SpringCon 2023
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We attended the SpringCon comic book show, organized by the new MCBA. The new MCBA (Minnesota Comic Book Association) is from the ashes of the original Midwest Comic Book Association (led by Nick Post, who died in 2014).
If you follow my annual attendance of SpringCon/FallCon from previous years, you know that I’ve often complained about the price of entry, which can get as high as $15. In my report for SpringCon 2015 (MSP Comicon), the first year post-Post, we talked about the long line: “It also took us nearly one hour waiting in a very long line to get inside the convention, which I felt was kind of ridiculous. I understand there are a lot of fans, but how hard is it to take our money and let us in?” and the other major complaints was the panels were in the middle of the convention floor with no walls or soundproofing (you couldn’t hear anyone speak). It was absolutely terrible.
In our report for FallCon 2019 (MSP Comicon), we couldn’t believe we were paying $15 for no comic panels, fewer guests (although they did get local Dan Jurgens to attend), with a much smaller room. It was pretty much the death nail of that “MSP Comicon”, what a terrible show to end.
What I like about the new SpringCon (and I guess the upcoming FallCon), is that the new organizers are bringing back the comic book shows to basic. Keeping entry prices affordable (this show was $6 with $1 off if you brought a can food for donation) and bringing in a variety of vendors. Even though I did not expect panels or events for $6, the show surprised us by dedicating a room for panels. We didn’t get a program book, so instead, we had to figure out the time of the panels by a sign, taped near the entry door.
Due to our personal schedule, we only attended the “Where No One Has Gone Before” with local artist Gordon Purcell. While the title suggests this may be all-things Star Trek, in reality, the artist has worked on various titles throughout his career … but he is known for his longstanding art for various Star Trek comics. It didn’t hurt that Purcell was also a Trekker, and didn’t mind his Trek assignments.
It sounded like his finest hour was visiting the Star Trek set and met the cast to The Next Generation, including “rockstar” Sir Patrick Stewart. Stewart told Purcell that he was the only artist that drew Captain Picard right. He’s not just Lex Luthor bald, you know?
Other interesting bits was that he got “Combat Pay” for taking a last-minute assignment for a few pages to George Perez’s War of the Gods four issue mini-series. According to Purcell, the original artist joined the army and so the books were way behind schedule. He also mentioned that the late Perez was one of the nicest person he’s worked with.
Another interesting thing is that Purcell actually was a contestant on Jeopardy!. He said he got third place, which resulted in $1,000, which was barely enough to pay for his hotel and travels.
Overall, with a very good turnout, I think this is a very positive first step in bringing back SpringCon and FallCon. I hope they continue to keep entry prices down, bring in more talents (even outside of Minnesota), and continue to expand and grow.
Update: According to the flyer posted at the show, the return of FallCon is set for October 28, 2023, at the same location (Bloomington Armory). There’s no indication of pricing, but I am assuming it will cost the same ($6). I don’t know what my schedule will be like, but since it’ll be “Rocktober”, I will be very, very busy.
If you follow my annual attendance of SpringCon/FallCon from previous years, you know that I’ve often complained about the price of entry, which can get as high as $15. In my report for SpringCon 2015 (MSP Comicon), the first year post-Post, we talked about the long line: “It also took us nearly one hour waiting in a very long line to get inside the convention, which I felt was kind of ridiculous. I understand there are a lot of fans, but how hard is it to take our money and let us in?” and the other major complaints was the panels were in the middle of the convention floor with no walls or soundproofing (you couldn’t hear anyone speak). It was absolutely terrible.
In our report for FallCon 2019 (MSP Comicon), we couldn’t believe we were paying $15 for no comic panels, fewer guests (although they did get local Dan Jurgens to attend), with a much smaller room. It was pretty much the death nail of that “MSP Comicon”, what a terrible show to end.
What I like about the new SpringCon (and I guess the upcoming FallCon), is that the new organizers are bringing back the comic book shows to basic. Keeping entry prices affordable (this show was $6 with $1 off if you brought a can food for donation) and bringing in a variety of vendors. Even though I did not expect panels or events for $6, the show surprised us by dedicating a room for panels. We didn’t get a program book, so instead, we had to figure out the time of the panels by a sign, taped near the entry door.
Due to our personal schedule, we only attended the “Where No One Has Gone Before” with local artist Gordon Purcell. While the title suggests this may be all-things Star Trek, in reality, the artist has worked on various titles throughout his career … but he is known for his longstanding art for various Star Trek comics. It didn’t hurt that Purcell was also a Trekker, and didn’t mind his Trek assignments.
It sounded like his finest hour was visiting the Star Trek set and met the cast to The Next Generation, including “rockstar” Sir Patrick Stewart. Stewart told Purcell that he was the only artist that drew Captain Picard right. He’s not just Lex Luthor bald, you know?
Other interesting bits was that he got “Combat Pay” for taking a last-minute assignment for a few pages to George Perez’s War of the Gods four issue mini-series. According to Purcell, the original artist joined the army and so the books were way behind schedule. He also mentioned that the late Perez was one of the nicest person he’s worked with.
Another interesting thing is that Purcell actually was a contestant on Jeopardy!. He said he got third place, which resulted in $1,000, which was barely enough to pay for his hotel and travels.
FallCon (28 Oct 2023)
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Update: According to the flyer posted at the show, the return of FallCon is set for October 28, 2023, at the same location (Bloomington Armory). There’s no indication of pricing, but I am assuming it will cost the same ($6). I don’t know what my schedule will be like, but since it’ll be “Rocktober”, I will be very, very busy.
"Where No One Has Gone Before" with Gordon Purcell |
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Crowd |
Panel Schedule |
Gordon Purcell |
Springcon at Bloomington Armory, Bloomington (29 April 2023) |
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