Geeks, nerds and fans unite! A comic convention is coming to Baumholder. BAUMCON ‘23 will be held May 20 and 21 in the aptly named “Hall of Champions” at Baumholder. It will be two days of trivia, cosplay, board gaming, Klingon workshops, shopping and more. Best of all…it’s FREE! I had the pleasure of speaking with con organizer 1SG Andre Corbin, HHC, 95th CSSB, 16th Sustainment Brigade, and he shared some insights into what went into bringing this comic con to life at Baumholder.

BAUMCON isn’t Corbin’s first foray into the world of con-creation in the KMC area. Between 2015 and 2016, Corbin organized KCON (Kaiserslautern Con). The first event in 2015 brought about 3,000 attendees, while 2016’s was even larger at 10,000. It was so popular, it warranted K-CON ‘16.2 later that year.

As someone who learned how to read from comic books, Corbin wants to share the world of fandom and comics with the local military community because he is a “big advocate of imagination and reading.” He also knows that comics can be a “bridge between generations.” Corbin shared the story of seeing a father and son rifling through a comic book collection. The father picked up a comic book and showed it to his six-year-old son and said “Hey, I read this when I was your age.” The father bought the comic book, took it home and read it with his son.

Corbin also really wants people to come and “geek out” and find like-minded folks who share the love of various fandoms. I had a blast talking with him about the history of comic book conventions and the rise of geekdom. One notable part of con popularity is that you can take home unique artwork and crafts emblazoned with a favorite superhero or nostalgic game scene. Corbin said local artists are scheduled to be on-site selling their crafts and paintings. A local author is hosting a workshop on writing comic books and will have their comics for sale as well. If you have the itch to challenge what you know about various fandoms, there will be chances to participate in trivia every hour.

Corbin would like to thank the leadership of 16th Sustainment Brigade who supported his pitch for a Baumholder comic con from the get-go and MWR.

BAUMCON is open to and free for all DoD/CAC ID holders and their dependents. If you are interested in entering the costume contest, entering the art contest, potentially leading a workshop, having a sale table or just interacting with fellow fans, head over to the Facebook page here.