Origin Story
COMICS ARE FUNDAMENTAL
Hi, fellow nerds. I am Johnny Shields, Beer City Comic Con (BCCC) producer.
I grew up with undiagnosed dyslexia, which made reading and writing very hard for me. But, it’s been said that people with dyslexia often have a higher capacity for abstract thought than their neurotypical counterparts.
Some notable dyslexics include Steven Spielberg, Muhammad Ali, Keanu Reeves, and Albert Einstein. Am I as smart and creative as these people? Hell, no! However, I do have good ideas every once in a while, and BCCC is one of them.
When I was about ten years old, a seemingly inconsequential event drastically changed my life. My friend’s dad stopped by the grocery on the way to his house. We saw a small comic book rack in the store and began leafing through some Batman comics. My friend’s dad offered to buy us each an issue.
Initially, I would simply look at the fantastic artwork and follow along with the story the best I could. As I got more involved in the lives of my favorite heroes, I became motivated to do the difficult work of reading the words. Over many years and thousands of comics, I became a fluid reader. It is crazy to think that a $1.25 purchase had made such an impact on me.
BECOMING AN AVID READER
By the time I started college, I was an avid reader. The diverse topics covered in comics opened my eyes to all the mysteries and wonders of humanity. I graduated with a degree in philosophy and then went on to get a master’s in sustainability. I also put time towards degrees for mental health counseling and even divinity school. I had a hard time limiting myself to just one area of study. I wanted to learn about all sorts of things!
Once I began work in event production, I found I was pretty good at it. I love organizing events that bring communities together to enjoy shared passions. I have worked in event production for more than ten years now, throwing events of all kinds and sizes. But, BCCC is unlike any event I have ever conceptualized.
My hope is that BCCC illuminates the possibilities of what a passion for comics, sci-fi, and fantasy can do. So, let’s agree to be superheroes by encouraging people of all ages to pursue their inner nerds.
BECOMING AN AVID READER
Once I began work in event production, I found I was pretty good at it. I love organizing events that bring communities together to enjoy shared passions. I have worked in event production for more than ten years now, throwing events off all kinds and sizes. But, BCCC is unlike any event I have ever conceptualized.
My hope is that BCCC illuminates the possibilities of what a passion for comics, sci-fi, and fantasy can do. So, let’s agree to be superheroes by encouraging people of all ages to pursue their inner nerds.
