Superheroes, Swords, and Sorcery are coming to Memphis: The Memphis Comic and Fantasy Convention Returns.
The Memphis Comic and Fantasy Convention is returning to Memphis for its 11th annual event, November 12 thru the 14th. The convention, featuring Comic books, Superheroes, Science fiction, and High Fantasy content, and its creators, is an important community fixture. This event has something for everyone, from Comic Book vendors to table-top gaming. Last year’s convention was canceled amidst the Covid-19 pandemic as it raged across the nation.
Among the guests that will be attending the convention this year is local fantasy artist Mitch Foust, whose art has graced the covers of novels and roleplaying games. Foust in the past has attended many Conventions, including MCFC as well as Shadowcon and Midsouthcon.
Another notable attendee, although attending virtually via teleconferencing, is Mystery Science Theater 3000’s, Joel Hodgson. Billed as “Joel Hodgson A la Carte Live”, the attraction is a limited seating event not included in the price of entry to the convention.
Role-playing and board gaming, an ever-popular addition for conventiongoers, makes a return. Live-action roleplaying games, Known as LARPs like Vampire the Masquerade have been played at previous events. Cosplay and LARPs will, as usual, add to the atmosphere.
A live performance and question and answer session by Japanese rock Band KAZHA will help kick off the event the first night. Additionally, a plethora of talks, panels, and shows are planned for the weekend.
Vendors of various wares will be on hand to sell their products. Josh “Budda” Perry owner of Gamer Geek Yard sale, a well-known vendor and volunteer in the Memphis Sc-fi convention scene stated,” Most conventions in the Mid-South that are resuming operations are requiring attendees and vendors to wear masks and produce proof of vaccination. In addition, vendor spaces have been limited at many events scheduled for 2022.” Perry stated that he “might not be attending the MCFC this year for health reasons”. The disruptions to this sector of the economy may have been devastating to small businesses like Perry’s as the rash of covid cancelations bit into sales and exposure opportunities. When asked about his level of concern about contracting Covid at an event, Perry relates that although he is fully vaccinated “I will seek to obtain a Comirnaty booster shot before I attend any events”
Memphis Parents, their children, and adult conventiongoers might be concerned about the health implications of attending this event. This large gathering is occurring while Covid-19 cases are continuing to be reported across the Mid-South. According the Shelby County Health Department as of October 17, 2021, there were 1686 active adult Covid 19-cases and 439 pediatric cases in Memphis. With only 56 percent of Memphians vaccinated concern over mass gatherings is still high. The MCFC website states that CDC guidelines for mass events will be followed. The CDC’s website with guidance for safety at large gatherings is sparsely populated and some pages are labeled as archived and possibly out of date. Other similar conventions across the nation like the New York Comic Con required proof of vaccination this year for adults and a negative covid test for children 13 and under as well as requiring all attendees to correctly wear appropriate face coverings. MCFC has not responded to an inquiry about the actual covid protocols in use at the event.
As 2021 draws to a close it will be interesting to see how conventions like Memphis Comic and Fantasy adapt to the new landscape in large-scale entertainment.
