Zapp Con 5 (30th Anniversary of Zapp Comics)

The 2023 edition of Zapp Con was not only its fifth iteration, but also the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of Zapp Comics! Originally opened in 1993, today there are Zapp locations in Wayne, NJ & Manalapan, NJ… and on September 16, employees, friends, and family all turned up to join in the Zapp Con festivities at the Wayne PAL:

Along with the return of the affordable $10 entry fee were the $20 mystery boxes, the Kids Art Corner, the endless boxes of back issues, and the highly sought after Wall Books where collectors could get their hands on some of the hottest comic book keys, first appearances, and more. It’s Zapp’s best offerings all under one roof!

In fact, many fan favorite experiences returned for this all-out Zapp Con! From 10am-6pm, programming like ComicPop Live!, Oddly Obscure Villains with James, Comic Book Trivia, and Missiles on Motorcycles were happening in the panel area. Meanwhile, the Artist Alley boasted another spectacular roster… this time with special guests Scott Snyder and Tom King!

Fans eagerly lined up to meet the acclaimed writers (above), with even Signature Series witnessing available with CGC grading via Captured Collectibles. Not only that, you could easily submit books for grading if you obtained signatures or sketches from any of the 60+ fantastic artists at Zapp Con 5!

We’re talking about artists & writers like Alexis Ziritt, Amy Chu, Rudy Nebres, Nick Justus, George Vega, Jason Baroody, Anthony Marques (above), and so many others (see the full list here)! Not to mention media & cosplay guests like the Kubert School, Know Good Comics, the 501st Legion (below), Sly Fox, Regal Reign, Gifted Faker, and Megara Hope.

For Zapp’s 30th anniversary, there was plenty of signage, banners, and backdrops to take photos with your friends, the professional cosplayers, other costuming attendees, or maybe just to show off your con haul! Whether it’s art prints, custom buttons, original sketches, trading cards, 3D prints, or something else, Zapp Con’s got something for everyone. Here’s first-time Zapper The Jahz with his convention-debuting Doctor Strange canvas:

Zapp Con 5 was a blast and the perfect way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Zapp Comics! Check out more photos from the celebration here and be sure to visit either or both Zapp Comics locations in Wayne (574 Valley Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470) and in Manalapan (700 Tennent Rd, Manalapan, NJ 07726)!