March 21, 2013 at 7:13 PM

Roughly a half-hour drive from State College at the Quality Inn, a hotel in Milesburg, comic book fans will hope to have their fill of cosplay and collectibles at Nittany-Con 1.

The comic convention will be held on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ken Feduniewicz, the convention’s promoter and the owner of Way Cool Comics in Huntingdon, said he was inspired to organize the event after his merchandise dealers alerted him that they faced difficulties in traveling to similar shows he has promoted in that town.

“I was looking for a site off of I-80 that would be easy to get to,” Feduniewicz said of the convention, which is now sold out. “There’s been a lot of enthusiastic response.”

In addition to hosting a costume contest and offering myriad prize giveaways — including a free gas card — the con will also serve as an outlet for creators of independent comic book series to showcase their work.

One of those creators is Robb Horan, who will be promoting the re-launch of the late Drew Hayes’ series “Poison Elves.”

‘The added plus is that there’s a core demographic that’s coming from the Penn State community,” said Feduniewicz, citing an anime convention held in January as having set a precedent for the event’s success. “I think we’re going to turn some heads.”

Though the “1” at the end of its name suggests that the convention has the potential to become an annual event, Feduniewicz has no immediate plans for the future.

“I have no intentions right now other than making Sunday’s show a success,” Feduniewicz said.

Admission for the convention costs $3. Parking is free and there is no charge for children 12 and under. The first 100 patrons will receive free comics.