Exile on Plain Street: HeroesCon 2011: Heather's Top Ten Things To Do

Wow, there's so much to choose from at HeroesCon that I had a hard time narrowing it down to a top ten!

1. Art Auction: Last year's Art Auction included a number of artists in matching monogrammed smoking jackets. That's in addition to all the great art up for your bidding pleasure. There's an amazing amount of awesome art from new, up and coming artists to old favorites each year. It's always fun to guess which piece is going to be the highest price and perhaps new record setter. Last year, Adam Hughes and Mark Brooks tied for highest price while setting a new record with a pair of pretty ladies, Zatanna and Black Cat. I can't wait to see what will be there this year!

2. Live Art Stage: Some artists bring pieces already completed for the art auction, while others work on those pieces at HeroesCon. Some choose to work at their booths, while others are up on the Live Art Stage. Brian Steelfreeze is just an example of one of the many artists you can watch create. It's really impressive to watch their process and craft to the end product. The painting on the left is writer, Nathan Edmondson's contribution from last year.

3. Wide Awake Press (WAP): Oh, how I love my Wappies! Josh Latta, a silver Wappie (pictured on the right) is on his seventh creator owned Rashy Rabbit book. Josh is just one of the super funny and talented WAP members who will be on hand at HeroesCon this year. You'll also find J. Chris Campbell, Brad McGinty, Duane Ballenger, hopefully Rob Ullman (who just welcomed a new addition to his family) and many other Bronze and Contributor level Wappies. The Wappies can be found grouped somewhat closely together in Indie Island. Drop Anchor and check them out!

4. Roger Langridge: Go see this super sweet artist and writer and buy some art or comics so his "little pig faced moppets don't have to eat from bins." I'm quoting from the sign Landridge often has on his booth at cons. He is really funny and does some amazing artwork. Langridge has already posted his Art Auction contribution, but if you're not lucky enough to win it, then pick something up directly from him!

5. Andy Runton: Step One-Buy an Indie Island print from the Info Booth. Step Two-Take said print and visit Andy in Indie Island so you can meet the creator of such an awesome print! Step Three-Buy lots of Owly books. Step Four-Get an "Owly As" sketch. Following those steps will guarantee a great HeroesCon experience!

6. Charlotte Artists: My local favorites can be found in various parts of the con floor from Artist Alley to Indie Island to Small Press. Be sure to check out the Sketch Charlotte members scattered throughout the con and pick up a copy of their first anthology! In Artist Alley, you should look for Chris Brunner and Jason Latour, two of the three creators of Loose Ends, due out this July. The third creator and colorist, Rico Renzi is also the Creative Director at Heroes and will be found at least five places at once at any point during the con. SKETCH CHARLOTTE is hosting a pre-HEROES CON get together/sketch meet at the SHOWMARS across the street from HEROES AREN'T HARD TO FIND on Thursday, June 2nd from 6:00-9:00 pm. SHOWMARS is a Greek restaurant serving hamburgers, gyros, salads, fish and just about everything else. They have our long standing reservation there and would love for you to join them for good food, friends and fun!

You can view SHOWMARS' menu here:
http://www.showmars.com/

2004 East 7th Street
Charlotte NC 28204
Ph: 704-376-0565

7. The Westin Bar: The Westin in uptown Charlotte is the official hotel for HeroesCon. This means on any given night during the con, you can find everyone from artists to staff to guests mingling in the bar area. This often crowded, yet somehow relaxed setting is a good way to wind down after a long day at the con.

8. Chad Hudson at the Apocalypse Comics Booth: Chad is one of my favorite exhibitors to see each year. He's funny and knowledgeable and above all entertaining.

9. Heroes Store Booth: Stop by to see Seth and Phil and buy some comics! While you're there, check out the meticulous arrangement of the statutes in the display case. Heroes always has a nice set up with lots of comics and statutes to choose from each year. It's also a good place to find your favorite Heroes staff members during the con, plus some super awesome volunteers!

10. Costumes!: Whether you're a comics fan, a Star Wars fan, a Star Trek fan or just a fan of fun, there will be costumed people there for you! I love all the costumes and getting my pictures with them. Most costume wearers are quite friendly and some even stay in character. Others make costume changes throughout the con.