Event on Saturday, April 5, will feature special guests Darren Auck, Tom Raney, Scott Hanna, and Pamela Ptak

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, March 6, 2025—Centenary University will present its second annual pop culture convention, CycloneCon, on Saturday, April 5, from 10 am to 6 pm at the University’s Hackettstown campus. The event—whose name evokes the Centenary University Cyclone mascot—will shine a spotlight on fandoms, including comics, anime, and video games. Attendees can enjoy an exhibitor hall featuring nearly 100 vendors and artists, an author alley, a non-competitive cosplay showcase and masquerade, food trucks, a video game tournament, and a video game play space with East Coast Gaming Expo. In addition, guests can participate in free workshops, story time with superheroes, trivia, and more. Check out the CycloneCon website for new announcements and the latest schedule of programs.

            Special guests at CycloneCon 2025 include Darren Auck, a cartoonist, illustrator, art director, and monster maker who worked for Marvel Comics for 10 years as a bullpen letterer, art director, artist, and writer; Tom Raney, a comic book artist who has worked with every publisher on titles such as The X-Men, Batman, Avengers Academy, Star Wars, and Dread Gods; Scott Hanna, an Eisner Award-winning artist in the graphic novel industry who has worked on top characters and titles at Marvel Comics and DC Comics; and Pamela Ptak, a fashion designer from Lifetime’s Project Runway, season 7, as well as programs on the NFL Network, HGTV’s DIY Network, ABC, and AMC, and co-founder of the Arts and Fashion Institute with her husband, Scott Hanna.

“Centenary University is proud to present CycloneCon 2025, a family-friendly event for fans of all aspects of pop culture,” said Assistant Professor of English Erica McCrystal, Ph.D., who is coordinating the event. “Building on last year’s successful inaugural convention, we are excited to bring another fun-filled day to the local community.”

            Advance tickets for CycloneCon 2025 are $10 general admission and $5 for Centenary University students. Kids under 12 are free. Purchase tickets or sign on as an exhibitor or event sponsor here.

ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY

Centenary University offers extraordinary learning opportunities that empower students to develop intellectually, emotionally, and interculturally—keys to career and personal success. Under the leadership of President Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., the University aspires to advance its reputation as a world class institution offering innovative programs, including the world’s first Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, to lift the future for our students and local communities.

Photo Caption: CycloneCon 2024 attendees take part in the cosplay showcase.