From Chico-Con to DC Comics

Chico-Con fans may be wondering why the comic-book convention is happening at the end of July instead of the end of August as usual. It’s because the event founder/coordinator, Shane Will, is leaving Chico and heading to the East Coast to work on his art and “do some stuff” with people from Marvel and DC Comics. Will, originally from Manteca, moved here after film school in 1997. He started out making movies and even shot a couple in Chico before transitioning to comics when he realized that he liked doing the art and the storytelling more himself than having to worry about a crew. The idea for Chico-Con grew into a wildly popular event—now in its fifth year—that brings out Chico’s comic fans in force. Check it out Sunday (July 29), 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Chico Veterans Hall, 554 Rio Lindo Ave.

What are the biggest names you have scheduled to appear this weekend?

We have some guests that haven’t been with us before this year. Tim Vigil—his horror comic Faust is a really big deal, it’s also been made into movies. And Robert Love, whose comic Chocolate Thunder is about to become a TV show. So, they’re our big names this year.

Have you enjoyed putting on these shows?

Yeah, it’s been a great experience all these years. Doing the shows that I did here, the Chico-Con, the Oro-Con [in Oroville], the shows I’ve worked booths at, I’ve met a lot of people—that’s what opened up my ability to go out to the East Coast and do all this.

What was your favorite moment?

There’s so many, I’d hate to pick just one, but I think my favorite show was probably year two. Everything kind of exploded that year. It was so big, we had more guests than ever at that show.

Will you miss Chico?

Oh yeah, definitely. I wouldn’t leave if it wasn’t for the opportunity—too many friends, family, memories here and I just love the area. I probably will not be back. Well, maybe when I’m done with everything, but nothing in the short-term.

Is this the end of Chico-Con?

This isn’t the end of the show; someone is taking it over. A gentleman, Adam Kellenberger, has purchased this off of me and he will be making the announcement of his first show Sunday at my last one. He’s in the Yuba City area, he works with artists and comic creators and he runs ’cons and booths and stuff as well. I’ve known him for five years now, too, just doing things like these together and other shows. He’ll be taking over both Chico-Con and Oro-Con.