Coming into Evraz Place, pop culture nerds from across the country were greeted with #humboldtstrong as they walked into FanExpo 2018 on May 5-6.
This meant a lot to Humboldt鈥檚 own superhero Auroraman, a.k.a. Jeff Burton.
This was the second year Auroraman, the super power of the prairies, was invited back to the expo with Burton putting his most current issue on display.
Fittingly, issue two was created back in January and features Auroraman paying tribute to the Humboldt Broncos and emergency services personnel.
Guests to his table took notice, which was surreal, Burton says.
鈥淭hey see on the cover Auroraman wearing a Bronco jersey (and) it鈥檚 Hockey Night in Humboldt.鈥�
It was the Broncos who went to Burton with the idea of honouring emergency services, he says. Now with everything happening, that tribute is well earned.
As well as having #humboldtstrong on the welcome sign, organizers also had Bronco t-shirts and ribbons available, celebrity guests wearing Humboldt Bronco jerseys, and all celebrity photo shoot fees being donated to the SJHL.
鈥淔anExpo really went all out in trying to show their support,鈥� says Burton.
While it is evident in the last month with the way the sports world reacted to the crash, Burton was happy to see this reaction within his own comic book world.
鈥淲e saw it hugely in the sports community but being able to be on my turf of the geek community, seeing it there was fantastic.鈥�
Burton was unsure how the weekend was going to go with some people commenting about a subpar big name list to this year鈥檚 event.
That did not have an impact on numbers, says Burton with people flooding in throughout the weekend.
鈥�(People) were interested in what was going on. They weren鈥檛 just wandering past the tables.鈥�
Actor Jason Priestley especially took notice, says Burton, with them talking for awhile about the crash, the Broncos, and Auroraman.
Auroraman is just what Humboldt needs to offer some light and distraction, Priestley told Burton. Priestley even took Auroraman home with him, much to Burton鈥檚 excitement.
Auroraman, and Burton, struggled with his importance after the accident, says Burton, as he wondered if he could be doing more to help than just writing a comic book.
Burton also teaches at Englefeld School and says going back to work the Monday after the accident was a time to help his students and fellow staff members deal with everything going on.
Many friends reminded him that comic books got them through some dark time.
Burton was planning on completing issue three in time for FanExpo but that was set on the sidelines while the community continued to work through and process what happened. Burton happily reported that the issue was officially released on May 7.
Next up for Auroraman will be the Humboldt Summer Sizzler Comic-Con.
