Boston Comic Con Returns in August 2014

Boston Comic Con has announced its initial details for next year’s convention! Following the phenomenal success of the 2013 show, the 2014 convention will again be held in August at the Seaport World Trade Center on Boston’s historic waterfront. The promoters have added an additional day to the convention which is scheduled to run Friday August 8th till Sunday August 10th. Joining the festivities this year is an all-star list of comic creators including: Rafael Albuquerque, Tim Bradstreet, Amanda Conner, Mike Kunkel, Jorge Molina, Dustin Nguyen, Jimmy Palmiotti, Carlos Pacheco, Ramón Pérez, Esad Ribic, Gail Simone, Cat Staggs, and many more! Additionally, the first media guests have been announced: Torchwood’s Eve Myles and Spike himself, James Marsters! More will be added over the coming months so be sure to follow Boston Comic Con on Facebook and Twitter!

For the full guest list plus artist alley, exhibitor, and film fest registration please check out the Boston Comic Con website! Online ticket purchases are available at the link! Tell your friends!

RSVP on Facebook!

About Boston Comic Con:

The Boston Comic Con is a 100% independently run comic book show committed to bringing the biggest and best comic creators to New England. Run by fans for fans, Boston Comic Con is not affiliated with any other convention tour or corporate interests. Hosting over 120,000 square feet of vendors selling comic books, toys, posters, trading cards, and other pop culture memorabilia, this is a destination event for geeks of any stripe. Next year’s convention will be held Friday August 8th, Saturday August 9th and Sunday August 10th at the Seaport World Trade Center, 200 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA 02210. For more information please go to our website at www.bostoncomiccon.com and follow us on Twitter (@BostonComicCon) and Facebook!

OR – The Lure of the Samurai

Stan Sakai and Mike Richardson appear at the Portland Art Museum on Saturday, November 2, 2013 from noon till 3:00 PM!

RSVP on Facebook!

Press Release:

The Rabbit Samurai in Portland: Stan Sakai on Usagi Yojimbo

Whitsell Auditorium

Comic artist Stan Sakai, creator of Usagi Yojimbo, visits the Portland Art Museum to talk about his award-winning series and to share insights on his drawing techniques in a live demonstration. In 1984, Sakai created the beloved saga of the “rabbit samurai” Usagi Yojimbo, a character inspired by the life of the famous 17th-century samurai Miyamoto Musashi. Usagi lives without a master during an age of unrest and political intrigue, wandering the land on a musha shugyo (warrior’s pilgrimage), and occasionally selling his services as a bodyguard. Sakai’s stories and drawings include faithful references to Edo period (1603-1867) Japanese history and folklore, architecture, armor, and weapons. Usagi Yojimbo is also heavily influenced by Japanese cinema and includes references to the work of Akira Kurosawa (the title of the series is derived from Kurosawa’s 1961 filmYojimbo) and to icons of popular Japanese cinema such as Lone Wolf and Cub, Zatoichi, and Godzilla. Stan is the recipient of a Parents’ Choice Award, an Inkpot Award, an American Library Association Award, a Harvey Award, four Spanish Haxtur Awards, and several Eisner Awards. In 2003, he won the prestigious National Cartoonists Society Award in the Comic Book Division, and in 2011 Stan received the Cultural Ambassador Award from the Japanese American National Museum.

1:30 p.m.

The Lure of the Samurai: A conversation with Stan Sakai and Mike Richardson

Whitsell Auditorium

Two legendary figures in the comic art world, Stan Sakai and Mike Richardson, come together to talk about their passion for all things samurai. Why is the figure of the samurai such an enduring subject in the popular imagination, especially for comic artists and readers? Mike Richardson is the founder and president of Portland-based Dark Horse Comics. He and artist Stan Sakai recently collaborated on the short series 47 Ronin, among the best-known tales in Japanese history. The legend of the 47 Ronin and their epic mission to avenge their disgraced master epitomizes the samurai code of honor and has been endlessly interpreted throughout the ages. Learn more about how Richardson and Sakai brought their creative energies together for this critically acclaimed series.

1:00 p.m.
2:30 p.m.

Book Signings

Stan Sakai will sign copies of his books at 1:00pm and will be joined by Mike Richardson at 2:30pm following their conversation. Bring your own copies or visit the Museum Shop to purchase selected titles.

Download free Usagi Yojimbo video game

In conjunction with Samurai!, the Museum is pleased to present a special free version of Usagi Yojimbo: Way of the Ronin, a new video game based on the comic book. It is the first video game in 25 years featuring characters from the award-winning Usagi Yojimbo comic-book series by Stan Sakai. Players who visit Samurai! Armor from the Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Collectiongain access to a special passcode that will allow them to unlock a special level of the game. The video game was developed by Happy Giant in association with Dark Horse Comics. Developed exclusively for Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Licensed with permission.

Tickets $20, free for museum members. Ticket includes entry to both the noon and 1:30 talks, as well as admission to Samurai!and other Museum exhibitions. Purchase advance tickets online. This event is a partnership between the Museum and Dark Horse Comics.

Portland Art Museum
1219 SW Park Avenue Portland, OR 97205
503-226-2811

MA – Usagi Yojimbo & Way of the Ronin Lecture

Stan Sakai appears at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, MA on Saturday, May 11, 2013 from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm! RSVP on Facebook!

Press Release:

Usagi Yojimbo comic series creator Stan Sakai and video-game company HappyGiant talk about the award-winning comic, new video game, and their creative processes.

*FREE tickets available, while supplies last, on the day of the event at 10 am, in person only, at any MFA ticket desk.  Please note capacity is limited.

The MFA has partnered with comic book creator Stan Sakai and video game company HappyGiant (in association with Dark Horse Comics) to develop in-game content for a special free version of its new video game based on the comic book Usagi Yojimbo: Way of the Ronin.  It is the first video game in 25 years featuring characters from the award-winning Usagi Yojimbo (“Rabbit Bodyguard”) comic book series, an epic saga about a masterless samurai (ronin) rabbit living at the turn of 17th-century Japan. Players who visit the MFA’s exhibition “Samurai!” gain access to a special passcode that will allow them to unlock a special level of the game.

About Stan Sakai:

Stan Sakai was born in Japan and, after spending much of his life in Hawaii, is currently based in Pasadena, California. In 1984, he created the saga of Usagi Yojimbo, a comic book inspired by the life of the famous 17th-century samurai, Miyamoto Musashi.  Usagi Yojimbo has earned four Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, a National Cartoonists Society Award, an American Library Association Award, and a Parent’s Choice Award. Usagi lives without a master during an age of unrest and political intrigue, wandering the land on a musha shugyo (warrior’s pilgrimage) and occasionally selling his services as a bodyguard. His stories include many references to Japanese history and folklore, and the architecture, clothes, weapons, and other objects are faithfully drawn to Edo period (1603–1867) style. Usagi Yojimbo is heavily influenced by Japanese cinema and has included references to the work of Akira Kurosawa (the title of the series is derived from Kurosawa’s 1960 film Yojimbo) and to icons of popular Japanese cinema such as Lone Wolf and Cub, Zatoichi, and Godzilla.

About HappyGiant:

Video-game creator HappyGiant, a Massachusetts-based company, was founded by veterans of the George Lucas Companies, Pileated Pictures, and Atari.  HappyGiant projects include high-profile work for Hasbro, Jay-Z, and its own app Dolphin Paradise: Wild Friends.

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Avenue of the Arts
465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115-5523
617-267-9300

Dark Horse Schedule for WonderCon 2013

Dark Horse Comics has announced their booth signing and panel schedule for WonderCon 2013! Free comics and/or prints with each signing while supplies last.

Tickets for signings at the Dark Horse booth (#819) will be distributed from the opening of WonderCon on Friday, March 29. Please note that lines may be capped or tickets issued for any signing as needed. Inquire about your favorite signings as early as possible. Some restrictions apply. All events are subject to change.

 

FRIDAY, MARCH 29

12:00 p.m. BEANWORLD signing with creator Larry Marder

Free Beanworld action figures and sketch cards

 

2:00 p.m. CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT signing with writer Josh Williamson

Free 11” x 17” print featuring art by Felipe Massafera

 

3:00 p.m. AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER signing with writer Gene Yang

TICKETED EVENT

Free 5.5” x 8.5” print featuring art by Gurihiru

 

5:00 p.m. STAR WARS: DAWN OF THE JEDI signing with inker Dan Parsons

Free Dawn of the Jedi #1 while supplies last

 

6:00 p.m. USAGI YOJIMBO/47 RONIN signing with creator Stan Sakai

Free 47 Ronin #1

Check out the Usagi Yojimbo: Way of the Ronin iOS game

 

SATURDAY, MARCH 30

10:00 a.m. HUSBANDS signing with cocreators Jane Espenson and Brad Bell

Free 5.5” x 8.5” print featuring art by Ron Chan

 

11:00 a.m. NUMBER 13 signing with artist/writer Robert Love and writer David Walker

Free Number 13 comic

 

12:00 p.m. AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER signing with writer Gene Yang

TICKETED EVENT

Free 5.5” x 8.5” print featuring art by Gurihiru

 

1:00 p.m. X signing with artist Eric Nguyen

Free 11” x 17” print featuring art by Eric Nguyen

 

2:00 p.m. BUFFYVERSE signing with artist Georges Jeanty, writer Andrew Chambliss (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), and writer Christos Gage (Angel & Faith)

Free Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 and Angel & Faith comics, Angel and Spike buttons, and Whedonverse wristbands

 

3:00 p.m. STAR WARS signing with artist Carlos D’Anda and colorist Gabe Eltaeb

TICKETED EVENT

Free 5.5” x 8.5” print featuring art by Carlos D’Anda and Gabe Eltaeb from the upcoming Star Wars #4 issue

 

4:30 p.m. MIND MGMT signing with creator Matt Kindt

Free 11” x 17” MIND MGMT print

 

SUNDAY, MARCH 31

10:00 a.m. THE ART OF REMEMBER ME signing with DONTNOD art director Aleksi Briclot, DONTNOD creative director Jean-Max Moris, and Capcom producer Mat Hart

Free 11” x 17” The Art of Remember Me print

 

12:00 p.m. STAR WARS: DARK TIMES signing with writer Randy Stradley

Free Star Wars: Dark Times—Fire Carrier #1

 

1:00 p.m. THE LAST OF US signing with Naughty Dog creative director Neil Druckmann

Free 11” x 17” print featuring art by Julián Totino Tedesco from the upcoming comic The Last of Us: American Dreams

 

3:30 p.m. STAR WARS: LEGACY VOLUME II signing with writer/artist Gabriel Hardman and writer Corinna Bechko

TICKETED EVENT * Limit five comics per person

 

PANELS

FRIDAY, MARCH 29

12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Avatar: The Search for Zuko’s Mom, Room 208AB

 

SATURDAY, MARCH 30

1:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m. Comics Arts Conference Session: Focus on Matt Kindt, Room 210BCD

6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Buffy Season 9: The Final Arc! Room 207BCD

 

SUNDAY, MARCH 31

1:00 p.m. Spotlight on Jane Espenson with Brad Bell, Room 207

2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. Star Wars Comics in 2013! Room 207 BCD

Usagi Yojimbo Video Game Debuts

Press Release:

HappyGiant, in association with Dark Horse Comics, announce “Usagi Yojimbo: Way of The Ronin”, a game now available for iPhones and iPads, and coming soon to Android devices and desktop PC’s (www.usagiyojimbogame.com).

In conjunction with the release of the game, Dark Horse Comics is announcing the first new Usagi Yojimbo collection after a year hiatus working on 47 Ronin. The first new book will be Usagi Yojimbo: A Town Called Hell, which will see release on July 17.

Usagi Yojimbo is the beloved character and world created by award winning author and illustrator Stan Sakai, following the tales of a ronin (masterless samurai), set in feudal Japan. This is the first video game based on the property in over 25 years and will introduce the epic series to a new generation of fans.

“It’s been far too long since the last Usagi game, and I am so excited to be working with HappyGiant to bring Usagi and his friends back to these new platforms,” said Stan Sakai, “The game turned out great!”

“Happy Giant is thrilled to be working with Stan Sakai and Dark Horse to bring Usagi Yojimbo to the mobile and gaming worlds”, said Michael Levine, CEO of HappyGiant. “This is one of the most treasured properties in the comics world, and we are proud to be adapting it as a game for fans, and for a new generation of fans who will discover it for the first time. This is a real labor of love.”

The title is a “2D side-scrolling hack-and-slash game”, done in the comic’s art style, and in the vein of the old Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade game, to which Usagi is often linked, as the characters have appeared in each other’s comics and TV series over the years. The game features over 60 different enemies, over 13 boss monsters and several of Usagi’s friends who fight along his side as companions. 

Dark Horse Comics Schedule for SDCC 2012

Dark Horse Comics announces their booth signings and panel schedule for San Diego Comic-Con 2012:

Dark Horse Comics Signings (Booth #2615)

Wednesday, July 11

5:30 p.m. — Dragon Age Signing with David Gaider

6:30 p.m. — Orchid Q&A and Signing with Tom Morello and Scott Hepburn *Ticketed by drawing

8:00 p.m. — Mass Effect Signing with John Jackson Miller

 

Thursday, July 12

11:00 a.m.— Mass Effect Signing with Sylvia Feketekuty, Chris Helper, and John Jackson Miller

1:00 p.m. — Angel & Faith Signing with Christos Gage

2:00 p.m. — Fatima Signing with Gilbert Hernandez

3:00 p.m. — Creator-Owned Signing with Eric Powell (The Goon), Francesco Francavilla (The Black Beetle), Matt Kindt (MIND MGMT), Tony Puryear and Erika Alexander (Concrete Park), and Sanford Greene (Rotten Apple)

4:00 p.m. — Tarzan 100th Anniversary Event with Thomas Yeates, Ron Ely, Joe Jusko, and Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. President and Archivist

5:00-7:00 p.m. — Whedonverse Meet-up and Costume Contest with Shawna Trpcic, main costume designer on Joss Whedon’s Firefly, Angel, Doctor Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, Dollhouse, and Cabin in the Woods.

 

Friday, July 13

10:00 a.m. — Usagi Yojimbo Signing with Stan Sakai

See a preview of the upcoming Usagi Yojimbo: Way of the Ronin game for smartphones, tablets, and desktops.

11:00 a.m. — Star Wars Signing with Mike Richardson (Crimson Empire), Dave Dorman (Crimson Empire, Darth Maul), Randy Stradley and Doug Wheatley (Dark Times), Dave Wilkins (Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison), Dan Parsons (Dawn of the Jedi), John Jackson Miller (Knight Errant), Michael Atiyeh (colorist), Michael Heisler (letterer) and Tom Taylor (Darth Maul)

12:00 pm. — Valve Signing with Bill Fletcher (“Cave Johnson”), Laura Dubuk (“Caroline”), Andrew Wilson, Wade Schin, and Arsenio Navarro

12:00 p.m. — Axe Cop Signing with Ethan Nicolle

1:00 p.m. — Hellboy, B.P.R.D., and Baltimore Signing with Mike Mignola, Cameron Stewart, and Tyler Crook

1:00 p.m. — Age of Reptiles Signing with Ricardo Delgado

2:00 p.m. — Berserk Signing with Eiko Tanaka (Studio 4C CEO)

2:30 p.m. – Green River Killer Signing with Jeff Jensen

3:00 p.m. – Domo Signing with Domo creator Tsuneo Goda *Ticketed by drawing

3:00 p.m. – Dragon Age Signing with David Gaider

4:00 p.m. – Empowered Signing with Adam Warren

4:00 p.m. – De:Tales Signing with Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon

5:00 p.m. — Creepy and Eerie Signing with Dan Braun, Angelo Torres, and Christopher A. Taylor

5:00 p.m. — Dark Horse Horror Signing with Steve Niles (Criminal Macabre), Eric Powell (The Goon), and Paul Tobin (Colder)

6:00 p.m. – TNT’s Falling Skies Signing with series stars Noah Wyle, Moon Bloodgood, Will Patton, Drew Roy, Connor Jessup, Colin Cunningham, Sarah Carter, executive producer Remi Aubuchon and more! *Ticketed by drawing

 

Saturday, July 14

10:00 a.m. — Darksiders Signing with David Slagle and Roger Robinson

10:00 a.m. — Aliens Colonial Marines Signing with Josh Williams

11:00 a.m. — Domo Signing with Domo creator Tsuneo Goda *Ticketed by drawing

12:00 p.m. — Joss Whedon Signing *Ticketed by drawing

1:00 p.m. — Whedonverse Signing with Andrew Chambliss, Georges Jeanty, Christos Gage, Jane Espenson, and Drew Greenberg

2:00 p.m – Avatar: The Last Airbender and Legend of Korra Signing with Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, Joaquim Dos Santos, Ki Hyun Ryu, and Gurihiru Studios artists Chifuyu Sasaki and Naoko Kawano *Ticketed by drawing

3:00 p.m. – Valve Signing with Bill Fletcher (“Cave Johnson”), Laura Dubuk (“Caroline”), Andrew Wilson, and Wade Schin

3:00 p.m. — Concrete Park Signing with Tony Puryear and Erika Alexander

4:00 p.m. — Dark Matter Signing with Joseph Mallozzi

4:00 p.m. — Exile to Babylon Signing with Domagoj Mazuran, Matt Savelloni, and Helen Darras

5:00 p.m. – Mass Effect Signing with Sylvia Feketekuty, Chris Helper, and John Jackson Miller

6:00 p.m. — The Goon Signing with creator Eric Powell

 

Sunday, July 15

10:00 a.m. — Beanworld Signing with Larry Marder

11:00 a.m. — Mass Effect Signing with Sylvia Feketekuty, Chris Helper, and John Jackson Miller

12:00 p.m. — The Guild Signing with Felicia Day *Ticketed by drawing

1:00 p.m. — The Strain Signing with Guillermo del Toro *Ticketed by drawing

2:00 p.m. — Emily the Strange Signing with Rob Reger and Jessica Gruner

3:00 p.m. — Doug Sneyd Signing

 

*Events are subject to change. Some restrictions apply.

 

Dark Horse/Partner PANELS

 

Thursday, July 12

10:30-11:30 Books and Hollywood: Literary Franchises in Television and Film— Room 24ABC

Authors discuss their work transitioning across various mediums, from screenwriters to novelists turning popular books into hit TV series and Hollywood films. How does the creative process differ when writing a screenplay as compared to a novel? Authors describing the process of adapting novels for the big screen include Rebecca Serle (When You Were Mine), Margaret Stohl (co-author of the Beautiful Creatures series), Scott Speer (Immortal City), Tony DiTerlizzi (The Search for WondLa series), Ashley Edward Miller and Zack Stentz (Colin Fischer), Mike Richardson (president of Dark Horse), and Mark Frost (The Paladin Prophecy). Moderated by Geoff Boucher (Los Angeles Times).

 

11:00-12:00 Spotlight on Becky Cloonan— Room 32AB

Comic-Con special guest Becky Cloonan, one of the most versatile artists in comics today, talks to Jimmy Aquino (Comic News Insider podcast host) about her career in comics and illustration, collaborating with writers, artists, and musicians, and the dark secrets she learned through 15 years of self-publishing.

 

11:30-12:30 Spotlight on Geof Darrow— Room 8

Comic-Con special guest Geof Darrow is known for his wildly imaginative and intricately detailed artwork. Geof talks about his comics career, including his current work for Dark Horse, Shaolin Cowboy, in this special spotlight presentaton.

 

12:00-1:00 Comics Arts Conference Session #2: Once More, with Comics: How the Whedon Universes Continue in Comic Book Form— Room 26AB

Authors Katrina Hill (Action Movie Freak, GeekNation.com), Jennifer K. Stuller (Ink-StainedAmazon, GeekGirlCon), and Traci Cohen (CSU-Sacramento) examine how comic books and graphic novels provide a new form of media adaptation in which the graphic novel form furthers the canon or official continuity of television series as sequels to the original material. Creator Joss Whedon’s television universes enjoy new life in print (e.g. Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9). Sharing their own thoughts on these Whedon comic book follow-ups are comic book writer/actress Amber Benson (Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Willow and Tara), editors Scott Allie (Dark House) and Mariah Huehner (IDW), and actors Clare Kramer (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Bring It On) and Tom Lenk (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Cabin in the Woods).

 

1:00-2:00 100th Anniversary of Tarzan and John Carter of Mars— Room 8

He wrestled lions, poachers and ran through fire barefoot without a stunt-double or CGI. Actor Ron Ely will discuss filming Tarzan in the jungles of Latin America with writer Mark Evanier and Burroughs illustrator Tom Yeates. Also featuring David Lemmo, co-author of the new book, Tarzan: His First 100 Years. How Ancient Literature Became Modern Mythology and Created an Ape-Man Mecca in Southern California, coming from Angel City Press in 2013. Plus a 100-years of Tarzan and John Carter slide show included.

 

1:00-2:00 Dark Horse: Powered by Creators- Room 23ABC

An In-Depth Look at the Best in Creator-Owned Comics— Just over 25 years ago, Dark Horse arrived with a different agenda than any other publisher in comics. The young company was founded on the belief that comics creators should have the option to retain the rights to their own work, and today it continues to be a highly fertile breeding ground for new characters and concepts. Self-publishing sensation Sam Humphries introduces Dark Horse publisher Mike Richardson, along with a cast of top talent from around the industry. Expect exclusive announcements, and much, much more!

 

2:00-3:00 The Sergio and Mark Show— Room 8

An annual Comic-Con tradition! The folks who give you Groo the Wanderer on occasion will tell what’s up with Groo and their other projects and will entertain you with glorious anecdotes and silly stories. Those folks are celebrated cartoonist Sergio Aragonés, his co-conspirator Mark Evanier, Usagi Yojimbo creator Stan Sakai, and the hardest-working man in comics, Tom Luth.

 

5:00-6:00 Uncle Creepy Presents— Room 9A stellar panel of ghoulish creators discuss Warren’s Creepy and Eerie, which have been relaunched at Dark Horse in hardcover archival editions, new comic books, and artist compilation formats. Discover all the exciting things coming up in the Creepy universe. Moderated by Overstreet’s J. C. Vaughn and featuring New Comic Company’s twin engines Dan Braun (Creepy) and Josh Braun (Button Man) and super special guest MAD and Creepy artist Angelo Torres (Mad), plus writer Christopher A. Taylor and some very special unannounced guests. Plus, there will be Creepy trivia questions with tons of giveaways, swag and prizes.

 

7:00-8:00 Indie Comics Marketing and PR 101— Room 8

Need tips on how to market your comic? Have questions about doing PR? This is the panel for you! Some of the best and brightest in comics today present a roundtable discussion, revealing all the secrets of doing marketing and PR for your comics. comiXology marketing and PR maven Chip Mosher is joined by Dark Horse’s director of PR Jeremy Atkins, Image Comics’ PR and marketing director Jennifer de Guzman, IDW Publishing’s VP of marketing Dirk Wood, Archaia’s Marketing Manager Mel Caylo and comics writer David Gallaher (Box 13, the Harvey Award-winning High Moon, and Marvel’s Darkstar and The Winter Guard) for a wide-ranging discussion you will not want to miss!

 

Friday, July 13

11:00-12:00 Mike Mignola and Friends— Room 4

As we watch the world collapse in the pages of B.P.R.D.-Hell on Earth and gear up for the most-anticipated series in Hellboy’s history later this year, this may be the most important panel in the history of one of modern comics’ most storied series. Join creator Mike Mignola, editor Scott Allie, Cameron Stewart, James Harren, B.P.R.D. artist Tyler Crook and others, for exclusive news and insight into why the world of Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. is truly “going to hell in 2012″!

 

11:15-12:15 Join the Revolution! Nickelodeon’s Legend of Korra— Ballroom 20

The cast and crew of Legend of Korra offer an in-depth discussion of Nickelodeon’s hottest new series. Executive producer and creator team Bryan Konietzko and Mike DiMartino (Avatar: The Last Airbender) are joined by co-executive producer Joaquim Dos Santos (Avatar: The Last Airbender) as they discuss the creative process that brought the first book in the Korra series to life. You’ll also get to hear from your favorite characters as talented voice actors Janet Varney (Korra), David Faustino (Mako), P. J. Byrne (Bolin) and Seychelle Gabriel (Asami) will be featured on the panel and renowned voice director Andrea Romano (Avatar: The Last Airbender) will direct the actors in a live performance from the series. And if you’re extra nice, Mike and Bryan may even drop a hint or two about Book 2. So don’t miss out! Moderated by Rich Magallanes, senior VP of current series for Nickelodeon.

 

12:00-1:00 Lenore Turns 20— Room 23ABC

Celebrations are in order! Lenore is 20 years old in 2012. Roman Dirge discusses his new Lenore collection Swirlies, upcoming comics, merchandise, and more. Join the artist/magician himself for this exclusive journey into the unique world of Roman Dirge, with a one-on-one interview with moderator Andrew Sumner plus a Q&A session.

 

12:30-1:30 Firefly 10-Year Anniversary Reunion— Ballroom 20

Calling all Browncoats to unite! It has been 10 years since the crew of the Serenity took flight in the now infamous show Firefly. Science Channel will reunite, for the first time ever, Captain Mal Reynolds and the crew from the ship. Join Joss Whedon, Nathan Fillion, Adam Baldwin, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, Sean Maher, Summer Glau, and many more for a trip down memory lane, some special surprises, and exclusive Science Channel giveaways. SHINY.

 

1:30-2:30 Comic Book Entrepreneurs— Room 8

Get a rare look behind the scenes as the comic book industry’s leading entrepreneurs share their secrets of building successful businesses around the love of comic books. Author and futurist Rob Salkowitz (Comic-Con and the Business of Pop Culture), CEO and co-founder David Steinberger of comiXology, Dark Horse Comics publisher Mike Richardson, Peter Levin of Nerdist Industries, and comics retailer Joe Field of Flying Colors Comics (who also founded Free Comic Book Day and helped run WonderCon for 15 years), offer a unique view of the business side of comics.

 

2:30-4:00 Eisner Spirit Award Video Viewing— Room 18

The Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award is the industry’s “Hall of Fame” for progressive retailers. Spirit Award facilitator and award recipient Joe Ferrara (Atlantis Fantasyworld, CA) presents the videos for this year’s award finalists, with discussion about each nominated retailer, the store’s display techniques, and other unique features every attending retailer can learn from. Hey, retailers: this is a great place for getting new ideas!

 

3:00-4:00 The Future of Star Wars Publishing: Dark Horse & Del Rey— Room 7AB Find out what’s coming up in the Expanded Universe of Star Wars publishing. Editors Randy Stradley and Dave Marshall from Dark Horse Comics discuss what’s next for Agent of the Empire, Dawn of the Jedi, Lost Tribe of the Sith, and Darth Maul, as well as reveal a new secret title that’s on the horizon. From Del Rey Books editors Frank Parisi and Erich Schoeneweiss, along with author Troy Denning (Apocalypse), look at new novels coming later this year from fan-favorite authors Timothy Zahn and Aaron Allston, as well as give a peek into 2013. Also on the panel is Jennifer Heddle, senior editor at LucasBooks. Moderated by author Pablo Hidalgo (Star Wars: The Essential Reader’s Companion).

 

3:00-4:00 Drawing on Your Nightmares: Horror in Comics— Room 23ABC Throughout comics’ storied history, horror has been an important part of the medium. In the fall of 2012, Dark Horse unveils a whole slate of new titles guaranteed to have you running for the covers. Dark Horse horror line editor Scott Allie is joined by actor-turned-comics writer Lance Henrikson and creators Eric Powell (The Goon), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night, Criminal Macabre), Tim Seeley (Hack/Slash), Paul Tobin (Colder), and others for an exciting look at this year’s most promising four-color thrills and chills!

 

3:30-4:30 The Art of Death and Darksiders II— Room 5AB

A lively demonstration on bringing 2D comic art to 3D graphics and back again-Joe Madureira (Vigil Games Darksiders creator; artist for Avenging Spider-Man, Ultimates, X-Men), and Han Randhawa (Vigil Games, Darksiders I and II creative director) use exclusive examples from the creative development process to show how they bring a unique comic inspired vision to 3D life in the new Darksiders II video game from THQ, where you become Death, the most feared rider from the legendary Four Horseman of the Apocalypse. In part two, representatives from Dark Horse Comics demonstrates how they took this highly stylized universe in 3D, converted it back to a 2D comic book series, and expanded on the mythos, revealing scenes and storyline threads that complement the events of the video game. Working closely with the Darksiders team at Vigil Games, Dark Horse Comics is creating an important component to complete Joe Mad’s original vision.

 

4:30-5:30 Falling Skies: The Battle Is Just Getting Started— Room 6BCF

Continuing the fight against alien invaders, TNT’s Falling Skies follows a band of human survivors on their quest to outrun and outwit the powerful alien force that invaded Earth. Join stars Noah Wyle (ER), Moon Bloodgood (Terminator Salvation), Will Patton (Armageddon), Drew Roy (Secretariat), Colin Cunningham (Living in Your Car), Sarah Carter (The Vow), and Connor Jessup (The Saddle Club), and show runner Remi Aubuchon (Caprica), with Q&A hosted by Wil Wheaton (Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Big Bang Theory). Watch never-before-seen clips and be treated to an in-depth discussion on Falling Skies season 2.

 

5:00-6:00 Breaking into Comics Right Now!— Room 9

If you’re an aspiring comic book creator, this is a panel you don’t want to miss! Some of comic book publishing’s top decision makers, including IDW chief creative officer Chris Ryall, BOOM! Studios editor-in-chief Matt Gagnon, Dark Horse managing editor Scott Allie, and Top Cow publisher Filip Sablik, give you up-to-date and practical advice on how to break into the comic book industry. Learn what you need to do to make your comic book dreams come true in a world where the Internet and social media have changed everything. This won’t be your grandfather’s “breaking into comics” panel.

 

5:30-6:30 Dark Horse: Joss Whedon— Ballroom 20

Long before directing the biggest superhero film in history, Joss Whedon rewarded fans the world over with some of the most compelling characters and plotlines in the history of comics, television, and movies. Here’s your chance to find out what he has in store for us next, and hear exclusive insight into Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the ever-expanding number of titles in Dark Horse’s line of Season 9 comics.

 

5:30-6:30 Berserk— Room 32AB

At long last, the dark fantasy epic Berserk, by creator Kentaro Muira, comes to the silver screen! Join Dark Horse Comics and VIZ Media in a rare interview with Eiko Tanaka, founder and CEO of Studio 4°C (Tekkonkinkreet, Animatrix, Batman). Find out what it really takes to transform this stark manga into an animated feature.

 

6:00-7:00 Are Digital Comics Expanding the Market?— Room 9

Digital comics are the hottest trend in publishing today, exploding onto the screens of iPads, tablets, and phones everywhere. How is digital distribution transforming the industry and the market? Is digital opening the medium to a vast new global audience, or is it the death knell of comics as we know them? Author and futurist Rob Salkowitz (Comic-Con and the Business of Pop Culture) leads a provocative, no-holds-barred discussion with the leaders of the digital comics revolution: comiXology co-founders David Steinberger and John D. Roberts, Dark Horse publisher Mike Richardson, and IDW publisher Ted Adams.

 

7:30-8:30 Making a Living in Manga— Room 8

Now that Japanese comics have been available in English for over 30 years, several generations of artists inspired by manga are trying to live the Bakuman dream of being full-time comics creators. But in the superhero-centric North American comics market, are they fighting the odds? Comics creators Adam Warren (Empowered), Becky Cloonan (Demo, Conan the Barbarian), Fred Gallagher (Megatokyo), and Audra Furuichi (Nemu-Nemu), along with industry pros Christopher Butcher (blogger, Comics212.net; director, Toronto Comic Arts Festival), JuYoun Lee (senior editor, Yen Press), Erik Ko (editor-in-chief, UDON Entertainment), and moderator Deb Aoki (Manga editor, About.com), explain the ins and outs and ups and downs of making a living as a manga creator in North America.

 

8:00-10:30 Syfy Presents the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards— Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

The 24th annual Eisner Awards (the “Oscars” of the comics industry) honor comics creators and works in 28 categories. Presenters will include British talk show host/comics writer Jonathan Ross, actor Phil LaMarr (Futurama, Family Guy, Pee Wee’s Playhouse), and special guests Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard (The Walking Dead), Lynn Johnston (cartoonist, For Better or For Worse), Eric Powell (The Goon), Sergio Aragonés (cartoonist, MAD), Bill Morrison (creative director, Bongo Comics), Michael Uslan (movie producer, Batman films), plus some special surprises! Other prestigious awards to be given out include the Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award, the Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award, the Bill Finger Award for Excellence in Comics Writing, and the Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award.

 

Saturday, July 14

10:30-11:30 Dark Horse: Bioware— Room 24ABC

Dark Horse and Bioware have come together once again to provide fans with exclusive news on Dragon Age, and the ever-expanding Mass Effect universe. Join Dark Horse director of public relations Jeremy Atkins and editor Dave Marshall, along with Dragon Age writers David Gaider and Sylvia Feketekuty, BioWare art director Derek Watts, moderator “Evil Chris” Priestly, and a cast of other celebrity geeks and surprise guests for an exciting look into the Dark Horse/BioWare universe. Attendees can be sure to expect a spirited discussion on the ongoing link between comics and gaming, with exclusive news and more!

 

11:00-12:00 Avatar the Last Airbender: Beginning and Beyond— Room 28E

For over 5 years, the organizers of this fan panel have been bringing together both fans and professionals. Moderated by Avatar_Mom, this year’s panel will include Bobby Rubio (Avatar the Last Airbender, Pixar, Alcatraz High), freelance concept artist DJ Welch (Dark Kenjie), Kevin Coppa (Puppet Benders), and actor/voice actor Dante Basco (Avatar the Last Airbender), and a few more surprise guests. If that isn’t enough, there will be a cosplay contest to showcase the fandom’s talented “fabric benders.”

 

11:00-12:00 Geek & Sundry— Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Felicia Day (The Guild, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog), Wil Wheaton (Big Bang Theory, Eureka), director Daniel Strange (Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis), and the cast of The Guild — Vince Caso, Jeff Lewis, Amy Okuda, Sandeep Parkih, and Robin Thorsen — make some big announcements and offer an exclusive sneak peek at what’s to come. Moderated by Kim Evey (producer, Geek & Sundry).

 

12:00-1:00 Spotlight on Gary Gianni— Room 4

Comic-Con special guest Gary Gianni discusses his work illustrating one of Ray Bradbury’s last published books, painting the Game of Thrones 2014 calendar, and the future of illustrated storytelling in the digital realm.

 

2:00-3:00 Will Eisner and the Graphic Novel— Room 23ABC

Moderator Paul Levitz (writer, 75 Years of DC Comics, Legion of Super-Heroes, former Eisner publisher), Klaus Janson (artist/inker, Daredevil, The Dark Knight Return, comics educator, SVA), Denis Kitchen (artist, author, publisher; Eisner’s agent and longtime friend), Charles Kochman (editorial director, Abrams ComicArts), and Diana Schutz (comics educator; executive editor, Dark Horse Comics; Eisner’s editor) explore the pivotal role Will Eisner’s evangelism of the comics artform plays in the evolution of the American graphic novel, followed by a short Q&A period.

 

5:00-6:00 Mass Effect: Past, Present, and Future— Room 25ABC

Developers from Mass Effect offer an exciting look at the evolution of the Mass Effect franchise. Mike Gamble (producer), Corey Gaspur (senior combat designer), Parrish Ley (lead cinematic animator), Sylvia Feketekuty (writer), Chris Helper (writer), Jessica Merizan (community manager) and Chris Priestly (community specialist) discuss the history of the series, beloved characters, multiplayer gaming and hints at upcoming DLC. Don’t forget to bring your emergency induction port!

 

8:00-9:00 Occupy Comics: Activism, Kickstarter, and Comics— Room 4

Get the story behind the historic Occupy Comics project that inspired dozens of top comics pros to take a stand, bummed out Frank Miller, and brought Alan Moore and David Lloyd back together in the same book for the first time since the Occupy-inspiring V for Vendetta. With a star-studded roster featuring Charlie Adlard (The Walking Dead), Art Spiegelman (Maus), Ben Templesmith (30 Days of Night), and many more, Occupy Comics raised nearly three times its Kickstarter fundraising goal, with all revenue beyond hard costs being donated to Occupy protesters. Organizational spearhead Matt Pizzolo (Godkiller, president Halo-8) will be joined by contributors Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), Tyler Crook (Petrograd, B.P.R.D.), Brea Grant and Zane Grant (We Will Bury You, Suicide Girls), Joshua Dysart (Swamp Thing, The Unknown Soldier), Zoetica Ebb (Biorequiem), Mark L. Miller (The Jungle Book), and others special guests to discuss counterculture art, creating activist comics without being annoying, and tips on how to fundraise for your own comics.

 

Sunday, July 15

10:00-11:00 Emily the Strange— Room 23ABC

Be a part of the Emily the Strange panel experience, where you have the chance to prove your knowledge of Strange and win prizes, learn what’s new in Emily’s oddball universe (including a sneak peek at the new Emily and the Strangers comic book series), and Q&A with Emily’s creator Rob Reger and writer Jessica Gruner. Did we mention you will get some cool stuff just for showing up and being Strange?

 

11:30-12:30 Spotlight on Tom Yeates— Room 8

Seasoned comics, fantasy, and book illustrator and Comic-Con special guest Tom Yeates will discuss his 35-year career, from attending the first year of Joe Kubert’s school with Steve Bissette and Rick Veitch to Swamp Thing, Tarzan, Zorro, and Prince Valiant. Writer, journalist, editor, and Thomas’s longtime friend Steven Ringgenberg will moderate. A slide show of Yeates’s art career and influences will be included.

 

12:45-1:45 CBLDF Rock Art Jam— Room 5AB

Explore the creative process of top cartoonists who’ve made their mark on the worlds of comics and music! Fábio Moon, Gabriel Bá, and Nate Powell talk about the influence of music in their work and draw live art showcasing their love of sound and vision! Get a chance to watch live art made before your eyes, and bid to win the pieces made here to benefit the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund!

 

2:15-3:15 Buffy Turns 20: Celebrating 20 Years of Buffy the Vampire Slayer— Room 6BCF

Once upon a time, Buffy Summers became the Slayer, the Chosen One who proved a young heroine could battle the forces of darkness instead of playing damsel in distress. Stars from the hit TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Nicholas Brendon, Clare Kramer) join forces with Dark Horse editor Scott Allie, writer/producer Jane Espenson, illustrator Georges Jentry, and the original Buffy herself (Kristy Swanson, star of the 1992 motion picture), not to mention a surprise guest or two, to celebrate 20 years of slayage.

 

3:00-4:00 Axe Cop— Room 6DE

Ethan Nicolle (Bearmageddon, Chumble Spuzz) discusses the growing world of Axe Cop, including the new President of the World miniseries from Dark Horse comics and his involvement the TV show in production at FOX. With a possible appearance in person or digitally from his brother/co-creator Malachai Nicolle plus possible surprise guests.

CA – Nursery Rhyme Comics Signing

 

Jamie Hernandez, Stan Sakai, Tony Millionaire, Jordan Crane, Jen Wang, and Tao Nyeu sign at Secret Headquarters on Friday, October 21st beginning at 7pm!

Secret Headquarters
3817 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Baltimore Comic Con 2011 Report

This year’s Baltimore Comic Con was an unparalleled success with a huge upswing in attendance. This may have been partly due to the appearance of comic book superstar Stan Lee, who looked spry and excited to be meeting the long lines of fans who came out for photos and autographs, but every table from artist alley to dealers had fans looking for art and comics. Baltimore continues to be one of the best conventions in the country dedicated to comic books.

Artists like David Finch, Amanda Conner, Cliff Chiang, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, and more had full sketch lists within the first hour of the show on Saturday and popular writers including Mark Waid, Scott Snyder, and Jason Aaron faced throngs of fans looking for signatures every time they sat down. Indie comic stars Jeff Smith and Stan Sakai held a fun panel about their long history in comics working on their titles Bone and Usagi Yojimbo and the trial and tribulations of adapting their story to the big screen. The Harvey Awards were held on Saturday night with the comic eite rubbed elbows (check out The Beat for more coverage).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baltimore Comic-Con 2011 Panel Schedule

Press Release:

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

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

 

ROOM 301-303 (Saturday)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

ROOM 301-303 (Sunday)

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

ROOM 307-308 (Sunday)

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

CA – Usagi in the Nisei Week Parade

Stan Sakai, creator of Usagi Yojimbo, writes on his message board:

“The Nisei Week Parade in (Los Angeles’s) Little Tokyo will take place Sunday, August 14, and Sharon and I will be in it. We’ll be riding in one of those convertibles–you know, the ones that people in the crowd point at and say, “Who are those guys?”

I’ve got less than two weeks to practice my wave.”

photo credit: Andy Ihnatko 2011

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