collectors could enjoy conventions each year. After Covid hit, everything changed. But the new leadership at MNCBA has begun again, with Mike Frigon, or Mike with the Hat as he is known has answered some interview questions I had for him.
Minnesota and Midwest comic book fans were shocked to here the old show that used to be at the Fairgrounds changed locations and then announced, they were finished. What happened? Did it have to do with the loss of the original master showman Nick Post?
Despite being one of the older comic conventions (since 1988), the MCBA/MCBF has always been a very delicate organism. It was started when some local comic fans just decided to have a comic convention. Simple as that. It was never designed or meant to be a financial juggernaut. It was (and IS) a volunteer-driven labor or love put on by and for appreciators of comics and comic creators. And no one loved comics more than Nick Post! When Nick took over the MCBA, he upped the game tremendously. He had contacts at all of the major comic publishers and distributors and he was not above using his visibility as part-owner of The Source Comics & Games to help promote SpringCon & FallCon at the same time. Nick's tragic and sudden passing in 2014, was a loss that is still undeniable to this day. But with continued support from the community, we were able to keep things going. The Covid lockdown was the last real culprit. As minimal as the MCBA's ongoing costs are, there are still costs. And without the annual shows to bring in revenue, those costs slowly drained our resources to the point where things had to be scaled back. But, as we know, things are coming back. We're, essentially, starting from scratch but our long-term plans are to re-build the MNCBA back to it's former glory and even more. We have a fantastic core of volunteers with a breadth of knowledge and experience. We have unquestioned support from vendors & dealers, creators, and fans. As a non-profit, community-based organization, we are already receiving generous donations from comic dealers and fans alike. We are going to have to start out small but, with everyone pulling for us, we're expecting to come back strong!
Where will the show be now, is it planned to become the home site of the show from here on out, or are there bigger plans and different sites possible?
Our first 'return' show will be at the Bloomington Armory, 3300 W. 98th St., Bloomington, on April 29th, from 9am-4pm. It's an excellent venue that has hosted small comic shows in the past. Right now, we can't say with certainty that it will be our 'home site' but they have been great to work with and we're very glad to be there. We are currently exploring larger venues for a larger show this fall. Part of that will be determined by the turnout that we have for this show.
When is the show, where is the show, how much does it cost to get in and if this works, can we look towards Fall con returning as well?
SpringCon '23 will be on April 29th, at the Bloomington Armory, from 9am-4pm. Admission is $6 but we offer a $1 discount for a food shelf donation at the door and kids ages 9 and under will be free. Advanced tickets are available on our website: mncba.org. We're certainly hoping to bring back a larger Fall show as well!
So, will this show be all retailers, or bits of comics tables, tables of creators, group presentations or tables of creative panels
We are adhering to the model that made the SpringCon and FallCon a fan favorite! Comic dealers and retailers from the entire Twin Cities Metro area will be there! It will be the perfect place to fill gaps in 'want lists' or find the next great book to read! Grab bags will be back!!! Free Grab Bags will be given to the first 150 people in the door! We'll also be offering drawings for free Prize Packages! Register when you arrive for a chance to win a fabulous prize package. Drawings will be held at the top of every hour between 10:00 and 3:00!
We will be hosting a fantastic group of comic creators! Writers and artists that have worked for Marvel and DC. Independent creators making cool, new, cutting-edge comics! Up-and-comer's, whose first books are just hitting the stands now! Instructors with the Minneapolis College of Art & Design's Comic Art program! It will be a great mix of retailers and creators! Plus, we'll be hosting a free panel room where fans can interact, ask questions, listen, learn, and have a great time with our special guest creators!
I like so many other people miss the good old days of crowded conventions and free tables, people being happy to find specials... how many retailers do you plan to have, and in future cons do you plan for more?
For this show, we're planning for about 20-25 different comic dealers and about 15 comic creators. We're looking forward to a return of those halcyon days of hustle and bustle and finding the 'gem in the sand' as well. And, yes, the goal is growth! We want a return to the days of one of the most entertaining, fun, and cool comic conventions in the country! So, come out for SpringCon '23 and let us know that you want the MNCBA to be just as good, and better!
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