BACK TO THE GOOD OLD DAYS
Once upon a time, comic conventions were about two simple things: the creators—the artists, writers, editors, colorists who built the stories we love—and, of course, the books themselves.
Fast forward to today, and it feels like every con is trying to be a mini San Diego Comic-Con. Don’t get us wrong—San Diego is impressive. But somewhere along the way, the heart of comic conventions got buried under movie trailers, celebrity photo ops, and $500 autograph lines.
What many longtime collectors and fans miss is the soul of the hobby: digging through longboxes, discovering a hidden gem, and meeting the creators who shaped our childhoods.
Thankfully, there's a quiet movement happening.
Our friend Jason Brodnick from Little Giant Comics saw the shift years ago and decided to go back to basics. That’s why he started the Little Giant Old School Comic Show—a show that puts all the spotlight back on creators and comics. No distractions, no gimmicks. Just the good stuff.
And people are catching on.
Take this past weekend’s Empire Comic Fest. It was a small show with a big focus. Every dealer had a real comic presence, not a single booth wasted on hot sauce or root beer. No celebrity guests flying in on private jets. Just rows of comics, passionate vendors, and fans who came to hunt for treasures.
Shows like this keep the hobby accessible. They keep prices reasonable, interactions meaningful, and the energy in the room electric. A simple hotel ballroom, 25 solid dealers, free admission, and zero fluff. That’s how comic shows used to be—and should be again.
So next time you're looking for your con fix, skip the giant stadium events and find those smaller, comic-first shows. You’ll not only walk away with better deals—you’ll feel that old spark again.
