Comic books are bigger than ever thanks to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and DC Entertainment.
Ramon Villalobos still can’t believe it.
The 2005 graduate of Manteca High was part of Marvel’s “What if: Age of Ultron” series, teaming up with writer Joseph Keatinge for the 2014 issue of “The Secret Armor Wars!”
During the past year, the MCU released the reimagined multiverse animated “What If…?” series, streamed on Disney+.
“When I started Marvel with ‘What If,’ which is different from the show, I think the MCU was in full swing but even then it was for the well-established characters,” said Villalobos, who works in the industry as an illustrator.
He’s especially thrilled that the MCU and DC Entertainment are exposing more and more people to the rich history of the comics.
He’s also looking forward to Sunday’s StocktonCon Winter 2022 at the Stockton Arena, 248 W. Fremont St.
Villalobos will be among the large array of artists, exhibitors and guests at the big pop culture event scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets are available at several locations throughout Northern California. A special presale price for tickets is $10 – available by logging on to bit.ly/StocktonConWinter22Tix – or $15 at the door.
A portion of the proceeds will go directly to local charities, according to organizer Mike Millerick.
Under the state COVID-19 safety guidelines, those planning to attend will be required to provide proof of vaccine or a negative antigen COVID test within one day of the event, or a negative PCR test within two days of StocktonCon Winter.
Masking up is also required.
The special guest list includes Karyn Parsons from the TV show ‘Fresh Prince of Bel Air,’ Butch Patrick (Eddie Munster) from ‘The Munsters,’ Edward Furlong from movie ‘Terminator 2,’ James Douglas from ‘The Walking Dead’ series, and WWE Hall of Fame Inductee Rikishi, to name a few.
In addition, StocktonCon Winter will feature a costume contest beginning at 5 p.m. in one of the arena Panel Rooms not to mention Collectible Card Gaming in the extended lobby area.
Updates can be found on social media via Facebook (StocktonCon).
