Found at Con: Black and Brown Comic Creators from AfroComic Con

October brought a new Black-owned/operated fandom-focused convention to the Oakland, California area: AfroComicCon. At the same time that big comic/fandom conventions keep getting bigger, small local cons are popping up almost every month. There are a lot of reasons for this — local cons offer an easier access point for families and younger fans, for example, while also providing a great starting point for young talent. They also can showcase local creators and provide a way for fans to get to know and support favorites in their neighborhoods. These local cons can blow up into national events in just a few years, but the experience of being there “on the ground floor” is really special. With that in mind, I went to AfroComicCon ready to have some fun. It was a great first-year convention held in the wandering halls of a local school. In addition to all the Black comic book artists, writers, jewelry designers, painters — creators of all kinds of media — there were workshops and panel discussions held throughout the day, with yours-truly holding it down about Women in the Comics Industry with a fabulous panel. It was a great experience with all of the passion and love that a local event can bring. When I wasn’t on stage, I was buying comics and supporting my local talent. Here’s a roundup of the comics I picked up, and why you might want to download them too. Many are available on Comixology or on the creators’ websites. Valorians: Calling of the Zealots Pt. 1

Writer, Artis…