Find out who’s coming to this year’s Albuquerque Comic Con

Described as “local Disneyland” by founder Jim Burleson, Albuquerque Comic Con is welcoming anime, sci-fi, comic book lovers and everyone in between to the Albuquerque Convention Center Friday, Jan. 16, through Sunday, Jan. 18.

“It’s not just a comic convention,” Burleson said. “It’s kind of a pop culture gathering of all things cool.”

With over 150 guests, including John Barrowman (“Doctor Who”), Amy Allen (“Star Wars”) and Stephen Amell (“Arrow”), plus 500 vendors, the convention spans three floors at the convention center and Burleson said it is everybody’s show.

“For us to be successful, we have to basically put it out there for every potential fan, to have access to the things that excite them,” Burleson said.

The event takes over the convention center every January, Burleson said the tagline is “if it’s January, it’s Albuquerque Comic Con.”

He said New Mexico’s ties to the film industry make Albuquerque Comic Con different from shows across the country.

“We have such direct access to the stars that have grown through the pop culture phenomenon of what comic books have meant to the industry,” Burleson said.

Comic films like “Thor” and “The Avengers” filmed in New Mexico, he said.

Burleson said he thinks Albuquerque Comic Con gives people firsthand experience with the actors and actresses in the industry who drew them to their hobbies, including cosplay.

“This provides a safe environment for people that dress up to really explore their creativity,” Burleson said.

“We get to see just the most advanced, creative sides of the cosplayers that live in New Mexico,” Burleson said. “They come to impress.”

There is an adult cosplay contest on Saturday, Jan. 17, and a kids cosplay contest on Sunday, Jan. 18.

He said while some guests charge for autographs, do not go into the con thinking you have to spend a lot of money.

“You can meet every one of these guests without spending one more dollar,” he said.

He said the atmosphere at Albuquerque Comic Con is just folks hanging out and it is not like a sporting event where emotions get crazy.

“You’re just there to have a good time,” Burleson said.

Elizabeth Secor is an arts fellow from the New Mexico Local News Fellowship program. You can reach her at esecor@abqjournal.com.