Cradle Con returns to Long Island with comics, collectibles and cosplay
Obi-wan kenobie, Cradle Con will be held at The Cradle of Aviation in Garden City on May 14 and 15. Credit: Rod Leonhard
Cradle Con is back on: After a three-year hiatus, Long Island’s comic book/pop-culture convention is returning to The Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City in full force on May 14-15.
“People have described us as the DIY punk rock comic book convention,” says Seamus Keane, director of special events. “We focus on locally based published indie comic book authors and artists, plus merchants from Long Island and the surrounding area.”
This family-friendly event will be multifaceted featuring a variety of activities on two floors centered around superhero, sci-fi, horror, animé and fantasy themes. Guests can meet-and-greet comic book authors and artists, shop for comics, memorabilia and more, visit two special exhibits, enter a cosplay contest and even learn how to become a Jedi.
SPECIAL GUESTS
Ask questions and take selfies with comic book creators like artist Buzz from Brooklyn who has worked on titles like "Vampirella," "Justice Society of America" and "Power Rangers." Don’t miss your chance to meet voice-over artist Wayne Grayson of Valley Stream, who is famous for his work on the "Yu-Gi-Oh!" and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" TV series or Jared Reinmuth from Manhattan, co-author/writer of “Big Black: Stand at Attica.”
Cartoonist/comic book writer Jamal Yaseem Igle of Brooklyn, who has been a series artist on titles like "Supergirl," "Green Lantern," "Nightwing" and "Firestorm," can’t wait to meet attendees at Cradle Con.
“I like talking to fans because I’m a fan,” he says. “I still read comics regularly and watch all of the shows as well. So we speak the same language.”
ARTISTS ALLEY
When entering Artists Alley, guests can come face-to-face with several artists who will be on hand to both showcase and sell their work.
Visit Lina Almonte of Wyandanch at the Little Shop of Madness where her 3D printing items, such as clocks, keychains, earrings, phone grips, coasters, purses and wall signs, are for sale. Then head over to see comic book artist James Avila, of Melville, creator of the modern fantasy series, “All I Have to Do is Dream,” who will be selling comic books and art prints.
Brittany Pleasant of Central Islip from the Artisan’s Nook crochets character dolls from animé, cartoons, movies as well as the DC or Marvel universes, which will be available for purchase.
“The excitement and anticipation in the air is palpable,” says Pleasant. “I am absolutely exhausted by the end of the day, but it’s hard to wipe the smile of gratitude from my face."
VENDOR MARKET
Browse vendors at Cradle Con at The Cradle of Aviation in Garden City. Credit: Rod Leonhard
More than 80 vendors will fill the museum atrium and cafe where guests can shop for hundreds of items from vintage video games to rare Funko Pops to new and used action figures. The Comic Book Depot of Wantagh is set to sell comic books ranging from $1 to $1,000 and Muteki Sales of Queens offers hard-to-find Japanese toys, model kits and collectibles. Meanwhile Sneaks 'N Geeks Collectibles of North Babylon is planning on bringing a carefully curated selection of sneakers, comics, apparel, toys, gaming systems, vinyl and more.
“We have something for everyone’s budget,” says Sneaks 'N Geeks Collectibles owner/founder Thomas Knox. “If we don't have it in stock, we’ll do our best to help you locate that item.”
TWO EXHIBITS
The Arcade Age, which has been closed since Jan. 1, will be reinstalled just for Cradle Con weekend offering free play on over 50 video game arcade cabinets including classics like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Street Fighter and Galaga plus rare titles such Sega’s Spider-Man: The Video Game and Marvel vs. Capcom.
William Simons, who resides in Suffolk County, will display his collection of movie props, masks, busts and costumes called “Billy’s Basement” including items from “Beneath the Planet of the Apes,” “The Mummy,” “American Werewolf in London” and “Creepshow.”
“I enjoy showing my collection and sharing it with people,” says Simons. “There is no point collecting items and hiding them in a closet for no one to see.”
ACTION ACTIVITIES
Attendees dressed in cosplay at Cradle Con will be held at The Cradle of Aviation in Garden City. Credit: Rod Leonhard
Suit up as a superhero or pop culture character and compete in the cosplay contest on May 14 at 4 p.m. in the Dome Theater for adults and May 15 for kids in the same location at the same time. Both adults and kids can learn the ways of a Jedi as the Saber Guild — Endor Temple will offer Jedi training classes in the Dome Theater on both days plus a panel called “Who they are, what they do and how the costumes are made” on Saturday.
Panels are scheduled to happen every hour on the hour discussing a host of subjects. Some topics include “The History of Star Trek,” “Why Jack Kirby is Still King,” “Can Indie Comics Save The Industry?” and “What Grue Knew: An In-depth Discussion of the Work and Legacy of Mark Gruenwald.”
In terms of refreshments, the museum cafe will be open and the food truck Teriyaki Plus is set to serve outside.
CRADLE CON
10 a.m. to 7 p.m., May 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 15, The Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Garden City
INFO 516-572-4111, cradleofaviation.org
ADMISSION $25 for adults ($20 in advance), $12 for kids ($10 in advance), $30 weekend pass (in advance only)
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
