’s edition has added a second dealer room, which means more comics, toys, artists, writers, special guests and door prizes. Rick Goldschmidt, the official Rankin Bass historian will be a special guest again this year, along with the Windy City Ghostbusters, a group of Ghostbuster enthusiasts who make and wear their own movie-accurate costumes. The group has marched in parades and attends events dressed as Ghostbusters raising money for local charities.

Windy City Ghostbusters has partnered with Chicago-based La Rabida Children's Hospital and the Treehouse Animal Shelter to direct 100 percent of collected donations to those fine organizations.

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)
Dave's Comic Vault (Dave White is also a published author)
Jim Simants comic books
3 Keys Comics (Scott Anderson just opened a comic book store in Crete)
Leo Guerrero comic books
Tony's Toyz (rare McFarlane toys)
Happy Day Comics (Walt Day just opened a store in Hammond, Ind.)
Larry & Mark Evans (toys)
Oldenburg Books
Tom Gallagher (toys and prints)
Fortress Comics
Deals on Deals Collectibles (Funko Pop)
Grim Comics
Junction Collectibles
Ginkie's Handmade Crafts
A's Cosmic Comics
Space Gallery Online
Bump In The Night Collectibles (Kristie specializes in horror-based items)
Crusader Hobbies (comics/toys)
Batcave Treasures
Jeff James (toys and lunch boxes from the past; Jeff is also the drummer in the South Side band Strung Out) Vinyl Vaults--Funko Pops
221 Comics
Yusef Clements

Artists:

Darryl Young of Darryl Young Design (Alsip native who designed the Southside Comic Book Show and former employee of the legendary Friendly Frank’s Comics from the 1980s-1990s)

Bryant Bell of Lone Sage Art

Juan Gomez of Gomez Studios (art depicts some of favorite comic books heroes in Cubs, Sox, Bears uniforms)

Ryan Francis

Edward Sims of Kensai Productions (Sims produces his own line of creator owned comic books)