The overall goal of the Virginia Vintage Comic & Collectables Show has been the same since 1998: arrange for vendors to sell at the show, contact collectors and create an enjoyable environment for fans of all ages.

“One of our top expectations each year is that someone will bring in a collection of old comics that has been in their basement or attic for years and give us the chance to see some scarce and rare older items,” said Roger Mannan who created the event with his wife Nancy. “Over the years we have developed a reputation for attracting these collections to the show.”

Known as “the only vintage comics show in the Eastern United States”, this year’s show took place on Saturday, August 19, at the Salem Civic Center.

Larry Clevinger prepared for this year’s comic book show by bringing in tin signs of comic covers. “This comic show is different than others as its focus is buying and selling of comics and related items and does not have the cosplay aspect that other shows have which in my opinion makes for a better show for both the collector and the dealers,” said the noted comic book enthusiast. “I was really hoping the new idea of the tin signs would work at the show this year and they did.”

In the last year alone, popular characters Spider Man, Thor and Wolverine have hit the big screen. In fact, six of the highest grossed films of all time involve comic book characters – #5 Marvel’s The Avengers (2012), #6 The Dark Knight (2008) and #20 Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Larry Clevinger doesn’t think that is a coincidence. “People of all ages love comic book characters,” he said. “I don’t think that is ever going to change.”

The Virginia Vintage Comic & Collectables Show has grown significantly over the years. “At the first vintage show in 1998, we only had 17 dealer tables,” Roger Mannon said. This year
we sold out the community room, with 51 tables and had a waiting list of dealers who wanted to attend but there was not the space available for them. People are already looking forward to next year.”