Long Beach Comic and Horror Convention: The Place to Go for Your Comic Book Education

Liz Ohanesian

Clint and Dawn Wolf of Zombie Ranch

​Two years ago, Clint and Dawn Wolf launched their comic, Zombie Ranch, at Long Beach Comic Con. The couple returned to the convention -- now called Long Beach Comic and Horror Con -- last weekend, where they sat on the "Tips and Tricks for Indy Publishing" panel. During the panel, Clint recalled how they had been accepted for a booth at the convention and had all of thirty days to get a preview issue of Zombie Ranch ready.

These days, you can spot the creators of Zombie Ranch, which is available both online and in print, at a number of Southern California conventions. But their connection to the Long Beach event is part of what makes this annual convention so interesting.

I've been going to LBCHC since its inception in 2009 and have seen it grow from being a small gathering without a strong identity to a convention that has the potential to become a major force in the Southern California comic book community. Last year, I said that this was the "most improved" of the local conventions. This year, I would say that it is the convention that everyone with more than a passing interest in comics should attend.

LBCHC's 2011 show had a lot to offer. Fans of popular web series The Guild were able to go on a tour of the convention center locations that appeared in season five. American Horrors hosted a screening room full of scary flicks. Adult Swim fans had the chance to attend Q&A sessions for shows Frankenhole and Robot Chicken. There was also a masquerade ball, Might & Fright Film Festival and even Star Wars laser tag this year. But, the soul of this convention is in the comic books.

There's a bit of an irony within the convention scene. As the geek pride phenomenon swells and conventions gain more mainstream attention, comic books are frequently overshadowed by things like big budget films, celebrities proclaiming their nerd secrets and sexy cosplay photos. Comic books aren't usually glamorous. Their creators, with few exceptions, don't have that same sort of star power that actors do. But, for those who still love pouring over the pages of a printed comic, or spend hours reading through the archives of web-based titles, LBCHC is the perfect convention. There were big names, like Kevin Eastman, Steve Niles and Dustin Nguyen, mixed with a lot of up-and-comers.