Cradle-Con returns to Uniondale with G.I. Joe reunion, cosplay and more

Not every comic convention has its own superhero. However, Cradle-Con at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Uniondale, is not your average con. Captain Cradle will greet guests as they enter the pop-culture convention on May 16-17.

"This is a very immersive comic collectible experience in a museum setting," says Seamus Keane, director of special events. "We get everyone from the avid collector to a family of four coming in to do something for the weekend. It’s not a specific niche crowd, it’s all over the place."

Now in its sixth year, Cradle-Con typically draws more than 4,000 people ready to engage in everything entertainment. Here’s a taste of what to expect this year:

'G.I. Joe' reunion

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of America this year, Cradle-Con is holding a "G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero" reunion featuring voice actors from the cast of the revered 1983 animated series. They will do a panel on May 16 at 2 p.m. at the Main Stage Theater.

"We approached the show with realistic, natural acting," says voice actor Bill Ratner, who played Chief Warrant Officer Flint. "The plots and visuals were alluring because the writers were from episodic television, therefore they were skilled. It rose above what was being done with typical American cartoons."

Also appearing will be Mary McDonald-Lewis, who voiced Lady Jaye, a staff sergeant E-6 and expert with the M16, M1911A1 auto pistol plus reflex crossbow. Some may remember her character’s famous call, "Yoooooo Joooooe!" 

"I love that she’s fearless," McDonald-Lewis says. "She made a decision about something that’s worth fighting for and she never changed her mind."

Every year Larry Hama, writer of the "G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero" comic book, attends Cradle-Con. Hama created the ever-popular "G.I. Joe" character Snake Eyes, a commando from the Cobra team.

"Snake Eyes is universally accessible because he’s completely covered," Hama says. "He could be anything, therefore any kid could fantasize being him."

Voice actor Lisa Raggio, who played professional assassin/master of disguise Zarana, can’t wait to come face-to-face with G.I. Joe fans as she is impressed by their dedication.

"I once had a woman come up to me, dressed as my character. She asked me to go outside and sign her truck which was rigged out to completely evoke the one from the series with replica missiles off the back of it," she says. "When I asked where she wanted me to sign, her response was, ‘I’ve reserved the entire hood for you.’ "

Time for cereal

Turn back the clock to the ‘80s and ‘90s by entering The Cereal Club in Hangar 2. For $15, participants can enjoy unlimited cereal while watching cartoons on old school tube TVs.

"This is one of the most nostalgic parts of my childhood that I miss," Keane says. "On Saturday mornings, I’d pour myself a bowl of cereal before my parents got up, then I’d eat it while I watched my cartoons."

There will be 20 different cereals, including favorites like Lucky Charms, Krave, Froot Loops, Kix and Fruity Pebbles, served with whole milk, skim milk or oat milk. Every ticket comes with a signature Cradle Con bowl.

Shop around

Those seeking comics and collectibles can hit the showroom floor in the atrium, featuring more than 100 vendor booths.

Suffolk County’s Seth Buckley is delivering hundreds of action figures at his Toyland booth. He is selling off his own 9,000-piece toy collection after decades of hoarding.

"I was running out of room and my collection had reached its peak," Buckley says. "I figured while I’m still living and breathing, I’ll let somebody else enjoy it."

Pieces include action figures from KISS, "ThunderCats," "Centurions," "Blackstar," "Mask," "The Love Boat," "Mortal Kombat," "The Lone Ranger," "M*A*S*H" and more.

"I have $10 'Dukes of Hazzard' action figures up to a $300 vintage Mattel Shogun Warrior action figure," Buckley says. "Plus, some horror figures like Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, Leatherface and Michael Myers from early 2000 in the box for $40-$100."

Sneaks 'N Geeks Collectibles has vintage apparel, toys, video games, music and movies. But the booth specializes in limited-edition sneakers.

"A lot of big-name sneaker brands are doing collaborations with popular IP," says owner Tom Knox. "Nike put out some Jurassic Park sneakers ($140) and Puma released Sonic the Hedgehog sneakers ($600). We will have both."

Enter Artist Alley

On the second floor, venture through Artists Alley, where over 40 artists are selling their works and taking on-site commissions.

Tattoo artist Jared Stomber, of Commack, is planning to set up his studio and tattoo on-site ($100 and up).

"I take walk-ups on a first come, first served basis," Stomber says. "It’s almost like the X Games of tattooing. It’s very go-go-go in a sense. I love the fast pace of it."

John Peel, of Manorville, who has written 120 books, including several "Star Trek" and "Doctor Who" novelizations, will be signing copies of his fantasy novel "The Secret of Dragonhome" ($15) and his horror story "Poison" ($5).

"I have a good time just chatting with people at cons," Peel says. "We enjoy everything together because we all have a similar mindset."

Captain Cradle comic book

The character of Captain Cradle, who serves as the event’s icon, is getting her own comic book this year, written by Jay Huwer, of East Moriches, and illustrated by James Avila, of Melville. The 22-page comic will be for sale ($6) in the museum gift shop.

"Captain Cradle is an aviation Wonder Woman-type of character," Avila says. "She’s a tough, strong female lead who really takes charge."

Huwer adds, "The story brings Captain Cradle into Mitchel Field in the 1940s filled with action, adventure, planes and guns. It has a theme of sacrifice, giving up everything for the greater good."

Activities itinerary

There’s no shortage of activities to experience at Cradle-Con.

Create your own G.I. Joe-inspired Shrinky Dink key chain at the tech lab, located on the east side of the museum cafe, at noon, 2 and 4 p.m. on both days.

Wanna play a game? Check out The Arcade Age display in the second-floor skywalk, with more than 50 arcade cabinets from the '80s and '90s.

Discuss the "Transformers" comics during a panel with comics writer Bob Budiansky at the Main Stage Theater on May 16 at 1 p.m. Fans of "The Crow" should head to the Main Stage Theater on May 16 at 3 p.m. for a panel with creator James O’Barr.

Dress as any pop-culture character you like and win cash at the Cosplay Contest on May 16 at 4 p.m. for adults (18 and over, $500 prize) and May 17 at 4 p.m. for kids (17 and under, $250 prize)

If you get hungry, the Museum Cafe will be open, plus an array of food trucks will be parked outside, as Dilly Dilly Donuts, Sweet Clementine’s and Wild Bill’s Soda.