Local convention brings the horror fans to Cape Girardeau

Horror fans took over the Osage Center for the Inaugural Cape Fear Con Oct. 18 and 19.

The event welcomed 380 people over the two days. Co-organizer of Cape Fear Con, Ken Murphy, said that this is not what the convention expected but are ready for it to grow in the future.

The event included booths, artists, cosplay and vendors. Guest included actress Scout Taylor-Compton, hostess Misty Brew, author Joel Rhodes, podcast host Big Lee’s World and professional wrestler Raven.

Murphy said this idea was created out of the popularity of horror conventions around the country.

“As I looked at what's on the calendars around the country and the shows that kept popping up that were really popular and people wanted to take part in were anime shows and horror shows,” Murphy said. “Those were the single genre that stood out the most. I knew that with a pop culture show like Cape Comic Con that takes care of everything, it is an encompass show, so I wanted some smaller more start up shows and anime and horror were the first two that come to mind.”

Murphy is also the co-organizer for the Cape Comic Con and Cape Anime Con held earlier this year in April and Sept.

Local author and Southeast professor Joel Rhodes said he was flattered to be a guest at this event. He signed books and told some ghost stories on Friday night.

“I think it’s gonna be great,” Rhodes said. ”The Comic Con has grown so big so quickly and they branched out, and I think this is a logical way to do so.”

Several years ago, the River Campus hosted a popular ghost-telling festival, and Rhodes thinks the Fear Con will attract similar types of people.

Attendees had the opportunity to view multiple panels and discussions and meet special guests at their booths.

Taylor-Compton said she grew up going to these events and enjoys being able to talk to fans, as well as shop for new collectibles.

“I was kind of shocked when I first started going to them and realized how much people like horror,” Taylor-Compton said. “It’s like a big fan base; there's a huge fan base and it’s kind of nice to bring it to a lot of communities.”

Taylor-Compton has appeared in numerous roles, but her most famous is as Laura Strode in the “Halloween (2007)” and “Halloween II (2009)” movies.

The organization has plans for the 15th annual Cape Comic Con to be held at the Osage Center in April 2020.