Long Islander… ASSEMBLE! Celebrating its 10th anniversary on July 8th and 9th at Hofstra University’s David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex in Hempstead, Eternal Con will feature everything from the world of pop culture.
“Every year we have grown and our number of visitors has increased,” says organizer and founder Frank Patz. “Our goal is to offer something for everyone, from sci-fi fans to comic book lovers to pop culture devotees. We have the stars of yesterday, today and tomorrow.”
This year’s program is packed with enough activities to keep genre fanatics fully engaged and busy throughout the weekend.
Participate in a question-and-answer session with special guests
Attendees can participate in a question-and-answer session with actors Todd Stashwick (Star Trek: Picard), Dan Fogler (Fantastic Beasts, Fanboys), and Thomas D. Waites (The Warriors, The Thing”). Photo credits: Björn Kommerell; Andy Kropa undefined
Celebrities from film and television will be on hand to provide welcome speeches, take photos and answer questions from the audience in a question-and-answer interview. Here are some stars coming this year:
AND FOGLERS
Fans will remember him from his cult films Balls of Fury and Fanboys, as well as his role in The Walking Dead, but character actor Dan Fogler is best known for his role as Jacob Kowalski in the Fantastic Beasts films Potterverse -Franchise.
“Jacob is an everyman muggle and audiences follow him on his journey like Alice down the rabbit hole in ‘Alice in Wonderland,'” says Fogler. “He, like the audience, is in awe of the fantastic events happening all around.”
More info Questions and answers on July 8 at 3 p.m
TODD STASHWICK
Raised in suburban Chicago, actor Todd Stashwick (“12 Monkeys,” “Supernatural”) watched “Star Trek” and now plays Captain Liam Shaw of the USS Titan-A in “Star Trek: Picard.”
“I got my first ‘Star Trek’ action figures when I was six, so I’ve been pretending to be a captain ever since,” says Stashwick, who even wrote his own comic book, Devil Inside. “It’s just a wonderful organic extension of the things I did as a little boy. It’s both surreal and humbling.”
More info Questions and answers on July 8 at 4 p.m
THOMAS G. WAITING
Today he’s the writer and director of new comedy Target, but for movie buffs, Thomas G. Waites will always be the fox from 1979’s The Warriors.
“It was the vision of cinematographer Andrew Laszlo and director Walter Hill to paint a futuristic dystopian picture of New York,” says Waites. “The characters were larger than life. My role as The Fox was that of the Warrior Scout – smart, cunning, quick and perceptive. He was designed to protect the gang using his IQ and street knowledge.”
More info Questions and Answers on July 9 at 1 p.m
Check out Hollywood vehicles
TV Show Cars’ John Sbrigato will be exhibiting the 1992 Batmobile at Eternal Con, July 8-9 at Hofstra University’s David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex in Hempstead. not defined
Grab your smartphone and get ready to click, as fans will be able to see some iconic vehicles up close. This year’s entry includes KITT from Knight Rider, Ectomobile from Ghostbusters and Batmobile from 1992’s Batman Returns.
“Whether you’re 5 or 80, you know the Batmobile. The car itself is a celebrity,” says Batmobile owner John Sbrigato of TV Show Cars. “People go crazy for it because you don’t see it that often. It has a unique look that really takes you back.”
Participate in the cosplay competition
Cosplayer Lavie Martinez of Kawaii Kiwi Cosplay will be taking photos with fans and sharing cosplay tips at Eternal Con July 8-9 at Hofstra University’s David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex in Hempstead. not defined
Come dressed as your favorite comic book, anime, movie or TV character and enter the adult or kid cosplay competition.
Professional cosplayer Lavie Martinez of Suffolk County’s Kawaii Kiwi Cosplay plans to portray My Hero Academia’s Nejire Hado and Sailor Moon’s Sailor Neptune. She will have a booth where she will take selfies and answer any cosplay questions.
Mineola’s Chris Feehan serves as the Commanding Officer of the 501st Legion’s Empire City Garrison and wears screen-accurate Star Wars costumes. Feehan, who often portrays a stormtrooper, prepares to be hit by the fans.
“We will be hosting a Blast-A-Trooper promotion and a raffle for a ‘Star Wars’ toy hamper throughout the event to raise money for the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County,” says Feehan. “Children and adults can shoot us with a Nerf blaster for charity.”
EXPLORE THE KÜNSTLERGASSE
Local artist Shinnequa Clemente will be part of Artist Alley at Eternal Con on July 8-9 at Hofstra University’s David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex in Hempstead. Photo credit: Sheek Visual Arts
More than 150 artists use the second floor to sell their pieces or even make commissioned paintings or drawings on site in Artist Alley.
Meet Long Island native Sean Carlson, who uses a variety of mediums to create images of comic book superheroes, video game characters and pop culture figures in a graphically realistic style.
Local artist Sean Carlson will be exhibiting his film and video game inspired art at Eternal Con July 8-9 at Hofstra University’s David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex in Hempstead. Credit: Sean Carlson
Don’t miss Shinnequa Clemente from Uniondale of Sheek Visual Arts, a custom sneaker painter and designer.
“I draw the world around me,” says Clemente. “You can see and feel the urban vibe I grew up with.”
SUPERSELLER TO BROWSE
Lost4Toys of West Hempstead will be selling Quantum Mechanics Marvel & DC figures at Eternal Con July 8-9 at Hofstra University’s David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex in Hempstead. not defined
Over 200 vendor tables will be spread across the first floor offering comic books, action figures, t-shirts, posters, video games, costumes and vintage memorabilia for sale.
West Hempstead-based Lost4Toys will be selling its Quantum Mechanics Marvel & DC figures ranging in price from $15 to $300. mego corp from Great Neck is offering 50th Anniversary DC World’s Greatest Superheroes dolls for $20 each. Oakdale’s Milo Toys & Collectables stock a selection of vintage and new toys, games, comics, Funko POPs, diecast and action figures from titles such as Disney, Barbie, American Girl, Strawberry Shortcake, GI Joe, Transformers, Power Rangers, ” ” Star Wars” and “Star Trek” for purchase.
ETERNAL CON
WHEN | WHERE July 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., July 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex, 245 Hofstra University, Hempstead Turnpike, Hempstead
COSTS Saturday: $30 (adult, 12+), $15 (child, 10-12, under 10 free); Sunday: $25 (adult), $10 (child); Weekend Pass: $50 (adult), $22 (child), Super VIP Pass: $100 (includes exclusive merchandise, early entry, preferred seating).
THE INFORMATION Eternalcon.com
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday’s exploreLI, covering entertainment events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
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