So-called " comics festivals " are based on a European model started by such long-running conventions as Lucca Comics & Games and the Angoulême International Comics Festival . Festivals are much more focused on the art and literature of the comics form , and only minimally on related pop culture expression and merchandising . In the U.S. , comics festival and " indy shows " tend to highlight the " alternative comics " genre , not the work of " mainstream " publishers like DC Comics and Marvel Comics . Cos-playing is rarely if ever a feature of these conventions . Some notable North American small press conventions include : Comics-only conventions emerged in response to the sprawling pop culture-focused conventions epitomized by Wizard Entertainment , San Diego Comic Con International , and the New York Comic Con . " Comics-only " shows tend to hearken back to the comic book conventions of the 1970s and 1980s : still focused on the genres of superhero , fantasy , horror , and crime ; as well as dealers selling back issues and other collectibles , but without the domineering presence of the mainstream publishers , or film and television producers . Notable " comics-only " conventions include : Comic book conventions were traditionally run and staffed by volunteers , though venues may require certain activities to be contracted out . Event funding typically relies on convention registrations . Nowadays , many of the larger conventions are incorporated as non-profit organizations , usually to achieve tax-exempt status and safeguard the organizers ' personal assets – in the US , some are 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) charities , while others are registered as recreational clubs . The largest events may require up to a hundred volunteers . Volunteers often receive T-shirts or other benefits
Angoulême International Comics Festival
Angoulême International Comics Festival
Comic book convention