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'Comics Con' returns Saturday

HARRISBURG – Harrisburg's only comic book convention, or "comic con," returns for its eighth year Saturday at the Bonan Center in Harrisburg, and for founder Scott Reed it's a testament to the popularity of comic books in recent years.

For Reed, comic books have had an appeal since he bought his first one.

"I bought my first comic book off the spinner rack at Big John's in Eldorado in 1979, a copy of Avengers 184, which I still own," Reed said. "I have been interested in comics ever since."

When he organized the first comic con eight years ago, it didn't get quite the foot traffic it does today, he said.

"The first year, I estimate we had about 50 people in attendance. I do not know that anybody made any money, but everyone seemed to have a good time," he said. "The last two years, I estimate the attendance at 400 to 450. "

The comic con has plenty of guest artists to meet and activities scheduled, he said.

"For Burg Comics Con 2017, we have four artists with work at Marvel or DC," Reed said. "Jim Hall has worked on books like the Silver Surfer and Avengers. Todd Fox has worked on Punisher and Wolverine. Joe Dodd has worked on the Human Torch and Nightwing. And Justin Holman has worked on Marvel Age Fantastic Four. Justin also has a song on the Daredevil movie soundtrack."

Greyhawke Gaming will be running a days worth of board, card, and RPG games."

The event is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some gaming events will run to 6 p.m. VIP packages are available for $25 for anyone who would like to get in early for first chances at comics and get on the sketch list of the guest artists.

Free comic books are available to those entering, who are asked to bring a food donation for the 4 C's Food Pantry.

For more information, visit www.burgcomics.com.