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This summer’s key word for the August 2, 2014 RobCon Comic Convention is “more”. More guests, more artists, and more events. It will be the biggest comic con ever in the Tri-Cities. Rob-Con goes into its 29th year of celebrating the world of comic books, fantasy and science fiction. The long guest list this year includes renowned fantasy artist Charles Vess. His award-winning work has graced the covers and interior pages of many comic book publishers including Marvel (Spider-Man) and DC (Books of Magic, Swamp Thing, Sandman). His recent work is found more in book illustration, such as “Stardust".

Attendees will be able to visit with well-known artists including Joe Staton, Andy Runton, Gary Kwapisz, and Tom Lyle. Lyle's work has included "Starman", "Robin", and "The Comet" for DC Comics. His Marvel work includes “Spider-Man”, “The Punisher”, and “Warlock”. Since 2005 he has taught sequential art at the Savannah College of Art and Design.

While there visit the Eisner Award winning cartoonist, comic book artist and children's illustrator, Joe Staton- best known for his decades of work on DC Comics characters like Batman, Green Lantern, The Huntress, Plastic Man and the Justice Society of America, his co-creation (with Nicola Cuti), E-Man, and many popular "all-ages" comics like Jughead and Scooby-Doo.

Other artists coming to this year's convention include Jason Flowers, Kaysha Siemens, Bridgeforth Studios, Scott & Callie West, Jeremy Massie, Matthew D. Smith, Christopher Gibbs, Brett Cook, John Hairston Jr., Brett Harris, Matthew Childers, and Lost Story Studios.

Writers will be well-represented by New York Times best-seller Jennifer Estep along with Gayle Trent, Amanda Lee, Misty Martin, Stephen Semones and others.

New attractions this year will be a life-size Tardis and Dalek from the Dr. Who television series. The East Tennessee R2 Builders will join fan favorites like the Carolina Ghostbusters with the Ecto-1 and the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine van.

Walking Dead fans can meet and greet with two zombies, Sonya Thompson and Larry Mainland, who were a part of the television series in addition to other TV and movie series.

Darlene Cole, Deputy Director for Community Relations said, “Rob-Con is making its third appearance in Viking Hall and it will be a blast. Last year was indeed one of the more fun events we have hosted in a while. We are so excited about having them back this year. Robert Pilk and his partner George Stone are the best people to work with, they know their audience, most by name and that creates an atmosphere for a good time.”

The popular costume contest, featuring divisions for both young and older cosplayers, starts at 3 p.m. You don’t want to miss seeing some of your favorite characters on the stage at Viking Hall. “It is amazing to see the talent that is put toward these costumes,” continued Cole.

The event is August 2, 2014 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is $6.00 for adults and children under 10 will be admitted free. For more information on ticketing call the Viking Hall Box Office 423-764-0188, for information on the show or vendor information contact Robert Pilk at 423-274-0450 or 423-989-8245 or checkout the Rob-Con website at http://robcon.net/