Frank Cho Plans for Big Wow 2012

Artist Frank Cho posted about his plans for Big Wow Comic Fest on his blog:

The great Big Wow Comic Fest in San Jose is just around the corner. Again this year, I’ll be holding one of my very rare art classes where I’ll teach drawing the female figure- veeeery sexy female figures. (This is a felony in some southern states, I believe.) Again this year, the lovely and culo-rrific Ivy Doomkitty will model for me at the live figure drawing class. She’ll be dressed as Dejah Thoris and belly dance for us. (She’s a professional belly-dancer. I kid you not.)

The wonderful thing about Big Wow Comic Fest is that it focuses on the art of drawing and painting comic books. There will be various free art workshops at the convention for the fans, including a costume making workshop for cos-players and acrylic/oil painting classes for fine art lovers. The fans can just watch or draw along with the artists, or just get your comic books autographed – because Big Wow Comic Fest is still a comic book convention.

Don’t forget, This year’s stellar guest list includes the great Jim Lee, Juanjo “Blacksad” Guarnido, Bernie Wrightson, Travis Charest, Kevin Nowlan, Joe Jusko, Bill Morrison, Tim Sale, Brandon Peterson, James O’Barr, Michael Golden, Mike Choi, Tim Vigil, and many many more.

www.bigwowcomicfest.com

Brian Bolland Added to Baltimore Comic-Con 2012

Press Release:

The Baltimore Comic-Con is proud to announce the addition of British comic legend Brian Bolland to the growing line-up of guests for this year’s show, taking place September 8-9, 2012 at the Baltimore Convention Center.

Bolland, best known for his meticulously detailed line work, is one of the artists who helped define Judge Dredd for the British anthology series 2000 AD. In 1982, Bolland spearheaded what has become known as the “British Invasion” of the American comic industry, blowing open the doors for some the most prolific creators from across the pond to showcase their work throughout the States.

Bolland’s cover work for such DC Comics titles as Animal Man, The Invisibles, and Wonder Woman defined the look and feel of these books through the late-’80s and early-’90s. His most recent work includes Cover Story: The DC Comics Art of Brian Bolland, which hit stores last September, and covers for DC Comics’ Dial H, one of the titles in the second wave of books from the New 52, which hit stores this past week.

“We are delighted to have Brian Bolland attending this year’s show,” said Marc Nathan, show promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. “His influence on both the world of British and American comics continues to be felt through his eye-catching composition gracing the covers of DC Comics.”

In addition to Bolland, other confirmed guests for the show including: Laura & Michael Allred (Madman, iZombie); Greg Capullo (Batman, Spawn); Tommy Castillo (Grimm Fairy Tales); Cliff Chiang (Wonder Woman); Frank Cho (Avengers vs. X-Men, Liberty Meadows); Steve Conley (Bloop webcomic www.bloopstree.com); Amanda Conner (Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre); Lar deSouza (Looking For Group, Least I Could Do); Dan Didio (O.M.A.C.); Garth Ennis (The Shadow, Hellblazer, Preacher, The Boys); Rich Faber (Roboy Red); David Finch (Batman: The Dark Knight); John Gallagher (Buzzboy); Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman); Keith Giffen (Superman, OMAC, Green Arrow); Gene Ha (Justice League); Larry Hama (G.I. Joe, Wolverine, The ‘Nam); Cully Hamner (Action Comics); Dean Haspiel (Billy Dogma, ACT-I-VATE, Trip City); Jamal Igle (KISS, Supergirl, The Ray); J.G. Jones (Wanted, Doc Savage); Barry Kitson (Captain America, Iron Man, Fantastic Four); Scott Kurtz (PvPonline.com); David Mack (Kabuki); Ron Marz (Artifacts, Voodoo); Bob McLeod (DC Comics Presents: Wonder Woman); Mark Morales (Avengers vs. X-Men); Jimmy Palmiotti (All-Star Western); David Petersen (Mouse Guard); Brian Pulido (Lady Death); Frank Quitely (All Star Superman, Batman & Robin); John Romita, Jr. (Avengers Vs. X-Men); Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge); Stuart Sayger (Infestation 2: 30 Days of Night One-Shot); Walter Simonson (Thor, Legion of Super-Heroes, Avengers); Ryan Sohmer (Looking For Group, Least I Could Do); Scott Snyder (Batman, Severed, Swamp Thing); Brian Stelfreeze (ICE); Karl Story (Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9); Peter Tomasi (Batman and Robin); Billy Tucci (A Child Is Born, Shi); Matt Wagner (Tower Chronicles, Mage, Grendel); Mark Waid (Daredevil, Incorruptible, Irredeemable); and Bernie Wrightson (Frankenstein).

In the coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found on our website, Twitter, and Facebook pages.

This year’s Baltimore Comic-Con will be held September 8-9, 2012. Convention hours are Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. The ceremony and banquet for the Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, September 8th.

Neal Adams Making First Ever Dallas Appearance at May 2012 Dallas Comic Con

Press Release:

Neal Adams makes first ever Dallas appearance at Dallas Comic Con 10th Anniversary, May 19-20

This May 19-20 sees the return of the Dallas Comic Con celebrating its 10th Anniversary, officially titled ‘Stan Lee presents Dallas Comic Con.’ Among the incredible guests attending is a very special creator – the one and only Neal Adams. When it comes to comic book artists, there are well-known names, and then there’s “legendary” status. Adams continually redefines the genre with innovative ideas and dramatic character interpretations. His takes on popular heroes like Batman, Green Lantern, Green Arrow and Superman have wowed readers and heavily influences multiple generations of illustrators. Some of earliest days found him turning in comic strips for BEN CASEY, based on the popular ABC series. But it would be his work at DC Comics that defined his fan base, beginning in the Silver Age with covers for titles like ACTION COMICS and SUPERMAN’S GIRLFRIEND LOIS LANE. His work on Deadman in STRANGE ADVENTURES became award-winning, and with good reason. Neal moved into Marvel work with X-MEN and THE AVENGERS. But some of his most treasured stories were found in BATMAN and DETECTIVE COMICS, as well as GREEN LANTERN/GREEN ARROW in the Bronze Age. Adams also became a strong advocate for creator rights, even helping SUPERMAN creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster receive long-overdue credit, and getting original pages returned to artist Jack Kirby. Neal even formed his own comic book imprint with Continuity Comics, and continues to inspire and influence artists and readers to this day.

DCC Event Manager Mark Walters notes, “It’s hard to believe an industry legend like Neal Adams has never appeared in a popular city like Dallas before, but thankfully this May 19-20 that will change. We’re incredibly honored to have Mr. Adams join us as a special guest for the 10-year Anniversary of the Dallas Comic Con… like many others would claim, he’s one of my heroes.”

Neal is appearing both days of the show, which also features guests like Stan Lee, Patrick Stewart, George Perez, Val Kilmer, Len Wein, James Marsters, Arthur Suydam, John de Lancie, Doug Sneyd, and Adam West and Burt Ward… to name but a few. VIP and 2-day priority passes are sold out, but General Admission tickets will be available at the show. You can find more information on the Dallas Comic Con at http://www.dallascomiccon.com

Spooky Empire’s May-Hem convention is less than 4 weeks away….are you ready for, well…the Mayhem?!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Spooky Empire’s May-Hem convention is less than 4 weeks away….are you ready for, well…the Mayhem?!!

Orlando, FL – May 4, 2012 – The show is looking to be an epic event, their last one at the Wyndham, and Spooky Empire wants everyone to join them in bidding farewell to their favorite venue as only they know how.

There is an amazing line up of celebrity guests in store at May-Hem this year, most of which have never appeared at a Spooky Empire event! It’s a never-ending list of heavy hitters, sure to please fans of all kinds. Guests will be available for meet and greets and autograph signings all weekend!

Some of the guests appearing are Linda Hamilton, best known for her role as “Sarah Connor” in The Terminator, as well as the TV series “Beauty and The Beast” and more recently “Chuck”. Vivica A. Fox of “Kill Bill Vol. 1”, “Independence Day” and “Batman & Robin” and Verne Troyer of the “Austin Powers” films and “The Love Guru”. Cathy Moriarty of the classic “Raging Bull” as well as “Casper” and “Analyze That”. Plus a very last minute addition, James Marsters most well known as Spike from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”.

For all of you KISS fans out there, here’s your chance to meet the one and only Ace Frehley, original guitarist of the legendary band!

There will be an “Addams Family” reunion featuring John Astin “Gomez Addams”, Lisa Loring “Wednesday Addams” and Felix Silla and “Cousin Itt”.

Roddy Piper will be making a return appearance to Spooky Empire, not only for autographs, but to perform his live “one man show” This performance will require a separate ticket in addition to your admission. Tickets for Roddy’s show are $10 and are available in advance online.

From the hit new TV series “The Walking Dead”, films Mallrats and Henry:Portrait of a Serial Killer, Michael Rooker will be appearing. Also from “The Walking Dead” is Madison Lintz who played “Sophia” in the hit show. Stars of the TV series Charmed, Holly Marie Combs, Brian Krause, and Michael Bailey Smith. Holly Marie Combs currently stars on the hit new show “Pretty Little Liars”, Brian Krause is also known for his role in Sleepwalkers., and Michael Bailey Smith has appeared in Buffy and The Hills Have Eyes 1 & 2. Also making a rare convention appearance is Joey Lauren Adams best known for her roles in films Chasing Amy, Big Daddy, Dazed & Confused and many more.

To round off the guest list is Kristanna Loken of Terminator 3, Monica Keena of Freddy vs Jason, and Oliver Robins from Poltergeist, plus legendary rock goddess Lita Ford, Marc Price from the film Trick or Treat, and Mackenzie Lintz of the hit new movie based on the bestseller The Hunger Games.

May-Hem is not just about the guests, there are some memorable events lined up as well. For the first time at May-Hem, Spooky Empire will be hosting their Zombie Walk in memory of the late Bill Hinzman!

The Mucklebones Monster Museum will be set up throughout the weekend inside the hotel. This is an exclusive Spooky Empire event! Spooky Empire’s Tattoo Festival will also be in place featuring over 25 of the country’s best artists. Check out the website to make your appointments now.

Of course there is the huge vendor room loaded with merchandise, collectibles and artists, tons of panels and Q&As, and no one can forget the notorious pool parties with live bands!

If you haven’t already booked your room for May-Hem, do it soon! Rooms are just $85 per night, and are going fast! Reach Wyndham reservations at 1-800-421-8001, and mention “Spooky Empire” to get the special rate. Tickets are still available, one day passes are $30- $35, and $50 gets you in all three days! VIP packages are available but going fast! Both are available on the website.

Contact:Pete Mongelli
Info@spookyempire.com
www.spookyempire.com
954-258-7852

HeroesCon 2012 Welcomes Stan Lee

Press Release:

Shelton Drum is honored and excited to welcome comics legend Stan Lee back to Charlotte as a featured guest of Heroes Convention’s 30th anniversary. Stan last attended HeroesCon in 1984 and his return this summer will be the crown jewel in the show’s 30th Anniversary celebrations.

Stan will be on hand signing autographs and posing for photographs during HeroesCon. He will also be featured on a panel discussion. All attendees of the convention will be welcomed to Stan’s panel, photo opportunities and autograph sessions. Details of our VIP ticket packages will be announced next Friday, May 10th! Sign up for our mailing list to get the news first!

Stan Lee is known to millions as the man whose superheroes propelled Marvel to its preeminent position in the comic book industry, Stan’s co-creations include Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, X-Men, The Fantastic Four, Iron Man, as well as hundreds of others. He introduced Spider-Man as a syndicated newspaper strip that became the most successful of all syndicated adventure strips and has appeared in more than 500 newspapers worldwide.Stan currently remains Chairman Emeritus of Marvel, as well as a member ofthe Editorial Board of Marvel Comics. Stan is currently the Chairman & Chief Creative Officer of POW!

“Stan Lee has been the face and the voice of Marvel Comics since the debut of The Fantastic Four in 1961 and has in recent years become the same for comics and superheroes in general to most fans. I’m very excited and proud that Stan will be helping Heroes celebrate HeroesCon’s 30th anniversary!” said convention organizer and comics retailer Shelton Drum.

This year’s Heroes Convention takes place June 22-24, 2012 at the Charlotte Convention Center.

Vivica A. Fox and Verne Troyer added to May-Hem!

Two big additional Media Guests added to Spooky Empires already impressive line up.

Vivica A. Fox from Kill Bill Volume 1, Batman & robin. Independence Day and many more!

Verne Troyer from the Austin Powers Trilogy!

May-Hem runs Memorial Day weekend May 25-27 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort in Orlando Florida. for more information and other guests check out their website!

Shonen Jump Trivia Contest Offers Winner Two Tickets to SDCC 2012

Through their Facebook Page, Viz Media is offering fans the chance to answer 3 Shonen Jump Alpha trivia questions to win two tickets to Comic-Con International in San Diego. Travel and lodging is not included, however. Open only to fans in Canada (except Quebec) and the United States 13 years or older.

Grand Prize

2nd Prize

Prize Eligibility

Only persons residing in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, United States, and Yukon who are at least 13 years of age can enter.Sweepstakes StartsApril 23, 2012 @ 12:00 am (PDT)Sweepstakes EndsMay 23, 2012 @ 12:00 am (PDT)Need more Details?Read the Official Rules

MorrisonCon Plans Emerge

MorrisonCon takes place on September 28-30, 2012 at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. MorrisonCon Packages go on sale to the public on May 9, 2012 at 3 PM ET / 12 Noon PT. The full details can be found on MorrisonCon.com. Follow MorrisonCon on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news.

Special guests include:

Gerard Way
Gerard Way began his artistic career after graduating from New York’s School of Visual Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1999. He is the front man and a founding member of the heralded rock band MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE. Way is also the creator and author of the 2008 Eisner Award Winning graphic novel series, THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY, published by Dark Horse and recently optioned by Universal Pictures.

Jonathan Hickman
Comics futurist, author, artist and designer Jonathan Hickman detonated on the comics scene with THE NIGHTLY NEWS in 2006. Quickly becoming one of the most celebrated science fiction authors in the medium, Hickman followed with SECRET WARRIORS, TRANSHUMAN, PAX ROMANA and made history as an architect of the Marvel Universe on FANTASTIC FOUR and AVENGERS VS. X-MEN. Recently Hickman launched two new ongoing creator owned series, THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS and SECRET at Image Comics.

Frank Quitely
Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely have been called the Lennon and McCartney of comics and have metamorphized the modern comics era with their award-winning collaborations on ALL-STAR SUPERMAN, WE3, NEW X-MEN, the recently released lost classic FLEX MENTALLO, and the re-envisioning of two of America’s greatest pop culture icons with BATMAN & ROBIN. Quitely’s stunning visual overload has also graced album covers for indie rockers THE PHANTOM BAND and a promotional tarot card deck for singer/songwriter ROBBIE WILLIAMS. His future projects include the comic series MULTIVERSITY and JUPITER’S CHILDREN.

J.H. Williams III
Multi-award winning artist whose hypnotically gorgeous artwork graces the pages of BATWOMAN, DESOLATION JONES, SEVEN SOLDIERS, CHASE, one of the most celebrated runs on DETECTIVE COMICS in the last two decades, and the stunning comics tour-de-force PROMETHEA. Williams is also the future cover artist of the forthcoming album by new wave pop supergroup BLONDIE. The only thing more gorgeous than Williams’ printed work is witnessing his original art pages with your own eyes.

Chris Burnham
Up and coming superstar artist, Chris Burnham rose to popularity through his work on THE AMORY WARS with Claudio Sanchez of COHEED AND CAMBRIA. Partnering with Joe Casey, Burnham tore up the comic world with the graphic novels NIXON’S PALS and OFFICER DOWNE. Collaborating with Grant Morrison on the New York Times Bestselling BATMAN, INCORPORATED, Burnham returns to the Batcave with the launch of BATMAN INCORPORATED VOLUME 2.

About MorrisonCon:
MorrisonCon is a comic convention curated by Grant Morrison and Ignition Sequence, an intimate gathering featuring a hand-picked selection of some of the industry’s most exciting comic creators. Join us during this weekend long celebration of comics and their inspirational creators, get involved in a way unlike any other comic event, and shape treasured memories with us. MorrisonCon aims to change the way comics conventions are experienced.

Take part in innovative conversations with some of the most brilliant minds in sequential arts, informative comic workshops, personalized signing sessions, original art gallery showings, intimate mixers for fans and special guests alike, after hours parties with DJ Grant Morrison and featured guests in the Hard Rock Nightclub, and surprises around every corner.

Full mad details to be revealed.

“Expect maximum rock ‘n’ roll, chaos magic, mind-bending esoterica, sharp suits, surprise guests, and once-in-a-lifetime performances, all wrapped up in the glory that is comics, comics, and more comics.” – Grant Morrison

About Grant Morrison:
Rockstar author and cosmic visionary behind some of comics’ greatest works, including ALL- STAR SUPERMAN, THE INVISIBLES, SEVEN SOLDIERS, NEW X-MEN, ARKHAM ASLYLUM, FLEX MENTALLO, and BATMAN & ROBIN as well as the national bestseller SUPERGODS, a philosophical analysis of superhero comics and personal memoir. Grant’s up-coming works include his psychedelic revenge film SINATORO, the blockbuster DOMINION with Barry Sonnenfeld, and the forthcoming comic series BATMAN INCORPORATED, MULTIVERSITY and HAPPY!

 

American Music, Pop Culture Expo On Tap For March 2013

Press Release:

American Music, Pop Culture Expo On Tap For March 2013

HERSHEY, Pa – USA Theatres, which operates a portable drive-in and outdoor movie theatre in Central Pennsylvania, is spinning into the world of vinyl records and pop culture memorabilia, with the launching of the American Music & Pop Culture Expo.

According to the company, the expo will feature numerous vendors buying, selling and trading a variety of popular culture merchandise, such as DVDs, tapes, posters, books, magazines, autographs, comics, trading cards, photos, artwork, jewelry, t-shirts, toys, games, pins, buttons, lunchboxes, advertising items, rare LP vinyl records, CDs, albums and singles (33s, 45s, 78s), players and musical instruments.

Previous shows and conventions, organized by USA Theatres, included a non-sports card convention, which featured various exhibitors from the non-sports industry, and an antique toy and coin-op show, which featured quality exhibitors of fine antiques and collectible toys, including coin-operated items such as jukeboxes.

“All of the events that we organize exhibit the retro factor,” said Ronald M. Vastola, Outreach Coordinator of USA Theatres. “From the King of Rock and Roll to the King of Pop, from Star Trek to Star Wars, through Beatlemania and Batmania, Pac-Mania and Hulkamania, the American Music & Pop Culture Expo will appeal to all age groups.”

According to Vastola, the event is also expected to feature media guests from music, television and movies.

Attendees will have the unique opportunity for a chance to win a brand new classic style full-size jukebox (MSRP: $1495.95), provided by RetroWonders.com, an online retailer of Crosley Radio products, according to Vastola.

The American Music & Pop Culture Expo is set to debut on Friday and Saturday, March 29 and 30, 2013, at the Granada Avenue Gymnasium, located at 30 East Granada Avenue in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

“Hershey is a great geographic location to host an event,” Vastola said. “It is conveniently located to most major metropolitan areas in the Northeast, and can easily attract pop culture enthusiasts from Washington D.C., Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and of course, Pennsylvania.”

Although it is early, Vastola anticipates 75 vendor spaces to be utilized. “Vendor space will sell out fast,” he said.

Early buyers are welcome Friday evening at 5:00 p.m. and also Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. for $25 per person each day, while general admission on Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., is $7 for adults and $5 for seniors, college students and active military (Photo I.D. required). Children 11 and under will be admitted for free, accompanied by a paying adult. Parking is free.

“The show will be promoted and marketed through various media outlets, such as television, radio, Internet websites, newspapers, trade publications, and direct market mailers,” Vastola said. “We will also be promoting this event all summer long on the 40 foot tall ‘Turkey Hill Screen’.”

A variety of food and beverages will be available for purchase at the show, provided by Joemomma Foods, Inc. of Hershey, Pennsylvania.

“It’s going to be another brisk and fantastic show,” Vastola added.

Want to exhibit?

6 ft. by 9 ft. vendor spaces are currently available for $65 each and include one 6 ft. table, two chairs, and two exhibitor badges (discounts offered for larger vendor spaces).

For hotel accommodations, attendees are encouraged to contact the Hilton Garden Inn Hershey, the official hotel of the American Music & Pop Culture Expo. The hotel is located 3.3 miles, 8 minutes from the expo. Mention the show to receive a special room rate of $79 per night. Visit their website www.hershey.hgi.com or call the hotel directly at 717-566-9292.

MoCCA Fest 2012 Programming Schedule

Press Release:

MoCCA Fest Programming!
We’re pleased to announce final times, guests, and agendas for our panels and programs at MoCCA Fest this year. We have two buzzing floors of activity, that include downstairs panel discussions as well as our main exhibitor floor upstairs. Whether you’re perusing the show floor for your favorite finds, catching up on the latest with Gary Panter, or learning to make your very own accordion book, there’s something for everyone.

-And Families!
Don’t forget about our Kids Programming on Sunday morning; four devoted programs in a row, designed to be entertaining and fun for the whole family.
-Sunday April 29th, Kids Programs start at 9:30am. Families arriving to the Fest at 9:30am get a special price; $5 for children 6-12 (under 6 free, over 12 normal) with a paying adult.

PRE-SALE TICKETS ARE ONLINE UNTIL APRIL 26!

Look below for a complete run of MoCCA Fest programming. Also, be sure to check out moccafest.org for news!

ROOM A
SATURDAY

11:15 Kids Comics Sarah Couri (NYPL), Jorge Aguirre, P. Craig Russell, Matt Forsythe,
Colleen AF Venable
You know that old cliche about comics not being just for kids anymore? Well, thankfully some of them still are. The New York Public Library’s Sarah Couri talks to cartoonists who have ventured into world of kids comics and books.

12:15 A History of Comics Censorship
Alex Cox (CBLDF)
The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund’s Alex Cox takes you on guided tour of censorship in comics, from Frederic Wertham to Friendly Franks.

1:15 The State of Small Publishing
Heidi MacDonald (The Comics Beat), Box Brown, Craig Yoe, Barry Matthews
What’s it like running a small publishing company in 2012? The Beat’s Heidi MacDonald talks to an array of publishers about the state of print.

2:15 Klein Award
Gary P anter, Bill Kartalopoulos
Gary Panter receives the 2012 Klein Award.

3:15 A Nordic Roundtable
Fredrik Strömberg (SE), Peter Madsen (DK), Kaisa Leka (FI), Bendik Kaltenborn (NO) and Mattias Elftorp (SE)
The comics culture of northern Europe is brimming with energy, talent and innovation, among other things visible in the new anthology Kolor Klimax from Fantagraphics. Come and meet some of the Nordic artists present at MoCCA.

4:15 Harvey Pekar’s Final Projects
Jeff Newelt, Joy ce Brabner, Joseph Remnant , Rick Parker , Sean Pryor, Dean Haspiel, JD Waldman
Celebrating the life and work of comics pioneer Harvey Pekar with his widow, and writer in her own right, Joyce Brabner, joins a group of his artist collaborators.

5:15 Carousel
R. Sikoryak with Michael Kupperman, Domitille Collardey, Shannon Wheeler, Leslie Stein, and Lauren Weinstein. With voices by Julie Klausner, Dave Hill, Scott Adsit.
Live comics brought to life by cartoonists and a team of talented voice actors.

ROOM A
SUNDAY

11:15 Graphic Novels for Young Adults
Betsy Bird (NYPL), Raina Telgemeier, Kevin Pyle, MK Reed, Derek Kirk Kim
The New York Public Library’s Betsy Bird talks to some of the brightest talents in one of comics’ fastest growing demographics.

12:15 To Run a Comic Stop
Alex Cox (Rocket Ship), Tucker Stone (Bergen Street Comics), Thor Parker (Midtown Comics), Gabe Fowler (Desert Island)
Representatives from some of the area’s top comic stores discuss the trials and tribulations of running your own shop.

1:15 Digital Distribution and the Future of Comics
David Steinberger (Comixology), Evan Dahm, Leigh Walton, Brian Heater
A frank discussion about sequential art’s move into the digital age.

2:15 Memoir
Calvin Reid, Derf, Peter Kuper, Jennifer Hayden, Mike Dawson
Maker s of autobio comics discuss filter their lives through sequential art.

3:15 Daniel Johnston in Conversation
Daniel Johnston, Brian Heater
Join the idiosyncratic singer-songwriter for a discussion about his art, including his debut graphic novel, Space Ducks.

4:15 An Interview with Gary Hallgren
Gary Hallgren, Danny Fingeroth
Gary Hallgen, interviewed by Danny Fingeroth, discusses his career from his days as one of the creators of the notorious Air Pirates, through his illustration work for a zillion publications, from the NY Times and MAD through You: The Owners Manual.

5:15 Animation from Augenblick Studios and Ugly Americans
Aaron Augenblick, Devin Clark, R. Sikoryak
Aaron Augenblick (founder of Augenblick St udios), Devin Clark (creator of “Ugly Americans”), and more show animated clips and shorts from their television, film, and independent projects.

ROOM B
SATURDAY

12:15 With Nicolas Mahler and Tom Gauld
Nicolas Mahler, Tom Gauld, Brian Heater
Brian Heater interviews two artists; Tom Gauld of Scotland, and Nicolas Mahler of Austria.

1:15 Checklist for a New Comic: A Guide to Getting Started
Jess Abel, Matt Madden
In this brief seminar, Jessica Abel and Matt Madden will walk you through the many considerations you should keep in mind when you embark on a new comic of any kind. Abel and Madden will help you strategize and come up with a working plan for your next project, and will cover: creative block and coming up with ideas; choosing a format and platform that makes sense; setting goals and scheduling your time so that you can reach them; finding an audience and looking for collaborators and/or publishers. So bring some paper and be ready to take notes on your next big (or small) project!

3:15 Hans Rickheit in Conversation
Hans Rickheit, Brian Heater
Brian Heater takes on Hans Rickheit–musician, performance artist, cartoonist.

4:15 Big City Dare2Draw
Hosted by TJ Glenn & Charles D Chenet
Featuring dynamic figure drawing, with action poses, using props and, then, the signature “Quick Draw” Contests, with all art done on Blue Line Pro boards, for charity. Prizes provided by our sponsors. Dare2Draw is a non-profit, platform organization for artists, providing mentoring, networking and resources for artistic development, while encouraging goo d health and business practices for cartoonists and providing the opportunity to connect with each other, face-to-face.

ROOM B
SUNDAY

9:30 Kids Program: Comics Are Awesome!
John Green (Teen Boat!)
Learn how an idea in your head becomes a comic on a page. John Green and Colleen AF Venable will take you on a collaborative journey through the process of creating characters and stories for comics.

10:15 Kids Workshop: From Concept to Comic
John Green (Teen Boat!, Phineas and Ferb), Colleen AF Venable (Guinea Pig Pet Shop Private Eye, First Second Books)
Kids Program continues!

11:15 Workshop: Drawing with Rick Parker
Rick Parker (Beavis & Butthead, and Papercutz)
Join cartoonist Rick Parker for an insightful, funny and hands-on workshop in cartooning! This workshop is great for cartoonists of all ages.

12:30 CCS Presents: The Expanding Comic Workshop
Robyn Chapman (Center for Cartoon Studies)
If you think that a comic book is just a bunch of pages between two covers, think again!  There is a wide variety of book making techniques that allow you to fold, flip, and turn your comics in unusual ways. Jon Chad, author of Leo Geo and His Miraculous Journey Through the Center of the Earth, will team up with comics educator Robyn Chapman to introduce three unique book forms. Then the workshop participants will construct and illustrate their own expanding comic books!

2:00 A Discussion with Josh Neufeld and Shannon Wheeler
Josh Neufeld (A.D.: New Orleans After the Deluge), Shannon Wheeler (Oil and Water, Too Much Coffee Man)
These two creators interview one another about their work in comics, especially as it relates to their approaches documenting tragedy on the Gulf Coast.

4:00 Coming to America
Emma Hayley (Publishing Director, SelfMadeHero)
Reporting on the flourishing UK and European comics scenes and the launch of a new graphic novel imprint in the US.

4:45 Euro comics: Kiki de Montparnasse and the French Comics Scene
Doug Wallace, Jose-Louis Bocquet
Jose-Louis Bocquet (Senior Editor, Dupuis – France / Author, Kiki de Monparnasse) and Doug Wallace (Marketing Director, SelfMadeHero)
discuss the European comics scene and Catel & Jose-Louis Bocquet’s first US graphic novel Kiki de Montparnasse.

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