Toledo-based comic book creator Dirk Manning has never missed an Astronomicon since it began five years ago.
“I have the great privilege of working with (hip hop duo) Twiztid to write the Haunted High-Ons comic series, and through this relationship I’ve been able to meet and connect with many of their most dedicated fans, who in turn have gotten to know my other work. Attending Astronomicon every year is a way fans attending the con can pick up new books from me while we catch up face-to-face!” said Manning.
An Amazon bestselling and Ringo Award-nominated writer, Manning has penned the supernatural noir Tales of Mr. Rhee, the horror anthology Nightmare World, and the biographical Butts in Seats: The Tony Schiavone Story. He is also the special projects manager for Source Point Press.
This year, Astronomicon will set up shop at Burton Manor in Livonia during the weekend of April 22-24. Throughout the weekend, there will be comics, horror and pop culture memorabilia for sale, as well as an artist alley, panels, photo ops, cosplay contests, trivia contests, tattoo contests, concerts, and movie night.
In addition to Twiztid and Manning, this year’s guest list includes comic book artists, wrestlers, and actors known in the horror genre, such as: Judge Reinhold (the Beverly Hills Cops franchise, Gremlins), Nick Castle (the original Michael Myers, alias the Shape, from 1978’s Halloween), Danielle Harris (the Halloween franchise, The Last Boy Scout), Tyler Mane (X-Men, the Halloween franchise), WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash, former Detroit Red Wing Darren McCarthy, Scout Taylor-Compton (the Halloween franchise), Holly Marie Combs (Charmed), and Brian Krause (Charmed), et al. Here is a complete list of guests.
“Astronomicon 5 is going to have the best line-up yet, with everything from comics to professional wrestling to pop culture to music being represented in equal measure,” said Manning. “Anyone who wants to see the full spectrum of what a comic con can provide at a local venue and reasonable cost would do well to check out this fantastic show!”
Astronomicon will set up shop at Burton Manor, located at 27777 Schoolcraft in Livonia on the following days and times:
Friday, April 22, from 5 to 10 p.m.
Saturday, April 23, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 24, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets vary between $30 to $200.
Children ages 6-12 are $15 (ages five and under are FREE).
Parking is free. Admission to Astronomicon does not cover the cost of celebrity autographs and photo ops.
For questions or more information, contact info@astronomicon.com.
