PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Rhode Island Comic Con (RICC) returned to the Rhode Island Convention Center this past weekend, drawing tens of thousands of fans from across New England. While the event faced some unavoidable celebrity cancellations, a rainy Friday and a nearby highway construction project on Saturday, the overall atmosphere remained festive and family‑focused.
Cosplay steals the show
Cosplayers were the headline attraction, with many attendees spending hours perfecting intricate costumes. One standout was local creator Anne‑Marie Villeneuve, whose “blinged” Marvel outfits—covered in thousands of rhinestones—earned her the adult cosplay competition title. Her Iron Man concept, dubbed “IronBling,” and a dazzling Dr. Victor Von Doom reinterpretation, “Viktoria Von Bling,” drew admiration from the crowd.
Fans reported that most cosplayers were courteous and eager to pose for photos, creating a welcoming environment for families and newcomers alike. The event’s official Instagram feed showcased many of these elaborate creations, offering a visual reminder of the dedication on display.
Celebrity encounters and fan moments
Despite a few high‑profile cancellations, attendees still met several beloved actors. The weekend’s celebrity area featured Christopher Lloyd, Billy Dee Williams, Kathleen Turner, Jon Bernthal, Mae Whitman, Mick Foley, Jack Quaid and others. Families enjoyed brief, friendly interactions without the pressure of long autograph lines.
Highlights included a memorable conversation with Ken Jeong, known for his role as Ben Chang on the sitcom Community. Jeong took time to discuss his transition from medicine to comedy and even examined a fan’s original script from the show’s first season. Another standout was actor Andrew Lewis Caldwell, who drove over six hours from Buffalo after a missed flight to attend the convention. Caldwell, recently seen in “Spider‑Noir” and “The Matrix Resurrections,” posed for a photo with a young fan and praised the convention as a premier venue for meeting supporters.
Vendors, games and music
Vendors offered a wide range of items, from vintage toys and video‑game memorabilia to handmade crafts, Dungeons & Dragons dice, and specialty coffee. Massachusetts‑based companies MadMoxxModels and Normal Human Dice attracted crowds with custom gaming dice, 3D‑printed video‑game cartridge magnets, and a wall of animal figures perfect for younger children.
A small musical ensemble on the third floor provided a lively soundtrack of video‑game and movie scores, enhancing the convention‑center atmosphere while visitors enjoyed lunch.
Food and aromas
The third‑floor concession area surprised many with its open‑griddle smash‑burger station, allowing guests to watch their meals being prepared. The enticing aromas of burgers, chicken fingers, hot dogs and pizza added to the festive vibe, encouraging attendees to refuel between panels and floor‑walking.
Looking ahead
Organizers announced that the 15th anniversary edition of RICC is slated for November 5, 2027. While the 2026 event faced weather and scheduling challenges, the community’s enthusiasm suggests the upcoming milestone will be even larger.
For families seeking a blend of pop‑culture excitement, creative expression, and local camaraderie, Rhode Island Comic Con remains a standout annual tradition in Providence.
Original reporting: NBC 10 WJAR (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
