SiestaCon brings a new comic con to Sarasota

By Ian Swaby
| 5:45 p.m. May 11, 2024

Seneca Puleo came dressed as a Val'kyr from World of Warcraft.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Sarasota already features plenty of opportunities to explore the world of pop culture, with events like SarasotaCon, Toracon and SRQCon.

However, the founders of SiestaCon, which debuted May 11 at Robarts Arena, decided to aim for a bigger event.

The new event started with a simple conversation between two friends.

Brian Polizzi of The Dark Side comics and games store in Sarasota, and his friend Darren Hutchinson, who owns Unknown Comics in Texas, were talking one day, when Hutchinson suggested holding a comic con event.

“We decided to just go for it and see what we could accomplish,” Polizzi said.

Judging by the feedback from attendees, it appears they were met with success.

“It’s the best one in Sarasota so far,” said attendee Andy Munsey, complimenting the event for the spaciousness of the venue.

Polizzi said the event involved as many affiliated parties in the local area as possible, including Bat City Comics Professionals in Bradenton to help with programming.

Guests could browse numerous vendors and attend events including a cosplay contest, comic creation classes and trading card tournaments.

Also featured were special guests such as “Garfield” illustrator Gary Barker and Lenore Zann of the X-Men animated series, and custom vehicles including the Batmobile and Batcycle from the original Batman TV series.

“It looks like they know what they’re doing, so I won’t be surprised if there’s a second year,” said guest artist Anna Zhuo.

Attendee Valerie Smith gave guests an experience with one of the dinosaurs of Jurassic World.

Keegan Strype, Jordyn Pointer and Lori Goldmeier

Attendee Russell Kasper reunited Scooby Doo with his old nemesis, Frankenstein.

Artwork by Tampa Bay artist Yvette Strickland Johnston is on display.

Eugene Nock and his son Easton Nock, 8, of Longboat Key, showcased Eugene Nock's prized possession: one of the Batmobiles from the original Batman TV series starring Adam West.

Kristen Raulerson and Steve Brown browse the vintage items on offer.

Lenore Zann, the voice of Rogue on the X-Men animated series which aired from 1992-1997, signs a picture for Raymond and Asia Macier.

Hudson Garten, 9 and Ava Garten, 6, check out the items atop the Hulk Smash Hot Wheels car.

Chris and Jennifer Clemente have fun in the TARDIS.

Melany Torres, Landon Schoenberger, Adriane Munsey, Stephan Washington, Juan Maldonado, Andy Munsey, Tyler Poulin, Tatum Britt, Nick Poulin and Shasta Washington exemplified the Siesta spirit.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.