Guests
Special
2025
Kauai Comic Convention is excited to announce the following lineup of special guests!
SYDNEY AGUDONG
Actress
Born and raised on the island of Kaua'i, Hawai'i, Sydney Elizebeth Agudong is a multi-talented actress and singer-songwriter, best known for lighting up screens as 'Nani' in Disney's live-action film adaption of Lilo & Stitch. The blockbuster released theatrically on May 23, 2025, and became an instant box office hit, becoming the third movie of 2025 to pass the $750 million milestone worldwide. It still remains #1 for its third weekend in a row.
She will next be seen starring in the psychological thriller "Ether" in which Sydney is also an executive producer. In the fall of 2024, Sydney finished production in Toronto, Canada as a series regular for a new series produced by Lionsgate television, called "Ripple". In addition, Sydney can be seen as the lead in the upcoming film,"At Her Feet", and in supporting roles in the indie films, "Trapped in a Farm House" and "Infamously in Love". She also recurred as Charlize in season 4 of Netflix's On My Block and appeared in an episode of NCIS.
In addition to her acting, Sydney is working with FR8 Train Music Publishing, a publishing company founded under Westlake Studios, as a top-liner/songwriter for sync and other artists. She released her debut original song in 2022 "Welcome to Hollywood" under her artist name "Jayne Doe" and it has been recognized by magazines and publications including Earmilk, Sweetyhigh, and more. Sydney has been working hard and is very excited to release more original music soon.
KEONE YOUNG
Actor
Keone is legendary for many of his voice over credits which include Storm Shadow in the GI Joe animated series, Grandpa in American Dragon: Jake Long, Kaz in Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi, Mr. Sanban in Codename: Kids Next Door, the Firebending master Jeong Jeong in the Asian-influenced Avatar: The Last Airbender, the Hard Master in G.I. Joe: Renegades, Mr. Wu on Nickelodeon's show The Mighty B!, Babaram on Surf Ninjas Marshall Kai Ti Chang in Indiana Jones and the Emperor's Tomb, Silver Samurai in X-Men: The Official Game and Wolverine and the X-Men, Sensei in Young Justice, Chen Stormstout in the World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria expansion and Heroes of the Storm by Blizzard Entertainment, and Commander Sato in Star Wars Rebels. Recently, he appeared as Kojiro Sasaki in Record of Ragnarok, Tsunetomo Yamamoto in Godzilla: Singular Point, and will be appearing in the new Anime Star Wars: Visions project playing the role of Kamahachi.
He has been prolific in his character work and has made numerous guest appearances on such varied television series as Head of the Class, Diff'rent Strokes, The Golden Girls, Murphy Brown, Mad About You, Family Matters, Futurama, The Simpsons, Alias, JAG, The Steve Harvey Show, Zeke and Luther, Shake It Up: Made In Japan and on the daytime soaps The Young and the Restless and Generations. He also portrayed the bodyguard of the Ancient One (Keye Luke) during the Asian Quarter storyline on General Hospital.
Mr Young starred in the HBO series Deadwood as the iconic character Mr. Wu boss of Deadwoods Chinatown and played Uncle Lin on the FX series Sons of Anarchy. He also played Mr. Wu, unrelated to the Deadwood character, in the movie Men in Black 3, played the role of Ellison Onizuka In the TV film Challenger, and HBO's True Blood as Dr. Hido Takahashi, the man responsible for inventing the titular blood substitute.
Young also has several Star Trek links: he played Buck Bokai, a famous baseball player in the 24th century in the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode "If Wishes Were Horses". He also played Hoshi Sato's father in the Star Trek: Enterprise episode "Vanishing Point". Young appeared as Governor Ho in the movie North starring Elijah Wood.
He is presently starring in Ultraman Rising as the villain Dr Onda.
Also starring with Jessica Biel in The Better Sister a TV dramatic series on Prime Time.
DEBI MAE WEST
Voice Actor
If you fly the friendly skies of American Airlines, she will make sure your tray table is up and your seatbelt is securely fastened.
If you like classic game shows, Debi’s voice launched The Buzzr Gameshow Network and is still their voice-over gal.
If you love women driven drama, Debi has voiced all of Start TV’s promos since the network launch.
And if you watch sports, Debi has been a featured voice for the NBC, USA and Peacock networks sports shows for over a decade.
She launched The Olympic Channel, and was the voice of the 2022 Winter Games.
In football, each year, Debi announces the Pro Bowl players and the draft picks for NFL Network.
For anime fans, Debi has been the iconic voice of Lady Tsunade for over 20 years, in the Naruto and Shippuden series.
She is also the voice of Sailor Lead Crow in Sailor Moon.
If video games are your thing, Debi has loaned her voice to over 50 games, including Metal Gear Solid as Meryl, and World of Warcraft as Maiev Shadowsong.
Debi has voiced thousands of television and radio commercials, promos, trailers, narration, explainer videos, podcasts, and cartoons.
In the early 90’s, Debi became the voice of Lucky on, ”101 Dalmatians”.
She has been the voice for Safeway, Fred Meyer, Mervyns, NBC, Fox, CBS, Starz, CTV, Hallmark Channel, ABC Family, Anthony Bourdaine, and so many others.
GAVIN ARUCAN
Artist
Gavin Arucan is a Filipino and Japanese-American storyboard artist born and raised in Hawaiʻi. He is best known for his work on the animated series "Hazbin Hotel" and "Helluva Boss" on Prime Video.
JON MURAKAMI
Comic Creator
Jon was born and raised in Hawaii. He graduated from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa with a bachelor's degree in fine arts, and is perhaps best known for his line of Local Kine Greeting Cards which depict humorous occasions and holidays in Hawaii.
His regular comic strips include Calabash with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser newspaper and Generation Gapwith the Hawaii Herald. Additionally Jon has illustrated several Hawaiian children’s picture and board books and self-publishes the comic books, Gordon Rider and The Ara-Rangers.
KIMBERLY HOPE
Professional Violinist
Kimberly Hope is an accomplished and professional violinist, music teacher and composer from Kauai.
Because her expressive and dynamic playing touches the hearts of countless audiences, she has been invited to perform at events all over Hawaii and she is very excited to be a part of her first ever Kauai Comic Con.
She has also performed alongside the Grammy-nominated Hawaiian band Ho’okena, Na Hoku Hanohano award winning band Kapena, Broadway stars Anne Runolfsson and Tess Adams, world-renowned pianist Monica Chung, and local slack key legends Paul Togioka, Dwight Kanae, Braddah Noland, LT Smooth and Ian O’Sullivan.
She began playing the violin at the age of ten in St. Louis, Missouri. Upon moving to Kauai in 2008, she studied violin under Helen Sina and played in the Kauai Community College Orchestra. After graduating from Island School in 2013, Kimberly attended The College of Wooster in Ohio. There, she served as concertmaster of the Wooster Symphony Orchestra and received her Bachelor of Music Degree in Violin Performance. Considering Kauai as her true home, Kimberly moved back to the island after graduating in 2017.
Since then, she has created her own music business, “Kimberly Hope Music LLC,” in an effort to help music thrive on the island of Kauai. She enjoys teaching private music lessons to inspire young students to learn musical instruments.
In addition to her private teaching practice, she has worked at Bandwagon Music Center, an after-school music program for children, and has worked as a part-time music teacher at Eleele Elementary School. Currently, she is teaching music and Hawaiian studies to Kindergarteners and 1st graders at King Kaumuali’i Elementary School.
Kimberly believes that music is a universal language that can help heal and bring people together, so she not only enjoys teaching and performing live music in person, but also online. Her music videos and collaborations with musicians all over the world have gained considerable support on social media.
On YouTube, she loves putting on live streams where she gets to dress up in different costumes and play some of her favorite movie and videogame soundtracks.
She even enjoys writing her own music.
In 2021, she released her debut album, “Kimberly Hope, ” which was nominated for two Na Hoku Hanohano Awards (Most Promising Artist and Instrumental Album of the Year).
Her CD of original instrumental works is now available to download digitally on all major distribution sites or to purchase physically as an autographed copy.
You can follow Kimberly by searching "Kimberly Hope Music" on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.
NIGHT DARLING
Hawaii Cosplay Queen
Night Darling was born and raised on the Island of Maui. She has been cosplaying for over 4 years. She has a love for all things Nerd/Pop culture, anime, comics to gaming; Night Darling enjoys it all! Working with some of Hawaiis top Photographers, Videographers, Makeup artists, and local artists Night Darling is taking Hawaii cosplay to a whole new level. She also plays a big part in the Cosplay Community by holding one of the biggest cosplay competitions in Hawaii at the Maui Comic Convention every year. Night Darling loves to give back to all of Hawaii and wants to put Hawaii Cosplayers on the map! Night Darling would like to congratulate the island of Kauai for their first ever Kauai Comic Convention, and is so honored to be apart of history in the making!
YUMAFUKI
Artist
Yuma is a freelance artist currently based on Oahu, Hawaii! Known for their retro aesthetic, they bring a modern spin to old classics. We produce keychains, phone charms, acrylic stands, stickers, prints, lanyards, plushies, bags, shirts, playmats & more.
Having experience in the fandom space and artist alley for several years, we are expanding our in person events and would like to connect with fans in the community.
AHN VU
Artist
Anh Vu is a talented comic artist who has made significant strides in the world of indie comics. Originally a graduate in Cybersecurity, Anh has embarked on a new and exciting journey as a comic artist. Born and raised in Vietnam, Anh's early life was marked by travels across various Asian countries, including Korea, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Currently, Anh resides in Hawaii, where she continues to pursue her artistic career.
As Anh's career continues to flourish, she is excited to explore new horizons. In addition to completing and debuting her own first graphic novel in 2023, Anh is also venturing into the world of documentary filmmaking by launching her own documentary channel. To stay updated on Anh's latest projects and artwork, follow her on Instagram.
JIMMY SPARROW
Artist/Cosplayer
James Ishizaki (AKA Jimmy Sparrow) is a freelance digital artist and cosplayer. Originally from Lanai City, now currently based in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Initially known for his cosplay in the “convention scene”, Jimmy has recently taken his life long artistic talent and gain success at conventions, selling and sharing his artwork as a tabling artist. His artwork is known to put either a personal, or a local culture twist on anime, comic and pop culture favorites.
Although he enjoys creating clever mashups and designs according to his personal preference, he has also gained quite a portfolio of commissioned work for various clients over the course of the past year. Clientele reaching as far as New York and even the UK, for pieces ranging from personal works to business logos, product concept artwork, and even music album covers.
Notable local clients that feature Jimmy’s artwork include rock group, Close the Distance (formerly known as EMKE), for their album Edit Undo.
Ben Franklin Crafts regularly features his painted window murals on several of their storefronts.
Snack Addicted Hawaii is a huge supporter of his work and prominently features his designs on their merchandise.
And most recently he has illustrated a children’s book, Soon Kitty, in collaboration with local Author, Grant Uchida.
This will be Jimmy’s second year attending conventions as an artist instead of an attendee. Traveling to attend more shows is an exciting aspect of the job, and is honored and excited to be apart of Kauai’s first Comic Con.
MOMICHU
Artist / Streamer
'momichu' is a full time digital chibi artist from the island of Oahu.
Most of her inspiration comes from pokemon, anime, and cute creatures.
She loves to inspire her community with the process of creating my works through livestream.
You can catch her live on twitch, where she draws all of her commissions like emotes, png-tubers, and chibis.
CHRIS VENTURA
Artist
My name is Chris Ventura or CeeVee for short .
I’m an Artist/Designer operating out of Aiea, Hawaii.
My art reflects my immense love for the Tokusatsu genre which includes Super Sentai (adapted in the west as “Power Rangers”) and Kamen Rider.
I’ve grown up on anime and comics as well, with an affinity for Dragonball and Naruto.
I’ve done work with a handful of Power Ranger actors and travel across the country to vend at various conventions.
KALE!
Artist
Aloha, I'm KALE! I'm dedicated to spreading laughter and good vibes wherever I go. My passion lies in creating a variety of comedic and parody designs that celebrate pop culture. I draw inspiration from a wide array of topics including anime, comics, sci-fi, film, television, music, gaming, cartoons, memes, politics, sports, and our culture of Hawai'i, my designs reflect a playful fusion of creativity and humor.
MICHAEL H. CANNON
Artist
"Michael retired from the Navy in 2007. He served just shy of 22 years,
and retired as an Illustrator-Draftsman Chief.
He co-founded the Oahu art group; Comic Jam Hawaii in 2011. This social network of artists with Hawaiian ties has been a staple of the local art scene and has participated in numerous charity and outreach events promoting the visual arts. The group meets up twice a month at Pearlridge Center.
When he’s not shooeing feral chickens out of his yard, Michael spends
his off time drawing goofy art and illustrations for himself and
hopefully for a bit of profit. You can find his work on numerous sites
as @artildawn or visit https://linktr.ee/artildawn
Michael now works as a Visual Information Specialist for the Navy, and
spends much of his off time drawing and painting comic, fantasy, science
fiction characters and working on his comic 'Slip'."
TRYSEN KANESHIGE
Artist
Hawai‘i-born creative, muralist, and brand strategist, Trysen Kaneshige has dedicated his life to inspiring others through art, storytelling, and community impact. Founder of Inspire To Create Media LLC, he blends streetwear aesthetics, island roots, and purpose-driven design into experiences that inspire and transform.
SADNESS RABBIT
Artist
I eat your Sadness to make you happy🐰 💕Sadness Rabbits each have a different story📕Read & love them more
STAR TREK
PROP and COSTUME EXHIBIT
A display of screen used Star Trek props and costumes from the Star Trek TV shows and movies will be returning to our convention exhibit hall.
Come and view a selection of props and costumes that were purchased during the well publicized sales of original Star Trek props and costumes by Paramount Pictures!
This year we are highlighting Star Trek Deep Space Nine with a small photo op area featuring the Cardassian Replicator from Ops and a large graphic used in one of the DS9 episodes containing a map of the space station! In addition we will have a small display of props from the various Trek shows.
Come check it out at Kauai Comic Con!
See Star Trek history
in person!
BUBBAH'S TOY BOX
COLLECTIBLES
Bringing Kaua’i a variety of Funko pops, new, old, and collectible hot wheels, comics, sports cards and memorabilia, Sanrio products for all ages, Pokemon, Toki Doki, and Toys.
Your one-stop shop hobby and collectors shop! Now, with a gaming cafe!
CROWS NEST
GARDEN ISLAND GAMING
Family-owned and operated hobby shop providing a place for Kauai’s gaming community to meet & play their favorite tabletop games.
Alongside a space to play, we offer Magic the Gathering, Yu-GI-Oh, board games, comics, manga, & more.
Fun for play for all ages.
Check out our store Facebook page for regular themed game days!
UMI TOYS
Collectibles
‘Umi Toys Hawai’i: Hawaiian-Owned Designer Toy Store and More!
#umitoyshawaii
C-n-T HOBBIES
Collectibles
C-n-T Hobbies. Cathy and Thomas Labanon.
We are Kauai’s collectible and hobbies needs.
Model car kits, Hot Wheels, Funko
and other collectibles
652-3671. c-n-t_hobbies@outlook.com
Also specializes in customized Hot Wheels
STEWART KALUAHINE
Collectibles
BLEU PAPAYA
Collectibles
Mama, daughters & sons hobby & small business. Labubu’s are what we started collecting & now we are collecting pop Mart , pop land & Miniso items as well as Baby Three’s.
We collect & resell or trade collections 😍
We also sew handmade Labubu outfits & accessories!
We love our 6 dogs and make clothes & scarfs so they can be fashionable too!
We started sewing bags masks & now we’re labubu stylist!
We are Bleu papaya Kauai. Come shop with us! 🌺spreading ALOHA around the world 1 labubu at a time🤙🏽🤙🏽
KAUAI GAMING CLUB
It all started with a small group of friends from Kauai High School’s class of 2022 who loved to play Super Smash Bros Ultimate (SSBU) in their spare time on campus. After enrolling into Kauai Community College (KCC),
“Kauai Gaming Club” was created and has expanded into a group of friends who share the same love for video games and related media.
The main reason the club exists is for its SSBU Collegiate Esports team. Since 2023, the club has managed to fly out 6 students to Oahu to compete in the annual University of Hawaii (UH) Esports Tournament where colleges across Hawaii compete against each other for
scholarships and prizes in various video games.
KCC’s most notable placements in SSBU were
2nd in 2023, and 4th in 2025 against 8 other UH colleges.
Besides smashing opponents off the screen, Kauai Gaming Club has other activities for KCC students to participate in; such as Dungeons and Dragons, board and card games, and couch co-op games.
ALOHA EDIBLE
Souvenirs & Gifts
We are a local Hawaii small business originating from the island of Kauai that offers a unique take on souvenirs for visitors to our beautiful island! There are actual photographs of honus (sea turtles) taken in the ocean off the South shore of Kauai, as well as very popular original Anime art characters with a Hawaii flair done by local Hawaii artist known as Love Kiku (aka Karli)!
Our passion for excellence has driven us from the beginning, and continues to drive us into the future. At Aloha Edible Souvenirs & Gifts we know that every product counts and we strive to make the best quality products & the entire experience with us as rewarding and fun as possible.
Our philosophy is simple: Put the customer first! We are committed to providing exceptional customer service and are always looking for ways to improve our customer’s experience!
Our Motto is:
Our Smile is our Logo
Our personality is our Business Card
How we leave others feeling after having an experience with us, becomes our Trademark!
~ Jay Danzie/A.E.S.
