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[New York] The worlds of comic books and science fiction collide with spectacular results and everyone comes out a winner at Wintercon, December 5-6, 2015 at the Resorts World Casino in Jamaica, New York!

With Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens due in theaters, Star Wars will be a huge part of this convention. The original Boba Fett from The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, Jeremy Bulloch, and young Boba Fett from Attack of the Clones, Daniel Logan, head up an all-star celebrity guest contingent.

In addition to Bulloch and Logan, guest appearances include John Morton (Dak Ralter in The Empire Strikes Back), Taylor Gray (Ezra Bridger in Star Wars Rebels), panels, costume contests, the Lucasfilm-recognized Star Wars group The 501st Legion, and superstar Star Wars comics artists John Cassaday and Dave Dorman.

But the science fiction component won’t be limited to Star Wars! Nichelle Nichols, Star Trek’s Lt. Uhura, and Power Rangers Austin St. John and Jason Lee Scott will be joined by Michael Biehn from Terminator and Aliens, original Godzilla actor Haruo Nakajima, Tsugutoshi Komada (Godzilla vs Megalon’s – Jet Jaguar making his first appearance anywhere!), Linda Harrison (Planet of the Apes’ Nova), Steve Guttenberg (Police Academy), and Michael Wright (V – The Series).

They’re joined by all-star comic book artists Neal Adams (Batman), James O’Barr (The Crow) and Billy Tucci (Shi), who head the roster of creators. WWE superstars Mick Foley, King Kong Bundy and Tito Santana will also be on hand as will David Harris and Terry Michos from direct Walter Hill’s 1979 cult classic film The Warriors. World renowned cosplayer Yaya Han is on the roster as well.

The show will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 6. Resorts World Casino is located at 110-00 Rockaway Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11420. There are free shuttles from Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn.

“We’re excited to bring New York fans a great line-up of comic book guests, celebrity guests, and vendors,” said Frank Patz, the show’s co-promoter, who also produces Long Island’s annual Eternal Con. “With gaming tournaments, costume contests, a huge dealer room, and Q&A panels, it’s going to have something for everyone.”

“WinterCon is a superb kick-off to the holiday season,” said Michael Carbonaro, the event’s other co-promoter, the veteran promoter of the Big Apple Con. “Sunday is kids day at the show. In addition to the costume contests and other kids events, we’ll have a Jedi Accademy and every child attending it will get a free light saber.”

Single day tickets are $25 for Saturday and $20 for Sunday for adults, $15 for Saturday and $8 for Sunday for kids. Weekend passes are $40 for adults and $20 for kids. Special VIP packages are also available for $85. For more information, visit the show’s website, www.nywintercon.com, or email [email protected].

Wait there is ONE MORE CON for New Yorkers! It’s called WinterCon and it will be held December 6th in Queens at the Resorts World Casino NY, which I’m told has a huge exhibition space. The event is put on by the folks behind EternalCon. It looks to be a pretty simple comics, cosplay and SF show, with comics guests Neal Adams, Herb Trimpe, Billy Tucci and so on, and as well as Yaya Han.

Given the shopping focus for December, I’ve often thought this could be a successful time slot for a simple show, especially for those who subscribe to the “one for you, one for me,” gift buying strategy. The casino runs free shuttles to the venue from various boroughs and there is free parking, as the flyer says, so getting there shouldn’t be too hard.

I’ll be curious to see how this show does.