OUR origin story

IN THE BEGINNING…

Back in the fall of 2020, Yonkers educator and artist Evan Bishop sparked something extraordinary. While substitute teaching during the era of post-COVID hybrid learning, he tossed aside standardized test papers and instead asked his students, “Who wants to create a comic book?” Instantly, the classroom came alive. That single decision became the foundation of I AM A HERO: Comic Book Creation Workshops, where young people were encouraged to explore social issues, imagine their own superpowers, and design superheroes in their own likeness.

From those humble beginnings, Evan developed a full curriculum and has since led dozens of workshops across Westchester County and New York City. Each session empowers participants to use storytelling and art to see themselves as change-makers and community heroes.

The vision soon expanded into something even bigger: the Yonkers Comic & Cosplay Convention (YC3) — better known as Yonkers Comic Con. In 2022–23, YC3 was awarded an ArtsWestchester community arts grant, officially recognizing it as a project that unites creativity, diversity, and local pride.

Today, YC3 is produced in partnership with Yonkers Arts, the city’s leading nonprofit arts organization. Founded in 2007, Yonkers Arts has been a vital force in nurturing creativity through its Project Space gallery, public art programs, exhibitions, and arts education initiatives. Their leadership has elevated YC3 into an official citywide celebration, proudly presented as:

Yonkers Arts Presents Yonkers Comic Con.

This annual convention is more than an event — it’s a movement. It brings together artists, cosplayers, fans, families, and local businesses for a full day of exhibitions, performances, panels, and community storytelling. YC3 celebrates originality, amplifies underrepresented voices, and inspires the next generation of creators.

Join us at Yonkers Comic Con 2025 as we continue to honor the power of imagination, community, and the heroes within us all.