MiniCon 2012 Report!

The 35th Charlotte MiniCon brought to you by Heroes Aren't Hard to Find has come and gone and man, was it a good time.  As usual, the MiniCon featured a floor full of vendors and a stage full of artists.  Seth and I came away with mostly art and prints.  Since we weren't busy shopping, we were busy taking photos and working the Heroes Booth (I was taking the photos and Seth was working the booth.)

I did pick up Rich Barrett's Animal Alphabet flash cards.  The Animal Alphabet started with Ben Towle and Rob Ullman challenging themselves and other artists to draw an animal each week from A-Z.  This challenge garnered a lot of contributions and interest and all their efforts can be found on their Tumblr, The Animal Alphabet Project.  The Animal Alphabet spawned the AlphaBeasts and the alpha challenge continues.  That's a long explanation to tell you about the nifty packaging of all of Rich's Animal Alphabet sketches bound together with a shiny ring in a handy bookmark size card.  I really want to use H is for Honey Badger to make my place in my current reading material.  

We also scored some awesome prints from Wappie Leader, J. Chris Campbell, who is commemorating his con travel this year with planetary themed prints for each con and from Dustin Harbin, who is establishing himself as quite the expert dinosaur artist.  His latest dinosaur print begs the question as why Batman never had such a happy T-Rex in his Bat Cave.  Clearly a failure in his decision making.

Speaking of prints, wow, did Heroes outdo themselves this year with special guest, Cliff Chiang's super musically themed MinCon print.  Cliff's art and Dustin's lettering combined to create a beautiful print and inspire one fan to dress in the image dominating the print.  If you weren't able to pick up the print at the MiniCon, never fear, just check the handy Heroes Web Store to which the print will be coming soon.

Cliff Chiang, who is currently making his mark on DC's Wonder Woman, not only is a talented artist; he's an incredibly nice guy.  He was busy from the moment he sat down-signing prints, sketching, and chatting with all who stopped by his table.  I don't think his smile ever wavered despite a crazy weather related flight schedule.  If you missed Cliff this time, don't worry because he has scheduled a return trip to Charlotte for HeroesCon (June 22-24). Tickets are available now!

Seth also picked up a new piece of original art for his music room from Neil Bramlette of Out of Step Arts.  He couldn't resist the Luchador DJ by Alexis Ziritt, one of Neil's artists.  Neil is currently representing Andrew MacLean, Toby Cypress, Paul Maybury, and Greg Ruth.  The Out of Step Arts Collective will also be making an appearance at HeroesCon this June. 

The MiniCon was a great way to kick off the year of cons.  There's a lot coming up for us this year, from hotel shows to Fluke to HeroesCon with some side trips here and there.  There's a lot to look forward to in 2012!

Want to see more of the MiniCon? Click here for the full photo set. 

Upcoming Event: Charlotte Mini-Con

On Sunday, January 22, 2012, the best one day show in Charlotte will take place at the Palmer Building in Fireman's Hall, the Charlotte Mini-Con brought to you by Heroes Aren't Hard to Find.  The Mini-Con has a lot to offer from vendors with great deals to a sweet location and super creators.  2012 also marks the 35th Anniversary of the Mini-Con

This year's featured guest is Cliff Chang.  Cliff's foray into DC's New 52 with Wonder Woman has been beautiful. I find the story interesting, but it is Cliff's art that brings me back each month.  His body of work is quite vast and includes loads of pretty ladies.  In addition to being a great artist, Cliff is also a super nice guy.  Not only does the Mini-Con present you with the opportunity to meet him, but you can also pick up an awesome print of the image on the left and have Cliff sign it while you're there.  This 16 x 24 silk screened print is available for only $10 the day of the show. 

Cliff's not the only great creator who will be in attendance.  A couple of our local favorites will be there.  Rich Barrett, Dusty Harbin, Jason Latour, Eraklis "Herc" Petmezas, Heroes' own Bridgit Scheide, Andy Smith, and Budd Root. The South Carolina contingent includes J. Chris Campbell and Sanford Greene.

If all of those great artists aren't enough there is a building full of vendors with great deals on comics from all Ages, trade paperbacks and hardcovers.  There's so much to choose from!

The location of the Mini-Con is the Palmer Building at Fireman's Hall which is a very neat old building.  It features hardwood floors, molding and lots of cool architectural details.  It's great place full of characters which makes it perfect for all the comic characters that will be bursting from short and long boxes for your purchasing pleasure. The Palmer Building is also conveniently located just down the street from Heroes which will be open the normal Sunday hours from 1pm-6pm, and possibly even earlier.  

If you're visiting from elsewhere and looking for somewhere to pick up lunch and/or dinner, there are a number of yummy local places nearby.  Unfortunately, Lupie's (which is right across the street) is closed on Sundays.  A short trip over to Central Avenue gives you two great choices for brunch: Zada Jane's and Bistro la Bon.  If you're looking for something lighter, just one shop over from Heroes is Crisp which features salads and sandwiches.  If a sweet treat or a fresh baked cheese biscuit is more your thing, then Sun Flour Bakery is the place for you.  Sun Flour also serves sandwiches, coffee, and ice cream. On the other hand if diner food is what you're seeking, then The Diamond is a must. 

The Charlotte Mini-Con takes place January 22, 2012 from 11am-5pm.  The Palmer Building at Fireman's Hall is located at 2601 East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28204.  Admission is only $3!  Hope to see you there!