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The third Blizzard World Minneapolis ComiCon just took place on Saturday at MTS School Gymnasium (near Target on Lake Street in Minneapolis).
First of all, I think the name is bad. When I first saw the name, I originally mistaken this convention for BlizzCon, the popular video game convention held by Blizzard Entertainment. Instead, I realized that this Minneapolis comic book convention is organized by Bjorn Brosdahl, former owner of High-Class Comics in St Paul.
Thanks to its affordable admission price of $4 (free if you turn up in costume or $1 off if you brought in a flyer from your local comic book store), it was cheap enough that comic fans did turn up to check out the show out of curiosity.
The Minnesota Transitions Schools’ gym open space is perfect for setting up dealer tables and held about 25 tables, give or take. Unfortunately, the MTS gym is actually much smaller than a typical full basketball court, so it only took us about a minute to walk around the area on our first pass to survey our surroundings.
The convention advertised “Hundreds of Golden Age comics at this event!”, which I do not believe this to be true. I saw very, very few 1930 to 1950 comics - and if they did have a copy, the prices were usually pretty outrageous.
Based on the small area, lack of major dealers (that we typically see at FallCon/SpringCon or Wizard World Minneapolis), no comic panels/discussions, and weird random locations like a high school gym... we probably won’t be attending Blizzard World 4 next year. Something like this, I felt should free or entry donations.
NOTE: Early birds who showed up early got a free Walking Dead comic (the 25 cent issue #163). It was so new that I’m actually not caught up to this latest issue yet (I buy the collected compendium, and that is only up to #144).
First of all, I think the name is bad. When I first saw the name, I originally mistaken this convention for BlizzCon, the popular video game convention held by Blizzard Entertainment. Instead, I realized that this Minneapolis comic book convention is organized by Bjorn Brosdahl, former owner of High-Class Comics in St Paul.
Thanks to its affordable admission price of $4 (free if you turn up in costume or $1 off if you brought in a flyer from your local comic book store), it was cheap enough that comic fans did turn up to check out the show out of curiosity.
The Minnesota Transitions Schools’ gym open space is perfect for setting up dealer tables and held about 25 tables, give or take. Unfortunately, the MTS gym is actually much smaller than a typical full basketball court, so it only took us about a minute to walk around the area on our first pass to survey our surroundings.
The convention advertised “Hundreds of Golden Age comics at this event!”, which I do not believe this to be true. I saw very, very few 1930 to 1950 comics - and if they did have a copy, the prices were usually pretty outrageous.
Based on the small area, lack of major dealers (that we typically see at FallCon/SpringCon or Wizard World Minneapolis), no comic panels/discussions, and weird random locations like a high school gym... we probably won’t be attending Blizzard World 4 next year. Something like this, I felt should free or entry donations.
NOTE: Early birds who showed up early got a free Walking Dead comic (the 25 cent issue #163). It was so new that I’m actually not caught up to this latest issue yet (I buy the collected compendium, and that is only up to #144).
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Blizzard World Minneapolis ComiCon at MTS School Gymnasium, Minneapolis (25 Feb 2017) |
Oh my gosh this person is a very sad disoriented person. The event was probabaly all and more of what the people participating within it expected to be. The venue was warm and welcoming. And more then yhay they probably had thousands of golden age comics not just hundreds.. thank you mcba. GREAT. GREAt EVENT!
Posted by: Adam Jandro | 02/26/2017 at 06:48 PM
I wholeheartedly agree with Adam. Terrible review of an amazing event. My first year and I can't wait for the next. There were most certainly hundreds of golden age available, and the vendors were generous in their final pricing, upon purchase, and so helpful with what I was looking for, and more. Amazingly talented artists as well. Everyone was so kind and I didn't see anyone not having a great time. Learn to tell the difference between events before deciding to use it as a tool for negatively reviewing a place you clearly didn't even spend time actually engaging in, any further than your little walk around to survey the area anyway. I highly recommend this event!!
Posted by: Ruby | 02/26/2017 at 07:37 PM
I wanted to check it out, but couldn't. My busy schedule wouldn't allow me the time.
It was clear to me it was a small show, but it's about three months before the spring comic book show of choice in the Twin Cities. (That would be the show at the state fairgrounds. You're welcome to shell out money to spend more money to meet the Monkees, or parade around in a cosplay prom, but that doesn't make it a comic book show.) With three months until the annual fun at the state fairgrounds, I'd like a chance to hit up smaller shows a few times per year. I hope I can finally make it to this show next year. I don't expect prime rib at McDonald's prices.
Too bad it was such a disappointment for you.
Posted by: King Michael | 02/26/2017 at 08:16 PM
We were supposed to be at this show. We carry a LOT of golden age comics. The REAL Blizzard did prevent this. Hope to see you at the next show they have! Mike Tickal, Oak Leaf Collectibles, 221 North Federal, Mason City, IA 50401 www.dustcatchers.com
Posted by: mike tickal | 02/27/2017 at 08:12 AM