INDIANAPOLIS (June 6, 2018) --- The longest continuously running sci-fi/fantasy convention in Central Indiana will open the doors of the Indianapolis Marriott East to fans of all ages this Fourth of July weekend. InConJunction 38 will be held July 6-8. The fan-run convention has been held the first weekend in July since 1981. Areas of interest encompass books, movies, science, games, music and more, through presentations and panel discussions. This year's theme is "Fantastic Worlds Await!" Families are welcome. There is a 24-hour gaming room, a vendor hall, an art show and auction, an escape room and more. The live charity auction on Saturday afternoon, with donations from attendees and major studios alike, will split its earnings between Indy Reads and the Julian Center. There will also be a book drive for the Indianapolis Juvenile Detention Center Library. New and used books of any genre, appropriate for incarcerated youth, will be accepted at the convention. This year's guest list – largely Indiana-based – includes: Author Guest of Honor JM Lee. After coming out on top in a nationwide search, the Minnesota native has written the official young-adult novel prequels to Jim Henson's cult classic "The Dark Crystal," and serves as a staff writer and creative consultant on the upcoming Netflix series "The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance." Artist Guest of Honor Lee Cherolis and Comic Writer Guest of Honor Ed Cho. The two Indianapolis-area residents are co-creators of the graphic novel series "Little Guardians." Cherolis is co-founder and organizer of Indy Webcomics Group, an Indianapolis-based comic artist and writers' monthly meetup. Lee edited and published the group's "Welcome to Indiana" comic anthology in 2010, and continues to organize and lead workshops and talks with the group. Cho is also a member of Indy Webcomics Group, and plays guitar in the Shake Ups, a rock group that specializes in original music based on fandoms such as "Steven Universe," "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic" and "Voltron." Cosplay Guest of Honor Oriana Peron, who describes herself as a "venti girl in a grande world." She has been a cosplayer for 12 years, a drag queen for 5 years, and was a featured performer at the Austin International Drag Festival. The Indiana University graduate's day job is as a costume and wig designer for area theaters. Music Guest of Honor the Yavin 4, a local rock band that performs original music based on the "Star Wars" universe. Toastmaster Lou Harry, a mainstay of the Indianapolis arts scene and author, playwright and journalist. Weekend registrations are $45 before June 26, and $50 at the door. Children 12 and under are half-price, and those 5 and under are free. One-day registrations are also available. For more information, visit www.inconjunction.org.
