MAD-Men Reunion at Boston Comic Con 2012
February 2, 2012 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Convention News, Massachusetts, Top Stories
Press Release:
Boston Comic Con celebrates its fifth anniversary with its largest guest list ever! Once again at the Hynes Convention Center in the Back Bay the con will be held on April 21-22, 2012! One of most highly anticipated events for this year is the MAD-Men Reunion! Legendary creators of MAD Magazine Al Feldstein, Paul Coker Jr., Al Jaffee, and Sergio Aragones will appear together to talk about their long and storied history on the iconic humor mag. This is a rare opportunity for MAD fans to meet them and laugh at their outrageous stories.
Al Feldstein
At EC Comics, Al Feldstein created, wrote, illustrated and edited a popular line of titles which are now collectors’ items. These included horror, such as Tales from the Crypt (which was adapted for TV by HBO), sci-fi, and suspense.
In 1955, he became editor of MAD Magazine, one of EC’s titles. He took the magazine’s circulation from 375,000 to a high of almost 3 million by gathering a staff of talented artist and writers: supervising every phase of operation, editing and re-writing every word, designing layouts, and creating the format that led to MAD’s success, including christening its trademark Alfred E. Neuman.
Paul Coker Jr.
After a successful stint as an illustrator for Hallmark, Paul Coker Jr. moved to New York City and began contributing to MAD, Esquire, Playboy, and other magazines.
Coker’s first appearance in MAD was 1961. He has since gone on to illustrate over 400 articles for the magazine. His drawings encompass a wide range of characters, expression, and forms. And although they may appear simple, they reflect considerable sophistication and talent. Coker’s proudest accomplishments for MAD have been “Horrifying Cliches” and the MAD Pet Book.
Al Jaffee
In 1955, Al Jaffee received his first assignment for MAD. Since then Jaffee has become MAD’s reseident artist for elaborate gimmicks and gadgets, including the popular MAD inside back cover fold-ins and the feature “Snappy Answers to Stupid Questions.” Jaffee is a true artist who’s led an amazing life. He remains a regular in the magazine after 55 years and is its longest running contributor.
Sergio Aragones
Soon after he moved from Mexico to the United States in 1962, the “World’s Fastest Cartoonist” started contributing to MAD with his special brand of non-verbal gags, which often appeared in the margins of the magazine. He quickly became one of MAD’s featured artists. He also created several books and co-created the humorous magazine Plop for DC comics. During the early 1980′s he created Groo the Wanderer with Mark Evanier.
The Boston Comic Con is a 100% independently run comic book show committed to bringing the biggest and best comic creators to New England. Run by fans for fans, Boston Comic Con is not affiliated with any other convention tour or corporate interests. Hosting over 40,000 square feet of vendors selling comic books, toys, posters, trading cards, and other pop culture memorabilia, this is a destination event for geeks of any stripe. The convention will be held Saturday April 21st and Sunday April 22nd at the Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston Street, Boston, MA from 10am to 5pm each day. For more information please go to our website at www.bostoncomiccon.com and follow us on Twitter (@BostonComicCon) and Facebook!
Paul Wesley, Jeri Ryan, Scott Bakula, Edge, Amy Acker Among Headliners At 2012 Wizard World Toronto Comic Con
February 2, 2012 by Brian Pate
Filed under Canada, Comic Books, Convention News, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Sports, Television, Top Stories
Press Release:
Paul Wesley, Jeri Ryan, Scott Bakula, WWE® Superstar Edge®, Amy Acker Among Headliners At 2012 Wizard World Toronto Comic Con, April 14-15 At Metro Toronto Convention Centre
World-Class Comics Creator Lineup Includes Mike Deodato Jr., “Jock,” John McCrea, Dale Keown, Tyler Kirkham, Greg Horn, Arthur Suydam Among Dozens Of Others
NEW YORK and TORONTO, February 2, 2012 – A state-of-the-art downtown venue, new dates and fresh celebrity guests mark the third Wizard World Toronto Comic Con, which today announced its standout lineup scheduled to attend the event, April 14-15 at Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC). Popular screen stars Paul Wesley, Jeri Ryan, Scott Bakula and Amy Acker will be joined by WWE® Superstar Edge® and dozens of standout celebs and talented comic book artists and writers at the convention, which promises to be even bigger and better in 2012.
Bakula (“Star Trek: Enterprise,” “Quantum Leap”) and Acker (“Angel,” THE CABIN IN THE WOODS) will appear both days, while Wesley (“The Vampire Diaries,” “24”), Ryan (“Star Trek: Voyager,” “Boston Public”) and Edge® are scheduled to attend on Saturday only.
“Toronto and the entire region have embraced Wizard World Toronto Comic Con over the past two years, and we’re excited to bring a first-class event to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre,” said John Macaluso, Wizard World Board of Directors. “From well-known, relevant stars like Paul Wesley and Jeri Ryan and classic and cult actors and actresses to an outstanding collection of big-time artists and a unique array of exhibitors and vendors, there’s something for everyone.”
The event, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD.PK), will bring together thousands of fans of all ages and dozens of celebrities and industry professionals to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.
Wizard World shows always have top-notch comics creators on hand, and Toronto Comic Con boasts one of the most impressive rosters ever. Headlining the group are Mike Deodato Jr. (“Amazing Spider-Man,” “Wonder Woman”), “Jock” (“Detective Comics,” “Batman”), John McCrea (“Hitman,” “Transmetropolitan”), Javi Fernandez (“Flashpoint: The Outsider,” “Captain America: First Vengeance”), Dale Keown (“Hulk,” “The Pitt”), Tyler Kirkham (“Green Lantern Corps,” “Blackest Night”), Marcus To (“The Huntress,” “The Authority”), Ken Lashley (“Batwing,” “Avengers”), David Mack (“Kabuki,” “Daredevil”), Greg Tocchini (“Batman and Robin,” “Hulk”), Michael Golden (“Batman,” “Spider-Man”), Greg Horn (“Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark,” “X-Force”) and Arthur Suydam (“Marvel Zombies,” “Army of Darkness”).
Other popular celebrity guests scheduled for Toronto include Colin Ferguson (“Eureka,” THE OPPOSITE OF SEX), Sean Maher (“Serenity,” “Firefly”), Jeremy Bulloch (STAR WARS: EPISODE V, VI, III, “Doctors”), Sam Witwer (“Smallville,” THE MIST), Sam Huntington (SUPERMAN RETURNS, FANBOYS), Meaghan Rath (“Being Human,” LOST AND DELIRIOUS) and Catherine Mary Stewart (WEEKEND AT BERNIE’S, THE LAST STARFIGHTER).
Children and adult attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite villain, superhero or pop culture personality for the chance to win special prizes in costume contests. Event-goers may also try their hand interactive product exhibits and shop for collectible comics, movie and television memorabilia, toys and games at scores of dealer booths.
Toronto Comic Con is scheduled as the second stop on Wizard World’s 2012 North American tour. Hours are Saturday, April 14, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 15, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tickets are available in advance online at http://www.
About MTCC
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (http://www.mtccc.com) is Canada’s #1 convention and trade show facility. It is located in the heart of downtown Toronto, within walking distance of almost 13,000 hotel rooms, shopping, restaurants and Toronto sites.
About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.
The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworldcomiccon.com.
***** SAVE THE 2012 DATES *****
April 14-15 – Toronto Comic Con
June 1-3 – Philadelphia Comic Con
August 9-12 – Chicago Comic Con
September 29-30 – Mid-Ohio Comic Con
October 26-28 – Austin Comic Con
TBD 2013 – New Orleans Comic Con
Raleigh Comic Book Show (2012 Schedule)
February 1, 2012 by Brian Pate
Filed under Comic Books, Convention Profiles, North Carolina
Event Details:
 About This Convention: |
Sunday, April 29, 2012 Sunday, August 26, 2012 Sunday, December 2, 2012 Holiday Inn Crabtree Hours:10am to 4pm Admission: ***FREE*** More Info: Dealers come from a five state area with the finest selection of golden age & silver age books for a show this size. 25 tables and a lot of fun!!! |
| Venue Name | Holiday Inn Crabtree |
| Venue Address | 4100 Glenwood Ave. Raleigh, NC 27612 United States |
| What category best describes your convention? | Comic Books |
Even More Guests Flock to WonderCon 2012
February 1, 2012 by Brian Pate
Filed under Animation, California, Comic Books, Convention News, Top Stories
Press Release:
Lay, Snyder, Wheaton and Even More Guests Flock to WonderCon
WonderCon in Anaheim features increasingly stellar lineup
Anaheim, CA – WonderCon, part of Comic-Con International’s (CCI) family of nonprofit comics conventions, announced the latest additions to a guest list that already has fans buying passes at an unprecedented pace for the three-day celebration of comics and related popular art forms. The additions include fan favorites cartoonist Carol Lay (WayLay, The Simpsons), award-winning writer Scott Snyder (Batman, American Vampire, Swamp Thing), and actor/author Wil Wheaton (Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Big Bang Theory). WonderCon will be held March 16-18, 2012.
Passes and hotel accommodations for WonderCon became available on www.comic-con.org/wc/ in December. The event, traditionally held in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1987, relocated the Anaheim Convention Center for 2012 due to renovations at the usual venue. Organizers for the event are pleased to offer southern Californian fans a chance to attend WonderCon who otherwise may not have been able to make the trek to San Francisco. Fans from Orange County and the Los Angeles area have expressed delight in having an event akin to San Diego Comic-Con at their doorstep.
WonderCon’s format resembles the world-renowned Comic-Con albeit on a reduced scale. The 2011 WonderCon welcomed nearly 50,000 attendees, which is less than half of the 130,000 who attended the 2011 San Diego show.
Joining Lay, Snyder, and Wheaton among the newly announced special guests are Renae De Liz (artist/editor, Womanthology, The Last Unicorn), Rebekah Isaacs (artist, Angel & Faith, Magus), Todd Nauck (artist, Amazing Spider-Man, Young Justice), Humberto Ramos (artist, Amazing Spider-Man, Impulse, Crimson), and Ryan Sook (artist, The Spectre; cover artist, Justice League Dark, DCU Presents). For a complete list and bios of the previously announced special guests, who include award-winning comics writers and artists as well as novelists and screenwriters, visit www.comic-con.org/wc/wc_
“The guest list just keeps getting more impressive,” said David Glanzer, director of marketing and public relations for WonderCon and parent company, Comic-Con International. “That, along with rapid badge sales, indicates WonderCon will be just as exciting, if not more so, than the 2011 blockbuster show.”
About WonderCon:
WonderCon, one of the country’s best comics and popular arts conventions, is part of Comic-Con International (CCI), a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to creating awareness of, and appreciation for, comics and related popular art forms. The organization achieves its mission primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture. In addition to WonderCon each spring, CCI organizes San Diego Comic-Con each summer (the world’s largest comics convention of its kind) and San Francisco’s Alternative Press Expo (APE) each fall. On the web: WonderCon.org, Facebook.com/comiccon,Twitter.com/wondercon.
NH – Locke & Key Signing
February 1, 2012 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Gaming, Horror, New Hampshire, Other, Signing and Appearance Profiles
Joe Hill appears at Jetpack Comics on Saturday February 4, 2012 from 2-5pm.
Press Release:
The writer & creator of Locke & Key is coming to Jetpack this Saturday to teach you how to play the Locke & Key Game!
Spend this Saturday afternoon with award winning author Joe Hill and all your friends at Jetpack Comics, learning to play Cryptozoic Entertainment’s LOCKE & KEY Game! This fast paced card game is great family fun. Easy to learn but tough to win!
Everyone that comes to the event & sits down to learn the game will get a FREE copy of one of the Jetpack Comics Exclusives of Locke & Key as well a copy of the FCBD edition of Locke & Key (to help bring you up to speed). All participants will be entered to win a copy of the $100 Welcome to Lovecraft Special Edition!
…and we’ll even have a spread of FREE cup cakes for you to sample from our friends at Sweet Kuppin Cakes (I know it’s news to you Keegan but roll with it).
And, if you’re really nice you can even purchase a copy of the game, and Joe might even sign it all for you! If you’re really nice!
Jetpack Comics
37 North Main Street, Rochester, NH
NYC – Master Writing Class
February 1, 2012 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, New York, Signing and Appearance Profiles
Paul Levitz teaches a writing class at MoCCA on Tuesday, February 7th, 2012 from 6:30PM – 8:30PM.
TUITION:
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL! Register by February 1:
$40 | $35 for MoCCA members
Register after February 1:
$50 | $45 for MoCCA members
From one of comics’ undisputed master plotters, PAUL LEVITZ, a discussion of how to construct plots to suit story structures long and short, building ideas from character, and tools for analyzing the form to develop your goals. Everything you ever wanted to know about plotting comics but were afraid to ask!
PAUL LEVITZ was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1956, and entered the comics industry in 1971 as editor/publisher of The Comic Reader, the first mass-circulation fanzine devoted to comics news. He continued to publish TCR for three years, winning two consecutive annual Comic Art Fan Awards for Best Fanzine. His other fan activities included editing the program books for several of Phil Seuling’s legendary New York Comic Art Conventions. He received Comic-con International’s Inkpot Award in 2002 and the prestigious Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award in 2008. Levitz also serves on the board of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.
Levitz is primarily known for his work for DC Comics, where he has written most of their classic characters including the Justice Society, Superman in both comics and the newspaper strip, and an acclaimed run on The Legion of Super-Heroes, a series he’s recently returned to write. Readers of The Buyers’ Guide voted his “Legion: The Great Darkness Saga” one of the 20 best comic stories of the last century, and visitors to the site comicbookresources.com selected the same story as #11 of the Top 100 Comic Book Stories of All Time. Cumulatively, Levitz has written over 300 stories with sales of over 25 million copies, and translations into over 20 languages. As a DC staffer from 1973, Levitz was an assistant editor, the company’s youngest editor ever, and in a series of business capacities, became Executive Vice President & Publisher in 1989 and then served as President & Publisher from 2002-2009. He continues as a Contributing Editor, but is now concentrating on writing and teaching. Paul is the author of the monumental history book, 75 Years Of DC Comics: The Art Of Modern Mythmaking, published by Taschen, which won the 2011 Will Eisner Award for Best Comics-Related Book.
Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art
594 Broadway, Suite 401, (btwn. Houston and Prince), New York, NY 10012
CA – Second Saturday Cartoonists
February 1, 2012 by Colin Solan
Filed under California, Comic Books, Signing and Appearance Profiles
Raina Telgemeier and Dave Roman appear at the Charles M. Schulz Museum on Saturday, February 11th, 2012 from 11:00AM – 2:00PM.
Having survived an awkward youth, plagued by unfriendly friends, boy confusion, a major earthquake and dental drama, Raina Telgemeier chronicles the trials and tribulations of being a middle schooler in her graphic novel memoir, “Smile.” Telgemeier, whose graphic novel recently won the Eisner Award for Best Publication for a Teen Audience, will speak and teach at the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center on Saturday, February 11. From 10:00 am -12:00 pm, she will teach a master class for young adults (aged 10 and up) and at 1:00 pm she and cartoonist Dave Roman will speak and sign books with Museum visitors.
Telgemeier’s Master Class for Young Adults will explore the art of making comics and story writing. Participants will learn about thumbnails, layouts, balloon placement, panel variation, and the mechanics of sequential art, and will have a chance to create their own 4–8 page short comic. This class is recommended for aspiring cartoonists ages 10 and up. Advanced reservations are required, please call (707) 284-1263 to reserve a space.
At 1:00 pm Telgemeier will give a formal presentation and a live, interactive reading from Smile. Afterward, Telgemeier and Dave Roman, creator of “Astronaut Academy: Zero Gravity” and co-author of two New York Times bestselling graphic novels, “X-Men: Misfits” and “The Last Airbender: Zuko’s Story,” will meet and sign books of Museum visitors. The price of the presentation and meet and greet is included in the price of Museum admission.
Charles M. Schulz Museum
2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Kingdoms of Amalur Release Parties
January 31, 2012 by Colin Solan
Filed under Arizona, Comic Books, Maryland, Massachusetts, Other, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Signing and Appearance Profiles, Sports, Top Stories, Video Games
Todd McFarlane, Curt Schilling, R. A. Salvatore, Ken Rolston, and more celebrate the release of 38 Studios new game at GameStops across the country on February 6, 2012.
Press Release:
The lore of Kingdoms of Amalur spans an epic course of over 10,000 years, with Reckoning capturing a moment in this history and the tale of a singular hero capable of reshaping the fate of the world of Amalur. Every building, tree, and creature has a clear and defined history within this immersive world filled with extraordinary landscapes, mysterious cities, colorful characters, and fantastic creatures.
This mysterious and magical new fantasy world is created by New York Times bestselling author R. A. Salvatore brought to life visually through the trademark style of renowned artist and Spawn creator Todd McFarlane and developed under the leadership of Ken Rolston, lead designer of the critically acclaimed RPGs Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind and Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
Beginning at 11:30 p.m. on February 6, three GameStop stores will open their doors for eager fans who will among the first to get their copies of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning upon its release at midnight on February 7. To mark this occasion the game’s creators will make special appearances and mingle with fans as they count down to the release of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning at the following GameStop locations:
1.Bellingham, MA: Curt Schilling, Founder and Chairman of 38 Studios, three-time World Series champion and life-long videogame fanatic and R.A. Salvatore, Executive Creator of Worlds and 24-time New York Times best-selling author, who crafted the rich lore and stories of the world of Amalur. Curt and R.A. will join fans at the GameStop located in the Stallbrook Marketplace, 258 Hartford Ave, Bellingham, MA 02019
2.Tempe, AZ: Todd McFarlane, Spawn creator and McFarlane Toys founder, who has driven the artistic vision of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. Todd will meet fans at the GameStop at the Tempe Marketplace located at 2040 E. Rio Salado Pkwy, Suite 110, Tempe, AZ 85281
3.Cockeysville, MD: Ken Rolston, Internationally Celebrated Game Designer at Big Huge Games will be joined by members of the Big Huge Games development team including Lead Designer Ian Frazier, Art Director Tim Coman, Lead Combat Designer Joe Quadara, and Audio Director Grant Kirkhope. The team from Big Huge Games will join fans at the GameStop located at 10015 York Road, Suite A7, Cockeysville, MD 21030
CA – Gates of Gotham Signing
January 31, 2012 by Colin Solan
Filed under California, Comic Books, Signing and Appearance Profiles
Kyle Higgins signs on Wednesday February 1, 2012 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm.
Collector’s Paradise
319 S. Arroyo Parkway #4, Pasadena, CA 91105
TO – Adventure Time Signing
January 31, 2012 by Colin Solan
Filed under Canada, Comic Books, Signing and Appearance Profiles, Top Stories
Ryan North and Steve Wolfhard sign at Little Island Comics on Saturday February 11th, 2012 from 3pm-4:30pm
Free to attend!
On Wednesday February 8th BOOM Studios will release the first issue of the Adventure Time comic book series! It’s going to be written by Toronto’s own Ryan North (Dinosaur Comics)! And did you know that awesome Toronto comic book maker Steve Wolfhard works on the Adventure Time with Finn + Jake cartoon series? There’s a whole lot of Adventure Time going on in Toronto, and we’re going to throw a party to celebrate!
Kids and Adults alike are welcomed to Little Island Comics on Saturday, February 11th from 3pm to 4:30pm for our Adventure Time party! You can meet Ryan North and Steve Wolfhard, get your Adventure Time comic books signed, get original drawings, do fun Adventure Time activities and crafts, and so much more! MATHEMATICAL!
Little Island Comics
742 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 2R6
Phone: 416-901-7489
