Planet Comicon returns to Kansas City March 21-23

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Man dressed as cartoon character Yosemite Sam
A cosplayer dressed as classic cartoon character Yosemite Sam stood out at a previous Planet Comicon Kansas City.

Comic book fanatics, pop culture enthusiasts and celebrities galore will take over downtown Kansas City as they enjoy Planet Comicon Kansas City March 21-23. It’s the largest comicon in the Midwest, and one of the top conventions in the United States.

Comicons initially focused on comic book culture, attracting fans and artists. They’ve grown to include celebrities and vendors focused on the genre. Cosplay – people dressing as their favorite comic, anime, movie or pop culture character – has become a popular part of comicons.

Originally located in Overland Park, Kansas, Planet Comicon KC moved to Kansas City’s Bartle Hall in 2013, having outgrown the first facility after 14 years. Planet Comicon KC is celebrating its 26th anniversary in 2025.

With about 60,000 people expected to attend over three days, visitors will find booths featuring science fiction, horror, comedic and anime memorabilia. Among fan favorites will be a Midwest-based Ghostbusters group and the 501st Legion of Star Wars reenactors, as well as several prop creators.

Happy Days reunion - Anson Williams, Henry Winkler and Don Most pose for a group selfie with their panel host at Planet Comicon KC 24.
“Happy Days” reunion – Anson Williams, Henry Winkler and Don Most pose for a group selfie with their panel host at Planet Comicon KC 24.

Celebrities and Panels

“Doctor Who” fans will enjoy the opportunity to see David Tennant – the 10th and 14th Doctor – a longtime fan favorite of the British science fiction series. Alex Kingston will also be on hand. She played the Doctor’s traveling companion River Song across a few seasons.

American prime time viewers may recall the many challenges of the young lovers on “Beverly Hills 90201.” Brian Austin Green and Tori Spelling will be on hand for photos and autograph opportunities. They’ll even take part in a celebrity panel on Sunday at 11 a.m.

Hop in a DeLorean and travel back to the future with Doc Brown, himself. Christopher Lloyd will make an appearance at Planet Comicon KC.

Don’t answer the phone during the “Scream” panel Saturday, as Matthew Lillard and Skeet Ullrich relive their roles in the horror series. The panel begins at 2 p.m.

Fellow Boomers and classic Hollywood fans look forward to seeing the amazing Ann Margret, who will take part in a celebrity panel at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

Additional panels offer looks at Walt Disney in Missouri, Star Trek’s comics and books, as well as cosplay, comics and animation voices. For a complete schedule of panels, visit here.

Cosplayers as Lego Star Trek characters.
Cosplayers as Lego Star Trek characters.

Cosplay fun

While celebrities are a major draw to Planet Comicon KC, cosplayers may be the true stars of the three-day event. Comicons allow people of all ages to forego their regular, everyday lives and become everything from Belle at the ball to Indiana Jones to Groot.

Always respect people dressing as cosplayers. Consent is a must! Ask before taking photos of people. Most cosplayers will approve your request.

A Godzilla model showcased at a prop booth.
A Godzilla model displayed at a prop booth.

Vendors hawking their wares are a fun part of Planet Comicon KC. Watching people line up to check out buying the latest in “Star Wars” light sabers, masks and more, as well as finding that elusive comic edition or picking up a new themed T-shirt is entertainment itself.

Planet Comicon Kansas City kicks off on Friday from 1-8 p.m. Saturday’s hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday’s con runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online.

Celebrities and Creators scheduled to attend

Celebrities scheduled to attend (barring any last-minute cancellations):

● David Tennant (Doctor Who)
● Matthew Lillard (Scream, Scooby Doo)
● Helen Hunt (As Good as It Gets, Mad About You)
● Andy Serkis (Lord of the Rings, Planet of the Apes)
● Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future, Taxi)
● Christina Ricci (Addams Family, Yellowjackets)
● Katee Sackhoff (The Mandalorian, Longmire) ● Ann-Margret (Bye Bye Birdie, Viva Las Vegas)
● Pam Grier (Jackie Brown, Foxy Brown)
● Vincent D’Onofrio (Daredevil, Full Metal Jacket)
● Elizabeth Berkley (Saved by the Bell)
● Mike Colter (Luke Cage, Evil)
● Malin Akerman (Watchmen, Billions)
● AJ McLean (Backstreet Boys)

Comic Creators, artists and authors:

● Amanda Conner (Harley Quinn, Power Girl)
● Adam Hughes (Eisner Award Winning Artist)
● Anthony Oropeza (KC Sports Art)
● Doug Mahnke (Green Lantern, Batman: Off-World)
● Dan Panosian (Alice Ever After, Canary)
● Ed McGuinness (Superman/Batman, Hulk)
● Freddie Williams (Batman/TMNT)
● Jeff Dekal (Catwoman, The Flash)
● Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (Superman, Batman)
● Jimmy Palmiotti (Harley Quinn)
● Kevin Nowlan (Batman: Sword of Azrael)
● Reilly Brown (Batman: Fortnite, Deadpool)
● Skottie Young (Star Trek, Marvel: Declassified)
● Stephan Platt (Moon Knight, Wolverine