Thousands of self-professed nerds gather in Kansas City for Planet Comicon’s 25th year
Celebrities, artists and tens of thousands of fans proud to call themselves nerds are converging in Kansas City for the Missouri city’s 25th annual Planet Comicon
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Celebrities, artists and tens of thousands of fans proud to call themselves nerds are converging in Kansas City for the Missouri city's 25th annual Planet Comicon this weekend.
Devotees ranging from “Potterheads” — lovers of the popular Harry Potter series — to “furries” — people dressed as cartoonish animals — can test niche trivia skills, compete in Pokémon battles and show off intricate, handmade outfits in homage to their fictional heroes.
Top guests include Ian McDiarmid, who event organizer Chris Phelan described as the “ultimate bad guy” in his portrayal of Star Wars' Emperor Palpatine, infamous for luring Darth Vader to the dark side.
Organizers expect record-breaking attendance this year at the three-day event, which began Friday and typically draws 50,000 to 60,000 fans, Phelan said.
