Fifth Annual Comics & Cosplay Market Celebrates Five Years this Sarturday in Tinley Park.
- John E. Streetz
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
TINLEY PARK, Ill. — Five years ago, the Streetz Artz Alliance and Soundgrowler Brewing Co. brought together comic artists, collectors, cosplayers and local makers for a different kind of pop culture event in Tinley Park. On Saturday, Aug. 22, the market returns for its fifth year with its largest mix yet of comics, original art, collectibles, gaming, cosplay, handmade goods and convention-inspired creations.
The fifth annual Comics, Action Figures, Cosplay & More Market runs from noon to 5 p.m. at Soundgrowler Brewing Co., 8201 183rd St., Suite P, in Tinley Park. The event is free to attend, family friendly, indoor and outdoor, and will take place rain or shine. Plenty of on-site and nearby parking is available.
For Streetz Artz Alliance founder and event curator John E. Streetz, reaching the five-year mark is particularly meaningful because the event has never stayed exactly the same.
"This one means a lot to me because we're celebrating five years of doing this at Soundgrowler," Streetz said. "Every year we've tried to add something new while bringing back the artists, comic vendors and collectors who helped make the event what it is. This year we have people who have been with us since the beginning alongside artists making their Soundgrowler debut. That's exactly what I want this event to be."
The market was originally known simply as the Comic & Cosplay Market, but its scope has expanded each year. Comics and cosplay remain at its core, while action figures, trading cards, gaming, fantasy, original artwork, books and pop culture-inspired handmade creations have increasingly become part of the experience.
For comic fans accustomed to packed convention floors, crowded Artist Alleys and long lines, Streetz sees the smaller scale as one of the market's biggest strengths.
"We aren't trying to recreate Fan Expo," Streetz said. "We're trying to offer something different. You can meet talented comic creators, dig through boxes of comics, discover original artwork and collectibles, grab some tacos and a craft beer, and actually have time to talk to the people behind the tables. It's spacious, it's curated, and you don't have to walk 20 miles to see everything."
More than 40 artists, makers, creators, collectors and small businesses are expected, including several comic vendors and artists who have helped build the event over its five-year run.
Rocky Sodin of Southside Comic Book Show returns with comic books ranging from the Silver Age to the present, along with prints and movie posters. Ronald Baguisa of Back Issue Bin 73 will bring comics and comic-related collectibles, while Jon Belonio of Belonio Doodles returns with original artwork, prints, comics and cards.
Jonathan Grimm Art is another longtime participant and Streetz Artz Alliance favorite. Artist John Bickness, who also exhibited at Fan Expo Chicago the weekend before the Soundgrowler market, will bring original artwork and prints featuring superheroes and other pop culture subjects.
Left to Right: Southside Comic Book Show, Back Issue Bin 73, Belonio Doodles and Jonathan Grimm Art.
This year's illustrator lineup also includes established creators such as Dan Dougherty, James T. Molloy, Ashley Esper and Stephanie Walker, continuing Streetz's goal of mixing recognizable comic artists with emerging local talent and first-time participants.
Several artists will make their Soundgrowler debut Saturday.
Chicago indie cartoonist and animator OsitoDraws will bring "Sunbearo Cult Classic," along with fandom-inspired prints, stickers, keychains and original artwork. Sara A. Noë, an award-winning author, artist and photographer from La Porte, Indiana, will offer autographed books from her paranormal science-fiction and fantasy series alongside her own fantasy artwork, maps and book-inspired creations.
Sinistar Inc. will turn comic imagery into three-dimensional wall art while also offering gaming terrain and miniatures. Nijma's Art will bring hand-painted character and celebrity artwork, mini caricatures and painted tote bags. CK Creative combines handmade resin work with pop culture, including earrings created from vintage comics, apparel, mugs, totes and other designs.
Blacky Cat Creations will add hand-knit kitty ear hats, creatures and fandom jewelry ranging from cute to creepy, while Face Painting by Jules will offer professional face painting for children and adults. Gridiron Vault, operated by Tom Hutto and Maddi Liapis, expands the collecting side of the event with football and other sports cards and authentic memorabilia.
Left to Right: Dan Dougherty (Beardo)'s display at a previous Soundgrowler event, Dice Bags and Lanyards from Jen Watson Art, Rare Comics from Belonio Doodles from a previous show and comic themed 3D printed items from Sinistar Inc.
Even artists whose businesses aren't traditionally comic-focused are getting into the theme.
Sharon Russo of SharonAble Crafts has been creating new superhero and pop culture shadow boxes and car coasters specifically suited to the market. Bianca Escobedo of La Rosa Escobedo will showcase fantasy and superhero artwork inspired by characters from Marvel, DC and beyond. Rebecca Moline of Sunbeam Air Plants is combining plants with Pokémon-inspired displays, including air plants paired with 3D-printed pop culture holders.
The result is a market where the unexpected is part of the fun. Patrons can browse rare and modern comics, graphic novels, original illustrations, trading and sports cards, fantasy books, tarot decks, cosplay accessories, 3D-printed creations, gaming miniatures, apparel, jewelry, crystals, crochet, plants, shadow boxes and collectibles.
Left to Right: Tarot readings will be available from Ten Cups Tarot throughout the event (she will be inside the barrel room), Gridiron Vault is bring Pokemon Cards, Sports Cards and so much more in the collectible ranges, Bianca Escobedo of La Rosa Escobedo will showcase fantasy and superhero artwork inspired by characters from Anime like Spirited Away inspired pieces, and Tacos & Beer make a great combo at any of your Tinley Park Shows.
And because this is a Streetz Artz Alliance market, the offerings stretch beyond the traditional convention floor. Gourmet cookies and seasoned nuts, pickles and peppers, locally roasted coffee, infused honey, handmade jewelry and other specialty goods will be mixed throughout the event.
"One of my favorite things is watching our artists figure out how their own work can fit the theme," Streetz said. "Someone might come for comic books and leave with a Pokémon air plant holder, a piece of original artwork, a handmade piece of jewelry, a fantasy novel, a giant cookie or a jar of pickles. There really isn't an end to the variety."
Cosplayers are encouraged to attend throughout the afternoon, whether they participate in the fifth-anniversary cosplay contest or simply want to dress as a favorite character.
Contest registration will be available during the event at Jen Watson Art's space. Participants can provide their name or social media handle, character or cosplay, and information they would like to share about their costume with the judges.
Judging begins at 4 p.m., with prizes for the top three contestants and an additional Brewery Favorite award. Judges will include Jen Watson of Jen Watson Art; cosplayer Scott Eckelberry, known as darthscotti on Instagram; a representative from Soundgrowler Brewing; and a representative from the Streetz Artz Alliance.
No Soundgrowler market would be complete without another important part of the afternoon: tacos and beer.
Soundgrowler Brewing will serve its craft beer throughout the event along with tacos and a modified food menu. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available, giving families, designated drivers and guests who don't drink alcohol options while they shop and enjoy the afternoon.
The event and its participants also continue a tradition of using the creative community to support causes beyond the market itself. Charitable organizations and causes supported through the event community include the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, League of Enchantment Chicago, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, American Cancer Society and American Liver Foundation, along with fundraising connected to Delta Gamma. The causes span children's health, cancer and multiple sclerosis research and support, liver health, literacy and creative expression, and bringing costumed characters and memorable experiences to children and families.
Streetz said that combination of community, creativity and accessibility is ultimately what has kept the event going for five years.
"We've watched this event grow up," Streetz said. "Some of the people coming back Saturday were there when we started, and others are walking into Soundgrowler for their first show with us. Five years later, we're still finding new things to add and new artists to introduce to Tinley Park. I'm stoked about where the event is now, but I'm even more excited about what we can continue building in the years ahead."
The Comics, Action Figures, Cosplay & More Market takes place Saturday, Aug. 22, from noon to 5 p.m. at Soundgrowler Brewing Co., 8201 183rd St., Suite P, Tinley Park. Admission is free and the event is family friendly, indoor and outdoor, and rain or shine. The cosplay contest begins at 4 p.m.
The Streetz Artz Alliance is a community of approximately 350 artists, makers and small businesses from throughout the Chicago suburbs, Northwest Indiana and southern Wisconsin. The alliance curates markets at breweries and other venues throughout the region with an emphasis on local artists, independent businesses, creative variety and community-focused events.
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