Celebrating a full quarter century, Planet Comicon Kansas City celebrated their 26th year as the region’s largest and longest-running comic and pop culture event celebrating comic books, science fiction, superheroes and fantasy and its creators; with large daily crowds who converged downtown at Bartle Hall and the Convention Center.

The show has been in existence since 1999, starting small in the south suburbs, moving to larger venues as it grew exponentially along the way to become the Midwest’s premier comics and pop culture gathering and remains a locally run, independent venture, when so many shows have been sold to trade show and exhibit corporations.

The dealer exhibit space covered over seven football fields worth of area featuring comics, pop culture collectibles, anime, anime, nostalgia and memorabilia, along with gaming, entertainment, and other retail options.

Beer was even served via Boulevard Brewing, free play pinball and video games were available, and workshop presentations were held for would-be hands-on creators.

Paid celebrity meet-and-greets and photo opportunities were available as usual, and one of the best ways to learn about these attendees or ask a particular question, was to attend their public Panel discussion/Q&A.

Some of the numerous guests attending this year included:

Celebrity Guests

● David Tennant (Doctor Who)
● Matthew Lillard (Scream, Scooby Doo)
● Helen Hunt (As Good as It Gets, Mad About You)
● Andy Serkis (Lord of the Rings, Planet of the Apes)
● Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future, Taxi)
● Christina Ricci (Addams Family, Yellowjackets)
● Katee Sackhoff (The Mandalorian, Longmire)
● Ann-Margret (Bye Bye Birdie, Viva Las Vegas)
● Pam Grier (Jackie Brown, Foxy Brown)
● Vincent D’Onofrio (Daredevil, Full Metal Jacket)
● Elizabeth Berkley (Saved by the Bell)
● Mike Colter (Luke Cage, Evil)
● Malin Akerman (Watchmen, Billions)
● AJ McLean (Backstreet Boys)

Comic Creators, Artists, and Authors

● Amanda Conner (Harley Quinn, Power Girl)
● Adam Hughes (Maze Agency, DC covers)
● Anthony Oropeza (KC Sports Art)
● Doug Mahnke (Swamp Thing, Batman: Off-World)
● Dan Panosian (Alice Ever After, Canary)
● Ed McGuinness (Superman/Batman, Hulk, Spider-Man)
● Freddie Williams II (Batman/TMNT, Robin)
● Jeff Dekal (Catwoman, The Flash covers)
● Rick Burchett (Batman Animated)
● Jimmy Palmiotti (Harley Quinn, Punisher)
● Kevin Nowlan (Batman: Sword of Azrael)
● Reilly Brown (Batman: Fortnite, Deadpool)
● Skottie Young (Star Trek, Marvel: Declassified)
● Stephen Platt (Moon Knight, Storyboard Art)

Japanese animation and its associated culture aka Anime is even more popular in recent years; so much so, that a sister show Planet Anime Kansas City will make its successful return for a second year, this November.

As for Planet Comicon Kansas City, plans are already confirmed to begin their second quarter-century with the next installment set for March 27, 28 and 29, 2026.

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