KC’s new ‘mini con’ experience set to showcase local comic book creators, family-friendly cosplay

A community-powered pop-up comic book convention is expected to put local artists on the front and center, said Brandon Calloway, illustrating the need for a smaller, more accessible comic con experience in Kansas City.

Brandon Calloway, Blerd Manga, displays his comic books for a potential customer during a recent comic book convention; courtesy photo

Heartland Mini Con — set for May 30 at Equal Minded Cafe, 4327 Troost Ave. — is designed to be welcoming whether an attendee is a longtime fan, a curious newcomer, or part of a family looking for something fun and different to do together, said Calloway, co-founder of Blerd Manga, a Kansas City-built publishing company that focuses on anime style graphic novels.

“This is about creating a space where local creators can be celebrated and where fans can have a genuinely fun, low-pressure experience,” he continued. “Heartland Mini Con is for the comic lovers, the cosplayers, the gamers, and the people who have always wanted to check out a comic con without feeling overwhelmed.”

Created by Blerd Manga and hosted at Equal Minded Cafe, the event offers a more personal, high-energy experience, Calloway said, describing a setting where attendees can shop from local creators, connect with fellow fans, enjoy cosplay, and jump into beginner-friendly Dungeons & Dragons games.

With free entry, the event removes barriers and makes fandom more open to everyone, he said, noting the event venue — Equal Minded Cafe — allows for the intentional blending of pop culture and community in one vibrant setting.

“We wanted to build something exciting, local, and completely open to the community,” he added.

Calloway himself is a comic book writer and creator, with such titles as “Black Spartans,” “Michael” and “Reign of Chaos” among the offerings set to be showcased at Heartland Mini Con.