Cradle Con returns to the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Uniondale
Cradle Con comes to the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Uniondale May 18 and 19. Credit: Cradle of Aviation Museum
Growing up in Huntington, Tom Cook spent his Saturday mornings munching on a bowl of cereal while watching cartoons and reading comics books.
“What got me going was when Spider-Man came out in 1962. I love Steve Ditko’s work so I started copying what he did,” says Cook, 71.
Cook went on from the breakfast table to become the animator behind iconic shows such as "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe,” “The Flintstones,” “The Smurfs” and “Scooby-Doo.”
Cook, along with many others, will appear at the fifth annual Cradle Con pop culture event at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Uniondale on May 18 and 19.
Find vendors showcasing games, toys from the '80s and '90s and more at Cradle Con. The convention comes to the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Uniondale May 18 and 19. Credit: Cradle of Aviation Museum
“When we started, the goal was to reach the comic book collecting and sci-fi community. But it has evolved into something much larger than we expected, expanding into pop culture and cosplaying,” says Seamus Keane, museum director of special events who runs Cradle Con. “This is a family-style convention that ranges from people 2 years old to over 70.” Here are some elements to catch at this year’s event:
'REVENGE OF THE NERDS' REUNION
Be prepared for a "nerd" reunion of the original cast members from the '80s comedy “Revenge of the Nerds,” who will unite for a 40th anniversary celebration during the convention.
“The film’s release was a seminal moment because it made nerds cool,” says Robert Carradine, who played head nerd Lewis Skolnick. “I think ‘Nerds’ has endured because it has heart. I’ve had some people even tell me that it saved their life.”
The movie focuses on a group of nerds in college who stand up for themselves against harassment from campus fraternities.
“People tend to look back on it with great fondness, realizing that it meant something to them growing up,” says Curtis Armstrong, who played Booger. “In junior high school when they were being bullied and called names, the film made them feel seen in a way.”
Many cite the film as the start of nerd culture.
“At the beginning, it had the connotation of goofy, geeky guys. But over time it’s become people that are smart and can get stuff done,” says Donald Gibb, who was cast as Ogre. “Now it’s acceptable and cool to be a nerd.”
In fact, all the “Nerds” castmates are close in real life.
“We are still in constant contact to this day. All of us are on a group chat and try to get together whenever we can,” says Brian Tochi, who played Takashi.
The “Nerds” cast will be the subject of a panel discussion on May 18 at 2 p.m. in the main theater.
MEET WENDY & RICHARD PINI
Wendy Pini cosplays as Lady Red Death from the Edgar Allan Poe short story "The Masque of the Red Death." Credit: Richard Pini
Wendy Pini is known for her wild imagination, which is how she created “Elfquest,” a series of fantasy graphic novels that’s been running for more than 45 years.
“The story came from my life,” says Pini, who illustrates and cowrites the series with her husband, Richard. “It focuses on characters that are misunderstood and persecuted while trying to make their way in the world by establishing their own identity.”
The story centers on Cutter, who leads a tribe of elves that are bonded with a pack of wolves. Her style is inspired by Japanese anime and manga mixed with Disney- and Warner Bros.-style cartoons.
Pini is also known in the cosplay field for her handmade costumes, which will be on display in the Dream of Wings Gallery including her Evil Fairy, the Queen Atlantis, Lady Red Death from Edgar Allan Poe’s "The Masque of the Red Death” and Ice Princess from "Turandot" outfits.
She will conduct a panel about her career on May 18 at 3 p.m. in the main theater.
VENDOR MARKET
More than 80 vendors, including several from Long Island, will fill the atrium and cafe selling everything from comics to video games to collectible statues and more. Lost4Toys in West Hempstead has Funko Pops, GI: Joe and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures plus comic books for sale. Meanwhile a booth from Blast From The Past in Bay Shore will offer 50% off store prices to convention attendees on vintage comic books, retro toys from the '80s and '90s as well as Pokémon products.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
On the second floor, venture into the Artist Alley where more than 40 comic book artists sell their autographed prints.
“Star Wars” fans can get a selfie with film characters courtesy of the 501st Legion — Empire City Garrison as the Saber Guild Endor Temple presents free lightsaber training for both children and adults in the Space Gallery.
The Arcade Age exhibit returns to the skywalk on the second floor where 60-plus old school video game cabinets are open for free play.
Cosplay contests will be held on May 18 for adults (18 and older) at 4 p.m. and May 19 for kids (17 and younger) at 4 p.m. in the main theater.
Fuel up at the Cradle Cafe at an array of food trucks selling snacks outside the museum entrance.
CRADLE CON
WHEN | WHERE 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 18 and May 19; the Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Uniondale
INFO 516-572-4111, cradlecon.com
COST $30 ($25 in advance), $15 ages 2-12 ($12 in advance), $40 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.
