Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 7, 1990 TAG: 9006060194
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: M.J. DOUGHERTY CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
Instead of having to travel to Roanoke or farther for trade shows, Just Us Comics League of Radford held what is widely believed to be the first comic book convention in this area.
"We wanted to have something for those who can't get out of Radford, Pulaski, Christiansburg, very often," said Roger Davis, league vice president. "We wanted to be able to have something so they could come in and pick up the comic books they collect."
More than 125 Southwestern Virginia collectors visited the show. The turnout was more than twice what organizers had hoped for. "It's unbelievable with as few of us as there are in the club," said Diana Fain, president of the league, which has five active members. "The people are here as the result of a few fliers. And we sent out letters to dealers we know and here they are."
League members spent until 2 a.m. Sunday readying the Blue Ridge Room of Radford's Best Western Inn. They then returned five hours later to prepare for the show's 10 a.m. opening.
The hard work was evident. The room was decorated in blue and gold, the colors of the Just Us Comics League; tables filled with comic books and related items were along three walls and on an island in the room's center.
There were 10 sellers at the show, four of them commercial dealers: Grady's Antiques of Blacksburg, B&D Comics and Dusty Corner Bookstore of Roanoke, and Eagle Comics of Harrisonburg.
"The people couldn't have been nicer," said Marie Grady, owner of Grady's Antiques. "They helped us set up. They went out for our lunch. At other shows, they aren't as gracious."
Comics for sale ranged from '50s and '60s classics to today's superheros and underground and adult comics. There was more for sale than comic books, though. Dealers had T-shirts, buttons, books and games.
The biggest sellers Sunday were back issues and superheros. The show even had a comic book artist, Jack Slattery of Roanoke, displaying his work.
"I'm here to sell the book," said Slattery, pointing at the comic book "Greeeen Girls and Lonely Mosters," which was published June 1 and features a Slattery story.
The chance to become more established will come in just three months. After the show, the league spoke with the dealers and all agreed to another show in September.
by CNB