Thunder-Boy, Daniel Philips at Thunder-Con
If you’re looking for makeup today, the mall is the place to be, but don’t be alarmed if you bump into a masked crusader.
It’s just Thunder-Boy, and he’s here to save you!
An Emmy-award winning makeup artist and a real-life superhero will entertain today at the eighth annual Thunder-Con at the Alpena Mall, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The event continues Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
This free event will feature a variety of pop culture, anime, sci-fi and fantasy-themed games, activities and displays. While costumes are not required, many attendees will choose to participate in the costume contest, taking place tonight from 6 to 7 p.m.
Makeup artist Daniel Phillips will hit the stage from 2 to 3 p.m., demonstrating his talents on an actor, who will then spring to life as his new character.
Phillips was responsible for Hugh Jackman’s makeup in the film “Real Steel,” among other accomplishments.
“When I do my work, I just love to see the reaction of people wearing it,” said Phillips, originally from Detroit and now living in St. Clair Shores. “Jackman was great. He loved the makeup, and he didn’t shy away from it. He used it as part of his character.”
Phillips worked on “Oz the Great and Powerful,” as well as The Hobbit trilogy, which took Phillips to Wellington, New Zealand, for five months.
“We started working at 4 a.m. and didn’t get done till 8 or 9 at night,” said Phillips, who worked as a senior prosthetic artist for the films.
He was responsible for a dwarf called Nori, played by Jed Brophy. He also did the makeup for many of the Orcs.
The Michigan man won his first Emmy this year for transforming a guy into Vladimir Lenin in a commercial for Valentine Vodka, out of Detroit.
“I’ve always had a love for makeup,” Phillips said. “Ever since I was little, I’ve never been scared of monster movies. I just always wondered, ‘How do they do that?'”
Phillips was featured on the SyFy channel’s makeup artist competition show “Face Off” in 2014. For more information about Phillips, visit dpmakeupstudio.net.
Thunder-Boy is Thunder-Con’s mascot, created by Hillman author and artist John Garavaglia, who will be at the event selling and signing issues of his latest graphic novel.
“It’s an original story that’s fun for all ages,” said Garavaglia. “It’s about Alpena’s very own superhero.”
He said the moral of the story is that “anyone can be a superhero.”
Garavaglia, originally from St. Clair Shores, moved to Hillman in 1994.
The graphic novel is produced by Steve Szucs, who owns Noise & Toys in downtown Alpena.
“He was the one who approached me for the project,” Garavaglia said.
Writing and illustrating Thunder-Boy only took him two months, which he attributed to staying up nearly all night working.
“If I’m lucky, I get two hours (of sleep) a night,” he said, adding, “Hey, Bruce Wayne only gets four hours a night, and he’s Batman!”
The event began in 2011, when a group of community members saw a need.
“There was no pop culture event here,” said event coordinator Mike Jasman. “There seemed to be something missing.”
Jasman will display his own collectibles at Thunder-Con.
“I collect Star Wars stuff,” he said, “And if you don’t share that will others, then what’s the point?”
He said the event is great for families and fans of all ages.
“We have people come in from other cities,” he said.
Games for children 10 and younger will include droid races where children will use a remote control to race a robot through a maze, a laser sword academy, and a soft dart shooting gallery.
There will also be crafts hosted by Alpena County Public Library.
For a full schedule and more information, visit Thunder-Con’s Facebook page.
Darby Hinkley can be reached via email at dhinkley@thealpenanews.com, or by phone at 989-354-3111 ext. 324.
Thunder-Con Highlights
TODAY
Vendor booths and displays open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Dr. Who-themed crafts hosted by Alpena County Library
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Sci-Fi shooting gallery
11 a.m.: Alpena Writer’s Group meet the authors panel
1 p.m.: Gifts and Gadgets Magic the Gathering free event – standard format
1 p.m.: Alpena Writer’s Group an fiction writing contest results
2-3 p.m.: Daniel Phillips, world-famous makeup artist
3-3:30 p.m.: Jedi Laser Sword Academy for ages 10 and under
3:30-4 p.m.: Droid races for ages 10 and under
4-5 p.m.: Pop culture Jeopardy
6-7 p.m.: Costume contest
SUNDAY
Vendor booths and displays open from Noon to 4 p.m.
Noon to 3 p.m.: Sci-Fi shooting gallery
1 p.m.: Gifts and Gadgets — play MTG Modern for cash prizes — $25 entry fee