I may not be a pop culture expert, but I do know one thing for sure.  Years from now, when people mention they went to INDY Popcon 2015, other people in the conversation will ask them if they had a chance to see the Endless Dungeon event.  I would hope that they will be able to answer yes, because that would mean they experienced something just starting out, before it became the huge event it will be in the future.

In June 2015, Indy Popcon was host to the Endless Dungeon, a role-playing experience for charity created by Crit Confirm, a local media group.  This was the second time Endless Dungeon was brought to the public and the event has continued to grow and get better.  There was a room across from the main hall that held the Endless Dungeon, so you had to look for it, instead of just happening across it.  Those that found the room were happy they did.

I watched the first Endless Dungeon event at Indiana Comic Con and my son took part in being on stage.  It was something I had never seen before and was immediately impressed.  Their first event drew large crowds and folks donated over 1700.00 to the Extra Life foundation that supports Riley Children’s Hospitals.  After seeing the first event, I knew I had to make time to check out their program at INDY Popcon.

Before I entered the room I was already impressed because of the castle gateway I had to walk through.  Once in the room I fell in love with all the unique props that were created for the event.  You see, the Endless Dungeon has a foundation in a Pathfinder type of Role-Playing experience, so you have four players on stage with a Dungeonmaster guiding them through the dungeon.  The twist of Endless Dungeon though, is the incorporation of any unique item you’d like, such as Lumiere from Beauty and Beast, Pokeballs, Dragonballs, a Gravity Hammer from Halo, and more.  Players can get these items through donations to charity and the audience can also donate in an attempt to help, or hurt, the players on the stage.

When I watched the event, I was lucky enough to be there while local artists were sketching out scenes that were being talked about on stage.  After they finished the pieces of art, it was then auctioned off to the crowd, with the money going to help the Extra Life charity.  I was able to pick up two completely unique pieces of art featuring scenes and characters just discussed for twenty dollars, a bargain for original art.  The artist portion of the show was a test for this event, but my hope is that it becomes a standard part of Endless Dungeon going forward.

The Endless Dungeon event could not happen without the tireless efforts of the Crit Confirm team.  In the room was a team of seven people who were kind enough to donate their time to the event, making it a great experience for all participants.  These folks were focused on raising money for the Extra Life charity and in the end, they raised over two thousand dollars.  I can’t tell you how impressed I was with their drive and dedication to the cause. 

I’m looking forward to the next Endless Dungeon event and you should be also.  If you’ve missed the first two, then don’t wait any longer.  I strongly believe that in the near future, Endless Dungeon will be talked about on a national level and we in Indianapolis have a chance to experience it before then.  I would also encourage you to lend some support to the Crit Confirm team so they can continue to make the experience even better.  Please check out their Patreon page and pledge whatever you can to keep the creativity growing.

All the best!

John Graham

Hi All,

I Just finished a fun-filled weekend at INDY Popcon and I will say it was quite a success.   I had a booth again this year for my books and comics, along with spending time promoting The INDYpendent Show, which is coming up in November.  The only downside to the show was it contained so much coolness, that I didn’t have time to experience it all.

I might seem strange here, but I would compare the evolution of INDY Popcon to that of someone entering high school.  When I think of last year, their “freshmen year”, Popcon was new on the scene and trying to determine its identity.  There are so many types of conventions in the United States, and Popcon seemed trying to be something for everyone, which can create a situation where you can’t please everyone.  Enter 2015 and their “Sophomore Year”.  This show still had something for everyone, but certain elements of their identity started to move to the forefront.  The presence of Youtube sensations, the Amalgam Podcast Stage, Endless Dungeon, and the HALO competition, helped to create a specific energy that I have yet to feel at any other convention to date.  These improvements to the INDY Popcon identity make me excited to see what the Junior and Senior year's bring us.

Some great moments happened for me at the show and I wanted to take a minute to talk about them.  I was incredibly lucky to be on the Podcast Stage every day speaking with different folks about all things INDYpendent Show and here are the highlights.

The INDYpendent Show

·         November 15th is the date for the next show, which will be at the Airport Radisson on the Westside of Indianapolis.  Tables are still available for local creators.  Check out the website here.

·         The first ever INDYPodnet awards will happen at the November INDYpendent Show, which will highlight local podcasters and local geek celebrities, locations, and events.  Click on this link to get all the submission details.  We’re also looking for judges in that event, so shoot me an email if you might be interested in the details.

·         We will be taking the show on the road in October as part of the INDY Family Fest in Carmel, hosting cool activities for kids of all ages.  This event is Saturday, October 3rd at the Ritz Carlton in Carmel.

My goal is to help create more events in Indianapolis that promote and feature the amazing artists and creators in the area.  If you know of an organization, school, or library that has a desire to incorporate comic creativity into their next event, please give them my contact information.  John Graham at FIGIDPress@Gmail.com.

I’m looking forward to what the next INDY Popcon brings us here in Indianapolis.  This show is truly evolving into a “must attend” event in the Midwest.