Originally hosted at the Beachland Ballroom, Genghis Con was created in 2009 as a much-needed space for comics creators to exhibit their work and converse about their processes, and to celebrate and showcase Cleveland’s independent and alternative comic scene. The show ended up drawing cartoonists, zinesters, printmakers, authors, illustrators, small press publishers, educators, and advocates from throughout the greater Rust Belt region and beyond, and it grew to be a celebrated event that comic creators and enthusiasts alike have come to look forward to every year.

The show has operated in a number of venues over the years, and in 2020, with new organizers at the helm, made its way to the Pivot Center for Art, Dance, and Expression. Located just outside of Tremont and Ohio City, the new venue has so far proven to be a great fit for the show, allowing Genghis Con to collaborate with other creative organizations that have made their home in the building.

The current organizers aim to stay true to the original DIY spirit of the show, while continuing to grow it and provide new opportunities and experiences for exhibitors and guests. In the past few years, the show has introduced educational workshops and interactive elements such as zine-making stations, and a game room hosted by Superscript Comics and Games.

This year’s show will feature over eighty exhibitors, and will host industry veterans and self-publishing super-duo Shelly and Phillip Bond as special guests.

EVENTS
Genghis Con Artist Workshop at the CAC, 1-3pm Sunday, November 24 at the Community Arts Center in The Pivot Center, 2937 West 25th Street, Cleveland 44113. Registration required

Off Register Press Book Signing, 5-6pm Saturday, November 30 at Carol and John’s Comic Shop in Kamm’s Plaza, 17462 Lorain Avenue, Cleveland 44111

Genghis Con Kick-off Party, 7-9pm Saturday, November 30 at Superelectric Pinball Parlor in the Gordon Square Arcade Building, 6500 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland 44102

Genghis Con Cleveland, 11am-5pm Sunday, December 1, at The Pivot Center for Art, Dance and Expression, 2937 West 25th Street, Cleveland 44113