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Superheroes, voice actors, and fans from across Southern California converged at the Martin Luther King Jr. Pavilion on Oct. 25 as the Imperial Valley Entertainment Convention (IVEC) hosted its annual Comic-Con, transforming El Centro into a hub of pop culture celebration.
The event brought together an impressive lineup of industry talent, including voice actors, artists, writers, and comic book creators from major studios such as Marvel, DC, and Lucasfilm (not Star Wars). The convention drew hundreds of fans dressed as their favorite characters, celebrating the worlds of animation, film, gaming, and comics in a family-friendly atmosphere that continues to grow in popularity year after year.
Among the star attractions was JP Karliak, an acclaimed voice actor known for portraying The Joker in Marvel Animation and Morph in X-Men ’97. Karliak captivated attendees with a discussion about his journey in voice acting, the evolution of animated storytelling, and his experiences giving life to some of the most iconic characters in pop culture.
Comic book creator Adari Legion, writer of The Punisher four-issue limited series for Marvel Comics, shared his creative process and insights into writing complex antiheroes. Fans also lined up to meet Dave Garcia, a veteran artist known for his work on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the cult-favorite Panda Khan, whose artwork has influenced generations of comic enthusiasts.
The event also featured Nancy Linari, the voice of Aunt May in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Morticia Addams in The Addams Family, who delighted fans with behind-the-scenes stories about her work in animation and video games. Sean Crisden, voice of the “Ink Demon” in Bendy and the Dark Revival, shared his experiences in the world of gaming and character performance.
Comic book and sketch card artist Don Nguyen, who has illustrated for Marvel, DC, and Star Wars under Upper Deck and Topps, offered live demonstrations and spoke about the growing role of collectible art in the entertainment industry. Dennis Mallonee, publisher and writer at Heroic Publishing, discussed the legacy of independent comics and the importance of storytelling in preserving the art form.
Adding star power from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Janeshia Adams-Ginyard, stunt performer and actress from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, spoke about her experiences working with Marvel Studios and the challenges of performing high-intensity action sequences for film and television.
In addition to the celebrity guests, the convention featured vendor booths offering comic books, collectibles, handmade crafts, and exclusive artwork. Cosplay enthusiasts participated in a costume contest that highlighted creativity and craftsmanship from local fans. Families, students, and artists from throughout Imperial County and beyond joined in the daylong celebration, making it one of the most vibrant entertainment events in the region.
The Imperial Valley Entertainment Convention aims to build a stronger creative community in the Imperial Valley by providing opportunities for fans and artists to connect, collaborate, and inspire one another by bringing actors to the valley and supporting local talent.
