Tagged as “America’s Greatest Comic Book Convention,” the Baltimore Comic-Con celebrates its 25th year at the Baltimore Convention Center this weekend.
“Twenty-five years ago, I thought I’d put on a little comic book show in Baltimore,” penned Baltimore Comic-Con Creator Marc Nathan in this year’s convention program. “We didn’t really have anything like it in the area, and I felt like I needed a new project…Well, that ‘little show that could’ ended up looking like a pretty big show that first year, even as a one-day event. Here we are, 25 years later, and we’re still putting on the same event — it’s just scaled up considerably!”
The super-power-filled event is September 20–22 and show hours are Friday from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Baltimore Comic-Con will feature cosplay contests, celebrity appearances, and Ringo Awards.
It’s no secret that a major highlight of any comic book convention is the cosplay. People invest a lot of time and/or money to dress like their favorite characters. In partnership with Hard Rock Cafe, the convention will spotlight some of the best costumes with cosplay contests. The Adult Cosplay Contest and related appointments will take place on Saturday, while events and appointments related to the Children’s Cosplay Contest will occur on Sunday. For the first time, there is also a Cosplay Photography Contest. This is an opportunity for photographers to submit their best photographs of cosplayers. The results will be announced on Saturday, September 21 at 3:00 pm in the ballroom on the 4th floor.
In addition to contests, the Baltimore Comic-Con 2024 will also feature star-studded panels. Headlining are Aliens actors Jenette Goldstein, Daniel Kash, and Mark Rolston, who will be in attendance all three days. Fans can catch The Aliens United Panel on Saturday at 2:00 pm in Ballrooms 3–4. Chief Creative Officer and Publisher for DC Jim Lee, a world-renowned comic book artist, writer, editor, and publisher, is also returning as a guest. Lee’s extensive career includes work on X-Men, WildCATS, Batman, Superman, and more. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear him talk about his work in person and give an art demonstration during the Jim Lee Spotlight program on Saturday, September 21 from 12:00 pm to 12:45 pm in Ballrooms 3–4. Plus, Jim will gift an original sketch to one Jim Lee Fan Package ticket holder!
The Baltimore Comic Convention will also recognize talent in the industry with the 8th Annual Ringo Awards. The Mike Wieringo Comic Book Industry Awards is an annual celebration of the creativity, skill, and fun of comics. American Comics Artist Michael Lance “Mike” Wieringo (June 24, 1963–August 12, 2007), who often signed his work Ringo, is best known for his work on DC Comics’ The Flash, Marvel Comics’ Fantastic Four, and his co-creation Tellos. Award categories include Best Cartoonist, Best Series, Best Writer, Best Anthology, and more! The winners will be announced on Saturday, September 21.
To get your tickets to the convention and learn more, visit baltimorecomiccon.com.
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