Baltimore Comic-Con returned on October 22-24, 2021, for its first live show in two years. Reunion was in the atmosphere as comic creators, dealers, and attendees reconnected after missing the 2020 show due to COVID-19.

While many comic conventions have redirected to an amalgamation of pop culture, multimedia, and celebrity meet and greets with some comics thrown in, Baltimore Comic-Con is still predominately a comic book show. Many of the booths were occupied by comic dealers who had long boxes packed with low-cost back issues and the newest titles. Dealers like Cards, Comics and Collectibles, Graham Crackers Comics, Reece’s Rare Comics, Superworld Comics, and several others blanketed their display walls with Silver to Modern Age keys.

Joining the dealers were publishers, auction houses, and grading services. Publishers such as Aftershock Comics, AWA, Battlequest Comics, and Source Point Press introduced readers to their slates of titles. ComicConnect, ComicLink, Hake’s Auctions, and Heritage Auctions showed off some of the books, original art, and memorabilia they are selling in upcoming auctions and talked to potential consignors about their services. CBCS and CGC met with clients to discuss grading their books and the Hero Initiative was on hand to promote their charitable work.

Baltimore hosted a huge list of comic creators from the well established big names to the newbies hustling to get attention for their books. Creators at the show included Jason Badower (Joker/Harley), John Beatty (Marvel Super Heroes: Secret Wars), Jim Calafiore (Aquaman), Frank Cho (Liberty Meadows), Garth Ennis (The Boys), Gene Ha (Top 10), Mike Hawthorne (Deadpool), Tom King (Batman), Bob McLeod (The New Mutants), Mark Morales (Star Wars: High Republic), Jerry Ordway (Superman), Khoi Pham (The Incredible Hulk), Christopher Priest (Black Panther), Joe Quesada (The Avengers), Amy Reeder (Amethyst), Afua Richardson (Black Panther: World of Wakanda), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Jim Shooter (Secret Wars), Brian Stelfreeze (Black Panther), Peter Tomasi (Batman and Robin), Brian K. Vaughan (Saga), and Kelly Yates (Doctor Who).

Of the many things to see at the bustling three-day Baltimore Comic-Con, the Hake’s Auctions booth drew the attention of countless excited attendees. Hake’s displayed the Captain America shield hero prop used by Chris Evans in Avengers: Endgame that is offered in their current auction. Knightmage, a well known cosplayer who appears at conventions and charitable events, was at the Hake’s booth in Captain America costumes. He posed for photos with attendees and the Captain America shield. (To read an interview with Knightmage, check out our In the Limelight section.)

In addition to the comic book vendors, Baltimore Comic-Con hosted a wide variety of vendors. One booth sold themed mystery boxes filled with collectibles and apparel. Booths had prop replicas like the Tesseract and Black Panther’s necklace, swords and other weaponry, and custom-made shields bearing comic book designs. Many of the vendors sold action figures and statues with plenty of G.I. Joes and Star Wars figures loose, boxed DC and Marvel figures, and Funko Pops. The show also had a presence of craft items from little knickknacks to leather bags.

A wide selection of panels were held all weekend long. Comic artists, writers, and publishers held tutorials with burgeoning creators. Joe Quesada and Garth Ennis had spotlight panels, there was a First Comics reunion, and there was an 80 Years of Hawkman celebration.

The Kids Love Comics Pavilion hosted family-friendly activities and demonstrations where attendees learned how to draw aliens, make their own comics, and create their own animal superhero in classes taught by comic creators. Kids also attended Super Hero University where they designed their own secret identity, make a mask, cape, and emblem.

The Ringo Awards were held on Saturday night with winners determined by both comics industry pros and fans. Usagi Yojimbo was chosen as the best series of the year, James Tynion IV won best writer, Jamal Campbell was awarded best artist, Sanford Greene got best inker, Tamra Bonvillain won best colorist, and Peach Momoko was named best cover artist.

The convention was a largely positive affair, however there were complications getting into the show on Saturday morning. Baltimore Comic-Con required that all guests, vendors, and attendees be vaccinated against Covid or show proof of a negative test from within 72 hours of the con. The screening process coupled with attendees who hadn’t read the safety protocols led to a slowed down entrance process.

Collectively, it was a great show: entertaining for the attendees and successful for vendors and artists. Baltimore Comic-Con will return in 2022 on October 28-30.

Check back next week for more photos from Baltimore Comic-Con.