From video gaming to fresh new talent like BBDesigns Cosplay, iMagicon celebrates all fandoms and is gearing up to be a good time filled with special guests.

Special guests for the 2019 iMagicon have decades of experience in the pop culture industry. Master puppeteer and animatronic designer David Barclay will be visiting the upper Midwest for his first time. One of the most sought-after puppeteers in Hollywood and England, Barclay has worked on the Star Wars build crew for Yoda and had the opportunity to fully operate the puppet. He later was chosen as chief puppeteer for Star Wars’ Jabba The Hutt. An Academy Award finalist for his work in Cats and Dogs, Barclay has also worked on dozens of other films including “The Muppets,” “Snow Dogs,” and “Where The Wild Things Are.”

“We are extremely excited to bring animatronics industry icon David Barclay to iMagicon,” said Jared Adams, one of the event planners. “His panels on bringing Yoda and Jabba the Hutt to life will be sessions you’ll want to be sure to attend.”

The other big name being brought out for the convention is Marvel comics artist Bob Hall. At one time or another, Hall drew most of the major books and characters such as Spiderman, Dr. Doom, Thor, The Fantastic Four, Captain America, and The Avengers.

Submitted Photos Cosplay, video games, Star Wars, Marvel and more. iMagicon in Minot works to bring a fun, activity filled weekend experience where everyone can go and let their inner nerd out. From special guests to shopping to competitions, they work to have something fun for everyone.

Other guests include professional cosplayers and costume makers Jem Kadetchy and BBDesign Cosplay. Special guests will host booths showcasing their work and conduct informational panels for guests.

In honor of the military volunteers, the event will kick off Friday, April 26, with Military Day. Active duty and retired military will receive $5 off Friday adult general admission for themselves and dependents by showing military ID.

iMagicon will be filled with many attractions for attendees to enjoy. One of the many attractions at iMagicon is cosplay, giving guests the chance to dress and portray their favorite characters. Widely popular, cosplay contests are held every day of the convention.

Friday will feature a store-bought and handmade cosplay contest for adults that focuses on acting abilities. Saturday brings the Youth Cosplay Contest where children under the age of 14 can compete with their handmade and store-bought creations. Then later on Saturday night is the Individual Adult Handcrafted Cosplay Contest. Finally, Sunday will feature a Group Handcrafted Cosplay Contest.

While cosplay may be one of the main features of the event, gaming is a close competition in popularity. Video and table top tournaments will dominate the gaming experience. Tournaments throughout the weekend will feature Magic The Gathering War On The Spark Pre-Release, Dungeons and Dragons, Smash Ultimate, Hearthstone, Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom, Tekken and Mortal Combat II, to name a few.

The 2019 iMagicon will feature a variety of new features besides their new location. Guests will find a theater room dedicated to streaming Anime from Funimation and a Wizarding World escape room. Friday night will feature a Rave party for guests 18 and older and Saturday night will be a 21 and older fansuite event at iMagicon’s official hotel, The Hampton Inn and Suites.

iMagicon will also see the return of other fan-favorite events such as Draw Offs Competitions, LARPing (live action role-playing) and JellyBean Street kids painting workshops. No matter your interest, iMagicon has a bit of something for everyone.

Tickets to iMagicon run $20 per day for Friday, April 26 and Saturday April 27. Then it will be $15 Sunday, April 28 for adults. Kids are $5 per day. Guests looking to attend the full weekend can get major discounts by purchasing tickets in advance of the event. Three-day convention passes are being sold for $35 and three-day family passes for two individuals (14 and older) and two youth (13 and younger) are being sold for $50.

Advanced Tickets can be purchased at www.imagiconnd.com or by visiting participating ticket outlets at Original Comics and Collectibles, Budget Music, Chaos Games, Visit Minot and Papa Johns in Minot and on Base.

– Shyanne Belzer