2025 SPECIAL GUESTS

Celebrity Guests

Amanda is best known for her iconic role as Marcy D’Arcy on Married… with Children and as Amy Peterson in the cult classic Fright Night. In addition to her on-screen work, she’s a talented director, having worked on numerous hit TV shows.
The legendary patriot himself will be joining us July 11–13, 2025 at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa for autographs, photo ops, and good ol’ fashioned “U-S-A” chants!

Whether you cheered him on during the golden age of wrestling or you’re just discovering why he’s a fan-favorite icon, you won’t want to miss your chance to meet the man, the myth, the 2x4-wielding legend himself.
Douglas Tate Announcement
Douglas Tait, a Los Angeles native, discovered his passion for acting and filmmaking at a young age, crafting eerie short films on VHS during grade school. Over the years, he has collaborated with top directors in film and television, bringing unforgettable characters to life.

His diverse filmography includes roles in major productions such as Zathura, Star Trek, Land of the Lost, Unfriended: Dark Web, Rebel Moon, and as the Michael Myers stunt double in Halloween Kills. On television, Tait has had recurring roles in hit series like Teen Wolf, Legacies, Grimm, Star Trek: Picard, The Girl In The Woods, and The Mandalorian.

Some of his most notable performances include Gruagach in the Hellboy reboot, the Werewolf in Annabelle Comes Home, the machete-wielding Jason Voorhees in the climax of Freddy vs. Jason, and the iconic Sasquatch in the Jack Link’s Beef Jerky commercials.

Tait made his directorial debut with Angel Baby, now streaming. Most recently, he wrapped production on Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, set to hit theaters on December 5th.
Michael Copon Announcement
Michael Copon is an actor, producer, and musician best known for his role as Lucas Kendall, the Blue Time Force Ranger in Power Rangers Time Force. His work in the Power Rangers universe cemented him as a fan-favorite in the sci-fi and superhero community. He later starred as the legendary warrior Mathayus in The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior, further showcasing his action-hero chops.

Beyond the world of sci-fi and fantasy, Michael gained widespread recognition as Felix Taggaro in One Tree Hill, where he stirred up drama in the hit teen series. He also brought high-energy athleticism to the screen as Penn in Bring It On: In It to Win It. With a career spanning film, television, and music, Michael continues to captivate audiences across genres.
Brett Wagner is a standout figure in the horror genre, best known for his iconic role as “Leatherface” in the 2003 remake of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and his chilling “Kemper Kill” sledgehammer scene. His terrifying portrayal of Jesse the Hunter in The Crazies (2010) earned him a feature on Fangoria Magazine. Other notable credits include John Dies at the End, Chromeskull: Laid to Rest 2, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Angel. Known as “The Big Schwag,” Brett’s larger-than-life persona extends to TV with guest roles in Sons of Anarchy, NCIS: Los Angeles, Mom, House, The Mentalist, and Hanna Montana.

Beyond acting, Brett was the voice and fill-in host for Discovery Channel’s Monster Garage, introducing viewers to custom vehicles, and he hosted the fast-paced game show Past Time. He is also a sought-after emcee for events like bike rallies and car shows, cementing his status as a versatile talent across entertainment.
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Artist Guests

Ande Parks Announcement
Ande Parks has worked as a comic book artist and writer for more than three decades. He has inked such titles as Batman, Daredevil, Superman, Wonder Woman and Nightwing. He is best known as an artist for his long stint on Green Arrow, with frequent collaborator Phil Hester and writers Kevin Smith, Brad Meltzer and Judd Winick. Parks' bold style has garnered him nominations in both the Harvey and Eagle awards.

Parks has written three graphic novels for Oni Press: 'Union Station', 'Capote in Kansas' and 'Ciudad'. 'Capote in Kansas' was named a Notable Book by the state of Kansas. Parks developed 'Ciudad' with the Russo brothers, and the book was adapted as a worldwide hit film franchise for Netflix, titled ‘Extraction’, starring Chris Hemsworth. ‘Extraction’ has also recently been announced as a Netflix original series.

Parks is currently developing new writing projects. He lives in Kansas. He is fond of hats, golf and bourbon.
Phil Hester Announcement
Phil Hester has been writing and drawing comics since the dawn of time. He has drawn Kevin Smith's Green Arrow, Mark Millar's Swamp Thing, Robert Kirkman's Ant-Man, and Jeff Lemire's Family Tree, as well as notable runs on Nightwing, The Flash, Batman Beyond, Justice League, and many more. His recent penciling assignments include Kevin Smith's Tales from the Quick Stop, and Gotham City Year One with Tom King.

Phil has written Wonder Woman, The Darkness, Deathstroke, Mythic, Titans Giant, Swamp Thing Giant, and his co-creations The Coffin with artist Mike Huddleston, and Firebreather with artist Andy Kuhn, which became an Emmy-winning feature on Cartoon Network.

He wrote and drew The Wretch, which was nominated for an Eisner Award. He lives in the sticks.
Dylan Jacobson Announcement
Dylan Jacobson is Midwestern comic writer and illustrator living in Iowa. He’s worked on numerous projects ranging from youth to adult works which include his indie series, Champions, Together with Goblins: A Fantasy Coloring Book, DinoBoy & Rex, and Unstoppable Ivy. He is the official illustrator for the band the Underlords of the Overworld, and Iowa’s cryptid, the Van Meter Visitor. In top of all that, he’s completed nearly 40 artist residencies throughout the Midwest!
Coming soon - guest not yet announced
This exciting guest will be revealed soon!
Coming soon - guest not yet announced
This exciting guest will be revealed soon!
Coming soon - guest not yet announced
This exciting guest will be revealed soon!

Industry Guests

Chad Hatter - Industry Guest
An internationally ignored costume designer, Chad has dressed Adam Savage, Reece Feldman, and Whoopi Goldberg, Among others. He has worked for DreamWorks as a fiber artist, Robot Chicken as a costumer for puppets, as well as numerous large-scale event coordinators. Chad graduated with a Masters in fine arts from Santa Fe university to lackluster applause and mild confusion. He lives in Los Angeles and is holding space for the lyrics of “Defying Gravity."
Coming soon - guest not yet announced
This exciting guest will be revealed soon!
Coming soon - guest not yet announced
This exciting guest will be revealed soon!

Cosplay Guests

Black Zero Cosplay
Black Zero is a cosplayer, production designer and graphic artist from Milwaukee WI, and has been honing his craft for over a decade. Specializing in foam armor suits, 3D printing and props he has won numerous costume contests, culminating in a win at the Crown Championships of Cosplay. Since then he has worked with Marvel Studios, Amazon Prime and other high profile clients to create bespoke garments and art pieces around the nation.

Now he seeks to empassion and teach others that no matter where you are from, or how little resources you have, you can make art that will leave an impact on the world.
Coming soon - guest not yet announced
This exciting guest will be revealed soon!
Coming soon - guest not yet announced
This exciting guest will be revealed soon!