Long Beach Comic Con is back this weekend after a hiatus of a few years, and it’s got a new look and a new showrunner: founder Martha Donato has sold a majority interest of the show to Ben Penrod of Nerd Street, which currently puts on Twin Cities Con, Central Florida Comic Con, Alaska ComiCon, and Des Moines Con
Donato’s MAD Event Management will remain involved as a minority partner.
LBCC was founded in 2009 and for a while was one of my favorite West Coast shows, with a cozy venue located close to food and water, an eclectic guest list and strong ties to the community. COVID put a crimp in its growth as it did everything- at one point there were two LBCC shows a year, one in Feburqry and one at the traditional Labor Day – but their post-pandemic return was stop and start. Penrod’s new management will bring a fresh perspective while honoring the show’s legacy.
“I’m incredibly proud of everything we’ve accomplished with Long Beach Comic Con over the past 16 years,” said Donato, President of MAD Event Management and founder in a statement. “This event has always been about the fans, the creators, and the unique culture we’ve built together. I’m thrilled to pass the torch to Ben and the Nerd Street team, who share that same passion and vision. I can’t wait to see how they take it to the next level.”
“Taking on Long Beach Comic Con is an incredible honor,” said Penrod. “It’s a show I’ve admired for a long time—its energy, its diversity, its commitment to creators and fans alike. We’re grateful to Martha and the MAD Event team for entrusting us with this legacy, and we’re beyond excited to kick things off with this year’s Labor Day show. We’ve got big plans, and we can’t wait to share them with everyone in Long Beach.”
Penrod is also the founder of Awesome Con, which he sold to Leftfield Media in 2015.
Long Beach Comic Con takes place this weekend, August 30-31st at the Long Beach Convention Center. Guests include a strong line-up of voice actors including Rob Paulson, Morgana Ignis and Cam Clarke, and comics guests including Howard Chaykin, Daniel Kibblesmith and Paul Dini.
