HeroesCon to reconvene at Charlotte Convention Center in 44th year
In taking its name literally, the Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find comic book store will once again bring together artists and enthusiasts for Charlotte’s annual comic book convention this weekend in uptown — its 44th year.
Beginning Friday and going until Sunday, HeroesCon attendees will get the chance to meet prolific comic book writer and artist John Romita Jr., get a look at an original copy of Superman’s first issue from 1938 in Action Comics, or show off their cosplay.
Romita, best known for creating “Kick-Ass” and his work in Marvel and DC Comics, spoke with The Charlotte Observer ahead of the convention in 2024, calling HeroesCon “top notch.” A big part is because of Shelton Drum, the owner of the Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find comic bookshop on Pecan Avenue and who started organizing the convention in 1982.
“Shelton treats people very well,” Romita said in 2024. “If he didn’t do as good a job as he did, then the word of mouth wouldn’t spread. And it’s become a large show, and I think that is a testament to him and to the city.”
The convention is held at the Charlotte Convention Center on South College Street.
This year, Vincent Zurzolo, president of Metropolis Collectibles and ComicConnect, will be attending the convention with his copy of Action Comics #1, better known as the debut of Superman. Zurzolo’s company brokered a $15 million sale of the comic, a news release from Zurzolo said.
“Metropolis/ComicConnect will be found at booths #1364 and #1463, ready to talk to buyers as well as collectors who wish to sell their comic books,” the news release said. A map of the convention’s layout can be found on the HeroesCon website.
Jeph Loeb, known for his work on DC Comics’ Batman as well as Marvel’s television shows, will make his first appearance at HeroesCon, the convention’s website says.
Whether bouncing from table-to-table, meeting comic book artists and writers, or buying art and collectibles, attendees will have a litany of shopping options.
There’s also programming planned across the weekend, including a cosplay catwalk for people to show off their work, an X-Men improv show, and panels where people can learn to draw Star Wars characters or hear discussions about disability representation in comics. A list of programming is on the HeroesCon website.
Those interested in purchasing tickets can find them on the convention website or purchase them at the door.
