NM Comic & Film Expo is a family affair for Matthew Trujillo, founder of the expo. Trujillo and his brothers, Greg and Jeff opened Age of Comics in 2013. Trujillo couldn’t have predicted that his comic business would eventually lead to 12,000 attendees at the state’s own comic expo.
Customers made Trujillo realize “fans want something bigger. I felt I could put something on myself that New Mexico deserves. Denver and Salt Lake all have huge conventions.” “Why not produce a local convention?" 2019 was the first year for the New Mexico Comic Expo and it was a star-studded event. Guests included Aquaman’s Jason Momoa, Elijah Wood, Jason Isaacs and Tom Felton. “The Punisher” and “Walking Dead” actor, Jon Bernthal also attended along with actress Felicia Day.
This year’s event will take place over Halloween weekend with pumpkin painting, candy and more. Kids unquestionably enjoy interacting with cosplay characters. “Having kids myself, it’s awesome to see them, and the kids get to dress up. The crowd is excited and hyped and everyone is dressed up.” Cosplay characters are already preparing.
The Cosplay movement has become popular within pop culture over the past decade. Cosplay actors build their own props and costumes to attend comic conventions. Many aspire to work for production companies in the industry and photo opportunities help to build their portfolios.
While Trujillo is a big Star Wars and X-Men fan, he says his wife is more of a Halloween enthusiast. By February she’s asking “what are we doing for Halloween?” He jokes and says, “I don’t know what I’m doing 9 hours from now!” Last year that didn’t stop him from creating Mandalorian costumes for his daughters, complete with a land speeder to ride while treat-or-treating.
Trujillo likes Spiderman-“a young guy who is just trying to balance life. Stan Lee said he wears his mask so villains can’t see how scared he is.” Trujillo says many fans also appreciate Batman. “Dark and Brooding…we all get in that kind of mood sometimes, but at the end of the day he is always doing something for the better.”
Trujillo may have something in common with Batman…He wants his comic shop to remain a family-oriented shop. He also thinks the Expo may be more important now than ever. “People need to have that interaction, even it is 6 feet away. It’s good for everyone’s mental well-being.”
What about his comic book shop that started it all? “The shop has not been this busy… ever!” says Trujillo. The force is apparently with him…