Fantasy fans and sci-fi enthusiasts trek into the Clarion Hotel today through Sunday for Visioncon 2003, the 12th annual convention that’s up to its pointy ears in games, sci-fi celebrities, art, dances, a costume contest and more.

Guests include Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry, son of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, and A.C. Crispin, a best-selling author of Star Trek and Star Wars novels. The convention also features local comic artist Gary Bedell as this year’s artistic guest of honor.

As usual, the family-friendly event — expected to draw 1,000 participants — hosts a number of games including Pokémon, Heroclix and Yu-gi-oh! Also on hand are sci-fi novelty dealers, an art show and a stunt event Saturday led by veteran TV and film stuntman Steve Kelly. The dealers room and art show are free to the public. Admission to the rest is $25 for the weekend.

The convention, which has grown by galactic leaps in 12 years, draws people from all over the region, nation and beyond, says convention coordinator Keith Moncrief.

“It started out as something kind of small, just a bunch of people who would get together and play various games. Then they decided to have a day they could invite all their friends, rented out some hotel space and expanded from there,” he says.

Those events were expanded around the gaming aspect, says Joyce Reedy, convention chairman for the last 10 years.

“They have science-fiction games, so it all really runs hand in hand.”

And that way there’s something for everyone, she says.

“Not everyone wants to game.”

Now organizers invite celebrities with broad fantasy/sci-fi appeal.

“What (participants) love about our conventions, unlike events of this kind on either coast, is that you actually get a chance to talk to the celebrities. You can actually sit down and ask them questions,” Moncrief says.

Bedell, who does comic strips for Antarctic Press and Radio Comics, was amazed to be named guest of honor.

“It feels great. I’m really looking forward to it. And to meeting new people,” says the artist, whose work has sold well at past conventions.

The Central High School grad also created cover-art for Visioncon’s brochure through his Gee Bee Art Studio. He will show and sell his work at the convention’s exhibit, which features numerous artists, and will auction off a sketch pad full of original work.

Currently, Bedell keeps busiest doing illustrations and character designs for popular role-playing game companies, including Hex and Spartacus.

“The game people have been eating my stuff up lately,” he says.

Someday he’d like to see one of his original comics come to life on the big screen. Moncrief doesn’t doubt the young artist will be a huge success: “We really think he’s got a future ahead of him.”

Roddenberry, CEO of Roddenberry.com, may be the biggest draw for Trekkies. The sci-fi empire legacy will talk about the impact of his late father’s work in the 21st century. Roddenberry assists on “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” and “Gene Roddenberry’s Earth: Final Conflict.”

Crispin, whose books have appeared on the New York Times Best Sellers list, will sign books and conduct a writing workshop at the convention. The author’s works also include the popular “Han Solo Trilogy,” detailing the Star Wars character’s early years.

Like Roddenberry, Crispin’s presence is a coup, Moncrief says. And it’s proof the convention is becoming nationally-known through word of mouth and the internet.

The art of Gary Bedell, a Central High graduate, is on display at Visioncon 2003.
Gary Bedell

February 22, 2003

Sci-fi fans live their fantasy
Annual event expected to draw 1,500 to Clarion Hotel.

By Jeff Arnold
News-Leader

From the tanned latex that transformed her forehead from human to Klingon to the floor-length black dress with silver chains at its waistline, Jimi Lasiter's 9-to-5 career may be difficult to ascertain.

The 35-year-old engineer from Noel admitted that when her co-workers at Agile Manufacturing in Anderson find out how she spends her weekends -- and the change in her wardrobe from business casual to sci-fi chic -- looks of shock and intrigue ensue.

But Lasiter's handmade outfit will be the perfect fit this weekend at the 13th annual Visioncon Science Fiction and Fantasy event, expected to again draw 1,500 visitors to the Clarion Hotel. The fantasy fest will feature everything from live-action role-playing to a grand ballroom turned science fiction paradise. Everything from swords to movie paraphernalia and masks of every shape and size will be for sale.

"It's a weekend of escapism and it's not your typical recreation," said Visioncon representative Leslie Cox. "It has picked up quite a following."

One glance around the hotel ballroom will prove that.

After a workweek of four 10-hour days in a company that builds chicken-house heaters, Lasiter will spend the next two days masquerading as Jev, a Klingon character and one of the hundreds of alter egos that make the annual fantasy fest a hit. Like many of her fellow sci-fi enthusiasts, Lasiter dresses the part, finding her niche in a room full of colorful cloaks and facial disfigurements.

"It gives people a chance to be someone that they don't get to be at work or in their normal, everyday lives," she said.

Lasiter, who attends conventions in Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas, is part of a 10-member club called KLAS -- Klingons Lending Assistance and Support. At conventions like this one -- which will include special guests from within the science-fiction genre -- Lasiter will do everything from work security to run errands. Her side show has become a family affair, giving her daughters the opportunity to travel and learn the responsibility of working while having fun.

Since joining the convention circuit, Lasiter has met nearly every Star Trek cast member, including her favorite -- Leonard Nimoy -- and William Shatner, who she said doesn't rank among those she enjoys working with.

"He's about the only one who says, 'Don't touch me, don't let others touch me; don't take my picture and don't let others take my picture,'" Lasiter said. "But the rest of them are a lot of fun to be around."

This weekend's event was to have included an appearance by Eugene Roddenberry, son of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry. But he will be unable to attend.

The event will include comic book artist and Springfield native Gary Bedell and New York Times best-selling author A.C. Crispin. Crispin is the author of four Star Trek novels and will be teaching a writer's workshop.

The event will also include other science-fiction activities, all catering to visitors who feel more than comfortable in their own little world of make-believe.

"It's meant to be a stress-free weekend -- it's nice to go somewhere and get stress-free," said event chairperson Joyce Reedy. "It's nice not to be yourself for a few days."

Just ask Mary Capps.

Capps, who lives in suburban Dallas and has worked as everything from a cocktail waitress to administrative assistant to a company CEO, has been a regular at the Visioncon event for the past seven years.

The mother of two, who's expecting her third child, is a spokesmodel for AC Comics.

Her character, NightVeil, has been featured on the cover of comic books, which her 5-year-old daughter finds impressive but which once "totally embarrassed" her now 21-year-old daughter.

"It's a lot of fun," said Capps, who has her job as spokesmodel listed on her r?m?nd who said that the position has led to her getting other jobs.

"There are some crazy, strange, weird people who come to these shows, but the people are great. A lot of them come back year after year, and it's like seeing good friends again."

The convention's customer base ranges from factory worker to attorney, all of whom share an interest in the fantasy world and science fiction. Over the next two days, they will mix and mingle, talking in lingo that only they can truly appreciate and wearing costumes they admit -- in the outside world -- get plenty of second looks.

"If I wear this shirt out in public, people say, 'Oh, he's one of those Trekkies,'" said Chris Jackson, who on Friday wore a faded, long-sleeved Star Trek mesh jersey.

"Here, people say, 'cool shirt.'"

Jackson, a factory worker, volunteers at events from here to St. Louis and Kansas City, using the name "Khat," one that deciphers him from every other "Chris" in attendance, he said. His parents raised him to appreciate science fiction -- a world he insists has a part in science and in the manufacturing of several everyday products.

"Science fiction just allows you the flexibility to think about things in a different way," Jackson said. "You can come to events like this and meet people who think like you do and who share your views on things.

"I mean, we all know it's fake, but it's fun."

Jimi Lasiter (left) and Theresa Lasiter take a long look at a Klingon sword at the Visioncon sci-fi convention Friday at the Clarion Hotel. Jimi Lasiter masquerades at the event as Jev, her Klingon alter ego.
Edmee Rodriguez / News-Leader

Tom Cornelison searches for a boa to wear as Stacy Beal looks on at the Visioncon, a science-fiction convention being held at the Clarion Hotel.
Edmee Rodriguez, News-Leader