Centenary’s First Annual Pop Culture Convention: Cyclonecon

A wave of pop culture descended on campus on Saturday, April 13 when over 550 people–students, faculty, staff, Hackettstonians and their kids–took part in CycloneCon, the University’s first annual pop culture convention.

“With artists, vendors, gamers, cosplayers of all ages, students, alumni, and local con-loving fans, CycloneCon brought the community together for a day to shop, play video games, take free workshops, and eat good food,” said Dr. Erica McCrystal, assistant professor of education and English, the event’s creator.

Dr. McCrystal specializes in bringing pop culture into her classes to create relatable, relevant conversations among her students. After all, who can’t relate to a superhero? Her list of class offerings includes, among others, Superheroes and Society. She has written a book titled Gotham City Living, and she hosts a podcast titled Villains 101.

Bringing CycloneCon to Centenary seemed like the obvious next step, according to McCrystal.

CycloneCon was inspired by the famous Comic-Con of SanDiego that began as a comic book fan convention in the 1970s. Today that event is a true multiverse that celebrates not only comics, but movies, TV, gaming featuring panels, exhibits, merch and special guests.

Dr. McCrystal was definitely up to the challenge of bringing a multiverse here to Centenary. The day unfolded across campus with a wide variety of activities.

First came the “how to’s.” Workshops on how to compete in craftsmanship competitions, drawing, stage combat, and theatrical make-up were offered in the Littell building.

Next were the games. Convention goers had the opportunity to participate in Five Nights at Freddy’s Jeopardy (complete with animatronics), Star Wars trivia, game room free play and Pokemon free play and trade. Fan faves in this category included a Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament hosted by Oasis Arcade.

Maybe you’ve considered making your own video game? Attendees had the opportunity to sit in on “What they don’t tell you about video game design,” where tabletop RPG writer/designer Dennis Higgins chatted with Matt Estock, creator of Kingdom Bash, about his journey from video gamer to designer. Yes, there were a few things Estock wished someone had told him!

Other notable guest speakers included Bob Sharen of The Collectible Conservancy who spent two decades as a colorist for Marvel Comics. During his tenure at Marvel, Sharen worked on almost every Marvel comic book including GI Joe, Alien Legion and assorted Spiderman titles. His current gig–The Collectible Conservancy–is a one-stop shop for comic book pressing, cleaning, conservation, preservation and grading submissions.

No convention is complete without a nod to Star Wars and our CycloneCon was no different. For two hours, participants willing to try their hand at opening statements in the field of law were treated to a Star Trek Mock Senate Simulation. Inspired by events leading up to and including the opening scene of “Star Trek: Nemesis,” the mock Romulan Senate simulation invited participants to be part of the lawmaking process and debate a proposal before the Romulan praetor, vice-proconsul and senators.

Meanwhile, the Cosplay Catwalk, held in the Taylor Memorial Library, was beyond popular. It not only required a rehearsal, but also featured a separate kids catwalk. Catwalks, for those new to this genre, are non-competitive cosplay events where participants show off their cosplays to a round of applause.  A sampling of kids’ costumes included a wiggler from Mario and a dinosaur. The adults (anyone over the age of 12) showcased costumes from popular anime, movies and TV shows.

Did we say “merch?” CycloneCon’s vendors and artists alley featured almost 100 booths in Reeves Gym. Merch ranged from the more traditional games, apparel, comics and art to the decidedly eclectic pillowcases, crocheted chickens and bedazzled cups. Indeed, something for everyone!

And let’s not forget the kids! There were plenty in attendance–thanks to the participation of so many Centenary faculty and staff who brought their families along with Hackettstown residents who did the same. Kids events included a scavenger hunt,  story time with superheroes and even a few easy “how-to’s” on how to be a superhero.

All this activity was bound to work up an appetite. Again, CycloneCon had attendees covered. Food trucks, located outside of Reeves gym, offered up BBQ, ethnic fare, ice cream and coffee. Truly, something for everyone!

“It was amazing,” said Billy Winz, a senior who attended the event. “Everything went smoothly. The cosplay catwalk went well. The Smash Bros. Tournament was great. Everybody seemed like they had a good time and were enjoying themselves. I certainly enjoyed myself.”

"I love to see and hear the excitement of the students for something that they helped plan over this past year,” Dr. McCrystal shared. “It has been wonderful to see both the current students and alumni work to build a community event at Centenary. I am thrilled about how the event turned out, and people have already been asking me about next year and giving ideas about how to make it bigger and better!"

Centenary’s first CycloneCon was most definitely a smashing success. Start planning your cosplay NOW for next spring!