Where else will you find Superman, Captain James T. Kirk, Daredevil, Agent Carter, Lois Lane, Data, Jon Snow, the Man from Atlantis, one of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Judge Dredd, Ralph Malph and so many more under one roof?
Why, the Motor City Comic Con, of course. The MC3 returns this weekend (May 15-17) at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace (formerly called the Suburban Collection Showplace) in Novi (see sidebar).
Notable guests include Charlie Cox (“Daredevil”), Hayley Atwell (the Marvel and “Mission: Impossible” franchises), Bitsie Tulloch (“Superman & Lois”), Kit Harington (“Game of Thrones”), Karl Urban (“The Boys”), Southfield native/University of Michigan alumna Selma Blair (“Legally Blonde”), Esai Morales (“Titans”), John Boyega (“Detroit”), Patrick Duffy (“Dallas”), Don Most (“Happy Days”), “Star Trek” actors William Shatner, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, long-time “Spider-Man” artist Mark Bagley, et al.
Frakes – best known as Cmdr. (later Capt.) William T. Riker in the “Trek” franchise, particularly “Star Trek: The Next Generation” – enjoys coming to MC3. The actor/director has attended several times before in 2023, 2019, 2007, 2006, and 2000.
“I’m a big fan of Detroit. I love the city, I love the sports, I love the baseball, I love the food, I love (Metro Airport) – it’s one of my favorite airports in the world. The water sculpture is part of it. The monorail actually works,” he said. “Detroit’s always been a joy. It has good food and good people and it’s big enough to support it. I’m a fan. I got stranded (in Detroit) one time and enjoyed it even.”
Shatner also enjoys coming to Detroit. This is Shatner’s first time at MC3 since 2024.
“I’ll tell you what I like about Detroit: Detroit has been in a slump for years and watching the city revive is incredible,” said Shatner. “I’m watching Detroit revive itself and it’s a joy to watch. Every time I come back, it’s a little bit different, a little more invigorating – it’s a delight and such a great thing.”
Currently, Frakes and “Trek” co-star Brent Spiner cohost a podcast called “Dropping Names… and other things with Brent and Jonny.” In 2023, Frakes appeared as Riker on the third and final season of “Star Trek: Picard,” which reunited the “TNG” cast for the first time since 2002’s “Star Trek: Nemesis” in what is purportedly their send-off.
“If it is the last ride, it was a beautiful send-off and very satisfying,” said Frakes. “Unlike most shows, (the cast has) always stayed very close. Because of cons, we see quite a bit of each other. We stood up in each other’s weddings… We’re a tight-knit group.”
Still, Frakes would reprise his role as Riker if the opportunity arose.
“I’m available any time they want to bring him back,” he said.
Frakes is proud to be part of “Trek,” the science-fiction franchise created by the late Gene Roddenberry, which turns 60 this year. For him, it’s been a great blessing.
“Having been on (‘Trek’), people generally feel comfortable – at least in my experience – telling you the good, bad or ugly,” he said. “‘(‘Trek’) has inspired me to become a physicist, an astronaut, or an engineer.’ Or they say, ‘(‘Trek’) has helped me through some horrible times with drugs and alcohol, and it was really the only base I had to maintain hope.’ Or ‘I was having trouble with a family member.’ Or ‘I was going through PTSD in Afghanistan.’ It has served so many people in so many ways. They feel wonderfully free to share that with me. In many ways that’s the best part of cons. They don’t know that what they’re doing is giving me this gift, reminding me of how privileged I am to be part of this.”
The Motor City Comic Con
The Motor City Comic Con will be at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace, located at 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi on the following dates and times:
- Friday, May 15, from noon-7pm
- Saturday, May 16, from 10am-7pm
- Sunday, May 17, from 10am-5pm
Ticket prices and packages range between $5 and $299. Children 5 and under attend free throughout the weekend. Children 12 and under attend free with a paid adult on Sunday, May 17, which is Kids Day.
Tickets can be purchased online at motorcitycomiccon.com. Prices go up $5-$10 at the door. Additional processing fees will apply. Admission does not include parking or the cost of autographs and selfies. All guest appearances are subject to change or cancellation. MC3 is not responsible for any cancellations.
For questions or more information, call 248-426-8059 or visit motorcitycomiccon.com.
