11th Annual Thunder-Con at Art in the Loft
From Star Wars, to Pokémon, to Ghostbusters, all sorts of sci-fi and pop culture memorabilia was on display at Art in the Loft’s 11th annual Thunder Con in Alpena.
Authors, cosplayers, and artists came from all over the state and the country to display their work and merchandise.
“It’s really the only time I get a chance to come to Alpena, because I live on the other side of the state,” said Nathan Dean, a member of the Star Wars Great Lakes Garrison 501 region. “So I love this town, I think it’s cool knowing that there’s lots of geeks in this town is what I love about it.”
Thunder Con is a space for sci-fi fans of all forms, even Emmy award-winning special effects artists. Daniel Phillips, a contestant on the reality show Face Off, made the trip back to Alpena for another Thunder Con.
“Thunder Con has been one of my favorite cons to come to,” said Phillips. “The people that run it, Steve and Steve, they’re just the coolest people. It’s like my extended family. It’s been a minute now since COVID took place that I’m able to come back up here, so any chance I get to come up to Alpena, I’m all about it.”
As fans can become inspired by the authors and people of sci-fi fame, those people were inspired by those before them, and are hoping to pass on that inspiration.
“If I can help out somebody else that’s tough or give them some advice to be a writer, just write,” said sci-fi author Tom Sawyer. “Be glad to. I mean, you have to kind of pay it forward anyways, help out others, because people have helped us out.”
Thunder Con is a place of wonder, and passing on that wonder is the most important part of all.
“I hope that my work and the work of others like me inspire people to want to keep the train going,” said Phillips. “I just love the reaction that I get from people when they see the stuff, they’re like, ‘oh my goodness, it’s so realistic.’ Then I know I’ve done my job.”
Thunder Con was a two-day Event at Art in the Loft, running from 10am-5pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
