OC-Con: Who To See And What To Do At Ocean City's Second Annual Comic Book Convention

OCEAN CITY, NJ — The first round of big events for 2017 hits Ocean City this weekend when characters and creatures of every kind invade the Ocean City Music Pier for OC-Con.

Hollywood icons Billy Dee Williams and Seth Gilliam will be special guests at the OC-Con Comic Convention on April 1 and 2.

Williams starred as Lando Calrissian in “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi” in the “Star Wars” trilogy. His career in film, television, music and art spans five decades. His career took off in the 1970s with memorable roles in “Mahogany,” “Lady Sings the Blues” and “Brian’s Song.” He will appear at OC-Con on Saturday, April 1.

Gilliam most recently appeared as Father Gabriel Stokes in AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” but may be better known for his roles as Aaron Dexter on “The Cosby Show” and as Ellis Carter on HBO’s acclaimed series “The Wire.” He will be at OC-Con on Sunday, April 2.

Both will be available for Q&A, photo and autograph sessions during their appearances.

There are also various exhibits and panel discussions, including:
· Paris Cullins of DC & Marvel Comics
· Rusty Gilligan of Marvel, Heavy Metal and Upper Deck
· Bob Petrecca of DC & Marvel Comics and Upper Deck
· Eric Cooper, author of the Sci-Fi/Superhero “Knight Seeker” book series
· Garland Holloman, South Jersey’s “Best Graphic Artist” title winner
· Philip McNulty of “Man O War,” “SmodCo Cartoon Show,” and “X-Men”
· Don J. Morgan, publisher of the “Films vs. Movies” webcomic
· Tom Schloendorn, a freelance inker for Imperium Comics

In addition to the convention, there will be a 1-mile OC-Con Superhero Run on the boardwalk at 10 a.m. on April 1, and the Superhero Obstacle Dash for children 12 years old and younger on the beach at 11 a.m. the same day.

Adult admission to the convention is $10 per day or $15 for both days. Children (12 and under) are $5 per day or $8 for both days.

A limited number of tickets (check times and prices) are still available for exclusive photo, autograph and Q&A sessions with Williams and Gilliam.

Visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, call 609-399-6111, or stop by the City Hall Welcome Center (Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue) or the Roy Gillian Welcome Center on the Route 52 causeway. Tickets also will be available at the Ocean City Music Pier on the day of the event.

Run registration fee is $15 and includes admission to the show and a T-shirt. The fee for 12-and-unders is $10 and includes the Obstacle Dash as well as admission and a T-shirt. Register online.

For complete information on all of OC-Con: ocnjcon.com.

If OC-Con is not their thing, moms and others can escape to downtown Ocean City for the second annual Girls Weekend from March 31 to April 2.

Information on that event can be found here.

Photos provided by Ocean City