New SWFL Comic-Con promises big stars, including creators of Deadpool and Ren & Stimpy

Lee County just had its first big science-fiction convention in 17 years. Now a second, unrelated convention is on the way, and its organizer promises some big celebrities and attractions.

How big? Try the creators and co-creators of Deadpool (Fabian Nicieza), Ren & Stimpy (Bob Camp) and The Crow (James O’Barr). And famous artists such as Mark Bagley of Spider-Man fame. And appearances by celebrity vehicles such as The Batmobile, the DeLorean from “Back to the Future,” the General Lee from “The Dukes of Hazzard” and K.I.T.T. from “Knight Rider.”

And that’s not all, promises organizer Carmine DeSanto.

“I’ve got more!” he says. “I’m working on more!”

DeSanto is particularly excited about Nicieza. Thanks to the 2016 movie “Deadpool,” the wise-cracking assassin is one of the most popular superheroes on the planet right now.

“Everybody loves Deadpool,” DeSanto says. “He doesn’t play by the rules. He’s hot right now, on fire.”

DeSanto thinks the time is right for a major comic-book and pop-culture convention in Southwest Florida. Comic shops are popping up all over the place in Lee County and beyond, he says, and that means there’s a demand.

“I live down here six months a year,” he says. “I see the comic shops. I talk to the people.”

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After organizing comic conventions in Canada, the Fort Myers and Toronto resident is trying his hand at a U.S. event. He's created previous conventions Comic Freek, Cottage Country ComicCon and Orillia ComicCon under the business name Loop.

DeSanto thinks there’s plenty of interest to sustain two big conventions in Southwest Florida. And the feeling appears to be mutual. The organizers of this month's SWFL SpaceCon have embraced SW-Florida Comic-Con, too.

“We have been chatting with the organizers for the SW-Florida Comic-Con event and they have an exciting lineup of guests ... including comic creator Mark Bagley!” they posted on Facebook last week. “I am super excited to be able to attend this new local comic con as a visitor and to be able to enjoy the show from a visitor standpoint!!”

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SW-Florida Comic-Con will also feature panel discussions, vendors, a cosplay contest and more. The event takes place 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Holiday Inn at Airport Town Center in south Fort Myers. 

Tickets are $20 and on sale now (free for ages 11 and younger). For more information, visit swfloridacomiccon.com or facebook.com/swfloridacomiccon.

Connect with this reporter:Charles Runnells (News-Press) (Facebook), @charlesrunnells (Twitter), @crunnells1 (Instagram)