Our Interview with Peter Purin
You’ve been running Uncanny for three years now. Can you tell me a little bit about when you first had the idea to start up a comic expo and what the process of getting it going looked like?
I have been selling at comic conventions since 2017, and after dong a few, I thought, “It would be cool to have one of these in Shawnee, where I live.” I started researching venues and what it would take to get things going. I have strong ties to the comic and Star Wars communities in the state. So, that really helped get things started! There is a misconception that putting on an event is easy, but there is a lot of legwork involved! For me, I want to do it well and do it right — I want the fans to have fun and the vendors to make money. It’s all about bringing people together and providing a service to the nerd community, and it’s important to remember the main purpose in every step taken.
Of course, when it comes to handling large events like this, there are going to be bumps along the way. Can you tell me about one or two of those and explain how you overcame them?
Yes. At the first event, I was SICK. It was only by the grace of God that I was able to run the event, as I overslept and felt like garbage the entire time. Thankfully, I had some great help from my wife and friends! Another bump was last year, when our ticketing system went down for the event! The staff handled it well, and the fans were gracious with us. Every bump is an opportunity to learn and grow and get better.
Last year, the main theme of the Expo was Iron Man: We Love You 3000. And this year, the central character is Ahsoka Tano from the Star Wars universe. Can you tell us a little about how we might expect her to shape this year’s event?
In order to build a better future, God tells us we need to love one another, and that means listening to each other. Talking through issues and developing mutually beneficial solutions. In our effort to build community, we believe that all people should have a voice and a place at the table. We chose Ahsoka because 1) she is brave, loyal, energetic, caring, and strong. Rosario Dawson’s portrayal of her in The Mandalorian has been a fantastic role model — particularly in empowering girls, and even more particularly underrepresented girls — and we want to celebrate the character because of this. We also have Georges Jeanty coming as our featured comic guest. He is Haitian and has worked on all kinds of great comics. And we hope that both the real life and fictional heroes here will help inspire all kids to say, “Hey, they did it, and so can I!”
Like we already mentioned, this is your third year running Uncanny. So, beyond the theme of the Expo, how can we expect it to be different from past years?
We are always striving to grow and provide more amazing things for our attendees! This year, our gaming aspect is growing significantly! We will have eight conference rooms filled with video games, D&D, Tabletop gaming, and TCG! We are doing nerd trivia, creative panels, bringing in mermaids and lots more! Comic fans can expect TONS of great comic dealers, toy fans will find plenty of toys. I think everyone will find something they love!
At previous Expos, you’ve had big-name guests like Michael Golden, the co-creator of Rogue from the X-Men Franchise. And you’ve already mentioned Georges Jeanty. Who else might we expect to see this year?
In addition to Georges Jeanty, we have two Star Wars actors joining us! Alan Fernandes was the first featured Tusken Raider (Sand Person) in Star Wars (Episode IV). And C. Andrew Nelson has done a ton of work with Star Wars, including working with Industrial Light and Magic and performing as Darth Vader. Particularly, in the Special Edition of The Empire Strikes Back reshoots, the Dark Forces PC game, and other Star Wars games.
If you could choose any one guest with the assurance they would participate, who would that be?
That’s a tough one. I’m going to cheat and say, for an actor, I would choose James Earl Jones. Ande for a comic creator, I would choose Todd McFarlane. They are two for whom I have the utmost respect for their work.
If I’m correct, you’re not only working on organizing Uncanny Comic Expo, but one or two other conventions as well. How has the process of juggling multiple events been for you?
It’s been a learning experience for sure! The challenge is to keep everything organized and straight, and focusing on the next most important deadline while also preparing for the future.
Is there anything you’d like to tell us about your other upcoming expos?
I’ve had the pleasure of becoming the organizer of OAFCon, which is an “old school” comic show for serious and casual collectors alike. You’ll see AMAZING things at that show: October 2-3 at the Norman Embassy Suites. We are also exploring facilities for more Uncanny Comic Expo shows in Tulsa, OKC, and Ardmore, possibly Kansas and Texas as well!
Speaking of Uncanny, let’s move the conversation back to that and drill down a little more. What has been the most rewarding aspect of organizing the Expo for the past three years?
I would say seeing people of all ages and types finding something they enjoy! Sometimes, you go to a show and the kids are bored, or the Mom is bored, or whoever doesn’t have something that interests them. We try hard to have something for EVERYONE! We believe that ALL OF US have a nerd side — whether it be comics, fantasy, sci-fi, adventure — there are stories to be told that touch all people.
If you could summarize the mission of Uncanny Comic Expo in one or two sentences, what would you say?
Our mission is to promote community unity and provide family-friendly entertainment through a celebration of nerd culture. We also support local school art, drama and music programs, as we see comic books, cosplay, gaming and related interests as expressions of — and gateways to — the Fine Arts.
Is there anything we haven’t discussed that you’d like to make sure our readers know about the Expo this year or in general?
First of all is the new Fan Film Competition Friday night before the show! We want everyone and anyone to enter a short film. Anything from stop motion to cosplaying, or whatever your imagination brings. It doesn’t have to be professional, just nerd related and family friendly! Also, we had a blast at the Arena, but I think you’ll really enjoy the new venue! Yes, there is a casino next to the convention hall. So, for those who want to, you can enjoy that as well. And those who don’t can completely avoid it if you so choose. The new space allows us room to grow, and we are taking advantage of that by having lots more fun things to do!
Finally, we have to ask — Uncanny is obviously a comic expo, so who is your all-time favorite character?
Another impossible question… I might have to say Spider-Man. I mean, my name is Peter Purin, after all! In high school, I was a nerdy kid who got laughed at for being a nerd. Then, I found my power (faith in Jesus), and married a beautiful redhead!
See You At Uncanny!
There’s our interview with Peter Purin, along with some great information for newcomers and “old” fans alike! We’re already counting down the days until Uncanny, and can’t wait to see everyone there. If you want to know more about the competitions and events, just click on the picture below for more info! Like Peter mentioned, there’s a lot of hard work that goes into running this kind of convention. So, if you see him while you’re there, make sure to let him know how much you’re enjoying it!