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.

HeroesCon 2017 Welcomes Alan Davis, Jim Shooter & More

HeroesCon has announced more new guests for their 35th anniversary show including Alan Davis, Joe Quinones, Stephane Roux, Jim Shooter, Kevin Siers, Mark Texeira and more! HeroesCon 2017 takes place June 16-18, 2017 at the Charlotte Convention Center.

CRAIG BOLDMAN | Archie Comic, Tailipoe!, Cap’n Catnip, Superman
J CHRIS CAMPBELL | Creator of Neatobots, Zig Zag & Publisher of Wide Awake Press
ALAN DAVIS | Captain Britain, Batman, Marvelman, Excalibur, JLA: The Nail, X-Men, Hulk
TEE FRANKLIN | Bingo Love, Love Is Love, The Outfit, Inclusive Press
GHOSTWRITER X | Swordquest, Lucha Liberty, Down, Set, Fight!
BIZHAN KHODABANDEH | The Little Red Fish
SHAWN PRYOR | Cash & Carrie, Kentucky Kaiju, F.O.R.C.E.
JOE QUINONES | America, Howard the Duck, Star Wars, Black Canary/Zatanna
TIM RICKARD | Brewster Rockit, Space Guy!
STEPHANE ROUX | Harley Quinn, Star Wars, Zatanna, Birds of Prey, Action Comics, Batman
HEIDI SHEPHERD | Butcher Babies, Blood Sister
JIM SHOOTER | Legion of Super-Heroes, Secret Wars, Solar: Man of the Atom
KEVIN SIERS | Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist, Charlotte Observer?
DURWIN TALON & GUIN THOMPSON | Beautiful Scars, Bonds, Batman
MARK TEXEIRA | Wolverine, Ghost Rider, Moon Knight, Sabretooth, Jonah Hex, Space Punisher

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.

NY – Free Comic Book Day 2017 Signing

The Comic Book Depot celebrates Free Comic Book Day on Saturday May 6, 2017 from 11:00am to 5:00pm!

Limited to 5 FREE FCBD comics per person

Special guests
Billy Tucci 11-1pm
Jim Shooter 11-1pm
JC Vaughn 11-1pm
Joe Kelly 11-12:30pm
Zeea Adams 12noon-3pm
Sean Chen 1-2pm
Creees Hyunsung Lee 1-2pm
Mr. PoppinTwist 11-1pm
Magician Mike Rossetti 11-1pm

Cosplay
Sales
25-cent comics
upto 75% off graphic novels
10% off graded comics
25% off back issues
15% off new comics

RSVP on Facebook!

The Comic Book Depot
2847 Jerusalem Ave, Wantagh, NY 11793
516-221-9337

NY – Bedtime Stories for Impressionable Children Signing

Creators Jim Shooter and J.C. Vaughn will be at Best Comics Wednesday, February 22nd, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM to sign their latest book Bedtime Stories for Impressionable Children! Come in and get your copy signed and pick up the BEST COMICS exclusive cover! Representatives from CBCS will be on hand to authenticate signatures and accept books for submission!

Jim Shooter is a legendary creator who has been working in the comics field since he was 13 years old! His earliest professional works include Legion of Super-Heroes and Superboy for DC Comics! In the mid seventies Shooter began working for Marvel Comics and eventually became Marvel’s editor-in-chief, overseeing successful runs on Uncanny X-Men by Chris Claremont and John Byrne, Daredevil by Frank Miller, Thor by Walter Simonson and Amazing Spider-Man by Roger Stern! Later Shooter would go on to found Valiant Comics, Defiant and Broadway Comics where he was the principal creator of those companies’ characters and universes. He is currently the EIC of Illustrated Media.

J.C. Vaughn is the VP of publishing for Gemstone Publishing and is the creator of a plethora of excellent comics including Zombie-Proof, Vampire, PA, McCandless & Company, Twenty First Century Romances, Dead Inspector, Desperate Fences, the Bill Collector and the comic strip Antiques with many more to come!

RSVP on Facebook!

Best Comics
1300 Jericho Tpke, New Hyde Park, NY 11040
(516) 328-1900

Great Philadelphia Comic Con Announces 2017 Guests

Press Release:

Come and ‘Get UR Geek On!’ at the largest independently run Pop Culture Convention in PA! With over 150,000 Sq ft of show, there is something for everyone! Dozens of Artists, Vendors, Media and Cosplay Guests and Events, including: Panels Gaming Contests Door Prizes Film + TV Screening Events And Much More! Guests include:

Marina Sirtis
Born to Greek parents who did not want her to become an actress. As soon as Marina completed high school, she applied to the Guild Hall School of Music and Drama secretly. After her graduation, she worked in musical theater, repertory and television. In 1986, she moved to Los Angeles, California. For six months, she auditioned for parts but was unsuccessful. Just before she planned to go back home, she got the part of Counselor Deanna Troi in “Star Trek: The Next Generation”.

Bruce Boxleitner
As one of Hollywood’s leading men, Bruce Boxleitner has starred in a major motion picture franchise, numerous feature films, several popular television series, produced a major network film and TV series, performed on Broadway, and authored two science fiction novels.

John Wesley Shipp
John played Barry Allen aka The Flash in the CBS sci-fi adventure series “The Flash” (1990-1991), he then went on to play on the WB’s hit drama “Dawson’s Creek,” as Dawson’s dreamer dad Mitch Leery. Most recently he has returned to sci-fi by playing Henry Allen, the father of Barry Allen on the hit CW show “The Flash”.

Mike Zeck
Mike’s comics series and covers have influenced generations of artists, and one would have to argue which of Mike’s series has been the most influential, or most deeply embossed in our pop culture.

Zeck’s groundbreaking six part story “Kraven’s Last Hunt,” with J.M. Dematteis and Bob McLeod is the definitive Kraven the Hunter story and took the Spider-Man character to a whole new level, and has been touted by readers as the “Greatest Spider-Man story of all time,” in recent polls.

His work with writer Steven Grant on the Punisher Limited Series–collected as “Circle of Blood”—set the standard for the look and feel of the character and propelled the Punisher to flagship character status at Marvel. Along with air-brush artist Phil Zimelman, Mike has created some of the most recognizable painted images of the Punisher.

The 12-issue Series “Secret Wars,” was a monumental success, and Zeck’s design for Spider-Man’s black costume is still recognizable and indelible to this day. Spider-Man wore the costume temporarily, and it still lives on in the form of the super-villain, Venom.

Zeck’s work has also graced the pages and covers of “Captain America,” “Master of Kung Fu,” “Aquaman,” “Batman,” “Legends of the DC Universe,” “Green Lantern,” “G.I. Joe,” “G.I. Joe: Special Missions,” “Lobo,” “Deathstroke The Terminator,” “The Eliminator,” “Damned” and many other titles

Jim Shooter
A United States writer, occasional fill-in artist, editor, and publisher for various comic books. Shooter began selling stories to DC Comics for their Legion of Super-Heroes title when he was only 13. He eventually succeeded Archie Goodwin to become the controversial ninth editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics from 1978 to 1987.

After leaving Marvel, he fronted an effort to purchase the floundering publisher from its corporate ownership, losing out at the last minute to Ronald Perelman’s slightly higher bid. He then founded a new company, Voyager Communications, which published comics under the Valiant Comics banner.

Jim will be appearing Friday and Saturday Only!

Michael Golden
Michael Golden is an American comic book artist and writer best known for his late-1970s work on Marvel Comics’ The Micronauts, as well as his co-creation of the characters Rogue and Bucky O’Hare. His work is known to have influenced the style of artist Arthur Adams.

Ty Templeton
Ty has worked on titles for Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Bongo Comics, and Moonstone Books, including Batman Adventures, The Simpsons and many others. He also created his own graphic novel, Bigg Time, published by DC Comics’ mature readers imprint, Vertigo.

He was recently editor of an independent Canadian comic company, Mr. Comics. Recent work includes writing and drawing stories for DC’s Batman 66, based on the 1960s television series. He teaches classes in comic book writing and drawing, known as “Ty Templeton’s Comic Book Boot Camp”.

Graham Nolan
Okay, here’s the truth in a nutshell… he grew up between Long Beach, NY and Indian Harbour Beach, FL. Went 2 years to the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art, couldn’t afford to graduate. Started working in advertising waiting for big break in comics.

Break came at DC Comics when one of his teachers, Sal Amendola, who was the talent coordinator there, bought two of his school assignments to run in “New Talent Showcase.”

Started picking up more assignments from DC, Marvel and Eclipse Comics eventually leading to a 6 year run illustrating Batman in “Detective Comics” and co-creating the villain, Bane. In 1998 he wrote, illustrated and self-published, “Monster Island.”

Bob Camp
Bob started his animation career as a designer for animated series such as ThunderCats, Silverhawks, TigerSharks, and several other series produced by Rankin/Bass. He then worked as a designer on The Real Ghostbusters for DiC, and later as a storyboard artist on Tiny Toon Adventures for Warner Bros. Television. He was a co-founder of and director for Spümcø, the animation studio that created The Ren & Stimpy Show.

JK Woodward
J.K. Woodward started his professional comics career in 2003 when he collaborated with A. David Lewis on the indie comic Mortal Coils. When Peter David was re-launching his creator owned series Fallen Angel at IDW, James was a natural choice for Peter’s dark world of magic, violence and redemption. His last sequential art project was the Star Trek/Doctor Who crossover, Assimilation 2 and he is currently handling the art for Harlan Ellison’s City on the Edge of Forever.

Wil Traval
Wil can currently be seen as ‘Will Simpson’ on the Netflix original series Marvel’s “Jessica Jones” and will play DC character ‘Human Target’ in the upcoming season of CW’s “Arrow” Wil is a dynamic actor who has had a successful career both in the US and in his native Australia. He has guest starred in several other series including ABC’s hit “Once Upon A Time” as Sheriff of Nottingham.

Bryce Papenbrook
Bryce Papenbrook has been a professional voice over artist since the age of eight. He was introduced to the voice acting scene by his father, Bob Papenbrook, and has continued the trade in his footsteps.

Bryce has performed in numerous video games, cartoons, and television shows. Some recent roles include Eren in Attack on Titan, Kirito in Sword Art Online & Sword Art Online II, Shirou Emiya in Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works, Meliodas in The Seven Deadly Sins, Rin Okumura in Blue Exorcist, Chooki & Lydendor in Tenkai Knights, Red in Pokémon Origins, Machina Kunagiri in Final Fantasy Type-0, Masaomi Kida in Durarara!! & Durarara!! X2, just to name a few.

Visit www.philadelphiacomiccon.com for further information and tickets! RSVP on Facebook!

Secret Wars Reunion Convention Tour

Press Release:

Jim Shooter, Mike Zeck, and John Beatty reunite for the first time in nearly 30 years to make a limited number of convention appearances together, as they celebrate the anniversary of the legendary Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars maxi-series. This will be a rare opportunity to meet, greet and get autographs from all three of the original creators of one of the most important publishing events in comic book history.

Prior to the official launch of the tour, artists Mike Zeck and John Beatty will make a stop together for a special pre-tour celebration at HEROESCON: June 19-21, 2015 at the Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, North Carolina. Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find and HeroesCon owner Shelton Drum said “When I heard there was going to be a new Secret Wars series, I just knew I had to get Mike Zeck and John Beatty to do a variant cover for my show (pictured at right). Secret Wars #8 has always been one of my favorites, and I am in love with their new interpretation. Having them at HeroesCon is just icing on the cake“. Don’t miss the opportunity to get your copy of the 2015 SECRET WARS ISSUE #1 HEROESCON VARIANT, featuring penciller Mike Zeck, and inker John Beatty, who reunited to recreate their classic Secret Wars Issue #8 cover, replacing the original characters with their contemporary counterparts.

The formal tour begins when writer Jim Shooter, penciller Mike Zeck, and inker John Beatty reunite at FLORIDA SUPERCON: June 25-28, 2015 at The Miami Beach Convention Center, in Miami, Florida. Florida Supercon owner Mike Broder said “I’m thrilled to have Florida Supercon as the formal launch point for this reunion tour! Secret Wars was such a groundbreaking concept thirty years ago, and helped fundamentally change how comic books approach big events, marketing, licensing, etc.. Plus, it couldn’t be more relevant than today, just as the new Secret Wars series from Marvel Comics hits the shelves. It really is an honor and privilege to play host to these three legendary creators.”

The second stop will be KANSAS CITY COMIC CON: August 7-9, 2015 at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Matt Driscoll, owner of the convention said of the tour “Secret Wars is a milestone that has influenced writers and artists ever since its publication in 1985. We are proud to have the creative team of Jim Shooter, Mike Zeck, and John Beatty join us at Kansas City Comic Con to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the most iconic series in Marvel history”

The tour will then continue at the CONNECTICUT COMICONN: August 14-16, 2015 at the Mohegan Sun Convention Center, Uncasville, Connecticut. Connecticut ComiConn producer Mitchell Hallock stated “Having all three of the Secret Wars creators with us … Jim Shooter, Mike Zeck and John Beatty … together at the Mohegan Sun this August for the con is a dream come true. I’m sure fans will come from miles around to say hello, shake their hands, get an autograph or three and say “thank you for making one of the greatest comic book stories ever!”

There are at least three additional tour stops planned, which will be announced shortly. More events may be added down the line as well. Please visit the creators own websites www.mikezeck.com or www.johnbeattyart.com for additional shows at which they will appear.

Mike Zeck, legendary Bronze Age penciler and creator of Spider-Man’s black costume, said of the tour … “We’re putting the band back together!” Looking forward to this reunion with Jim Shooter and John Beatty to celebrate the original Secret Wars series and hail the arrival of the new Secret Wars. It’s been very gratifying to see our original series maintain its popularity and remain in print for the past 30 years. A rare success! Hope to see you at one of our dates”

John Beatty, inker extraordinaire, stated “The big picture of Secret Wars is the fans. Having fans tell me through the years over and over that this series either brought them back to reading comic books, or started them reading comic books. I never dreamed, or could have at the time, that Secret Wars with Mike Zeck and Jim Shooter would have kept its appeal for three decades. Being able to share in the history of this series with both Jim and Mike is a bit surrealistic in many ways. It’s a huge blessing that we are still able to get together 30 years later and show our appreciation for the fans who made the series the success it has been and hopefully will continue to be. Thank you all!”

Jim Shooter, legendary writer, artist, editor, and publisher said of the tour “Secret Wars turned out to be a watershed in the history of the medium. I’m glad I was part of it and I am very, very happy to get together again with brilliant artists Mike Zeck and John Beatty.”

Don’t miss this once in 30 years opportunity to get your comics signed by all of the creators who made it happen so many years ago … Jim Shooter, Mike Zeck, and John Beatty.

Jim Shooter: Guest of Honor for FLORIDA SUPERCON

Jim Shooter has just been announced as a Guest of Honor for FLORIDA SUPERCON

June 25-28, 2015 at The Miami Beach Convention Center

Jim Shooter – a true legend in the comic book industry – has been a writer, artist, editor, and publisher for nearly fifty years! He is the former Editor-in-Chief for Marvel Comics and Valiant Comics. His writing credits include The Avengers, Secret Wars, Secret Wars II, Action Comics, Adventure Comics, Legion of Super-Heroes, Superboy, Superman’s Pal: Jimmy Olsen, Daredevil, Ghost Rider, Star Brand, World’s Finest Comics, Harbinger, Magnus: Robot Fighter, Solar: Man of the Atom, and X-O Manowar. Jim Shooter has created or co-created dozens of characters, including Archer & Armstrong, The Beyonder, Chemical King, Controllers, Emerald Empress, The Fatal Five, Ferro Lad, Graviton, Henry Peter Gyrich, Jocasta, Karate Kid, Laurel Kent, Mordru, Nemesis Kid, Paladin, The Parasite, Persuader Princess Projectra, Rond Vidar, Shadow Lass, Star Brand, Sun-Eater, Symbiote, Tharok, U-Foes, Universo, Validus, and The Wanderers. He came up with the original story for The Transformers and helped oversee the launch of G.I. Joe in the 1980s, contributing many of the major ideas and themes for the story.

www.floridasupercon.com

PA – An Evening with Jim Shooter

Comic book legend and Pittsburgh native Jim Shooter returns for a rare appearance at the ToonSeum!

The ToonSeum is proud to host “An Evening with Jim Shooter” from 6:00-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. The event with the outspoken and sometimes controversial writer and editor will begin with a 6 p.m. VIP reception at the ToonSeum, followed by an on-stage interview at 7:30 and a Q&A session conducted by Wayne Wise, the ToonSeum’s resident comics historian.

In 1965, at age 13, Shooter began writing “Superboy,” “The Legion of Super-Heroes,” “Superman” and other DC Comics. He holds the record as youngest-ever professional comics writer.

In 1976, he became editor of Marvel’s color comics and plotter/layout artist on the “Amazing Spider-Man” syndicated strip. In 1978, he accepted the position of editor in chief under the condition that he would be allowed to improve things for Marvel’s creators. He introduced royalties – as well as a spectrum of other incentives, such as rights and benefits – and attracted a who’s who of talent. As a result, sales boomed.

Later, Shooter founded VALIANT, DEFIANT and Broadway Comics. He served as editor in chief at each of these and was the principal creator of their characters and universes. He currently is the editor in chief of Illustrated Media, a custom comics company.

Tickets for “An Evening with Jim Shooter” are available at jimshooter.eventbrite.com. The cost is $25 for nonmembers and $20 for ToonSeum members. VIP tickets – which include a reception meet-and-greet, signed comic and admission to “An Evening with Jim Shooter” – are $50 for nonmembers and $40 for ToonSeum members.

Toonseum
945 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

NY – Free Comic Book Day 2011

 

Our own J.C. Vaughn is best known as the Associate Publisher of Gemstone Publishing, where he works on The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide, Comic Book Marketplace and Scoop. He also authored our Free Comic Book Day entry, The Overstreet Guide To Collecting Comics. In addition to co-writing Mighty Samson with Shooter, his comic book work includes 24 (based on the Fox TV series), Shi (with Billy Tucci), and his creator-owned Vampire, PA, Zombie-Proof, and Bedtime Stories for Impressionable Children.

 

Dark Horse Schedule at NYCC 2010

Frank Miller, David Lloyd, Jerry Robinson and more sign at the Dark Horse Booth #2023 at this weekend’s New York Comic Con, see you there!

Friday, October 8th:
2pm-3pm
•Jerry Robinson (Jet Scott)

3pm-4pm
•Omar Francia, Mac Walters, Joe Quinones (Mass Effect: Redemption)

4pm-5pm
•Frank Miller (Sin City, 300)

5pm-6pm
•John Schnepp (Dethklok)

Saturday, October 9th:

11am-12pm
•Jim Shooter, Nate Piekos (Doctor Solar, Man of the Atom, Magnus, Robot Fighter)

12pm-1pm
•Evan Dorkin (Beasts of Burden)
1pm-2pm
•John Arcudi, Peter Snejbjerg (BPRD, Abe Sapien)

2pm-3pm
•Carla Speed McNeil (Finder)

3pm-4pm
•Morgan Spurlock (Supersized)

4pm-5pm
•Cast TBD, Andrew Dalhouse, Paul Tobin (Falling Skies)

5pm-6pm
•Georges Jeanty (Buffy Season 8)

6pm-7pm
•Jan Duursema, Dave Ross, Mark McKenna, Joe Quinones (Star Wars: Legacy, Star Wars: The Old Republic)

Sunday, October 10th:

10am-10:30am
•Jason Little (Motel Art Improvement Service)

10:am-11am
•Mike Hawthorne (Conan)

11am-11:30am
•Steve Morris (Serenity, The Occultist)

11:30am-12pm
•Larry Marder (Bean World)

12pm-12:30 pm
•Rick Leonardi (Aliens Vs. Predator)

12:30pm-1pm
•Andy MacDonald (Terminator 1984)

2pm-2:30pm
•Chris Hastings (Dr. McNinja)

2:30pm-3pm
•David Lloyd (Kickback)

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