Log In

Reset Password
Welcome, User
LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER
Bethlehem Catasauqua East Penn Northampton Northwestern Parkland Salisbury Whitehall-Coplay

Fans of fantasy unite Aug. 16

Published August 01. 2025 10:28AM
by ed courrier Special to The Press

The Lehigh Valley Comic Convention will bring colorful fun and excitement to fans of fantasy 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 16 at Lehigh Carbon Community College Main Campus Community Services Center, 4525 Education Park Dr., Schnecksville.

This year’s special featured guests at the daylong event include:

•Phillip Andrew, well-known for his portrayal of Merrick Baliton/Lunar Wolf Ranger in Power Rangers Wild Force.

•Animation artist Denny Fincke, who has worked on “Star Trek: Lower Decks,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2003,” “Venture Bros” and “Beavis and Butthead.”

•Dave Franchini, best known for writing Zenescope’s “Belle: Beast Hunter,” “Cinderella: Serial Killer Princess” and “Princess Ninjas & Grimm Fairy Tales.”

•Program 38 series author Amanda Madison.

•Richard Maurizio, an artist and writer for Warner Bros, Universal Studios, DC Comics and Archie Comics working on titles such as “Tom & Jerry,” “Looney Toones,” “Animaniacs,” “Space Jam,” “Underdog,” “The Munsters” and “The Real Ghostbusters.”

•Recognized as one of John Romita’s Raiders at Marvel Comics in the 90s, Bob Petrecca has worked on “Thor,” “Spider-Man,” “Green Lantern,” “Captain America,” “Justice League Unlimited,” “Aquaman” and “Scooby Doo.”

•Nathan W. Pyle, a New York Times best-selling author, cartoonist and artist of the Strange Planet series.

•Voice actress Marion Toro, who has a distinguished career in animation, video games, ADR, dubbing and podcasts. Her roles include “Mermaid High,” “PAW Patrol Toy Play,” “Crayola Scribble Scrubbies” and “Silent Key.”

•Weird Brain Entertainment, who produces comic books with comedy, action, horror and adventure from the mind of creator Dave Franchini.

•Artist Glenn Whitmore, who has worked for DC Comics, Archie Comics and Dark Horse Comics on titles such as “Superman,” “Power of Shazam,” “Life With Archie” and “Archie ‘55.”

The Lehigh Valley Comic Convention has delighted fans for 24 years with summer and fall annual events in Schnecksville and one annual spring event held at the Allentown Fairgrounds’ Agri~Plex.

There is an admission charge; kids 12 and under are admitted at no charge.

There is a discount for attendees in costume, college students with ID, firemen, policemen, nurses, teachers, doctors and U.S. Military active/veterans.

Parking is free.

For more information, visit www.LehighValleyComicConvention.com.

PRESS PHOTOS BY ED COURRIERFrom left, Nolen Rivera as “Lucifer Morningstar” and his adult twin brother Noel as “Alastor,” accompany their mom Judy Rivera in costume as a “Female Jack Skellington” at the Dec. 7, 2024 Lehigh Valley Comic Convention held at Lehigh Carbon Community College. The family is from Bethlehem.
Invisible web crew, from left, Bryan Giedman in costume as “Spiderman 2009,” Kelley Obeone as “White Widow,” Christian Dieter as “Spiderman” and Madison Rivera as Spider Gwen” seek new members at their cosplay group recruiting table. They serve as ambassadors for The Exodus Road, an organization that combats human trafficking.
ABOVE: From left, Charlotte Olsen, her sister Chloe and mom, Ashley Counterman are photographed at their Ashmore Studio table. The family resides in Moore Township.
Bethlehem mom Venessa Palumbo is flanked by her sons Bennett and Andrew, dressed up as the Mario Brothers.
John Hohn is found at his JAF booth during the 2024 Lehigh Valley Comic Convention. The JAF comic book shop is located in the Trolley Station Mall, Lower Nazareth Township.
RIGHT: Bethlehem-based Matt Murray is an award-winning writer and editor. He has worked on “Clive Barker’s Hellraiser Anthology,” “Conan” and is celebrated as “The World’s Leading Smurfologist.”
LEFT: Emmaus comic book artist Bob McLeod works on a sketch during a meet-and-greet at the Dec. 7, 2024 Lehigh Valley Comic Convention hosted at Lehigh Carbon Community College.