BELTON — Crowds didn’t seem to let up at the Bell County Expo Center on Sunday, the second and final day of Bell County Comic Con 2023.
People – many of them in elaborate costumes – made their way through the alleys of the various Expo Center buildings, looking for encounters with celebrities, voice actors, artists and superheroes.
Among the costumers were Baytown’s Fabian Burgoa; his wife Fabiola; and her grandson James, 5. Fabian was dressed as a Sith from Star Wars. Fabiola and James were dressed as Jedis.
They watch Star Wars movies, Fabian said.
His grandson enjoys watching the Star Wars movies, he said, and doing martial arts.
This was her first time at Bell County Comic Con.
On the floor of the Garth Arena, Rick’s Comic Crypt, operated by San Antonio resident Rick Wayt, housed rows of comic books, mostly from the 1960s through more current comics.
“A lot of Marvel movies have launched new collectors,” he said. “A lot of people are looking for comics that they’ve seen in the cinema or on TV.”
Marvel and DC are the biggest comics publishers, he said. He also has comics from Image, Dark Horse, and other independent publishers.
His market is mostly adults, he said, but movies and TV shows have brought kids back into the market.
He’s been to most Bell County Comic Cons, he said, and plans to come back next year.
“There’s really good attendance here,” he said.
Across the aisle, Rowlett’s Michelle Castillo presented Meesh Originals, custom embroidered messenger bags and backpacks featuring comic, sci-fi and horror themes. Her husband Mark draws the artwork by hand and she sews.
For about eight years, she said, they did about two shows a month.
“We sold a lot yesterday,” she said. “We revisited Bell County a few years ago. I don’t know anyone who does that.”
They plan to be in Chicago next weekend, she said, and will begin driving on Tuesday. When they were younger, she said, and there was a show in the Dallas area, their kids came to help them.
“Now our grandchildren will come and spend time with us,” she said.
San Antonio’s John Gonzalez said The Legging Lass was busy both days. He and his wife, Jamie Richter, a bespoke clothing designer, have been doing the Belton show for about five years.
They make leggings, shorts, lounge pants, sweatpants, shirts and jackets.
“She designs everything and we make everything,” he said. “It’s our own bespoke fabric – super soft.”
They’re known for their quality and comfort, he said, and the #1 best-seller is jogging pants. And the women love their skirts, he said.
“We’re fundamentally family-based,” he said. “We have many loyal customers who come back every year.”
His wife has no background in clothing design, he said. She changed into leggings many years ago when she was in the hospital and was looking for comfortable clothing. She started selling another designer, he said, but figured they could do better.
“She wanted something comfortable but fun, and there aren’t many who do that,” he said.
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