Press Release
Rhode Island’s first comic book convention, scheduled for November 3 and 4 made their biggest guest announcement. Legendary voice actor Billy West will be attending the comic book and media event, taking place at the Rhode Island Convention Center.
West launched his career in the early 1980s performing daily comedic routines on Boston’s WBCN. He left the radio station to work on the short-lived revival of Beany and Cecil. He was also a writer and cast member on The Howard Stern Show during the early to mid-1990s, where he gained nationwide fame with his impersonations of Larry Fine and late Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott. West created the characters of Ren & Stimpy, as well as being known for Doug and most recently, Fry on Futurama.
The two-day convention debuts with a myriad of guests from comics, movies, animation, wrestling and television. Guests joining Billy West include a Battlestar Galactica Reunion with Dirk Benedict, Richard Hatch, Noah Hathaway, Herb Jefferson Jr., Anne Lockhart, Felix Silla and Laurette Spang. From the Star Trek franchise, John DeLancie and Gary Graham will be appearing as well. Other fan favorites scheduled to appear include Nicholas Brendon, Peter Mayhew, Lee Meriwether, Mark Goddard, Gil Gerard and the “Soup Nazi” Larry Thomas. Over a dozen others are slated to appear. Over 50 comic book artists are lined up to attend as well.
Some of the events attendees will experience over the course of the weekend include a Magic the Gathering tournament on Saturday and a Pokemon tournament on Sunday. Scheduled for Saturday also is a special viewing of CODE NAME: BLAST OFF, the story behind the legend GI Joe with Tristan and Ron Rudat. Sunday’s events feature a game of CLUE with the original cast of the VCR/board game and a Costume Contest. Rhode Island Comic Con is also participating in the SUPERCON 2K Video Game Competition. The competition will continue throughout the entire weekend. The convention organizers are also planning an auction to benefit Make-A-Wish.
Rhode Island Comic Con is being produced and organized by Altered Reality Entertainment. For the past three years, the entertainment company has been producing events including the Southcoast Toy and Comic Show and the Southcoast Paranormal and Psychic Faire. Current sponsors of RI Comic Con include Dave & Busters, Papa Gino’s and GameStop. Tickets to RI Comic Con are currently on sale through Ticketmaster. For more information on Rhode Island Comic Con, visit www.ricomiccon.com or on Facebook.
Rhode Island Comic Con
November 3 & 4, 2012
Rhode Island Convention Center
1 Sabin Street
Providence RI
