Warrior Con is family-friendly and jam packed comic con held at Maine West High School in the Chicago suburban city of Des Plaines which aims to support the Maine West Fine Arts Boosters. 

This was the second year for the show, held on Saturday, November 22nd, and featured some National and Chicagoland’s artists and illustrators, headlined by creator/writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson, best known for his work on Superman/Action Comics, Batman and Robin, The Incredible Hulk, Alien, and 007.

I had a chance to talk with a number of the artists, authors and vendors during the event about how they came to the show and about what they had on hand for those in attendance.

Bernie Gerstmayer - Organizer - Fine Arts Teacher, Maine West High School

Minerva Fox - Artist @blue_troller

Lee and Jamie Strange Deer Press @strange_deer

Kyle Faehnrich Goons & Goblins @goonsngoblins 

Art Baltazar artist artbaltazar.com 

Derek Shriver - Tweaks Toys, Chicago Trade Federation

Jeff McCune and Jason Fleigel - Chicago Trade Federation

Phillip Kennedy Johnson - Comic creator/writer @phillipkjohnson phillipkennedyjohnson.com 

Beth Zwolski Tobias chalk Girl @thechalkgirl 

Bret Juliano - Dust Bunny Mafia @dustbunnymafia

Ryan Vila @the_vilartist

@warriorcon on Instagram

warrior-con website

If you have a question or comment, find me on the  socials: Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Bluesky & Substack,  @rebelbasecard 

Check out the TeePublic store and you can be helping out the show while finding some cool swag. 

⁠TeePublic Store⁠

Find me on the Topps Digital Apps like Star Wars Card Trader, Marvel, Disney Collect and BUNT @CORNFEDTECH

You can also help out the show by rating The Rebel Base Card Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. All comments and feedback is appreciated!

Fun show for you as it is a preview of the upcoming Warrior Con, which takes place here in the Chicago Suburbs at Maine West High School on Saturday November 22nd from 10am to 5pm.

This is their second year and they have locked in and already sold out their vendor slots - which by the way, goes to support their fine arts program.

Warrior-con features some National and Chicagoland’s artists and illustrators.

And headlining this year’s show is  creator/writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson, best known for his work on Superman/Action Comics, Batman and Robin, The Incredible Hulk, Alien, and 007.

I had a chance to talk with the event organizer and fine arts teacher Bernie Gerstmayer about how the show is coming together and what you can expect to see.

Bernie Gerstmayer - organizer - Fine Arts Teacher, Maine West High School

@warriorcon on Instagram

warrior-con website

f you have a question or comment, find me on the  socials: Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Bluesky & Substack,  @rebelbasecard 

Check out the TeePublic store and you can be helping out the show while finding some cool swag. 

⁠TeePublic Store⁠

Find me on the Topps Digital Apps like Star Wars Card Trader, Marvel, Disney Collect and BUNT @CORNFEDTECH

You can also help out the show by rating The Rebel Base Card Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. All comments and feedback is appreciated!

Anthony King from Force Ghost Conversations returns to talk about his recent time at Halcy-Con 2025, and event dedicated to fans of Disney's Galactic Starcruiser. Although it had 'sailed' its last time in 2023, many fans loved its immersive experience and have come to this second year of Halcy-Con to keep those memories alive and make some new connections.

Force Ghost Conversations on the socials:

@forceghostpod on X

@forceghostconversations on IG

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/share/JySg5Yg4pog8Yosx/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

[email protected]

https://www.teepublic.com/user/force-ghost-conversations

If you have a question or comment, find me on the  socials: Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Bluesky & Substack,  @rebelbasecard 

Check out the TeePublic store and you can be helping out the show while finding some cool swag. 

TeePublic Store

Find me on the Topps Digital Apps like Star Wars Card Trader, Marvel, Disney Collect and BUNT @CORNFEDTECH

You can also help out the show by rating The Rebel Base Card Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. All comments and feedback is appreciated!

Taking a look at a few items that have made news recently in cards and the Star Wars universe. We talk about the recent auction of Luke Skywalker #1, a new series and update for Star Wars Card Trader and the upcoming release of NBA COLLECT.

And our featured discussion of the Adam Driver ‘Hunt for Ben Solo’ Project that was made known recently. P.T. McNiff of the Long Take Review Podcast and Greg Cass, my co-host of the Breakfast & Second Breakfast Pack

Luke Skywalker Heritage Auction sale

https://www.si.com/collectibles/the-force-is-still-strong-1977-topps-star-wars-luke-skywalker-sells-for-268-400

Topps card apps

https://play.toppsapps.com

NBA Collect announcement: 

“NBA Collect by Topps® is the official digital trading card app of the NBA and NBA Players Association! Step into your very own virtual hobby shop and bring your Topps NBA Collection to life with new digital pack releases every week featuring your favorite NBA players both past and present! NBA Collect provides the perfect orientation for collectors of all experience and skill levels, offering chances to connect and trade with NBA fans around the world, combine cards to craft into rarer ones, rip digital packs for chances to win physical Topps NBA hobby product, and play collected cards in real-time scoring contests to win in-app rewards and prizes. Pre-register and subscribe now to NBA Collect emails before November 10th to receive exclusive redemption rewards including in-app currency boosts and 1 free entry to win a physical 2025 Topps Flagship NBA Hobby Box.”

People on this episode:

P.T. McNiff from The Long Take Review

http://thelongtake.substack.com

@ptmcniff on Instagram

Find Greg Cass on Instagram and Hive @eyeoncanon and at eyeoncanon.com

Through the glass columns podcast: A Wheel of Time podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/through-the-glass-columns-a-wheel-of-time-read-along-podcastid1632986026

If you have a question or comment, find me on the  socials: Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Bluesky & Substack,  @rebelbasecard 

Check out the TeePublic store and you can be helping out the show while finding some cool swag. 

TeePublic Store

Find me on the Topps Digital Apps like Star Wars Card Trader, Marvel, Disney Collect and BUNT @CORNFEDTECH

You can also help out the show by rating The Rebel Base Card Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. All comments and feedback is appreciated!

Held in the western Chicago Suburb of Carol Stream, Illinois the Chicago Non-Sport Card Show has been a bastion of card goodness for many years now. Over the two day event, attendees could browse several tables of non-sport cards and collectibles. Vendors return year after year to catch up with old friends and to delight attendees. Typically held twice annually, the fall show was held on October 17th and 18th.  We talk with vendors Jason Beyer, returning guests Bill Hjelmgren from Lookey Here and Paul Maiellaro, former show runner and board member of Treasurechest.org - a charity he helps support during the show.

Jason Beyer

Sidequestgamesandcollectibles.com

[email protected]

Bill & Celeste Hjelmgren 

https://www.nonsportcardshows.com/

Paul Maiellaro

https://www.treasurechest.org

‘At the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation, we believe every child fighting cancer deserves a moment of joy. It all started in 1993, when founder Colleen Kisel saw the comfort a small toy brought her son, Martin, during his cancer treatment. That simple gift sparked a big idea: bring smiles and comfort to kids facing the toughest battles. Today, Treasure Chest Programs have been established in 69 pediatric cancer centers across the country — with many still actively serving young patients. After a difficult procedure, each child gets to choose a toy, gift, or gift card — a small reward for their strength and bravery.’

If you have a question or comment, find me on the  socials: Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Bluesky & Substack,  @rebelbasecard 

Check out the TeePublic store and you can be helping out the show while finding some cool swag. https://www.teepublic.com/user/rebel-base-card

Find me on the Topps Digital Apps like Star Wars Card Trader, Marvel, Disney Collect and BUNT @CORNFEDTECH

You can also help out the show by rating The Rebel Base Card Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. All comments and feedback is appreciated!

Held at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala Florida over the weekend of September 20th to the 21st, I joined Aaron Harris & David Modders from the Star Wars Reactions podcast as well as Mary & Chazz Perdue, members of the CWK Alliance & Facebook Group for some of the great panels, and hit the show floor, which was full of vendors, artists, makers, displays and awesome cosplay from the 501st, Rebel Legion, Droid Makers and Mandalorian Mercs.

This convention had a number of Star Wars guests, including Emily Swallow, Katee Sackhoff, Manny Jacinto as well as a Rebels Voice actor reunion panel with Vanessa Marshall, Steve Blum, Tiya Sircar, & Taylor Gray and Nika Futterman, the voice of Asajj Ventress.

Aaron and David from Star Wars Reactions Podcast

Follow the SWREACTIONS crew on Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky & Facebook and Pinterest. 

Look for @swreactions or @swreactionspod 

You can also email the show at [email protected]

Aaron Harris is on twitter and Instagram @taharris121079

David Modders on Twitter @ david_modders and Instgram @davidmodders

If you have a question or comment, find me on the  socials: Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Bluesky & Substack,  @rebelbasecard 

Check out the TeePublic store and you can be helping out the show while finding some cool swag. https://www.teepublic.com/user/rebel-base-card

Find me on the Topps Digital Apps like Star Wars Card Trader, Marvel, Disney Collect and BUNT @CORNFEDTECH

You can also help out the show by rating The Rebel Base Card Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. All comments and feedback is appreciated!

You’ve seen the show, but sometimes you just need another helping. Because the Star Wars universe creates more canon and questions than you can imagine. So it’s time we sit down again. I’m your host, Greg McLaughlin and it’s time for a brand new micro podcast series: Second Breakfast! In this series we will revisit ANDOR Season 2 episode by episode. In this show we will be looking at Episode 2: Sagrona Teema.

With me as always, is my Breakfast Pack Co-host Gregory Cass from @eyeoncanon

And for this helping of second breakfast we are joined by first time guest Craig Dickenson of Reading Between the Reels.

https://linktr.ee/readbtweenreels

Find Greg Cass on Instagram and Hive @eyeoncanon and at eyeoncanon.com

Through the glass columns podcast: A Wheel of Time podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/through-the-glass-columns-a-wheel-of-time-read-along-podcastid1632986026

If you have a question or comment, find me on the  socials: Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Bluesky & Substack,  @rebelbasecard  - Check out the TeePublic store and you can be helping out the show while finding some cool swag. https://www.teepublic.com/user/rebel-base-card

Find me on the Topps Digital Apps like Star Wars Card Trader, Marvel, Disney Collect and BUNT @CORNFEDTECH

You can also help out the show by rating The Rebel Base Card Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. All comments and feedback is appreciated!

Anthony King from Force Ghost Conversations drops by after the recent Destination D23 in Orlando to break down all the announcements that happened. We also give a brief first impression of the recent release of Topps 2025 Star Wars Chrome.

Force Ghost Conversations on the socials:

@forceghostpod on X

@forceghostconversations on IG

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/share/JySg5Yg4pog8Yosx/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

[email protected]

https://www.teepublic.com/user/force-ghost-conversations

If you have a question or comment, find me on the  socials: Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Bluesky & Substack,  @rebelbasecard 

Check out the TeePublic store and you can be helping out the show while finding some cool swag. https://www.teepublic.com/user/rebel-base-card

Find me on the Topps Digital Apps like Star Wars Card Trader, Marvel, Disney Collect and BUNT @CORNFEDTECH

You can also help out the show by rating The Rebel Base Card Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. All comments and feedback is appreciated!

You’ve seen the show, but sometimes you just need another helping. Because the Star Wars universe creates more canon and questions than you can imagine. So it’s time we sit down again. I’m your host, Greg McLaughlin and it’s time for a brand new micro podcast series: Second Breakfast! In this series we will revisit ANDOR Season 2 episode by episode and talk about what we liked, what we missed the first time and our thoughts on the series. And we hope to bring you great guests as well along the road to help us out.

With me as always, is my Breakfast Pack Co-host Gregory Cass from @eyeoncanon

And for this Inaugural second breakfast we are joined by returning guest Ross Hollebon of Fantha Tracks.

Find Ross Hollebon @popstarindy on Instagram @rosshollebon on X

Find Greg Cass on Instagram and Hive @eyeoncanon and at eyeoncanon.com

Through the glass columns podcast: A Wheel of Time podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/through-the-glass-columns-a-wheel-of-time-read-along-podcastid1632986026

If you have a questions for this episode, ask on the socials, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, threads, BlueSky & Hive @rebelbasecard.

FAX EXPO  Chicago returns to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, just a few weeks after the National Sports Collectors Convention wrapped:

This show played host to many big name celebrities, panels, and catered to fans across many genres. I was able to talk with some old friends and make some new acquaintances.  In Artist Alley, Nick and Candace Poblador from CN Factory were showing off the very latest screen prints that display a mash-up of Chicago elements and pop culture. I was also able to talk with Camron Johnson and Joe Corroney, and John Dizon. While over at the STAR WARS cosplay group’s area, Gemma Billings of the 501st Midwest Garrison talked about the Boba Fett display and the mission of the groups.

Nick Poblaldor @cnfactorychi on Instagram

www.etsy.com/shop/cnfactory

Camron Johnson @camrontjohnson on Instagram

www.camronjohnson.com

Gemma Billings of The 501st Midwest Garrison 

@501MWG on Instagram

www.midwestgarrison.com

www.501st.com

Joe Corroney @joecorroney on Instagram

https://www.joecorroney.com

John Dizon @John.dizon

https://www.johndizon.photos

If you have a question or comment, find me on the  socials: Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Bluesky & Substack,  @rebelbasecard 

Check out the TeePublic store and you can be helping out the show while finding some cool swag. https://www.teepublic.com/user/rebel-base-card

Find me on the Topps Digital Apps like Star Wars Card Trader, Marvel, Disney Collect and BUNT @CORNFEDTECH

You can also help out the show by rating The Rebel Base Card Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. All comments and feedback is appreciated!