By
Erin Coulehan
Soldiercon is back and ready to electrify the pop-culture scene with a three-day extravaganza from September 6-8, 2024, at the new Starlight Convention Center (6650 Continental Dr), conveniently located next to the El Paso International Airport.
Since its inception in 2015, Soldiercon has grown from its roots of supporting military families to a full-blown celebration of pop culture, including a car show, cosplay contest, and crypto content. The event features an impressive lineup of comic book artists, such as Sam De La Rosa (Venom) and Dan Fraga (Wolverine), as well as a stellar roster of film and series guests.
This year, Soldiercon will welcome the legendary Kevin Sorbo, best known for his iconic role as Hercules.
“You have people dressed, contests, and a bunch of actors,” Sorbo tells The City Magazine. “They’re bringing in quite a variety of people.”
One aspect of Soldiercon that makes it so special is its commitment to honoring servicemen and women.
“I like the fact that the military is going to be represented. I’m a big fan of that, my brother served 23 years in the Army,” says Sorbo.
The three-day-long event will allow guests to enjoy entertainment, interact with beloved pop culture characters, and engage face-to-face in an in-person environment.
“People take freedoms for granted. Unfortunately, there’s so much anger, hate, and divisiveness. People are frustrated with their lives and they take it out on the internet. People are busy watching one-second videos on their iPhones,” Sorbo explains.
Known for his charismatic portrayal of the legendary hero and his roles in numerous other films and TV series, Sorbo has become a household name for fans of fantasy and adventure.
“The series still holds up,” says Sorbo. “Hercules was always a good guy who never went looking for a fight but stood-up for what he believed in.”
Joining Sorbo are Noel G from The Fast and the Furious, Matthew de Meritt, the body actor for E.T., and Leilani Shiu from Obi-Wan Kenobi and The Mandalorian. The event will also feature a special appearance by drummer Marky Ramone of the Ramones.
For the full list of guests, visit: c4soldiercon.com.
Founded by veteran Carlos Molina, Soldiercon aims to create a welcoming environment for service members and the broader Paso del Norte community. Molina acknowledges the financial hurdles that can come with attending conventions and is committed to making Soldiercon accessible for all.
“We understand the challenges of parking, admission costs, and other fees. Our goal is to make it easier for everyone to experience the fun and excitement of our event,” says Molina.
Tickets are available for pre-order, with free admission for all active-duty service members. For details on vendor booths and car show registrations, visit: c4soldiercon.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
