Conventions

Phoenix Comicon didn't look anything like it did last year. While there was a smattering of industry news, it seemed like the industry in the...

Unexpectedly long lines and preemptive attempts to avoid the same have caused some ruckus on the con circuit. This past weekend's Motor City Comic...

If you are like The Beat, you have always wanted to see a graphic of San Diego Comic-Con's attendance growth and now thanks to this infographic presented by Film School Rejects and BuyCostumes.com, you can! (click for big) There's much more in the complete chart including masquerade info and how Comic-Con compares to a Super Bowl in economic impact.

Even indie comics are getting to be, if not big business, then extremely popular. More popular than a street fair, even. The last two...

Even as the glow of great comics at TCAF is drifting away, some bad news for great indie comics festivals: according to a post...

by Pam Auditore According to Long Beach Comic Expo Event Manager Martha Donato, Casting Directors for "the Quest," a new reality television from the Executive...

C2E2, Stumptown and the Calgary Expo are all far behind in our rearview mirror, and I meant to write this up last week, but even as everyone is scrambling to get ready for TCAF, I felt like this year's C2E2 in Chicago—the fourth one—finally defined it as a show that serves a local need and belongs on the comics calendar, and the confluence of a weekend when two other major shows in other categories were taking place demonstrated the strength of not only fandom but the creator contingent.

When the Image Expo 2013 was announced there were, understandably, questions about why it was on a Tuesday instead of a more accessible weekend date. Well, tickets are on sale (as of this morning) and aFAQ now answers this and many other questions: As explained, this is really a press and retailer event but open to the public for $20. And there will be panels and signings and stuff but no vendors.

As reported last week, the incarceration and legal maneuvering of accused sex offender and Drgon*Con founder Ed Kramer has led more people, including professionals, to call for a boycott of the con while Keamer is receiving money for it. Tony Isabella, who attended the con far in the past, still has what might be termed a vivid account of it:

Indefatigable Jamie Coville recorded the most interesting panels from C2E2—including the one The Beat was on!—for your listening pleasure. He also took 143 pictures.

by Amy Chu Friday Day 1 A Good Start 11:50 am Avoiding the craziness at  O'Hare airport by arriving at Chicago's much smaller Midway. No delay...

This weekend sees the first-ever Oxford Children Comics Festival, held on Saturday 4th. I'll be heading over meself, and there promises to be heaps...