HeroesCon 2019, Charlotte’s comics-first and family-friendly convention, will mark its 37th year at the Charlotte Convention Center with an impressive guest list. Among the creators slated to make appearances are Skottie Young, Matt Kindt, Charles Forsman, Matt Fraction, and the Eisner-nominated Bitter Root team of Chuck Brown and Sanford Greene.
HeroesCon was the brainchild of local comic shop owner Shelton Drum. Drum founded the original mini-con in the early 1980s as a one-day show at a local mall. The show initially served as a networking mixer for Drum’s store, Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find, and local comics professionals. By 1982, the mini-con had expanded beyond its confines and moved to the Charlotte Convention Center. George Perez and Marv Wolfman were among the first guests to appear at the rechristened HeroesCon. Then in 1984, Stan Lee did his turn as the show’s guest of honor. Soon after, emerging comic book talent started debuting new work at the show.
Local comics retailers headline an extensive list of exhibitors. Drum’s own store will occupy a full six spaces in the exhibit hall. Indies, mini-comics and webcomics will occupy a 10,000-square foot section at the center of Artist’s Alley called “Indies Island.” In addition to retail therapy, HeroesCon 2019 has scheduled three full-days of panel programming. Expect Batman and the Marvel/DC supeheroes to get plenty of “me” time on the schedule. But there is more. On Saturday, the hosts of Diversity Issues Podcast will do a live recording with the Bitter Root creators. And on Sunday, Spider Gwen creator Jason LaTour’s “Live Draw(l)” should offer plenty of surprises for fans.
Show tickets are still available. Individual day passes cost $25 each for Friday and Saturday and $20 for Sunday. A $50 weekend pass includes free swag.
Want to see what it’s all about? Check out this recap of HeroesCon 2018 below.
