5/30-6/1: Indy PopCon 2014 in Indianapolis, IN
The inaugural Indy PopCon is taking place from Friday, May 30 to Sunday, June 1 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. Boasting over 200,000 square feet of space, Indy PopCon is aiming to be a flashpoint of comics, gaming, pop culture and more, with a special emphasis on creators and self-publishing. Programming includes writing and art workshops, Q&As, cosplay, and panels such as "Comics in the Classroom" and an "Indie Comics Roundtable." comics guests include Kevin Eastman, Norm Breyfogle, Larry Hama, Joe Staton, and Ben Templesmith. Single day tickets are $20-25, three-day tickets are $45, and VIP passes start at $100 (children under 10 get in free). The Indiana Convention Center is located at 100 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46225.
5/31: Interesting Drug Launch Party in Ann Arbor, MI
Join writer Shaun Manning and celebrate the debut of his and illustrator Anna Wieszczyk's new original graphic novel, Interesting Drug (Archaia), with a signing on Saturday, May 31 at 7 p.m. at Vault of Midnight in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The book centers on Andrew Smith, a scientist looking for redemption who is visited by an enigmatic time traveler who helps him create Chro-Noz, a drug that allows its users to relive any time in their life. But the drug turns out to be so popular that it invites a host of problems for Andrew and he begins to doubt the time traveler's motives. This event is free to the public. Vault of Midnight is located at 219 S. Main St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104.
5/31-6/1: Long Beach Comic Expo in Long Beach, CA
Long Beach Comic Expo has expanded to two-days of comic book and pop culture festivities and is taking place on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1 at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center in Long Beach, California. Programming includes panels and workshops such as "Coloring for Comics," "How to Get More Freelance Work, "Heores R Us," and "The Art & Science of Writing Comics," creator spotlights, cosplay competitions, portfolio reviews, laser tag and more. Comics guests include Len Wein, Marv Wolfman, Todd Nuack, Barbara Randall Kesel, Mike Kunkel, Gerry Conway, Joshua Hale Fialkov, Whilce Portacio, David Baron, BATT, Brian Buccellato, Tim Bradstreet, Dustin Nguyen, and Norm Rapmund. Single day tickets are $10-15, weekend passes are $20, and Hero Initiative packages are $100, $150. The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center is located at 200 S. Pine Ave., Long Beach, CA 90802.
5/31-6/1: Chicago Alternative Comics Expo in Chicago, IL
Support and enjoy independent comics at the Chicago Alternative Comics Expo (CAKE) on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 6 at the Billy Jean King Recreation Center in Chicago, Illinois. CAKE has established itself as one of the best conventions for fostering creator-driven talent and community with a slate of underground and alternative comics happenings and creators. Programming includes panels such as "Evolution of an Artist," "Sequential Story Yelling," "24 Panels a Second," and "Magikomix, Queer Comics and Visionary Cartooning," professional workshops, and live readings. Guests include Anya Davidson, Tony Millionaire, Sam Alden, Michael DeForge, Chris Eliopoulos, Lucy Knisley, Luke Pearson, Noah Van Sciver, and many more. CAKE is free to the public. The Billy Jean King Recreation Center is located on the 3rd floor of the Center on Halstead at 3656 N. Halstead St., Chicago, IL 60613.
