Latest News & Announcements
February 17, 2025
Announcing Empire Comic Fest 2025 - July 11th & 12th
We are full steam ahead for Empire Comic Fest 2025! We will be returning to the JCC once again with a packed 2 day show and we will be posting details regarding guests, vendors and special events not only here but also on our social media pages (Facebook, Instagram and also Reddit). We are accepting vendor applications at this time so check out our vendor application page for details regarding on how to become a vendor.
Stay tuned as more details are posted!
August 5, 2024
Empire Comic Fest 2024, a Retrospect
It's been a few weeks since we packed away the last few boxes from Empire Comic Fest 2024. It was a ton of work though we had a lot of reasons to consider it a success.
From the start, we had a record number of artists apply for tables this year so we came up with a way to pack even more guests into arist alley and the Indie Showcase was born. We also had a record number of comic vendors with 32 dealers this year. That may not sound like a huge amount but next time you are at a 3-day national comic convention, count how many comic vendors are set up.
We also exceeded our attendance numers once again with 900+ attendees over the two days. These are almost all comic buyers who are at the show to add to their collection.
Lastly, we were fortunate to have the Kirby Museum in attandance along with a great selection of original Jack Kirby art work that you can actually pick up and touch.
So we are taking a well derserved break from planning for a bit but keep watching our social media pages on Instagram and Facebook as well as this site as we get ready to announce details for Empire Comic Fest 2025. In the meantime, check out the photos in the Empire Comic Fest 2024 gallery!
From the start, we had a record number of artists apply for tables this year so we came up with a way to pack even more guests into arist alley and the Indie Showcase was born. We also had a record number of comic vendors with 32 dealers this year. That may not sound like a huge amount but next time you are at a 3-day national comic convention, count how many comic vendors are set up.
We also exceeded our attendance numers once again with 900+ attendees over the two days. These are almost all comic buyers who are at the show to add to their collection.
Lastly, we were fortunate to have the Kirby Museum in attandance along with a great selection of original Jack Kirby art work that you can actually pick up and touch.
So we are taking a well derserved break from planning for a bit but keep watching our social media pages on Instagram and Facebook as well as this site as we get ready to announce details for Empire Comic Fest 2025. In the meantime, check out the photos in the Empire Comic Fest 2024 gallery!
July 10, 2024
Need Some extra cash for the show? Ask for some ECF Bucks!
Is "Free" admission still too much? Well, we are giving you some FREE money when you come to Empire Comic Fest. That's right, we will pay you in ECF Bucks! There are 3 ways to take advantage of this deal:
1) When you enter the show, ask the staff at the front desk for an ECF Buck. 2) If you bring one of the Empire Comic Fest advertising flyers with you can pick up from one of the dozen comics shops around central New York *AND* ask for an ECF Buck, we will give you TWO!
3) Triple your bucks by installing the Collectionary app on your mobile device (www.Collectionary.net) and show a search result to the staff at the front desk and we will give you yet another ECF Buck!
ECF Bucks are faux-money vouchers that can be redeemed for face value with any artist or vendor for face value during the show. Denominations are $1, $2 and $5 and will be randomly distributed, while supplies last. More details can be found on the ECF Bucks page!
1) When you enter the show, ask the staff at the front desk for an ECF Buck. 2) If you bring one of the Empire Comic Fest advertising flyers with you can pick up from one of the dozen comics shops around central New York *AND* ask for an ECF Buck, we will give you TWO!
3) Triple your bucks by installing the Collectionary app on your mobile device (www.Collectionary.net) and show a search result to the staff at the front desk and we will give you yet another ECF Buck!
ECF Bucks are faux-money vouchers that can be redeemed for face value with any artist or vendor for face value during the show. Denominations are $1, $2 and $5 and will be randomly distributed, while supplies last. More details can be found on the ECF Bucks page!
July 9, 2024
Saturday Panel Schedule is Live!
Are you tired of lugging around that stack of great comic deals you have dug up at the show and need a break? Or if you just want to check out some great comic history and other industry related topics, stop by the ECF Panel Audiorium on Saturday July 13th starting at noon. Check out all of the details on the Panels Page.
This year's line up opens with couple creators Fred Stresing and Meg Casey as the discuss the trials and tribulations of working together on titles such as Rick & Morty, Invader Zim and Adventure Time.
The next panel dives deep into Marvel lore as Al Milgrom and Keith Williams take you through a number of never before heard-of tales of Marvel Comics from back in the day.
Our third panel features the first panel team-up of legendary Dan Fogel and Kirby museum President and all things Kirby, Tom Kraft. Hear "the other side of the tracks" stories from these two as they share a perspective that has it's origins in the fan community to present day as leaders in their fields.
Our last panel spotlights a creative team who came together to create an ECF exclusive first - "HELL"oween, an anthology horror comic. Listen to writer Joe Janowicz, artist Joe Orsak, artist Nigel Carrington and narrator/personality Stephanie Hunter as they share their ups and down as well as their challenges with creating a self-published comic.
This year's line up opens with couple creators Fred Stresing and Meg Casey as the discuss the trials and tribulations of working together on titles such as Rick & Morty, Invader Zim and Adventure Time.
The next panel dives deep into Marvel lore as Al Milgrom and Keith Williams take you through a number of never before heard-of tales of Marvel Comics from back in the day.
Our third panel features the first panel team-up of legendary Dan Fogel and Kirby museum President and all things Kirby, Tom Kraft. Hear "the other side of the tracks" stories from these two as they share a perspective that has it's origins in the fan community to present day as leaders in their fields.
Our last panel spotlights a creative team who came together to create an ECF exclusive first - "HELL"oween, an anthology horror comic. Listen to writer Joe Janowicz, artist Joe Orsak, artist Nigel Carrington and narrator/personality Stephanie Hunter as they share their ups and down as well as their challenges with creating a self-published comic.
July 6, 2024
Meet a vampire... and buy an exclusive comic!
Announcing an Empire Comic Fest exclusive! Stephanie Hunter, aka "Lucy", will be appearing at the show on both Friday & Saturday July 12th and 13th.
Stephanie will be promoting her exclusive comic, "HELL"oween, along with exclusive prints and other items at her booth, including a Keith Williams original art piece that you can bid on to win.
Be sure to check out the VIP tickets page if you want to pre-order your "HELL"oween exclusive package and check out the "HELL"oween panel on Saturday to meet the creative crew behind this project!
Stephanie will be promoting her exclusive comic, "HELL"oween, along with exclusive prints and other items at her booth, including a Keith Williams original art piece that you can bid on to win.
Be sure to check out the VIP tickets page if you want to pre-order your "HELL"oween exclusive package and check out the "HELL"oween panel on Saturday to meet the creative crew behind this project!
July 5, 2024
Announcing Indie Showcase and New Guest Creators!
This year we are introducing a new section to artist alley that we call Indie Showcase. We will be featuring a number of local artists & creators who will appear throughout both days of the show starting with writer David Ebeltoft and artist Nigel Carrington along with artist Rick Arthur and local artist & publisher Sam Fratto. All of these guests will be appearing on Friday July 12th only.
We will be announcing a few more artists in the next few days so you may want to check out our entire Guest page to get all of the details of who, what and where as soon as it is available!
We will be announcing a few more artists in the next few days so you may want to check out our entire Guest page to get all of the details of who, what and where as soon as it is available!
July 4, 2024
Geof Isherwood Not Able to Attend Upcoming ECF 2024
Recently Geof reached out to us to let us know that due to a packed schedule, he will not be able to attend the upcoming Empire Comic Fest 2024. We had him promise to pencil us in for next year though. So while we will miss his attendance next week, it gives us something to look forward to next year!
July 1, 2024
The Jack Kirby Museum will be Coming to ECF 2024
Get ready for a one of a kind experience as we welcome the Jack Kirby Museum to the Empire Comic Fest! Check out the Kirby Museum booth in artist alley for a display of some rarely seen Jack Kirby original art and related ephemera.
While you marvel at these pieces of history, consider purchasing some of the Kirby Museum merchandise and donate to help support their cause in preserving the legacy of Jack Kirby.
June 30, 2024
Check out the virtual options for ECF 2024!
Not able to attend the upcoming Empire Comic Fest in person? Do you feel that several event halls filled with 31 comic vendors is too many boxes to possibly dig through yourself? No worries, this year we are featuring a couple of virtual options for the show!
On Friday July 12th starting at 4:30pm EST and Saturday July 13th starting at 2:30pm EST, you can take a virtual shopping tour of the convention on Whatnot, sponsored by Rhinos Comics & Collectibles. Just scan the QR codes in the image on the right with your phone or tablet prior to the start times to join the Whatnot livestream.
If Whatnot is not your thing, we will also be announcing another livestream option for Saturday, July 13th, hosted by ComixSense.
For more details and links to all virtual convention news, check out the Virtual Con page of the Empire Comic Fest
On Friday July 12th starting at 4:30pm EST and Saturday July 13th starting at 2:30pm EST, you can take a virtual shopping tour of the convention on Whatnot, sponsored by Rhinos Comics & Collectibles. Just scan the QR codes in the image on the right with your phone or tablet prior to the start times to join the Whatnot livestream.
If Whatnot is not your thing, we will also be announcing another livestream option for Saturday, July 13th, hosted by ComixSense.
For more details and links to all virtual convention news, check out the Virtual Con page of the Empire Comic Fest
June 21, 2024
Two Khans for the price of one!
Looking for something to do in order to keep the convention party going? If so, check out the special showing of The Wrath of Khan at the Little Theater on Saturday July 13th at 8PM in downtown Rochester.
Grab several of your friends and check out this special showing of the Star Trek classic. We are happy to support the Little Theater for this event and we may even have a surprise or two for this special showing at the Empire Comic Fest!
For more details regarding this special showing, check out https://thelittle.org/startrekwrathofkhan/
Grab several of your friends and check out this special showing of the Star Trek classic. We are happy to support the Little Theater for this event and we may even have a surprise or two for this special showing at the Empire Comic Fest!
For more details regarding this special showing, check out https://thelittle.org/startrekwrathofkhan/
June 19, 2024
RoboPicto Comics making their Inaugural Appearance At ECF 6!
If these guys look familiar, that's because you have probably seen them at numerous shows across the country slinging comics with Ted at the Superworld booth.
Joe and Adam have launchged their new business, RoboPicto Comics, and will be bringing a great selection of Gold, Silver and Bronze comics with them along with a few surprises! Stop by their booth and check out their great selection of vintage books. In the meantime, you can also do some shopping on their new website, www.RobotPictoComics.com.
June 10, 2024
CBCS Signature Witnessing at Empire Comic Fest!
Interested in getting your comics signed at Empire Comic Fest and then graded by CBCS? If so, stop by Aubrey's Comics in artist alley and he will be happy to help!
Aubrey will be providing signature witnessing services, CBCS submissions as well as his usual great array of vintage and modern comics at Empire Comic Fest 6 so be sure to check his booth out!
June 6, 2024
Coming to ECF 6- Underground Comix Guru & Publisher Dan Fogel
Empire Comic Fest is pleased to welcome back writer, editor, and publisher Dan Fogel!
Beginning in the late '80s with creator Larry Welz's best-selling line of Adult comics starring CHERRY, Dan’s stories published by Last Gasp, Kitchen Sink Press, Tundra, and Slave Labor Graphics had multiple printings and foreign translations. As a publisher Dan’s produced dozens of books with scores of creators spanning Robert Crumb to Neil Gaiman.
A leading authority and historian of Underground, Alternative, and Independent comic books, Dan’s currently working on V.5 of FOGEL'S UNDERGROUND COMIX PRICE GUIDE, since 2006 the industry standard for retailers, collectors, and investors.
June 3, 2024
Appearing At ECF 6 - Artist & Colorist Meg Casey!
We are excited to have artist/colorist/writer Meg Casey at this year's Empire Comic Fest!
Best known for her comic book work on Invader Zim, Rick & Morty as well as Adventure Time, Meg's talent also spans the film, television and games realm. Stop by this year's Empire Comic Fest and check out her great work!
Best known for her comic book work on Invader Zim, Rick & Morty as well as Adventure Time, Meg's talent also spans the film, television and games realm. Stop by this year's Empire Comic Fest and check out her great work!
May 17, 2024
Artist Fred Stresing Is Coming to ECF 6!
Straight from the pages of Rick & Morty as well as Invader Zim and Adventure Time, artist Fred Stresing will be coming to the Empire Comic Fest on July 12th & 13th.
Fred will be doing sketches, autographs as well as selling some unique Rick & Morty art at his table so make sure you mark your calendars for his upcoming appearance at ECF 6!
May 9, 2024
Making His Grand ECF Appearance - Al Milgrom!
There's not enough space here to list all of Al Milgrom's great contributions to the comic world. Having worked for nearly every major and minor publisher during his 50+ year career, he has not only worked on multiple prominent titles but has also contributed to numerous iconic covers such as Amazing Spider-Man #194, Incredible Hulk #271 and Infinity War #1-4.
And it doesn't end there. Al has worn many hats ranging from inker, artist, writer and editor. Needless to say, Al has seen and created a lot of comic history during his long career.
Appearing both days, July 12th & 13th, 2024 at the upcoming Empire Comic Fest. Don't miss out on seeing this legend of the comic world!
April 22, 2024
Announcing Guest Artist Geof Isherwood!
We are excited to welcome, in his inagural appearance at the Empire Comic Fest, artist Geof Isherwood!
Geof has over 40 years of experience in the industry with major comic publishers including DC and Marvel. Well known for his work on Conan the Barbarian, Spider-Man, Thor and Doctor Strange, Geof's work is not limited to the comic book industry. He has contributed to several Hollywood films in the past 25 years with some notable work on blockbuster films lke X-Men: Apocalypse and X-Men Days of Future Past.
Appearing both days, July 12th & 13th, 2024 - stop by to check out Geof's work and say "hi".
April 2, 2024
Interested in becoming part of the ECF Team?
One of the key components to making a good comic convention great are the volunteers. Not only do they help things run smoothly on all levels but they can also gain some great experience with how these events operate.
As we gear up for this year's Empire Comic Fest, we have several volunteer openings available. If you have a few hours to help out and an interest to join the ECF team, please check out more details on the perks of becoming a volunteer on the ECF Volunteer page.
March 6, 2024
Coming to ECF 6 - Guest Artist Keith Williams!
Once again, we are fortunate to welcome the return of the renowned artist Keith Williams. Best known for his work on The Phantom newspaper strip, he also contributed to a long list of Marvel titles including: Alpha Flight, Transformers, Action Comics, Web of Spider-Man, Quasar, Robocop, Sensational She-Hulk, U.S.Agent, Ravage 2099, The Mask, Star Wars, and others. Keith also has the distinction of being the first one to become part of the legendary Romita Raiders.
Come see Keith who will be appearing both days of the upcoming Empire Comic Fest, July 12th & 13th, 2024.
January 1, 2024
Empire Comic Fest 6 - Coming July 12th & 13th 2024!
We are returning to the JCC, aka the Louis S Wolk Community Center, in Brighton, NY for our 6th Empire Comic Fest! Plans are underway for yet another two day event on July 12th & 13th, 2024. Once again we will be featuring a full artist alley, discussion panels and best of all, table after table of comic vendors! While we all love Legos, baked goods and t-shirts, comics take front, center, left, right and back stage at ECF!
The cost of all of this? General admission is free as always.
Don't mind the dust as we update our site with all of the great things planned for the upcoming ECF 6!
June 22, 2023
Check out the Saturday Panels!
On Saturday, July 8th, take a break from the busy convention floor and enjoy one of our panels in the spacious 300 seat auditorium. Panels start at noon kicking off with Spotlight on Joe Rubinstein and followed by more panels through the afternoon. Check out the complete panel schedule HERE.
Want to secure the best seats in the house? Run over to the Tickets page and purchase a Fan or Artists VIP package which includes, amongst other cool swag, front row seating at all of the panel events!
June 19th, 2023
Commission and Signature Rates for Joe Rubinstein are now live!
Click on the image to the right for more details on rates. If you are interested in pre-ordering any commissioned artwork, please send your requests via the Contact page.
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June 14th, 2023
New Guest Announcement! Writer Don McGregor will be attending ECF 5 both Days, July 7th & 8th!
Well known for his work at Warren Publishing on their horror titles and aslso for his work at Marvel Comics on Black Panther and Power Man as well as countless other titles. Check out his bio on the Guests page!
June 6th, 2023
Signature Witness and onsite CBCS submission Services coming to ECF 5!
Aubrey's Comics will be providing signature witness services and comic/magazine submissions to CBCS at ECF 5. Not only that but Aubrey will also be selling a large selection of graded and ungraded comics. Stop by Aubrey's booth at the show!
May 31st, 2023
Early Bird tickets as well as other VIP packages are now available for purchase!
Do you want to be one of the first to the vendor room? Or maybe you want to guarantee your place in line in artist alley or possibly even grab some swag before it sells out? Check out the Tickets and VIP Packages page and buy yours now!
May 20th, 2023
Announcing ECF Bucks! What are they and more importantly, how can I get them? Read more Here...
May 19th, 2023
Cancelled: New Guest Announcement! The talented Mike Decarlo will be at ECF 5. Go to the Guests page for more details
April 15th, 2023
Check out the latest ECF 5 Flyer!
You can pick up your own copy at most comic shops in the Buffalo & Rochester NY area
thanks to our comic creator guests at ecf3
mike grell
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keith williams
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richard maurizio
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karl slominski
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