The solution to the independent creator being overshadowed by both of the "big two" (Marvel and DC) at Comic-Con is to host your own convention. That's exactly what IMAGE is doing with IMAGE EXPO this coming February. According to a press release from Image Comics, IMAGE EXPO will be a "three-day celebration of creator-owned comics" and will be hosted at the Oakland Convention Center located in downtown Oakland, CA on February 24th, 25th and 26th.

The show will feature a variety of well-known creators, and some of the guest stars include several of the founders of IMAGE Comics. The star guests of the show will include Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Jim Valentino and Marc Silvestri. Additionally, the show will feature appearances from several other IMAGE books like Jonathan Hickman, Brian K. Vaughan, Fiona Staples, Rob Liefeld and more.

Possibly the most interesting aspect of this show is the fact that the show floor will be open to all independent creators, meaning all creator-owned comic makers are invited to attend to show off their hard work and sell their books. Registration for the show is currently open. If you're an independent creator and are interested in showing off your book, you can contact info@ImageComicExpo.com for information on how to sign up for an exhibit.

Everything always happens on the west coast.

Now this would be awesome!

Oh wow, cool! I wish I could go, but I can't just visit the other side of the country whenever there's a neat con/show/etc. :(

@Vortex13: I know, right?

AWESOME!!!!

I'm actually surprised that Image Comics is still even around. I haven't read an Image comic in years. A lot of the series I liked were canceled long ago, or the character's went to Wildstorm then absorbed by DC.

My favorite alternative publisher is Antarctic Press.

If only I lived in America =(

A Creator Owned Convention? Goddammit why do I have to live in this Middle of Nowhere

:O If only I could somehow manage to possibly get there in any possible way. ARGH! *shakes fist* This sounds just so very, very cool. Do want.

This is a great idea. Hope it does well for everyone. Maybe Comic Vine will offer coverage?

@FoxxFireArt: Image has really changed for the better. whereas they used to be like 90's comics, now they have thought provoking series like Morning Glories and Butcher baker. I would recommend picking up an Image comic from this decade

@Meteorite said:

If only I lived in America =(

I hear ya there pal.

Image's own convention? Woah!

Loving image at the moment. I review the latest issues of Severed and Morning Glories in my webshow, The graphic word: http://www.comicbooknerdsarehot.com/page17/blog/page2.html

@Decept-O said:

This is a great idea. Hope it does well for everyone. Maybe Comic Vine will offer coverage?

That would be nice.

@butters911 said:

@FoxxFireArt: Image has really changed for the better. whereas they used to be like 90's comics, now they have thought provoking series like Morning Glories and Butcher baker. I would recommend picking up an Image comic from this decade

Totally. I remember being swept up in the Image fervor of the early 90s and then realized that the comics sucked, which along with the Spidey-Clone saga, made me quit comics. When I came back, I was shocked that Image was still around AND they had good comics! Robert Kirkman really helped save that company.

That sounds awesome, wish I could go. I think some people I know will probably be their repping their new books. Had a friend get a couple of things picked up by image coming out next spring. This would be a blast to go to, if only I didn't live in Iowa :P too bad its not in Chicago, Minneapolis, or Kansas City, otherwise I'd be there for sure!

Man, I bet this is going to be awesome!

YES, YES, YES!!! Right in my hometwon and within walking distance. Now I don't feel so mad that WonderCon is being moved to L.A this year.

This is Neat!