WI – Garth Ennis Signing
September 21, 2017 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Signing and Appearance Profiles, Television, Top Stories, Wisconsin
Writer Garth Ennis (Jimmy’s Bastards, Preacher, Punisher MAX, The Boys, War Stories) will be signing at Kowabunga Comics on Saturday, October 28th! In addition to Garth will be Black Eyed Kids creator and Aftershock Comics Chief Creative Officer Joe Pruett and writer/artist Phil Hester.
Garth Ennis is a multi-award winning comic book writer known for his love of graphic violence and black comedy. After taking over the reins of Judge Dredd, British Comics’ most recognizable character, from legendary Judge Dredd creator John Wagner, he exploded upon the American comic book market with credits that include Hellblazer, Hitman, Punisher, Fury, Crossed, Battlefields, War Stories, and The Boys. His legendary and hugely-influential DC Comics’ series PREACHER, which he co-created with artist Steve Dillon, has recently been given a pilot treatment by AMC. Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, he now lives in New York City with his wife, Ruth.
Joe Pruett is the COO and Publisher at Aftershock. Joe is an Eisner and Harvey nominated writer and editor for his work on Negative Burn. He is known for his turn at Marvel on X-Men Unlimited, Wolverine, and Cable. Currently, Joe writes Black Eyed Kids at Aftershock.
Phillip Hester has been writing and drawing comics for nearly three decades, beginning while still a student at the University of Iowa. After a period of toiling in the burgeoning world of black and white indie comics, he broke into the mainstream with a long run as artist of DC’s Swamp Thing with writer Mark Millar. At nearly the same time, he wrote and drew the Eisner Award nominated series The Wretch. In 2001, Phil drew Kevin Smith’s revival of DC’s Green Arrow. He wrote the original graphic novel The Coffin with artist Mike Huddleston, which was optioned for a feature film by James Cameron. At Image Comics, he created Firebreather with artist Andy Kuhn, which became an Emmy-winning television feature for Cartoon Network. His work, as both artist and writer, has been featured in hundreds of comics from nearly every major American publisher, and includes runs on such titles as The Darkness, Wonder Woman, Ant-Man, Ultimate Marvel Team-Up, Nightwing, Invincible Universe, Batman Beyond, The Flash: Season Zero, and his current Image project Mythic with artist John McCrea. Phil lives in rural Iowa with his family.
Kowabunga Comics
102 N Main St, Oconomowoc, WI 53066
(262) 569-9999
Dynamite Entertainment Appears at Baltimore Comic-Con 2017
September 20, 2017 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Convention News, Maryland
Press Release:
Headed to Baltimore Comic-Con this year? Team Dynamite will be there in full force to celebrate the 18th annual event, which hosts a variety of comic creator guests, retailers, exhibitors, panels, and special events!
This year, the Baltimore Comic-Con will take place at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor on September 22-24, 2017. Tickets are available online — avoid ticket lines by purchasing now.
While there, be sure to visit the Dynamite team at Booth #2010, and pick up their exclusive Baltimore Comic-Con foil covers of Sheena, Killer Instinct, and The Librarians!
Dynamite Creators & Staff that will be attending Baltimore Comic-Con 2017 include:
- Amy Chu (KISS, Red Sonja)
- Greg Pak (John Wick)
- Steve Orlando (The Shadow/Batman)
- Mark Evanier (Grumpy Cat/Garfield)
- Joseph Michael Linsner (Dawn, Bettie Page)
- James Kuhoric (Army of Darkness, Dead Irons)
- Walter Simonson (Battlestar Galactica)
- Louise Simonson (Red Sonja)
- Frank Cho (Jungle Girl, Red Sonja)
- Phil Hester (Black Terror, Kevin Smith’s Green Hornet)
- Nick Barrucci (Dynamite Publisher and CEO)
- Alan Payne (Dynamite VP, Sales & Marketing)
- Joseph Rybandt (Dynamite Senior Editor)
- Pat O’Connell (Dynamite Sales Manager)
- Janie Mackenzie (Dynamite PR & Marketing Coordinator, Social Media Manager)
In addition, Dynamite will be hosting two exciting panels at this year’s Baltimore Comic-Con!
DARE TO BE HEROIC WITH DYNAMITE
Friday, Sept. 22nd, 3:15 pm – 4:15 pm
Location: Room 345-346
Villains don’t stand a chance this fall as Dynamite unleashes our team of all-star creators and unites some of comics’ most iconic heroes in what’s certain to be some of the hottest releases of the season. Join Steve Orlando (The Shadow/Batman), Greg Pak (John Wick), Amy Chu (Red Sonja), and more as they join forces to discuss the anatomy of crafting a true hero!
DYNAMITE: IGNITING IMAGINATIONS
Saturday, Sept. 23, 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm
Location: Room 343-344
Discover where some of comics’ most acclaimed writers find the inspiration behind their creations, and how they translate the first creative spark to the final printed page. Greg Pak (John Wick, Battlestar Galactica), Steve Orlando (Shadow/Batman), Sean Von Gorman (KISS, Toe Tag Riot), and more offer a behind-the- scenes look at the real-life origin stories of some of your most beloved comic creations!
The Baltimore Comic-Con returns to the Inner Harbor’s Baltimore Convention Center on September 22-24, 2017. In the coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found on our website, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages.
Hero Initiative Heads to Baltimore Comic-Con 2017 with Exclusive Creators Joshua Dysart, Dennis O’Neil, Khoi Pham
September 19, 2017 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Convention News, Maryland
Press Release:
Hero Initiative, the nonprofit that helps comic book creators in medical and financial need, is heading to Baltimore Comic-Con September 22-24 at the Baltimore Convention Center. And Hero’s booth, #1501, is the ONLY place to find creators Joshua Dysart (Living Level-3: Iraq) Dennis O’Neil (Green Lantern/Green Arrow) and Khoi Pham (Mighty Avengers). This amazing group will be signing and sketching all weekend to support out cause! Don’t miss out!
And Hero Initiative Ambassadors will be collecting for Hero on the con floor. Please swing by and say “hi” to: Reilly Brown, Mark Buckingham, Jim Calafiore, Richard Case, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, Brian Haberlin, Phil Hester, JG Jones, Matt Kindt, Barry Kitson, Jay Leisten, Laura Martin, Dustin Nguyen, Jerry Ordway, Steve Orlando, Greg Pak, Jeff Parker, Andrew Pepoy, Brandon Peterson, Keith Pollard, Craig Rousseau, Stan Sakai, Bart Sears, Louise Simonson, Walt Simonson, Andy Smith, Joe Staton, Mark Waid, Marv Wolfman, and Rich Woodall. Stop on by and do the right thing!
About The Hero Initiative:
The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book artists and craftsmen in need. Hero Initiative creates a financial safety net for yesterday’s creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment.
Since its inception, The Hero Initiative has had the good fortune to grant over $1 million to the comics veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today. For more information, visit www.HeroInitiative.org or call 626-676-6354.
PA – Aftershock Comics Signing
September 5, 2017 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Pennsylvania, Signing and Appearance Profiles
Joe Pruett and Phil Hester sign at Fourcorners Comics on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at 4:00 PM.
Aftershock Comics launched in 2015 and since then has introduced acclaimed comics like Animosity, Rough Riders, Shipwreck, Unholy Grail and Black Eyed Kids. Aftershock Comics is “a comic book company that combines the creative edge of an independent comic book publisher with the strengths and experience of a traditional powerhouse.”
Joe Pruett is the COO and Publisher at Aftershock. Joe is an Eisner and Harvey nominated writer and editor for his work on Negative Burn. He is known for his turn at Marvel on X-Men Unlimited, Wolverine, and Cable. Currently, Joe writes Black Eyed Kids at Aftershock.
Phil Hester started working on indie comics. Phil is best known as the artist for DC’s Swamp Thing and Kevin Smith’s Green Arrow. Over his long career, he has worked as both writer and artist on The Darkness, Wonder Woman, Ant-Man, Ultimate Marvel Team-Up, Nightwing, Invincible Universe, Batman Beyond, and The Flash: Season Zero. At Aftershock, Phil writes Blood Blister and is the artist for Shipwreck. A Phil Hester variant of Dark Ark #1 debuts on September 20th and will be available for the signing.
Fourcorners Comics
42 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-2336
AfterShock Comics Exhibits at Baltimore Comic-Con 2017
August 30, 2017 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Convention News, Maryland
Press Release:
Headed to Baltimore Comic-Con this year? AfterShock Comics will be there in full force to celebrate the annual convention which hosts a variety of comic creator guests, retailers, exhibitors, panels, and special events! Visit them at Booth #2004 to pick up Baltimore Comic-Con exclusive covers of Dark Ark #1 and Fu Jitsu #1.
AfterShock Creators & Staff that will be in attendance at the Baltimore Comic-Con include*:
- Amanda Conner & Jimmy Palmiotti (SuperZero)
- Phil Hester (Shipwreck, Blood Blister)
- Justin Jordan (Strayer)
- Brian Stelfreeze (Alters)
- Mark Waid (Captain Kid)
- Mike Marts (AfterShock Editor-In-Chief)
- Stephan Nilson (AfterShock Publishing Operations Manager)
- Joe Pruett (AfterShock Publisher/CCO & Black-Eyed Kids)
- Lisa Wu (AfterShock Retailers/Fan Relations Manager)
- Ashley Wyatt (AfterShock Publishing Assistant)
*Note: Guests are subject to change
The Baltimore Comic-Con returns to the Inner Harbor’s Baltimore Convention Center on September 22-24, 2017. In the coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found on our website, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages.
NE – Jack Kirby Centennial Celebration
August 24, 2017 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Nebraska, Signing and Appearance Profiles
Phil Hester, Eric Gapstur, Ande Parks, Bruce McCorkindale, and Fredd Gorham appear at Krypton Comics to celebrate Jack Kirby’s 100th birthday!
Press Release:
Come out to witness Phil Hester and friends complete 100 original illustrations commemorating Jack Kirby on what would be his 100th birthday.
Each year Phil Hester holds a marathon to raise money for the Hero Initiative, a nonprofit organization that creates a financial safety net for comic creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for life essentials and an avenue back into paying work.
This year OmahaBound and Krypton Comics team-up to host Phil Hester and friends in Omaha for the final Kirby marathon.
Phil Hester will begin drawing Saturday, August 26th at Krypton Comics and will finish on Monday, August 28th. Come out to visit Krypton, support Phil on his marathon, and enter a raffle for a bonus illustration.
Phil Hester will also complete an OmahaBound Exclusive Kirby Illustration while in Omaha. Starting August 21st, purchase $1 raffle tickets at Krypton Comics for the FINAL Kirby Fundraiser Illustration by Phil Hester. Drawing to be held Monday August 28th at Krypton Comics. And there’s no limit to the number of tickets you can purchase!
Krypton Comics
2819 South 125th Avenue #261, Omaha, NE 68144-3873
(402) 391-4131
AfterShock Comics Schedule for C2E2 2017
April 18, 2017 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Convention News, Illinois
Press Release:
Headed to the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) this year? AfterShock Comics will be there in full force to celebrate the comic book and pop culture convention spanning the latest and greatest from the world of comics, movies, television, toys, anime, manga and videogames.
Convention Days/Hours:
• Friday, April 21: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Saturday, April 22: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Sunday, April 23: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Our Booth: 417
Our C2E2 Exclusives (available at our booth):
• Eleanor & Egret #1 (C2E2 exclusive cover)
• World Reader #1 (C2E2 exclusive cover)
• Jimmy’s Bastards poster – Dave Johnson art (Series written by Garth Ennis with interiors by Russ Braun)
• Babyteeth poster – Garry Brown art (Signed by creator + writer Donny Cates)
Signings (at our booth):
• Marguerite Bennett – Friday, April 21: 2:30-3:30 PM
• Donny Cates – Sunday, April 23: 1:00-2:00 PM
Our Panel:
• Sunday, April 23: 10:45am
• Room: S403
• Description: Join Donny Cates (BABYTEETH), Adam Glass (ROUGH RIDERS, THE NORMALS), Brian Azzarello (AMERICAN MONSTER), Phil Hester (SHIPWRECK, BLOOD BLISTER), Justin Jordan (STRAYER), Joe Pruett (AfterShock Publisher/CCO & BLACK-EYED KIDS), Mike Zagari (Aftershock SVP Digital/Creative) and more of the AfterShock Comics creative team as they discuss their current titles and future plans! (NOTE: Guests are subject to change)
Our Creators & Staff at the Show:
• Brian Azzarello (AMERICAN MONSTER)
• Marguerite Bennett (ANIMOSITY, INSEXTS)
• Donny Cates (BABYTEETH)
• Adam Glass (ROUGH RIDERS, THE NORMALS)
• Phil Hester (SHIPWRECK, BLOOD BLISTER)
• Justin Jordan (STRAYER)
• Lee Kramer (AfterShock President)
• Stephan Nilson (AfterShock Publishing Operations Manager)
• Joe Pruett (AfterShock Publisher/CCO & BLACK-EYED KIDS)
• Lisa Wu (AfterShock Retailers/Fan Relations Manager)
• Mike Zagari (Aftershock SVP Digital/Creative)
• + more!
*Note: Guests are subject to change
DC’s Dan DiDio Appears at Planet Comicon 2017
March 21, 2017 by Colin Solan
Filed under Animation, Comic Books, Convention News, Missouri, Television
Dan DiDio, Publisher of DC Entertainment, joins the Planet Comicon 2017 guest lineup on April 28-30! Tickets are available for sale now at the link…
As Publisher, DiDio directs and oversees DC Entertainment’s (DCE) publishing business under its key three imprints – DC, Vertigo, and MAD – in both print and digital formats, working alongside DCE’s editorial, art and design, production, business development and sales groups. The Publishers also work in concert with DCE’s Creative Affairs and Franchise Management teams to ensure that publishing continues to create content and help drive the media businesses that use comics as their source of inspiration.
Dan DiDio was named Publisher of DC Entertainment, alongside Jim Lee, in February 2010.
DiDio works closely with DCE editorial and creative teams to develop compelling storylines and characters that ring true to the iconic DC, Vertigo and MAD brands. During his tenure, DiDio has spearheaded many of the comic industry’s most successful publishing events, including the widely acclaimed relaunch of DC Comics Rebirth, The New 52, and the hugely successful DC annual September publishing events such as 2013’s villains lenticular variant covers. DiDio has also overseen many of the comic industry’s bestselling titles and events including DC UNIVERSE: REBIRTH, BLACKEST NIGHT, IDENTITY CRISIS, SUPERMAN, BATMAN, JUSTICE LEAGUE and WONDER WOMAN.
DiDio is also charged with leading the company’s unparalleled efforts to attract and develop upcoming talent. With the implementation of annual creator summits and various network opportunities throughout the years, DC Entertainment has become the premier destination for the comic book industry’s top tier writers and artists.
Prior to his current post, DiDio served as Senior Vice President and Executive Editor, overseeing the editorial department for the DC line of comic book titles. DiDio charted the ongoing adventures of SUPERMAN, BATMAN, GREEN LANTERN, WONDER WOMAN, THE FLASH and scores of other heroes and villains.
Before joining DCE in January 2002, DiDio served as Senior Vice President, Creative Affairs for the computer animation company, Mainframe Entertainment. In this position, DiDio was charged with overseeing the development, distribution, marketing, promotion, merchandising and licensing of all Mainframe’s television properties. Among the television projects he developed were Weird-Ohs, Beast Machines, Black Bull’s Gatecrasher and Jill Thompson’s Scary Godmother. He also served as a Story Editor for Reboot and War Planets.
Prior to Mainframe Entertainment, DiDio worked in a variety of positions in the television industry, including Capital Cities/ABC where he served as an Executive Director of ABC Children’s Programming and Public Relations Manager for three New York based daytime dramas.
Previously announced guests include: Neal Adams, Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, Chad Hardin, Cullen Bunn, Phil Hester, Ant Lucia, Jai Nitz, Frank Tieri, Freddie E. Williams II, and more.
For more information about the 2017 show, event photos, interviews and more, “Like” Planet Comicon on Facebook and follow @PlanetComicon on Twitter. Planet Comicon Kansas City is always available online at www.planetcomicon.com.
TX – Shipwreck #1 Signings
September 14, 2016 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Signing and Appearance Profiles, Texas
Artist PHIL HESTER (Green Arrow, Firebreather) will be signing his latest comic SHIPWRECK #1 on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at the Clear Lake store from 1:30 – 3:30 PM and the Westheimer store from 5:00 – 8:00 PM!
Bedrock City Comic Co.
102 W. Bay Area Blvd, Webster, TX 77598
(281) 557-2748
6516 Westheimer, Suite D, Houston, TX 77057
(713) 780-0675
WI – Deathstroke Annual #2 Signing
June 27, 2016 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Signing and Appearance Profiles, Top Stories, Wisconsin
Writer/artist Phil Hester appears at Kowabunga Comics on Saturday, July 2nd at 1:00 PM to celebrate the release of Deathstroke Annual #2!
Phillip Hester has been writing and drawing comics for nearly three decades, beginning while still a student at the University of Iowa. After a toiling in the world of black and white indie comics, he broke into the mainstream with a long run as artist of DC’s Swamp Thing with writer Mark Millar. At nearly the same time he wrote and drew the Eisner Award nominated series The Wretch. In 2001 Phil drew Kevin Smith’s revival of Green Arrow with long time inker Ande Parks, also for DC. He wrote the original graphic novel The Coffin with artist Mike Huddleston, which was optioned for a feature film by James Cameron. At Image Comics he created Firebreather with artist Andy Kuhn, which became an Emmy-winning animated television feature for Cartoon Network.
His work, as both artist and writer, has been featured in hundreds of comics from nearly every major American publisher and includes runs on such titles as The Darkness, Wonder Woman, Ant-Man, Ultimate Marvel Team-Up, Nightwing, Invincible Universe, Batman Beyond, The Flash: Season Zero, The Thrilling Adventure Hour: Beyond Belief, Deathstroke, and his current Image project Mythic with artist John McCrea. Phil lives in rural Iowa with his family.
Kowabunga Comics
102 N Main St, Oconomowoc, WI 53066
(262) 569-9999
