Bringing Comic-Con to Jaffrey

Comic book conventions have a rich history, originating in New York in 1964 as small gatherings centered around comic books. Over the years, they've evolved into massive pop culture celebrations, drawing thousands of attendees from around the globe. And many have long captivated fans worldwide, from the iconic gatherings of San Diego Comic-Con to smaller-scale events celebrating all things geeky. Now, the Monadnock region is set to join the ranks with its very own Comic-Con, debuting on May 3rd and 4th in Jaffrey, New Hampshire. Spearheaded by three local organizations — the Park Theatre, Escape Hatch Books, and Team Jaffrey — this inaugural event promises two days of comic books, cosplay, movies, vendors and much more. Steve Jackson, CEO of the Park Theatre, expressed his joy that the event came to fruition, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind the con. "We're also very lucky to have one of the most prominent comic stores around working with us," he explains, referring to Escape Hatch Books, a beloved comic bookstore that attracts visitors from across New England. The timing of the convention is no mere coincidence either — as it coincides with National Free Comic Book Day, which is held on May 4th, as a celebration of all things comic-related. And as expected, Escape Hatch Books will be participating by handing out free comic books on Saturday, adding to the festivities. One highlight of the event is the lineup of films presented by the Park Theatre. Those looking to scratch the movie-going itch will be able to enjoy screenings of the two newest animated Spider-Man movies, "Into the Spider-Verse" and "Across the Spider-Verse," as well as the critically acclaimed documentary "William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill." Jackson described the documentary as a fascinating look at Shatner's life beyond Star Trek, offering insight into the beloved actor's multifaceted career. He then went on to mention that eventgoers can expect to encounter a colorful array of characters in full costume from Spider-Man to Mickey Mouse to Beauty & The Beast's Belle. "These characters will be roaming the streets of Jaffrey, posing for photos and adding to the immersive experience," Jackson said. For those interested, there will also be vendor tables set up throughout the Park Theatre, offering a variety of comic books, collectibles, crafts and food for attendees to peruse. Weather permitting, the con will spill out onto the streets, creating a lively atmosphere between the Park Theatre and Escape Hatch Books. Jackson encourages attendees to embrace the spirit of the event by dressing up as their favorite characters and immersing themselves in the world of comics and movies. As the first Comic-Con in Jaffrey, organizers hope that the event will be a resounding success, with plans to expand and grow in the future. Jackson invites attendees to reach out to the box office with any questions and encourages everyone to come out and join in the fun. "We're hoping it will be a lot of fun and will get bigger every year," Jackson adds. With enthusiastic community support, the Monadnock Comic-Con is poised to become a beloved tradition for comic enthusiasts and pop culture aficionados alike and is sure to leave a lasting impression, hopefully paving the way for future iterations. For those eager to join in the excitement, advance tickets and a full schedule of events are available on The Park Theatre's website or by calling the box office. That being said, it's time to don your favorite cosplay, grab your friends, and get ready to unleash your inner superhero at the Monadnock Comic-Con!