Motor City Comic Con got underway Friday in Novi, opening a three-day run that is drawing fans, cosplayers and celebrity guests to Vibe Credit Union Showplace.
The convention runs May 15-17 at 46100 Grand River Ave., the venue previously known as the Suburban Collection Showcase. Organizers call Motor City Comic Con Michigan's longest-running and largest pop culture convention, and this year's 37th edition is anchored by guests including William Shatner, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, Kit Harington, Lena Headey, Laz Alonso and Tomer Capone.
Beyond the marquee names, the event leans heavily on the things that keep fans moving through the doors: comic creators, panels, cosplay contests, autograph and photo opportunities, Artists Alley and vendor exhibits. Artist Alley alone brings together more than 250 artists and writers from around the world, giving the convention a marketplace feel as much as a stage for celebrity appearances.
The logistics matter too. Visitors can park at the showplace for $10 a day, bags and backpacks are allowed but will be checked by security, and cosplayers must present all props and weapons for inspection before entering the event. A dedicated prop and weapons check table sits near the entrance, and items must be non-functional, incapable of causing harm and unable to fire projectiles of any kind.
Tickets are still on sale, but the convention says it cannot guarantee availability at the door. Adult single-day tickets run from $38 to $48, a weekend pass costs $105 online or $115 at the door, and a VIP Fan Pass is $285 online or $299 at the door. Organizers have said that if tickets get close to selling out, they will post updates on social media.
That combination of star power, fan programming and tight crowd control is what keeps the event moving from one year to the next. For people heading to Novi this weekend, the question is not whether the convention is open; it is how quickly they move to secure a ticket, get through the checks and make the most of the three days before the doors close Sunday.
