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Free Press of the Ozarks dated February 18, 1999
Springfield News-Leader "Weekend" dated February 19-21, 1999
Springfield News-Leader dated February 22, 1999

Free Press of the Ozarks dated February 18, 1999

Visioncon Sci-Fi Convention

Visioncon, a sci-fi and gaming convention featuring a variety of science fiction's best writers and artists, will be this Friday through Sunday, at the Clarion Hotel in Springfield.

This year's Visioncon, benefiting the Family Violence Center, is the only event of its kind in Springfield. It will feature actor Don Pedro Colley, from films such as "Beneath the Planet of the Apes," "THX 1138," and "Night Gallery."

Artist who will be displaying their works include Tina Thomas, Jamie Murray, and comic artist Fredd Gorham, who worked on "Steel Angel." AC Comics spokesmodel Mary Capps will also be appearing.

Authors who will be appearing include P.N. Elrod, author of "Keeper of the King" and "The Vampire Files," as well as Bob Cornett, author of "The Fifty Million Years War" and "The Time Mercenary" series.

The Bay Area Animation Society will also be on hand to present some of the best Japanese animation available. The animation society, which has appeared for several consecutive years, will present several feature-length films from some of the most provocative animators in the world.

Along with all the special presentations and displays, there will be a miniature and model shows and contests, an art show, panel discussions and film rooms showing the best in classic and contemporary sci-fi movies. There will also be vendors of every sort of sci-fi and fantasy collectible imaginable, as well as free childcare.

Registration for all three days of the convention, including all of the events planned, will be $20 per person, and may be paid at the entrance to the Clarion Hotel, 3333 S. Glenstone. If it's only the vendors you want to see, you're in luck, admission to the dealer room will be free.

Springfield News-Leader "Weekend" dated February 19-21, 1999

Science fiction fun never stops at Visioncon
by Heather Fann

Trekkers, X-Philes and science fiction junkies unite. The time has come for the ninth annual Visioncon.

From noon today through 5p.m. Sunday, nonstop sci-fi and fantasy enthusiasts can watch movies, play games and role play at the Clarion Hotel, 333 S. Glenstone Ave.

"We don't shut down -- there will be events going on all the time," says event chairwoman Joyce Reedy. "There is no type of person or age group to expect at the convention. It's just people who are interested in science fiction, gaming, fantasy stuff and meeting authors."

Authors attending the event include: P.N. Elrod, who wrote "Keeper of the King" and "The Vampire Files"; and Bob Cornett, who wrote "The Fifty Million Years War" and the series "The Time Mercenary."

Artist Tina Thomas will show her works. Actor Don Pedro Colley, seen in "Beneath the Planet of the Apes" and "THX 1138," will also be at the convention.

"The convention reaches out past science fiction," Reedy says. "I tried to bring in a wide variety of guests of authors, actors, and artists. They are a wide genre of people so you get to learn more, play the games and see people."

"People come to be with people of like mind -- open-minded," she says.

Returning to this year's convention is the Bay Area Animation Society.

"Bay Area Animation brings Japanese animation, which is more unique," says spokesperson Karen Culp. "In Japan, animated films are feature length films for adults and children -- it is considered an art.

"Some are funny, some are dramatic. It is more like the American film industry rather than the American animation industry in content and story lines."

Even if you aren't a super sci-fi fan, the event has something for you. Two show events, the dealers room and arts show, are open to the public for free.

"I like to push the idea that anyone from the community can come out and look at the dealers room and art show for free to get an idea of who we are," Reedy says. "They can decide if they want to stay, and if they want to stay they can pay the convention fee."

As with years past, the convention will benefit a local charity. This year's recipient is the Family Violence Center.

"We try to choose a different charity every couple of year," Culp says. "What we try to do is listen to these groups and try to see what kinds of needs they have and spread that benefit out a little bit. And family violence is on the tips of everyone's tongues in our community these days."

Culp says people will be surprised by how much science fiction they really do enjoy.

"If you think you are not interested in science fiction and that you don't fall into this crowd, chances are you might," Culp says. "If you look at it, you probably do have an interest somewhere."

"I think there is a science fiction fan in all of us."

Springfield News-Leader dated February 22, 1999

Fantasy Worlds Unfold
by Jennifer Portman

By Sunday afternoon, the inhabitants of the mythical world Lapis looked weary.

After two days wielding swords to battle the forces of evil, the group, decked out in quasi-medieval garb, was ready for sustenance and some deserved rest.

Village Inn or Carriage House?

And so it was, at the end of Visioncon, held this weekend at the Clarion Hotel.

About 1,000 science fiction and fantasy lovers - including the 40 or so Lapis role players who hold their elaborate game in the woods each month - came out for the annual event.

"Since 1990, everything has been getting better and better," said event spokesman Keith Moncrief. "Five years from now, we would probably outgrow the hotel.

Throughout the weekend, people of all ages and descriptions reveled in counterculture, playing games with titles such as "Gothic by Gaslight," watching sci-fi movies including "Godzilla vs. Space Godzilla" and listening to stories from special guest actor Don Pedro Colley, featured in "Beneath the Planet of the Apes," and George Lucas "THX 1138."

For the third year, Myhr, a character created by Dallas artist Jamie Murray, served an emcee for the event.

"There is such a wide variety of people, it's loads of fun," said Murray, who performs the Myhr character in a cat mask.

Myhr, he said, is a "gentlemanly pervert who can get away with a lot."

About 20 dealers from throughout the region were also on hand, peddling everything from rare comic books to dresses made of chain mail.

At the Brother John's Flying Freak Show and Mercenary Company booth, authentic swords, battle-axes and even a ball and chain were on sale.

Employee Trisha Boyle of Kansas City said the wares appeal mostly to "people who like sharp, pointy things."

But those who buy the ominous-looking objects aren't usually looking to inflict pain.

"Most of the time, it's for art and showing off, 'Look at me, my sword is a lot prettier than yours,'" she said.

At Visioncon, it's imagination, not brawn that wins the day.

"We have less likelihood of getting hurt than a Little League baseball team," said Lapis player Ben Reeder, 31, of Springfield. "It's interactive theater."

Plus, as is evident from the smiles of the players who gather around and exuberantly tell their tale, playing these kind of games is a lot of fun.

Said player Rob Witt, 28, of Springfield, "It's a very good escape that keeps us out of trouble."