W♥M

We♥Comics!: Comic Conventions 2023

Planet Comicon Kansas City (March 17, 18,19) Read More Planet ComiCon Crowds in the thousands flocked to Bartle Hall in downtown Kansas City over the weekend to attend the three-day Planet Comicon Kansas City, the region’s largest and longest-running comic and pop …

As 2023 began, so did comic convention season, back in full effect, after the last several years of nothing, or scaled-back. At the end of January, the Angoulême International Comics Festival took place in France, the 2^nd biggest in Europe and third largest in the world, and stateside, Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle was very successful.

We’re sad that the long-running Spring and Fall Cons in Minnesota came to an end, but efforts are underway to resurrect them.

Some show schedules shifted as well, and the end of this month is the staring contest between MegaCon in Orlando and C2E2 in Chicago, both held on the same weekend. Two of the biggest shows in the country on the same weekend- unprecedented!

Here are a few of the major shows scheduled for 2023:

Planet Comicon Kansas City (March 17-19)

(tickets: Planet Comicon Kansas City 2023 :: GROWTix )

The Midwest’s first big show is this weekend’s gathering at Bartle Hall in downtown Kansas City. Celeb guests include William Shatner, Richard Dreyfuss, Cassandra “Elvira” Peterson, and Giancarlo Esposito, along with voice actors, authors, and wrestlers Kevin Nash and “Jungle Boy” Perry.

Comic creators attending include writers Garth Ennis, Roy Thomas and Chris Claremont, artists Patrick Gleason, Jim Steranko, Todd Nauck, TMNT’s Kevin Eastman, and many more. NASA astronaut Nicole Stott is among other special guests.

Megacon Orlando

Megacon Orlando (March 30-April 2)

(tickets: Buy Tickets | MEGACON Orlando (fanexpohq.com) )

Fan Expo runs this and many other shows around the country, including all the former WizardWorld conventions. Because Orlando is a large tourist destination, flights and lodging are plentiful, there’s plenty else to do and see, but this show is also very busy and large. We were there last year and were amazed at the size of the convention floor.

Celebs include Hayden Christensen, Rosario Dawson, James McAvoy, Chevy Chase, Christie Brinkley, John Cleese and Zachary Levi. Comic creator heavyweights include Frank Miller, Geoff Johns, Joe Quesada, Donny Cates, Frank Cho, Simone Bianchi, and Adam and Andy Kubert.

C2E2 Chicago

C2E2 Chicago (March 31-April 2)

(tickets: Ticket Information (c2e2.com)

Held in downtown Chicago at McCormick Place, this Reed Pop-run show immediately became a “must-go” on the convention scene and food, lodging, and entertainment, are all close by (though the trains still don’t run direct to the venue). We last hit the show several years ago and are overdue for another weekend in the Windy City.

Guests of honor are actors Chris Evans and Tenoch Huerta aka Namor.. Creators scheduled to attend include Arthur Adams, Gene Ha, Joe Staton, Kevin McGuire, Scott Snyder, Sean Murphy, Tony Daniel, and Kyle Higgins.

HeroesCon Charlotte

Heroes Con Charlotte (June 16-18)

(tickets: HEROESCON 2023 :: TICKETS | Eventbrite )

Founded in 1982, this large but small show remains one of the most comic-centric and fan-friendly shows in the country. Usually held over Fathers Day weekend, we loved being there over a decade ago, and can’t wait to return.

Celeb guests: none! This is a real old-school comic convention!

Creators attending include Alan Davis, Mike Grell, Ron Frenz, Lee Weeks, Bill Sienkiewicz, Michael Cho,Matt Kindt, Michael Golden, Rick Leonardi, and numerous others.

Comic Con International San Diego)

Comic Con International: San Diego (July 20-23)

(tickets: Badge Info | Comic-Con International: San Diego )

This is the show that defined the culture and brought the phrase “comic con” into general conversation. The country’s best-known entertainment and pop culture experience, hotels and tickets...err, badges are sold a year in advance through a very specific process, and of course, all is already sold out. World premiere screenings, A-list surprise appearances, and large-scale studio booths are just some of what’s in store.

Initial creator appearances have been announced (including Jim Lee, Jamie and Gilbert Hernandez, Frank Miller, Jock, and Dan Slott) with no schedule highlights yet announced, but anyone who is anyone, will likely be appearing.

Comiket Tokyo)

Comiket (mid-August / December)

(tickets: コミックマーケット100チケット販売について (comiket.co.jp)

Held at Big Sight in South Tokyo both in mid-August and again in December, The Comic Market (Comiket) is the largest comic-related gathering in the world.

Comiket primarily focuses on acting as a communal exchange place for self-published books, known as dojinshi. Japanese dictionaries define dojinshi as self-published material aimed toward like-minded individuals and they also invite any publication (books, music, films, software, etc.) published by individuals not available through standard commercial outlets.

Baltimore Comic Con)

Baltimore Comic Con (September 8-10)

(tickets: Baltimore Comic Con :: GrowTix )

Self-described as “America’s greatest comic book convention”, this like Heroes Con, is a true comic convention that focuses on the hobby, and is a perennial favorite among creators. The venue is in downtown Baltimore (close to the Ravens Stadium) with good infrastructure and plenty of amenities very near the venue.

Celeb /wrestling guests: none! Creators announced so far include Brian Bendis, Howard Chaykin, Frank Cho, Greg Hildebrandt, Al Milgrom, Louise and Walt Simonson, Steve Rude, and Mark Waid.

New York Comic Con)

New York Comic Con (October 12-15)

(tickets: Ticket Pricing and Info (newyorkcomiccon.com))

On paper, this is actually the biggest, most-attended show in the country (some say San Diego under reports their numbers to avoid fire marshall troubles). It takes over the huge Javits Center on Manhattan’s lower West Side and is another well-run Reed Pop show that often features many older classic comic creators as well as newer ones, and entertainment guests.

Guest lists have yet to be revealed but expect plenty of A-List names in all categories.

Lucca Comics and Games – Lucca, IT (November 1-5)

(tickets: Lucca Comics & Games - Molto più di un festival (luccacomicsandgames.com))

Europe’s biggest and the second largest in the world, last year’s show featured special guest Tim Burton and sold a record 320,000 tickets. This year’s show will be it’s 58^th annual, and will, as usual, present their highly regarded international awards of distinction (Yellow Kid Award, Gran Guinigi, etc).

Ticket prices are reasonable and creators appearing represent a wide selection of international artists as well as a few more familiar names, with the show’s gaming portion as or more popular, than the comic side. 

john ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

We♥Comics - Comic Conventions 2022

Planet Comicon Kansas City (April 22-24) Read More Planet ComiCon Crowds in the thousands flocked to Bartle Hall in downtown Kansas City over the weekend to attend the three-day Planet Comicon Kansas City, the region’s largest and longest-running comic and pop …

Like concerts, comic conventions are back in full force-

Many of the largest shows were forced to take the last two years off, or pivot to online and/or smaller-scale shows, but everything seems back to in-person and “normal” this year.

Here are a few of the major shows scheduled for 2022:

Planet Comicon Kansas City (April 22-24)

(tickets: Planet Comicon Kansas City 2022 :: GROWTix)

The season’s first big show is this weekend’s massive Midwest gathering at Bartle Hall in downtown Kansas City.  Celeb guests include Ralph Macchio, several of the Legends of Tomorrow cast, Mythbusters’ Adam Savage, and wrestlers Sgt. Slaughter, Booker T, and Jerry Lawler.

Comic creators attending include writers Garth Ennis, Matt Kindt, and KC’s Jason Aaron, Patrick Gleason, John Romita, Jr., Skottie Young, Howard Chaykin, and many more.

Additionally, the Liberty Bell 7, the capsule from a 1960 Mercury space mission will be a first of its kind display, on loan from the Kansas Cosmosphere. 

Megacon Orlando (May 22-24)

Megacon Orlando (May 22-24)

(tickets: Buy Tickets | MEGACON Orlando (fanexpohq.com))

Fan Expo runs this and many other shows around the country, including all the former WizardWorld conventions.  Because Orlando is a large tourist destination, flights and lodging are plentiful, there’s plenty else to do and see, and the show gets many guests you won’t see elsewhere. 

Celebs include Brendan Fraser, John Cleese, the casts of Cobra Kai, Lord of the Rings, Clerks, Trailer Park Boys, and The Mandalorian.

Comic creators include Frank Miller, Greg Capullo, Donny Cates, Marc Silvestri, Tom King and Humberto Ramos, as well as many revered cover artists, several from overseas making rare US appearances- Francesco Mattina, Artgerm, Inhyuk Lee, Marco Mastrazzo, David Nakayama, and dozens more.

Heroes Con Charlotte (June 24-26)

Heroes Con Charlotte (June 24-26)

(tickets: HEROESCON 2022 :: 3-DAY ADVANCE PASS Tickets, Fri, Jun 24, 2022 at 10:30 AM | Eventbrite)

This show has a rich forty year history and is considered one of the most comic-centric and fan-friendly shows in the country.  Most creators love to attend this one, and we had great fun being there, just over ten years ago. 

Celeb guests: none! This is a real old-school comic convention!

Creators attending include Jim Starlin, Jim Steranko, Charles Vess, Lee Weeks, Roy Thomas, Klaus Janson, Tony Harris, Chris Claremont, and numerous others.

Comic Con International: San Diego (July 21-24)

Comic Con International: San Diego (July 21-24)

(tickets: Badge Info | Comic-Con International: San Diego)

The 800lb gorilla! The Big One!  This is the show that everyone talks about, though it’s become more of an entertainment and pop culture outlet, than pure comic book-related show.  World premiere screenings, A-list surprise appearances, and large scale studio booths are just some of what’s in store. 

Tickets require a badge registration and sometimes complicated process to acquire, hotels can often be sold out a year+ in advance, and an official guest list has yet to be announced, not that it really matters much. 

C2E2 Chicago (August 5-7)

C2E2 Chicago (August 5-7)

(tickets: Tickets (c2e2.com)

Held at McCormick Place, this Reed Pop-run show immediately became a “must-go” on the convention scene.  As it’s still over three months away, expect the guest list to firm up closer-to, and being off downtown Chicago, entertainment, lodging, and restaurant options are plentiful.  There’s also a Prince immersive exhibit coming to Michigan Avenue, that seems worth a look, if in town. 

Creators scheduled to attend include Jonathan Hickman, Donny Cates, Tony Daniel, Ryan Stegman, Ryan Ottley, and Kyle Higgins.

Emerald City Comic Con – Seattle (August 18-21)

Emerald City Comic Con – Seattle (August 18-21)

(tickets: Tickets for Emerald City Comic Con 2022 in Seattle from ShowClix)

Since its humble beginnings in 2003, this downtown Seattle show has grown by leaps and bounds in the last two decades, having been acquired by Reed Pop in 2015.  As so many comic creators have located to the Pacific Northwest area, it’s a chance to see them here in-person, as well as explore the many sights and sounds this metro has to offer. 

Creators scheduled to appear include Chris Claremont, Steve Orlando, Mike Del Mundo, and Jonathan Hickman, with dozens more yet to announce.

Celebs will include popular ex-Dr Who actor David Tennant. 

New York Comic Con (October 6-9)

New York Comic Con (October 6-9)

( tickets: Tickets (newyorkcomiccon.com))

Another huge convention held at the sprawling Javits Center on Manhattan’s West Side, this is another well-run Reed Pop show that often features many older classic comic creators as well as newer ones and entertainment guests.  Because most comic studios were NYC-based back in the glory years, many of those creators still live in the area and make appearances. 

Guest lists have yet to be revealed, but expect plenty of A-List names in all categories. 

Lucca Comics and Games – Lucca, IT (October 28-November 1)

Lucca Comics and Games – Lucca, IT (October 28-November 1)

(tickets: Lucca Comics & Games - Molto più di un festival (luccacomicsandgames.com))

Europe’s biggest show and second largest in the world (after Tokyo’s Comiket), this show has been held since 1966 and is known for their international awards of distinction (Yellow Kid Award, Gran Guinigi, etc) as well as the convention itself, which should draw some 300,000 attendees. 

Creators usually include a wide selection of international artists as well as some familiar North American faces, and the games portion of the convention is strong as well.  Plus, it’s Italy!

 

john ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Comic Book News: Convention Season begins

Read More Comic Books Don't forget that the second annual Wizard World Comic Con Minneapolis will be taking place May 1st and May 2nd (which is also Free Comic Book Day) and May 3rd. We had a fantastic time last year at the ....

Spring has finally sprung, meaning among other things, that comic convention season is moving into full swing.

Locally, the offerings are expanding and here are just a few of the upcoming shows—

Sound+Vision MN

We start small with the charming and varied Sound+Vision MN Pop Culture Collectibles Show, a Free Admission show happening this Saturday at Valley Creek Mall in Woodbury. The show is in its third year and offers not only comic books and toys to peruse, but a great selection of music collectibles (Vinyl Records, CDs, concert DVDs), various memorabilia, rarities, and things you didn’t know you needed… but you do.

Additionally, Eisner Award winning creator Zander Cannon is special guest, promoting his just released Kaijumax #1 (Oni Press) about Godzilla-like monsters in a super prison overseen by Ultraman-like guards. There’s also free Star Wars: Rebels items and a first chance to possibly nab Avengers: Age of Ultron advanced movie passes.

A road trip should be considered for Chicago’s C2E2 (Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo), happening at McCormick Place April 24-26^th.  This massive show is very comic book-friendly with most publishers and many of today’s superstars in attendance.  Stan Lee, Dan Slott, Gail Simone, David Finch, and Amanda Conner are just a few of the numerous professionals attending.

Entertainment media guests include cast members of Arrow, Orphan Black, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Agent Carter, Game of Thrones, and celebrities such as Kevin Smith, Matt Dillon, M. Night Shyamalan, and many others.  Panels, screenings, cosplay, and more fill the weekend with plenty to do and see.

FCBD

The next weekend brings not only Free Comic Book Day on Saturday May 2^nd, but also Wizard World Minneapolis May 1-3 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.  Free Comic Book Day encourages everyone young and old to visit their participating area retailer, to receive a selection of fifty different titles, available exclusively for this event.

All major publishers participate on Free Comic Book Day, with some of the free titles featuring well liked properties such as The Simpsons, Transformers, Bob’s Burgers, Sonic, The Avengers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and many more.  Retailers also offer other incentives such as sales and giveaways, to make the day a special one.

Wizard World Minneapolis

Wizard World Minneapolis returns with an impressive list of entertainment guests that includes Gillian Anderson, Karl Urban, Luke Perry, and the voice of Batman, Kevin Conroy.  Comic book professionals attending include Neal Adams, Chris Claremont, Larry Hama, and Michael Golden.  While entertainment guests have always charged for autographs, many premier comic professionals are now doing so as well, so check details at their booth.

MSP ComicCon

The Midwest Comic Book Association has re-branded Spring Con as MSP ComicCon, to take advantage of the name recognition, and always offers an intimate, yet expansive weekend experience.  Happening May 16 and 17^th at the State Fairgrounds, comic professionals scheduled to attend include Ben Templesmith, Kris Anka, Pat Gleason, Mike Norton, and others.

john ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic