Good guy, bad guy actors among top draws at Jet City Comic Show

More than 100 exhibitors, 100 creators, and more than a dozen featured actors and artists will be on hand for the Jet City Comic Show.

The show will run Saturday and Sunday at the Tacoma Convention Center.

“We’re a big little show that packs in a bunch of stuff, something for everyone, but still, the main focus is on comic books and creators,” said James Taylor, a co-promoter of the show.

“Probably the biggest change for this year is we are bringing in a few higher-profile actors than what we’ve done in the past,” Taylor said.

Among the actors scheduled to appear, Roger Cross will be one of the biggest draws. He’s appeared on multiple TV shows, including ones with direct ties to comics, such as “Dark Matter” on Syfy and “Arrow” on CW. He also appeared in two seasons of “The Strain on FX,” “Motive” on ABC and spent two seasons on “24.” This will be his first appearance in the Puget Sound region.

Long-time bad-guy actor and Seattle resident Robert LaSardo also will be on hand. He might be best-known for his pivotal role on “Nip/Tuck” and “CSI.”

Also at the show will be actress Aly Michalka, whose credits include being a regular cast member on CW’s “iZombie,” which is based on a comic book. Other credits include one season of “Hellcats,” the Disney Channel’s “Phil of the Future” and the film “Easy A.” Michalka spent part of her childhood in the Seattle area.

She’s also a musician, playing with her sister AJ on two records with more than 1 million downloads on a hit single in 2007.

Sandi Sellner, who played Alpha 5 for two seasons on Fox’s “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,” will be at the show. She lives in the Seattle area.

Another Seattleite making an appearance will be Frank Dux. Taylor said Dux is a controversial figure in the martial arts community, though he has been inducted into halls of fame and is highly recognized by martial-arts groups.

“His biggest thing is that ‘Bloosport’ was based off of his story, basically MMA before MMA,” Taylor said.

Sunday, the actors will conduct a live-stream interview in the convention center lobby, a first for the show, Taylor said.

Among the comic book creators, new Tacoma resident Peter Bagge will be a big draw. Some of his work includes “Neat Stuff,” “Hate” and “Yeah!”

“He is a huge national name in the indy comic scene,” Taylor said.

Fred Van Lente was born in Tacoma while his father was stationed at what is now Joint Base Lewis-McChord. An award-winning writer, Van Lente co-wrote “King Kirby,” a play recently staged in New York that received great reviews, Taylor said. His original graphic novel “Cowboys & Aliens” became a movie of the same name.

Others appearing include Joe Rubinstein, who worked on the first “Wolverine” miniseries, and Pete Woods, who is working on “Deadpool.”

Another Tacoma resident, fantasy novelist Robin Hobb, will be at the show. She is best known for The Farseer trilogy. Appearing on Sunday will be Isaac Marion, author of “Warm Bodies,” which was adapted into a film.

“The collection of talent at this year’s show is amazing,” Taylor said. “Since the move to Tacoma, the show has grown leaps and bounds and is being recognized as a great, friendly show for both guests and fans.”

Other events include a costume contest Saturday and trick-or-treating at vendor booths. Comic Characters for Causes and the 501st Garrison (a Star Wars group) will have photo booths that will raise money for charities The Goodtimes Project and Wounded Warrior, respectively.

Even with all that will take place, Taylor said the show works to remain affordable.

“Most shows our size would charge twice what we do for tickets,” he said.

The event provides free tickets for service members through Vetix.org and at JBLM, and a portion of merchandise sales goes to Operation Homefront.

This story was originally published November 2, 2016 at 2:54 AM with the headline "Good guy, bad guy actors among top draws at Jet City Comic Show."