42 years/1,699 issues (plus extras)

Rated: Essential

$ … worth every cent

No longer available

Grade: 4 stars (out of 4)

Shortly before the rest of the digital world, I and other contributors to Comics Buyer’s Guide received notice from CBG Editor Brent Frankenhoff regarding today’s announcement from F+W Media that it was closing the magazine’s doors after 42 years. As a longtime writer and former associate editor for the magazine, I’d like to say a few words on its departure. Along with this, I encourage you to read Maggie Thompson‘s wonderful online monthly column “Maggie’s World,” the first installment of which appeared yesterday; I also highly recommend John Jackson Miller‘s fine commentary about the closure of CBG at his excellent blog and website Comichron: The Comics Chronicles.

That said, here are humble closing thoughts from one of the Ringos to the John, Paul, and George of Maggie, Brent, and John. (I know — John is George. What more can I say.) Over the years, there were many Ringos, including those I had the pleasure of working with: Joyce Greenholdt, James Mishler, and Nate Melby, along with the other staff that contributed to the success of CBG during my tenure there, among them fellow associate editor Jason Winter and graphic designer Shawn Williams. They were an excelsior bunch to work with and I still miss hanging out with them in the CBG cubicle-land.

As those who edited my writing can tell you, I prefer a storyteller style (aka stream of consciousness, aka hair-pullingly aggravating from an editor standpoint). My purpose here is simply to offer my thoughts about CBG in my own way. For those of you wondering about the fate of “Ray’s Reviews,” at this time I have no idea where it’ll go from here, and – to be frank – that’s not what this entry is about.

And finally, before I digress into the meat of this column, it may seem odd for me to post it at CBGXtra.com, the home of CBG which is even now heading toward its future as an archival resource. To me, doing this is fitting, and not only because CBG has been the only comics-publishing home I’ve known. Now, about those thoughts …

I had the honor of writing for CBG for the last decade or so, originally and concludingly as a freelance reviewer. In between, from 2004 to 2008, I served as a full-time CBG associate editor. (I still get chills at the coolness of that thought.) People regularly asked me if I enjoyed what I did for a living at CBG (and Scrye, among other sister publications), to which I always emphatically said it was a dream job. My own mother told me that when family and friends asked her what my job entailed, she would tell them that I read comics and played games for a living. There was much more to it than that, to be sure, but she was correct in part, and it was a good life.

During my years on staff, I made countless friends throughout the industry and am happy that I’ve stayed in touch with many of them. My Facebook friends are all people with whom I’ve had contact, and almost all of them on multiple occasions, be it for interviews, hanging out at comics’ conventions, or what have you. When I left CBG in May 2008, these relationships changed and many of them faded, but I’m ever thankful for all of them. I regret that I was too late to the show to personally know so many others, including of course my predecessors at CBG.

I’m most thankful to Maggie and Brent, though John — in an apparent inexplicable fit of lunacy — hired me, and I was fortunate to work under him for a time. Maggie is and always will be a legend in the industry, and nothing I write here can add to that, so I’ll just say that she made coming to work each day worthwhile and is a fount of intelligence and information — and not just regarding comics – who deserves the utmost respect. So, too, do I value Brent’s contribution to my professional life; along with Maggie and numerous others, he has consistently and impressively personified the blood, sweat, tears, and valiant love required to publish a magazine about comics. While I’ve continued to read, geek out over, review, and otherwise appreciate the joy that is comics, I can only wish them the best of luck and hope they stay involved in comics for the long run, because comicdom would be a far lesser place without either of them.

Today is a sad day, a bad day, and one that won’t be forgotten. Like so many other things in life, this is another crying-shame, life-altering event that we loathe to see happen. Fortunately, CBG and its creators and fans during the last 42 years have built a legacy that will endure. I will always miss CBG, but I look forward to watching where comicdom goes from here.

Ray Sidman is a former associate editor and was a longtime reviewer for Comics Buyer’s Guide. You can read more Ray’s Reviews here.

(Image (c)2011 F+W Media)

“Ceasing publication of a magazine is never an easy decision, but there are several forces that have worked against CBG’s sustainability,” said David Blansfield, President, F+W Media. “With vast amounts of freely available comics information online, declining paid circulation and advertising, and the costs and constraints of print, continuing to publish a monthly, small-circulation title like CBG has become financially and operationally unsustainable.”

“Comics Buyer’s Guide (CBG) has been a wonderful resource for comics buffs,” said Scott Tappa, F+W Media Publisher. “We want to express our appreciation and thanks to the entire CBG community – to our staff and all our many contributors and partners, our readers and our advertisers – who have supported Comics Buyer’s Guide over its 30-year history.”

Current subscribers to the magazine will receive a two-for-one conversion to CBG sister publication Antique Trader: a biweekly that has served the antiques and collectibles community since 1957. (For every issue of CBG remaining in a subscription, subscribers will receive two issues of Antique Trader.) The www.CBGXtra.com site and its Facebook page will exist as an archived resource.

F+W Media, Inc., the leading enthusiast media Company, serves more than 20 niche consumer and B-to-B communities through its vast portfolio of events, ecommerce, online education, ebooks, emags, print media and more. www.fwmedia.com

Contact:
Stacie Berger, Communications Director, stacie.berger@fwmedia.com, 513.531.2690 x 11457
Scott Tappa, Publisher, scott.tappa@fwmedia.com, 715.445.4612 x x13428

It’s never a bad time to evaluate the past and set goals for the future — but it’s most customary to do that, as we anticipate the year to come.

About five years ago, I was chatting about goals and plans with someone whose opinion I value — and Paul Levitz (yes) said, “If you intend to travel, do so as soon as possible.” Translation: The older we get, the more likely it is that our own limitations will get in the way.

With all that in mind, I’ve begun to look at 2013 with an eye toward a combination of airplane flights, hotel reservations, my deadlines, and — oh, yes — family events. I’m even trying to fit in achieving a number of goals. (Will I finally finish cataloging the occupants of my shelves devoted to books and DVDs?)

Conventions

You never know what a comics event will bring! In 2011, Free Comic Book Day at Madison’s Westfield Comics involved meeting Brian Bull and his prize-winning TARDIS — and a Doctor Who celebration. Who knew?

I’m looking at a number of possibilities. They include:

• March 29-31 WonderCon in Anaheim, Calif. (Note: I’ve also had fun at Orlando’s MegaCon [March 15-17] in past years. And I’ve managed to miss both March shows recently. We shall see.)

July 17-21 Comic-Con International: San Diego You must be aware that this has been on my summer calendar for more than three decades. Every year, I come away with memories galore — and, of course, I come away with an incredible variety of additional treats. I never know what benefits a comics event will bring, and that goes triple for San Diego. (More on this later.)

August 9-12 Wizard World Chicago Comic Con in Rosemont, Ill. I missed it last year because of an unavoidable family commitment — and that was the first of this event (and the one that preceded it) that I’ve missed in those same three decades mentioned above. Fingers crossed for this year, folks! I always enjoy it!

And Tony Isabella and I have been talking about the Akron, Ohio, Comicon. It’s a small show scheduled for Nov. 9 at the University of Akron Quaker Station, but it sounds like fun.

Here’s a thought, especially with that Akron show in mind: If you have a small convention near you, just go! Something fun or memorable or entertaining or informative will occur. Small shows, for one thing, often offer opportunities to spend more in-person time with their guests. (For example, I hung out with Patrick Rothfuss at a small convention just before The Name of the Wind was officially released in 2007, so I was ahead of the curve when word of its excellence spread to other fantasy fans.)

Collections

It is time to become organized. This time for sure.

I’m in the midst of transferring information on my book collection from a (gak!) Quark file to an Excel list. 2013 would be a nice time to wrap up that endeavor.

But comics collections are even more complicated to inventory than are books. I don’t know how you maintain your inventory list, but (at a WonderCon years ago — see above) I was captivated by then-new comics-inventory software created by Pete Bickford. I continue the process of entering what I have so’s to locate what I need for CBG — and, for that matter, what I need for me. The Comicbase software even permits data entry by scanner — and generates labels for the plastic bags that protect my preciouses. (Gollum had just one precious; we have many, don’t we?)

There’s information on Comicbase about more than half a million comics issues — including many from other countries. The software enables you to manage what’s in your collection.

Some of us may even decide at last to insure what they own. Or sell some of it. In either case, software can assist the data statements necessary. (If you’re selling, pay attention to changes in Capital Gains Tax requirements. It’s always something, right?)

Creations

Things to do, things to do! First, of course, there’s my monthly Beautiful Balloons column. I’ll need to enter all those deadlines on my iPad.

Then, there’s an occasional blog entry on my own website — and I’d like to change “occasional” to “frequent.”

And I’ve taken on another monthly gig. (Yes, more on this later.)

Celebrations

A couple of years ago, daughter Valerie grabbed the chance to get together again with buddy Michael Davis, whom she hadn’t seen for more than a decade. What long-term friend might you see again at a comics event this year?

Will the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum (now at The Ohio State University, 27 W. 17th Ave. Mall, Columbus, OH 43210 www.cartoons.osu.edu) have a specific celebratory event during the year? It “is now the largest and most comprehensive academic research facility documenting printed cartoon art,” and you can get an idea of its vast resources by checking the site. But that site also notes that the hoped-for completion of its Sullivant Hall facility is this coming autumn. Soooo — party?

Geppi’s Entertainment Museum (301 W. Camden St., Baltimore, MD 21201 www.geppismuseum.com) is “a journey through 250 years of American pop culture,” and I’ve never seen anything else quite like it. It offers a lovingly prepared, decade-by-decade tour through the history of escapist fare and entertainment icons. It provides a number of special events, and those for 2013 are in the planning stages as I write this. So — party?

Oh, and let’s all remember Free Comic Book Day! It’s on May 4 in 2013, and you can keep track via www.freecomicbookday.com.

Communications

And then, of course, there’s writing and talking about what’s what in our nerdly, geekly cool world.

We’re planning what’s ahead among many, many projects on our plates at F+W Media’s Comics Buyer’s Guide, both in print and online. And I’m delighted by a project from the Adams branch F+W. It’s an ongoing endeavor to make available a variety of out-of-print pop-culture fiction. If you’re on Facebook, check out the Prologue Books page for starters!

And, while you’re on Facebook, see what’s new on the Pop Culture Happy Hour page. (As we go to press, Paste Magazine listed PCHH as one of the 10 Best Entertainment Podcasts of 2012.)

Finally, while you’re online, take a look at www.comic-con.org/toucan. Pop-culture buffs of many varieties have become so familiar with San Diego’s Comic-Con that national magazines refer to it on their covers simply as Comic-Con, but the organizers refuse to sit on their laurels. Toucan, new for 2013, is “the official blog of Comic-Con International, WonderCon & APE [the Alternative Press Expo].” And in 2013 it’ll offer weekly updates from a variety of contributors.

Of which I’m one.

My column is scheduled to appear on the site on the first Tuesday of every month starting in January — and let me note that this is the sort of project that clearly demonstrates that Comic-Con’s focus has not left comic books. As you’ll see, when you visit the site.

Maggie Thompson makes plans — and then leaves her schedule open enough to accomodate opportunities. She was delighted, for example, when Comic-Con International: San Diego gave her the chance to meet Richard Kyle. That’s the very same chap who coined the term “graphic novel” so many years before. What are your plans for 2013? Maggie’s website is www.maggiethompson.com and she Tweets as ThompsonMaggie. Oh, and check out her Toucan blog at www.comic-con.org/toucan while you’re at it!

Noted

• Peter David has been moved from the hospital to a rehab facility, a necessary step on the road to recovery from his stroke. Those wishing to send him a get-well card can do so to P.O. Box 239, Bayport, NY 11705.

• Marvel has announced another X-Men-related title for April written by Brian Wood and drawn by Oliver Coipel.

Yesterday’s Panel Quiz Answer

The Metal Master’s first line in comics was, “Even your limitless strength cannot save you from me, Hulk!” He said it on the cover of Incredible Hulk #6 (Feb 63).

Born Today

John Wellington, comics colorist

Peter Arno (1904), cartoonist

Lee J. Ames (1921), comics artist

Boris Vallejo (1941), artist

Ken Steacy (1955), comics writer and artist

James Pruett (1966), comics editor and writer

Joe Pruett (1966), comics writer and editor

Birthdays Two Weeks from Now

Robert E. Howard (1906), writer

Secret Agent X-9 (1934), comic strip

Steve Perrin (1946), comics writer

Marshall Rogers (1950), comics artist

Dennis Mallonee (1955), comics writer and publisher

Howard Mackie (1958), comics writer and editor

Mark Miraglia (1959), comics artist

Lisa Trusiani Parker (1959), comics writer

Jerry Craft (1963), comics artist

Richard D. Irving (1966), comics writer and artist

Alex Ross (1970), artist

Today’s Flashbacks

105 yrs Jan 8, 1908 Actor William Hartnell is born. He’s the first to play The Doctor in the BBC’s Doctor Who.

Events

Every Wednesday and Saturday. California: City of Industry. Comic Book & Collectible Show.

Jan 12-13 New Mexico: Albuquerque. Albuquerque Comic Con.

Jan 12-13 North Carolina: Raleigh. Toy, Hobby & Sportscard Show.

Jan 12 Indiana: South Bend. ComicCon.

Jan 13 California: Los Angeles. Comic Book & Science Fiction Convention.

Jan 13 Georgia: McDonough. Atlanta South Comic Con.

Do you have a show coming up? Let us know! You can e-mail the information to showscalendar@krause.com or mail it to Show Calendars, Comics Buyer’s Guide, 700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54945. If you have a creator appearance scheduled, let us know by e-mail to brent.frankenhoff@fwmedia.com.

Comics-related media

• Dredd and Frankenweenie are both available on home video today.

95 min. (plus extras)

Rated: PG-13

$24.98 (DVD)/$29.98 (Blu-ray)

Available January 22

Grade: 3 stars (out of 4)

Dubbed “a steampunk kung-fu throwdown,” Tai Chi Zero has quite a bit to live up to, and it doesn’t disappoint. This movie is the adrenalized lovechild of Scott Pilgrim and martial arts movies. It is that awesome.

So why not four stars? One, as with other recent Well Go USA releases, subtitles is a notable issue. Throughout the movie, many of the subtitles, including numerous lengthy sentences, are onscreen for a second or two and sometimes not even that long. Even speed readers can’t handle this while also paying attention to the action onscreen. Due to this, to completely follow the story, regular rewinding is required. Beyond that, there are some of the usual flaws that go with martial-arts movies, such as holes in the plot. Fortunately, the movie is well worth dealing with these issues.

To briefly summarize without spoilers, a young man named Yang Luchan travels to Chen Village to learn the Chen method of Tai Chi. However, the villagers — who are all very proficient in Chen fighting technique – are less than cooperative toward the eager and terminally persistent Yang. Hilarity and action galore ensue.

The action (say it!) kicks butt, the production is very well-done with no cheap-looking steampunk machinations and special effects, and the humor is consistent and solid. The excellent fighting choreography comes courtesy of martial-arts legend Sammo Hung. Altogether, director Stephen Fung has constructed a worthy addition to the genre.

Of course, perhaps you’ve heard that Tai Chi Zero is actually only half of the movie. It’s true: this one ends mid-conflict, and the credits feature the trailer for the conclusion, Tai Chi Hero. (Zero to Hero — get it?) While more moolah certainly served as one compelling reason to do this, I’m glad the producers did it that way. At 95 minutes, the complete story theoretically comes in at over 3 hours. That’s 190 minutes of largely non-stop kung-fu action. To some, that’s the promised land incarnate; to other die-hard martial-arts movie fans, that’s a lot to digest in one sitting. There are reasons that there aren’t many 3-hour movies in the martial-arts genre. That said, the sequel was released overseas in October, so look for it on video stateside in the near future.

Until then, watch Tai Chi Zero, repeatedly. Odds are you’ll pick up on things in later viewings that you missed the first time around. And if not, you still get to watch the movie more than once.

Ray Sidman is a former associate editor and longtime reviewer for Comics Buyer’s Guide. Read his reviews in CBG each month. You can read more Ray’s Reviews here.

(Image (c)2013 Well Go USA Entertainment)

Noted

• Want to help Peter David while he recovers from his stroke? Here’s how. In other news, his wife, Kathleen, reports that he took a few steps yesterday and then sat up in a chair.

• Continuing with our thread of comics-related questions from the weekend, how was your weekend? What comics did you read? Tell us in the “Leave a Reply” area below.

This Weekend’s Panel Quiz Answer

The Over-Mind’s first line in comics was, “And they never suspected a thing.” He said it in Fantastic Four #113 (Aug 71).

Today’s Panel Quiz

Whose first line in comics was “Even your limitless strength cannot save you from me, Hulk!”?

Born Today

Foxy Grandpa (1900), comic strip

Charles Addams (1912), cartoonist

Buck Rogers (1929), comic strip

Tarzan (1929), comic strip

Flash Gordon (1934), comic strip

Jungle Jim (1934), comic strip

Werner Wejp-Olsen (1938), cartoonist

Jay Lynch (1945), comics writer and artist

Kevin J. Dooley (1953), comics editor

Bob Wiacek (1953), comics artist

Karl Kesel (1959), comics artist

Aaron A. Lopresti (1964), comics artist

Heather McAdams (1967), cartoonist

Jim McCann (1974), comics writer and publicist

Baby Blues (1990), comic strip

Birthdays 2 Weeks from Now

Shannon Eric Denton, comics artist

Jim Unger (1940), cartoonist

Rich Rankin (1954), comics inker

Mark Martin (1956), comics writer and artist

Bob Weber Jr. (1957), comics artist

Bill Riling (1958), comics writer and artist

Today’s Flashbacks

75 yrs Jan 7, 1938 Cartoonist Werner Wejp-Olsen is born.

60 yrs Jan 7, 1953 Writer-editor Kevin J. Dooley is born. His editing includes stints at Amazing Heroes and DC.

60 yrs Jan 7, 1953 Writer-artist Bob Wiacek is born. He begins his comics career as one of the “Crusty Bunkers” and eventually inks for DC, Marvel, Dark Horse, and Valiant.

Events

Every Wednesday and Saturday. California: City of Industry. Comic Book & Collectible Show.

Jan 12-13 New Mexico: Albuquerque. Albuquerque Comic Con.

Jan 12-13 North Carolina: Raleigh. Toy, Hobby & Sportscard Show.

Jan 12 Indiana: South Bend. ComicCon.

Jan 13 California: Los Angeles. Comic Book & Science Fiction Convention.

Jan 13 Georgia: McDonough. Atlanta South Comic Con.

Do you have a show coming up? Let us know! You can e-mail the information to showscalendar@krause.com or mail it to Show Calendars, Comics Buyer’s Guide, 700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54945. If you have a creator appearance scheduled, let us know by e-mail to brent.frankenhoff@fwmedia.com.

Noted

• It’s the first full weekend of the new year. Have you read all the comics you got for Christmas?

Yesterday’s Panel Quiz Answer

Kanjar Ro’s first lines in comics were, “Only the combined voices of my three arch-enemies – whom you must capture for me – can free the peoples of Earth from their frozen rigidity! Now – enter the space-boat … and proceed on your mission!” He said them in Justice League of America #3 (Mar 61).

This Weekend’s Panel Quiz

Whose first line in comics was “And they never suspected a thing.”? (Answer Monday)

Born Saturday

Mark Tatulli, cartoonist (Lio)

Jack Hannah (1913), cartoonist

George Reeves (1914), actor

Russ Manning (1929), comics artist and writer

Sandy Hausler (1959), comics commentator

Born Sunday

Martin Filchock (1912), cartoonist

Artie Simek (1916), comics artist

Kay Reynolds (1951), comics editor

Bruce Douglas Patterson (1953), comics artist

Matthew Manning (1979), comics writer

Birthdays 2 Weeks from Saturday (Jan. 19)

Bernard Baily (1916), comics artist

Patricia Highsmith (1921), comics writer

Milton Schiffman (1922), former Marvel Vice-President of Production

Jack Caprio (1932), comics writer

Joe Staton (1948), comics writer and artist

Tom Yeates (1955), comics artist

Tim Townsend (1970), comics artist

Birthdays 2 Weeks from Sunday (Jan. 20)

Harold Grey (1894), cartoonist (Little Orphan Annie)

Bill Griffith (1944), cartoonist (Zippy the Pinhead)

Keith Pollard (1950), comics artist

Clay Bennett (1958), Pulitzer Prize winning editorial cartoonist

Jim Keefe (1965), comics artist

Marc Patten (1968), comics retailer, writer, publisher, and analyst

This Weekend’s Flashbacks

60 yrs Jan 6, 1953 Inker and First Comics Production Coordinator Bruce Douglas Patterson is born.

Comics-related media

• Provided the NFL playoff game doesn’t goof up the schedule, Fox’s animation block begins at 8 p.m. E.T. Sunday with new episodes of The Simpsons, followed by Bob’s Burgers, Family Guy, and American Dad!

• ABC has a new episode of Once Upon a Time at 8 p.m. Sunday night as well.

Noted

• What are your weekend comics-related plans? Let us know in the “Leave a Reply” area below.

• Part of your plans might include taking in one or more of the classic SF films Turner Classic Movies has on tap tonight. See “Comics-related media” below.

Yesterday’s Panel Quiz Answer

Doctor Doom’s first line in comics was, “With a turn of this dial, I shall destroy the four of you forever!!” He said it on the cover of Fantastic Four #5 (Jul 62).

Today’s Panel Quiz

Whose first lines in comics were “Only the combined voices of my three arch-enemies – whom you must capture for me – can free the peoples of Earth from their frozen rigidity! Now – enter the space-boat … and proceed on your mission!”?

Born Today

David Roach, comics artist

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson (1890), comics publisher

Chic Stone (1923), comics artist

Denis McFarling (1954), comics colorist

Bob Almond (1967), comics inker

Birthdays 2 Weeks from Now

Stephen DeStefano, comics writer

Martin Goodman (1908), comics publisher

Fred Bauman (1964), comics researcher

Bill Fountain (1965)¸comics artist

Friday Foster (1970), comic strip

Scott Mills (1972), comics artist

Metal Hurlant (1975), comics magazine

Today’s Flashbacks

90 yrs Jan 4, 1923 Golden Age artist Chic Stone is born. He returns to comics in the 1960s, inking Jack Kirby’s work for Marvel and working for Archie, DC, Tower, Dell, ACG, and Skywald.

25 yrs Jan 4, 1988 Roz Kirby sells several complete stories of Jack Kirby’s original art at auction.

15 yrs Jan 4, 1998 Voice artist Mae Questel dies of Alzheimer’s disease at age 89. She is best known as the voice of Betty Boop and Olive Oyl.

Comics-related media

• Turner Classic Movies has a science-fiction movie marathon starting at 8 p.m. E.T. with Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954). It’s followed at 9:30 by Tarantula (1955), The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957) at 11, and It Came from Outer Space (1953) at 12:30 a.m.

Mr. Silver Age steps back in time 50 years looking at the world of comics in 1962.

Michelle Nolan shouts out the news about Headline Comics!

Captain Comics comes back for a second helping this issue, reviewing The Art of War.

Tony Isabella reviews the year in part one of a two-part article.

Mike Baron shares his Top 10 favorite comics covers.

Maggie Thompson looks at online pop culture.

And Peter David also looks at the biggest news of 2012.

It’s all inside CBG #1698, available now at your local comics shop and through Comics+.

Convention organizers: Convention listings are free and can be e-mailed to this link or faxed to (715) 445-4087. Please indicate the publication(s) the show should be listed in in the subject line of the e-mail or on the fax.

California

Every Wed. and Sat., City Of Industry. Comic Book & Collectible Show. 19649 San Jose Ave. SH: 9am-5pm. A: Free. T: 250. Johnny, 19649 San Jose Ave., City of Industry, CA, 91748. PH: 909-444-7955.

Jan 13 Los Angeles. Comic Book & Science Fiction Convention. Shrine Auditorium Expo Center, 700 West 32nd Street. SH: 10am-5pm. A: $8., 5 & under free. PH: 818-954-8432 or info@comicbookscifi.com or www.comicbookscifi.com.

Delaware

Jan 20 Newark. Sports Card, Comic Book & Collectible Show. Aetna Fire Hall, 400 Ogletown Rd. SH: 10am-3pm. A: $2., 12 & under free. T: 50. PH: 302-983-2636 or a2zshows1@yahoo.com.

Florida

Jan 20 Orlando. Orlando Toy and Comic Con. Radisson Hotel Orlando, 1724 N Alafaya Trail. SH: 10am-5pm. A: $6. PH: 407-402-1336 or http://orlandotoyandcomiccon.com/.

Georgia

Jan 13 McDonough. Atlanta South Comic Con. Quality Inn & Suite Conference Center, 930 Hwy 155 S. SH: 11am-5:30pm. A: $5. Mario’s Comics. PH: 770-875-9048 or www.atlantasouthcomiccon.com.

Illinois

Jan 20 Gurnee. Comic Book Convention. Holiday Inn, 6161 W Grand Ave. SH: 10am-3pm. Jim Libasci. PH: 847-336-9963.

Indiana

Jan 12 South Bend. ComicCon. Comfort Suites, 52939 US 933. SH: 10am-4pm. A: Free. Alan. PH: 309-657-1599 or www.epguides.com/comics.

Iowa

Jan 19 Iowa City. Comic Convention. Travelodge, 2216 N. Dodge Street. SH: 10am-4pm. A: Free. Alan. PH: 309-657-1599 or www.epguides.com/comics.

Maryland

Jan 6 Timonium. Comic Book Show. Crown Plaza , 2004 Greenspring Dr. SH: 10am-3pm. http://clandestinecomics.com

Michigan

Jan 20 Livonia. X-Travacon. Knights of Columbus Hall, 19801 Farmington Rd. SH: 10am-4pm. Motor City Comics & Convention, Michael Goldman, 33228 W 122 Mile Rd, PMB 286, Farmington Hills, MI, 48334. PH: 248-426-8059 or info@motorcitycomiccon.com.

New Jersey

Jan 6 Wayne. Comic, Toy & Collectible Show. #1 Firehouse, 97 Parish Dr. SH: 8am-2pm. A: $2., under 12 free. T: 80. F: $30. Phil DeMario. PH: 973-726-9897 or waynenjtoyshow@aol.com or www.waynenjtoyandcollectiblesshow.com.

New Mexico

Jan 12-13 Albuquerque. Albuquerque Comic Con. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. SH: 9am-6pm. Tall Tales Comics LLC, PO Box 1580, Socorro, NM, 87801. acomiccon@gmail.com

North Carolina

Jan 12-13 Raleigh. Toy, Hobby & Sportscard Show. State Fairgrounds, Kerr Scott Bldg., 1025 Blue Ridge Rd. SH: Sat. 9am-4pm, Sun. 10am-4pm. A: $5-$7. T: 175. Inside Pitch Promotions, Wes Starkey. PH: 540-593-3736 or wes@swva.net.

Jan 20 Charlotte. Charlotte MiniCon. Grady Cole Center, 310 N Kings Dr. SH: 11am-5pm. Heores Aren’t Hard to Find, 1957 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC, 28204. PH: 704-375-7462.

Texas

Jan 5-6 Dallas. North Texas Comic Book Show. Doubletree by Hilton, 2015 Market Center Blvd. SH: Sat. 9:30am-5pm, Sun. 9:30am-4pm. A: $7. info@comicbooksdallas.comhttp://comicbooksdallas.com

Ontario

Jan 6 Ottawa. Sports Card and Comic Book Show. Jim Durrell Recreation Centre, Walkie Albion Park. SH: 10am-3pm. Capital Trade Shows, Mike. PH: 613-823-1837 or mrq@rogers.com.