HeroesCon 2023: Full Recap & Coverage Links
After some time (more than originally intended) to separate from the event, I wanted to reflect on HeroesCon 2023 and what it had to offer. Spoiler alert: It had plenty. This convention has been on my shortlist as one I’ve wanted to attend for several years. The 40th anniversary of HeroesCon was last year and unfortunately, I was unable to make it then. Once more information about this year’s show was revealed, particularly its guest list, and the fact I could fit it into my schedule, I knew this was the year.
Part of this recap will include what enticed me to head to Charlotte to attend this year. As I’ve stated before, a comic convention can be judged by the quality AND quantity of names on its guest list. HeroesCon 2023 did not disappoint in either regard. From relatively newer creators to industry veterans, this show was absolutely loaded with talent. That included Roy Thomas, Chris Claremont, Leinil Francis Yu, Howard Mackie, Tim Townsend, Larry Hama, Laura Martin, Jamal Igle, Dexter Vines and so many more.
Those names, along with the amount of comic dealers, perfectly exemplify why this convention has received so much praise from the comic book community. Looking at all the retailers, there were comics covering multiple ranges. From Golden Age comics to recent releases. You could find $1-$2 books up to multi-thousand dollar issues all around the show. Plenty of vendors were ready to make deals, of which I took advantage. I scored some fantastic books for my collection and got a few items signed. Here's my HeroesCon Day 3 haul and recap.
That wasn’t it though. Any good show that covers a weekend has to have more on deck. That’s where the programming and other activities come into play. There was a full slate of scheduled panels and cosplay events to take part in. I did make note of several panels I wanted to attend, but could only make two of them. Those were the LGBTQIA+ Characters in Comics and the John Romita Sr. Tribute panels. Both were well done and engaging for the audience.
Though the specific activities and scheduled programming alone aren’t what will draw me to one convention over any other, they are important in determining the value proposition. As a comic book collector, it would be hard even for me to justify the travel and hotel costs to go across the country for the opportunity to browse and potentially buy comics. That money could easily go to purchasing more comics directly. I believe the best conventions are an aggregate of all these elements.
One other aspect, which I mentioned in my video recap, is the security. It’s something that must be discussed in these times as well as in general with large public gatherings. I don’t know the specifics of the security measures that were in place. However, there was a constant police presence around the building throughout the weekend. That could make some people feel at ease or make them uneasy. But that's a subject for an entirely different blog.
In summation, HeroesCon is exactly what a comic convention should be. From the stacked guest list of creators and loads of dealers to the comic-centered panels and cosplay events. Having experienced conventions of different sizes around the country, I’d say this one bridges the gap between conventions of different scales. The smaller, one day shows connect comic fans with dealers, where the readers and collectors thrive. The bigger shows bring in tons of comic creators and offer the spectacle for fans to connect with. HeroesCon possesses qualities of both and doesn’t feel crowded in the process.
You can find the rest of my coverage at the links below. Thank you again, Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find, HeroesCon and Karla Southern, for providing a press pass allowing me to cover the convention activities for the weekend. Provided scheduling works out, it's likely I'll return next year. Plus, I like traveling. HeroesCon 2024 is scheduled to take place on June 14th-16th.
HeroesCon 2023: Bringing out the Comic All-Stars
HeroesCon 2023: Day 1 Photo Gallery
HeroesCon 2023: Day 2 Photo Gallery
HeroesCon 2023: Day 3 Photo Gallery