The eighth annual Ark-La-Tex Comic Convention proved to be a lush and rich mixture of science fiction, action super heroes, cartoon characters, lurid villains and vintage comic book collections.
Similar to last year, the two-day pop culture magnet drew both earthly and outer-space characters from all four compass directions as they collected at the Texarkana Convention Center for fun and fellowship with other patrons harboring a passion to just feel like a kid again.
Some of the action hero and action villain fans came from as far away as Florida and Dallas, giving this year's gathering a respectable attendance of at least 3,200 by Sunday afternoon, said Ray Couch, the convention's organizer, promoter and founder.
Although last year's attendance was a sizable 4,400, Couch said he was pleased with this year's turnout-particularly after the violence which occurred at a video game convention in Jacksonville, Fla., earlier this summer,
"The situation in Jacksonville may have brought the numbers this year, but its still great to see that many people still came out to have fun and feel young again," Couch said. "This is a celebration where there really is no age demographic. We see every age represented from toddlers to senior adults. It's one of the most family friendly events I've ever seen. I love doing these conventions every year, mostly because I love seeing the smiles on the faces of whole families who come out dressed up as their favorite action hero. Both kids and parents do this. I do this for the fun, the laughter and the fellowship I get to see every year."
To ensure safety, Couch said the local municipal and state police have conduct walk-throughs during the convention to assure law enforcement security is nearby. He added that he also has his own security detail throughout both days to keep the gathering safe.
Couch attributed the agelessness of the convention attendees to the fact that comic cons throughout the nation and the world allow their fans to stretch their imagination-not only into the future but also the past.
One example of this would be the release of last year's "Wonder Woman" film where a heroine fights villains during World War I.
"We have also had hero stories in comic books that focused on the Cuban Missile Crisis back in 1962," Couch said. "Where ever science fiction or action hero fans are-regarding either the future or the past-our American society allows them to expand there imaginations in both directions."
Along with all the fun, Couch said proceeds from the annual convention go to different local charities each year. This year, $350 has been earmarked to go to Scouting.
Couch added that if the convention would see attendance eventually rise above 5,000 he would consider proposing a plan to both cities to have a joint Comic Con using both convention centers.
Couch said he receives encouragement for growing convention attendance when he sees comic fans like Desiree Damon, 35, come all the way from Dallas to be at the convention.,
Damon said she spent more than a year making her own costume to portray Kylo Ren-a villain in last year's "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" film.
"My character is actually a guy, but I like playing this character away," she said.