Memphis Comic Expo connects top comic book creators with fans

Now in its seventh year, Memphis Comic Expo continues to follow the mission set by event founder Donald Juengling and branded on the convention’s social media sites: “Creators Come First!”

Creators, in turn, appreciate the focus on actual comic books rather than comic book-inspired movies and TV shows (though writers and others working on movie and TV projects inspired by comics and genre are represented).

Past exhibits have featured comic book titans such as “X-Men” innovator Chris Claremont, “alternative” comic book titans Gilbert and Jaime Hernandez, and the late George Perez, master of the splash page of Super hero. This year’s roster will include more than 30 professionals, representing Marvel, DC, Archie Comics, Image, Dark Horse and other companies. Guests – to name three – will include Mark Waid, author of the hit DC comic book miniseries “Kingdom Come” from 1996; Rick Leonardi, co-creator of “Spider-Man 2099”; and James O’Barr, creator of “The Crow,” the 1978 comic strip that inspired a 1994 film starring the late Brandon Lee. Cartoon voice actors and professional wrestlers will also be in attendance, including Jerry “The King” Lawler and “Downtown Bruno” Lauer.

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The 2022 Memphis Comic Expo takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Agricenter International, 7777 Walnut Grove. The Expo website claims this year’s event is “our BIGGEST YEAR EVER featuring over 70,000 square feet of exhibit space with comic books, a cosplay contest, panels, vendors, voice actors, artists and writers, food, drink and more!”

Tickets are $40 per day; children 12 and under are admitted free. For more information, visit memphiscomicexpo.com.