Walking into the Charlotte Westin last week was a bit surreal. It was almost as if time had paused from June 2013 to that moment of walking out of the elevator. And we mean that in the best way possible.
HeroesCon is a unique convention, with a metric ton of heart and soul that displays a passion for the art of comics. It’s the type of experience that stays with you (and can potentially alter time and space). The secret we’ve come to realize in our fifth year revolves around the best ingredients: Killer Organizers, Amazing Talent and Passionate Supporters.
KILLER ORGANIZERS
Shelton Drum runs this convention size vessel with pure vision. Comic art is presented front and center with an unwavering love of the craft. For over 30 years he and the amazing Heroesonline crew have built the show brick by brick, and it shows. Rico Renzi continued to rock out the visual materials of the convention in addition to shepherding an awesome floor layout of hundreds of creators. Trey Alexander and the auction staff helmed yet another remarkable Art Auction, presenting an inspiring collection of style and energy. Simply put, the Heroes team as a whole knows how to throw one heck of a comic party.
AMAZING TALENT
Glancing down the Heroes guest list speaks for itself. From big publishers to self-publishers, the top talent from thousands of books fills the floor. And you can actually walk up and have a conversation with them (without the blaring of a movie trailer in your left ear). Each year provides a special experience and 2014 was no different as I was given the opportunity to speak with two of my childhood heroes: Eric Talbot and Arthur Adams. Can’t really begin to explain those moments in words, so let’s just say it was amazing.
And Heroes continues to serve as a reunion of old and new friends which is one of the greatest highlights for us: David Peterson, Durwin Talon, Guin Thompson, Scott Hampton, Ben Caldwell, Andy Suriano, Skottie Young, Ryan Ottley, Ryan Stegman, Chris Brunner, Khary Randolph, Chris Schweizer, Jeremy Bastian, Michael Dooney, Tim Townsend, Marc Deering, Billy Fowler, Matteo Scalera, Sarah Dill, Derek Hunter, Domo Stanton, Billy Martin, Sanford Greene and many more–you folks are monster talents and really really swell people!
PASSIONATE SUPPORTERS
And an immeasurable thanks to everyone who stopped by our table to grab commissions, our final handful of books, or just to say hi or talk shop. We had an absolute blast catching up with all of you and it truly makes for an unforgettable weekend. Every show we’re reminded how much passion exists out there for the art form and your energy and support means everything to us.
It’s a show we look forward to every year and as I drove off with my wife on Sunday, I couldn’t help but think about 2015…
…and Steve, if that Adams commission goes missing, I had nothing to do with it.