Expo promises to be ‘premier Black comic convention that Atlanta deserves’

• Art

It’s almost Halloween, and Greg Burnham says he’s already super excited and a little exhausted. That’s because, in addition to creating the comic series, “Tuskegee Heirs,” he’s also organizing the Black Atlanta Comic Expo.

The inaugural event promises to highlight cosplay, pop culture, comics and art, as well as the history of Black creatives. As the website says, “It’s time for Atlanta to have the premier Black Comic Convention it deserves!”

“We just wanted to do something that’s highlighting some of the most talented creators in comics, period,” said Burnham.

On Friday’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” we spoke with Burnham. He believes Atlanta played a part in starting Black nerd – or Blerd – culture but didn’t have a way to celebrate it.

“We’ve seen other cities have good stuff going on. Houston has Dream Con. I’m there every year. BlerdCon in the DC area,” Burnham said. “And we feel like Atlanta, that’s part of what started this whole thing. Every time I’m in another city, they’re like, ‘Why y’all don’t have one of these in Atlanta?’”

Now, the Black Atlanta Comic Expo is happening Saturday, Oct. 31 and Sunday, Nov. 1 at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Northeast in Norcross. People of all ages are encouraged to attend in cosplay, experience the art, films and panels, and meet the special guests.