On 28th of March, Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC) held it's very own Comic Con!
The day started with a presentation by prop designer, Andrew Ainsworth, the original creator of the stormtrooper suit, designed at his own business, Shepperton Design Studios for the first Star Wars film, Episode IV - A New Hope.
Andrew set up his business, Shepperton Design Studio in 1976 after being asked by George Lucas to manufacture the iconic costumes.
Andrew also very kindly loaned the college two full stormtrooper outfits to use on the day, both of which were worn by Star Wars obsessed staff to greet unsuspecting students and staff.
The day was filled with fun and activities including, face painting, a photo booth and a green screen accompanied with a stormtrooper, for those wanting to re-enact their favourite Star Wars scene.
The college's Dungeons and Dragons' club (D&D) were heavily involved in the event. The club offered to give those interested in D&D a chance to learn more about the game and showed those interested how to make maps for the game as well as letting students paint figurines and various customisable objects in the game.
The D&D table was full all day with lots interested in learning more about what is involved.
During the day two cosplay runway shows took place in the College's auditorium where students had the opportunity to strut their stuff down the catwalk showing off their amazing costumes to fellow students and staff.
The two winners of the cosplay runway, Shannon Mclaughlin who studies Art and Design Level 3 and Oliver Bermejo who studies a Life Skills course, both won a ticket to the upcoming MCM Comic Con London event.
Oliver came dressed as Mr Incredible and Shannon came as Nezuko Kamado from manga series Demon Slayer.
Lorna Edwards, Welfare and Engagement Advisor at RuTC organised the first Comic Con event held at RuTC and was delighted about how successful the event was, explaining, “I am so proud and happy at how well-received and attended Comic Con was, especially considering this is the very first college comic con event at RuTC. It was brilliant to see so many students and even staff getting involved and having fun, being a bit silly together.
“College is generally a serious place, so to lighten it up and allow students the freedom and creativity to express themselves was great. I can't wait for next year which we hope will be even bigger and better!”