Return of the Comic Con: Games, presentations, vendor booths and, of course, comics coming back to Capitola Mall

Stick around long enough and it becomes apparent that fashion, trends and everything “cool” comes back around at some point. Last year, vinyl record sales surpassed $1 billion. The fashion of the 1990s and early 2000s is a hit with Gen Z. There’s even an upcoming “Masters of the Universe” movie – the 1980s toy-franchise-turned-cartoon of He-Man and Skeletor.

But there’s one place where old toys, comic books and posters never go out of style: the comic convention. 

On Saturday, April 11, the Surf City Comic Con (SCCC) returns to the Capitola Mall to celebrate their third consecutive year of nerdom.

“There’s something for everybody,” said SCCC CEO Jove Shapiro. “There are very few events that are fun for all ages from 1 year old to 100.” 

Held in the old Sears building, this year’s Surf City Comic Con is bigger than ever, with more than 150 vendor spaces selling comics and toys. But that’s not all.

“We have jewelry-makers, pottery-makers, even a perfumer,” explained Aaron Alden, a co-founder of SCCC. Born and raised in Santa Cruz, he and his business partner, George Tegenkamp, owner of Hadbro Toys in the mall, co-founded SCCC in 2024 and have watched it grow every year since. 

“This year we really wanted to support all of the local artists we can,” Alden said. 

The convention will also include special events, contests and guests. 

Alden and Shapiro say this year will see the return of the cosplay contest – hosted by Sindi Sheth, better known as cosplay queen Sindiroo COSplays – with prizes given for the best costumes. 

They’ve also called in the Sacramento Ghostbusters – a nonprofit, cosplay group that raises money for various charities – along with returning friend Steve Mead. Mead – known locally and abroad as “R2-Steve” – will bring his life-size, working replica Star Wars droids to drive around the convention floor and will take part in a droid panel with other builders. 

But that’s not all for Star Wars fans. 

David Gonzales, who played Ak-Rev, one of Jabba the Hutt’s drummers in the special edition of “Return of the Jedi,” will be signing autographs and posing for photos. Fans can also take pictures with members of the 501st Legion – an international fan base dedicated to wearing screen-accurate replica costumes. 

Gamers will enjoy the arcade section with plenty of old-school games waiting to have their buttons mashed, while K-pop fans can test their skills with a dance-off. There will also be a silent auction featuring items donated by vendors.

“I’m a collector of anything that’s unique or odd and I love to share my passion,” Alden said. “George and I didn’t get into this to make money. We wanted to put it on because we like this stuff.” 

Tickets are on sale through Eventbrite. Early bird passes allow attendees to enter an hour before doors open to the public. General admission tickets will also be available at the door for $10. 

But the most unexpected throwback the convention brings just might be outside the doors. 

“It’s one of the few cons with free parking!” Shapiro said. 

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