DJ Universal Comics owner Catalin Jercan has provided students with the opportunity to be inspired by the adventures and excitement within comic books since the very first PearlCon.

“I decided to participate in the PearlCon because of the environment that this school provided for my daughter and her education,” Jercan said. “I felt that I needed to give something back and this was the perfect opportunity.”

At PearlCon, Jercan is in charge of the Comic book floor, which is located in the MPR. Along with science teachers Jim Morrison and Stephen Schaffter, Jercan helps to decide what vendors and talent will be included at the event. He contacts those he personally knows or meets at conventions such as Stan Lee’s LA Comic Con and encourages them to participate in PearlCon.

In addition to his coordination duties, Jercan will have a booth where he will be selling comics and toys concerning current and trending storylines during the upcoming PearlCon. Comic book vendors like DJ Universal Comics are not only a significant aspect to the annual PearlCon, but to all comic conventions.

“Every comic convention has a Dealer’s Room,” Morrison said. “It gives people something to do and it is a place where you can connect with others and find specific games or comics.”

Although vendors have the opportunity to keep all profit made at PearlCon, Jercan has participated and contributed for the past three years for a more significant reason.  

“I don’t participate to benefit me, I do this because this will benefit the industry as a whole and the kids,” Jercan said. “They lose touch with culture and comics are a part of this country’s culture. They are so iconic that people around the world know the brands, know these characters but our kids don’t.”