MN Comic Book Community Calendar

Introduction and Editing by Jen Bateman

Howdy, comics fans and friends! It’s a hot hot hot summer, and that’s got all of us here at the MNCBA thinking about fall — MNCBA FallCon 2025, that is!

In the meantime, we hope you’re beating the heat and enjoying some fine literature by visiting one of the many wonderful local comic book shops located here in the great state of Minnesota. They’d sure be happy to have your business!

"Peanuts" by Charles Schulz from 31 August 1952

Did you know that your local library also has lots of air-conditioned activities to help you get the most out of the summer while staying cool? Check out the program listings for Ramsey County, Hennepin County, and Washington County.

WHAT’S NEWS

MNCBA FallCon 2025 applications are now open for all creators and vendors, including non-comic artists, illustrators, writers, and others!

Our volunteers have already begun working on the Grandstand floor plan. We are excited to announce that our Panel Room will be moving to the second floor of the Grandstand so that we can bring you even MORE creators, vendors, and fun! In addition to the central staircase, signage directing attendees to the Grandstand’s elevators will be in place to ensure our Panel Room is accessible to all.

Jen Bateman and Eric Childs at MNCBA SpringCon 2025

We are also hoping this move will help to improve the quality of our panel videos, which are available on our YouTube channel in the weeks following an event. We are aware that background noise and audio quality have been an issue, and we are working on improvements in those areas as our budget allows.

The Cosplay Team is putting the finishing touches on our updated contest categories and rules for MNCBA FallCon 2025. Watch for an announcement on MNCBA social media accounts later this month when updates are posted!

Last but certainly not least, a big welcome to Nick Palodichuk, our newest member of the MNCBA Newsletter Team! In addition to being a frequent creator exhibitor at MNCBA events, Nick is host of the St. Paul Filmcast.

Nick Palodichuk at MNCBA FallCon 2024

Nick will be sharing his analysis and reviews of comic book movies here in every issue. Join the conversation by sharing your own thoughts about these comic book movies with us on any of the MNCBA social media accounts!

WHAT’S GOIN’ ON IN THE TWIN CITIES

Legendary comic book penciller Paul Pelletier, known for his incredible work on G.I. Joe, Aquaman, Guardians of the Galaxy, and more, will be signing at Most Wanted Comics on August 9th. Visit the Most Wanted website for details.

Insert Name Zine Fest is coming on 23-24 August 2025 in Minneapolis, MN.

2D Con is coming on 22-24 August 2025 in Bloomington, MN.

Pulitzer-Prize winning cartoonist Ann Telnaes will speaking at the Cowles Auditorium, University of Minnesota Twin Cities West Bank Campus on 30 September 2025. Visit the Silha Center website for details.

Use this link to submit your news or event to us.

“BECOMING A VENDOR” by Stephen Henninger

If you collect for long enough, you may eventually consider selling your comics, toys, or collectibles. The reasons for deciding to sell are many, but the most common are usually because you have run out of space to store everything, you no longer collect a particular item or series, or — most often — to make a few bucks.

In this article, I will share some suggestions for how to make your experience becoming a vendor successful and fun. The first thing you must decide is if you will be selling along with a friend — a topic that could be an article on its own. I will focus on being a solo vendor, because that is how I did it.

The next obvious question is: Where do you want to sell?

I started by doing small shows. The table or space fees are lower, and it gives you a chance to have a test run before you invest more into a space fee at a larger show. One rule of thumb I use to judge the success of a show is that 10% of sales are equal to or more than my expenses, excluding the cost of inventory.

Basically — if I paid $100 for a space and made $1000 or more — I considered that a successful show. For the collector doing shows once in awhile, this is probably a safe formula. If you want to get more serious about it, you will have to get more serious about your bookkeeping and long-term goals as well.

There are other benefits to vending at a show besides sales. For established vendors and brick-and-mortar stores, your booth is an opportunity to advertise your business to new customers, as well as network with other vendors. Building name recognition and a positive reputation is an important part of long-term success.

Pricing your inventory is probably the most difficult part of becoming a vendor. I always check several sources. When using eBay, only check completed sales, but also pay attention to how many sold and the cost of shipping, especially if it is a large item. Price everything before the show; if possible, well before.

Remember, you always can come down in price, but you can’t go up.

Stephen Henninger at his former booth in Main Drag Vintage and Collectibles, North Saint Paul.

Have a good idea of what your space will look like in advance of setting up at a show. The most common tables provided for vendors are 8ft x 30in folding tables. If you have an 8ft table at home, you can stage your display and have it planned out beforehand. Don’t forget your tablecloth and under-table storage bins!

Have decent signage for your boxes as well as dividers separating series as much as possible. Most vendors have a “comic wall” for their wall books. YouTube has a lot of DIY videos on how to make them. Be sure to take into consideration how you will transport it, and how easy it is to put up and take down.

On the day of the show, arriving as early as possible and setting up as fast as possible is in your best interest. A lot of business is done between vendors, especially in the morning, so the sooner you are set up the better.

Have plenty of change for cash sales, and for cards have at least Venmo and PayPal. PayPal and other platforms have card readers available for purchase, which is not a necessity in the beginning, but will be needed as your business grows. You don’t want to miss out on a sale because you can’t accept the payment.

Also have plenty of bags, for all the products you are going to sell!

Most importantly, make friends with your fellow vendors, because that is the best part of doing this. Not only is fellowship important, but they may help you buy/sell, and vice versa.

“LOCAL SHOP SPOTLIGHT: DREAMHAVEN BOOKS & COMICS” Interview by Shawn Bramanti, Written by Sehee Snead

On April 1, 1977, Greg Ketter opened Star*Lite Books as one of the first few comic book stores to open in Minnesota. After undergoing several name changes and relocations over the years, DreamHaven Books & Comics remains one of the oldest comic shops in the Twin Cities. They describe themselves as specializing in “new and used science fiction, fantasy, horror, film and media books, comics, and graphic novels.” Their ever-changing selection includes Adventure Books, Pulp Magazines, horror, vintage paperbacks, used and rare books, toys, Beat and Underground materials, LGBTQ+ publications, and more.

Exterior of DreamHaven Books & Comics in Minneapolis. Photo by Sehee Snead.

Greg was kind enough to meet with us for a sit-down interview in his shop! Surrounded by stacks of comic books, toys, and movie reference props, the following reflects moments from the interview. Greg was the original and sole owner who built DreamHaven into what it is now. He described the comic book scene in the Twin Cities back in the 1970’s and remembers Dave Mruz, who would host comic conventions in his backyard from his own collection.

“I remember buying my first issue — Famous Monsters #1 from the 7th Street Schinder’s bookstore. My parents drove me over there when I was 16 and I’m amazed that they actually went to Minneapolis cause they hated the driving to downtown. But I bought it there for $25. They thought I was crazy.”

Lifesize props and masks at DreamHaven Books & Comics in Minneapolis. Photo by Sehee Snead.

“I was selling comics 5 years before I owned the store. I would go to the conventions, I sold some through the mail and at flea markets. My dad would have to drive me because I didn’t actually drive.” Then in the early 1970’s Comic City opened up in Minneapolis and I was there. It was exciting because that was the first storefront that had mostly comics. So, I immediately fell in love with that idea. I’ve always liked the big Minnesota State Fairgrounds Comic Book Conventions, now run by the MNCBA. The new shows are much more comic-centric and I like that. I’ve always been a comics fan.”

“I have wondered after almost 50 years as a storefront retailer what I mean to the community. Until they come in here and say ‘I’ve never seen this before.’ We try to put together things that we like, in one place, for people to come in and actually look and see what there is out there.”

Overflowing bookshelves at DreamHaven Books & Comics in Minneapolis. Photo by Sehee Snead.

“We are always looking for old print books for people. Taking orders from our customers for new stuff that we don’t know about. Somebody tells us about a book and we will look it up. We do a lot of special orders. For stuff that’s not comics or science fiction.”

DreamHaven Books & Comics serves as a fun shop of wonders as you browse for books, comics, or collectibles, because it is a living history lesson that reflects 50 years of being involved in the comic book community as a local comic book shop in the Twin Cities. So, come check out this unique spot and don’t forget to take pictures on the Captain Marvel Bench!

Together on the Captain Marvel bench at DreamHaven Books & Comics in Minneapolis.

DreamHaven Books & Comics
Where: 2301 E. 38th St., Minneapolis, MN 55406
When: Monday through Saturday 12:00PM – 6:00PM (Closed Sunday)
https://dreamhavenbooks.com/

“FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS” Review by Nick Palodichuk

Film Review Courtesy of St. Paul Filmcast

Stan Lee along with Marvel’s original publisher, Martin Goodman felt that adding bombastic adjectives to their comic book titles would help boost sales to kids and assist to differentiate characters in their world; the idea most certainly paid off. Both also felt that a team of superheroes would suffice when they started to introduce original superheroes, because at DC, their biggest selling was a team of superheroes of their own — The Justice League.

Cover of "The Fantastic Four" #1

Naturally, the family blend of the Storms and Richards, was forged. And Marvel still being Marvel in the Silver Age had to incorporate a monster in the team as well, The Thing. Ergo, The Fantastic Four was born — forged during the time in which space exploration was part of the American consensus. No doubt the production team behind this film are familiar with it, and also very familiar with the tone and theme of The Fantastic Four that fans came to adore. For the first time they finally got The Fantastic Four, right. Absolutely right, including the villains. Nostalgia for a time that wasn’t, but was in the Marvel world is the smartest decision to go with. It is the best Fantastic Four film since Roger Corman’s unreleased 1994 version.

Coming in hard with a great music score and outstanding production design Fantastic Four: First Steps is a fantastic ride. Costuming needs to be appreciated also. All three of those elements of the film are probably going to get some kinds of Academy nominations, for one or all three. It is the purest comic book movie Marvel Studios, and very faithful to The Fantastic Four of the comics and the cartoon. Much like the new Superman film we are getting a comic book superhero movie, not a movie based on a comic book. It isn’t a film that will be a darling for the film critics, but will be in the hearts of many of the fans. It’s a great blend of comedy and drama. It knows when to be fun and when to be serious. Although The Fantastic Four have an array of villains to battle, its most delicate conflict has always been their conflicts and differences between them. The film handles both flawlessly but not digging deeper, rather keeps most of it above the surface. What absolutely works is the chemistry of actors. You are convinced it is them.

"Fantastic Four: First Steps" Promotional Image

There is plenty there to enjoy a rewatch and countless others after. For its second phase Marvel Studios has been struggling and I feel one of the reasons is that it didn’t have the capability to incorporate The Fantastic Four in phase one. For Marvel fans seeing the emergence of its superheroes in the absence of them felt like a huge void. Now that they have the right tone and temperament it will be great to include them in future Marvel films. It’s hard not to say but Fantastic Four: First Steps is just…. fantastic. 8/10

EDITOR’S NOTES AND KUDOS

Congratulations to the 2025 Eisner Award Winners from the MNCBA!

Until next time, see you in the funny pages!

Introduction and Editing by Jen Bateman

An amazing MNCBA SpringCon 2025 is in the books! Attendance and energy were both hoppin’ for our return to the MN State Fairgrounds Education Building last month. Panel videos should be up on our YouTube channel soon, and we can’t get enough of the great feedback we’ve been hearing from all of you.

MNCBA SpringCon 2025 Volunteers (Left to right: Sehee, Melanie, CJ, and AJ!)

We especially appreciate all the wonderful comments about our new volunteer vests from attendees and exhibitors alike — how helpful they were, and easy to find. A hearty THANK YOU to all the volunteers who make MNCBA events possible!

Visit this page if you’re interested in becoming an MNCBA volunteer.

MNCBA SpringCon 2025 also had a surprise visit from the 2025 Saint Paul Vulcan Krewe! (They’ll be a little quieter if they visit us again, we promise!) Vulcanus Rex LXXXVII knighted legendary comic creators Dan Jurgens and Gordon Purcell, as well as two of our volunteers, “Old Steve” Borer and Jen Bateman.

Saint Paul Vulcans Krewe at MNCBA SpringCon 2025

The Cosplay Contest has returned to MNCBA shows, and as always, we are continually looking for ways to improve and grow MNCBA events while keeping them focused on comic books and the diverse, authentic people who create comics. More than ever, we believe in the importance of sharing human stories, and facilitating a connection between the real-life human beings reading and creating them.

We’ll be back at the Grandstand soon for MNCBA FallCon 2025!

WHAT’S NEWS

The MNCBA Archive underwent upgrades and updates recently to make it more mobile-device-friendly. Watch for us to continue adding current photos, along with archival materials and memories from the past, as time allows.

We continue to add more information to our website; you can now learn more details about our food drive, panel programming, and kids’ crafts activities.

MNCBA FallCon 2025 planning is already in progress. Creator, vendor, and community applications are all open. Spaces are going fast, so don’t delay! Jen is working seven days a week to create and post exhibitor promos, so that everyone has as much time as possible to publicize their appearance at the event.

MNCBA FallCon 2025 Flyer Featuring Artwork by Mark Stegbauer

MNCBA FallCon 2025 T-shirts featuring “Shortbox the Squirrel” artwork by longtime MNCBA exhibitor Mark Stegbauer are available exclusively online in our TeePublic shop. We now have a merch table at our events (located at the entrance next to the Information Table) where you can purchase our tie-dye MNCBA logo T-shirts as well as colouring books, posters, buttons, and stickers.

WHAT’S GOIN’ ON IN THE TWIN CITIES

Most Wanted Comics has moved to a new location at 3701 West Old Shakopee Road Suite 600, Bloomington, MN 55431. You’ll find all the best local comic book shops in Minnesota on our freshly-updated MN Comic Shops Directory.

CONvergence 2025: That’s How We Roll is happening this weekend, 3-6 July, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Minneapolis, MN. Say “Hi!” to Chris Jones!

Insert Name Zine Fest is coming on 23-24 August 2025 in Minneapolis, MN.

2D Con is coming on 22-24 August 2025 in Bloomington, MN.

Use this link to submit your news or event to us.

“MORE THAN JUST CONVENTIONS” by Mister J aka Trevor Olson

Over a decade ago, I went to a thrift shop and pieced together a Joker costume for a Halloween party. I had always enjoyed comics, and I don’t think there has been a Halloween where I haven’t dressed up as something; usually on the scary side.

I had no idea Minnesota had any comic conventions until someone at The Source told me about MNCBA SpringCon. I was pretty excited, and really wanted to go in costume — so I pulled the Joker out of my closet and started working on my performance. I entered the costume contest and won “Best Male Costume,” which was a giant boost for me in confidence and motivation to improve.

I had so much fun! Many of the other costumers I met have remained lifelong friends. After all these years, I’m still having fun and still striving to be better.

MNCBA SpringCon 2025 Cosplay Contest winners. Videography by AJ Larson.

When the MNCBA decided to restart the costume contest, I was thrilled to be involved and help. It feels special to me to be a part of an organization and contest that has been such a big part of my life. It’s a pretty intimidating undertaking, and I’m glad Nick Kaufman is there to Captain the ship.

With four categories in addition to it being the first year back, it was fantastically fun. I was amazed — especially at our novice category! From handmade, to thrifted, to store-bought costumes, many people gave them their own special touch and were justifiably proud of their work. A handmade Magneto costume from X-Men ’97 won one category, and you could see how much the recognition was appreciated.

I’m glad costuming is back at MCBA. SpringCon and FallCon are more than just conventions; they are communities where people become friends and grow together. I know that this will get bigger and better, more polished, and even more fun. I’m already looking forward to what costumes people will wear at FallCon this year.

I hope you are, too!

“WHAT THE HECK ARE ZINES?” by Sehee Snead

Back when I did the February issue on Odd Mart, I made sure to stop by and browse around — enamored by the quirky fun things they held there. While there, I discovered something “new” for myself, and that was zines.

“What the heck are zines?” I pondered.

Admittedly, I had assumed zines were created by amateur comic book artists. Many of them I flipped through had a handmade feel, with sketches and handwritten dialogue covering the pages. In a way, zines felt more intimate than a regular comic book, and I quickly became intrigued.

Zine Club at Hosmer Library

That is how I found myself, a few months later, attending my local library’s monthly Zine Club event. I had zero clue as to what I was walking into, but what better way to learn more about something you’re unfamiliar with than to fully immerse yourself in it? The club stated that this was open to all adults, with no experience required. Materials would be provided to make your own zine.

“Make your own zine, a do-it-yourself publication that knows no bounds.”

And what a wonderful experience!

I had the opportunity to meet three club members who had varying experiences and styles with zines. The first was host of the Zine Club, which is part of the many activities offered through Hennepin County Libraries. They utilize the typewriter to help create more informational guide-type zines.

“Hair” by Yolow Zines

The second was a long-time zine creator and artist who had her start in the zine community due to a pickling business she had. She grew up admiring and reading zines, but never thought she could be someone who could create one until she gave it a shot and realized she was capable. She generously gave everyone a copy of her most recent work, “Hair,” which is available at the Hosmer Library.

The third was also a long-time zine creator. His style revolved around piecing images together. I got to see a glimpse of the process, but he was so focused on his craft that I didn’t want to disturb him. I hope the next time I join, that I get the chance to learn more about his style of art and the lore behind why he got into zines.

Overall, my experience with the Zine Club went great! I made my first-ever zine (pictured below) and the club members were more than enthusiastic for me.

Jared by Sehee Snead

As someone who did not grow up around comic books and zines, I find myself appreciative and in awe of how supportive and friendly the community is. I like the creative outlet and freedom zines allow — and how they are mainly independently published. I also learned that zines covering topics such as ethics, personal stories, and informational guides can be checked out and viewed at many libraries.

The Zine Club will definitely see me again as I attempt to create more. If you’re reading this, then this is a sign for you to get into zines as well! Whether it is to read one or to create one, I hope you can join me on this newfound endeavor.

“THE UPC HACK” by Matt Walkosz

Need a quick trick to help you identify whether the comic book you’re about to pay big money for is indeed a first print? Give a glance at the UPC box on the cover and that will tell you more than you’d think. Fair warning — this will only work with issues printed from about 1993 up to current books.

Before then, comic book UPC codes were simpler with fewer digits.

Modern comic book UPC codes have seventeen digits, but we are interested in the last five. These will normally be separated from the first twelve digits, and sitting above a secondary bar code. Go ahead and grab any nearby modern comic book and follow along. Of those last five, the first three digits are the issue number.

Comic Book UPC, Example One: Issue Number

Have a number one book? It will read “001.” See “250” and that is issue #250. There are a few books now that have crossed the one-thousand issue mark; mainly Action Comics and Detective Comics. Because there are only three digits, those books have restarted at “001” in the code.

So issue #1097 of Detective would read “097” in the UPC.

To know what printing you have, look to the fifth digit. “1” is a first printing. Congratulations, you have a genuine potentially valuable collector’s item on your hands! “2” is second printing, and so on. To go beyond two printings is rare, but it can happen with extremely popular issues.

Comic Book UPC, Example Two: Printing Number

Reprints might be marked as such elsewhere on the cover, or use differently colored artwork, but reading the UPC is the surest way to know.

The fourth digit tells us whether that book has the regular cover or a variant cover. “1” will be the regular cover, any other number and it is a variant. Many big publisher books have two or three variants. This does pose a complicating factor if the book has more than ten variants, as that number can override the fifth digit normally reserved for printing edition.

Comic Book UPC, Example Three: Cover Number

Star Wars #1 released by Marvel Comics in 2015 had over sixty variant covers. However, the reprints all used color variations of the regular cover. For issues such as these, doing some additional research will be best practice. Good luck!

Remember, this is not investment advice. Not all first printings are valuable. Always do your research before purchasing a comic book for more than cover price!

EDITOR’S NOTES AND KUDOS

Please keep creator Mark Stegbauer and his family in your thoughts and prayers; Mark recently lost his mother after her long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

MNCBA SpringCon 2025 hosted “Pat’s Final Sale” (an ongoing joke for those who knew Pat) selling comics and collectibles donated by the estate of Pat Gruber to benefit the MNCBA. Pat’s estate has requested that the final amount raised remains private, but we are happy to share that this week a $1000 donation was made to Harvest from the Heart in Pat’s memory. Thanks to all who participated.

The MNCBA SpringCon 2025 Charity Auction brought in $1680, which will be split evenly between the MNCBA and the Hero Initiative. Thank you to everyone who donated items and/or bid in the spring auction for making that possible.

MNCBA President Jen Bateman has been nominated for a 2024 NCS Divisional Reuben Award for their autobiographical webcomic, Behind the 8-Ball.

Animal Pound by Tom King and MNCBA SpringCon 2025 creator Peter Gross has been nominated for an Eisner Award in the category Best Limited Series.

How Comics Are Made: A Visual History from the Drawing Board to the Printed Page, published last month by Andrews McMeel, features an interview with frequent MNCBA creator (Flash Gordon, Sally Forth) and panelist Jim Keefe.

Until next time, see you in the funny pages!

Introduction and Editing by Jen Bateman

Welcome to another edition of the MNCBA Newsletter! April is almost here, though you might not know it from the recent cold snaps. While winter weather is still lingering in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, we have been told of a few robin sightings.

…no, not that one.

The flowers may not be blooming yet, but our MNCBA volunteers have already been hard at work getting our MNCBA SpringCon 2025 flyers and posters into book and comic stores. If you would like to help spread the word, please submit a volunteer application and ask to become a part of our street team.

WHAT’S NEWS

MNCBA SpringCon 2025 exhibitor spaces are tentatively sold out, and new applications have gone to waitlist-only status while we finalize the first draft of our floor plan and confirm how much space (if any) is still available. More information about the applications can be found under the “Events” menu on our website.

Jim Keefe at MNCBA FallCon 2024. Panel Moderation by Eric Childs. Videograpy by Rusty Detty.

Last month saw major additions to the MNCBA YouTube channel. All of our panels from both 2024 events are now available to watch — and rewatch! — at your convenience. We hosted an amazing lineup including Jim Keefe, Gene Ha, Joseph Michael Linsner, Christopher Jones, and more. Don’t miss it!

We are in the beginning stages of planning our MNCBA SpringCon 2025 panel programming. If there’s a topic you’d like us to consider, or you yourself would like to participate in a panel at a future show, please share your thoughts with us.

Gene Ha at MNCBA FallCon 2024. Panel Moderation by Eric Childs. Videograpy by Rusty Detty.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Saint Paul Jaycees Foundation, beginning with MNCBA SpringCon 2025 our volunteers will have the option of wearing these fun and functional vests while staffing our events.

Minnesota Comic Book Association (MNCBA) Volunteer Vests

In addition to making our volunteers more easily identifiable for our attendees and exhibitors, the many pockets will help our volunteers keep anything they might need during the day close at hand. We hope you love them as much as we do!

Stay tuned for more MNCBA SpringCon 2025 announcements!

“COMIC BOOKS IN HISTORY: CAPTAIN AMERICA #1” by Stephen Henninger

I always knew about Captain America #1 but didn’t know its history. I always assumed it started in World War II; mainly because the cover had Captain punching Hitler. But no — it was published in December of 1940; about one year before the attack at Pearl Harbor and the USA entering the war. The Great Jack Kirby and Joe Simon both believed the actions of Nazi Germany were wrong, and that the USA should enter the war. So they thought (and rightfully so) that Hitler would be the perfect villain for their new super hero — though a few did disagree.

It is also of note that on 20 February 1939, there was a Nazi rally in Madison Square Garden which drew more than 20,000 people to the arena and more than 100,000 counter-protesters outside. It was a strange time. The phone call Jack Kirby received at the Marvel offices in New York would have been of little surprise.

Mark Evanier describes in his biography Kirby: King of Comics, “…Jack took a call. A voice on the other end said, ‘There are three of us down here in the lobby. We want to see the guy who does this disgusting comic book and show him what real Nazis would do to his Captain America.’ To the horror of others in the office, Kirby rolled up his sleeves and headed downstairs. The callers, however, were gone by the time he arrived.”

Cover of “Captain America #1” by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon

Captain America Comics ended in 1950, after seventy-five issues, as horror comics were becoming more popular. The character was formally reintroduced in The Avengers in 1964, and the self-titled Captain America was relaunched in April of 1968 during the Silver Age. After researching the history of Captain America and his creators, I remember a quote from Jack Kirby, “The only real politics I knew was that if a guy liked Hitler, I’d beat the stuffing out of him and that would be it.”

As a U.S. Army veteran who saw firsthand the horrors of Hitler’s concentration camps, I have no doubt that Kirby would have.

All this made me think about the MNCBA motto, “Something for everyone, and everyone is welcome!” I truly believe that everyone is welcome. But in the context of the “Paradox of Tolerance,” which I understand to be a social contract, I must add:

The intolerant are not following the rules of the social contract of mutual tolerance. They are no longer covered the social contract, and their intolerance should NOT be tolerated. That was so in 1939, and it is still so today.

“KOREAN COMICS: Manhwa and Webtoons” by Sehee Snead

When thinking about comic books, what comes to mind? Personally, I think of colorful images of superheroes taking down villains, animals with human qualities, or satirical imagery that reflects the political times. I’m sure if we were to compare everyone’s lists there would be common themes as to how people view comics from the Western world. What about comics from other countries? How do international comics compare and differ from what we know about American comic books?

Woodcut Manhwa Published in 1908 (via Wikipedia)

In this month’s issue, I will introduce Korean comic books called ‘manhwa’ (만화; pronounced like mahn-hwah). Manhwa can be traced back to some of Korea’s earliest dynasties such as the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). Paintings depicted folktales and historical events and later became more rigid in structure that reflected the hierarchical themes of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). However, manhwa began to really form once Japan took control of Korea in 1910. In response to the imposed strict laws and policies, Korean cartoonists leaned into a humorous and satirical tone that made fun of societal issues, norms, and political figures. Some notable authors from this time were Ahn Seok-Joo with Adventure of a Boaster, and Roh Soo-Hyun’s Imbecile’s Vain Efforts which later became a movie.

Korea was liberated in 1945, and manhwa in the post-war era had significant Japanese manga influences and some Western comic inspirations. Manhwa began garnering more popularity and respect as an art form and method of storytelling where stories had complex narratives of overcoming personal and societal issues. Since then, manhwa expanded and grew into other genres and themes that offered deeper insights into the Korean culture and identity. Now, manhwa is more popularly enjoyed as webtoons where readers from a global platform can conveniently enjoy Korean comics through websites or apps like Webtoons, Tapas, and Tappytoon. Some well-known webtoons (with some becoming show adaptations) are True Beauty by Yaongyi, Lookism by Taejun Pak, and Tower of God by S.I.U.

"Spirit Fingers" by Han Kyoung Chal

Want to get into manhwa and webtoons and don’t know where to start? Here are some of my recommendations!

Omniscient Reader by Sing Shong (action, apocalyptic, modern fantasy)
Solo Leveling by Chugong (action, fantasy)
Spirit Fingers by Han Kyoung Chal (slice-of-life)
Wind Breaker by Yongseok Jo (sports)

Comics have a culturally and politically complex history in Korea and this article only provides a fraction of this rich history. Whether this is your first time learning about manhwa or as a seasoned webtoon reader, I hope you enjoyed learning about how comic books made their way in Korea!

Feel free to share which country I should cover next!

“IT TAKES A LEAGUE, A LEGION, A TEAM” by Matt Walkosz

Think comic book conventions like the MNCBA SpringCon and MNCBA FallCon just magically happen? As the Volunteer Coordinator for the Minnesota Comic Book Association, I really wish they did — then we could have one every month.

No; in truth the amount of time, effort, and planning is monumental. And who does all this work? It’s everyday comic geeks, just like you reading this newsletter. Collectors, artists, store owners, and plain-old fans who wanted to help make these shows the best they can be. What does volunteering with the MNCBA look like?

Let me give you a quick tour:

Our conventions are the MNCBA’s biggest events and where we need the most help. It all starts a day or two before the event with prepping the location and setup. Seeing the Grandstand completely empty is an eerie sight to behold!

This is the grunt work moving bins out of storage, setting up tables and chairs, placing tablecloths and signage, and stuffing grab bags. Once the tables have been set up, there’s work to be done helping exhibitors navigate the floor before the madness begins, stocking our break area, and staging our activities.

On the day of a convention there’s admissions to run, food donations to collect, floor monitors to make sure everyone is having a great time, giving out cool stuff at our prize table, answering questions at the information booth, running panels, and helping kids with fun crafts. Then we tear it all down and pack up at the end!

(Left to Right) Sehee Snead, Matt Walkosz, and Dan Bateman at MNCBA FallCon 2024

Of course, no one is expected to work the whole time! Sign up to help with a single 4-5 hour shift, then enjoy the rest of your day buying comics and meeting cool artists. Volunteers receive free admission to the show and lunch on us.

Volunteering with the MNCBA can be more than just helping during events. You could be taking notes and discussing ways to improve the shows at any of our public planning meetings. Our street team is dedicated to distributing flyers to local and distant stores, schools, and libraries. Got media connections? Contact us!

Occasionally, we set up booths at other conventions and need people to staff a table, be friendly and outgoing, and help promote the MNCBA.

There is now this wonderful newsletter with a team of dedicated writers.

MNCBA SpringCon 2025 will be the fifth show I’ve helped behind the scenes. Over the last two years, I’ve worked nearly all of the volunteer positions I described above. What does it take to be a volunteer with the MNCBA?

The biggest qualifications are time and a willingness to help. If you have both, please visit MNCBA.org and fill out an application today!

REMEMBERING PAT GRUBER

We are heartbroken to share the news that on March 19th, following multiple complications from a heart attack and stroke, Pat Gruber went into hospice care. Pat passed away peacefully in his sleep the morning of March 24th. All of us here at the MNCBA are mourning his loss, and he will be dearly missed.

Pat was a much-loved, longtime MNCBA volunteer and member of the Twin Cities comic book community. We invite you to watch this video recorded with Pat last summer for our Kickstarter campaign.

Pat served on the MNCBA Executive Committee as Treasurer.

Pat Gruber interview for the “MNCBA FallCon 2024 at the Grandstand” Kickstarter campaign. Video by Jen Bateman.

Click here to view Pat’s obituary online.

Funeral/Wake Information:

Wednesday April 2nd

O’Halloran & Murphy
8700 Valley Creek Road
Woodbury, MN 55125

Visitation 10:00AM – 11:00AM
Memorial Service 11:00AM – 12:00PM
Luncheon 12:00PM – 2:00PM

Pat Gruber and Stephen Henninger

We have set up a form to share your favourite memories of Pat Gruber with us. Stories may be published on the MNCBA website, on MNCBA social media, in the MNCBA SpringCon 2025 Program Book, and/or displayed at MNCBA SpringCon 2025. Stories will be reviewed and curated by a team of MNCBA volunteers.

Until next time, let’s all remember to care for each other.

Introduction and Editing by Jen Bateman

Welcome, friends, to the new MNCBA Newsletter!

We’ll be keeping you updated with the latest news about MNCBA activities, sharing upcoming events, and publishing original features by our volunteers about the Minnesota comic book community. Subscribe to receive these newsletters in your email, or go back and read the archives at any time on our website.

WHAT’S NEWS

MNCBA SpringCon 2025 planning is well underway with the first creator and vendor announcements being made last week. Submit your application if you have not done so yet, and watch your inbox for invoices or an email from us if you have! For those a little lost, you can find the applications under the “Events” menu on our website. Following MNCBA FallCon 2024, all of our applications were updated to user-friendly web forms. We have fully moved our volunteer management and communication to the POINT system, and we are building new email lists.

The MNCBA website has been expanded significantly over the winter, including the new archive. Please continue to check regularly as we add more content!

The MNCBA is excited to announce that Nick Kaufman, formerly of Crypticon, has joined our team to bring a cosplay contest to our SpringCon and FallCon shows! While details are still being determined, we are looking forward to working with Nick to create a cosplay contest that is welcoming and fun for everyone.

MNCBA SpringCon 2025 Flyer Featuring Artwork by Jesse Switters

Don’t miss our MNCBA SpringCon 2025 T-shirts available online, featuring artwork by Duluth, MN, artist Jesse Switters! While we are working hard to bring a merchandise booth to future shows, our T-shirts are exclusively online for now.

The MNCBA has accomplished so much in the past two years since relaunching the organization, and we are committed to continuously improving and expanding our efforts in the future. Thank you for choosing to share your time with us.

WHAT’S GOIN’ ON IN THE TWIN CITIES

On March 1st, Most Wanted Comics will be hosting a Meet & Greet from 10:00AM – 2:00PM featuring Doug Mahnke, Tom Nguyen, and Keith Champagne. Visit the Most Wanted Comics website for additional information.

Use this link to submit your news or event to us.

“TAKING CARE OF YOUR INVESTMENT” by Stephen Henninger

I want to talk a little about comics; not just reading them, collecting them, or God forbid, investing in them. I want to discuss protecting them. A good friend told me a long time ago, “Protect your investment.” Those words have always held true in this hobby, where what we collect is flimsy paper. The goal isn’t just to have a comic book, but to have and keep it in the best condition possible.

Today I will be sharing a few things with you that I have learned through trial, and unfortunately, error.

Always keep your comics in bags with boards, and don’t use regular tape to close them. I use removable price stickers. I also have seen some comics with the plastic flap folded into the back of the bag. However you choose to secure the flap down, remove anything adhesive completely from the bag before removing the comic from the bag. It happens to the best of us — that little piece of tape, or even a removable price tag, will catch the comic and take a piece of the comic with it.

Short Boxes at MNCBA FallCon 2023

Always keep your bagged and boarded comics in a comic book box. Like with comic book bags and boards, there are a lot of options. For the bulk of my collection, I use regular acid-free (Sliver Age size for Bronze, Silver, and Modern) plastic bags and boards, and regular comic boxes. When you get to more valuable books, you may want to invest in the additional protection offered by Mylar bags.

The primary factor to consider regarding boxes to consider is the size. Long boxes obviously hold more, but short boxes are lighter and easier to move around. I prefer short, boxes and my back is happier for it. Similar to Mylar bags, you may wish to consider archival boxes made from polypropylene or other materials.

That last thing to be mindful of when protecting your comics is reading and handling comics outside of the bag. PLEASE only read them over big table, free of food and drinks, and don’t put them back in the bag while walking around. Who knows where a dropped comic will land? Never mind hitting the floor and potentially damaging a corner! I had a friend who had a comic slip out of his hand while on his deck, and it slipped down in-between the boards and fell even further!

In summary, take care — because the odds are that you will damage a valuable book, not a quarter book.

“COME FIND COMICS IN THE STRANGEST CORNER OF MINNEAPOLIS: Odd Mart” by Sehee Snead

“Tired of your gum not coming with a free T-shirt?” is the dilemma I often ask myself. Luckily, my prayers were answered when a store opened in October 2023, providing a strange and weird delight for all who enter its den. Odd Mart, located at 2520 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, is a brick-and-mortar store for Glorp Gum where each piece of gum does, in fact, come with a free T-shirt. Along with featuring random locally crafted oddities, artwork, and toys, there is also a vintage room dedicated to hard-to-find indie books, comics, and zines.

Exterior of Odd Mart in Minneapolis. Photo by Sehee Snead.

The Atlanta-native CEO, Brad McGinty, states in a KARE11 news interview that, “I should have a better response, but it’s mostly the stuff I like in a store, and I figure that if I like this stuff other people would probably like it.” He later goes on to explain his love for black-and-white 80s and 90s comics. Since he grew up in a family that did not have a lot of money, McGinty states he was always able to get a lot of comics from the cheap quarter bins.

T-shirts for sale at Odd Mart in Minneapolis. Photo by Sehee Snead.

Come visit the Odd Mart for your next comic book fix, or to marvel at the weird and strange attractions. They also hold local market events in their backyard every Sunday from noon to 4:00 PM. Keep up to date on the latest events through their Instagram account @oddmartmn, and check out the MNCBA’s next newsletter for an interview with Odd Mart’s founder, Brad McGinty!

Books for sale at Odd Mart in Minneapolis. Photo by Sehee Snead.

Odd Mart
Where: 2520 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55405
When: Noon to 6:00 PM every day that isn’t Tuesday
https://glorpgum.com/

“A VOLUNTEER’S PERSPECTIVE” by Shawn Bramanti

It was very interesting to me, to be standing inside the first set of doors at the MNCBA, and see behind the curtain so to speak. When I first began to have any involvement with the organization it was the summer of 2023. I met the bosses at a show, but I was busy working so I couldn’t really start to connect.

I wanted to have my involvement increase, because of course I am interested in comic books, and the thought occurred to me that I might be able to figure out some way to make use of my knowledge of comic books. It has mostly worked out that way, but the road is never a straight one.

In my adult life I have gone to lots of conventions, shows, and various other places where comic book fans might consider themselves to be gathering. Until I met the folks with the MNCBA, I had no real hands-on opportunities to be involved myself. I had a life, and it involved working with my wife to raise our three kids. So when the opportunity arose to get more involved with my life-long passion for the comic book industry, I jumped at the opportunity; sort of.

The thing I like about shows and the community is they are both filled with genuinely nice people who are interested in much of the same stuff as me. The downside is the physical labor of the hobby, collecting, and the industry itself. If every break-out comic book industry success story involves starting out in indie books in today’s market, then good luck.

We try to hold the high points in the comic book industry as a beacon; to shed light on the future of this industry based on the past.

In the same way that printing created the ability to sell something marketable, comic books created an industry. The argument might now be that since generative AI is here, real art is over. So Not True!

Shawn Bramanti staffing admissions at MNCBA FallCon 2024. Photo by Buzz Meade.

Meeting people from all over the world who all have a common interest makes the community a great thing. That part of our shows has been the absolute best part; meeting these fantastic people who are putting their ideas and hopes out there for the world to see. Many we have never seen before because someone thought the idea up in their heads, or while collaborating with others in their community.

Every show has to be thought of as a barn raising event. Every community has to think of ways to help the community not just survive, but to grow and thrive.

In this modern world, the things we do and say have a bigger impact than we probably even realize. If you don’t get the chance to say those things, or have the opportunity to express those opinions, then we are strangling our future.

Comic books are fun. They engage our sense of wonderment, and that is like capturing lightning in a bottle. When those things click you get magic. Anyone in comics knows stories with this sort of magic, which is real and enthralling.

Who creates the swirling pot of ideas and thoughts that gel together into a successful comic book? Nowadays, really successful comic books can, and do, spawn movies, TV shows, and media that spin around our entire globe influencing others. Of course, some of the ideas get watered down once they reach a large enough audience, but the driving force is still there:

The idea that comic books, or photography, or any artistic endeavor helps the artist to grow into their adult selves. At the end of the day we are all growing into our adult selves. If we as adults can have some fun, that sounds like a win to me.

EDITOR’S NOTES AND KUDOS

In January, MNCBA President Jen Bateman (Hey, that’s me!) was accepted as a member of the National Cartoonists’ Society. We hope that this connection will help enhance the MNCBA’s relationship with the national comic book community.

Congratulations to MNCBA Vice President Stephen “Sparky” Henninger, who this year joined the Vulcan Krewe as Baron Hot Sparkus in the St. Paul Winter Carnival. The Krewe has again defeated the forces of winter for a flawless 139-0 record.

Congratulations to Jesse Switters, our MNCBA SpringCon 2025 flyer artist, for the successful launch of his first independent comic book, Smarg, created with writer Paul Hallgren and published by Snow Day Press. Both Jesse and Paul will be exhibiting at MNCBA SpringCon 2025 — come out and meet them!

Pat Gruber at MNCBA SpringCon 2024. Photo by Jen Bateman.

Finally, if you have not heard, please keep long-time volunteer Pat Gruber, his family, and his friends in your prayers and thoughts. Pat has been hospitalized in the ICU since 16 January, when he suffered a heart attack with multiple complications. His condition remains stable, but he has experienced some minor setbacks.

We are hopeful for Pat’s full recovery and a return to the hobby that he loves.

Until next time, see you in the funny pages!