MCBA SpringCon Comic Book Celebration May 15, 2010

A celebration of a singular and unique art form will take place here in the Twin Cities. This art form is one of a handful, like jazz, recognized as being purely American in origin. It has been an effective means of generating support and national pride in times of war and crisis. It has been a platform for civil rights, equal rights for women, and education on topical, relevant social issues. It has brought compassionate attention to the problems of drug abuse, alcoholism, homelessness, and depression. It has allowed people to explore various sides of philosophical and moral questions and to draw their own conclusions. It has shown us what heroes are and how we can each be one. This art form is the graphic novel, more commonly referred to as the comic book.

The Midwest Comic Book Association is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization devoted to the recognition, appreciation, and preservation of the art of the comic book. Our annual two-day SpringCon Comic Book Convention is an event for people throughout the Upper Midwest. Fans young and old have the opportunity to meet and visit with creators, writers, and artists of independent, alternative, nationally- and internationally-known comics such as Superman, Batman, Justice League, and many others. This year, in addition to over 225 Comic Book Creators!

Special events will include a show of collectibles and comic art with examples from some of the masters of the craft, as well as educational Q&A panels with professional artists and retailers. The annual charity auction will feature comic art donated by guest artists, with proceeds going to local and national charities. Grab bags will be given out to the first several hundred attendees, and door prizes will be awarded all weekend long. And what would a convention be without retailers? Hucksters from across the Upper Midwest will have collectibles available ranging from investment-grade comics to that first issue of Spider-Man you read as a kid.

“We’re all about the community, and I’m not talking about the comic book industry,” says Nick Post, Co-Director of the MCBA. “I’m talking about the artists and the fans and helping them connect. I’m talking about how comics help teach kids to read, to stand up for what’s right, and how to deal with their problems in a healthy manner. We try to set an example for kids and other organizations in our community. We offer an admission discount for contributions to local food shelves. We work with the Minnesota Lupus Foundation to bring donations and more public attention to this disease. We help to protect creators’ rights by supporting the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. It helps that comics have gotten more attention by the mainstream public.” In this, Post refers to the Pulitzer Prizes won by Michael Chabon (“The Adventures of Cavalier and Clay”) and Art Spiegelman (“Maus”) for their comic-oriented works. “Comics winning Pulitzer Prizes…how cool is that?”

Comics are more than just words and pictures. Join us and see the people and the art that lay just beyond the capes.

Official Website: http://www.midwestcomicbook.com