Hero Initiative Hits MegaCon 2012 with George Perez and More

Press Release:

HERO INITIATIVE HITS 2012 ORLANDO MEGACON

George Pérez, original covers and top costumers are among the highlights

Los Angeles, CA (February 7, 2012) Hero Initiative, the non-profit organization that aids comic creators in medical and financial need, will be adding to the craziness at the Orlando MegaCon, February 17-19 at the Orange County Convention Center located at 9800 International Drive in Orlando, Fla.

When you purchase your tickets for this amazing weekend, make sure you “Become the Hero!” and make a small donation to our cause. Down at the bottom of the page where it mentions, “Please support the Hero Initiative,” you can add in $1, $5 or $10 as you buy your tickets. Please purchase your tickets at: http://megaconvention.thundertix.com/orders/new?performance_id=57024

When you get to the convention, make sure you get your picture taken with the Hero Initiative costumers just inside the D1 lobby doors. These peeps know their stuff, and they’re some of the top costumers in the nation.

The one and only George Pérez will be at the Hero booth all weekend, located at #531. Make sure to get your sketches and signatures from George here! And while you’re waiting, you’ll have the first chance to see the NEW Fantastic Four #600 original covers, our newest “100 covers” project!

Art lovers will NOT want to miss the FINAL leg of Hero’s original JLA cover auctions! The last 34 covers go up on the block Friday, Feb. 17 at 6:30 PM in Room 240c. Be there!

And to top off your weekend, the Geeks of Comedy are there to tickle your funny bone. Check out their great comedy show Saturday, Feb. 18 at 10 PM in Room 221B&E.

Hero Initiative’s booth schedule, booth #531:

Friday, Feb. 17 (con hours 12-7)
All day: George Pérez
130-230: Nelson DeCastro

300-345: “100 JLA” book signing with Cully Hamner, Dan Jurgens, George Pérez, Mike Perkins, Alex Saviuk, Billy Tucci

 

Saturday, Feb. 18 (con hours 10-6)

All day: George Pérez

1030-1230: Allen Bellman

1240-130: Tim Sale

130-230: Phil Hester

 

Sunday, Feb. 19 (con hours 10-5)

All day: George Pérez

1130-1230: Darwyn Cooke

1230-130: Nelson DeCastro

130-230: Phil Hester

 

About The Hero Initiative

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book artists and craftsmen in need. Hero Initiative creates a financial safety net for yesterday’s creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment.

Since its inception, The Hero Initiative has had the good fortune to grant over $500,000 to the comics veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today. For more information, visit www.heroinitiative.org or call 626-676-6354.

MegaCon Announces Initial 2012 Guest Lineup Including Kate Mulgrew

Press Release:

ORLANDO MEGACON ANNOUNCES INITIAL 2012 GUEST LINEUP

MegaCon, the largest comic book, anime, gaming and multi media event in the Southeast, is pleased to make its initial announcement of guests. MegaCon will take place February 17^th – 19^th, 2012 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL.

MegaCon is proud to announce the appearance of Kate Mulgrew who played Captain Kathryn Janeway from the TV series Star Trek: Voyager

Comic book guests include: Tony Bedard, Dennis Calero, Nick Cardy, Frank Cho, Amanda Conner, Daxiong, Dan DiDio, Chuck Dixon, Paul Gulacy, Cully Hamner, Phil Hester, Rob Hunter, Dan Jurgens, Barbara Kesel, Pablo Marcos, Phil Noto, Jimmy Palmiotti, Dan Parent, Paul Pelletier, Brandon Peterson, Stephane Roux, Frank Tieri, Tim Townsend, Billy Tucci, Ethan Van Sciver, Zeb Wells

Media guests include stars from Star Trek, Warehouse 13, Vampire Diaries, Star Wars, Babylon 5, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Stargate, Robot Chicken and Ghost Hunters International.  These stars include: Kate Mulgrew, Brent Spiner, Eddie McClintok, Sal Runbinek, Tia Carrere, David Anders, Joseph Morgan, Laura Cohan, David Prowse, Daniel Logan, Richard LeParmetier, Peter Mayhew, Valerie Perrine, Bruce Boxleitner, Stephen Furst, Peter Jurasik, Corin Nemec, Tony Amendola, Paul McGillion, Scott Tepperman, and Nicholas Brendon.

Live Music on all three days by popular Celtic Band: Emerald Rose.

Other events include: children events provided by the Skiffytown Heroes, paint and take room, RPG gaming events, anime events, LAN room, belly dancing, Indy Film Festival, movie trailers screening room, Saturday evening dance, late night adult only dance, and professional panel room.

The MegaCon guest list is constantly growing. Check www.MegaConvention.com frequently for more updates.

MegaCon 2012
Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, Florida
February 17^th – 19^th, 2012
Contact Info: info@megaconvention.com or www.megaconvention.com

Baltimore Comic-Con 2011 Panel Schedule

Press Release:

At last it can be revealed! After months of planning and plotting – here it is. It’s the panel schedule for the 2011 Baltimore Comic-Con! 

Update:  We’ve listened to our fans and the costume contest has been rescheduled. It will now be held at 3:00pm on Saturday. Registration forms can be handed in near table #2403 in the main convention hall. With $1,000 up for grabs for the best overall costume and prizes for each of the 10 categories, this is one event all of you cosplayers don’t want to miss! For more information and a complete list of categories, visit our website’s Costume Contest page.

 

ROOM 301-303 (Saturday)

11:00-12:00 – Creating Your Comic/Manga from Concept to Publication – Husband and wife creators (and Harvey Award Nominees) Comfort Love and Adam Withers teach you how to create your own comic. The entire process – concepting, scripting, thumbnails, pencils, color, PDF’s and CBZ’s, printing, distribution, the web, and even maximizing your convention experience will be covered in this seminar. You will walk away with an understanding of the tools you will need to create and sell your own book.

12:00-1:00 – Spotlight on Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis & Kevin Maguire – Giffen, DeMatteis, and Maguire are the fan-favorite creative team behind Defenders, Metal Men, and Justice League. With stories that blend adventure and humor, their books are like no other. Join the men who put the “Bwah” in “Bwah-ha-ha” as they take a look at their work together.

1:00-2:00 – Spotlight on Charles Vess – The work of award-winning artist Charles Vess can be seen in such books as Sandman, Stardust, Rose, Book of Ballads and Sagas, and many others. Join Charles and moderator Terry Moore as they look at his art, his career, and what he’s working on now.

2:00 – 3:00 – A Conversation with Jeff Smith & Stan Sakai – Jeff Smith’s Bone celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year. Stan Sakai’s Usagi Yojimbo will soon reach its 200th issue. Now, these two talented creators sit down to discuss their work; from their beginnings to future plans. Join Jeff & Stan for what is sure to be a lively and fun look at the world of comics.

3:00-4:00 – Spotlight on the Legion of Super-Heroes – Travel with us to the 31st Century as we take a look at DC’s futuristic super team, The Legion of Super-Heroes! Join creators Keith Giffen, Mike Grell, Mark Waid, Barry Kitson, and Chris Roberson as they talk about the tales they’ve told in the Legion’s long and storied history. Long Live the Legion!

4:00-5:00 – Spotlight on Shannon Wheeler – From stapling 21,000 mini-comics to shooting a comic book to writing an opera to doing cartoons for The New Yorker – Shannon Wheeler has just gotten started in his career in comics. Recently his collection of rejected New Yorker cartoon I THOUGHT YOU WOULD BE FUNNIER won the Eisner Award for Best Humor Publication and is up for a Harvey this weekend. Join Shannon Wheeler and his trusty sidekick BOOM! Studios Marketing Director Chip Mosher as they look back on Shannon’s meteoric rise and fall in comic books. Oh, yeah! Wheeler also created TOO MUCH COFFEE MAN.
ROOM 307 (Saturday)

11:00-12:00 – Visionary Enters the Deadlands – Join Visionary Comics and their all-star roster of creators who launched Deadlands from Image this summer. Join Ron Marz, David Gallaher, Steve Ellis, Jimmy Palmiotti, Lee Moder, and Visionary’s own C. Edward Sellner as they reflect on the weird west revival in comics and Deadlands. Look for exclusive announcements on Deadlands: Year 2.

12:00-1:00 – Top Cow: We Create… – Join Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik along with Top Cow architect Ron Marz and Echoes writer Joshua Hale Fialkov for a colorful & lively look at the last year of Top Cow releases and what the coming year has in store for Artifacts, Pilot Season, Witchblade, The Darkness, Magdalena and much more! Plus every attendee will receive a FREE gift just for attending!

1:00-2:00 – BOOM! 6th Anniversary panel – Join BOOM! Studios Founder and Chief Executive Officer Ross Richie as he pulls the curtain back on BOOM! Studios. From an upstart one-book-a-month publisher debuting in 2005 to 2011′s powerhouse comic publisher, BOOM! Studios has had one of the most meteoric rises of any comic publisher in the last twenty years. Find out what makes this company tick as Ross reminisces about the early days at BOOM! and its current success. A one-of-a-kind panel for all those that want to know the real story behind the success of BOOM! Studios.

2:00-3:00 – Marvel Universe – Wondering what’s up with the X-Men? Thinking of visiting Spider Island? Curious about the future of Daredevil? Just plain want to know what’s up with the Marvel Universe? Then this is the place for you! Join Marvel Architect Jason Aaron, Mark Waid, Barry Kitson, Paul Tobin, and Tom Raney as they explore the wonders of all things Marvel!

3:00-4:00 – Meet Legendary Comics! – Join Legendary Comics’ Editor-in-Chief, Bob Schreck and Assistant Editor, Greg Tumbarello, for a lively discussion and digital presentation showcasing the company’s exciting upcoming comics releases for 2011 and beyond, including, Frank Miller’s HOLY TERROR, Paul Pope’s PULPHOPE, and Matt Wagner and Simon Bisley’s THE TOWER CHRONICLES. Be prepared with some good questions for the Q&A to follow! If they’re really good, you may win a free Legendary T-shirt!

4:00-5:00 – DC: The New 52 – DC shocked comic fandom when they announced they were relaunching the DC Universe with 52 new #1 titles. Wondering what’s on the way? Want to know more about those books? Join creators Greg Capullo, Scott Snyder, Jimmy Palmiotti, Cully Hamner, David Finch, and Francesco Francavilla as they take a look at DC’s New 52.

 

ROOM 301-303 (Sunday)

11:00-12:00 – Comics Jukebox: All-Ages Comics in the Digital Age – Digital, web, & downloadable comics are a growing trend in the medium, but where do kids comics stand in this arena? Creators John Gallagher and Steve Conley moderate over a panel of experts, including Dan Parent (Archie), Steve Hamaker (Bone, Fish & Chips), Mike Maihack (Cleopatra in Space!), Rich Faber (Roboy Red!) and Todd Dezago (Perhapanauts, Superhero Squad). Those in attendance will get a special card allowing them to download a FREE Exclusive BUZZBOY story from John Gallagher, and one person will win the opportunity to make a cameo appearance in “Leon, Protector of the Playground,” the new all-ages graphic novel by Jamar Nicholas.

Anyone wanting more info can go to the Comic Book Diner All-Ages Pavilion

12:00-1:00 – Spotlight on Ron Frenz – Ron Frenz’s art is well known to fans of Spider-Man, Thor, Spider-Girl (whom he co-created), Superman, and many, many others. We shine the spotlight on Ron in this panel that takes a look at his impressive body of work and where he’s headed in the future.

1:00-2:00 – Going Digital: Day and Date, and what you need to know – With Marvel announcing their same-day-strategy and DC distributing their entire line starting August 31st to provide you with their acclaimed line of comics the same day digitally as they come out in print, you need to make sure you are prepared. With almost everything you want on demand or deliverable to your door, why should your comics be any different? Marvel and DC, with the help of comiXology have created a digital comics experience that puts the power back in your hands to enjoy your favorite comics on demand. Your comics, when you want them, where you want them.

Come join John D. Roberts, Co-founder of comiXology, who will lead our panel as we explore the new digital horizons together.

 

2:00-3:00 – CBLDF: Censorship Then & Now – Earlier this year the Comics Code Authority closed its doors forever, ending an era of self-censorship where comics were stigmatized in the general culture. Though the threats that brought about the Comics Code are the stuff of history books, real threats to comics are still present in the courts in the United States and abroad. CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein delivers a gripping history of comics censorship from the 50s to today, and talks about life after the Code.

3:00-4:00 – Avatar Press: News and Q&A – Here’s your chance to meet the creative minds behind Avatar Press, the industry’s most ground-breaking, risk-taking publisher! Hosted by marketing director, Keith Davidsen, this panel features Mike Wolfer, whose creepy storytelling terrified readers of books like Night of the Living Dead, Lady Death, and War Goddess, and whose visceral illustrations brought to life Garth Ennis’ highly anticipated Stitched comic book series. Find out what new terrors this rogue publisher will unleash in the months ahead, and get your questions answered!

 

ROOM 307-308 (Sunday)

11:00-12:00 – DC Sunday Conversation – All are welcome to join in a relaxed Sunday morning discussion. Share your thoughts, or be enthralled, as the group shares their stories and love for this medium.

12:00-1:00 – Insight Studios – Meet Baltimore’s very own legendary creators of some of comic-dom’s most explosive stories and art with this amazing retrospective – and new announcements of projects! Focusing on Marc Hempel, Robert Tinnell, and Mark Wheatley, get an insider’s perspective on their inner-workings as artists and writers. Moderator, Mike Gold highlights the diversity and originality of these very different creators.

1:00-2:30 – Frank Cho Live Drawing Demonstration – Watch and be amazed as Frank Cho creates a drawing masterpiece right before your eyes. Audience will suggest one character, one action, one setting and Frank Cho will draw it in one hour on stage. The original art created by Frank Cho will be raffled off at the end of the drawing demonstration. Raffle tickets available at Frank Cho’s booth.

2:30 – Stan Lee VIP ticket-holders may queue up for the Stan Lee Spotlight.

2:45 – General public will be admitted to the Stan Lee Spotlight.

3:00-4:00 – Stan Lee Spotlight – Face Front, True Believers! This is a panel no comics fan will want to miss as Jimmy Palmiotti sits down with the one and only Stan “The Man” Lee! He is a Founding Father of the Marvel Universe and the face of Marvel Comics to legions of fans. Join the writer, editor, actor, and legend as he discusses his illustrious career. Excelsior!

 

Baltimore Comic-Con 2011 Adds More Fan-Favorite Creators

Press Release:

Baltimore Comic-Con Adds Hot Talent to the Summer Heat
 
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – May 23, 2011 – The Baltimore Comic-Con has just added a slew of fan-favorite creators to the growing list of talent for this year’s show. Cully Hamner, Craig Rousseau, Todd Dezago, Brian Stelfreeze, and Karl Story will all be in attendance when the show rolls into Baltimore on August 20-21, 2011.
 
Cully Hamner, one of the original members of Gaijin Studios, has worked professionally in the comics industry for the last 20 years. His writing and art has been featured in books from DC Comics, Vertigo, Marvel Comics, Image, and many more. The artist behind Wildstorm’s Red, which was adapted as a feature film in 2010 by Summit Entertainment, Hamner re
cently finished writing and illustrating the prequel to the mini-series, called Eyes Only, which hit stores in December of 2010.
 
Craig Rousseau broke into comics in the early-’90s, providing art for DC Comics’ Impulse. After a 22-issue run, Rousseau went on to become the semi-regular artist on Batman Beyond and Harley Quinn. In 2005, along with writer Todd Dezago, Rousseau co-created the series The Perhapanauts, which debuted at Dark Horse Comics. Rousseau most recently worked on Marvel Comics’ Marvel Her-Oes, which showcased the women of the Marvel Universe, as well as Captain America & the Korvac Saga, a reimagining of the original 1978 classic.
 
Writer Todd Dezago, whose body of work includes The Sensational Spider-Man and Tellos (with the late Mike Wieringo), is the co-creator of Young Justice from DC Comics and The Perhapanauts from Dark Horse/Image. In 2010, Dezago took over writing duties for Super Hero Squad, an all-ages title from Marvel, and recently finished up Super Hero Squad Spectacular #1. He is currently working on the motion comic versions of his own Tellos and Perhapanauts, as well as an all-new title, Katie Greaven and the Engine-Men, with artist Bret Blevins for MotionWorks Entertainment.
 
Brian Stelfreeze, who was also a founding member of Gaijin Studios, is the current art director of 12 Gauge Comics. An accomplished painter, penciller, inker and colorist, Stelfreeze’s art graced more than 50 covers for DC Comics’ Shadow of the Bat.  He most recently worked on the Demon/Catwoman feature for DC’s Wednesday Comics, which was written by previously-announced guest, Walter Simonson.
 
Karl Story, yet another founding member of Gaijin Studios, is an inker whose work has added depth and shadow to such titles as Nightwing, Batman, Aliens versus Predator, X-Men, Terra Obscura, Tom Strong, Ocean, The American Way, and Midnighter. Most recently, Story worked on the DC Comics’ mini-series, DC Universe Legacies.
 
“Gaijin was such an influential studio throughout the ’90s and 2000s. With Cully [Hamner], Brian [Stelfreeze], Karl [Story] and Laura [Martin] on board for this year’s show, we’ve got the core group of creators that helped propel so many careers,” said Marc Nathan, show promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. “Also, the addition of Todd Dezago and Craig Rousseau to our growing roster adds such talent to the fan-favorite creators already attending the show.”
 
In addition to Hamner, Rousseau, Dezago, Stelfreeze and Story, confirmed guests for the show including: Jason Aaron (Scalped, PunisherMAX); Charlie Adlard (The Walking Dead); Nick Cardy (Aquaman, Teen Titans); Cliff Chiang (Greendale); Frank Cho (50 Girl 50, X-Men: Schism, New Ultimates); David Finch (Brightest Day, Batman: The Dark Knight); Ron Frenz (Spider-Girl); Jose-Luis Garcia-Lopez (Wednesday Comics, Batman Confidential); Michael Golden (creator of Bucky O’Hare); Mike Grell (Action Comics, The Pilgrim); Brad Guigar (Evil, Inc., Courting Disaster); Steve Hamaker (Bone); Dean Haspiel (The Alcoholic, Act-i-Vate); Jamal Igle (Supergirl, Zatanna); J.G. Jones (Doc Savage, DC Universe Legacies); Barry Kitson (Secret Invasion, Amazing Spider-Man); Laura Martin (New Avengers, Thor); Mark Morales (Fear Itself cover artist); Kevin Nowlan (Wednesday Comics); David Petersen (Mouse Guard); Brandon Peterson (Ultimate Vision, Strange); Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo); Walter Simonson (Thor); Jeff Smith (Bone, RASL); Nick Spencer (Morning Glories, Iron Man 2.0); Tim Truman (Conan the Cimmerian); Neil Vokes (Flesh & Blood, Eagle: The Original Adventures); and Thom Zahler (Love and Capes). 
 
 
In 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 at our website, Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace pages.

This year’s Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 20-21, 2011. 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, August 21st.
 
Contact Information
Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con:
press@baltimorecomiccon.com – for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution
promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com – for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications
registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com – for inquiries about submitted registrations
harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com – for communications regarding the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet
general@baltimorecomiccon.com – for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries
 
About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 12th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. With a guest list unequaled in the industry, the Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 20-21, 2011. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry’s oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 6 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.

HeroesCon 2011 Event Schedule

HeroesCon has released the full schedule for next week’s convention! HeroesCon takes place on June 3 – 5, 2011 at the Charlotte Convention Center (501 S. College St, Charlotte, NC 28202). For the full guest list and more details about the convention, please check out their website at the link!

Press Release:

THURSDAY, JUNE 2nd

PRE-REGISTRATION BOOTH OPENS
Attendees who have purchased advance 3-day passes may pick up their wristbands, badges, and other incentive materials at this time at the Pre-Registration booth located on the College St. Concourse in the convention center.

GUEST, SMALL PRESS, & EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION OPEN
Invited guests, persons who have purchased space in Artists Alley, and exhibitors may pick up their registration materials, including the badges they will need to get on the convention floor for setup, at the Pre-Registration booth located on the College St. Concourse in the convention center.

GUESTS, SMALL PRESS, & EXHIBITOR SETUP OPEN
The convention floor will be open until 8pm for SETUP ONLY. Only persons with the appropriate badges will be allowed onto the convention floor.

SETUP CLOSES
All persons must be done with their setup and OUT OF THE HALL by 8.00pm. NO EXCEPTIONS. All night security will be provided, but we strongly suggest that you make sure your booth is secure before you leave for the night.

REGISTRATION CLOSES
Registration for advance ticket holders, guests, exhibitors, etc., will reopen at 7.00am in the morning.

SETUP OPENS
Guests, Small Press, & Exhibitors will be allowed onto the floor for setup at this time. Only persons with the appropriate badges will be allowed onto the convention floor, and only once a member of the convention’s upper management is on-hand to open the doors, for security purposes. NOTE: All items MUST be out of the aisles before the hall opens to the public at 11.00 am. No exceptions!

HEROESCON DAY ONE OPENS TO ADVANCE 3-DAY PASS HOLDERS ONLY
Note this is ONLY for those who purchased a 3-day pass on or before May 31.

HEROESCON 2011 DAY ONE OPENS TO GENERAL PUBLIC
All ticket holders will be allowed onto the floor at this time.

SCAD-Visualizing Dynamic Anatomy
Room 201
SCAD Professor Dove McHargue and artist for the Oni Press book “All Saints Day” will be offering a workshop on Drawing Dynamic Anatomy. Dove will demonstrate how to use real world anatomy to make figures kinetic, and how to use anatomy to be able to create realistic figures that are unique and dynamic. Dove will also examine how to use those dynamic figures to effectively act in sequential art. Bring supplies to draw with and on and prepare to have fun!

Green Lantern Panel
Room 207BCD
Green Lantern has been around since 1940 and after thousands of comic books, Hollywood has finally come calling. Please join Joe Staton, Joe Quinones, Shane Davis, and Neal Adams as they discuss their various takes on the character and how he has remained popular over the years. NOTE: Anyone wearing yellow or wooden clothing will not be allowed to enter the auditorium for obvious security reasons. Nice try Sinestro.

Teaching Comics
Room 203A
In the past decade or so, Graphic Novels have invaded the syllabi of many colleges and Universities throughout the country. Join moderator Shawn Daughhetee and Professors Craig Fisher, Mike Kobre and Alan Rauch as they discuss what is involved in teaching comics at the college level. We will be taking attendance

Art of Akira
Room 209
Join Joe Peacock as he presents some exciting pieces from his massive collection of still art, storyboards and animation cells from the ground-breaking Anime masterpiece Akira.

Comic Twart
Room 206
Every monday one of the members of Comictwart picks a subject for the group to draw over the course of the week.  In the last year and and a half, using that very simple formula, Comictwart.com has become one of comics’ most popular art blogs.  Join “twartists” Dan Panosian, Francesco Francavilla, Ron Salas, Tom Fowler, Declan Shalvey, and Dave Johnson, with moderator Chris Sims of Comics Alliance, for an entertaining Q&A while the group sketches a subject taken from you the audience! All sketches to be donated to the HeroesCon Annual Art Auction!

Storytelling with Michael Golden
Room 208AB
Plan to spend an hour with one of the best storytellers in the business Michael Golden as he is interviewed by his biographer Renee Witterstaetter (Excess: The Art of Michael Golden)

QuickDraw
Room 203B
A HeroesCon tradition. We give you #2 pencils and Bristol board; you give us 20 minutes and your feverish inspiration. Then we have an Art Instructor judge the results and we, in turn, give the winner some fabulous prizes. It’s a win-win. Prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the following age categories 0-10, 11-15 and 16 to 99. Any participant over the age of 100 is an automatic winner! The Quickdraw is held on all three days, so we need those pencils back!! Be there!

Nick Cardy- A Golden Artist in a Silver Age
Room 207BCD
Come celebrate with us as we look back on the fabulous 60 plus year career of one of the great comic artist as we delve into an hour of all things Nick Cardy. Please join us as we say thanks and examine why his fabulous art endures! Join Moderator John Coates along with Nick himself, Todd Dezago, Tony Harris, Adam Hughes, Cully Hamner and others.

Taking over the Property- The Comic Books
Room 203A
Well, we can’t take a topic this juicy and just leave it for the comic strippers. So we are going to discuss the challenges involved in taking over and re-imagining existing comic book characters. Our list of creators is so exciting this panel requires no other descriptions : Richard Case (Doom Patrol), Tony Harris (Starman) and Jim Starlin (Warlock, Captain Marvel)

Everything ARCHIE
Room 206
HeroesCon All Ages Celebration continues on as Comic News Insider’s Jimmy Aquino brings together Paul Kaminski, Jon Gray, Ian Flynn and Jim Amash to discuss the creative process from the folks who bring us all things Riverdale as well as all things SONIC!!!!

Comics Goes to Movies: Working for the Movies and Television
Room 209
Hoo-ray for Hollywood! What’s it like working for the movies? Find out by joining The Beat’s Heidi MacDonald as she talks Tinseltown with Tommy Lee Edwards (Batman Begins) Nick Derington (Philip K. Dick’s A Scanner Darkly), Peter Krause (storyboarding) and Geof Darrow (The MATRIX)

SCAD-Composition & Clarity
Room 201
For a comic to succeed, artistically or commercially, it needs to read clearly, and at the heart of clarity in comics is strong composition. Chris Schweizer will teach you about clarity in composition, from using value to define planes and visually invest your reader in a scene, to identifying and avoiding any of the six types of compositional tangents that can pop up in even the best artist’s work to ruin a panel

Project: Rooftop –Superhero Fashion
Room 203B
Project: Rooftop is where cartoonists and illustrators bring their costume design skills to task in tribute to the superheroes and villains we’ve grown up with. P:R is intended to promote the idea of superhero costume redesigning as a skill, specific to superhero media.  Join Dean Trippe, Joel Carroll and Ming Doyle as they discuss why there’s more to looking super than wearing your underwear on the outside of your pants.
ALSO: Look to 4:00 PM for a special Project: Rooftop feature!

COVER ART: The ART of the First Impressions
Room 207BCD
What sells a comic? How do you incorporate 22 pages of story
and art into one single illustration? Dollar Bin’s Adam Daughhetee will ask a group of masters: Adam Hughes, Cliff Chiang, Chrissie Zullo, Skottie Young and Frank Cho. Looking at the HeroesCon Guest list, this particular panel topic became top priority for all. Be there.

Project: Rooftop-QUICKDRAW SPECIAL
Room 203B
Plan on joining us for a first time ever Project: Rooftop/Quickdraw where we civilians can try our hand at redesigning specific character. The winner will get their drawing posted on the Project: Rooftop web site.

Kickstarter: A New Way To Fund Personal Projects
Room 206
Kickstarter is the largest funding platform for creative projects in the world. Every month, tens of thousands of amazing people pledge millions of dollars to projects from the worlds of comics, music, film, art, design and other creative fields. Join Dustin Harbin, Tony Harris, Jay Potts, and Jeremy Bastian as they discuss their experiences using this new resource to publish comic projects.  www.kickstarter.com

Taking over the Property-The Comic Strips
Room 203A
The Comic Strips—As always, this is another great year for the classic comic strips at HeroesCon. How do you follow a cartooning legend and take those already established characters and work to make them your own? Mike Rhode will ask veteran cartoonists Jim Scancarelli (Gasoline Alley), Marcus Hamilton (Dennis the Menace), Alex Saviuk (Spider-man) and we will be joined by welcome veteran newbie: Joe Staton (Dick Tracy)

Heroes Discussion Group #30 Superman Earth One
Room 209
This was one of the best selling graphic novels of the past twelve months. Join the Heroes Discussion Group as we take the opportunity to pose as many questions as we can to the GN’s super-star artist Shane Davis! Copies of the book will be available after the discusion for brief signing.

SCAD-Mini-Comics: The Whole Package
Room 201
David Allan Duncan, cartoonist and professor of Sequential Art at SCAD-Savannah, offers insight, tips and instruction in the creation of one of the most popular stepping stones into the comics industry: mini-comics. David’s workshop focuses on the medium, production and distribution of mini-comics as well as the planning, storytelling, and drawing that goes into their creation. Materials will be provided, so come join the fun!

A Tribute to Joe Simon
Room 208AB
Join Titan Books Editor and special friend of HeroesCon Steve Saffel (Spiderman: The Icon, The Best of Simon & Kirby, Simon & Kirby Superheroes) as he discusses the career of Joe Simon. In addition to a ton of fun stories about Mr. Simon, Steve will present three short films about the life of this pioneer comic artist.

Drink & Draw Social Club Preview
Room 203B
The Drink and Draw Social Club will convene tonight at 7:30 PM at FUEL Pizza (right across the street from the convention center). Meet D.D.S.C. founders Dave Johnson, Dan Panosian and Jeff Johnson as they give a brief history of the club. Nobody is going to be driving, however drawing is a different thing altogether! Please draw responsibly.

HEROESCON DAY ONE CLOSES TO PUBLIC
At this time all ticket-holders must leave the hall for the evening. Hall will reopen to the public Saturday at 10.00 am.

HALL A LOCKED DOWN
All persons, including exhibitors, guests, and staff, must be off the hall floor at this time. Please be sure your booth is secured. We cannot be held responsible for your items, although we will provide overnight security for the hall.

DRINK AND DRAW SOCIAL CLUB
@ Fuel Pizza
Dave Johnson, Dan Panosian, and Jeff Johnson, the founders of D.D.S.C. invite everyone to join us across the street at Fuel Pizza for a night of drinking, drawing and who knows what else!

SCAD-Visualizing Writing
Room 201
There is a lot of information on how to structure story, but how do you get a reader to invest in your story? Good storytelling in sequential art starts with a written story that utilizes visualization and pacing, and results in writing to draw. Anthony Fisher will walk you through the steps of visualizing story in writing by using emotion, action and design of characters, as well as scene staging to visually pace story.

Richard Thompson: A Celebration
Room 209
Is Cul-De Sac the best comic strip being published today? Perhaps, but one thing is for certain, it is the best drawn and the funniest. Okay, that’s two things. Please join Mike Rhode and some fellow strip creators as we sit down and examine the art of Mr. Thompson. In addition to discussing craft and daily deadlines, we will see if Richard can provide any insight as to whether poor Petey will make it through the entire soccer season without having a psychotic breakdown. Ahhh, total Bliss (haven).

Heroes Discussion Group #31: Wednesday Comics
Room 208
The break-away hit from last year is being featured at HeroesCon 2011. Plan to join guest moderator Swain Hunt and creators Joe Quinones, Ryan Sook, Shawn “Cheeks” Galloway, John Arcudi and Brian Stelfreeze as they discuss the challenges of a unique page size, the pressure of a weekly deadline and how they approached their particular characters. Don’t miss this! Copies of the book will be available after the discusion for brief signing.

C’mon People: There’s a War Comic On
Room 203A
Pull up a bunk us and join the platoon as we examine War Comics in their myriad of forms. Joining moderator extraordinaire John Coates will be Nick Cardy (The Artist at War), Michael Golden (the NAM), Matt Kindt (Superspy) and Becky Cloonan (Northlanders)

Approaches to Humor
Room 209
Sure the convention is HeroesCon, but let’s never forget the funny side of the comic book world. Join The Beat’s Heidi MacDonald as she sits down with three of the very best cartoonists in the business. They are able to me us smile and even laugh out loud: Richard Thompson (Cul De Sac), Roger Langridge (The Muppets, Fred the Clown) and Evan Dorkin (Milk & Cheese, Yo Gabba Gabba!) are three of the wizards who put the comic in comic.

Matt Fraction: FEAR Itself
Room 207BCD
Join us for a scintillating conversation between HeroesCon’s very own Doug Merkle and the master-mind behind Marvel’s summer Magnum Opus Fear Itself, Matt Fraction. This will be a panel you’ll look back upon often as the summer wears on.

Color Me Talented
Room 203A
Join Dollar Bin’s Adam Daughhetee as he sits down with Laura Martin (Planetary, Astonishing X-Men), Rachelle Rosenberg (Captain America), Charlie Kirchoff (Hellraiser, Doctor Who), Matt Wilson (Thor), Brian Reber (X-Men) discuss this integral aspect of comic art—the coloring.

Frank Cho Draws Sexy Women
Room 208AB
Don’t be misled by the Title! This presentation is all about Frank Cho drawing sexy women. The audience selects a character for Frank to draw. Then Frank spends the hour drawing it and you the lucky audience gets to watch the creative process unfold through the miracle of A/V technology. The session ends with a live auction of the finished piece. Frank has done this in several other cities and it has always been a big hit. Charlotte will be no exception

Designing Comics
Room 203A
What is it that draws your wandering eye to one particular book on a shelf that is brimming with loud, look-at-me, multi-colored covers? It is the design of the book that makes that first impression count. Join cartoonist Rich Barrett (Nathan Sorry) as he dissects the art and function of Design with some of the most important and innovative names in the business: Jonathan Hickman (FF, The Nightly News), Chris Pitzer (all things Adhouse) Matt Kindt (Superspy) Drew Weing (Set to Sea) and Jim Rugg (Afrodisiac)

4th Annual Inkwell Awards        1st live awards ceremony
Room 209
Host: Bob Almond presents this year’s winners of the coveted Inkwell Awards. After the live presentation, there will be a special Q & A with the winners. Ethan Van Sciver will be our auctioneer for the previously mentioned small, live auction following the ceremony.

Heroes Discussion Group #32—Cinderella-From Fabletown with Love
Room 207BCD
Please schedule your weekend properly
so you will have time to join writer Chris Roberson and cover artist, Charlotte’s own Chrissie Zullo as they discuss everyone’s favorite secret agent and shoe provocateur. At last year’s HeroesCon we discussed Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall. This will be the perfect follow-up.
Copies of the book will be available after the discusion for brief signing.

SCAD-Creating Maquettes
Room 201
Maquettes are a large part of the entertainment industry in film, animation, video games, sequential art, toys, and toy design for all of these markets. Professor John Larison will talk about and show you the different media applicable to sculpting maquettes, and go over the basics of maquette building during his workshop. Sculpting is not easy, but it is definitely fun. John will let those who come to his workshop play with the material and tools and learn about the cost involved for each material.

Comics Alliance
Room 206
Comics Alliance is a comic website owned by AOL. If you’re not familiar with us, we’re currently the #1 most visited comics site in America and were awesomely nominated for an Eisner this year! Come see why this is one of the most popular site on the web.

The Master of Screaming Metal: A Tribute to Moebius
Room 209
He’s one of the greatest comics’ artists of all time, a man who’s given us vistas of the Old West and of science-fiction planets unsurpassed in their beauty and elegance. He’s Jean Giraud—pseudonym “Moebius”—and for this year’s Heroes Con, cartoonist Ben Towle and blogger Craig Fischer have teamed up to celebrate Moebius’ art and 50-year career. This “mega-panel” will include a number of events. First is a screening of Moebius Redux (Hasko Baumann, 2007, 70 minutes), a documentary chronicle of Moebius’ life that covers his role in Les Humanoïdes Associés and the radical revitalization of French comics in the 1970s and his contributions to such films as Alien (1979), Tron (1982), and Alejandro Jodorowsky’s unproduced adaptation of Dune. The panel will continue with Craig’s playful analysis of a scene from Moebius and Jean-Michel Charlier’s Blueberry—simply the best comic-book Western ever—and conclude with Ben interviewing stellar writer and artist Geof Darrow (Hard Boiled, Shaolin Cowboy), himself a friend and admirer of Moebius. Join us for a wild ride on an alien pterodactyl, won’t you?

FF: Retooling the Flagship
Room 208AB
Pull up a pew and join Heroes’ own Doug Merkle as he sits down with the dynamic creative team of Jonathan Hickman and Steve Epting and they describe the challenges of retooling a legend: The Marvel Universe flagship the Fantastic Four or should we say, the Future Foundation? (Yes, yes we should)

Comics Goes to Movies–Adapted Work
Room 203A
Big Budget movies developed from comic properties is a cottage industry unto itself. But what do the comic creators really think about the adaptations of their concepts? Please join The Beat’s Heidi MacDonald as she questions Cully Hamner (Red), Roy Thomas (Conan), Jeff Parker (X-Men: First Class) and John Arcudi (The Mask) during this exciting hour.

QuickDraw
Room 203 B
A HeroesCon tradition. We give you #2 pencils and Bristol board; you give us 20 minutes and your feverish inspiration. Then we have an art instructor judge the results and we, in turn, give the winner some fabulous prizes. It’s a win-win. Prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the following age categories 0-10, 11-15 and 16 to 99. Any participant over the age of 100 is an automatic winner! The Quickdraw is held on all three days, so we need those pencils back!! Be there!

SCAD-Manga Studio
Room 201
From panel layout to finished inks, Manga Studio is the most powerful software there is that specifically caters to the needs of comic book artists. It has amazing tools to layout panels, its drawing and inking tools are extremely natural using a tablet or Cintiq, and you can create and manage entire projects with astounding ease. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Follow along with SCAD professor, Pat Bollin, as he demos his digital drawing techniques using Manga Studio, and discusses the pros and cons of using digital techniques vs. good old-fashioned ink on paper.

Costuming: How To Make It Work
Room 208AB
Open discussion about costuming; from character selection to reference to supplies to fabric choices to construction, and now that you have the costumes: storage, cleaning and maintenance. Chris Donio and Riki Riddle LeCotey will give a general  overview on how they approach costuming.

Portfolio Review
Room 203B
Bob Scheck is the Editor-in-Chief of Legendary Pictures’ new line of comics & graphic novels, Legendary Comics. Bob and Greg Tumbarello his Assistant Editor will sit down and take the time to look at your art
portfolios.

Taking on the Property—ICONOGRAPHY
Room 207BCD
Comic News Insider’s Jimmy Aquino sits down with Tim Sale, Ed McGuinness, Darwyn Cooke and Don Rosa as they discuss the challenges of taking a comics icon and putting their own original stamp on the characters yet still remaining true to the original vision. What a way to end HeroesCon Day Two!

HEROESCON DAY TWO CLOSES TO PUBLIC
At this time all ticket-holders must leave the hall for the evening. Hall will reopen to the public Sunday at 11:00 AM.

HALL A LOCKED DOWN
All persons, including exhibitors, guests, and staff, must be off the hall floor at this time. Please be sure your booth is secured. We cannot be held responsible for your items, although we will provide overnight security for the hall.

HEROESCON ANNUAL ART AUCTION
Westin Ballroom
The HeroesCon Annual Art Auction is one of the most well-known and enduring traditions on the convention circuit. Fans come from all over the country for the chance to bid pieces of original art not available anywhere else, donated by our guests to help defray the incredible cost of putting on the convention!
And best of all, the Art Auction is a great chance to hobnob with pros in a relaxed, fun environment–it’s just one of the things that have made us so popular with fans and pros alike! Event scheduled to begin close to 8.00–seriously!

The number of donations we get is so immense, this year we’re going to try and pick a representative group of pieces to take to the “live” Art Auction. But if you can’t make it to the Art Auction, you can bid on the other pieces in our new Silent Auction all weekend long! Check at the Info Booth or at the Art Auction stage for more details!

SETUP OPENS
Guests, Small Press, & Exhibitors will be allowed onto the floor for setup at this time. Only persons with the appropriate badges will be allowed onto the convention floor, and only once a member of the convention’s upper management is on-hand to open the doors, for security purposes. NOTE: All items MUST be out of the aisles before the hall opens to the public at 11.00 am. No exceptions!

HEROESCON DAY ONE OPENS TO ADVANCE 3-DAY PASS HOLDERS ONLY
Note this is ONLY for those who purchased 3-day passes on or before May 31.

HEROESCON DAY THREE OPENS TO PUBLIC
All ticket holders will be allowed onto the floor at this time.

Historical Comics
Room 203A
Blending real historical facts and humor based comics into something provocative and highly entertaining is no feat. Join Chris Schweizer (Crogan’s )as he leads the discussion with Ben Towle (Amelia Earhart), Matt Kindt (Superspy) and Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge) as they explain the intricacies of the creative juggling act.

SCAD–Story-Driven Character Design
Room 201
Well thought out character creation is essential to the comic making process. In this workshop SCAD Community Education Instructor, Rashad Doucet, will examine a variety of popular characters and show just how much strong, original story concepts are visually expressed in our favorite heroes and villains. Participants will also be given the fundamental processes needed to form and/or enhance their own creations.

WEB COMICS–Group Effort
Room 206
Meet the Small Press groups who have developed their own multi-strip brand: Curt Franklin, Chris Haley, Mike Maihack, Kevin Church, and Benjamin Birdie will sit down and talk to Comic News Insider’s Jimmy Aquino about creativity in the Small Press World.

HAMMER TIME (or more specifically it’s Mjolnir Time)
Room 207BCD
Did you hear there is a mega budget movie about The Mighty Thor featuring Oscar-winners Hannibal Lecter, Padme Amidala and directed by Professor Lockhart (on Amnesia leave from Hogwarts). Well, let’s remember that Thor started as a comic book long before the Nordic folk were offering tithes to the Nordic Thunder God. So plan to join Dollar Bin’s Adam Daughhetee as he sits down with Matt Fraction, Roger Langridge, and Jonathan Hickman to discuss their various takes on the superhero that is so popular they named Thursday after him.

Heroes Discussion #29–The Outfit
Room 209
A few years ago, the Heroes Discussion group covered Darwyn Cooke’s The Hunter and we had so much fun, we thought we should discuss The Outfit next. Join us as we discuss this fabulous graphic novel with its creator Darwyn Cooke! Copies of the book will be available after the discusion for brief signing.

Inking Panel
Room 208AB
The inker is the true MVP of any comic book creative team. They make the finished product look finished and professional. They need to add their own individual touch to the art but still maintain the flavor of the original pencil work. How do they accomplish this? Join Big Dog Studio’s Brandon Padgett along with Tim Townsend, Art Thibert, Mark Morales, Bob McLeod and Bob Almond as they discuss the fine art of the fine line; the tools they use, the challenges they encounter; the variety of penciling styles they need to negotiate. This panel will be a must see before…

Portfolio Review Portfolio Review
Room 203A
Bob Scheck is the Editor-in-Chief of Legendary Pictures’ new line of comics & graphic novels, Legendary Comics. Bob and Greg Tumbarello his Assistant Editor will sit down and take the time to look at your art portfolios.

Adam Hughes & Kevin Nowlan: One on One
Room 208AB
Let’s take two great artists, both known for their draftsmanship, their design and their pure drawing talent, put them in the same room and talk for an hour about their art. This will be one enlightening and entertaining conversation.

Family Friendly Comics
Room 209
This panel has become a yearly tradition at HeroesCon. We take pride in this convention being for the entire family and what better way to celebrate Shelton Drum’s vision than by spotlighting comics the entire family can read. Comic News Insider’s Jimmy Aquino will interview Andy Runton (Owly), Chris Schweizer (Crogan’s Vengeance), Chris Giarusso (Mini Marvels), Jamie Cosely (Cody the Cavalier) and come see what all the
buzz is about

Horror Comics
Room 207BCD
Horror comics are more popular today than practically any other genre (okay besides the spandex crowd). We are having a group of specialists sit down and explain to us why horror endures and what makes a great horror product. Join Dollar Bin’s Adam Daughhetee as he discusses with Bernie Wrightson (Swamp Thing), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night) what is under the bed and why we should fear it.

SCAD-Comics in PaintTool SAI
Room 201
Sarah ‘Pickles’ Dill, a sequential art graduate student at SCAD, will be demonstrating the advantages of PaintTool SAI, a comprehensive and affordable alternative for beginning comic artists. Using SAI, an artist can create comics of all sizes, styles, and colors. Coloring, sketching, inking, vector demos and instruction will be included.

QuickDraw
Room 203B
A HeroesCon tradition. We give you #2 pencils and Bristol board; you give us 20 minutes and your feverish inspiration. Then we have an Art Instructor judge the results and we, in turn, give the winner some fabulous prizes. It’s a win-win. Prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the following age categories 0-10, 11-15 and 16 to 99. Any participant over the age of 100 is an automatic winner! Last day—but we still need those pencils back!

THE WEB COMICS: Solo Shocker
Room 207BCD
Join Rich Barrett, Tom Scioli, Jay Potts and Drew Weing as they tell Dollar Bin’s Adam Daughhetee what it’s like go it alone making some of the most exciting Web comics out there in the ether.

ANIMATION NATION
Room 209
We have an unusually large amount of professional animators lurking in our artist alley. It is only fitting we ask them to join us to discuss the Animation Industry and what it’s like to earn a living in this fast paced exciting world. Plan to join Eric Canete, Sean Galloway, Jeff Johnson and Dave Johnson for a spirited (and animated—sorry) hour of conversation

SKETCH CHARLOTTE
Room 203B
Who are SKETCH Charlotte and what are they doing loitering in Showmars every Thursday evening? Find out as we wind down on Sunday afternoon as we are invited to eaves drop on a special meeting of the Queen City artists as they discuss Comics in general and HeroesCon 2011 in the specific. What a great way to end a memorable weekend.

SCAD: Breaking down Breakdowns
Room 201
The most important stage in the creation of sequential art is the development of breakdowns, where the visual planning of sequential art originates. To have successful breakdowns, a structured philosophical approach is necessary. Through this approach, Doug Dabbs wills show you how to create sequential art that is successful in telling a clear story that emotionally engages the reader.

Adapting Licensed Properties to Comics
Room 209
Since the era when the great EC Segar produced the Charlie Chaplin Comedy Capers comic strip for the Chicago Herald, licensed properties have been joined at the hip with comic books. Working with already existing characters and concepts create their own set of artistic challenges. Please join Roger Langridge (The Muppets), Amy Mebberson (Disney) and James Silvani (Darkwing Duck) Georges Jeanty (Buffy) as they enlighten us on the internal workings of this important comic niche. Moderated by Heroes’ in-house counsel Heather McKinney, we may have saved the best for last!

HEROESCON CLOSES TO PUBLIC
At this time all ticket-holders must leave the hall. Thanks for attending HeroesCon 2010. Before you leave, please be sure to pick up your advance tickets for Heroes Convention 2012 (Our 30th Anniversary Extravaganza!). You will be first in line for any incentives or other special offers we feature throughout the year!

LOADING DOCK OPENS
At this time the door to the Loading Dock (located on Stonewall between Brevard and College) will open for persons possessing dock passes. ACCESS TO THE DOCK WILL NOT BE ALLOWED DURING THE DAY! We strongly suggest that you begin queuing for the dock well before this time.

NC – Free Comic Book Day 2011

 

Press Release:

It’s almost that time of year again for Free Comic Book Day! FCBD at Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find is one of the biggest FCBD events in the country. Not only do we have tons of free comics for comic book fans of all ages, we also invite a bunch of great creators who will sign your comics and do quick sketches for you! This year we’ll be hosting :

Chris Brunner - Co-creator of the FCBD offering LOOSE ENDS from 12 Gauge Comics. Artist on Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight, cover artist on Boondock Saints andNola.

Ian Flynn - Writer on Sonic the Hedgehog and the upcoming Mega Man from Archie Comics.

Sanford Greene - Creator of 1000 and Rotten Apple. Artist on Wonder Girl, Method Man,and Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man.

Cully Hamner - Co-creator of Red. Artist on The Question, Blue Beetle, Batman: Tenses, The Ride, Daredevil, and Green Lantern Mosaic.

Jason Latour - Co-creator of the FCBD offering LOOSE ENDS from 12 Gauge Comics. Artist on Wolverine, Captain America, Iron Fist, and Daredevil.

Laura Martin - Color artist on The Rocketeer, Astonishing X-Men, Planetary, Secret Invasion, Thor and The Stand.

Rico Renzi - Color artist on the FCBD offering LOOSE ENDS from 12 Gauge Comics, Yo Gabba Gabba!, Wolverine, Frenemy of the State, and Captain America. (I’ll mostly be making sure the real guests stay hydrated!)

Budd Root - Creator of Cavewoman.

Bridgit Scheide - Creator of The Kindle Kind and Brother Nash.

Chris Schweizer - Creator of The Crogan Adventures.

Andy Smith - Artist on X-Men Legacy, WWE Heroes, and Superman Confidential.

Brian Stelfreeze - Artist on Wednesday Comics, Jonah Hex, Batman: Shadow of the Bat, Matador and Domino.

Matt Wilson - Color artist on the FCBD offering CAPTAIN AMERICA/THOR: THE MIGHTY FIGHTING AVENGERS, Y the Last Man, Phonogram, Thor the Mighty Avenger, and Wolverine.

Sketch Charlotte – Several artists from this local sketch group will be on hand and word has it they are self-publishing their own FCBD anthology with Heroes being one of the few place you can get it!

Wow! NOTE that free sketches are at the discretion of the artists, and are not guaranteed. So, mark that date on your calendar folks! Saturday, May 7th at Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find will be a good time and you won’t want to miss it!

Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find
1957 E. 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204

Monsters & Dames Returns for Emerald City Comicon 2011

Press Release:

ECCC PR: EMERALD CITY COMICONS’ MONSTERS & DAMES CHARITY ART BOOK RETURNS, BIGGER & BETTER THAN EVER!

Seattle, WA – December 20, 2010 – Debuting again at the upcoming Emerald City Comicon (ECCC) will be the 2011 edition of the shows popular MONSTERS & DAMES art book. The 2011 book not only features an amazing cover by acclaimed illustrator Adam Hughes, but has expanded to a whopping SIXTY (60) pages of brand new illustrations by some of the top illustrators in comics and animation!

Since its inception in 2009, the MONSTERS & DAMES art books and auctions have raised over $10,000.00 for Seattle Children’s Hospital, a premier child health care & pediatric center, recognized as one of the leading hospitals for children. The art book has sold out each year at the convention.

“Helping bring this book to life each year is an incredible experience,” says ECCC Convention Director Jim Demonakos. “Being able to not only create a fun, collectible art book that fans love and at the same time raise a huge amount of money to benefit local children is very rewarding.”

The full-color, 9″x12″, 60-page MONSTERS & DAMES hardcover is limited to 1000 individually numbered copies. The 2011 book features contributions from some of the top creators in the industry, including JG Jones, Geof Darrow, Cully Hamner, Bruce Timm, Humberto Ramos, Guy Davis, Todd Nauck, Frank Cho, Yanick Paquette, Skottie Young, Aaron Lopresti, Cliff Chiang, Mike McKone, Cameron Stewart, Erik Larsen, Chris Giarrusso, Pete Woods, Jonathan Hickman, Sean “Cheeks” Galloway and dozens more! For the complete list of creators involved in this amazing art book, visit http://www.emeraldcitycomicon.com/monstersndames.php

The Ninth Annual EMERALD CITY COMICON, newly expanded to three days, will be taking place March 4th-6th, 2011 at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center in beautiful downtown Seattle, WA.

Wizard World Atlanta Comic Con 2010 Programming Announced

Press Release:

“Walking Dead” Preview, Exclusive “Family Guy” Video, Celebrity Q&A’s Highlight Atlanta Comic Con Programming

Henry Winkler, Pam Grier, Mimi Rogers, Adam West, Burt Ward Among Stars Conducting Panels; Movie Screenings And Debut Of Coolwaters Game Show Also On Tap This Weekend

ATLANTA, November 30, 2010 – Wizard World Atlanta Comic Con today announced its rich, diverse programming schedule, featuring exclusive TV and movie previews and screenings, unique celebrity Q&A’s, movie screenings, game shows, artist schools and more for the event, set for Saturday and Sunday at the Cobb Galleria Centre.

Some of the highlights include:

* Preview of the hot new AMC series “The Walking Dead,” including a Q&A with several of the stars featured in this week’s issue of ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY (Sunday, 2 p.m.)
* Exclusive extended nine-minute preview of “It’s A Trap,” the third installment of the “Family Guy Star Wars Saga” video, introduced by Billy Dee Williams, who will also conduct a Q&A panel (Saturday, noon)
* Rare Q&A panels with Henry Winkler, Pam Grier and Mimi Rogers, as well as popular Comic Con guests Ernie Hudson, Adam West and Burt Ward
* New Trivia Game Show hosted by Coolwaters Productions’ Derek Maki and starring Tom Woodruff Jr., Robert Maillet and Mike Grell (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
* Screenings of three full feature films: HYSTERICAL PSYCHO, RARE EXPORTS: A CHRISTMAS TALE and THE LAST LOVECRAFT: RELIC OF CTHULHU
* Wizard Art School and Q&A’s featuring leading artists like Greg Horn, Bill Sinkiewicz, Ethan Van Sciver, Cully Hamner, Michael Golden and others
* The popular adult costume contest and fun kids costume contest with great prizes

Atlanta Comic Con programming will take place in Room 103 and Room 104 of the Cobb Galleria Centre, and is included with admission to the event. Seating for panels is strictly limited and available on a first come first serve basis and each room will be cleared between panels. The full schedule is below:

Saturday

11:00am-12:00pm
ROOM 103 Wizard Art School w/ Michael Golden
No matter if you are a writer, artist, or a reader of comics, come for this sit down with one of the most renowned storytellers in the business, Michael Golden, as he tells you a few tricks of the trade that will help you no matter what type of story you tell or enjoy in whatever medium. Rare opportunity to talk with the co-creator of Rogue, and groundbreaking penciler on such projects as “Bucky O’Hare,” “The ‘Nam,” “Micronauts,” “G.I. Joe,” and much more. Q & A will follow.

12:00pm-1:30pm
ROOM 103 Billy Dee Williams Q&A with Family Guy Exclusive Screening
Lando lands at Atlanta Comic Con, as the coolest man in Star Wars history sits down to take fan questions. Following the Q&A, stay around for an exclusive nine-minute look at “It’s a Trap” the “Return of the Jedi” of the “Family Guy Star Wars Saga”—following in the fine tradition of “Blue Harvest” and “Something, Something, something Darkside.” “It’s a Trap” features Peter Solo, Chris Skywalker, Princess Lois, Stewie Vader…and some surprising new faces. Family Guy star Adam West will also be there to introduce this Atlanta Comic Con exclusive.
“It’s a Trap,” is available on DVD and Blu-ray December 21st!

12:00pm-1:00pm
ROOM 104 Jolly Rogers Artist Panel w/ Tony Harris and Tony Shasteen
The Jolly Roger Studio team lands on the Wizard World Tour for a talk about art in the modern age of comics, the digital vs. traditional movement and why the studio system works for them.

1:30pm-2:30pm
ROOM 103 Pam Grier Q&A
Film and television star, Pam Grier (Smallville, Jackie Brown) leaps into Atlanta Comic Con to answer fan questions about her role as DC Comics’ Amanda Waller and working with Quentin Tarantino.

1:00pm-2:00pm
ROOM 104 Superstars of Wrestling w/ Nash and Lita
Kevin Nash and Lita pile drive and bodyslam your questions into the mat on a Saturday afternoon.

2:30pm-3:30pm
ROOM 103 Coolwaters Productions Game Show
Do you know a lot of movie and comic trivia? Want to win some great signed prizes? Join Coolwaters Productions LLC and a panel of celebrity guests for this cool new game show style event. Come watch 4 celebrities team up with various audience members to play fun games and win cool prizes. Sign up at the Coolwaters booth # 212 or line up at 2:00 PM at Panel Room 103 to become a contestant on Atlanta Comic Con’s new game show!

3:30pm-4:00pm
ROOM 103 Henry Winkler Q&A
The television icon from “Happy Days” and “Arrested Development” looks back on his stellar career and reveals the secret behind the scenes stories from his years on set.

3:00pm-4:00pm
ROOM 104 Artist Panel w/ Cully Hamner, Brian Stelfreze, Laura Martin and Carl Story
Comic book heavy weights Cully Hamner (Red), Brian Stelfreze (Wednesday Comics), Laura Martin (Astonishing X-Men) and Carl Story (Tom Strong) sit down with fans to discuss their upcoming work, tips for breaking into comics and working in the modern age of comics.

4:00pm-4:45pm
ROOM 103 Batman and Robin Q&A
The original ’60s Dynamic Duo reteams for this one-of-a-kind Q&A, where Batman and Robin drop their masks and talk about their lady co-stars, the villains they faced and the wild nights after the show!

4:45 p.m. – 4:55 p.m.
ROOM 103
“The Rite” trailer screening. After Adam West and Burt Ward stick around for a look at this highly anticipated Anthony Hopkins film.

5:00pm-5:30pm
ROOM 103 MLARKY web-based comedy series clips w/ Dan Fogler
MLARKY is a web-based comedy series created by and co-starring Dan Fogler that airs on Atom.com. It’s a parody of both cop shows and video games, and much of the talent is Atlanta-based. Come check it out in this exclusive setting.

5:00pm-6:00pm
ROOM 104 Artist Q&A w/ Joe Linsner
Fan favorite artist Joe Linsner is known for his striking visuals, but in this panel he opens up about his art process, his favorite characters and answers all fans questions.

5:30pm- 7:00pm
ROOM 103 Hysterical Psycho Screening w/ Dan Fogler
HYSTERICAL PSYCHO is Dan Fogler’s feature directing debut, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2009. It is due for DVD release in early 2011, but you can get an early look here.

6:00pm-8:00pm
ROOM 104 Adult Costume Contest
Get your best costume together and come on down to Wizard’s Atlanta Comic Con’s costume contest for huge prizes and some of the craziest outfits you’ll see this weekend.

7:00pm- 8:30pm
ROOM 103 Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale Screening
This funny and weird Norwegian fantasy about how Santa Claus is actually an evil demon about to be released from his tomb on Christmas Eve, and only one little boy can stop him. Opening theatrically in NYC/LA on Dec. 3, then due to open in Atlanta in late December, your first look at this project happens at Atlanta Comic Con.

8:30pm-10:30pm
ROOM 103 The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu Screening
SHAUN OF THE DEAD meets H.P. LOVECRAFT, as the last surviving decedent of H.P. Lovecraft learns that all of Lovecraft’s writings were true and that he’s the only person who can save the world. The film premiered at Slamdance in January and has been playing the festival circuit ever since. It is due for a February DVD release from Dark Sky Films, but you can see it here in Atlanta first.

Sunday

11:00am-12:00pm
ROOM 103 Shawn Crystal and SCAD Q&A
Black and White Design and Composition for comics: Over the last century, stories of all mediums have tapped into the dynamic visual quality of “heavy blacks.” This workshop will focus on how to control the use of black and white shapes to create dynamic compositions, intriguing character designs, dramatic lighting effects, and complex staging. This will be a lecture-based workshop, filled with visual examples from the mediums masters of black and white comics. If you like Sin City, Hellboy, or 100 Bullets, this is the workshop for you! This workshop will be lead by Shawn Crystal, a Marvel Comics artist and Professor of Sequential Art at the Savannah Colllege of Art and Design (Atlanta campus.).

12:00pm-1:00pm
ROOM 103 Ernie Hudson Q&A
The “Ghostbusters” and “Crow” star shares his memories from the fan favorite films and takes questions about his favorite roles, what happened after the cameras shut down and what’s the deal with the Ghostbuster III flick?

12:00pm-1:00pm
ROOM 104 Artist Q&A w/ Bill Sienkiewicz
Award-winning artist Bill Sienkiewicz (Batman: The Widening Gyre covers) talks technique in this interactive Q&A panel and demonstration.

1:00pm-2:00pm
ROOM 103 Wizard Art School w/ Greg Horn
Superstar Marvel and DC artist Greg Horn (Blackest Night covers) leads a discussion on digital art and takes you through his creative process.

1:00pm-2:00pm
ROOM 104 Mimi Rogers Q&A
The Austin Powers and X-Files star takes fan questions about her memorable roles and talks about her memories from the fan favorite flicks and television series.

2:00pm-3:00pm
ROOM 103 Walking Dead Preview w/ Zombies
AMC’s ambitious horror series, based on Robert Kirkman’s ultra-hot zombie series from Image, now comes to life from director Frank Darabont! Check out this amazing preview of behind-the-scenes footage and extended clips along with a Q&A with stars of AMC’s show.

2:00pm-3:00pm
ROOM 104 Wizard Art School w/ Mike Grell
The legendary comic icon joins fans to discuss his unique art style as well as his take on the industry, from breaking in to breaking down a page.

3:00pm-4:00pm
ROOM 103 Artist Q&A w/ Ethan Van Sciver
The halls are alive with the sound of…”music.” Ethan Van Sciver invites you to spend the hour trapped in a small room discussing cannibalism, Wolverine, deviancy and all manner of filth and disease through the art of song. Not since Liberace has anyone tinkled (its usually tickled…did he want tinkled?) the ivories with such aplomb. Well, Richard Marx was good. But Ethan is good too! Come and see!

4:00pm-5:00pm
ROOM 103 Kids Costume Contest
Bring any kids 10 and under for this special event with great prizes just for families and the youngsters.

4:00pm-5:00pm
ROOM 104 Artist Q&A Panel with Cam Stewart, Humberto Ramos and Koi Turnbull
Superstar artists Cam Stewart (Batman & Robin) Humberto Ramos (Spider-Man) and Koi Turnbull (Terror Inc.) sit down for an exclusive Q&A about breaking into comics, conquering that big project, how they create a page and any other questions fans have about the art of comics.

The Cobb Galleria Centre is located at 2 Galleria Parkway in Atlanta. Atlanta Comic Con is the final stop on Wizard’s eight-city 2010 North American tour. Hours are Saturday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.. Tickets are available in advance or by calling 1-866-882-5860 and online at www.wizardworld.com/atlanta.html at up to a 15% savings over tickets purchased at the door. Advance adult single-day tickets are $25; two-day weekend tickets are $40, and tickets are free for children age 10 and under when accompanied by a paid adult (limit two children per adult). VIP packages with special entry and exclusive items are also available.

About Wizard Entertainment:
Gareb Shamus founded Wizard Entertainment in 1991. Today, Shamus publishes consumer magazines Wizard, ToyFare, FunFare and numerous books about pop-culture’s top talent, comic books and toys. Shamus also produces a North American Comic Con tour. Wizard World Comic Con – The Pop-Culture Capital of the World!

For the most recent event information please visit www.wizardworld.com and become an Atlanta Comic Con Fan on Facebook.

Hero Initiative Heads to NYCC 2010

Press Release:

Hero Initiative travels to New York Comic Con

First public display of Archie and New Avengers covers, Dawn Perfume, lunch with Joe Quesada and a great donation from Ford Motor Company!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Los Angeles, CA (October 4, 2010) Hero Initiative, the non-profit organization that helps comic creators in need, will attend the New York Comic Con October 8th thru 10th at the Javits Center located at 655 West 34th Street in the heart of Manhattan.

Hero will be making its first public display of original Archie #600 and New Avengers #1 covers! Swing by the Hero Initiative booth, #333, to see these beauties up close and personal!

In addition, Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab (BPAL) will be selling the limited edition scents based on the groundbreaking comic book series Dawn by Joseph Michael Linsner. These four scents, Dawn: Maiden, Dawn: Mother, Dawn: Crone and Dawn: Cernunnos based on the Dawn characters will be available at the BPAL booth, #2851. Proceeds benefit Hero Initiative, so grab them while supplies last! You can also order online at:

http://www.blackphoenixalchemylab.com/dawn.html

Hero Initiative is proud to announce The Ford Motor Company will generously donate another $5000 to Hero at New York Comic Con, making its contribution $10,000 in total this year to Hero Initiative. With its recent release to customers and dealerships across the country, Ford will feature its all-new 2011 Fiesta at New York Comic Con throughout the weekend. Conference goers will have the opportunity to test drive the vehicle throughout the conference, as well as take part in Ford-related activities at the event. Convention goers will also have the opportunity to enter a raffle for the chance to win one of two copies of the final issue of Ex Machina signed by creator Brian K. Vaughn after participating in Ford activities.

And you cannot make your New York Comic Con experiences complete without having “Lunch with Joe Quesada!” One lucky fan with the high eBay bid will win lunch and an original sketchcard from Joe, so check out the auction now at: http://qurls.com?i=49467

And the great talent at Hero’s booth, #333, is as follows:

Friday, October 8
1030-1130: Francis Manapul
1230-130: Cully Hamner
130-230: Bob Hall
400-530: Miguel Sepulveda + Fernando Dagnino

Saturday, October 9
130-230: Greg Capullo
230-400: John Romita Sr.
430-530: Miguel Sepulveda + Fernando Dagnino

Sunday, October 10
1030-1230: Mike Perkins
100-230: Mike McKone

About The Hero Initiative

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterday’s creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment.

Since its inception, The Hero Initiative has had the good fortune to grant over $400,000 to the comic book veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today. For more information, visit www.heroinitiative.org or call 626-676-6354.

Hero Initiative Schedule for SDCC 2010

Hero Initiative, the nonprofit organization that creates a financial safety net for comic creators in need, will be heading to THE biggest event in the entertainment industry, San Diego Comic-Con International, July 21-25 at the San Diego Convention Center. This will be your FIRST chance to get Hero’s VERY limited edition Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide #40, plus you can attend exclusive cocktail parties with Joe Quesada, Dan DiDio, Robert Overstreet, David Lloyd and Tom DeSanto. And don’t forget our great lineup of special guests at the booth!

GET YOUR OVERSTREET! Hero Initiative is proud to announce the release of its exclusive “Conan” Edition of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide #40. Only 500 Hero-exclusive hardcover copies will go on sale on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at Comic-Con International, the same day the regular editions of the Guide go on sale nationwide. The book features John Romita, Jr., Klaus Janson, and Dean White’s recreation of the cover for Conan The Barbarian #1, also celebrating its 40th year. Price is $35, and books are available only at the Hero Initiative booth, #5003. Get yours while supplies last!Who would want to pass up the opportunity to have cocktails with Dan DiDio, Joe Quesada, Robert Overstreet, David Lloyd or Tom DeSanto in an amazing luxury hotel suite across the street from the Con? You can bid on a spot by clicking this link. Nothing would make your con experience complete quite like attending one of these special events!

And our amazing line up of special guests at booth #5003 is:

Wednesday July 21 (Con Hours 5:30-9:00)

6:00-9:00: Scott Koblish

Thursday July 22 (Con hours 9:00-7:00):

12:30-1:30: Dan Jurgens
1:30-2:30: Josh Dysart
2:30-3:30: Kurt Busiek
3:30-4:30: Ken Lashley
4:30-5:30: Dave Gibbons

Friday July 23 (Con hours 9:00-7:00):

10:00-11:30: Cully Hamner
11:30-1:00: Ron Marz + Michael Broussard
1:30-2:30: Denny O’Neil
3:30-4:30: Darick Robertson

Saturday July 24 (Con hours 9:00-7:00):

12:00-1:30: Dan Jurgens
1:30-3:30: David Lloyd
4:00-5:30: Phil Hester

Sunday July 25 (Con hours 9:00-5:00):

10:30-11:30: Tony Parker
3:30-4:30: Darick Robertson

« Previous Page — Next Page »