Wichita now has a superhero – Captain ICT. Thank Comic Con

Don’t worry if you see a storm trooper, zombie, or superhero walking around in Wichita this weekend – they’re likely here for the ICT Comic Con and Science Fiction Expo.

The comic con, from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Sedgwick County Extension Center, will include gaming, contests, vendors, celebrity guest and panels. The fandom fun is free on Friday and $3 for 13 and older Saturday.

This is the second year for Wichita’s comic con and ICT Comic Con Director Richard Cathey said they’ve expanded the event to include more space and new elements.

If you’re planning on grabbing your lightsaber or Batman mask and heading to comic con, here are three things you need to know before you go:

1. National Cosplay artists will be there.

Nicholas Roylance, an internationally known cosplayer, will be at ICT Comic Con this weekend. Roylance makes appearances at multiple conventions throughout the year and is best known for his David Bowie tribute and Joker material – which has been shared by cast members of DC Comic’s “Suicide Squad.”

Triple Diamond Cosplay, a partnership between Paige Blunk and James Dixon, also will make an appearance. Triple Diamond Cosplay, which started in 2015, performs at cosplay conventions and for children’s entertainment events across the country. The duo covers everything from Snow White and a dwarf to the Joker and Harley Quinn.

Other featured cosplay guests include Kevin Hansen as Captain Spaulding, Trevor the Asgardian as Thor, and the 501st Legion representing multiple characters from Star Wars.

2. Wichita has a superhero now – Captain ICT.

Captain ICT started out as an icon character for ICT Comic Con, but he could soon be more than that. Black Raven Comics, a Wichita-based comic publisher, is currently raising funds to publish a comic about Captain ICT, Wichita’s very own superhero. Brad Voth, comic book artist and comic con artist “Guest of Honor,” designed an art print of Captain ICT that will be sold at the convention. The local hero, donning a Wichita flag-inspired super-suit, will represent the city in his adventure-themed comics.

Keep an eye out – there might even be some Captain ICT-inspired outfits at the convention.

3. Don’t be late to the Cosplay Contest. It’s the most popular event.

Grab a seat near the main stage by 3 p.m. Saturday for the Cosplay Contest – where contestants show off their original outfits and perform as their character. There are three categories this year: Best Overall Men’s, Best Overall Women’s and Best Overall Youth. Contestants will be judged on workmanship, performance, creativity and original design. The winner from each category receives a cash prize, certificate and bragging rights. Sign-up for the competition begins Friday at the convention.

This story was originally published August 9, 2017 at 5:17 PM with the headline "Wichita now has a superhero – Captain ICT. Thank Comic Con."