Baltimore Comic-Con was founded in 2000 by Marc Nathan, owner of Cards, Comics & Collectibles in Reistertown, Maryland. It started as a small one-day show that took place at the Sheraton Hotel in Towson.
In 2002, the show outgrew its previous venue and moved to the Baltimore Convention Center, an exhibition and convention hall located in downtown Baltimore. That same year the convention moved to a two-day event. In 2014, Baltimore Comic-Con was extended to a three-day show that lasts Friday through Sunday due to demand from exhibitors and attendees.
Each year, the convention features comic book artists and writers, publishers, merchandise vendors and charitable organizations. At Baltimore Comic-Con, attendees can purchase a wide array of pop culture-related items, including comic books, collectible items, DVDs, T-shirts, etc. Of course, the show features a lot of panel discussions with attending media guests and industry names. They present information on current and upcoming projects and industry events, discuss the past and future of the comic book industry and even share tips on how to become a part of it.
Since 2006, Baltimore Comic-Con hosts the Harvey Awards. These awards are given for outstanding achievements in the comic book industry. They were founded as a successor to the Jack Kirby Comics Industry Award and named after late Harvey Kurtzman, an American cartoonist and editor. Harvey Awards are given out in 20 categories, the winners are selected from the top five nominees by an open vote among comic book professionals.
Along with panel discussions and Harvey Awards, Baltimore Comic-Con programming includes a costume contest, exhibitions, Artists’ Alley and a whole bunch of other events that will impress any pop culture fan.
Photo: comicpow.com
