By Andy Hawksworth

Heroic anthems and bold pop art banners soared over Life Pacific University as the Christian Comic Arts Society (CCAS) held its 11th annual AlphaOmega Con on LPU’s scenic San Dimas Campus for the first time ever on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. AlphaOmega Con is the largest in-person, faith-based, family-friendly comic and pop culture convention in America. Over 400 attendees made their way from as close as San Dimas and as far as China to experience the best in comic books, pop art, games, and panels all exploring the intersection of Christianity and pop art.

Guests entering LPU’s historic Simonson Center found the space transformed into a bustling exhibit hall packed to capacity with exhibitors in vibrantly designed booths. But, as seasoned collectors browsed the booths to find hidden treasures and young fans’ eyes lit up with new discoveries, an observer would quickly notice that the real energy in the room was found in the conversations happening around the booths. Old friendships reconnecting, new partnerships forming and innovative ideas coming to life in an incubator of creativity.

Meanwhile, across the campus, the Loop Lounge, the campus’ student life center, was abuzz as gamers of all kinds dove into new conquests and campaigns. At one table, a boat-based D&D campaign introduced new players to the world of tabletop RPGs, while one table over, a game creator walked seasoned board-gamers through the intricacies of his crafted universe. And all of this was set to the frenetic energy of a standing-room-only tournament in which kids and adults alike battled it out for the coveted title of Super Smash Bros. Champion.

But the event wasn’t all collectibles and contests. As one followed the crowds to the school’s Academics Hall, they would discover classrooms filled with panels of industry professionals exploring both the philosophical and practical realities of being a Christian and a pop-culture creator. Panel topics ranged from “How to Get Your Project Funded and Published” to the perennially popular “Christian Horror: The Discussion Continues.” Equal parts inspiring and hilarious, these panels sought to create an environment where new creators are empowered to bring their ideas to life and where seasoned veterans can be encouraged and see the impact of their work on a new generation.

Nearly a year in the planning, AlphaOmega Con at LPU represents an exciting new era for both organizations.

Founded in 1985, CCAS was born when comic book artist Don Ensign placed an ad in Comic Book Buyer’s Guide looking to connect with other faith-based creators and was answered almost immediately by Ralph Miley. Ralph, who has appropriately been described as the group’s Chief Geek-Missionary (inverse.com), is a published comic book creator and serves as CCAS’ president. He has been instrumental to the group’s long-time presence and influence with San Diego Comic Con – the world’s largest pop art convention – and he was, and continues to be, a key driver in the creation and expansion of the AlphaOmega Con.

Since its inception, the convention has been supported and hosted by a variety of incredible partner churches throughout the greater Los Angeles area. And CCAS’ mission clearly struck a cord with its audience as it experienced year-over-year growth for the last decade, outgrowing (in numbers, not relationally) each venue. After celebrating its packed-out, standing-room-only 10th anniversary in 2025, it was becoming evident that the need for a larger venue was quickly becoming a necessity.

During this same season, LPU’s Media & Communications (MComm) program was undergoing its own rapid expansion as it launched the ambitious Carol Shelton Digital Media Studio System (DMSS), an investment campaign that created a digital media studio, transformed the chapel into a modern events venue and updated the campus media infrastructure to better engage with the emerging creator economy.

“God is an incredible chess player,” says MComm Chair Andrew Hawksworth, MFA. “LPU has had the space for a long time but lacked the tech infrastructure needed to support a multifaceted event like this. But now the DMSS has opened the door for us to partner with incredible organizations like CCAS, who embody a shared passion for the Gospel and the next generation!”

So, when the doors opened to welcome guests to AlphaOmega Con, it was both an amazing moment of completion and of anticipation of what was next.

President Angie Richey, PhD, states, “For LPU, the partnership with CCAS is an organic extension of the school’s mission to empower the next generation of leaders to serve God in the Church, the workplace and the world. The influence of pop art on modern culture can hardly be overstated, and it represents one of the greatest opportunities for the next generation of students to create meaningful, global impact.”

In fact, LPU students played key roles throughout the event. MComm senior Noah Gale, who interned with CCAS over the summer, led outreach to the communities surrounding campus, while recent graduate David Figueroa served, under the direction of Alex Wright – LPU’s Director of IT & Event Services – as one of the primary on-site technology and logistics managers. Many other students volunteered across campus to handle day-of logistics.

And for CCAS, this event represents a new season of expansion and connection. “There are times where one has to sit back and marvel at the hand of our gracious Lord as He orchestrates the affairs of our lives,” says Miley. “Our partnership with Life Pacific University has taken the AlphaOmega Con to a higher level. From vendors to attendees, everyone commented unanimously with positive reviews about the new location. From the beautifully manicured landscape to the large classrooms to the spacious exhibitor hall, it was an incredible experience.”

While AlphaOmega Con ’26 is a wrap, CCAS’ partnership with LPU is just beginning, and AlphaOmega Con will return to LPU’s campus in September 2027, bigger and better than ever!