Some of the most recent guests at Providence’s Omni Hotel? Batman, Dick Tracy, and Monkey D. Luffy. That’s right -- this past weekend, Providence was once again host to Rhode Island Comic Con (RICC), the biggest celebration of all things pop culture the state has to offer. Held annually since 2012, this gathering of fans, vendors, artists, and celebrities continues to attract fans from all over the state, and beyond!
The convention, presented by Altered Reality Entertainment and Cardi’s Furniture (and yes, convention goers had the chance to take pictures with Cardi brothers mascots) ran Friday through Sunday, November 7-9. The three-day extravaganza filled the Amica mutual pavilion with collectibles of every type, saw Scooby Doo’s Mystery Machine park on the stadium floor, and hosted legendary songwriter Paul Williams at one of the Omni Hotel’s spacious ballrooms. Williams (at a still invigorated 85) moved convention goers with stories of how he wrote his hit song The Rainbow Connection, how he came to perform on the Johnny Carson Show in full Planet of the Apes makeup, and much much more.
Among the long and starry list of celebrity guests RICC boasted this year were Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Geena Davis, and Susan Sarandon -- offering fans a chance to get an autograph or a photo with their favorite stars of the silver screen. But true to its name, this comic convention showcased luminaries from the comic book world as well. Among them was Pat Broderick, known for his work on The Micronauts for Marvel Comics, and Captain Atom and The Fury of Firestorm for DC. Walking the convention floor can be a hyperreal experience, where guests can find a sought after comic book at one booth, and find themselves talking to the artist behind it mere feet away.
One vendor that could help make that dream a reality was J&S Collectibles, who traveled from Putnam, Connecticut with a sizable collection of comic books to sell at the convention. They had something for everyone, from bargain boxes of dollar comics, hard to find key issues, and more valuable books displayed on the wall to catch the eyes of comic-loving attendees. Another dynamite seller was Pleasant View Comics. Boasting a wall of hard to find books of their own, they also offered a door-buster sale -- offering hundreds of comics for only two dollars each, or as many as you could fit in a cardboard box. A steady stream of fans left their booths carrying boxes bulging at the seams and wallets one Hamilton thinner.
For eager fans looking forward to next year, dates have already been set for November 6-8, 2026. More information can be found on the show’s site here, or at their official Instagram page.
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