Halloweenfest Brings Comic Book Enthusiasts Together in West Columbia
West Columbia, S.C. was buzzing with excitement last Saturday afternoon as a beloved local comic shop turned into a Halloween wonderland. Scratch N’ Spin Records celebrated its annual Halloweenfest, an event that has become a staple in the community for nearly a decade. The atmosphere was ripe with spooky spirit as families, kids, and comic lovers ventured in for a day filled with fun, creativity, and camaraderie.
A Spooktacular Celebration of Comics
As guests entered the shop, the delightful sight of free Halloween-themed comic books and an array of candy greeted them. The store was dressed up for Halloween, making it all the more enticing for children and adults alike. Participants could pose for photos with various costumed characters, adding an extra layer of fantasy to the experience. There was even a costume contest, where about 20 contestants showcased their creativity and dedication to the theme.
The friendly atmosphere was complemented by local comic artists who dropped by to meet the fans. One of them, Joshua Adams, a comic book artist from Florence, shared his thoughts about the event: “I think it’s fun seeing so many different pieces of pop culture all come together. The shared love of all these things — characters, movies, games, and toys — is just really cool.” His enthusiasm was palpable, especially considering he and his colleague Dan Evans had recently released two new comics titled Kolga and Apollyon 20XX.
A Legacy of Community Connection
The mastermind behind the event, Eric Woodard, has been the owner of Scratch N’ Spin for 21 years and cherishes the opportunity Halloweenfest provides to promote comic books as a true American art form. Woodard explained that the event is a spinoff of the well-known Free Comic Book Day, which takes place on the first Saturday in May. By offering free special edition comics from major publishers like DC and Marvel, Halloweenfest encourages a diverse range of people to dive into the world of comics.
According to Woodard, Halloween is one of the most enjoyable holidays, and the flexible nature of dressing up allows for participation from all ages. “Incorporating the Halloween elements into the event,” he said, “makes it even more fun and attracts a larger crowd, possibly even more than Free Comic Book Day.”
Crowd Participation and Community Spirit
It was heartwarming to see the community come together, with around 50 people attending the event. Laughter and cheers filled the air as folks mingled and enjoyed the festivities. The costume contest was an overwhelming success, showcasing the creativeness of the participants, each one eager to vie for the top spot. It’s events like these that foster a sense of togetherness and celebrate the passions that connect people.
Looking Ahead
For those who missed out this year, fear not — Halloweenfest has become an annual tradition, always celebrated on the weekend before Halloween. Woodard is excited about what the future holds as the shop continues to embrace its role in the community, carrying comics since 2010. Halloweenfest proves that comics and costumes make for a magical combination, and who could resist a bit of that?
In a world where entertainment options abound, it’s refreshing to witness a community that cherishes the art of comics and embraces the whimsical spirit of Halloween. Hats off to Scratch N’ Spin Records for throwing a fantastic party, and a big thanks to everyone who participated! Here’s looking forward to next year’s Halloweenfest full of even more thrills, chills, and creative fun!
