IL – Young Avengers Signing
April 9, 2013 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Illinois, Signing and Appearance Profiles
Marvel Comics writer Kieron Gillen signs at Third Coast Comics on Thursday April, 25th at 5:00 pm! He’s helping kick off the 2013 C2E2 with an appearance at the shop. His credits include:
The X-Men, S.W.O.R.D., Generation Hope, Uncanny X-Men, Avengers vs X-Men: Consequences, Thor, Journey Into Mystery, Iron Man, and the curent Young Avengers comic.
In addition to his Marvel work he also wrote Phonogram for Image Comics with artist Jamie McKelvie.
Third Coast Comics
6234 North Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660
IL – The Protectors Signing
April 7, 2013 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Illinois, Signing and Appearance Profiles, Sports
Israel Idonije is coming to Challengers on Saturday, April 20, 2013 from 1:30 pm until 3:00 pm! The longtime Chicago Bear has a brand new comic book company, Athleta Comics. To celebrate the release of their first super-hero title THE PROTECTORS, Israel will be on hand to sign copies of the Collector’s Item issue #0, and he’s also bringing PROTECTORS t-shirts!
Find out more about Athleta and The Protectors here…
Challengers Comics
1845 N. Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
IL – Sparks Signing
April 4, 2013 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Illinois, Movies, Other, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Signing and Appearance Profiles, Television, Top Stories
William Katt, Jake Busey, and Christopher Folino sign at Graham Crackers Comics on Friday April 12th from 5:00 till 7:00 pm!
Press Release:
ACTOR, WRITER, PRODUCER William Katt, best known for his role as The Greatest American Hero on the 1980s TV show, is in town promoting the WORLD PREMIERE of his new movie SPARKS, based on the comic book graphic novel!
He will be accompanied by actor Jake Busey (Starship Troopers, The Frighteners) as well as Christopher Folino, the creator of Sparks!
All three will be signing copies of the SPARKS Graphic Novel at our CHICAGO LOOP location on FRIDAY APRIL 12th from 5pm – 7pm! Come on out, meet the stars, get a copy of their graphic novel personalized and find out more about the world premiere film!
Graham Crackers Comics – CHICAGO LOOP
77 E. Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60602
IL – Marble Season Signing
April 3, 2013 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Illinois, Signing and Appearance Profiles
Gilbert Hernandez signs at Quimby’s Bookstore on Thursday April 18th at 7:00 pm!
Press Release:
Join beloved cartoonist Gilbert Hernandez (LOVE & ROCKETS) as he launches his new D+Q graphic novel MARBLE SEASON, his first semiautobiographical story of his childhood. Hernandez will present a fascinating slide show “From Funny books to Graphic Novels” featuring the comics of his childhood, in addition to a Q+A and signing. These silver age comics not only influenced MARBLE SEASON, but also set the course for Gilbert, as well as his brothers Jaime and Mario, to become the legendary comics creator they are today.
MARBLE SEASON is the first ever semi-autobiographical novel by acclaimed cartoonist Gilbert Hernandez of Love & Rockets, and is also his first graphic novel for Drawn & Quarterly. Meet Huey. He’s the middle child of a big family, growing up in a California suburb in the 1960s. He stages Captain America plays in the backyard and treasures his older brother’s comic-book collection almost as much as his approval. Set against the golden age of the American dream and the silver age of comics, MARBLE SEASON is a subtle and deft rumination on the redemptive and timeless power of storytelling and world-building in childhood.
Quimby’s Bookstore
1854 West North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622
773-342-0910
C2E2 Welcomes New Comics Publishers to 2013 Convention
March 29, 2013 by Brian Pate
Filed under Comic Books, Convention News, Illinois, Top Stories
Press Release:
C2E2 WELCOMES NEW COMICS PUBLISHERS TO ANNUAL POP CULTURE EVENT
First Time Exhibitors to Bring Brand-New Artists, Writers and Stories to Show!
Norwalk, CT, March 26, 2013: Officials at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) have announced that there will be many new and fresh faces at the annual pop culture extravaganza this year. Several notable comics publishers will be exhibiting at the show for the first time. They will be joining other leading publishers, such as Marvel and DC Entertainment, who have helped to make C2E2 the preeminent pop culture event in the Midwest since its debut in 2010. Officials are projecting that exhibitor space at C2E2 will be approximately 25 percent larger than last year! A few of the creative and innovative new companies on hand this year will be Action Lab Entertainment, Athleta Comics and Lion Forge Comics. In addition, Reload Comics and 2000 AD/Rebellion will be at C2E2 for the first time promoting their widely popular properties and titles.
In addition to Marvel and DC, some other returning publishers include Anomaly Productions, Archaia, Avatar Press, Big Dog Ink, Boom! Studios, Dark Horse, Medallion Press, Quirk Books, Valiant Entertainment, Xigency Studios and Zenescope Entertainment. All these publishers will have new comic books and stories to reveal at C2E2 and they will have fresh, original artwork to display in their booths. DC Entertainment has provided the original poster art for this year’s show which features Superman in an iconic Chicago setting. The Marvel booth will be centrally located on the show floor where fans will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with creators and staff. Many of the publishers will also be participating in panels, providing show exclusives, and will be bringing their top talent to meet the thousands of fans on hand at C2E2.
As noted, C2E2 has quickly become the largest and most influential pop culture event in the Midwest. It attracted just over 27,000 fans when it was launched in 2010 and grew to over 41,000 fans last year. While it is impossible to project attendance for 2013, convention officials note that ticket sales are running between 85% – 95% ahead of the same time last year, virtually guaranteeing that this will be the most widely attended C2E2 to date. This year’s C2E2 will take place April 26 – 28 in the West Building at McCormick Place Convention Center.
“The fact that we have so many really cool first time publishers signing up for our show is the best news I could possibly be sharing,” notes Lance Fensterman, Global Vice President for ReedPOP and Show Manager for C2E2. “Presenting new original content and being able to provide fans an opportunity to meet artists and creators who they have never met before is the lifeblood of what we do! We want to provide a home where our new customers feel instantly happy and productive and where our fans come away feeling like they have ‘discovered’ something. I am hugely grateful to all the publishers who have decided to join us for the first time this year and I know our fans will do everything they can to make C2E2 a great experience for them.”
Examples of the various projects that some of these publishers will be promoting at C2E2 include:
- Action Lab Entertainment, publisher of the 2012 two-time Eisner nominated Princeless,will be at C2E2 to introduce their lineup of creator-owned comics. They will be presenting at the Diamond Retailer Summit and will talk about Jamal Igle’s Molly Danger, NFL Rush Zone, Jeremy Dale’s Skyward, Princeless, Vamplets: Nightmare Nursery, Pirate Eye and their new Mature Readers line called Action Lab: Danger Zone.
- Athleta Comics is owned by Israel Idonije, the longtime defensive player for the Chicago Bears. Mr. Idonije will be coming to C2E2 to promote his first comic project The Protectors. Idonije was inspired to create The Protectors when he had an idea for a superhero who would appeal to both comic book enthusiasts and die-hard sports fans. He has teamed up with the creative team of writer Ron Marz and artist Bart Sears and Idonije, Marz and Sears will be at the Athleta booth throughout the show and will participate in a panel!
- Lion Forge Comics will unveil its two latest publications on Saturday, April 27 at C2E2. Former Playboy 2011 Playmate of the Year has partnered with Lion Forge on the use of her image and story line for Wonderous: The Aventures of Claire Sinclair. Actor Flex Alexander has collaborated with Lion Forge on a cyber-thriller comic called The Joshua Run. Alexander notes: “I am very excited to be a part of C2E2 this year. This is big for me because I grew up a comic book fan and collector. I can’t wait for everyone to get into the world of The Joshua Run. It is going to be an amazing ride!”
- United Kingdom publisher Reload will be making their first U.S. convention appearance at C2E2. They will promote their flagship title, Jericho, which was created by Fwah Storm, self-described as a “musician, magician, poet, illustrator, a proud member of Reload Comics and so much more!” Storm notes that Reload will be bringing their books, merchandise and promotional material (along with some other goodies!) to C2E2.
- The staff at 2000 AD/Rebellion note: “After hearing such good things about C2E2, we knew exactly where we’d be spreading the 2000 AD Thrill-power! We’ll be promoting our North American line of collections – from classics such as Judge Dredd and Sláine the Barbarian, to more modern titles like Leviathan and Zombo – as well as bringing a few little British treats across for fans new and old! We’ll also have a great panel on the Friday evening at 7:45pm with several top names that will be very familiar to US audiences! We can’t wait to get to Chicago and introduce new readers to the amazing galaxy of characters from 2000 AD!”
Tickets for C2E2 are currently on sale at www.C2E2.com. Anyone interested in exhibiting at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo should contact Larry Settembrini, Larry@ReedPOP.com. As noted, more guests and activities will be announced in the month ahead and fans should keep their eyes on C2E2’s website for additional comics and entertainment announcements.
ABOUT REEDPOP: ReedPOP is a boutique group within Reed Exhibitions which is exclusively devoted to organizing events, launching and acquiring new shows, and partnering with premium brands in the pop culture arena. ReedPOP is dedicated to producing celebrations of popular culture throughout the world that transcend ordinary events by providing unique access and dynamic personal experiences for consumers and fans. The ReedPOP portfolio includes: New York Comic Con (NYCC), Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2), Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) Prime & East, Star Wars Celebration, and the UFC Fan Expo. In 2013 ReedPOP will add Star Wars Celebration Europe and PAX Australia to its rapidly expanding portfolio of international events. The staff at ReedPOP is a fan based group of professionals producing shows for other fans, thus making them uniquely qualified to service those with whom they share a common passion. ReedPOP is focused on bringing its expertise and knowledge to world communities in North America, South America, Asia and Europe.
IL – Husbands Signing
March 28, 2013 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Illinois, Other, Signing and Appearance Profiles, Television
Jane Espenson and Brad Bell, creators of Husbands, sign the new graphic novel at the DePaul University Bookstore on Monday, April 29, 2013 at 6:00 p.m!
DePaul University Bookstore
1 E. Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60604
773-325-7700
IL – God Hates Astronauts Signing
March 22, 2013 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Illinois, Signing and Appearance Profiles
Ryan Browne signs at Challengers Comics on Friday April 12th from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm!
We’re throwing a party to celebrate the release of GOD HATES ASTRONAUTS: THE COMPLETELY COMPLETE COLLECTION, and unfortunately creator Ryan Browne found out about it, so he’ll be here to sign books and irritate Dal. Beer and wine will be served, which is sure to keep Ryan in a “charming” mood. Attendees will not only be able to get the FIRST copies of the God Hates Astronauts hardcover, but they can get a FREE Challengers exclusive “Ex Libris Challengers” bookplate with each hardcover.
From the creator of “Blast Furnace: Recreational Thief” and “Smoke and Mirrors” comes the ultimate collection of the most outrageous weirdo parody comic on the web, GOD HATES ASTRONAUTS. Imagine a book that is a bizarre mix of “The Venture Brothers”, “Aqua Teen Hunger Force”, “The Tick” and that hilarious Billy Bob Thornton film “The Astronaut Farmer.”
GHA follows the story of a group of incompetent, small-minded, super powered narcissists called “The Power Persons Five” who are hired by NASA to stop all farmers from launching themselves into space in homemade rocket ships. Unfortunately, for NASA, this goal is scarcely even addressed and the book focuses more on extramarital affairs, bank robing owls, big gross swollen heads, ghost cow heads, olde tyme boxers, tigers eating cheeseburgers in the Crab Nebula, buffalo judges and tons of aggressive swearing. Not as much a superhero book as it is a parody of basically everything and a celebration of weird that is jam-packed with references to Robo-Cop and Die Hard.
Challengers Comics
1845 N. Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
C2E2 Getting Exclusive “Galaxy Hero” Beer in 2013
March 19, 2013 by Brian Pate
Filed under Collectibles, Comic Books, Convention News, Illinois
Press Release:
REVOLUTION BREWING TO CREATE BEER EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE CHICAGO COMIC & ENTERTAINMENT EXPO (C2E2)
“Galaxy Hero” Beer to be Launched at Tap Room Party on April 4!
Norwalk, CT, March 14, 2013: The Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) has today announced that Chicago’s Revolution Brewing will create a beer exclusively for C2E2′s audience of pop culture enthusiasts and comic book fans. “Galaxy Hero”, which is described by Revolution Brewing as a beer which “shoots a raygun blast of Galaxy and Zythos hops into your mouth and leaves a crisp, dry finish” is a superhero’s beer for a superhero-loving audience. The new, exclusive IPA beer will be available for tasting at a debut party sponsored by C2E2 and Revolution Brewing on April 4 from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM at the Revolution Brewery Tap Room, located at 3340 N. Kedzie Avenue. Everyone who RSVPs will get at least one drink ticket for a complimentary Galaxy Hero! The beer will also be available in several locations throughout Chicago in the weeks leading up to C2E2 and at the bar in the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Hotel during C2E2.
Launched in 2010, C2E2 has quickly become the largest and most influential pop culture event in the Midwest attracting top comics, entertainment and literary guests and artists. This year’s convention will be no exception. Ticket sales are currently running 75% ahead of this time last year and just a few of the guests who have already been announced include Kevin Smith, Alex Ross, J. Michael Straczynski, R.L. Stine, Adam West, Burt Ward, Julie Newmar, Peter Davison and Felicia Day. Many more high profile guest announcements will be made in the next month.
C2E2 will take place April 26 – 28 in the West Building at McCormick Place Convention Center.
“I love beer. I love comics. I love Chicago. This is the greatest thing we’ve ever done!” notes Lance Fensterman, Global Vice President for ReedPOP and Show Manager for C2E2. “This tasty partnership only proves what I have always believed to be true – that pop culture influences are everywhere in our lives. Thanks to the folks at Revolution Brewing, artists in their own right for creating this hoppy masterpiece just for C2E2, our fans and yes, the staff. Cheers!”
Josh Deth, Owner of Revolution Brewing and “Chairman of the Party,” comments: “I took my kids to C2E2 last year and it was a blast, so it is super cool to be brewing up Galaxy IPA for this year’s show!”
Tickets for C2E2 are currently on sale at www.C2E2.com. Anyone interested in exhibiting at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo should contact Larry Settembrini, Larry@ReedPOP.com. As noted, more guests and activities will be announced in the month ahead and fans should keep their eyes on C2E2′s website for additional comics and entertainment announcements.
ABOUT REEDPOP: ReedPOP is a boutique group within Reed Exhibitions which is exclusively devoted to organizing events, launching and acquiring new shows, and partnering with premium brands in the pop culture arena. ReedPOP is dedicated to producing celebrations of popular culture throughout the world that transcend ordinary events by providing unique access and dynamic personal experiences for consumers and fans. The ReedPOP portfolio includes: New York Comic Con (NYCC), Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2), Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) Prime & East, Star Wars Celebration, and the UFC Fan Expo. In 2013 ReedPOP will add Star Wars Celebration Europe and PAX Australia to its rapidly expanding portfolio of international events. The staff at ReedPOP is a fan based group of professionals producing shows for other fans, thus making them uniquely qualified to service those with whom they share a common passion. ReedPOP is focused on bringing its expertise and knowledge to world communities in North America, South America, Asia and Europe.
ABOUT REVOLUTION BREWING: Revolution Brewing is Chicago’s new hometown craft brewery. Our brewpub in Logan Square is a bustling, neighborhood institution where friends and families meet to enjoy the freshest beer in town. Opening our brewery has been a labor of love. We think you can see that in everything we do ranging from the details of our carved fists holding up our mahogany bar to the pungent hop aroma of our Anti-Hero IPA to our creative dishes like our bacon-fat popcorn.
The growth of craft breweries in the U.S. has been nothing short of a revolution and we’re proud to be standing tall in this new crowd. The changing tastes of beer drinkers demand bigger flavors and more variety. That’s exactly what we give you at Revolution Brewing. Our brewpub produces about 50 different beer styles each year. We’ve got session beers like Workingman Mild, hop-bombs like Double Fist and more bourbon barrel aged beers than you can shake a stave at. We have fun doing what we do and invite you to come in and join us.
IL – Aw Yeah First Anniversary
March 13, 2013 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Illinois, Signing and Appearance Profiles
Aw Yeah Comics celebrates their first year of business with two days of signings with co-founders Art Baltazar & Franco plus special guests Jason Latour, Jeff Zwirek, Michael Moreci & Steve Seeley, and more! Join them on March 23rd and 24th! RSVP on Facebook!
Aw Yeah Comics
4933 Oakton Street, Skokie, IL 60077
Phone: 847-423-2916
IL – Relish Signing
March 12, 2013 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Illinois, Signing and Appearance Profiles, Webcomics
Cartoonist Lucy Knisley is coming to Challengers on Wednesday April 10th at 7:00 pm for a party! She’ll be signing copies of her terrific new book Relish: My Life In The Kitchen, hosting a slideshow, and hanging out with fans in a gallery decked out with her artwork. Beer and wine will be served, as well as Lucy’s recipes from Relish prepared by local fans. It’s going to be fun (potentially) on a bun!
Challengers Comics
1845 N. Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
