TEEN TITANS #1 (Oct 1996)
DC Comics

We attended the first Midwest Comic Book Fans show Spring Fling Comic Book Show at Mermaid Entertainment & Event Center, Mounds View, Minnesota, today, May 15th, 2021.

To give you a little background, Midwest Comic Book Fans came out of the ashes of Midwest Comic Book Association (MCBA). It all started with the passing of organizer Nick Post in 2014, and the MCBA organization had an identity crisis, after re-branding itself as MSP Comicon… which sounded like a good idea, as it sounds like San Diego Comicon and to better compete with Wizard World Minneapolis and MN Fan Fest. I’ve mentioned in the past that I absolutely hated the “MSP Comicon” name, and locally, everybody referred to the shows as Springcon and Fallcon anyway… so what was the point?

The remaining organizers at the Midwest Comic Book Association decided to retire and left it to the remaining volunteers. They had a vote and reformed as simply Midwest Comic Book Fans.

MCBF’s main goal is to bring back Springcon and Fallcon, and its original goal of keeping the shows affordable. This is awesome, as one of my biggest complaint about the previous former shows, was that it was expensive ($15 was the price of admission that I paid on the last show) for what it offered. For that price, I wanted a good comic book panels, I want to see non-local artists, etc.

Based on what we saw at “Spring Fling Comic Book Show”, I think they are on the right track! The $5 admission fee was the right price for this kind of one-room show. There were about 15 local dealers, mostly dealing with comic books (some had toys and the usual convention-related things).

Artists

There was a small section for artists, as you can see from the photo, local legend Dan Jurgens (Superman), Gordon Purcell (Star Trek: The Last Generation), and Ale Garza (Deadpool), had a table. The flyer (complete with the wrong zip code), did not advertise Jurgens, as there were several fans who were surprised to see him there. In fact, if I had known he was going to be there, I would’ve definitely brought some books for him to sign (even though I’ve met Jurgens and got his autographs numerous times).

Anyway, the turnout for this show was so good that there was a long line of people trying to get in the room (since there was a capacity cap). I think there was a number of factors why there was such a large turnout… one of which is perhaps people were just itching to get back to normal conventions and shows (now that many people are vaccinated). Also, I think the price is right, a show like this should be $5 or less.

I think my biggest complaint is that it was just too small, especially with the capacity limit. If you were collecting comics, this kind of show is good for looking and buying. Prices are about what you would expect, not too overpriced, but not exactly great deals either… but it might be cheaper than what’s on eBay.

Overall, a good start. I’m very interested in checking out their next show… which I am assuming will be Fallcon.

MAESTRO: WAR & PAX #1 (20 Jan 2021)
Marvel Comics

Maestro: War & Pax will be collected in a trade paperback for July 2021, courtesy of the latest Marvel Previews #11 (May 2021).

The book uses George Perez's art on its "recap page art".

THE GENTLEWOMAN #23 (UK) (Spr/Sum 2021)
Top Publishers

Scarlett Johansson is featured in The Gentlewoman #23 (Spr/Sum 2021).

In the photoshoot by Inez & Vinoodh, you can clearly see George Perez's Black Widow art from Marvel Fanfare #10.

FETISH CON 2022 (11-14 Aug 2022)
St. Petersburg, Florida

Excerpt:

What are your plans for the future George? Are there any new projects up your sleeve that your fans might be interested in? And will you be attending any conventions where people can come and meet you?

GPz: “I’m taking it very easy at the moment, doing very little work due to some well-documented issues regarding my eyesight. A heart attack has also curtailed my public appearances for a while. Thankfully, my royalty income is such that I can afford not to work, so life is quite good and it’s great to draw for the simple enjoyment of it. I’ll make Fetish Con 2022 though. It will do my heart good”.

George Perez will be appearing as Special Master of Ceremonies at Fetish Con 2022, August 11-14, 2022 in St Petersburg, FL.

LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES: BEFORE THE DARKNESS Vol 2 (25 Jan 2022)
DC Comics

Experience the Legionnaires' far-flung adventures leading up to the great darkness saga!

The second volume of the Legionnaire's incredible run is here!

Discover the answers to these intriguing mysteries in Legion of Super-Heroes: Before the Darkness, an astonishing collection of action-packed episodes from acclaimed talents Gerry Conway, Paul Kupperberg, E. Nelson Bridwell, J.M. DeMatteis, Jim Janes, Steve Ditko, Jim Sherman, Frank Chiaramonte, Dave Hunt, and more! This second and final volume collects The Legion of Super-Heroes #272-283, The Best of DC: Blue Ribbon Digest #24.

CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS LITHOGRAPH (2000)
Warner Brothers

This is a rare vintage original 2000 WB Warner Brothers Store INVITATION CARD AND ENVELOPE, and it was designed to advertise a signed appearance by legendary artist ALEX ROSS. When unfolded, the invitation card measures about 14 inches at it's widest, and it shows the world-famous image of the DC Comics "Crisis on Infinite Earths" artwork that Alex Ross created with fellow artist George Perez

MARVEL SUPER HEROES ADVENTURE GAME: GAME BOOK (1998)
TSR

This is the description of Wanda from the Marvel Super Heroes Adventure Game from 1998. Some unfortunate wording aside, it’s a good description of Wanda circa ‘98.

I’ve said similar things on this blog before (though, I can’t remember where), but it’s worth repeating.

TEEN TITANS GO! SEASON 7 (Jan 2021)
Cartoon Network

Details courtesy of @CNschedules

5/29 9a - Marv Wolfman and George Pérez (the two creators must pitch an idea for the new Teen Titans in 24 hours)