Fayetteville Comic Con is an event that takes place biannually to honor the culture of comic books, anime, horror, wrestling, movies, and other fandoms that are connected.
The Spring 2024 Fayetteville Comic Con will be held at the Crown Expo Center on April 27 and 28.
History and background of Fayetteville Comic Con
Fayetteville Comic Con was established in 2015 as a one-day event by Michael and Pam Chaudhuri, in response to the community's desire for a convention of this nature. The initial success of that event led to its expansion into a full weekend show in October 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Keith D. Gibbs, who is the present president and CEO, started as a volunteer in 2016. As fans began requesting two shows per year, an expansion was planned for 2020, but unfortunately, it was halted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
During this time, Gibbs assumed ownership of the show. Although there were not any in-person events in 2020, Fayetteville Comic Con successfully organized a live virtual show in June of that year. As soon as restrictions on social gatherings were lifted in 2021, the convention returned to a live show format.
Since then, Fayetteville Comic Con has been offering two shows per year. This year’s Spring 2024 show in April will be their seventh convention since the pandemic and the twelfth live convention overall.
Nod to the Military for Spring 2024
As we are all aware, Fort Liberty holds the distinction of being one of the largest military installations. Numerous soldiers and support personnel from this base have regularly attended Fayetteville Comic Con in the past. However, during the Fayetteville Comic Con Fall 2023, tensions in the Middle East escalated, leading to many soldiers being unable to attend. To express Comic Con’s gratitude for their service, they have decided to center the Spring 2024 show around the beloved franchise of GI Joe: A Real American Hero.
As a token of appreciation, they have reduced ticket prices for military personnel and first responders, and are also hosting various “Send a Soldier to the Show” fundraisers.
Friday Night Film Night on Friday, April 26
During the 2023 Autumn Show, a brand-new addition was unveiled to the lineup of attractions - the Friday Night Film Festival. This exciting festival will be returning this spring with a specially curated screening of the film "Black Hawk Down", followed by a Q&A session featuring the talented actor, Richard Tyson. Furthermore, there will be a showcase of a selection of short films created by aspiring local directors.
It's important to note that this event is separate from the ticketed Saturday/Sunday Fayetteville Comic Con, and all proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Cosplay Your Favorite Character
Another new feature that started at the 2023 Fall Show was "CosPlays Got Talent!" competition. This exciting event allows CosPlayers to showcase their talents by performing dance, musical or theatrical acts in character. Participants will have the opportunity to compete for cash prizes, which will be awarded by a distinguished panel of celebrity judges.
Alongside this competition, they are also hosting the Character Creator Master Class competition. In this challenge, they have invited fans to design, create, and embody a unique character that seamlessly fits into the GI Joe universe. The event will take place on Saturday, April 27, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the main ballroom of the Crown Expo Center. Please note that tickets to Fayetteville Comic Con are required for attendance.
Additionally, there will be other exciting cosplay events lined up, including a youth cosplay parade on Saturday, April 27, and an adult cosplay competition on Sunday, April 28.
Special Guests and Celebrity Appearances
The lineup of comic creators for the Spring 2024 Fayetteville Comic Con includes the legendary patriarch of GI Joe, Larry Hama, the esteemed artist Brian Shearer, who has had a long tenure with GI Joe, and the unmatched master of comics, Jim Shooter. In addition, they will showcase the talents of Michael Watkins, Jeremy Whitley, Rob "Potsy" Potchak and Wolly McNair, who is a native of Lumberton. Also highlighted is Brandon Ballard, a rising star in the world of comic book creation.
Fayetteville Comic Con has emerged as a top-notch occasion to interact with actors and creators from the Power Rangers series.
The upcoming Spring 2024 Con presents an exclusive opportunity to meet Phillip Jeanmarie, Alyson Sullivan, and Jessica Rey, who are renowned for their roles in Power Rangers: Wild Force. It is worth noting that Alyson will be making a special appearance all the way from Ireland, marking a rare occurrence in the United States.
Anime and animation play a significant role in conventions, and this particular convention boasts an impressive lineup of voice actors. Among them is Scot Innes, known for his roles as the voices of Scooby Doo, Scrappy Doo, and Shaggy.
Additionally, there are talented voice actors Michelle Knotz, Tony Salerno, Jason Griffith, Brian Beacock and Michael Sinterniklass. These skilled individuals have lent their voices to various projects ranging from Pokémon to Naruto, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to Sonic the Hedgehog, and even One Piece to Dragon Ball.
The Complete Line Up Is As Follows:

Comic Creators
• Larry Hama
• Jim Shooter
• Michael Watkins
• Brian Shearer
• Jeremy Whitley
• Rob “Potsy Potchak”
• Brandon Ballard
• Wally McNair

Voice Actors
• Scott Innes
• Michelle Knotz
• Tony Salerno
• Jason Griffith
• Brian Beacock
• Michael Sinterniklass

Power Rangers
• Alyson Sullivan
• Phillip Jeanmarie
• Jessica Rey
• Screen Actors
• Richard Tyson
• John Anderson
• Felissa Rose

Wrestling
• Seargent Slaughter

Special Guests
• Ron Rudat
• Carson Mataxis

Fayetteville Comic Con Spring 2024 will be held Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28 starting at 10 a.m. Tickets range in price depending on day passes or weekend passes. Tickets can be purchased at crowncomplexnc.com.