New Comic Book/Fantasy Conventions in Detroit

**Hypestyles** · September-14-15, 11:35 AM

http://www.modeldmedia.com/features/...ns-081315.aspx

The face of comic books is changing. This fall in Detroit, two new conventions will bring the work of women and people of color to the forefront of the industry.

First up in September, MECCAcon, the Midwest Ethnic Convention for Comics and Arts, returns for its second year in Detroit. Organizer Maia Crown Williams has a clear vision for what she hopes to achieve now and in the future with MECCAcon. With a long history of helping organize other Detroit-area comic cons, Williams says it was time to branch off on her own and create an event that really drew on Detroit talent.

"Detroit is very big on art, very nationally and globally known. So I wanted it to be more than just comic books; art, and music, and film," she says. And it is: the schedule includes a DJ performance, a concert, and an indie film festival curated by award-winning filmmaker Ka'ramuu Kush.

She also wanted to see a convention atmosphere that was welcoming to everyone, especially families, and highly inclusive of creators of color and women.

Maia Crown Williams, organizer of MECCAcon"It is my mission to make sure that children know that all 'heroes' do not look the same, that many actually look just like them," says Williams.