Comic Con does it big for small community of Jekyll Island

Actor Garrett Dumas cosplaying his newest role Triumphant and interacting with Jekyll Con attendees. Photo by: Colleen Knight, EBC Florida Bureau.

By Colleen Knight
EBC Florida Bureau

JEKYLL ISLAND, GA (Eagle News) — On the small island of Jekyll Island, Georgia, comic, anime, and super hero fans line up at the convention center to attend the yearly Jekyll Island Comic Con. Jekyll Con is a 100% fan-run Con, with no major sponsors and no professional event company. It is a homegrown con supported by passionate fans.

“My feelings are that everybody who’s involved with Jekyll Con is really invested in making it the best they can make it.” Artemis Fox, a repeat vendor at Jekyll Con states. “And that passion bleeds through. They really care about it and you can see it.”

Artist Keith Wahl attending to customers at his Wahlcraft booth at Jekyll Island Comic Con. Photo by Colleen Knight, EBC Florida Bureau.

Jekyll Con began in December of 2014 and is currently in it’s 5th iteration. They have grown from a one-day Con with a few vendors to a two-day Con that spans the entire Jekyll Island Conference Center.

Jekyll Con also ties itself to local charities.

“Each year we try to grow and add something new”, says Co-Founder and Organizer, Doug Brantley. “I really wanted to focus more on our community… I got some local charities… No Kill Glynn County and Bolin’s Heroes.”

Con attendees said that Jekyll Con is because, while it is a full-sized Con, it is not overwhelming and is “like a family”, according to Charity Andersen, an artist and cosplayer.

“It’s a great place where people can meet others like them and hang out”, Anderson states.

Jekyll Island Comic Con looks to be a great place for people who want to attend a Con but are anxious about the larger crowds at big city Conventions. If you are looking for a Con that is low key and right by the beach, Jekyll Con may be for you.

(Eagle News Service)