PA – FCBD 2018: Street Angel Signing

Jim Rugg, creator of Image Comics’ Street Angel, appears at Phantom of the Attic Comics on Saturday, May 5, 2018 from noon until 2:00 PM, signing copies of the FCBD Street Angel Special.

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Phantom of the Attic Comics (Oakland)
411 S Craig Street Ste 2, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 621-1210

PA – Street Angel Goes to Juvie Signing

Jim Rugg appears at Pittsburgh Comics on Wednesday, May 2nd at 4:00 PM to celebrate the release of his newest original graphic novel, Street Angel Goes to Juvie, from Image Comics!

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Pittsburgh Comics
113 East McMurray Rd, McMurray, PA 15317
(724) 941-5445

HeroesCon 2018 Announces Further Guests

HeroesCon has announced more new guests for their 2018 show including Chad Bowers, Wes Craig, Nick Filardi, Todd Johnson, Tom Palmer, Jim Rugg, Chris Sims, Joe Staton, Larry Stroman, Babs Tarr, and more! HeroesCon 2018 takes place June 15-17, 2018 at the Charlotte Convention Center.

GUEST ADDITIONS:

CHAD BOWERS | Youngblood, X-Men ’92, Down Set Fight!
WES CRAIG | Deadly Class, Blackhand Comics, Guardians of the Galaxy
NICK FILARDI | Powers, Heartthrob, Deadpool 2099
TODD JOHNSON | Tribe
TOM PALMER | Star Wars, Avengers, X-Men, Daredevil, Tomb of Dracula, Kick-Ass
JIM RUGG | Street Angel, Supermag, Afrodisiac
CHRIS SIMS | X-Men ’92, Down Set Fight!, Swordquest
JOE STATON | Green Lantern, E-Man, Dick Tracy, Scooby Doo
LARRY STROMAN | Tribe, X-Factor, Alien Legion, Incidentals
BABS TARR | MotorCrush, Batgirl

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For the most up-to-date information, check our blog, or sign up for the weekly Heroes Hotline newsletter. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook!

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

BUYING AN ADVANCE PASS MEANS YOU’LL GET ANY ADVANCE INCENTIVES WE OFFER, FREE!

ENTRY WILL BE $25: FRI $25: SAT $20: SUN / AT THE SHOW ITSELF, SO YOU SAVE AS MUCH AS $20 BY PURCHASING ADVANCE PASSES TODAY! TICKETS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE, UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES WE MAY CREDIT AN UNUSABLE TICKET TOWARD FUTURE TICKET PURCHASES.

HEROES CONVENTION was founded in 1982 by Shelton Drum, owner of Charlotte’s Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find comics shop. Since then the convention has become famous for its comics-first and family-friendly atmosphere, where fans can mingle directly with professionals and exhibitors. Boasting an incredible guest list built mainly on reputation and goodwill, HeroesCon is known nationwide as a “must” on the summer schedule, drawing fans, exhibitors, and creators from all over the world to the Charlotte Convention Center.

NY – Street Angel: Superhero for a Day Signing

Cartoonist Jim Rugg (Afrodisiac, The Plain Janes) appears at Escape Pod Comics on Wednesday, October 18th at 6:00 PM to sign latest Street Angel Graphic Novel ONE WEEK before it’s general release. There will be limited editon Bookplates designed by Rugg with each purchase of ANY Street Angel book, while supplies last.

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Escape Pod Comics
302 Main Street, Huntington, NY 11743
(631) 923-1044

IL – Street Angel Signing

Jim Rugg, the creator of STREET ANGEL, is signing at Challengers! Jim will be at Challengers from 5pm to 7pm on Friday, June 23rd. He’ll be signing copies of his work, and everyone who buys one of his books during the event will get a free STREET ANGEL GANG print! Don’t miss out!

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Challengers Comics
1845 N. Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 278-0155

HeroesCon 2017 Programming Available Now

HeroesCon 2017 programming is now available! Plan your weekend ahead of time.

FRIDAY JUNE 17

2:00 PM
Room 201/202
SCAD WORKSHOP I: CREATING MAQUETTES
Maquettes are a large part of the entertainment industry in film, animation, video games, sequential art, and toy design. John Larison In his 18 years at SCAD, he has helped to co-create four minors, ceramics, storyboarding, concept design, and action figure design 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.

2:00 PM
Room 203A
MICHAEL GOLDEN
Back Issues’ own Eric Nolen-Weathington sits down with MICHAEL GOLDEN (The Nam, Punisher, and Micronauts (and practically everything else as well!)) for a career spanning retrospection. Don’t miss it.

2:00 PM
Room 206
COLOR OF FANDOM–DIVERSE COMICS FOR KIDS
COLOR OF FANDOM provides parents comic book recommendations with diverse protagonists that are appropriate for their elementary and middle school aged children. A child’s self-esteem is highly influenced by whether or not they see themselves reflected in the stories that they see and hear. Children that are exposed to diverse stories develop a greater sense of empathy for the world that they inhabit. ROBIN MCGLOTTEN and her team will offer their recommendations of some diverse comics for young readers from pre-school through middle school

2:00 PM
Room 207A
CURSE WORDS
Join the creators of Image Comics morally-reprehensible wizard comedy for a sinister science fantasy séance! CHARLES SOULE and RYAN BROWNE are joined by Nerdy Show’s Cap Blackard and A Comic Show’s Aaron Haaland to unlock the series’ dark secrets and answer Margaret fan mail.

2:00 PM
Room 207D
LICENSING in the COMIC INDUSTRY
Tom Heintjes from Hogan’s Alley talks about Licensing products—the challenges and rewards—with a team of stalwarts: STEPHANIE GLADDEN, JOE STATON, SCOTT SHAW! DAVE DORMAN, and GEORGES JEANTY

2:00 PM
Room 208
ZDARSKY AHOY!
HeroesCon’s own Jughead, DOUG MERKLE sits down with CHIP ZDARSKY (Sex Criminals, Jughead, Howard the Duck) and examines Chip’s comic’s career. Warning: the conversation is likely to fall into the TV-MA category

2:30 PM
Room 203B
QuickDraw–A HeroesCon tradition with your MC our Queen of QUICKDRAW, FANCY PANTS gives you #2 pencils and Bristol board; you give her 20 minutes and all of 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. The Quick-draw is held on all three days, so we need those pencils back!! Be there! Pencil purloiners will be persecuted persistently.

3:00 PM
Room 207BC
IMAGE COMICS SELLS OUT*
*–OF ITS PRINT RUNS!! on a new crop of exciting books. Adam Daughhetee (Dollar Bin) chats it up with their creators: DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON (Extremity), DOUG WAGNER, (Plastic) IVAN BRANDON & GREG HINKLE (Black Cloud)

3:00 PM
Room 209/210
LEGION-DARY TALENT: BILL SIENKIEWICZ
Critic Craig Fischer sits down for a one-on-one chat with artist extraordinaire BILL SIENKIEWICZ, focusing on Sienkiewicz’s radical 1984-85 work on Marvel’s NEW MUTANTS title with writer Chris Claremont. During this run, Sienkiewicz and Claremont distorted, fractured, and reassembled superhero storytelling, and in the process inspired showrunner Noah Hawley to build a spectacular 2017 TV show, LEGION, around their NEW MUTANTS character David Haller. Join them for a deep dive into Sienkiewicz’s X-verse work and its mutation into LEGION.

3:30 PM
Room 203A
ARCHER
Heroes’ own proud outspoken member of the Witness Protection Program Jason Wheately sits down for a Sterling conversation with three of the brilliant folks who have worked on the hit FX show ARCHER: NEAL HOLMAN, KEVIN MELLON, and KATHRYN HUDSON

3:30 PM
Room 203B
COLOR COMMENTARY
With this year’s guest list boasting so many of comics’ best colorists, the biggest concern was fitting them all into one panel. Our solution? Have TWO! (The other is on SUNDAY!!!) Looking to demystify the coloring process and answer your questions in the first of two Color Commentary panels this weekend, moderator Greg Matiasevich (Multiversity Comics) is joined by colorists LAURA MARTIN, MATT WEBB, KELLY FITZPATRICK, MATT WILSON, and MARISSA LOUISE

3:30 PM
Room 206
SCIENCE IN COMICS & TEACHING SCIENCE WITH COMICS
Reed Richards! Ray Palmer! Barry Allen! Riri Williams! Tony Stark! Not only is there a ton of good science and scientists in comics, but as teachers know, comics can be used to teach STEM topics! Join science educators & communicators MATT and SHARI BRADY (TheScienceOf.org), CHRIS (Chemystery) PREECE along with artist Josh Reynolds for a lively panel about some great science moments in comics: Preece & Reynolds “Chemystery,” and how Deadpool, Gwen Stacy, Iceman and more are being used in classroom settings to teach STEM! Yes, we know it’s summer vacation, but come on in and learn some science from comics!

3:30 PM
Room 207A
Famous Monsters of Filmland master BASIL GOGOS
Legendary monster artist BASIL GOGOS has a dedicated fan following as chronicled in the best-selling Vanguard book, Famous Monster Movie Art of Basil Gogos. His original Famous Monsters magazine cover paintings of the 1960s and ‘70s are highly sought-after and he has works in the collections of filmmakers and rock stars including Rob Zombie, Johnny Depp, Nicholas Cage, Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett, and Benicio Del Toro. Catch this spookily special appearance of the Master of Monsters at his second Heroes Con appearance ever. Moderator: J. David Spurlock, the best-selling author of How to Draw Chiller Monsters, Werewolves, Vampires, and Zombies

3:30 PM
Room 207D
THE CRAFT OF COMICS
Comics isn’t just an art form- it’s a craft. And like any craft, it’s one that has to be continually honed. Join moderator Chris Brennaman (www.atlantageekscene.com) and creators JIM RUGG, ED PISKOR, EVAN DORKIN, MICHEL FIFFE, and NATALIE ANDREWSON as we spend the hour talking about the nitty-gritty of what goes into making a career of creating comics.

3:30 PM
Room 208
DEADPOOL AND HARLEY QUINN!!!
–two of the most unlikely superstars and their pioneer creators FABIAN NICIEZA and TERRY DODSON are joined by Jason Wood (the 11 O’Clock Comics podcast) to talk about the genesis and the rise in popularity of everyone’s favorite violent misanthropes. Come Monday morning, this will be the panel everyone is talking about!

4:00 PM
Room 201
SCAD WORKSHOP II: COMICBOOK STORYTELLING – A CRASH COURSE!
TOM LYLE, a 12 year SCAD Professor and accomplished comic artist who co-created Spoiler for DC and designed the SCARLET SPIDER is going to utilize his 25 years of experience as a comic book storyteller, in order to give you a rousing workshop that highlights the basics of comic book storytelling. He’ll help you find your own voice through the pictures you draw. Just like the big guys. Think you know storytelling? You’ll know it even better after this. Come and have a great time. No supplies needed.

4:30 PM
Room 207BC
COSPLAY: FABRICATION 101
Sometimes a cosplay needs more than fabric. We’ll talk about props, accessories and the items that don’t need a sewing machine, plus some great tips for staying on budget. Panelists: DJ Spider, Aaron Riven, Cherlyn Lambeth Moderator: Sean Patton

5:00 PM
Room 203B
LGBTQ+ COMICS, CHARACTERS & CREATORS
Celebrate the full spectrum of queerness on the comic page. Cap Blackard and Bryan Pittard of The Nerdy Show Network will discuss with TAMRA BONVILLAIN, TEE FRANKLIN, MICHELLE NOLAN, and ZORA GILBERT why representation is so important and how fiction can set you free!

5:00 PM
Room 206
HEROINES IN POP CULTURE: A DEBATE ON PROGRESS
Was Rogue One a feminist step forward with Jyn Erso as the lead, or was it more of the same from Hollywood with an almost entirely male set of supporting characters? Does Eleven from Stranger Things represent a welcome trend or is she an anomaly? Is Emma Watson’s Belle a modern role model or throwback damsel-in-distress? This panel-moderated by Craig Pohlman, Ph.D., Southeast Psych- will grapple with these questions and more as two teams of psychologists debate how much progress has been made with female power in pop culture. Dr. Megan Connell, Dr. Ryan Kelly, Lindsay Stewart, Emma Kate Wright, Jonathan Hetterly, and Julie Caskey

5:00 PM
Room 207D
OUT OF STEP ARTS (OoSA)
was founded by Neil Bramlette to support and promote emerging and established artists who are not only interested in working in comics, but also have interests in other forms of visual art cultures, story development and printed matter. From mainstream to DIY/Indi comics, editorial illustration to concept development, animation and beyond – Join NATHAN FOX, ANDREW MACLEAN, ALEXIS ZIRRITT, PAUL MAYBURY, LOGAN FAEBER, CHRIS VISIONS, and VANESSA DEL REY for a conversation with OOSA artists about how they defined their unique voices, maintain their art practice and get a rare glimpse into their craft, process and contribution as professional storytellers and myth makers.

5:00 PM
Room 208
COMIC BOOK STORYTELLING
Former Marvel Editor in Chief JIM SHOOTER explains the principles of visual storytelling. Using a slide presentation of Jack Kirby’s work on Captain America, Jim walks you through the cinematography of the graphic story and shows you how to make compelling images that deliver your story with power and precision. Essential knowledge for writers as well as artists

5:00 PM
Room 209/210
INKWELL AWARDS
Celebrate 7 years of recognizing and awarding comicdom’s finest inkers at Heroes Con with the at their live, annual awards ceremony on Friday the 16th at 5pm in rooms 209-210.
Joining our host & co-presenter Bob Almond and hostess & spokesmodel Ms. Inkwell:
GUEST OF HONOR JOE GIELLA!
And guest speaker: Timely/Atlas/Marvel legend ALLEN BELLMAN! Artist MIKE PASCALE as co-presenter! Surprise creator guests! See the live results of who was chosen on last April’s ballot as your favorite 2016 comic book ink artists! Who will enter the Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame? And the FIRST 25 non-member/non-award recipient ATTENDEES will win a DOORPRIZE in a post-ceremony giveaway! Please join us!

5:30 PM
Room 203A
COMICS AND THE LIBRARY
Comics and graphic novels are an important and popular literacy tool for the modern library. This panel will share information about two local library collections, the importance of the format with regard to literacy development and some great materials offered for free at the library. Come with us– Angel Truesdale, Amanda Davis, Kapil Vasudev, Jamey Rorie, and Stacy Rue (All Charlotte area librarians!)- As we explore a brief history of comics and how libraries have had to fight to place comics in their collections. We’ll also discuss how you can have an effect on your library comic collection and where to find free library events focused on comics. We are excited to hear your suggestions, comments, and questions!

6:15-7:00 PM
HEROES BOOTH 1408/1410
LOOSE ENDS #4 HEROES VARIANT SIGNING
JASON LATOUR, CHRIS BRUNNER and RICO RENZI will be signing copies of the exclusive HEROESCON special variant of LOOSE ENDS #4 at the HEROES Booth 1408/1410

7:00 PM— THE CON IS CLOSED FOR THE DAY, BUT THE FUN DOESN’T STOP!!!!

7:30 PM –HEROESCON’S DRINK AND DRAW BEGINS AT THE WESTIN BALLROOM ACROSS THE STREET at the WESTIN HOTEL ‘natch!!
STOP BY AND BE A MULTI-TASKER: DRINK AND DRAW: COME CREATE SOME GREAT MEMORIES AND BUY SOME GREAT ART AND HELP US RAISE MONEY FOR TEAM CUL DE SAC AND PARKINSON’S RESEARCH!

SATURDAY JUNE 17

HURRY: ONLY ONE MORE SHOPPING DAY UNTIL INTERNATIONAL PANIC DAY (we are not making that up)
–Or–
HOW DO WE STAY SO FRESH, EXCITING AND VITAL AFTER 35 YEARS?
ONE WORD—‘MYLAR’

11:00 AM
Room 203A
TWOMORROWS, TWOMORROWS, we love them, TWOMORROWS!
ERIC NOLEN-WEATHINGTON (Modern Masters) sits down to discuss everyone’s favorite comic insider publications with ROY THOMAS (Alter Ego) and MICHAEL EURY (Back Issue)

11:00 AM
Room 203B
PREPRESS
Moderator MARISSA LOUISE sits down with NOLAN WOODARD, ERIC POWELL and KEVIN MELLON to discuss how to get your book ready for press! For the beginner or anyone working in mainstream comics. Maybe we’ll even go over paper types, printing types, and distribution!

11:00 AM
Room 207A
THE ART OF HORROR
Moderator Jittery JOE RAUCH talks about drawing dreadful stuff while creating exciting, beautiful art with ALISON SAMPSON, PAUL AZACETA, JAMES HARREN, and ANDY BENNETT

11:00 AM
Room 207D
MOTOR CRUSH
Jimmy Aquino (Comic News Insider podcast) sits with MOTOR CRUSH creators BRENDEN FLETCHER, CAMERON STEWART and BABS TARR to talk about their hit sci-fi/action/adventure series from Image Comics! How did they come together for this project? What inspired them? What’s it like working on their own creation as opposed to work for hire? When can we expect more?! Come on by this fun and laid back panel to hear them discuss all of this and more.

11:00 AM
Room 208
Capt. America, Agent of SHIELD & STERANKO
Legendary Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. co-creator JIM STERANKO is interviewed by his partner in crime, award-winning author, J. David Spurlock. Controversial topics include: The true Father of the graphic novel; why Captain America Winter Soldier is dedicated to Steranko who, has been called one of the 10 Toughest Guys in Comics; followed by the Flamingo Bar fight, motorcycles, death-defying escapes, redheads, Marvel, Spielberg and more. Don’t you miss it, Pal.

11:30 AM
Room 201/202
SCAD WORKSHOP III: DRAWING DYNAMIC ANATOMY FOR COMICS
Figure drawing is the single most important aspect of visual storytelling in cartooning and comics. Whether you are drawing super stylized images of fantasy characters, crime fiction detectives or superheroes, the ability to communicate through your figures is critical. Professor DOVE MCHARGUE will talk about and show you the different approaches to inventing dynamic figures based in correct anatomy for comics’ application through several drawing demos. There will also be a Q and A period at the end

11:30 PM
Room 209/210
ORIGINAL ART COLLECTING
Heroes Con has become one of the preeminent shows for original art collecting. Join Jason Wood of the 11 O’Clock Comics podcast as he leads a discussion about comic art collecting in its many forms. He’ll be joined by Felix Lu, Owner of Felix Comic Art (and a renowned collector in his own right) and artist DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON (one of the most in demand commission artists on the planet and also an avid collector) as they lead a collaborative, audience-driven conversation about the world of original art.

12:00 PM
Room 207BC
MARVEL at ART
Jason Wheatley talks art with three of the best around: SANFORD GREENE, NICK BRADSHAW, and WILFREDO TORRES. No hard-sell required for this one.

12:30 PM
Room 203A
THE OWLY HOOTIN’ANNY
It’s time for a HOOTIN’anny! Join moderator, Heather Peagler, super Librarian friend, Jennie Law, and OWLY creator, ANDY RUNTON for a fun filled hour of crafts, drawing, and entertainment. This ALL AGES panel will be a good time for the whole family. (Unattended children shall be provided with an egg full of sugar.)

12:30 PM
Room 203B
PRODUCTION DESIGN
ED PISKOR, MICHEL FIFFE, JARED FLETCHER, CHRIS PITZER, JIM RUGG talk with Aaron Kashtan (UNC Charlotte) about the actual book on the shelf. They’ll talk about the process, decisions and creativity that goes into making a publication attractive as well as functional.

12:30 PM
Room 207A
COMICS AREN’T REAL
A celebration of the unrealistic things that make comics great, from characters and stories to art styles to specific tools of comics’ storytelling. Gregg Schigiel (Pix, SpongeBob Comics) brings together a powerhouse panel for what’s sure to be a lively, entertaining discussion that might also be the realest. With: RYAN BROWNE, ALAN DAVIS, ULISES FARINAS, MEGAN LEVENS and JOEY WEISER

12:30 PM
Room 207D
VILLAINS IN POP CULTURE: PSYCHOLOGY OF EVIL
Heroes get to save the day, but villains make stories fun. This panel of psychologists moderated by Dave Verhaagen, Ph.D., Southeast Psych will explore villains across the pop culture landscape. What makes them tick? How do they come to their diabolical worldviews? What are their weaknesses? What makes them so intriguing to audiences? Panelists: Dr. Megan Connell, Dr. Craig Pohlman, Dr. Frank Gaskill, and Michael Critzer

1:00 PM
Room 208
HORROR WRITERS
Jumpy Joe Rauch finds out what it takes to make folks jump and scream and come back for more: PAUL JENKINS, DONNY CATES, EVAN DORKIN, and CHARLES SOULE provide the chills. Don’t look under the skirted table, you’ll be sorry!

1:00 PM
COSPLAY CLASS PHOTO
Location: Hall C Stage

Join us for our annual “Class Photos” at HeroesCon! The stage cannot hold the hundreds that now show up for this great photo op, so please be on time in order to get sorted to the right group.

1:00 PM
Room 209
JAWS WILL DROP, SIDES WILL ACHE… SUPER WEIRD HEROES! With CRAIG YOE!
A way-fun LOL multimedia show of the kookiest, kraziest, most bizarro leotard-clad bad-guy bashers of the Golden Age of comic books! SEE The Hand: a giant hand! SEE Madam Fatale: the first cross dressing superhero! SEE Kangaroo Man (Batman was taken!) SEE tons more nutty-cool heroes held up to reverence and ridicule! Based on the best-selling book, “Super Weird Heroes” (and its upcoming sequel) the stand-up comedy presentation is by the former Creative Director of the Muppets and now the Eisner-winning editor of IDW/Yoe Books, CRAIG YOE!. 20 laugh-riot cosplay changes in all! DON’T MISS THIS!

1:30 PM
Room 201/202
SCAD WORKSHOP IV “Drawing Costumes from Life”
Rockwell, Leyendecker, and modern contemporaries such as James Gurney, all draw inspirations of their subjects from costumed models. KIT SEATON presents a dynamic drawing session that examines techniques and stylistic choices for designing characters and costumes from observation.
Kit Seaton spent her youth backstage as a theatrical costume designer and director before deciding that she wanted to tell stories in words and pictures. She began creating web comics with playwright George Herman in 2011, and currently working on NORROWAY with sister and writer, Cat Seaton.

2:00 PM
Room 206
TEACHING COMICS SERIES: DEPICTIONS OF SOCIAL ISSUES IN COMICS
Comics are not created in a vacuum. They hold up mirrors to ourselves and our society. MICHAEL KOBRE, Professor in the English Department of Queens University, and NATHAN FOX, Chair of MFA Visual Narrative at SVA, bring their diverse backgrounds to the table as we discuss how comic books provide a unique platform to show social issues and perhaps bring about social change. Moderated by the creator of the Teaching Comics Series: SHAWN DAUGHHETEE

2:00 PM
Room 203B
QuickDraw—A HeroesCon tradition with your MC our Queen of QUICKDRAW, FANCY PANTS who gives you #2 pencils and Bristol board; you give her 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. The QuickDraw is held on all three days, so we need those pencils back!! TSA Officials will be on site to make sure those pencils never make it passed the graphite detectors. Do you think pencils grow on trees??? oh wait….

2:00 PM
Room 207AB
CONAN the DISCUSSOR
Know O Prince that everyone’s favorite cardiologist and REH scholar Scott Valeri will induce conversation so bold Kull himself will emerge from beneath the Hyborean waves to listen in. Doc V is joined by ROY THOMAS, RUDY NEBRES, GEOFF ISHERWOOD, and CARY NORD. This is going to be exciting conversation and yes, there is a doctor in the house.

2:15-3:00 PM
HEROES BOOTH 1408/1410
BABYTEETH #1 HEROES VARIANT SIGNING
DONNY CATES and CHRIS VISIONS will be signing copies of the exclusive HEROESCON special variant of BABYTEETH #1 available only at the HEROES Booth 1408/1410

2:30 PM
Room 207D
A TRIBUTE TO BERNIE WRIGHTSON
THOMAS YEATES, SCOTT HAMPTON, BILL SIENKIEWICZ, JOE JUSKO, and JOHN TOTLEBEN sit down with Joe Rauch to discuss the legendary work and the life of a great artist and friend, BERNIE WRIGHTSON. Join us won’t you. Here’s to absent friends.

2:30 PM
Room 208
THE MILKFED CRIMINAL MASTERMINDS PANEL
Join us for the THIRD annual Heroes Con Milkfed Criminal Masterminds Panel! Masterminds KELLY SUE DECONNICK and MATT FRACTION return with beloved collaborators including but not limited to CHIP ZDARSKY and TERRY DODSON — plus Milkfed’s Lt. Trouble, KIT COX and moderated by design queen Laurenn McCubbin. We’ll talk current projects, what’s new and what’s upcoming for Milkfed. There will be giveaways. There will be a trash fairy

2:30 PM
Room 209
EISNER AND KIRBY AT 100 (THE 2017 MEGA-PANEL)
Which centenary to celebrate, WILL EISNER’S or JACK KIRBY’S? Ben Towle, Jennie Law, and Craig Fischer—the hosts of this year’s mega-panel—have foolishly decided to tackle BOTH birthdays.
First is Eisner: Ben will interview HOGAN’S ALLEY publisher TOM HEINTJES, who worked closely with Will at Kitchen Sink Press during the 1980s and ‘90s, particularly on a monthly column that appeared in Kitchen Sink’s comic-book-sized SPIRIT reprints. Expect insights into both Eisner the artist and Eisner the man. Craig will follow by inviting two razor-sharp comics scholars, Drs. DANIEL YEZBICK and ANDREW KUNKA (himself one-half of the COMICS ALTERNATIVE podcast team), to collaborate with the audience on a close reading of an offbeat-yet-representative SPIRIT story.
Then Kirby: Jennie will guide a panel of super-fans—cartoonists JAIME HERNANDEZ, GILBERT HERNANDEZ, and ERIK LARSEN, and Titan Books editor STEVE SAFFEL—through a free-wheeling discussion about King Kirby’s groundbreaking career, multiple reinventions, and lasting influence. Finally, Ben will discuss the sheer oddness of Kirby’s mid-‘70s riff on 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY—a fitting place to end, since Eisner and Kirby were monoliths that pushed comics to higher evolutionary achievements.

3:00 PM
Room 203A
INSPIRATIONS
Jimmy Aquino (Comic News Insider podcast) moderates a motivational panel on what inspires cartoonists. Come see and hear BRIDGIT CONNELL (Brother Nash), ASHLEY LANNI HOYE, (Aspire), KATA KANE (Altar Girl), and CARA MCGEE (Over the Garden Wall) talk about what inspires them to create. Thoughts on art, music, literature, TV/film, pop culture and more and how it helps them along in their creative endeavors. Come discover some new things to inspire you and maybe even share your own!

3:00-3:45 PM
HEROES BOOTH 1408/1410
DKIII #1 HEROES VARIANT SIGNING
BRIAN STELFREEZE will be signing copies of the exclusive HEROESCON special variant of DK III #1 at the HEROES Booth 1408/1410

3:00 PM
Room 207BC
SOUTHERN BASTARDS
Glorious Bastards is more like it. We’ve got all the Bastards in one room: JASON LATOUR, JASON AARON, SEBASTIAN GIRNER, JARED FLETCHER, and CHRIS BRUNNER with Jason Wheatley alone to keep them all in line. Good luck.

3:30 PM
Room 201/202
SCAD WORKSHOP V– DYNAMIC CHARACTER DESIGN: The art of using basic shapes to create your own Heroes and Villains!
Have you ever had a great idea for your own amazing superhero or tortured villain, but didn’t know where to start when it comes to drawing it all out? In this workshop, we’ll explore simple but effective methods to help bring those characters to life using basic shapes like circles, squares, and triangles. We’ll also cover quick story creation details to really make those characters unique! Join Professor RASHAD DOUCET (Oni Press, Boom Studios, Lucasarts, Viz Media, and DC Comics’ Zuda branch) as he guides you through each step

4:00 PM
Room 203B
SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE
Moderator MARISSA LOUISE talks with BABS TARR, KRIS ANKA and JEN BARTEL about how an artist can create a compelling social media presence and maintain it without it taking over your life

4:00 PM
Room 207A
JOSE LUIS GARCIA-LOPEZ AND LEE WEEKS ARE GOING TO DRAW and TALK…LIVE!!!!
Fred Chamberlain moderates: JOSE LUIS GARCIA-LOPEZ AND LEE WEEKS are legends in the comic industry, their artwork is both distinct and lauded by both artists and comic fans around the world. Here is an opportunity to join Jose and Lee, learn more about them, as they sketch some of your favorite characters and answer your questions.

4:30 PM
Room 203A
ALL-STAR SQUADRON
One of the great pre- Crisis books of all time. All-Star Squadron was every retro-continuity and Earth 2 fans dream come true. Back Issues Michael Eury sits down with ROY THOMAS, JERRY ORDWAY and ARVELL JONES to discuss this wonderful and influential book. We shall also honor co-creator RICH BUCKLER, yet another absent friend.

4:30 PM
Room 207BC
COSPLAY 101
Thinking about your first cosplay? Don’t know where to begin? Our panel of experts can walk you through the basics of where to start, where to go, and how to manage it all without losing your mind (though that part’s debatable). Panelists: Mary Cahela, Aaron Riven, Sean Patton, Chris Burns, Miracole Burns
Moderator: DJ Spider

4:30 PM
Room 208
ARTIST’S ARTISTS
We have not had this much artistic talent in one place since the Medici’s formed Renaissance Comics back in the 16th Century. Come by and meet GERHARD, ANDREW ROBINSON, PAUL GULACY, and FRANK BRUNNER as they discuss their craft, their careers and their inspirations with Moderators extraordinaire Andy Kunka and Derek Royal from Comics Alternative

5:00 PM
Room 207D
ALBATROSS FUNNYBOOKS
Join Adam Daughhetee from the Dollar Bin as he talks to the minds behind Albatross Funnybooks: ERIC POWELL, LOGAN FAERBER, STEVE MANNION, FABIAN RANGEL JR., and JAKE SMITH
NOTE: Monty Python informs us that this panel does not come with any bloody wafers!!(Sorry, I had to)

5:00 PM
Room 209
JACK KIRBY’S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION WITH THE KIRBY MUSEUM
Need more Kirby??? Who doesn’t? As if you didn’t know it, this year is the 100th year since the birth of Jack Kirby! Museum Trustees, RAND HOPPE and TOM KRAFT will discuss and present the Museum’s efforts to celebrate, promote and preserve the King’s legacy.

5:15-6:00 PM
HEROES BOOTH 1408/1410
MOTOR CRUSH Volume 1 HEROES VARIANT SIGNING
BABS TARR, CAMERON STEWART and BRENDAN FLETCHER will be signing copies of the exclusive HEROESCON special variant of MOTOR CRUSH Volume 1 at the HEROES Booth 1408/1410

6:00 pm CONVENTION FLOOR CLOSES BUT THE ART AUCTION IS NOW OPEN—COME OVER TO THE WESTIN AND SPEND SOME HARD-EARNED SOMOLIANS ON SOME REALLY GREAT ORIGINAL ART

AND AN ADDED TREAT!!!
SPECIAL SHOW FOR ALL ATTENDING THE ART AUCTION:

6:30 PM
WESTIN BALLROOM
ODDBALL COMICS WITH SCOTT SHAW!
Cartoonist SCOTT SHAW! (Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew!, Sonic the Hedgehog, Simpsons Comics, Annoying Orange) once again presents ODDBALL COMICS his uniquely hilarious slideshow of “the craziest comic books ever published!” Once you’ve seen this mind-roasting presentation-which has played to standing-room-only crowds in San Diego for the better part of four decades-you’ll never forget such covers as those of the “crotch-centric” issues of Superman’s Girl Friend, Lois Lane, those with someone getting slapped with a “fish-in-the-face,” and those Silver Age issues of Batman and Detective Comics with “Robin-in-the-corner!” Scott promises, “My hilarious presentation is for everyone who’s enjoyed reading a comic book, whether as an avid collector or as a young patient in a dentist’s office-in fact, even for people who have never read a single comic book in their life. Even if you’ve seen my acclaimed slideshow presentation many times before, when you see their covers blown up to the size of the side of a barn, you’ll be amazed and delighted at the unbelievable imagery that is revealed! See for yourself why Stan Lee calls Scott’s show “the wildest, wackiest exposé of some of the craziest comic books I’ve ever seen!”
AFTER SCOTT’S PROGRAM, AUCTION BIDDING BEGINS AT 8:00 PM,
CO-HOSTED BY DMC!!!!!!!

SUNDAY JUNE 18

12:00 PM
Room 201/202
SCAD WORKSHOP V—HAND LETTERING & TYPOGRAPHY FOR COMICS
Cartoonist and SCAD professor DAVID ALLEN DUNCAN presents the process of hand-lettering comics! Sick of ugly digital lettering or cruddy handwriting? Good hand-lettering is a sign of professionalism – ask any comics editor. Explore comics lettering techniques and materials in this hands-on workshop. Learn simple tips and tricks for dialog balloons, inflection, sound effects, display lettering, and incorporating typography into your comics. Pick up some of his mini-comics at www.gobnobble.com

12:00 PM
Room 206
MERCHANDISING
With interests in comics and comics’ culture reaching new heights, and the convention scene exploding, many of the industry’s creators have turned to merchandising their art and ideas to create a broader, more resilient income stream. Join Jason Wood (11 O’Clock Comics podcast) in a discussion with four of the industry’s most innovative merchandisers ANDREW MCLEAN, RICO RENZI, JIM MAHFOOD, and SARAH DYER to discuss how they’ve monetized their artistic efforts beyond the comic book page.

12:00 PM
Room 207A
GET YER Y.A. BOOKS OUT!
Moderator Aaron Kashtan (UNC Charlotte) talks to some of the most exciting creators in the ever-growing Young Adult comics market: MIKE MAIHACK, THOM ZAHLER, RIAN SYGH, ANDY HIRSCH and REBECCA MOCK

12:00 PM
Room 207BC
ANIMATION
A free-wheeling conversation with animation titans who’ve worked in television, film, advertising, and more, discussing process, experiences, and exploring the ever changing landscape of the art form. With: TOM BANCROFT, BOB CAMP, SEAN “Cheeks” GALLOWAY, and SCOTT SHAW! Moderated by Gregg Schigiel

12:00 PM
Room 207D
IMAGE NOW
In its 25th year, Image Comics is looking better than ever, Shawn Daughhetee sits down with KYLE STARKS, ALISON SAMPSON, ROB GUILLORY, JIM RUGG, and DONNY CATES to discuss the properties you need to read!

12:00 PM
Room 208
MARVEL TOWN HALL
Sergeant-at-arms Douglas C. (Needermeyer) Merkle publically pounds his gavel at ED BRISSON, MATTHEW ROSENBERG, CHARLES SOULE, and CHIP ZDARSKY, and discusses changes to existing zoning laws, looks into making Wednesday a weekly National Holiday and (if time remains) offer updates on all things MARVEL.

12:00 PM
Room 209/210
THE HERNANDEZ BROTHERS
What do the two guys from Comics Alternative Derek Royal and Andy Kunka have to talk about with JAIME HERNANDEZ and GILBERT HERNANDEZ arguably the two finest and most consistent comics’ creators of the last 40 years? Quite a lot actually and if you’ve never heard The Bros. in conversation, you don’t know what you are missing.

12:30 PM
Room 203B
QuickDraw— A HeroesCon tradition with your MC our Queen of QUICKDRAW, FANCY PANTS who gives you #2 pencils and Bristol board; you give her 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. The QuickDraw is held EVERY YEAR, so we need those pencils back!! We’ve placed state of the art tracking devices on each and every pencil. If you get itchy fingers, we’ll sniff you out and prosecute you to full extent of the law. But before all that– have fun!

1:00 PM
HeroesCon COSPLAY CONTEST
Location: Hall C Stage
Our 5th Annual Cosplay Costume Contest, emceed by DJ Spider.
Advance registration available online or in Hall C. Final registration/check-in from 11-12:30p, with the contest starting promptly at 1pm.
There will be prizes in various divisions for Adults (Masters and Novice), Teens (13-17) and Kids (12 and under). A panel of expert judges will determine the winners

1:15-2:00 PM
HEROES BOOTH 1408/1410
LOVE AND ROCKETS #1 HEROES VARIANT SIGNING
JAIME and GILBERT HERNANDEZ will be signing copies of the exclusive HEROESCON special variant of LOVE AND ROCKETS #1 at the HEROES Booth 1408/1410

1:30 PM
Room 203A
DIY PRESS
Chris Brennaman (www.atlantageekscene.com) talks about the challenges and rewards of self-publishing with a handful of talented entrepreneurs: ALEXIS ZIRITT, ERIC POWELL, ULISES FARINAS, CHRIS PITZER, KAMIKAZEE, and CHARLES FORSMAN

1:30 PM
Room 207BC
LATOUR LIVE DRAW(L)
JASON LATOUR (Southern Bastards, Loose Ends) shows everybody how it’s done. Just an artist and his ELMO* (yaaaaaaaaay!) and perhaps some special guest artists.
* –that is the technical name for a fancy- shmancy overhead and is in no way associated with NPB.

1:30 PM
Room 203B
THE BITCH PLANET GAMES
Join KELLY SUE DECONNICK to talk Bitch Planet and take up space — there are actual games here at the Bitch Planet Games. You’ll see.

1:30 PM
Room 206
ALLEN BELLMAN!!!!!
Tom Heintjes of HOGAN’S ALLEY sits down with legendary Timely/Marvel artist Allen Bellman (Captain America, Human Torch, Sub-Marnier, Young Allies, Marvel Mystery Comics—wow, it’s almost easier to list what he hasn’t drawn!)) for a career spanning conversation. Mr. Bellman has done it all, seen it all and most importantly (for us) drawn it all. You don’t want to miss the golden opportunity to listen to a legend

1:30 PM
Room 207A
TELLOS!
Join a handful of MIKE WIERINGO’S most notorious pals TODD DEZAGO, CRAIG ROUSSEAU, CASEY JONES, MATT WIERINGO, and RICH CASE as they tell tales on the late legendary artist and discuss his life, his laughter, and his legacy. Oh, and they’ll probably talk about the new Mike Wieringo Tellos Tribute too, so you’ll wanna be there for that.

1:30 PM
Room 207D
GRAND LARSEN-Y
President of Image Comics (thanks Erik!) and the creator of the monthly Savage Dragon comic (thanks again!) ERIK LARSEN sits down to talk about his career in comics with Heroes Store Manager and persistently annoying and judgmental letter hack Justin Crouse. Erik and his legal team went to great lengths to ease up on the Restraining Order currently issued against Mr. Crouse. Besides being another billable hour for the lawyers, this will be an entertaining and informative conversation.

1:30 PM
Room 208
DMC
Famed hip-hop star DMC sits down to discuss his new comic book along with two of his talented collaborators, AMY CHU and DOMO STANTON. This will be an incredibly entertaining and fascinating hour, make sure you are here!

1:30 PM
Room 209/210
GERHARD: The Man in the Background
Celebrating 30 years of Cerebus the Aardvark! Meet half the team behind one of the most acclaimed graphic narratives of all-time, the master of meticulous detail and stunning surreal backgrounds: GERHARD. Join the artist and Nerdy Show’s Cap Blackard for a retrospective on working on Cerebus, illustrative tips and tricks, and other artistic explorations.

2:45-3:15 PM
HEROES BOOTH 1408/1410
DMC #2.5 HEROESCONS VARIANT SIGNING
DMC, AMY CHU and DOMO STANTON will be signing copies of the exclusive HEROESCON special variant of DMC #2.5 at the HEROES BOOTH 1408/1410

2:30 PM
Room 201/202
SCAD WORKSHOP VII– Social Advocacy in Comics
How do you make a difference in the world when you just draw silly comics? Comic artists don’t do that, comic artists don’t even sell comics, right? Wrong, shut up, go away, and no actually stay, because you can join comic artist, SCAD graduate student, and dollar-store-knight, JORDAN SCRIBNER (currently a freelance comic and illustration artist working primarily on his graphic novel, Batphish.) as he shows you how powerful comics can be when used to influence cultural change.
Come look at a rich history as comics as social advocates in racial, economic, and sexual issues while learning how to guide responsible and positive change with your art. Your voice is important and your art matters!

3:00 PM
Room 203A
Spotlight on BEN TEMPLESMITH
Jimmy Aquino (Comic News Insider podcast) sits down with BEN TEMPLESMITH to discuss his illustrious career illustrating illustrations! They’ll chat about old work, new work and upcoming work. From 30 Days of Night to Wormwood to Fell. With some Batman and Doctor Who as well! How did he develop his unique style? What inspires him? Come listen, learn and maybe even love! Hail, Squid!

3:00 PM
Room 206
COMICS CANON—BOOKS ABOUT COMICS
Last year, we argued for over two hours about the need for a Comics Canon and what comics and creators belong. We got nowhere and it was a blast. This year we are tackling Books ABOUT COMICS. What are the ESSENTIAL—Historical Anthologies, Biographies, Analytical Essays, Histories, How-to, BOOKS on the subject of COMICS? Join moderator Tom Spurgeon (The Comics Reporter) and our resident brain trust: CRAIG FISCHER (Appalachian State) NATHAN FOX (SVA) DANIEL YEZBICK (St. Louis CC), AARON KASHTAN (UNC Charlotte) and MICHAEL KOBRE (Queens). AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION IS A MUST!!! This is a GREAT way to end a weekend filled with Comics love!

3:00 PM
Room 207A
MORE COLOR COMMENTARY
Boy, that first panel FLEW by, didn’t it? If you wanted to hear even more comics color talk, didn’t get a chance to have your question answered, or simply weren’t able to make the first session — fear not! Moderator Greg Matiasevich (Multiversity Comics) has lined up colorists NOLAN WOODARD, LAUREN AFFE, JORDAN BOYD, TAMRA BONVILLAIN, and DANIEL VOZZO for this follow-up panel on the theory and practice of coloring comics in today’s industry.

3:00 PM
Room 207D
COSPLAY AND BODY TYPE
Is there a “right type” of body for cosplay? The answer is NO! Join us as we discuss being comfortable in your cosplay regardless of whether you look like Superman or not. We’ll also touch on cross-play, Rule 63 and the stigma of body-shaming. Panelists: Aaron Riven, Sean Patton, Lindsay Stewart Moderator: DJ Spider

3:00 PM
Room 208
MODERN MASTERS
Modern Masters Series Editor Eric Nolen-Weathington sits down with three of his most talented and popular subjects all at one: JERRY ORDWAY, ALAN DAVIS, and LEE WEEKS. Call the sitter and tell them you can’t leave until this panel has finished!

3:00 PM
Room 209
THE ANNUAL INKING PANEL
Terence Hoskins (and Brandon Padgett) have outdone themselves this year. JOE RUBENSTEIN, JOHN TOTLEBEN, DEXTER VINES, KARL STORY, JOHN BEATTY, and JOHN GLAPION talkin’ and thinkin’ about nothin’ but Inkin’!!!! Not a flesh colored thumb in the room!

3:30-4:15 PM
HEROES BOOTH 1408/1410
TELLOS TRIBUTE VOLUME 1 HEROES SIGNING
TODD DEZAGO, CRAIG ROUSSEAU, CASEY JONES, MATT WIERINGO, and RICH CASE will be signing copies of the MIKE WIERINGO TRIBUTE: TELLOS VOLUME 1 available at the HEROES Booth 1408/1410

6:00 PM CONVENTION ENDS—SO BE UNCONVENTIONAL!!!!
“Convention people are roused to fury by departure from conventions, largely because they regard such departure as a criticism of themselves.”
Bertrand Russell (sort of)
SO FEEL BETTER ABOUT YOURSELF BY ATTENDING NEXT YEAR JUNE 15-17, 2018

RSVP on the Facebook event page!

For the most up-to-date information, check our blog, or sign up for the weekly Heroes Hotline newsletter. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook!

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

BUYING AN ADVANCE PASS MEANS YOU’LL GET ANY ADVANCE INCENTIVES WE OFFER, FREE!

ENTRY WILL BE $25: FRI $25: SAT $20: SUN / AT THE SHOW ITSELF, SO YOU SAVE AS MUCH AS $20 BY PURCHASING ADVANCE PASSES TODAY! TICKETS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE, UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES WE MAY CREDIT AN UNUSABLE TICKET TOWARD FUTURE TICKET PURCHASES.

HEROES CONVENTION was founded in 1982 by Shelton Drum, owner of Charlotte’s Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find comics shop. Since then the convention has become famous for its comics-first and family-friendly atmosphere, where fans can mingle directly with professionals and exhibitors. Boasting an incredible guest list built mainly on reputation and goodwill, HeroesCon is known nationwide as a “must” on the summer schedule, drawing fans, exhibitors, and creators from all over the world to the Charlotte Convention Center.

2017 ALA Conference Announces Graphic Novel & Comics Programming

Learn about the art of graphic novels, comics, illustration and how games and gaming inspire creativity and social interaction at the American Library Association’s annual conference on June 23-26, 2017! RSVP on Facebook!

Friday, June 23

5:45pm-6:35pm

DC’s Young Animal

DC’s Young Animal is a new publishing imprint spearheaded by Gerard Way, the acclaimed author of THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY and best-selling musician. This new line of graphic novels is something different, inspired by the visionary work of DC’s experimental past, but shaped and focused by the absurdity of today. Join Way and some of today’s most innovative creators including Cecil Castellucci, Jody Houser, Jon Rivera, and Nick Derington, as they discuss their works DOOM PATROL VOL. 1: BRICK BY BRICK, SHADE, THE CHANGING GIRL VOL. 1: EARTH GIRL MADE EASY, CAVE CARSON HAS A CYBERNETIC EYE VOL. 1: GOING UNDER and MOTHER PANIC VOL. 1: WORK IN PROGRESS. This panel will discuss how the themes, characters and plot devices in these graphic novels from DC’s Young Animal will engage with readers and patrons like few other works in the industry can today.

Saturday, June 24

9:30am-10:20am

The Rise of Graphic Novels for Kids in Europe and the USA

European and American publishers and authors discuss the emergence of the format and its phenomenal rise internationally in the past decade. They will also look at the differences and similarities of working in comics in Europe and the USA.

10:30am-11:20am

Hazardous Tales and Science Fiction with Nathan Hale

Nathan Hale’s New York Times bestselling graphic novel series NATHAN HALE’S HAZARDOUS TALES have exploded in classrooms and libraries around the country. With a seventh book on the way for Fall 2017, the craze that gets kids excited about history shows no signs of slowing. In this presentation, Nathan Hale will give the audience a sneak peek of the next Hazardous Tales book as well as discuss his recent science fiction graphic novel, ONE TRICK PONY.

11:30am-12:20pm

Spotlight on Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation with adapter Damian Duffy and illustrator John Jennings

More than 35 years after its release, Octavia Butler’s celebrated science fiction masterpiece, Kindred, continues to draw in new readers with its deep exploration of the violence and loss of humanity caused by slavery in the United States, and its complex and lasting impact on the present day. Celebrated academics and comics artists Damian Duffy and John Jennings have adapted this iconic work into the graphic novel format, which instantly became a #1 New York Times bestseller. They will discuss the process of working with this mysterious and moving story, which spans racial and gender divides in the antebellum South through the 20th century.
12:30pm-1:20pm

What Does An Idea Look Like? A Conversation About Creativity with Grant Snider, author of The Shape of Ideas

What does an idea look like? And where do they come from? An orthodontist by day and artist by night, Grant Snider, author of ’The Shape of Ideas: An Illustrated Exploration of Creativity’, had had comics featured in the Kansas City Star, the New York Times Book Review, as well as The Best American Comics in 2013. On this panel, he will share the secrets to his own creative process and share tips on how to keep ideas flowing. ’The Shape of Ideas: An Illustrated Exploration of Creativity’, is a collection of one- and two-page comics that provide insight into the joys and frustrations of creativity, inspiration, and process—no matter your age or creative background.

1:30pm-2:20pm

VIZ Media Presents – Manga!!

VIZ Media, the premier publisher of manga in the English speaking world, has released several hit series such as Naruto, Pokemon, and Ouran High School Host Club. Join us as we talk about which manga are currently the most popular on the scene as well as exciting new series coming soon!

2:30pm-3:20pm

Creator Spotlight: Jessica Abel

Writer/artist Jessica Abel has always been known for work outside the graphic novel mainstream. From her breakout work LA PERDIDA to her comics textbooks, Abel has displayed not only the ability to craft compelling stories but also a deep understanding of the technical aspects of the medium. Her latest series, TRISH TRASH: ROLLERGIRL OF MARS is the story of a mixed race teenager on Mars, struggling to escape economic oppression through a futuristic version of roller derby. Super Genius publisher Terry Nantier speaks with Abel about her long career and why TRISH TRASH is the heroine America needs right now.

3:30pm-4:20pm

Category or Genre: What’s Next for Graphic Novels?

With books aimed at everyone from young children to the most mature adults, there literally is a graphic novel for every reader. But does all this diversity mean we should rethink graphic novel sections in libraries? Should they take their place alongside more traditional books in sections ranging from biography to science fiction. Or does the unique nature of the medium (and its readers) drive a need for graphic novels to always have their own special place on the shelves?

4:30pm-5:00pm

DC Super Hero Girls Original Graphic Novels

Join DC Comics and writer Shea Fontana for a discussion on the DC SUPER HERO GIRLS original graphic novel line! With books such as FINALS CRISIS, HITS AND MYTHS and the new SUMMER OLYMPUS, these graphic novels developed for girls 6-12 have been a smash-hit success across libraries and bookstores alike. Shea will discuss how these new works from DC are relating to young girls everywhere, with themes of empowerment, friendship and teamwork prevalent throughout. Q&A to follow!

Sunday, June 25

9:30am-10:20am

How to write for children

An overview of graphic novels for kids, from classics (like “Tintin”, “Boule & Bill”, etc), right up to the present day. How do you think up a story for a three-year-old, an eight-year-old or a young-adult?

10:30am-11:20am

Comics at the frontier of a new literary movement

Comics are at a new height of popularity and cultural acceptance, but can artists and publishers ensure that this isn’t just a passing trend? Does the popularity of superhero comics help or hinder the consideration of the art form as a whole? Artists like Sam Bosma, Jen Lee & Elise Gravel are at the vanguard of taking comics beyond the public’s popular preconceptions, and they’ll discuss the shape of comics as a genre, a medium, and an art form. Learn how artists can use genre conventions to ease readers into a completely different side of the comics scene, and see what’s possible when artists are able to take you beyond your assumptions. The popularity of genre has given fans an introduction to the art of comics, and these panelists are using that to show the world that the future of the medium goes beyond any one category!

11:30am-12:20pm

Image Comics 25th Anniversary Celebration

Comic creators Ryan Browne, Marjorie Liu, Jim Rugg, Gregg Schigiel, Tim Seeley, and Skottie Young speak about their experience of Image Comics throughout the years & reflect on how the company’s history has impacted their own career trajectory. Discussion will touch on both specifics about Image and also how comics as a whole have evolved. Creators will talk about their inspirations, tell stories about times they were directly or indirectly affected by their industry role models, talk about upcoming titles, and discuss how they are carrying the torch forward! A raffle and short signing will take place at the close of the event.

12:30pm-1:20pm

Comics for Teens: Discovery in the Library

Librarians, authors and publishers discussing and sharing thoughts about aiding teens and YA readers in discovering comics/ YA Graphic novels. A look at what has worked in the past as well as what tools can be used to grow readership in this category.

1:30pm-2:20pm

A Monstress Discussion with Author Marjorie Liu

Marjorie Liu discusses the upcoming new volume in her critically acclaimed series, Monstress. The author will describe her creative process, including inspirations and research methods, and will take questions from the audience. A raffle and short signing will take place at the close of the event.

2:30pm-3:20pm

Check out Dynamite in 2017

A discussion of Dynamite’s exciting current and future releases.

3:30pm-4:20pm

Liberties at work and Creator’s ownership

Artists come together to discuss the different creative methods in France and the USA: liberty of choices, schedules, production, printing, etc. What does it means to be a French Artist?

Authors will also discuss the concept of ownership in France and in the USA : To whom does the work belong? What are the rights of an artist over their work?

Monday, June 26

9:30am-10:20am

Champion of the Graphic Novel: Will Eisner at 100 Years

Will Eisner was, and still is, one of the most influential forces in the comics and graphic novels publishing industry. This year we celebrate what would have been his 100th birthday with a conversation about his contribution and commitment to the idea of graphic novels as a true form of literature. The discussion will also cover the relationship between the library world and the growth of the comics industry and more specifically how librarians helped to define and grow the graphic novel category.

10:30am-11:20am

Tabletop Games 101

Playing Tabletop games in libraries is growing. As libraries expand their breadth, more and more library members are enjoying table-top games, played with real people, face-to-face, in libraries. But, what exactly are tabletop games? How do I tell board games from role-playing games, from card games? Which games are suitable for young people, and which will be enjoyed by an older crowd? This panel of gaming veterans including game publishers and distributors will cut the red tape so each library knows which games to bring in. At ALA Annual, Friday Games Night will give everyone an opportunity to play a variety of games and talk to publishers and distributors. Open gaming on the floor, during the day offers more opportunities to learn and have fun doing it.

11:30am-12:20pm

Disney Manga: family friendly fun!

With the explosion in popularity of manga, parents and librarians have rightfully been concerned about child-friendly titles. With TOKYOPOP’s Disney Manga line, we bring the magic of Disney to this popular form of graphic novels, providing families with a way to enjoy their favorite Disney characters and stories in manga style! With titles brought directly from Japan and our own original titles made in collaboration with Disney’s team, we want to break down the misconception that all manga is inappropriate for little ones and encourage young readers with this fun line of graphic novels.

PA – Street Angel Signing

Jim Rugg and Brian Maruca appear at Phantom of the Attic Comics on Wednesday April 26th from 4:00 until 7:00 PM to sign STREET ANGEL: AFTER SCHOOL KUNG FU SPECIAL from Image Comics.

RSVP on Facebook!

Phantom of the Attic Comics
411 S Craig Street Ste 2, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 621-1210

HeroesCon 2017 Announces Guests

HeroesCon 2017 takes place June 16-18, 2017 at the Charlotte Convention Center for the 35th anniversary show!

2017 Guests include: 

TAMRA BONVILLAIN | Doom Patrol, Wayward, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur
NICK BRADSHAW | Spidey, X-Men, Guardians of the Galaxy
CHRIS BURNHAM | Nameless, Batman, Officer Downe
ERIC CANETE | New Avengers: Luke Cage, Amazing Spider-Man, Iron Man
WES CRAIG | Deadly Class, Blackhand Comics, Guardians of the Galaxy
KELLY SUE DECONNICK | Bitch Planet, Pretty Deadly, Captain Marvel
ULISES FARIÑAS | Judge Dredd, Motro, Star Wars: Where’s the Wookie
MATT FRACTION | Sex Criminals, Casanova, ODY-C, Hawkguy
JOSÉ LUÍS GARCIA-LÓPEZ | Wonder Woman, Batman, Deadman, Twilight, Atari Force
GERHARD | Cerebus, Little Nemo Dream Another Dream, Heavy Metal
MICHAEL GOLDEN | The Nam, Punisher, Micronauts
SANFORD GREENE | Power Man & Iron Fist, Runaways, Rotten Apple, Deadpool
CULLY HAMNER | The Question, Red, Batman
JAMES HARREN | Rumble, BPRD, Abe Sapien
CLAYTON HENRY | Incredible Hercules, Archer and Armstrong, Uncanny X-men, Suicide Squad
GREG HINKLE | Black Clouds, Airboy, The Rattler
KLAUS JANSON | Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Daredevil, Spider-Man
JOËLLE JONES | Lady Killer, Mockingbird, Hellheim
JASON LATOUR | Southern Bastards, Spider-Gwen, Loose Ends, Winter Soldier
MINDY LEE | Bounty
ANDREW MACLEAN | Head Lopper, Apocalyptigirl, Laser Wolf Attack
JIM MAHFOOD | Grrl Scouts, Tank Girl, Visual Funk: the Psychedelic Adult Coloring Book
PAUL MAYBURY | Valhalla Mad, Captain Victory, Dogs of Mars, Aqua Leung
BOB MCLEOD | New Mutants, Spider-Man, Kraven’s Last Hunt
CARY NORD | Conan, X-O Manowar, Eternal Warrior, Mutant X, Daredevil
RAMÓN PÉREZ | Hawkeye, Tale of Sand, Spider-Man
ANDREW ROBINSON | The Fifth Beatle, Dusty Star, Batman, Winter Soldier
RILEY ROSSMO | Hellblazer, Batman, Proof, Green Wake, Rasputin, Cowboy Ninja Viking
JIM RUGG |Street Angel, Supermag, Afrodisiac
TIM SALE | Captain America, Batman, Spider-Man, Catwoman
MATTEO SCALERA | Black Science, Dead Body Road, Ghosted, Hulk, Avengers
BRIAN STELFREEZE | Black Panther, Day Men, Wednesday Comics, The Ride
TY TEMPLETON | Batman, Bun Toons, American Splendor, Simpsons, MAD
CHRIS VISIONS | Dead Letters, Spider-Gwen, Scarlet Witch, Devils on the Levee
SKOTTIE YOUNG | I Hate Fairyland, Rocket Racoon, Fortunately the Milk, Oz
MIKE ZECK | Secret Wars, Punisher, Captain America

RSVP on the Facebook event page!

For the most up-to-date information, check our blog, or sign up for the weekly Heroes Hotline newsletter. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook!

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

BUYING AN ADVANCE PASS MEANS YOU’LL GET ANY ADVANCE INCENTIVES WE OFFER, FREE!

ENTRY WILL BE $25: FRI $25: SAT $20: SUN / AT THE SHOW ITSELF, SO YOU SAVE AS MUCH AS $20 BY PURCHASING ADVANCE PASSES TODAY! TICKETS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE, UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES WE MAY CREDIT AN UNUSABLE TICKET TOWARD FUTURE TICKET PURCHASES.

HEROES CONVENTION was founded in 1982 by Shelton Drum, owner of Charlotte’s Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find comics shop. Since then the convention has become famous for its comics-first and family-friendly atmosphere, where fans can mingle directly with professionals and exhibitors. Boasting an incredible guest list built mainly on reputation and goodwill, HeroesCon is known nationwide as a “must” on the summer schedule, drawing fans, exhibitors, and creators from all over the world to the Charlotte Convention Center.

DC – 3rd Annual Graphic Novel Panel

Mark Siegel, Jim Rugg, Gareth Hinds, and Farel Dalrymple appear at Politics & Prose on Sunday September 14, 2014 at 5:00 PM for a graphic novel panel!

Politics & Prose
5015 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
202-364-1919

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