Romita, Jr., the son of comic legend John Romita, began his illustrious career in comics in 1977 penciling a 6-page story in Marvel’s Amazing Spider-Man Annual #11. Throughout his 35-year career, he has drawn such characters as Spider-Man, Daredevil, the X-Men, the Incredible Hulk, the Punisher, and Thor.

Most recently, Romita, Jr. finished working on the follow-up to Mark Millar’s Kick-Ass and is the current series artist for Marvel’s Avengers, which relaunched in 2010.

The Hero Initiative is a federally charted not-for-profit corporation dedicated to helping comic book creators in their hour on need. By providing financial safety nets for medical aid, financial support for the necessities of life, and an avenue back to paying work, the Hero Initiative, through the support of its donors, has been able to grant more than $500,000 to over 50 comic veterans.

For more information about how to help support the Hero Initiative, please visit www.heroinitiative.org.

Other confirmed guests for the show include:

Laura & Michael Allred (Madman, iZombie), Greg Capullo (Batman, Spawn), Tommy Castillo (Grimm Fairy Tales), Cliff Chiang (Wonder Woman), Frank Cho (Avengers vs. X-Men, Liberty Meadows), Steve Conley (Bloop), Amanda Conner (Before Watchmen:  Silk Spectre), Lar deSouza (Looking For Group, Least I Could Do), Dan Didio (O.M.A.C.), Garth Ennis (The Shadow, Hellblazer, Preacher, The Boys), Rich Faber (Roboy Red), David Finch (Batman:  The Dark Knight), John Gallagher (Buzzboy), Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman), Keith Giffen (Superman, OMAC, Green Arrow), Gene Ha (Justice League), Larry Hama (G.I. Joe, Wolverine, The ‘Nam), Cully Hamner (Action Comics), Dean Haspiel (Billy Dogma, ACT-I-VATE, Trip City), Jamal Igle (KISS, Supergirl, The Ray), J.G. Jones (Wanted, Doc Savage), Barry Kitson (Captain America, Iron Man, Fantastic Four), Scott Kurtz (PvPonline.com), David Mack (Kabuki), Ron Marz (Artifacts, Voodoo), Bob McLeod (DC Comics Presents:  Wonder Woman), Mark Morales (Avengers vs. X-Men), Jimmy Palmiotti (All-Star Western), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Brian Pulido (Lady Death), Frank Quitely (All Star Superman, Batman & Robin), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Stuart Sayger (Infestation 2:  30 Days of Night One-Shot), Walter Simonson (Thor, Legion of Super-Heroes, Avengers), Scott Snyder (Batman , Severed, Swamp Thing), Ryan Sohmer (Looking For Group, Least I Could Do), Brian Stelfreeze (ICE), Karl Story (Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9), Peter Tomasi (Batman and Robin), Billy Tucci (A Child Is Born, Shi), Matt Wagner (Tower Chronicles, Mage, Grendel), Mark Waid (Daredevil, Incorruptible, Irredemable), and Bernie Wrightson (Frankenstein).

…With more on the way!

Ennis, who is probably best known for his work on the Vertigo series, Preacher, as well as the creator-owned series, The Boys from Dynamite Entertainment, began his career in 1989. After several critically acclaimed works in England, he broke into the American comic scene in 1991.

Building a following on such titles as Hellblazer (Vertigo), The Demon (DC Comics), Hitman (DC Comics), Preacher (Vertigo), and PunisherMAX (Marvel Comics), Ennis is renowned as one of the best writers to come out of the “British Invasion” of the early-’90s and received and Eisner Award for Best Writer in 1998 and an Eagle Award in 1999 for Best Color Comic Book (for Preacher).

Currently, Ennis is wrapping up his final story arc for The Boys, as well as handling writing duties for the relaunch of The Shadow for Dynamite Entertainment. Ennis will be working with artist Aaron Campbell (Green Hornet: Year One, Dark Shadows) to bring the classic pulp franchise back to the printed page for a whole new generation of fans.

“The Shadow is probably the last established character I like that I haven’t gotten around to writing yet, certainly on this side of the Atlantic,” said Ennis in a recent press release. “It makes a kind of bloody, bullet-riddled sense: I always had a feeling our paths would cross sooner or later.”

Dynamite Entertainment, whose publishing works includes both licensed properties and creator-owned work, will also be exhibiting at this year’s show. Founded in 2004, Dynamite won the Diamond Gem Award for Best Publisher Under 4% of Market Share in 2011.

Click here for the full Guest List

The Harvey Awards will be presented on September 8th, 2012 in Baltimore as part of the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are thrilled to welcome back Scott Kurtz (pvponline.com) for his third consecutive year as The Master of Ceremonies for the awards dinner and presentation.

Nominations for the Harvey Awards are selected exclusively by creators – those who write, draw, ink, letter, color, design, edit or are otherwise involved in a creative capacity in the comics field. The Harvey Awards are the only industry award both nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals.

Professionals who participate will be joining thousands of your peers in honoring the outstanding achievements in comics for 2011. Your participation in completing this Nominating Ballot will allow the Harvey Awards Committee to place before you a Final Ballot in May – one which reflects your candidates for the most outstanding comics work of 2011.

We look forward to your participation and input in this process, and we look forward to seeing you at the Baltimore Comic-Con and the Harvey Awards.

This year’s Baltimore Comic-Con will be held September 8-9, 2012. Convention hours are Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. The ceremony and banquet for the 2011 Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, September 8th.

Harvey Awards Ballots are available for download from the Harvey Awards web page here: http://www.harveyawards.org/

Much of the show’s success was made possible by the attendance of our Guest of Honor, Stan Lee, who made his first appearance at the show this year. As a founding father of Marvel Comics, Lee’s presence was a great draw to fans, retailers, and guests alike. In addition to his appearance at the show for autographs and photos, Lee was also the focus of a special panel moderated by Jimmy Palmiotti.

We would also like to thank the guest charities who attended the show — the Hero Initiative, Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBDLF), the Baltimore Human Society, and the ‘Ringo Scholarship Fund — who collectively raised over $14,000 to support their worthy causes.

“The CBLDF raised $5,000 at Baltimore Comic-Con thanks to the generosity of Baltimore’s incredible community of comics fans,” said Charles Brownstein, Executive Director of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. “We’re grateful to Marc Nathan and his entire team for putting one of the most enthusiastic and well-attended comics centric shows in the US, and for helping the CBLDF raise these much needed funds!”

“Our 12th annual show was our biggest show to date,” said Marc Nathan, show promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. “After years of requests from fans to bring Stan Lee to Baltimore, 2011 seemed like the right time, and the weekend’s success proved it! We are elated with how well the fans received Stan and are already planning for what we can do to top this year’s show in 2012.”

With attendance up over last year, a very successful and enjoyable costume contest, and the sixth year hosting the Harvey Awards among the show’s highlights, the successes can barely be measured. We can’t wait to start making announcements for next year’s show!

Save the Date! Baltimore Comic-Con 2012!
That’s right! Mark your calendars now for next year’s Baltimore Comic-Con, which will take place the weekend of September 8-9, 2012 at the Baltimore Convention Center, and we’ll see YOU in Baltimore!

In addition to booth appearances by Ron Marz (Artifacts, Magdalena, Witchblade), Joshua Hale Fialkov (Echoes), Nelson Blake II (Magdalena), Chris DiBari (Pilot Season: Misdirection, Cutter), John Mahoney (Last Mortal), Shannon Eric Denton (Pilot Season: Fleshdigger), and publisher and creator Filip Sablik (The Last Mortal), TheTopCowStore.com staff have hand-selected only the finest comics, graphic novels, prints, and exclusive covers to display for sale. Rahsan Ekedal (Echoes) will also be set up at the show in Artist Alley (Booth #1709 E). On Saturday afternoon at noon in Room 307, fans can join Top Cow creators for the “Top Cow: We Create…” panel to get the latest news and announcements!

“I may have moved to LA several years ago, but my heart belongs to Baltimore. I’m pleased to be hosting such a strong group of creators and sharing all of the awesome books Top Cow puts out with the fans in Charm City,” commented Publisher Filip Sablik.

Find your way to the Top Cow Depot (Booth #1505-1506) or watch the skies while you walk the floors of the Baltimore Comic-Con. You never know when a deal will be flying by.

The schedule for the weekend is as follows (ALL TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE):

Saturday, August 20

10:30am -11:00am – Photo Op

11:00am – 12:30pm – Autograph Session

1:00pm – 2:00pm – Autograph Session

2:00pm – 3:00pm – Photo Op

3:00pm – 4:30pm – Autograph Session

4:30pm – 5:00pm – Photo Op

Sunday, August 21

10:00am -10:30am – Photo Op

10:30am – 12:00pm – Autograph Session

1:00pm – 2:00pm – Photo Op

2:00pm – 2:45pm – Autograph Session

3:00pm – 4:00pm – Stan Lee Spotlight – Face Front, True Believers! This is a panel no comics fan will want to miss as Jimmy Palmiotti sits down with the one and only Stan “The Man” Lee! He is a Founding Father of the Marvel Universe and the face of Marvel Comics to legions of fans. Join the writer, editor, actor, and legend as he discusses his illustrious career. Excelsior! (ROOM 307-308)

* all Stan Lee autograph sessions are managed by Desert Wind Comics and all photo ops are managed by Froggy’s Photos. Times and events are subject to change.

In addition, fans can pick up some limited-edition Stan Lee memorabilia at the show this weekend, including: a lithograph by artist J. Scott Campbell; a lithograph by artist Jason Palmer, courtesy of POW! Entertainment; and a collectible pint glass courtesy of Toon Tumblers.

VIP Ticket Holders should report to the Will Call Registration Booth when the convention center opens at approximately 7:00am or whenever they arrive.

VIP Ticket holders will receive priority line access when claiming autograph and photographs so please make sure to get into the special VIP line at the photo and signature booth (#2401). Lithographs and other items will be on sale at this booth.

Update: We’ve listened to our fans and the costume contest has been rescheduled. It will now be held at 3:00pm on Saturday. Registration forms can be handed in near table #2403 in the main convention hall. With $1,000 up for grabs for the best overall costume and prizes for each of the 10 categories, this is one event all of you cosplayers don’t want to miss! For more information and a complete list of categories, visit our website’s Costume Contest page.

ROOM 301-303 (Saturday)

11:00-12:00 – Creating Your Comic/Manga from Concept to Publication – Husband and wife creators (and Harvey Award Nominees) Comfort Love and Adam Withers teach you how to create your own comic. The entire process – concepting, scripting, thumbnails, pencils, color, PDF’s and CBZ’s, printing, distribution, the web, and even maximizing your convention experience will be covered in this seminar. You will walk away with an understanding of the tools you will need to create and sell your own book.

12:00-1:00 – Spotlight on Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis & Kevin Maguire – Giffen, DeMatteis, and Maguire are the fan-favorite creative team behind Defenders, Metal Men, and Justice League. With stories that blend adventure and humor, their books are like no other. Join the men who put the “Bwah” in “Bwah-ha-ha” as they take a look at their work together.

1:00-2:00 – Spotlight on Charles Vess – The work of award-winning artist Charles Vess can be seen in such books as Sandman, Stardust, Rose, Book of Ballads and Sagas, and many others. Join Charles and moderator Terry Moore as they look at his art, his career, and what he’s working on now.

2:00 – 3:00 – A Conversation with Jeff Smith & Stan Sakai – Jeff Smith’s Bone celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year. Stan Sakai’s Usagi Yojimbo will soon reach its 200th issue. Now, these two talented creators sit down to discuss their work; from their beginnings to future plans. Join Jeff & Stan for what is sure to be a lively and fun look at the world of comics.

3:00-4:00 – Spotlight on the Legion of Super-Heroes – Travel with us to the 31st Century as we take a look at DC’s futuristic super team, The Legion of Super-Heroes! Join creators Keith Giffen, Mike Grell, Mark Waid, Barry Kitson, and Chris Roberson as they talk about the tales they’ve told in the Legion’s long and storied history. Long Live the Legion!

4:00-5:00 – Spotlight on Shannon Wheeler – From stapling 21,000 mini-comics to shooting a comic book to writing an opera to doing cartoons for The New Yorker – Shannon Wheeler has just gotten started in his career in comics. Recently his collection of rejected New Yorker cartoon I THOUGHT YOU WOULD BE FUNNIER won the Eisner Award for Best Humor Publication and is up for a Harvey this weekend. Join Shannon Wheeler and his trusty sidekick BOOM! Studios Marketing Director Chip Mosher as they look back on Shannon’s meteoric rise and fall in comic books. Oh, yeah! Wheeler also created TOO MUCH COFFEE MAN.

ROOM 307 (Saturday)

11:00-12:00 – Visionary Enters the Deadlands – Join Visionary Comics and their all-star roster of creators who launched Deadlands from Image this summer. Join Ron Marz, David Gallaher, Steve Ellis, Jimmy Palmiotti, Lee Moder, and Visionary’s own C. Edward Sellner as they reflect on the weird west revival in comics and Deadlands. Look for exclusive announcements on Deadlands: Year 2.
12:00-1:00 – Top Cow: We Create… – Join Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik along with Top Cow architect Ron Marz and Echoes writer Joshua Hale Fialkov for a colorful & lively look at the last year of Top Cow releases and what the coming year has in store for Artifacts, Pilot Season, Witchblade, The Darkness, Magdalena and much more! Plus every attendee will receive a FREE gift just for attending!

1:00-2:00 – BOOM! 6th Anniversary panel – Join BOOM! Studios Founder and Chief Executive Officer Ross Richie as he pulls the curtain back on BOOM! Studios. From an upstart one-book-a-month publisher debuting in 2005 to 2011′s powerhouse comic publisher, BOOM! Studios has had one of the most meteoric rises of any comic publisher in the last twenty years. Find out what makes this company tick as Ross reminisces about the early days at BOOM! and its current success. A one-of-a-kind panel for all those that want to know the real story behind the success of BOOM! Studios.

2:00-3:00 – Marvel Universe – Wondering what’s up with the X-Men? Thinking of visiting Spider Island? Curious about the future of Daredevil? Just plain want to know what’s up with the Marvel Universe? Then this is the place for you! Join Marvel Architect Jason Aaron, Mark Waid, Barry Kitson, Paul Tobin, and Tom Raney as they explore the wonders of all things Marvel!

3:00-4:00 – Meet Legendary Comics! – Join Legendary Comics’ Editor-in-Chief, Bob Schreck and Assistant Editor, Greg Tumbarello, for a lively discussion and digital presentation showcasing the company’s exciting upcoming comics releases for 2011 and beyond, including, Frank Miller’s HOLY TERROR, Paul Pope’s PULPHOPE, and Matt Wagner and Simon Bisley’s THE TOWER CHRONICLES. Be prepared with some good questions for the Q&A to follow! If they’re really good, you may win a free Legendary T-shirt!

4:00-5:00 – DC: The New 52 – DC shocked comic fandom when they announced they were relaunching the DC Universe with 52 new #1 titles. Wondering what’s on the way? Want to know more about those books? Join creators Greg Capullo, Scott Snyder, Jimmy Palmiotti, Cully Hamner, David Finch, and Francesco Francavilla as they take a look at DC’s New 52.

ROOM 301-303 (Sunday)

11:00-12:00 – Comics Jukebox: All-Ages Comics in the Digital Age – Digital, web, & downloadable comics are a growing trend in the medium, but where do kids comics stand in this arena? Creators John Gallagher and Steve Conley moderate over a panel of experts, including Dan Parent (Archie), Steve Hamaker (Bone, Fish & Chips), Mike Maihack (Cleopatra in Space!), Rich Faber (Roboy Red!) and Todd DeZago (Perhapanauts, Superhero Squad). Those in attendance will get a special card allowing them to download a FREE Exclusive BUZZBOY story from John Gallagher, and one person will win the opportunity to make a cameo appearance in “Leon, Protector of the Playground,” the new all-ages graphic novel by Jamar Nicholas.

Anyone wanting more info can go to the Comic Book Diner All-Ages Pavilion

12:00-1:00 – Spotlight on Ron Frenz – Ron Frenz’s art is well known to fans of Spider-Man, Thor, Spider-Girl (whom he co-created), Superman, and many, many others. We shine the spotlight on Ron in this panel that takes a look at his impressive body of work and where he’s headed in the future.

1:00-2:00 – Going Digital: Day and Date, and what you need to know – With Marvel announcing their same-day-strategy and DC distributing their entire line starting August 31st to provide you with their acclaimed line of comics the same day digitally as they come out in print, you need to make sure you are prepared. With almost everything you want on demand or deliverable to your door, why should your comics be any different? Marvel and DC, with the help of comiXology have created a digital comics experience that puts the power back in your hands to enjoy your favorite comics on demand. Your comics, when you want them, where you want them.

Come join John D. Roberts, Co-founder of comiXology, who will lead our panel as we explore the new digital horizons together.

2:00-3:00 – CBLDF: Censorship Then & Now – Earlier this year the Comics Code Authority closed its doors forever, ending an era of self-censorship where comics were stigmatized in the general culture. Though the threats that brought about the Comics Code are the stuff of history books, real threats to comics are still present in the courts in the United States and abroad. CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein delivers a gripping history of comics censorship from the 50s to today, and talks about life after the Code.

3:00-4:00 – Avatar Press: News and Q&A – Here’s your chance to meet the creative minds behind Avatar Press, the industry’s most ground-breaking, risk-taking publisher! Hosted by marketing director, Keith Davidsen, this panel features Mike Wolfer, whose creepy storytelling terrified readers of books like Night of the Living Dead, Lady Death, and War Goddess, and whose visceral illustrations brought to life Garth Ennis’ highly anticipated Stitched comic book series. Find out what new terrors this rogue publisher will unleash in the months ahead, and get your questions answered!

ROOM 307-308 (Sunday)

11:00-12:00 – DC Sunday Conversation – All are welcome to join in a relaxed Sunday morning discussion. Share your thoughts, or be enthralled, as the group shares their stories and love for this medium.

12:00-1:00 – Insight Studios – Meet Baltimore’s very own legendary creators of some of comic-dom’s most explosive stories and art with this amazing retrospective – and new announcements of projects! Focusing on Marc Hempel, Robert Tinnell, and Mark Wheatley, get an insider’s perspective on their inner-workings as artists and writers. Moderator, Mike Gold highlights the diversity and originality of these very different creators.

1:00-2:30 – Frank Cho Live Drawing Demonstration – Watch and be amazed as Frank Cho creates a drawing masterpiece right before your eyes. Audience will suggest one character, one action, one setting and Frank Cho will draw it in one hour on stage. The original art created by Frank Cho will be raffled off at the end of the drawing demonstration. Raffle tickets available at Frank Cho’s booth.

2:30 – Stan Lee VIP ticket-holders may queue up for the Stan Lee Spotlight.

2:45 – General public will be admitted to the Stan Lee Spotlight.

3:00-4:00 – Stan Lee Spotlight – Face Front, True Believers! This is a panel no comics fan will want to miss as Jimmy Palmiotti sits down with the one and only Stan “The Man” Lee! He is a Founding Father of the Marvel Universe and the face of Marvel Comics to legions of fans. Join the writer, editor, actor, and legend as he discusses his illustrious career. Excelsior!

Third Annual Costume Contest at the Baltimore Comic-Con – UPDATED

The 3rd Annual Costume Contest will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2011 at 3:00 pm. With $1,000 up for grabs for the best overall costume and prizes for each of the 10 categories, this is one event all of you cosplayers don’t want to miss! For more information and a complete list of catagories, visit our website’s Costume Contest page.

Neal Adams began his career in comics in the late 1950s, working on Archie Comics’ Archie’s Joke Book Magazine and on several syndicated newspaper strips throughout the early ’60s. Turning back to comics in the late ’60s, he worked for Archie Goodwin at Warren Publishing, penciling and inking stories for their horror books Creepy and Eerie.

In the summer of 1967, Adams made his debut at DC Comics, penciling an 8-page story in Our Armies at War. In November of 1967, Adams got his first crack at superhero work, illustrating Superman’s flagship title, Action Comics. That same month, he also worked on Superman’s Girlfriend, Lois Lane and with Garner Fox on Detective Comics.

Adams’ work on such DC Comics characters as Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, and Green Arrow redefined an era of comics, bringing a photorealistic feel to the pages of their respective books.

In the late-’60s, while freelancing for DC Comics, Adams also began working at Marvel Comics on X-Men with Roy Thomas. He continued to work for DC and Marvel throughout the late-’60s and ’70s, working on the titles The Avengers, Detective Comics, and Green Lantern/Green Arrow.

In addition, Adams crusaded for years to secure pensions and recognition for Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, creators of Superman, and in 1978, he helped for the Comics Creators Guide. He was inducted into the Eisner Award’s Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 1998, and the Harvey Awards’ Jack Kirby Hall of Fame in 1999.

In 2010, Adams teamed with Rafael Medoff to produce a series of educational motion comics about the Americans who spoke out against the Nazis during WWII. He is currently working on the second volume of his critically acclaimed DC Comics series, Batman: Odyssey.

“We are so happy to be able to make this announcement so close to the show date,” said Marc Nathan, show promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. “His work in comics – not just his art, but his advocacy work as well – changed the face of comics for both readers and creators alike.”

Kids 10 and Under get in free at the Baltimore Comic-Con Aug 20-21 at the Baltimore Convention Center, and artists and writers from such companies as Scholastic, Simon & Schuster, Disney, Pixar, Marvel & DC will be on hand to sketch, say hi, and sell their books. Comic Book Diner, presented by the Comic Book Diner Comics Studio and Podcast, is an all-ages section in the show full of comics, activities, and even a craft area where kids can create their own super hero capes!

“The Baltimore Comic-Con is a great family comics show,” said John Gallagher, creator of the Buzzboy graphic novel series, and director of the Kids section, “and it is exciting to introduce young people to the magic of sequential art.” Gallagher is one of the three Comic Book Diner creators, along with Rich Faber (Roboy Red) and Jamar Nicholas (Leon: Protector of the Playground). Also at the show will be comics legend Stan Lee, as well as Jeff Smith, creator of the million-selling “Bone” graphic novel series. Archie Comics artist/writer Dan Parent will be on hand, as well as Jimmy Gownley, creator of the hit “Amelia Rules!” graphic novels. Also displaying their kid-friendly art and comics:

Dan Parent (Archie, Veronica, Kevin Keller)
Frank Cammuso ( Knights of the Lunch Table, Otto’s Orange Day)
Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules!)
Steve Conley (Bloop, Star Trek)
Mark McKenna (Star Wars, Banana Tail)
SL Gallant (GI JOE)
Marty Baumann (Pixar Artist, Crater Kid)
Scott Cohn (GI JOE)
Ted Tucker (Disney Artist, Lunar Donut)
Mike Maihack (Cleopatra in Space)
Harold Buchholz (Wild Lion, Archie Comics)
Jason Horn (Ninjasaur)
Rich Faber (Roboy Red)
Jamar Nicholas (Leon: Protector of the Playground)
John Gallagher (Buzzboy, Zoey & Ketchup)

There will be two East Coast Comics debuts: Gallagher’s Buzzboy: Sidekicks Rule Graphic Novel, and Faber’s Roboy Red Graphic Novel, both available together in soft cover and hardcover! Those interested in finding out more about the Comic Book Diner Presents: BCC Kids Comics Pavilion can visit http://www.comicbookdiner.com.

“After a second year of an outstanding costume contest, where we literally had to break down walls to meet demand – we are thrilled to bring it back in 2011,” said Marc Nathan, Baltimore Comic-Con promoter, “and we were totally caught off-guard when hundreds entered last year. For the second straight year, the contestants and audience overflowed the planned contest room.” He went on to add, “This year, we are planning for it to grow again. We are taking it up a notch this year by getting an even larger space!”

The $1,000 grand prize will be awarded to the best over-all costume at the event, including all of the over-13 and under-13 categories. Category winners will win a $100 gift certificate to Cards, Comics and Collectibles of Reisterstown, Maryland. Additionally, all category winners will receive ONE pass to see an Avengers movie sneak preview, and a free two-day pass to the 2012 Baltimore Comic-Con.

Our categories will include the following:

Best Male (over 13) Superhero
Best Male (over 13) Non-Superhero

Best Female (over 13) Superhero
Best Female (over 13) Non-Superhero

Best Group (majority of members over 13)

Best Male (under 13) Superhero
Best Male (under 13) Non-Superhero

Best Female (under 13) Superhero
Best Female (under 13) Non-Superhero

Best Group (majority of members under 13)

A panel of celebrity media judges will determine the contest winners, including some world-famous comic book creators!

The contest will start at 1pm on Saturday, August 20th at the Baltimore Convention Center! Registration will begin as soon as the show opens at 10:00am. Contest Registration forms will be handed out at all ticket booths for all patrons interested in entering the costume contest to further speed the registration process. Over 13 registration will cost $5. Under-13 registration will be free.

PLEASE NOTE: NO WEAPONS WILL BE ALLOWED WITHIN THE CONVENTION CENTER. Do not bring real swords, guns, or any other type of an authentic weapon!!! Only props allowed!!!