TEXARKANA, Texas - No superheroes came to the rescue Friday as COVID-19 proved to be Ark-La-Tex Comic Con's kryptonite for a second consecutive year.
The Texarkana Texas Convention Center canceled the event because of the recent surge in COVID-19 illness that has overwhelmed the local health care system, filling hospital intensive care units.
It would have been the first local Comic Con since 2018. COVID concerns nixed the event last year, as well.
Ray Couch, the Ark-La-Tex Comic Con's founder, expressed disappointment about the cancellation. But he also said health and safety are the top priority now.
"We're going to concentrate on family and friends, and hope and pray that everyone stays safe during this outbreak. Even though it's sadness that our convention is canceled, everyone's family and health are more important," Couch said. "We are going to start today planning next year's show. We believe in the city of Texarkana and we believe in the fans, and that is what keeps us going."
Couch said the comic con will definitely return in 2022.
"We're just going to go back to square one and start building a show," he said. Organizers will take advantage of the time to build "an even better show for next year," Couch said.
He had to call comic con guests Friday and give them the unfortunate news.
"They were very disappointed. They were looking forward to coming in and seeing their fans and visiting," Couch said. Games and vendors were planned for the comic con, so costuming and gaming groups were notified, too.
A lineup of talented guests were scheduled to appear, including voice-over artist Vic Mignogna, cosplayer Mika Nicole, voice actor Bob Carter, comic artist Rodney Ramos and singer Jennifer Cihi.
The cancellation came a day after school and government officials on both sides of the state line pulled the plug on the annual Texas High School vs. Arkansas High School football game, originally scheduled for Sept. 3, to avoid causing "a super spreader event."