SEMOcon returns to Poplar Bluff Friday

The second annual SEMOcon is set to open at noon Friday at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff. The event will feature three days of anime, sci-fi, comics, fantasy, gaming and cosplay opportunities for fans of all ages.

Attendees will be able to shop 120 booths of vendors offering toys, hand crafts, jewelry, Legos, comic books and much more. A variety of activities are planned including a Star Wars-themed escape room, sponsored by the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library, cosplay photo booth and video game tournaments.

According to SEMOcon organizer, Bill “Mr. Bill” Drake, the highlight of the weekend will be the number and quality of celebrity guests scheduled to be on hand to interact with the crowds.

“This is a fun, family-friendly environment. You will get your mind blown with all the people in costumes and the guest stars,” boasts Drake.

The list of celebrities set to appear this weekend is a virtual who’s who of the sci-fi and anime worlds.

Voice artist, Tiffany Grant, best known as Asuka from “Evangelion,” has worked in the anime industry over 25 years. She has lent her voice to over 1,700 productions and written over 200 scripts. Grant’s other credits include video games, stage, commercials and film.

John Anderson is an actor and comedian who’s first role was playing a Ravager in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.” Anderson’s television and film credits include “Black Panther,” “Stranger Things,” “Sleepy Hollow,” “MacGyver” and many more. He was most recently featured in “Make-Up Artist Magazine” and “Rolling Stone.” Celebrity character artist Matthew Atchley is widely known for his detailed drawings and illustrations. His artwork credits include many popular television series including, “The Walking Dead” and “Arrow.” Atchley film artwork credits include such hits as “Napolean Dynamite,” “Tombstone” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

Three-time Eisner artist Rich Burchett is a veteran of the comics industry. He is best known for his 15 years working on various “Batman” comics where he helped introduce DC Adventures line of books based on the hit “Batman: The Animated TV Series.”

SEMOcon operating hours will begin at noon Friday and go until 10 p.m.; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets for the event may be purchased online at bit.ly/semocon, by calling 870-215-2864 or at the door. They are $20 for a three-day individual pass, which may be purchased in advance until 3 p.m. Sept. 11, or $25 at the door. A three-day family pass is $55 (up to 2 adults & 4 children) and may be purchased in advance until 3 p.m. Sept. 11, or $60 at the door.