Wow, another HeroesCon is over already? Oh well, if — like me — you're a Charlotte-based comic book fan, you attended and enjoyed this year's event. I always make the argument that HeroesCon is the Southeast's best comic book convention ... because it's all about comic books. It's not about B-list TV stars, or porn stars, or role-playing games; if you're into that, I'd say drive to Atlanta for DragonCon. But if you really dig comic books, HeroesCon was the place to be.
This year, we were treated to appearances by two of Marvel's biggest writers — Matt Fraction (who writes The Mighty Thor and the summer blockbuster event book Fear Itself) and Jonathan Hickman (the guy behind the current FF series as well as S.H.I.E.L.D. and Secret Warriors). In addition, legends like Tim Sale, Darwyn Cooke, Don Rosa, Jim Starlin and many more stopped by to autograph comics, sketch pictures and sit on panels.
On top of all that, tons of the industry's top indie creators and rising stars were on hand, bringing cool books in tow. I had the chance to check in with Rich Tommaso, who passed me a copy of his slice-of-life, coming-of-age title Miriam No. 1; it's a sweet and funny book, so pick it up.
I also snagged two cool sketchbooks from artist/writer Jason Latour (who wrote the soon-to-be-released crime comic Loose Ends and who drew last week's Creative Loafing cover) and from artist Ming Doyle (who draws stuff like The Loneliest Astronauts comic, occasional covers for CL and a bunch of other stuff).
So, yeah, if you dig comics, HeroesCon was the place to be.
In non-con-related stuff, I picked a few titles last Wednesday that you should pick up. Here are my takes on two books I'm digging:
Shinku No. 1: The new vampires vs. samurai title from writer Ron Marz and artist Lee Moder. The story is violent, funny and fast-paced —and the art is just fucking gorgeous. Seriously. Buy it.
The Intrepids No. 4: I think I recommended this series a few issues ago, but it's good stuff. It's about a group of technologically enhanced orphans who are trying to rid the world of mad scientists. The concept alone should sell you on this book, but I'm particularly enjoying the art — which looks sort of like a Saturday morning cartoon ... if Keith Giffen was the lead animator.
Some reviewed materials provided by Heroes Aren't Hard to Find: www.heroesonline.com.
