Before he was running one of the most respected creator focused comic conventions in the South, Donald Juengling was already a familiar face in Memphis’ comic scene. As the longtime manager of Comics & Collectibles, the city’s oldest comic book shop, Donald built a reputation for knowing his stuff. He understood not just the latest superhero arcs, but also the history, the creators, and the craft behind the books.
“Working at Comics & Collectibles all those years gave me a front row seat to the best part of comics - the connection between the fans and the people who make the books,” Donald says. “I saw how much it meant to people when a creator would come in for a signing or a sketch. That personal connection sticks with you. And I wanted to find a way to give people more of that.”
Those years behind the counter gave Donald a unique perspective. He saw the joy fans felt when meeting artists and writers, and he noticed how rarely those moments happened in Memphis. That realization, combined with his own lifelong love of comics, sparked the idea for what would eventually become Memphis Comic Expo.
The Birth of MCX
In 2014, Donald decided to take a chance. His vision for Memphis Comic Expo, or MCX, was simple but bold: create a show that puts comic creators at the center.
“A lot of conventions have shifted focus to celebrities and photo ops,” he says. “There’s nothing wrong with that, but I wanted to build something for the people who actually make the comics. I wanted MCX to be a place where they’re the main event, where fans can meet them without standing in line behind 500 people waiting for a movie star.”
That first year was a risk. The debut lineup featured more than 35 guests from across the country, including comic book artists, writers, and pop culture figures. One of the biggest draws was Memphis’ own Jerry “The King” Lawler, who brought along his replica of the 1966 Batman TV series Batmobile.
Inside, the show floor was buzzing. Fans moved between rows of artist tables, comic bins, original art displays, and collectibles. Cosplayers posed for photos, and local podcast Black Nerd Power recorded live from the floor.
Attendees could get sketches, commissions, or signed books from their favorite creators. Memphis-based illustrator Derrick Dent turned heads with his energetic brush and ink work. Local science fiction author Cecilia King shared her novel Take It to the City in the Sky. It was clear from the beginning that MCX was about celebrating creative storytelling in every form.
“I’ll never forget that first year,” Donald says. “It was nerve-wracking. You’re wondering if anyone will show up, if guests will be happy, if the whole thing will work. But by the end of the weekend, I knew we had something special.”
Staying True While Growing Bigger
As word spread, MCX began to grow. The guest list expanded. Attendance increased. But the mission stayed the same: creators come first.
“Creators tell me all the time that they love coming here because they can actually talk to people,” Donald says. “It’s not a 20 second handshake while the line keeps moving. They can have real conversations. That’s what makes this show different.”
MCX didn’t try to compete with the biggest conventions. Instead, it leaned into what made it unique. A curated guest list, a focus on comic artistry, and an atmosphere where professionals and fans could really connect.
A National Destination in the South
Today, MCX is known across the region as one of the best comic-focused conventions in the country. Creators from Marvel, DC, Image, and beyond have all made appearances. Pros enjoy the relaxed environment, and fans love the access they get to top tier talent.
MCX has become a place where you might meet your favorite artist, discover a new favorite writer, or even get advice on your own portfolio.
“Every year I see kids walking around with their sketchbooks, showing their art to professionals,” Donald says. “Some of them come back the next year better than before because of the advice they got here. That’s why we do it.”
Why MCX Matters
Donald’s journey, from running a neighborhood comic shop to organizing one of the South’s most respected conventions, is rooted in a simple belief. Comics matter. Creators matter. And those connections between artist and audience matter.
“As long as I’m running MCX,” he says, “the artists and writers will always be the stars of the show. That’s the promise.”
Learn More & Get Involved
Memphis Comic Expo 2025 will take place September 13–14 at the Memphis Sports & Events Center. Whether you’re a longtime comic fan or just getting into the medium, it’s the perfect weekend to connect with creators, celebrate the art of storytelling, and support a homegrown Memphis event.
Get tickets and guest info: www.memphiscomicexpo.com
Follow MCX for updates and guest announcements:
Instagram: @memphiscomicexpo
Facebook: Memphis Comic Expo
Looking for your next favorite read or a great conversation about comics? Visit Comics & Collectibles, located at 4730 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN. The shop has been serving the Mid-South since 1986 and continues to be a trusted destination for new releases, vintage books, manga, gaming, collectibles, and more.
Visit Comics & Collectibles: facebook.com/memphiscomics
Whether it’s your first time walking into a comic shop or your tenth year attending MCX, Donald and the community around him are here to welcome you in.
This blog was written by Ryan Ladner
Ryan Ladner is the CEO of Thrill Comics and creator of the comic book Memphis vs. Zombies. He lives in Memphis with his wife, Maya, and their family. Visit www.thrillcomics.com to learn more about Thrill Comics.
