REXBURG—All fans can experience Comic Con-like event in Idaho Falls by attending Retro X this Friday and Saturday at the Elks Lodge. Fans can join in the cosplay, meet celebrity guests, see the exhibits and ask questions at the panels.
Phil Langston, one of the producers of Retro X, was raised on comics. He started collecting vintage toys and comics 25 years ago. While Idaho has so many activities to offer, he always imagined what a Comic Con would bring to the area.
That dream turned into Retro X, a pop culture fan event for Idahoans to experience right here in their backyard. With 15,000 square feet and two-levels, this event is sure to keep the community busy, Langston said.
“I tried to take the idea of everything that happens in a Comic Con and bring it to a smaller venue but with the same ideas, like your cosplay, artist alley, panels, celebrity guests, exhibits, really great vendors from throughout the area,” Langston said.
Langston and his partner in Retro X, had a smaller convention in a 7,000 square foot gymnasium to see the interest. With little money to advertise, they were surprised by the 2,000 fans who attended.
“We were in shock. We're like, ‘I guess Idaho Falls really needed this,’” Langston said.
Retro X opens to the public on Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Early bird admission gets in an hour before. Fans can buy tickets online. Children 12 and under are free.
Fans can download the app CON-TRACK to see the time of panels, the vendors and a treasure hunt.
Langston says fans love cosplay at these types of events. Many people spend time prepping for months to create their favorite fandom and participate in the competition. Retro X spends about $1,200 on prizes and cash for the competition.
“Cosplay is a great way to show off your passion for certain fandom,” Langston said.
Retro X is family friendly; cosplayers are expected to follow the dress code. No alcohol will be at the event as well as restrictions on weapons brought in.
Some celebrity guests to look out for are Keone Young from G.I. Joe, Christopher Khayman Lee from Power Rangers in Space, David J. Fielding as Zordon from the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers and Sam De La Rosa, an artist who worked on the Venom comics.
A percentage of sales go to the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission and the Community Food Basket of Idaho Falls.
“That's something I think you can be proud of that you're helping this event grow and helping people that need help as well while you're having a good time,” Langston said.
Retro X will be held at the Elks Lodge located at 640 E. Elva St. in Idaho Falls.
To learn more information go to ifretrox.com.
Retro X is also opening a store year-round called Pop Fusion. It will be all things pop culture, custom apparel, cross stitching and collectibles. Langston said they will have artists who travel to conventions to bring unique merchandise fans won’t be able to find online. It will be located at 2169 E. 17 St. in Idaho Falls. To learn more, contact Pop Fusion at popfusionidaho@yahoo.com.