CALIFORNIA REPUBLIC COMIC CON 2017

CRCC 2017 took place September 16th, 2017 at the Merced County Fairground. 

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With three buildings, and over 40,000 square feet, California Republic Comic Con (CRCC) became the largest comic convention south of Stockton.

Many fans came to meet sci-fi legend Gary Lockwood, the star of Stanley Kubrick’s timeless masterpiece 2001: A Space Odyssey. 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the film that is considered by many to be the best science fiction movie ever made, and the attendees had a chance to celebrate early with Dr. Frank Poole himself in this very rare Central Valley appearance.

Gary Lockwood also credited with playing Lieutenant Commander Gary Mitchell in the Star Trek pilot episode "Where No Man Has Gone Before". At the convention, Gary Lockwood was joined by Sean Kenney, best known for his role in Star Trek as the crippled Christopher Pike in "The Menagerie", and as Lieutenant DePaul in "Arena" and "A Taste of Armageddon."

Star Wars fans enjoyed meeting Julie Dolan who has voiced Princess Leia Organa for Star Wars Rebels, Star Tours - The Adventure Continues and numerous Star Wars videogames, and Stephen Costantino who who portrayed one of Jabba's Gamorrean Guards in Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi.

Back at California Republic Comic Con 2017 was fan-favorite actor Jimmy Hunt best known for Invaders from Mars. Power Rangers fans got to meet & greet with Alison MacInnis, Pink Ranger in Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue, and Steven Skyler, Gold Ranger in Power Rangers Samurai.

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Comic book aficionados had a rare for Central Valley chance to meet renowned comic book artist Matt Haley, known for his work on Superman, Judge Dredd and Wonder Woman 77, who was joined by his fellow artist Chris Marrinan (Excalibur, Nova). Indie comics were represented by talented guest creators Tobe Daranouvong (Villain Comic) and Omar Morales (CruZader: Agent of the Vatican).

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Cosplay guests Necikait, Lucky Bunny Cosplay, Nor Cal Cap & Family and Colossus Girl herself made an appearance to out smiles on kids and adults' faces. 

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The show opened to the rock sounds of Sacramento-based Diversity of ONE. The concert on the green hosted by Skitz-Cosplay continued with performances by Steven Skyler, Stephen Costantino, Michael Werner and Merced's very own DJ Lamont Walker. DaRealwordsound's DaRapNerd closed the concert with some amazing beats that made everyone dance as one.

The West Coast Avengers took the stage to host a cosplay contest sponsored by Snackoo where the winner cosplaying as Green Goblin took home a trophy and $300 in cash. 

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One of the program highlights of CRCC 2017 was the 1st annual Violette Film Festival. Featuring 25 films from around the world from the countries like the UK and Iraq, and 4 world premieres, it is now the largest independent film festival in Merced County.

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Attendees could also shop from various exhibitors and creators, meet local cosplayers and fan groups, play laser tag and video games, compete for a cash prize in the Street Fighter Tournament sponsored by Snackoo, paint rocks with Merced ROCKS!, get facepainting from  Make-Up Your Mind, hang out with the Buster as the Caped Commuter, have their picture taken at Foto XL and In Search of Cosplay photo booths, and enjoy food and treats from Chefanelli's, Two Angry Guys, Wild Game Jerky, Rita's of Atwater, KettleTopia and help Project: Wish Upon A Star raise money for a good cause by buying a delicious Nathan's hot dog. 

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Overall, CRCC 2017 was a fun-filled day for kids and adults alike. 

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