Cincy ComiCon Seeks to Connect Creators With Fans

People attend conventions for different reasons. Many want to have have a commission done by their favorite artist, some want to meet their childhood hero, whomever that may be, and others want to make industry contacts so they can get a foot in the door. For some, it's all of the above. I find it exciting when I get a notice about a new convention being organized because I think that it's just another opportunity for fans to be able to interact with their favorite actors and artists. It appears that a new convention in Cincinnati, the CincyComiCon is promising just that.

Announced via Twitter, Facebook, and a Kickstarter project, CincyComiCon is a convention that is being planned for a September 2013 debut. In order to bring fans the best in comics, art, and popular culture, organizers are taking their project to Kickstarter to help crowd-fund the convention. As of this writing, they are just over halfway to their goal of $25,000, with three weeks left. The main spokesperson for the convention is artist Tony Moore, Kentucky native and co-creator of The Walking Dead, who now resides in Cincinnati. In the project video, Moore states that they wanted to create "something better." He also reminds viewers that Cincinnati is the home of the Hall of Justice. He's referring to Union Terminal which now houses the Cincinnati Museum Center, one of my favorite museums!

While ambitious, the organizers of this project seem to have the best interests of fans at heart. There is already a tremendous line-up of creators, artists, and vendors for the September 6-8, 2013 show. In addition to the aforementioned Moore, other artists and creators who will be featured guests at CCC will be Chondra Echert (Key of Z), Steven Sanders (Wolverine & The X-Men), Katie Cook (My Little Pony), and nearly two dozen more. With just this preliminary list, it seems that this convention is focusing on industry professionals who are on the cutting edge of comics today.

Many people are already excited about what a new convention could mean for the area. With Lexington Comic and Toy Convention beginning in 2012, a new bar has been set for conventions in the greater Kentucky and Ohio areas. The organizers of CCC feel that they are going to deliver a show that will be memorable. Their goal is to "produce a world-class comic book convention" in Cincinnati. They seem committed to putting fans first and offering them a great experience. Industry professionals also feel that this convention will live up to its claims. Matthew Swift, who is an artist and digital painter for Marvel, believes that, if funded, the show will be very high quality. He knows that Tony Moore is committed to the fans and that with the direction that the con will go in could make for a great show. Swift also commented on the location of the convention, stating that the Northern Kentucky Convention Center is an ideal location.

Kickstarter backers for the Cincy ComiCon project will be awarded tickets to the show, commissions by artists, formal thanks in the show program, among other rewards. According to the Kickstarter page, in addition to the artists alley and traditional con fare, organizers also want to include events like Drink & Draw, live music, and meet and greets. This certainly positions the fans right in the thick of things with their favorite artists.

Cincinnati ComiCon will be a welcome addition to the convention circuit. I hope that as someone who does not currently read comics, but as a lover of conventions, I would still have as good of a time. I know that Moore and others want to make this a purely comic convention, but I still think some of the popular culture aspects might help get other people interested as well. I, for one, appreciate the enthusiasm that they're exhibiting.  The design of their website is sleek and they've been doing a great job with social media so far. Looking forward to attending in September and reporting back with a ReCONnaissance Convention Review.

Wishing the best of luck with the Kickstarter project!

Cincinnati ComiCon

Northern Ketnucky Convention Center

One West RiverCenter Blvd.

Covington, Kentucky 41011

Friday, September 06, 2013

Saturday, September 07, 2013

Sunday, September 08, 2013

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Kentucky Geek Girl will provide more information about this convention and all others in the area as soon as news becomes available.

Images courtesy of Cincinnati ComiCon, Wikipedia, JLHLS.