Sun 11/30 @ 2 – 7pm
Kick-off party: Sat 11/29 @ 7pm
“If you’re afraid, don’t do it. If you’re doing it, don’t be afraid!”
― Genghis Khan
Tough, irreverent, and funny, comics are the cool kids of the art world. The ones everybody loves to hang out with. On Sun 11/30 at the Lake Erie Building you can do just that at the sixth annual Genghis Con.
Like the Great Khan born clutching a blood clot, the artists at this event grab life by the balls.
“Just like last year and the year before, Genghis Con attendees can expect a room full of the top cartoonists and zinesters from Cleveland and the Rust Belt at large,” co-organizer and exhibitor Kevin Czapiewski explained. “These artists, including local mainstays like Derf, John G and Jake Kelly, will be selling their self-published and small press work ranging from comics, graphic novels, personal zines, illustrations portfolios and poetry.”
Like its notorious namesake, Genghis Con is revered in its own territory. With artists traveling from Pittsburgh to Chicago, the region will be rife with tales, artwork, and dialogue about the nature of comics, storytelling, and the small press print medium.
Harvey Pekar collaborator (and his widow) Joyce Brabner will be there with her new book Second Avenue Caper about the early days of the AIDS epidemic. Minicomic visionary John Porcellino will return with his Spit and a Half distro, selling work on behalf of some of the most critically acclaimed comic artists. Comics Are Go! will even host a special live podcast during the event, bringing a bit of the con to the multitudes.
“It’s a great opportunity to get a snapshot of the creative activity happening in our city, to meet your favorite cartoonist or to discover your new favorite,” Czapiewski said.
Like the Mongol leader conquering neighboring nations, the event has expanded over the years. Formerly held at the Beachland Ballroom, the new Screw Factory digs allows for more exhibitors, larger table space, and free entry.
“The growth of the show has really been on the strength of the work it brings together,” Czapiewski explained. “This is something that not only people in Cleveland want to see, but also more artists want to be a part of. We’ve been spreading the word about the show and catching people’s attention and working to make it easier to attend (like moving from Saturday to later in the day on Sunday). Other than that, just making sure that everyone has a really good time and wanting to come back the following year.”
Root Café will provide coffee and the Barrio food truck will be parked outside to feed the hungry masses.
Join the raid at Genghis Con, Sun 11/30, from 2-7pm at The Lake Erie Building, 13000 Athens Ave. in Lakewood. For more information, including a list of exhibitors, visit: http://thegenghiscon.com.
Kickoff party, Sat 11/29, 7pm at Mahall’s 20 Lanes, featuring screenings of Draw Hard, Turnstyle Film’s new documentary about local legend and Genghis Con co-founder John G, and Root Hog or Die, a documentary about John Porcellino’s 25 year career in comics, with a Q&A following. For more information, visit: https://facebook.com/events.
Hollie Gibbs has a BS in journalism from Kent State University and studied photography at School of the Visual Arts in Manhattan. Her articles and photographs have appeared in numerous local and national publications. She can also be found playing guitar with various bands and building life-size monster props.
Lakewood, OH 44107
Lakewood, OH 44107