This post was updated Oct. 2 at 9:37 p.m.

Los Angeles Comic Con is brought together fans of all genres this weekend.

L.A. Comic Con took place Sept. 26-28 at the LA Convention Center and hosted a variety of events from panel speakers to dedicated anime experiences and cosplay conventions. Celebrities such as Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany and Alyson Stoner attended to engage with fans about their previous projects.

Chris DeMoulin, CEO of Comikaze Entertainment Inc., sat down with the Daily Bruin to discuss the goals of L.A. Comic Con’s parent company for this year’s event.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Daily Bruin: You have been involved with L.A. Comic Con yourself for over a decade now. What inspired you to join the entertainment industry, specifically with a convention like L.A. Comic Con?

Chris DeMoulin: The personal reason is, as a kid, I was a huge Marvel – particularly “Avengers” – comic collector. I had, at one point, the entire collection of “Avengers,” and opportunity to work with Stan Lee, who was actively involved in the show back then, was a dream. He was such an amazing person, and that opportunity to work with him was one I couldn’t pass up. So both from a professional and a personal standpoint, there was no way I was going to say no.

DB: In the years since Stan Lee’s death, how do you think you all, as an event, try to carry on that legacy that he has built up over the last several years?

CD: I think the reason that Stan’s characters and stories have such depth and only grow in popularity is that his stories are grounded in incredible morals and a worldview of inclusivity. “With great power comes great responsibility” was not just a Spider-Man catchphrase – it was actually how Stan looked at the world. We just try to promote that. We try to promote new storytellers. We try to be a platform for new artists. We try to be completely inclusive of any story and really make sure that anybody who comes to our show will see themselves represented somewhere in the stories that are told. Particularly in today’s world, that’s so important that people can see themselves represented, can understand that they’re welcome, can understand that they’re accepted for who they are and valued for who they are.

DB: In addition to several comic-book-themed events you guys have this weekend, you also have several non-comic-book-themed events such as the animated-dedicated Akiba station or the annual cosplay national championships. How do you balance crafting a weekend that focuses not only on comic books but also other forms of media and expression that attendees might be interested in?

CD: LA is a very eclectic city, and the people here have very eclectic tastes. So, in order for us to really do justice to that, we’ve always felt like we have to have a very eclectic lineup. Coming out of COVID, up until then, we’ve been a little more of a traditional comic convention, with all the TV and movies. But we wanted to make sure that everybody had an opportunity to get out, do stuff and have fun. Last year we had a Fortnite tournament. This year, it’s Akiba Station. We’ve brought in a lot of talent and creators and brands directly from Japan – many of whom have never been to the United States before – for the anime fans. It’s part of our responsibility is to make sure that the whole breadth of pop culture and entertainment is represented someplace.

DB: As comic book media shifts to having higher engagement in TVs and movies, how do you balance interest in those forms of media at Comic Con, while still encouraging audiences to engage with and learn about comic book art specifically?

CD: We always make sure that as many comic companies – both the publishers and the stores that are keeping the industry alive – have a space to be there, because I think reading is an essential part of this. It isn’t just about the show, it’s about the community all year long, so we try to promote events going on at comic book stores throughout the year. We do other Nerd Night Out events, and our fans will come and get involved with that. It’s important to be a supportive part of the community. I would say probably 25% of the artist tables we have, we give away for free to artists who are at a point of their career where they can’t afford that.

DB: If you could describe Comic Con in three words, what would they be?

CD: Community, fun and wow.

DB: As fans finish their weekend, what takeaways or experiences would you hope for them to have?

CD: I always hope that coming together with a community of people who love the same things you do is restorative. To me, the most important thing is that people walk away encouraged that there are tens of thousands of people out there that are just like them – that love the same things they do. There’s a lot of tension and polarity in our world right now, and I think being an opportunity for people to come together and appreciate the same things and see themselves in others – we all could use a little bit more of that. I hope people walk away renewed that they’re part of a larger community that matters and that we’re all here to take care of each other.