Albuquerque gets ACE’d

Second annual convention brings big names to Albuquerque

The second annual Albuquerque Comic Expo will have big stars and unique events, said the expo’s co-founder Greg Derrick.

The event, scheduled for June 8-10, is living up to that belief by bringing comic book legend Stan Lee, and indie film icons Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes to the Duke City, said Derrick.

“We wanted to bring something cool to Albuquerque; that not only we wanted to attend, but that our friends would want to attend,” said Derrick.

Many big names in the comic and sci-fi worlds, such as Peter Mayhew (“Star Wars”) and Adam Baldwin (“Firefly”, “Chuck”), are making their first visit to Albuquerque for the conven­tion, said former Network Administration major and expo co-owner Craig Butler.

“It’s going to be a really cool thing,” said Butler.

Many locally produced events will be included at the show such as Gamers Anonymous, which will be hosting tournaments on early 1990’s Super Nintendo Entertainment Systems.

The ninth annual TromaDance New Mexico will run concurrent to the convention, and the event has teamed up with Savor Albuquerque – the 12-day event that culminates with the centennial party for New Mexico on June 16, said Derrick.

Local artist and expo co-founder Mike Thompson created a lim­ited-edition poster for attendees who purchase a VIP pass, said Derrick. The poster features the three headlining guests breakdancing and will be signed by Kevin Smith.

“A lot of people don’t realize that Mike not only helped build ACE from the ground up, but he is also an accomplished artist. We wanted to showcase his talent at this year’s show, and he drew this amazing piece,” said Derrick.

Albuquerque Comic Expo will also host a spe­cial Kids Day on Sunday, which will feature a kids-only costume contest and balloon animals by local magician “Tall” Paul Cochrell, said Derrick.

The second annual Albuquerque Comic Expo will run June 8, 9 and 10 at the Albuquerque Convention Center down­town and will also feature two local movie premieres, a special live version of the “Jay and Silent Bob Get Old Live” podcast at the Kiva auditorium and a weekend-long anime screening room. Tickets are $15 a day, $35 for a 3-day pass or $150 for a VIP package. Kid’s tickets are $7. For more informa­tion or to purchase tickets, go to abqcomicexpo.com