Video games, comic book enthusiasts gather at Lamar-Dixon for Retro Con

Video game and comic book enthusiasts enjoyed an interactive experience Feb. 1-2 at the Louisiana Retro Con Winter 2025 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

The convention, which originated in Houma in 2022, is a video game-focused event featuring local artists, comic book authors and toy vendors.

Originally scheduled for Morgan City in fall 2024, the event was postponed to the winter due to Hurricane Francine.

The convention’s theme, “Sonic the Hedgehog,” brought out fans of the video game and movie franchise for cosplay contests throughout the weekend.

More than 80 booths were on hand showcasing games, toy and movie memorabilia, as well as voice actors and illustrators.

Guests included Ryan Drummond, former voice from “Sonic the Hedgehog” video game franchise; Barry Evans, Guinness World Record holder for owning the largest collection of Sonic memorabilia; and Jeremy Pourcy, founder of the indie video game company Jrago Studios.

The convention’s gaming competitions included a Mario Party Retro Tournament and a Sonic Adventure 2 Battle Retro Speedrun Tournament.

Panels were held throughout the weekend such as “Drawing Attention With Your Imagination” and “Changing the World With the Power of Drawing and Comics.”

For those who work in the gaming and comic industry, the convention is a chance to meet with fans and others in the professions.

“The cons can help us connect with other voice actors in the business,” said Casey George, a voice actor, illustrator and animator who lives in Louisiana. “My advice for people who want to break into the industry is do not be afraid to make connections. Fandoms can become a way to make friends and get leads on jobs in the business.”

Two of the guest illustrators were the father/daughter duo of Steven and Lily Butler, freelancers with Archie Comics.

The pair also hosted a panel titled “The Butlers Did It!”

Steven Butler, who has worked with “Archie Comics” since 1998, said the comic book industry has expanded with out-of-the-box ideas such as including one-page advertisements in which the product is featured in a comic story.

Butler, who lives in Mississippi, wrote a comic book series called “Mississippi Macabre.”

“Writing comic books is similar to how you would write for movies, but you manage the story yourself by building the suspense and action, along with the illustrations, Butler said.”

While Butler writes the stories, Lily Butler works on illustrations and digital technology.

“Lily has been around this all her life,” Steven Butler said. “You have to love this to do it. You need a strong work ethic.”

Lily Butler said working with her dad is an extension of their personal relationship.

“Collaborating with my dad is awesome because we have a good relationship,” Lily Butler said. “I’m blessed that we’ve always been close.”

Vendors of the event said the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center and convention size was perfect for gaming enthusiasts.

Sarah Stanley and Emily Carlin, of Pop Ramen, traveled from Mobile, Alabama, to sell cartoon, anime and gaming merchandise.

“Traveling to expos is a grind, but with the freedom you get, it’s worth it,” Stanley said. “We also love getting the feedback directly from the community. Our business is a creative outlet for us.

“This is a medium-to-high-size expo, and it is good because you aren’t overwhelmed inside. Seeing other vendors you know is like seeing friends.”

This line of business has made some dreams come true for Carlin.

“We really do create what we dreamed and cared about,” Carlin added.

Kevin Simons, owner of Quick Draw Shirts, said the Retro Con gives him the chance to display his custom-made T-shirts.

Simons, from Plano, Texas, occasionally travels to conventions with his daughter Noelle, a comic book illustrator.

“This is my first time attending this expo,” Simons said. “I sell original designs with slogans I think are funny.

“You never know what to expect, and sometimes these expos aren’t popular. But this one has had a good turnout.”