3 Rivers Comicon

Putting the Comics Back in Comicon since 2016

Despite the naming convention of Comicon (short for Comic Convention) an event like this can take many different forms. Some focus on meeting mega celebrities adjacent to the comics world. Some focus on buzzworthy events. Others integrate gaming and tabletop to share the stage.

Then, there's 3 Rivers Comicon, which has kept comic books and their creators at the center of their event held annually at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. I sat down with Jon Engel (co-promoter of the event as well as well as GM of New Dimension Comics stores across the city) to share why this event on June 1 & 2, 2024, should be at the top of your summer festival itinerary.

The Appeal of Comicon

No matter if you stopped following comics during your childhood or are a die-hard who sees the latest Marvel release on opening day, 3 Rivers Comicon has something for you.

"Come and check out those artists who have worked in the industry," says Engel. "Find new books, self-published, stuff you can't find in any stores. Plus with so many properties like Star Wars, Marvel and DC represented, something here will appeal to you."

Since the inception of 3 Rivers Comicon, the focus has been on making a friendly, engaging and fan-centric experience. There's no big lines or hurrying you through to the next photo op. "We want people to meet the creators they love," adds Engel. "You can stay and visit, make connections and get advice from your favorite artists."

Get Your Tickets Today

With ticket prices to many events surging, 3 Rivers Comicon remains one of the most reasonable tickets in the city. Kids 8 and under are free, and tickets are only $10 for the whole weekend for kids 9-14 and under $25 for adults. This makes it easy to bring the whole family to discover something they'll love. If you're going, make sure to grab your tickets now. Ticket prices will go up starting May 6.

You can have a blast at 3 Rivers Comicon even with no prior experience in the comics world. "Dress up and wear your Halloween costume," urges Engel. "Bring the family and have fun as everyone in your group finds something for them."

An Outstanding Lineup of Comic Creators

It all goes back to the comics and their creators. 3 Rivers Comicon's 2024 lineup features a must-see mix of first-timers, returning favorites, long-time fan faves and local creators. Here's a few people Engel highlights in particular from this year's exhibitors:

New to 3 Rivers Comicon

  • CB Cebulski - Editor-in-Chief of Marvel Comics
  • Larry Stroman and Todd Johnson - record holders for the most sales of a comic by Black creators
  • Franco - Tiny Titans, Scooby Doo
  • Trish Forstner - Stray Dogs, My Little Pony, Darkwing Duck

Multiple Appearances

  • Ron Frenz - He drew the first story to feature the iconic black Spider-Man suit (issue 252).
  • Maria Wolf - Known for her variant covers and work on New Mutants, Transformers and Cobra Commander
  • Dave Wachter - Godzilla, Iron Fist: Heart of the Dragon, Ninja Turtles
  • Steve Geiger - X-men, Punisher: War Journal, Batman

Fan Favorites

  • Justin Jordan - The Strange Talent of Luther Strode
  • Stan Kanopka - The Rejected
  • Wayne Faucher - Mandalorian, Spider-Man, Batman
  • Josh Blaylock - Mercy Sparx, GI JOE, Voltro

Fill the Entire Weekend with Fun

After you're done visiting with your favorite creators, the fun is just getting started! Continue exploring the rest of 3 Rivers Comicon and find fun in every corner of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

If you like donning your own spandex like your fave superheroes, check out the costume contests for adults on Saturday at 6 p.m. and for teens and kids on Sunday at 2 p.m. Or, if you just prefer to see the experts do their thing, check out the featured cosplayers like Capt Cash, CommanderSnips Cosplay, Nikki Lee Cosplay and Natalie Vaia. Groups of cosplayers representing Star Wars, Ghostbusters, Star Trek and even the Justice League will also be in attendance.

With so much expertise in one con, it's worth taking a break from meeting the creators and heading to the must-see panels as well. Hear from one of the biggest Spider-Man fans and collectors on the planet, learn how to take your comics from a script all the way to in-store, hear from creators of iconic runs of GI Joe and Transformers, and more!

Creators, be sure to circle their extremely popular Drink & Draw event on your itinerary. Held next door to the convention center at Bill's Burgers, this raucous competition for both amateurs and pros will be as challenging as it is entertaining.

Pictured |
Jon Engel posing with a young Mando-inspired cosplayer
Pictured |
Jon Engel posing with a young Mando-inspired cosplayer

Artist Alley & Vendors

All this fun and we haven't even covered the vendors yet! Be prepared to explore for hours; 3 Rivers Comicon features some of the best comic book vendors from eight states.

And that's just the beginning. The artist alley section of the Con is your stop to find original art prints, graphic novels, sketches, 3-D printed art and more. Don't see what you like? Find an artist and order a custom commission. Engel has some some more specific recommendations as well: Grab a self-published RPG from Colin Richards, meet Knights of Hibernia author J. Scot Witty and snag an original graphic novel about the world's first werewolf from Dennis Robinson.

Still have a hand free? Use it to hold your finds from their vendor market. There will be gaming vendors, tabletop, minifigs, handmade wands, toys, Pokemon and TCG, Pop Vinyls, anime, manga, RPGs and accessories, horror artists and all the Nerdcraft you can possibly imagine. Be on the lookout for Little Dudes Garage's Batboat, our friends at Comicsburgh and Heroineburgh and grab a handmade magic wand from author Donald Firesmith.

Jared B.

Author

Jared B.

Enthusiastic Pittsburgher

Always in search of the next great craft beer and arcade. Can be found in the Supporters Section of Pittsburgh Riverhounds games and at whatever festival is happening in the city.

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