Comics are a beloved hobby for collectors, young and old. The stories featured in many special comic series tell stories of epic heroes, brutal battles, and fantastical stories that transport readers into a world without limits. To celebrate the love of this genre and celebrate some of our community’s students along the way, Trenton Central High School will be host to this year’s Trenton Charity Comic-Con.
On Saturday, May 20th, the Trenton Central High School team is bringing back the city’s favorite comic convention. All proceeds from this event, including ticket sales, vendor fees, and prize raffle funds, will go towards a charity hand-selected by Trenton Central High School students. The convention will be held from 10 am to 4 pm at the TCHS campus at 400 Chambers St, Trenton, NJ 08609. Tickers are available at just $5 per person. If you and your family wish to attend, you can reserve your tickets online here: Tickets – Trenton Charity Comic-Con. If you cannot attend but still wish to support the cause, donations can be made here: Donate.
This year, all proceeds will benefit #TeamSeas, a non-profit devoted to reducing pollution and combating climate change. The organization hosts several river, ocean, and beach cleanups to keep plastic and other waste from our precious waterways. Through their efforts, #TeamSeas has captured 33,343,136 pounds of waste through their trash removal efforts. As the fight to improve our environment continues, #TeamSeas plays an integral role in ensuring our natural resources stay clean and pristine. You can read more about their work by visiting their website: #TeamSeas.
Attendees of this year’s convention can look forward to a day full of fun for a fantastic cause. Guests will be able to visit with professional creators from Marvel, DC, and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy various vendors selling comics, manga, toys, Pokémon, and more pop culture mementos you’re sure to love. So whether you’re a fan of classic cartoons, anime, superheroes, or anything, you will find your niche at this year’s convention.
The event is run by Trenton Central High School’s Comic Book and Manga Club. These hard-working students select the charity they fundraise for each year and play an integral role in making the day’s exciting events come to life. In addition, the contributions of passionate teacher volunteers aid the students. For additional event information, including vendor and exhibitor details, please get in touch with the event coordinator, Edward Hoplock, at EHoplock@gmail.com or EHoplock@Trenton.K12.NJ.US.
The teachers involved in developing and executing this project play a fundamental role in using the subject of comics and manga as a catalyst for meaningful learning and growth. Edward Hoplock, social studies teacher and Comic Book and Manga Club organizer has worked with these students for the last eight years. Through the elective “Graphically Speaking,” Hoplock can use comic books, graphic novels, and manga to increase student engagement, literacy and comprehension skills, civics, and social-emotional learning. Mr. Hoplock has also presented at New York Comic Con (2022) about various ways to incorporate “Comics in Classrooms” for schools and libraries.
This special event only happens one weekend a year, so do not miss the chance to be a part of Trenton’s comic convention for a cause!