CLEVELAND, Ohio – Independent art thrives in Cleveland, no doubt a result of the blue-collar work ethic and post-industrial grit found in its denizens. Perhaps that best explains the 15-year longevity of Genghis Con, once a delightful “best kept secret” in Cleveland for those in the know.
It’s hardly a secret anymore.
Born at Beachland Ballroom, the comic art convention served to fill a crucial gap in Cleveland’s creative scene – offering a space for indie/D.I.Y. comic creators to share work and stories about their process and shine a spotlight on the region’s vibrant independent alt-comic scene.
Since those early days, Genghis Con has found homes in a variety of makeshift venues, landing at the Pivot Center for Art, Dance and Expression in 2020. Nestled just outside Tremont and Ohio City, the workspace is a perfect fit for those wishing to fostering collaborations with other creatives.
Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, Genghis Con returns this Sunday, December 1, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at The Pivot Center, 2937 W. 25th St., Cleveland.
The event continues to honor its roots while evolving through fresh ideas – expanding to support indie presses, providing hands-on educational workshops and even anchoring a game room hosted by Superscript Comics and Games.
But make no mistake, the event’s top priority is to amplify the voices of independent artists and indie presses in a world increasingly overrun by information and content.
Comic book fans who regularly attend Free Comic Book Day owe it to themselves to see what’s on offer at the Genghis Con this weekend. There’s more to life than Marvel and DC, said showrunner Sequoia Bostick. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.comJoshua Gunter, cleveland.com
“My experience has been [focused on] how to get out into the community and raise awareness,” said Sequoia Bostick, artist and team lead of the Genghis Con committee.
“When I took over in 2019, I knew that the key was doing pop-up events. That was even more important after the pandemic, after so much social distancing. Getting people out to support the arts and building community around that was incredibly important.”
Sequoia Bostick (left) and Amalia DeGirolamo showing off Vagabond Comics. CLE1711241228376305 Nikki Delamotte, The Plain Dealer The Plain Dealer
What started as a local gathering is now a cornerstone event – with cartoonists, printmakers, writers, illustrators, small press and zine publishers, educators and advocates from across the Rust Belt and beyond, turning up to celebrate independent creativity and storytelling.
It’s a testament to the gravity, intention and boundless creativity that has defined the event.
Longtime attendees may recall John “John G” Greiner as founder of the Genghis Con conference. The artist, subject of a recent film called “Draw Hard” and perhaps best known locally for his Melt Bar & Grilled poster artwork (and “Sandwich Anarchy” compendium thereto) has continued exhibitor and will be there this year.
Local comic artist Derf signs a piece of art for a fan at an early Genghis Con at Beachland Ballroom. (Peggy Turbett /The Plain Dealer). The Plain DealerThe Plain Dealer
He’s one of over 80 exhibitors that the milestone event will feature. Past lineups have included John “Derf” Backderf (who most recently released ”Kent State”). This year, a special appearance by industry legends and self-publishing pioneers Shelly and Phillip Bond tops the marquee. Shelly is a comic book editor, best known for her work with DC Comics’ Vertigo. Making those connections has been a big thrill for Bostick.
“My favorite part of this event has been collaborating with new partners and sponsors,” Bostick told Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer this week in an interview.
That includes the aforementioned “Game Room,” replete with “dice-rolling, card-slamming fun” for the duration of event in the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Community Art Center space.
“Setting up that creative space at the Pivot Arts Center has been so good. Building up that space helps build community. Now we can do workshops, have more space to work with and can have an eye on continuing to expand what we do.”
Art by Cleveland John “John G” Greiner, founder of the Genghis Con conference.John Greiner (with permission)
Originally from Tennessee, Bostick came here to attend the Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) in 2010.
“I came to Cleveland [to study] illustration in game design and through that avenue, I got to explore the comic world a bit,” Bostick said. “Learning about Superman comics’ origination here and the underground comics scene in general inspired me to start making my own comics.”
Bostick said it was something she always wanted to do since childhood, but moving to Cleveland had her inspired and “got me serious about doing it.” She eventually started a couple different comic book ventures (she debuted Vagabond Comics at the 2018 Genghis Con).
Through the CIA, she also met “local writer and big comic book enthusiast,” Cleveland Arts Prize winner Brad Ricca. “He’s the one that introduced me to the show,” she said.
Artist Rafael Valdivieso paints a mural in the Cleveland Museum of Art’s new community art space in the Pivot Center.Steven Litt, Cleveland.com
She’s been the community engagement coordinator at Zygote Press and has had her work featured in most of the city’s mass media outlets, along with the Cleveland Botanical Gardens, Cleveland Museum of Art and Maelstrom Collaborative Arts. Now she’s essentially the Genghis showrunner.
Bostick wants people know “there’s more to life than DC and Marvel” when it comes to comic art and that Cleveland has always been “a solid arts community that continues to give and support.”
Building a community around both of those notions continues to inspire her.
“That’s one of the reasons why I moved here and it’s why I chose to stay here,” Bostick said.
Genghis Con returns to The Pivot Center, 2937 W. 25th St., Cleveland this Sunday, December 1 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more at genghisconcleveland.com.