What strike? Plenty of stars at RI Comic Con

by Ann Clanton, contributing writer

“I am not sure how many people are at RI Comic Con, but I haven’t left my booth since this morning,” says Comic Con Store staffer about the Saturday crowd.  The view from the fifth floor of the  Convention floor was hordes of fans – and they descended early upon the Rhode Island Convention Center on Saturday, the second day of Comic Con – RI, waiting in line for panels, shopping for exclusive merch, geeking out over their favorite comic books and Photo Opps.  Despite several guest artists canceling or leaving early due to travel issues, there was plenty of star power.  

Dancing her way into Comic Con was former American Idol judge, Paula Abdul, Din Djarin’s buddy on “The Mandalorian”, Carl Weathers, and Superman. Dean Cain signed autographs for fans waiting in long lines that wrapped around the Amica Mutual Pavillion’s ( AMP’s) ice rink level floor. 

In the age of social media, social media influencers are a must have. Comic Con Rhode Island has six, including Rhode Island’s own social media celebrity, Peter Griffin. Peter Griffin was available for photos and autographs, himself, on the main floor in the Convention Center. 

Nostalgia for the 1980’s prevailed with cast members Vicky Lawrence (Thelma Harper) and Dorothy Lyman (Naomi Oates Harper), characters on the NBC network and syndication comedy series, MAMA’s FAMILY.  MAMA’S FAMILY stars come to the table with stars Vicky Laurence and Dorothy Lyman who also led a panel in the morning.

Continuing the 80’s rule and nostalgia for the John Hughes’ Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles, and St. Elmo’s Fire’s Molly Ringwald along with Andrew McCarthy, Judd Nelson, and Ally Sheedy rose to fame through the Brat Pack of the 1980s, were in attendance. The group was available for group photos.

Bristol, Rhode Island fan, Susan, secured a photo with Brat Pack for an amount she regrettably blurted out in front of her husband, and all his relatives. “My husband signed up to get his photo with Anthony Michael Hall a little later.” 

There was still time to catch Molly Ringwald, “I Dream of Jeannie star Barbara Eden, and a host of other celebrities on Sunday for the last day of Comic Con RI. 

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It’s Sunday!

Just enjoyed myself saying hello to the many celebs and attendees I met on Friday and Saturday, including these fine visitors to the Ocean State!

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Ann-Allison Clanton was born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island. As principal of Ann Clanton Communications, Ann has more than two decades of experience as a communications and public affairs consultant. She has written features and profiles articles for the Providence American Newspaper and Ethnic Online Magazine.

Among the notable persons interviewed include former U. S. Ambassador Andrew Young, Dr. Cornell West, former Florida Congressman Allen West (R-FL) and Ringling Brothers and Barnum Bailey Circus first African American Ringmaster, Johnathan Lee Iverson.

Ann is the founder of the Rhode Island Black Film Festival and a founding member of the Southern New England Association of Black Journalists.