Cons News

FANATICON2: Wrap-Up

Here’s something you may not know about me: I produce a comic book convention in Asheville, North Carolina, called FANATICON. On May 21, 2011, we held our second annual convention, appropriately titled…FANATICON2. It was a tremendous amount of fun, and I think the other organizers and the volunteers will forgive me someday for being a controlling, insufferable tyrant. (Or not.)

Our little one-day con drew over 5,000 attendees, thanks in no small part to our amazing special guest, none other than DC writer and friend to LGBT comics fans everywhere, Gail Simone! Gail was extremely gracious, generous and giving to the fans. If you ever get a chance to meet her at a convention, you really should. And thank her for being such a committed supporter of LGBT characters in comics. She’s a lovely person and an amazing talent.

Though I’ve been to many a convention over the years and always imagined what I’d do if I were in charge, it’s still ridiculously intimidating putting on a show like this. I can’t imagine the work involved in a bigger convention. The FANATICON philosophy has always been to throw a big comics-themed party and invite the world to come. The event is sponsored by the Asheville Art Museum, which certainly helps drive home the message that comics are a rich and vital art form. We’ve also been extraordinarily lucky to have an awesome comics community to support the show and spread the word.

Now that the show is over for another year, my duties at FBOTU will resume again. Johnny M and Brian have been helping me with content, and I thank them both from the bottom of my little geeky heart. I’ll be back in full force, though, posting and snarking my way through the pop culture landscape. Thank you all for your patience and encouragement throughout May.

See you in San Diego in July!

 

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