GREENFIELD — A league of comic industry superheroes answered the call to show their stuff at the second Western Massachusetts Comic Book Show on Sunday.
Held at Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center, the show featured 48 tables that included local comic artists and vendors. Marvel, Star Wars and other sci-fi/fantasy enthusiasts in attendance were able to enjoy meeting, buying from and getting merchandise signed by those behind their favorite fictional worlds. In tandem with cosplay artists and food from The Brass Buckle, the venue built a little world of its own.
Event organizer Kristopher “Kit” Henry said he made it a point to invite more artists than vendors to the show this year.
“There are more artists than vendors this time,” he said. “They really are the backbone and workforce of comics.”
Bob Sharen, a colorist for Marvel Comics from 1978 to 2001, highlighted comic fans as an integral part of the show’s social experience, an experience he’d missed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s always fun to meet the fans,” he said. “Since COVID shut things down, this is the first show I’ve done this year.”
At the elevator leading to the fourth floor showroom, a cosplayer in a Batman costume greeted young fans, who were starstruck to meet one of their favorite heroes outside the venue’s sea of comic pages. Artist Gary Smith, former Valiant Comics artist and creator of comics “Doe-Nild” and “Tales of J’lleen,” added that seeing children at the event was particularly inspirational.
“The kids, they’re the next generation of new artists. I’d hate to see the comic industry die,” he said before motioning to a young child walking into the fourth-story showroom. “Look, there’s the next generation of artist right there!”
“If they’re comic fans, they get to meet all kinds of comic artists, buy some artwork and get their books signed,” Sharen said of the show’s value for attendees.
Henry framed this year’s comic show, which had a “strong” turnout, as the reunion of a community.
“It’s really nice to see old friends,” Henry said. “Certain people who haven’t seen each other in so long are giving people hugs.”
Smith said this sense of community is what makes these types of shows worthwhile.
“Talking shop and catching up with friends (is something I enjoy),” he said. “With these people, it seems like we all speak the same language.”
Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-772-0261, ext. 261 or jmendoza@recorder.com.