William Shatner, Lou Ferrigno among stars at Tucson Comic-Con this weekend

Tucson residents and visitors can spend Labor Day weekend surrounded by superheroes, science fiction icons, comic creators and cosplayers when Tucson Comic-Con returns to the Tucson Convention Center for its 17th annual event. The three-day convention runs Sept. 4 through Sept. 6, bringing celebrity appearances, shopping, panels, fan activities and new interactive spaces to downtown. Organizers say this year’s event will be the largest yet in both guest lineup and venue footprint, giving attendees more reason to explore the convention center and nearby businesses.

The convention is expanding beyond the space used last year. Tucson Comic-Con will again use the arena, following a 2022 event that featured 119,000 square feet of vendors and artists, and will also take over the convention center’s North Exhibit Hall. That area will become “The Hall of Heroes,” a space where attendees can meet professional cosplayers and cosplay groups, take photos and enter themed environments. Groups may offer hands-on activities such as sword fighting, lightsaber battles and, in some cases, pirate-themed “walk the plank” experiences. The idea is to make the exhibit area something fans can participate in, rather than simply pass through while shopping.

Nearly 40 celebrity and industry guests are expected, more than at any previous Tucson Comic-Con. William Shatner, who first played Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek and later starred in T.J. Hooker, is scheduled to appear Friday and Saturday at booth H19. Lou Ferrigno, known for portraying the Hulk in the classic television series The Incredible Hulk, will be at booth H10 all three days and will participate in a spotlight panel at 11 a.m. Saturday in panels 101 and 102. Fans can also meet Deep Roy, whose credits include Corpse Bride, Planet of the Apes, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Return of the Jedi. He will appear Friday through Sunday at booth H16 and hold a spotlight panel at 2 p.m. Saturday.

E.G. Daily, whose work includes more than 40 feature films, Pee Wee’s Big Adventure and the voice of Tommy Pickles on Rugrats, will attend Saturday and Sunday at booth H18. Daily is also scheduled for a 1 p.m. Saturday spotlight panel in panels 101 and 102. Tracy Lynn Cruz, recognized by Power Rangers fans as Ashley Hammond, the Yellow Ranger, from Power Rangers Turbo and Power Rangers In Space, is part of the guest lineup as well. The weekend will also feature major figures from comic book history, including James O’Barr, creator of The Crow, and Jim Starlin, who developed Marvel’s Infinity Gauntlet storyline and created characters including Thanos, Drax and Gamora.

The convention is emphasizing Arizona talent alongside its nationally known guests. Organizers expect between 10 and 15 Arizona-based artists, writers and other creative professionals to be represented on the floor. Among them are Tucson illustrator and graphic designer Chiara Bautista and muralist Pen Macias, who will paint a mural live during the weekend for Tucson Comic-Con. The exhibit hall will include a broad selection of vendors and creators, with offerings ranging from baked goods decorated around superhero themes to jewelry, trading cards and other fan merchandise. Organizers describe the hall as one of the best places for both first-time attendees and longtime convention fans to get a full sense of the event.

Spotlight panels will give fans an opportunity to hear guests discuss their careers, projects and experiences, followed by audience questions. Photo opportunities with celebrity guests can be purchased online before the convention, with prices ranging from $65 to $155. Admission is available through tucsoncomic-con.com. A full weekend pass costs $78.65. Single-day general admission is $38.75 Friday, $55.85 Saturday and $38.75 Sunday. The website also includes the full schedule, including guest appearances and panels.

The convention’s activities will extend into downtown after the Tucson Convention Center closes. Tucson Comic-Con is working with venues including the Rialto Theatre and Hotel Congress to create additional entertainment for attendees. On Friday, Sept. 4, the Rialto will host the “Bop To The Top” rave, a Disney-inspired event built around music associated with Hannah Montana, High School Musical and similar eras. The event is intended for a wide range of ages, and Comic-Con attendees can receive a percentage discount on tickets through the Rialto box office. The Rialto’s R Bar will also offer free music and other activities throughout the weekend, with organizers hoping to include a costume contest.

Hotel Congress will serve as the official after-party destination Saturday, Sept. 5, with activities planned throughout the property, including its club and plaza areas. The hotel is collaborating with DJ promoter Good Day Good Night for the event, which will include featured DJs, themed drinks and booths featuring local vendors. Hotel organizers also indicated that special surprises and guests could be part of the evening. The downtown partnerships give attendees more ways to continue celebrating after the convention and bring Comic-Con activity to businesses beyond the convention center.

For fans, the weekend offers a mix of nationally recognized performers, comic book history, local art and participatory entertainment. For Tucson, it also means another major gathering centered downtown, with convention activity connecting the Tucson Convention Center to nearby nightlife and independent vendors. Whether visitors arrive in costume, come to meet a television favorite or simply browse the artist and vendor floor, Tucson Comic-Con is designed to fill all three days with events at the convention center and beyond.