It is that “communal feeling” of Astronomicon that keeps Toledo-based comic book creator Dirk Manning returning every year.
In fact, Manning has attended every Astronomicon since it was founded in 2017.
“It’s one of the show’s biggest attractions,” Manning said. “While the convention has continued to grow in terms of its attendance and guest list every year, it also maintains an inherent disposition of welcoming familiar faces and new ones – in terms of attendees and guests – with equal enthusiasm. Once you attend Astronomicon, you’re part of the Astronomicon family forever.”
An Amazon bestselling and 5-time Ringo Award-nominated writer, Manning has penned the supernatural noir “Tales of Mr. Rhee,” the horror anthology “Nightmare World,” and the biographical “Butts in Seats: The Tony Schiavone Story.” He has also written “Write or Wrong: A Writer’s Guide to Creating Comics” and serves as the special projects manager for Source Point Press.
“Astronomicon masterfully threads the needle of bringing in a strong variety of entertainment and pop culture guests while still also maintaining a strong core identity,” Manning said. “The guests – be they comic creators, musicians, movie stars, or professional wrestlers – all always feel like a genuine fit for the flavor of Astronomicon every year, giving the show its own distinct vibe that makes it so special and so much fun to attend every year.”
This year’s comic and horror convention – Astronomicon 7 – will be the weekend of April 12-14 at Burton Manor in Livonia. Throughout the weekend, there will be comics, horror and pop culture memorabilia for sale, as well as an artist alley, panels, photo ops, trivia contests, and concerts.
The more prominent guests include Tony Todd (“The Candyman” horror franchise, “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”), “The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” actors Walter Jones and David Yost, Kane Hodder (“Friday the 13th”), Roger L. Jackson (voice of Ghostface in the “Scream” franchise), Skeet Ulrich (“Scream”), Jamie Kennedy (“Ghost Whisperer”), voiceover actor Billy West (“Futurama”), and pro wrestlers Sgt. Slaughter, Kurt Angle, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Mick Foley and Kane. Here is a complete list of guests.
“The people in Detroit are pretty genuine. When you meet somebody in Detroit, I’ve always found that there’s a genuine hospitality and they have good hearts,” Jones said.
A Detroit native and alumnus of Central High School in Detroit, Jones played Zack, the original Black Ranger, on “Power Rangers.” He also appeared on “The Shield,” “Space Cases” and “Malibu Shores,” but he’ll always be remembered as Zack – which he doesn’t mind at all.
“The show’s been seen in more than 40 countries around the world. I have trading cards, dolls, comic books,” he said. “I’m remembered for something that’s positive… I’m proud of that.”
Cartoonist Bill Morrison, of St. Clair Shores, is looking forward to attending Astronomicon 7. He is the former editor-in-chief of MAD Magazine and has been synonymous with “The Simpsons” franchise.
“Lately I’ve been attending a lot of comic-cons, so I’ve had time to observe the different vibes,” he explained. “I love that Astronomicon doesn’t feel like every other comic or pop-culture convention. It has its own personality, which is very relaxed and cool. It’s also very eclectic. There’s something there for people of all tastes and interests, whether it’s comics, celebrities, horror movies, toys, etc. – sort of a hip pop-culture supermarket.”
The event will be held Friday, April 12, from 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday, April 13, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 14, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Parking is free. Admission to Astronomicon does not cover the cost of celebrity autographs and photo ops. For questions or more information, contact info@astronomicon.com.
Astronomicon 7. Burton Manor, 27777 Schoolcraft Rd, Livonia. Tickets vary between $15 to $200. Children ages 6-12 are $15 (ages 5 and younger are admitted FREE).
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