3 Rivers Comicon Coming to Pittsburgh

3 Rivers Comicon is coming to Pittsburgh on May 21 and 22, featuring comic book vendors, artists, creators gaming and beer!

The event, hosted by New Dimension Comics, will be held next to the Century 3 Mall. “We will host this convention in a great space that is larger than most event venues in the city. Plus, free parking!” Todd McDevitt, owner of New Dimension Comics, said.

Guest artists and writers include Darryl Banks (Green Lantern), Pat & Shelly Block (Disney Comics), Chad Cicconi (Fracture), Dan Fogel (Underground Price & Grading Guide), Ron Frenz (Spider-Man, Thor), Justin Jordan (Green Lantern), Joe Linsner (Dawn, Harley Quinn), Kevin Maguire (Justice League), Bob McLeod (The New Mutants), Pat Olliffe (Spider-girl), P. Craig Russell (Sandman), John Totleben (Swamp Thing, Miracleman), Dave Wachter (Godzilla), Mark Wheatley (Doctor Who), and many more.

3 Rivers Comicon has commissioned a custom beer by Helltown Brewing (Mt. Pleasant, Pa.) featuring original bottle label art by Dawn artist Joe Linsner. It will be a Russian Imperial Stout with a portion aged on bourbon and oak and blended into the batch.

“Limited beer releases, such as 3 Floyd’s Dark Lord or Cigar City Hunahpu, are very hot right now,” McDevitt said. “I wanted to do something special to commemorate our 1st annual comicon and the 30th anniversary of New Dimension Comics.”

This beer will only be available at the 3 Rivers Comicon Bottle Release Party on May 21 at 7 p.m. in West Mifflin. Artist Joe Linsner will attending to autograph bottles.

Tickets are $40 and include weekend VIP admission to 3 Rivers Comicon, a t-shirt, two graphic novels (a $20-50 value), catered food and free sample of the beer including a free bottle for fans to take home. Tickets are on sale now at 3riverscomicon.com/tickets.

Panels will be held on writing with artists, Green Lantern, underground comics and more.

There will be a cosplay costume contest Saturday with awards for craftsmanship, judges’ favorites, and best in show. Plus, a special kids costume contest on Sunday. Kids under 14 in costume Sunday get in free.

Other events include Magic: The Gathering tournament and Uncanny X-Men Booster Draft, art auction, statue Unveiling at noon Saturday and family events.

Every attendee will get a free Pittsburgh-themed exclusive cover to Awake #0 courtesy of Action Lab Entertainment.

3 Rivers Comicon runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A weekend pass is $14.99, Saturday is $9.99 and Sunday is $9.99. VIP packages at $25 get fans a t-shirt, weekend early (9:30) entry, two free graphic novels, and two exclusive comics.

Curious fans are encouraged to sign up for details at www.3riverscomicon.com; and follow us on Facebook at 3 Rivers Comicon, Twitter @3riverscomicon and Instagram at 3riverscomicon.

Support from the veterans of the comic book convention community include these endorsements:

“I have fond memories of comic conventions in Pittsburgh. It’s been quite a while since I’ve been excited to attend one there. I know Todd is a comic book guy and that he plans to host a comic book centered show. I applaud the plan and will aid and support him in every way I can. Look for Heroes in Pittsburgh soon!”

-Shelton Drum, Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find, Heroes Convention, Charlotte, N.C.

“Pittsburgh has a great history for comic collectors and deserves a large convention. Todd has been a good friend for decades, and I’m sure he will be a great promoter for a convention just as he has been for his retail stores. I’ll be there for sure with all my best efforts to help it succeed.”

-Marc Nathan, Promoter of Baltimore Comicon

“With five successful comic shops in the Pittsburgh area and several one day comic shows, Todd McDevitt is poised to fill the void left by the demise of the Pittsburgh Comic Convention.”

-Bill Thade, Promoter if the Gem City Comicon

About Comicons
Comicons are comic book conventions held annually around the world. These conventions feature comic vendors as well as top comic book artists. Fans in attendance can purchase comics and merchandise as well as getting their own items signed by their favorite artists.

About New Dimension Comics:
Starting his business in 1986 as a high school student, Todd McDevitt now owns and operates six comic book stores in the Pittsburgh region with locations in Ellwood City, Clearview Mall in Butler, Century 3 Mall in West Mifflin, Piazza Plaza in Cranberry Township, Pittsburgh Mills Mall in Tarentum, and Ohio Valley Mall in St. Clairsville, Ohio.