Comic Con Okinawa returning with guests from hit franchises, including Pokemon, Dragon Ball

A man wearing a black shirt and black-and-white camouflage pants poses with his arms folded in front of him next to a man in knight’s armor holding a large axe and a crouching man in a Spiderman costume.

Convention-goers pose during Okinawa Comic Con at Camp Foster, Okinawa, on Dec. 7, 2024. (Brody Robertson/U.S. Marine Corps)

Sci-fi, fantasy and cosplay fans will soon pack Camp Foster for the annual Comic Con Okinawa, a free event showcasing pop-culture talent and creative communities across the island.

Hosted by Marine Corps Community Servies, the convention runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 14. Festivities will span the Fieldhouse, the Community Center and the Globe & Anchor inside Ocean Breeze.

This year’s lineup includes gaming events, art exhibitions, cosplay activities and appearances tied to franchises such as Pokemon, Power Rangers, Yu-Gi-Oh! and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Two Comic Con attendees pose on the convention floor with two cars in the background: a man in a green jumper, white pants and borwn boots; and a woman in a brown and orange Hawaiian islander-style crop top and white skirt.

Convention-goers pose during Okinawa Comic Con at Camp Foster, Okinawa, on Dec. 8, 2024. (Brody Robertson/U.S. Marine Corps)

Special guests include Elise Baughamn, known for voicing Pan in the “Dragon Ball” series; actor Eddie McClintock of SyFy’s “Warehouse 13”; and Jeremy Clark, a comic book inker whose work includes titles such as “Batman,” “Gargoyles” and “Blade Runner.”

An Arist Alley will feature creators from across the community. Artists could also submit work to the event’s art contest, with finalists’ pieces displayed throughout the venue.

Three Comic Con attendees pose on the convention floor: a woman wearing blue shorts and a red jacket; a man wearing a black shirt, black pants and black hat; and a woman wearing a white and red kimono and holding a sword.

Convention-goers pose during Okinawa Comic Con at Camp Foster, Okinawa, on Dec. 7, 2024. (Brody Robertson/U.S. Marine Corps)

For fans seeking early access, Gold Pass Exclusive tickets are available through Eventbrite.com for $17.50 for ages 5-12 and $33 for ages 13 and older. The pass includes entry to a “Pre-Con” event from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 13 at the Globe & Anchor, as well as early entry, priority seating and priority Q&A access on event day.

Comic Con Okinawa began in 2011 at the Camp Foster library and has grown into one of the installation’s most popular community events. More than 4,000 people attended last year, according to a December 2024 news release from Marine Corps Installations Pacific.

Two young women in black hoodies observe a man in a blue jacket taking a photo of a man in flannel shirt and black beanie posing in front of a convertible car.

Convention-goers pose during Okinawa Comic Con at Camp Foster, Okinawa, on Dec. 7, 2024. (Brody Robertson/U.S. Marine Corps)

ON THE QT

Directions: Festivities on Camp Foster will span the Fieldhouse, the Community Center and the Globe & Anchor inside Ocean Breeze.

Times: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 14.

Costs: Free on Dec. 14. For fans seeking Dec. 13 access, Gold Pass Exclusive tickets are available through Eventbrite.com for $17.50 for ages 5-12 and $33 for ages 13 and older.

Food: Expect pizza, hamburgers and Hawaiian plate lunches from vendors throughout the venue.

Information: www.okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/dining-entertainment/entertainment-events/comic-con