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A mother and her two children, all dressed as characters from “One Piece,” played a card game. Nearby, a couple shopped for enamel pins of Marvel characters. Various art vendors, celebrity guests and tabletop games provided an activity for everyone at Syracuse PopCon.

Syracuse PopCon was held on Saturday and Sunday in fields 1 and 2 of the Central New York Family Sports Centre. The fan convention featured an estimated 50 vendors, appearances from voice actors like Matthew Sussman (“Pokémon,” “The Slayers”) and a cosplay contest with a $1,000 grand prize.

Robert Stacy, organizer and co-owner, is proud of the event’s offerings, finding that the guests received a quality experience. His background as a toy store owner and vendor at other events made him confident in PopCon’s success. Stacy said he wanted to give patrons more than just their money’s worth.

In particular, Stacy was excited for guests to interact with the 501st Legion, an organization of fans that sends several members to conventions dressed as Star Wars’ Imperial stormtroopers.

“Those guys are dressed up like they’re right out of the movie,” Stacy said. “To see those characters walk around at my show is ridiculously awesome.”

Compared to San Diego Comic-Con and other larger, more popular events, Stacy said PopCon is focused more on cultivating an intimate community of fans. The humble scope of the convention led to a greater emphasis on individuals with a shared love for pop culture. Isaiah Escalante, an event attendee, appreciated its smaller size.

“I think (large cons) are kind of impersonal,” Escalante said. “They’re crowded, loud and usually kind of frustrating. It’s really nice to get these close, hometown cons.”

Tyler Bouchard, known as “The Rug Rat,” was one of PopCon’s many vendors. He creates rugs and mixed media pieces inspired by popular titles like “Pokémon” and “One Piece.” Bouchard said he enjoys attending conventions for the community that are born from shared fandom.

Lars Jendruschewitz | Photo Editor

Vendors sold many types of toys and collectibles. Some attendees cosplayed as characters from their favorite anime.

“The best part is when I get to talk to customers or attendees because I know that there’s a connection there,” Bouchard said. “It’s a way to bring like-minded individuals together.”

Bouchard’s journey as an artist began when the COVID-19 pandemic left him quarantined for seven months. Starved for a new hobby, he discovered his love for designing rugs.

Bouchard is from Ithaca and participates at conventions in other nearby cities like Buffalo. He’s inspired to create his art by the lessons and morals of the cartoons he grew up watching.

“The values of ‘Rugrats’ and ‘Doug’ taught me how to be the person I am,” Bouchard said. “I’m trying to give that back in a way.”

Attendees are creative in displaying their fandom, many going to the event were adorned in elaborate cosplay. Due to the contest and its cash prize, PopCon was particularly encouraging of cosplay.

Escalante came dressed as an Orbital Drop Shock Trooper from “Halo.” His outfit was entirely homemade, using various household materials and paints to create armor plates and a futuristic helmet. It took him a year and a half to create.

As an independent, mid-size event, PopCon couldn’t rely on corporate sponsors and A-list celebrities, who typically drive large conventions. Instead, PopCon succeeded due to the dedicated community members who participated.

“We can’t have a show without the people who want to be here, so we appreciate our customers,” Stacy said.

Published on October 6, 2024 at 11:56 pm

jdvogel@syr.edu