HeroesCon Returns To Charlotte This Weekend With A Focus On Comic Books
by Tom Smithyman
As odd as it may sound, HeroesCon is one of the few remaining comic conventions that actually focus on comic books.
Sure, lots of shows bill themselves as a ‘comicon,’ including San Diego and New York. But most of those shows hedge their bets by including all aspects of popular culture, from genre television shows to cosplay to big-budget movies. Comic books are usually relegated to a small area of the show floor and the panel sessions are tucked away while actors from Star Wars or The Walking Dead get the spotlight.
You won’t find that at Charlotte this weekend. Instead, HeroesCon celebrates the comic book creators, including artists, writers, colorists and even editors. Celebrated artists who will be at the event include X-Men writer Chris Claremont, Marvel Babies creator Skottie Young, former Marvel editor-in-chief and Valiant Comics founder Jim Shooter as well as Batman and Excalibur artist Alan Davis. Spider-Man artist John Romita Jr. was scheduled to attend, but was forced to cancel after the death of his father, John Sr.
Panel highlight include a chat with several of the creators behind the recent BRZRKR limited series, including Matt Kindt and Ron Garney. Several Star Wars comic artists will discuss their books. And editor Roy Thomas will talk about the comic history of Tarzan.
One of the con’s annual highlights is Saturday night’s art auction, which features original drawings and paintings from a number of the artists in attendance.
The exhibitor floor is dominated by comic book retailers, as well as the usually geeky T-shirts, action figures, patches, drinkware and statue peddlers.
Comicon will be there to bring you all of the action from the show floor.