Parents with children interested in comic books—or with their own love for the graphic art that they want to share with their kids—can experience all things comics together at an iconic Baltimore tradition this weekend.
Cosplayers, comic artists and fans of all things geeky and nerdy will descend upon The Baltimore Convention Center for Baltimore Comic-Con Sept. 20-22. But 2024 is a landmark year for the self-described “America’s Greatest Comic Book Convention,” as it marks its 25th anniversary.
With family friendly programming and big name characters seen on the big or small screen, Baltimore Comic-Con aims to provide an accessible introduction to comics for all ages and in doing so protects what could be seen in recent years as somewhat of a dying art.
Here’s how the popular annual event gained its footing and developed longevity for local fans.
A Reisterstown Gem
What started out as a one-day event held by an unassuming Reisterstown comic book store has expanded today into a weekend-long affair with more than 150 guests from throughout the comics and art world.
Baltimore Comic-Con first started in 2000, operating out of a rented hotel ballroom. It was originally created by Marc Nathan, who opened his business Cards, Comics & Collectibles in 1985. The comic shop’s website now cites the comic shop as the home of Baltimore Comic-Con. Nathan could not be reached for comment.
Since then, the comic book convention has grown exponentially in Baltimore.
“If you look at our first show, we hosted about a dozen comic book creators. We sold comic books and related material, and we welcomed fans in. All of those things are true today, but what’s different is the scale,” explains Brad Tree, Baltimore Comic-Con’s director of operations. “There’s also a breadth of fandom that we didn’t have back then. Today, there’s a large cosplay contingent at the show that really covers all genres, and we welcome and engage those fans to be at our show.”
Famous Faces in Baltimore
Baltimore Comic Con extended its run to a three-day event in 2014 and took up residence at the Baltimore Convention Center. Over its lifespan, its seen big names in comics appear as guests, including Stan Sakai, of “Usagi Yojimbo” fame, and “Grendel” and “Mage” creator Matt Wagner—along with other famous figures that anyone into comics or general geekery will recognize.
“I fondly recall us having Stan Lee as a guest, and spectacular lines just to meet The Man,” says Baltimore Comic-Con Executive Staffer Randy Tischler. “One time, we had Peter Mayhew [the actor who played Chewbacca in the “Star Wars” films] reach out at the eleventh hour to see if we would have him as a guest. He also had spectacular lines.”
Tree adds that he’s been able to meet Jerry Robinson, the comic artist who co-created Robin and The Joker, and Wonder Woman actress Lynda Carter at past conventions.
Some of the guests set to appear at the 25th annual Baltimore Comic-Con have been with the convention since the beginning. Comic production group Insight Studios will be making its 25th appearance at the convention, having never missed a year since Baltimore Comic-Con first started. The group even appeared during the 2020 convention, which was moved online out of concern for COVID-19. Founders Mark Wheatley and Marc Hempel, known for their comics as well as their work on projects like “Tarzan” and “Johnny Quest,” will headline the Insight Studios panel, alongside several other comics-focused creatives.
Accessible for All
Besides including characters that they know and love, the convention is also accessible to younger audiences via family-friendly programming.
At the annual Children’s Cosplay Contest and Cosplay Showcase, co-sponsored by the Hard Rock Café Baltimore, kid cosplayers ages 5 to 11 and 12 to 17 can win up to $100, with participants encouraged to make their own costumes and show off their love for their favorite comic, video game or cartoon character. There will also be a few kid-focused panels, including “Comics Aloud” and “Comics are for Kids.” Children 10 and younger are welcome free of charge when accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.
Tree says that his own sons, who are now 23 and 26, have been coming with him to Baltimore Comic-Con since they were babies. They now volunteer at the convention along with him.
“Kids love watching the cosplayers and soaking up the sights and sounds of fantasy and adventure,” he says. “I’ve seen little girls in Rey [from “Star Wars”] costumes face down Darth Vaders. They really embrace the fun and fantasy of it all.”
Unlike other media-focused conventions in the DMV, such as Otakon or MAGFest, Baltimore Comic-Con is primarily focused on comic books. But while it’s easier than ever to get into fandom, owing to the newfound popularity of “geeky” media like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it’s still tough to get into comics.
According to the trade organization ComicsPRO, sales at comic shops fell by 73% during 2023. Graphic novels and manga have become very successful, but as superhero movies and shows get more popular, companies like Marvel and DC have prioritized those over promoting their comics and making them accessible to new readers. It can also be difficult for indie comic artists to find a foothold in the industry.
Baltimore Comic-Con, with its plethora of comic artist guests, provides a fairly accessible entryway into the world of comics. Tischler says that it’s also a great place to introduce kids to comic books, as they have a section devoted to kid-friendly materials.
“Those guests offer a range and variety of material for younger readers—the kids’ comics market has really expanded, and you can find everything from early reader material to tweens/teens, [about] subjects of all kinds,” he explains.
To learn more about Baltimore Comic-Con and purchase tickets ahead of the event, visit baltimorecomiccon.com.
