The Graphic Side of Literature at Minnesota FallCon
Press Release
Saint Paul, MN. September 25, 2004 - For the 16th consecutive year, a celebration of a singular and unique art form will take place here in the Twin Cities. This art form is one of a handful, like jazz, recognized as being purely American in origin. It has been an effective means of generating support and national pride in times of war and crisis. It has been a platform for civil rights, equal rights for women, and education on topical, relevant social issues. It has brought compassionate attention to the problems of drug abuse, alcoholism, homelessness, and depression. It has allowed people to explore various sides of philosophical and moral questions and to draw their own conclusions. It has shown us what heroes are and how we can each be one. This art form is the graphic novel, more commonly referred to as the comic book.
The 16th annual Minnesota Comic Book Association (MCBA) FallCon Comic Book Convention is scheduled for October 9th & 10th, 2004, 10AM to 5PM both days. This year’s FallCon will take place at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, in the Education Building, at 1372 Cosgrove Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota.
“An event like FallCon showcases the creative side of the comic book industry” said Nick Post, Co-Director of the MCBA “and show that comics offer something for everyone. Including material ranging in subject matter from high-flying super-hero adventures to intense slice-of-life to crime noir to kid-friendly humor and much more.”
The two day event is an old fashioned celebration of a truly original American art-form created in the depression era as an affordable entertainment for the masses,” Nick Post continued. “In decades since, comics’ unique blend of words and pictures has grown, matured, and changed with the times, while providing us with some of the most enduring characters and stories in our popular culture.”
There will be exciting exhibits by local & national publishers, art schools, fan groups, comic book retailers, movie studios and the like, there will be appearances by Michael Jantze (The Norm), silver age giant Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, Spawn Artist Angel Medina, Mark Schultz Creator of Xenozoic tales, local Xeric Award winning artist Sam, all in all, over 100 mainstream, independent & alternative, local/regional and national comic book writers, artists, inkers and publishers will be in attendance (see www.mncba.com for a complete list).
Special events and activities will abound. Including an comic book art & collectibles show, extensive guest creator Q&A panels, a huge comic book marketplace, portfolio review, door prizes and giant grab bags, free creator autographs, live music, and much more.
In addition, this years featured charities include the Minnesota Lupus Foundation, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and the Minnesota Food Shelf. All of the charity efforts will be topped off by a charity art auction on Sunday afternoon with 100% of the proceeds going to the designated charities.
The MCBA FallCon is the largest event of its type in the entire upper Midwest and is sponsored by the Minnesota Comic Book Association an all volunteer, non-profit group dedicated to promoting the world of comic books and all of the creators who make the magic happen.
Event Name: MCBA FallCon Comic Book Convention
Event Date: October 9 & 10, 2004
Event Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Education Building
1372 Cosgrove Avenue
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Hours: 10AM to 4PM Both days.
Admission: $9.00 for adults (good for both days) with $1.00 off with a canned food shelf donation. Children 9 & under are free. Free Parking
Information: www.MNCBA.com MNCBA@aol.com
