Cosplay enthusiasts, video game and comic book fanatics are prepping for the second annual FresCon Comic Convention March 12-13 at Fresno State. The event will feature Derek Fridolfs, a Fresno resident who is known for co-writing the DC Comics book “Batman: Li’l Gotham.”  

FresCon will run from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday in Fresno State’s North Gym 118. Fans are encouraged to dress for cosplay (short for costume play) and an event policy is available online.

A cosplay contest will be held during the convention with judging based on quality, creativity and performance. Signups are available on the FresCon website and will also be accepted at the door. Children are welcome to compete.

In addition to cosplay, the event will feature an artist alley and vendor hall (North Gym118), gaming opportunities (South Gym 130 and 131) and a kid’s zone (Family Food and Science 212A)

The Vendor hall will feature local businesses such as Heroes Comics, The Crazy Squirrel Game Store and Legends Comics and Gaming as well as local artists.

Panels and workshops begin at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday in Family Food and Science building, room 212B. Topics range from “Beginning Costume Designs,” “Diversity in Pop Culture,” and “Making Movies that Make Money”.

Fridolfs, who has been a comic book writer, artist and inker for 15 years, is the special guest at this year’s convention and will be available for meet and greets and personalized commissions.

His most recent release is “Secret Hero Society,” the first in a line of children’s books to be released by Scholastic.

Inspired by the success of San Diego’s Comic-Con International, FresCon launched last year as an opportunity for the community to learn about popular “geek culture.” The event is free and open to the public.

FresCon is presented by Associated Students, Inc., University Courtyard, Pick Your Potion club, Anime Association Club and Nexus League of Legends Club.

For more information, contact Liz Krulder, FresCon director, at ekrulder001@mail.fresnostate.edu.

(University Communications news assistant Erika Denise Castañon contributed to this report).