In 1999 I was the promotions director of the largest independent theatre chain in Kansas City. It was in this position that I first met Chris Jackson. Jackson had an idea for a local event and I was more then happy to lend a hand. Later that year, at the Overland Park International Trade Center in Overland Park, Kansas, Planet Comicon Kansas City was born. Twenty-five years later, the show continues to constantly grow, evolve and amaze!
What makes PCKC so unique is that every year there is something new added to the event to make it special. This year it was a large game area where fans could line up to play an assortment of classic and newer video games.
Another staple of the show is that they keep their celebrity guest list fresh, mixing in newer talents, including The Punisher himself, Jon Bernthal and the MCU’s Paul Bettany, with well-loved celebrities from the past, including this year the amazing Henry Winkler. I first met Mr. Winkler fourteen years ago and he was actually the very first celebrity interview posted on this site. He was kind and gracious then and, by all accounts of the fans I spoke to this year, he hasn’t changed a bit!
I can’t recall how many fans attended the show in 1999, but I can tell you the turnout was nothing compared to the nearly 50,000 that have attended the show, now held at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri, in recent years.
For those of you marking your calendars, next year’s PCKC is scheduled for March 21-23, 2025. If the past quarter century is any indication, the next twenty-five years are going to be incredible!