Maine Comics Arts Festival 2014 Announces Guests

The Maine Comics Arts Festival will be held in Portland, ME on Sunday, May 18, 2014. Featuring over 100 comics writers, artists and publishers, this will be a celebration of the comics art form. There will be everyone from mini comics publishers to seasoned professionals. There will be comic book writers and artists, gag cartoonists, newspaper cartoonists, web comics creators and more. The guests will have their own work available for sale. Some people will be doing sketches and selling original artwork. Others will have t-shirts, buttons and posters. All of them have one thing in common… a love of comics.

For our 2014 show MeCAF is moving to a new venue: The Portland Company Complex located at 58 Fore Street in downtown Portland, ME. This wonderful waterfront facility offers more exhibition space, free WiFi, as well as attached panel and workshop areas to accommodate our growing festival. The festival opens to the public at 10:00 am and closes at 5:00 pm. Admission is only $5.00. Children 12 and under get in free.

Guests include Kazu Kibushi (Amulet, Harry Potter), Sean Murphy (The Wake, Punk Rock Jesus), Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules), Colleen AF Venable (Guinea PIg: Pet Shop Private Eye), Ben Hatke (Zita the Spacegirl), James Sturm (Adventures in Cartooning), Joe Quinones (Marvel and DC Comics artist), Shelli Paroline and Braden Lamb (Adventure Time), Zack Giallongo (Broxo, Star Wars: Ewoks), Maris Wicks (Primates), and over 100 other comics creators! More to be announced soon!

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NYC – Batman Eternal #1 Signing

Writers Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV appear at Midtown Comics Downtown on Friday April 11th at 6:00 pm for a special signing of Batman Eternal #1!

Purchase of Batman Eternal #1 is required. Limit of two items signed per customer.

RSVP on Facebook!

Midtown Comics Downtown
64 Fulton Street, New York, New York 10038

Scott Snyder Returns for Boston Comic Con 2014

Back by popular demand! BOSTON COMIC CON is thrilled to welcome superstar writer SCOTT SNYDER for the 2014 convention! Scott joins a spectacular guest list which already includes his BATMAN collaborator, artist GREG CAPULLO! Bring your copies of Zero Year, Death of the Family, and Night of the Owls to be signed by both of them. In addition Scott has written several acclaimed series including AMERICAN VAMPIRE, THE WAKE, SWAMP THING, SUPERMAN: UNCHAINED, and more! Join us at the Seaport World Trade Center on August 8-10, 2014 for what is sure to be the biggest comic book convention to ever hit Boston!

Previously announced guests include Jason Momoa, Jewel Staite, James Marsters, Eve Myles, Simon Bisley, Amanda Conner, Adam Kubert, Jeff Smith, Danielle Corsetto, Carlos Pacheco, Jimmy Palmiotti, Eric Powell, Gail Simone, Stan Sakai, and many more!

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!

Full Event Lineup Announced for Planet Comicon 2014

Press Release:

Planet Comicon 2014 will have more programming than ever before, with five rooms of events stretching over three days. This schedule is presented for your convenience. All events, panelists, and other details are subject to change.

Friday, March 14

3:00 – 3:50 PM

Margot Kidder: Superman’s Lois Lane! Margot Kidder is most famous for her acclaimed performance as Lois Lane in four Superman films. ROOM 3501 (Upper level)

Webcomics: Inside Out Who needs ink on paper? Join a discussion of what it takes to create comics magic on the web. ROOM 2502 (Lower level)

Comics without Capes: Leading comics creators discuss crafting successful series outside the superhero genre.  Explore the worlds of cowboys, comedic teen soap opera, and even biographical comics. Moderated by Jai Nitz. ROOM 2504 (Lower level)

4:00 – 4:50 PM

Michael Dorn & Marina Sirtis: ST:TNG’s Klingon and Betazoid stars take the stage to take you behind the scenes of one of the greatest science fiction series in history.ROOM 3501 (Upper level)

Craft Your Fandom: Cosplay from Concept to Completion: Join leading cosplay and prop-builder experts in a look at where to start making your favorite prop or costume. Featuring Abby DarkStar, Zen Dragon, and more to be announced. ROOM 2502 (Lower level)

Vampires Don’t Sparkle: That’s right…we said it! We want our meat eating, sunlight obliterating, butt-ugly vampires back! Bram Stoker would be doing cartwheels in his grave is he saw what vampires have become.  We are taking it back, today!!! ROOM 2503 (Lower level)

Visual Storytelling Success: Artists discuss their approach to creating comics that tells the story and engages the reader. ROOM 2504 (Lower level)

Kansas City Comics Creators: Kansas City has one of the most vibrant communities of comics creators. Jason Aaron and Ande Parks lead a panel of the local talent. ROOM 2505 (Lower level)

Saturday, March 15

11:00 – 11:50 AM

Wil Wheaton: He’s back! One of Planet Comicon’s favorite guests has returned. You know him from ST:TNG, The Big Bang Theory, Stand By Me, and much more. – ROOM 3501 (Upper level)

Bad Karma: Bad Karma is a creative collective, whose members include Alex Grecian, Jeremy Haun, B. Clay Moore, and Seth Peck. Their first joint project was Bad Karma Volume One featuring five original, creator owned concepts in self-contained stories. Meet the creators and listen as they answer questions about the Kickstarter process, the concept behind the book and what’s next for Bad Karma. ROOM 2502 (Lower level)

Khemia Creations: The Art of Stage Combat: Come join Khemia Creations as we display a series of stage combat sketches that can be easily adapted into stage or video skits! After each showcase fight, a thorough dissection of the combat choreography will be given so that you can learn how it’s done. ROOM 2503 (Lower level)

Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Fandom – Destination: 221B Baker Street – Sherlock Holmes fandom has never been more popular. Join an interactive Q&A covering the Holmes and Watson in every media, from novels to television, movies to comics. The panel includes Rob Davis (Illustrator of Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective), Tammy Lynn Garrison (Editor of Investigating Sherlock Holmes), and Ellie Ann Soderstrum (Producer of Steampunk Holmes). ROOM 2504 (Lower level)

Star Wars Costuming: Meet and Greet – Get to know the local Star Wars Costuming Group Chapters: 501st Legion, Rebel Legion, Mandalorian Mercs, and The Dark Empire. ROOM 2505 (Lower level)

Noon – 12:50 PM

Jewel Staite: Everything’s Shiny! Jewel Staite portrayed Kaylee Frye in Firefly and Serenity, and Dr. Jennifer Keller on Stargate: Atlantis. –ROOM 3501 (Upper level)

Sexuality in Cosplay: A frank discussion of the role of sexuality in cosplay featuring prominent cosplay personalities. May not be suitable for all audiences. Parental guidance suggested. ROOM 2502 (Lower level)

Comic Geeks – A Web Series – A screening of the Comic Geeks pilot, a new series debuting in 2014. The story follows three friends at various stages of comic geekery: Dan, the die-hard weekly shopper, Jeff, the indie-only cartoonist, and Brian, who struggles with reading comics and acting like an adult. Together, the three try to figure out what makes a comic geek, and how to be an adult doing it. ROOM 2503 (Lower level)

Crowdfunding – Kickstarter. Indygogo. Rockethub. What’s crowdfunding all about? How can creators like you use it to feed their creativity – any maybe event their families? ROOM 2504 (Lower level)

Marvel: Your Universe – What’s happening now and next from Mighty Marvel? Leading Marvel creators take the stage. Featuring a roster of Marvel creators including Jason Aaron. Moderated by Marvel’s V.P. of Creator Development, C.B. Cebulski. ROOM 2505 (Lower level)

1:00 – 1:50 PM

Brent Spiner & LeVar Burton: Two of Star Trek’s most memorable performers tag-team on the Planet Comicon stage. Ask your questions of the actors who brought android Data and Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge to life. - ROOM 3501 (Upper level)

The Last Ride of Lee Salem, Editor of Calvin and Hobbes – Enjoy a Q & A with Lee Salem, the man who edited Calvin and Hobbes, For Better or For Worse, Doonesbury, The Far Side, Cathy, FoxTrot, The Boondocks, Cul De Sac, Lio and dozens of other comics. The industry icon is transitioning to the role of President Emeritus of Universal Uclick as of March 2014. He has a wealth of experience and stories that any comics fan and creator will find enlightening. Joining him will be those influenced by his work in the comics industry including Bill Amend, creator of Foxtrot. Plus, a there will be a reading of statements regarding his work provided by Bill Watterson (Calvin and Hobbes), Lynn Johnston (For Better or For Worse), Jan Eliot (Stone Soup), Richard Thompson (Cul De Sac) and Mark Tatulli (Lio). ROOM 2502 (Lower level)

Zero Budget Filmmaking – The internationally awarded Brass Engine Productions team will give you tips and tricks to make your film or series without spending a lot of cash. Come and get a Q&A with Director Ben Watkins, and watch clips from the production’s web series and other projects done on a shoestring budget. - ROOM 2503 (Lower level)

Pencil, Brush, and Stylus: Comics Art Today – A panel of comics most popular artists discuss their projetcs, techniques, and inspirations. - ROOM 2504 (Lower level)

2:00 – 2:50 PM

Sylvester McCoy: The Tardis has landed… in Middle Earth? He’s Radagast the Brown fromThe Hobbit movies! He’s also Doctor Who‘s seventh Doctor! He’s one of the biggest fandom mash-ups ever! Moderated by theTraveling the Vortex podcast crew – ROOM 3501 (Upper level)

Researching Comics with the Grand Comics Database – Dive deep into comics and comics history! Leading members of the Grand Comics Database community will be discussing a bit of the history of the GCD and its roots in the early days of internet comics fandom, along with its current status and abilities in helping people research various comic books and comic book creators. - ROOM 2502 (Lower level)

Charlton Arrow – From the 40s thru the 80s, Charlton was the “other” comics publisher of  mystery, romance, and superhero titles. Join Paul Kupperberg and Rick Stasi, two of the creators of Charlton Arrow, for a trip down memory lane and an introduction to their new comics zine that celebrate some of Charlton’s lesser known creations. - ROOM 2503 (Lower level)

Deadpool Double Dare -Deadpool creators  display a dynamic dose of Deadpool discussion. - ROOM 2504 (Lower level)

Kids’ Costume Contest: It’s a cavalcade of cute! A special costume contest just for the younger set. – ROOM 2505 (Lower Level)

3:00 – 3:50 PM

Making of Archer – Discover the animation secrets behind FX’s hit series Archer. Featuring storyboard artist Kevin Mellon and the team from Kansas City’s own Trinity Animation. - ROOM 2502 (Lower level)

Breaking into Comics - How do you become a professional comic book or comic strip creator? Join a panel of editors who specialize in spotting new talent: C.B. Cebulski (VP of Creator Development at Marvel), Shena Wolf (Acquisitions Editor and Universal Uclick), and Joe Rybandt (Editor at Dynamite Entertaintment). - ROOM 2504 (Lower level)

John Ratzenberger: He may be most famous as Cliff Clavin from Cheers, but John Ratzenberger‘s nerd movie cred is truly amazing. “It’s a little known fact” that his filmography includes Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Superman: The Movie, Superman II, and every single Pixar movie ever made! - ROOM 2505 (Lower Level)

4:00 – 4:50 PM

Heroic Prose: Genre Fiction – Kings of the Keyboard and Princesses of Prose! A panel of prodigious purveyors of thrilling novels and short fiction reveal the stories behind their stories. - ROOM 2502 (Lower level)

Pros and Cons of the Shared Universe – SciFi4Me Radio’s H20 podcast tackles explore the ups, downs, ins, and outs of consuming and creating tales in shared universes. Hosts Jason P. Hunt and Tim Harvey interview Star Trek novelist Kevin Dilmore. - ROOM 2503 (Lower level)

Announcement coming soon - ROOM 2504 (Lower level)

Zoie Palmer: A lively Q&A with one of the stars of the Syfy series Lost Girl. – ROOM 2505 (Lower Level)

5:00 PM until who knows when!

Adult Costume Contest: Captivated by cosplay creativity? This is your event! – ROOM 3501 (Upper level)

Sunday, March 16th

11:00 – 11:50 AM

Femi Taylor: The delightful Femi Taylor is best known for playing Jabba the Hutt’s Twi’lek slave dancer Oola in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. She is a Nigerian-born British dancer and actress who spent years training with the London Contemporary Dance Company and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York. In addition to RotJ, she appeared in the original London cast of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s musical Cats! – ROOM 3501 (Upper level)

DC Universe: Best of the Best – A celebration of the best of DC Comics through the years, from the Golden Age to today. Join leading creators for a discussion of the DC Comics that inspired them! Moderated by long-time DC editor and writer Paul Kupperberg. - ROOM 2502 (Lower level)

Karate Chopping Robots & Killer Carnies: The Art and Science of Digital Comics and Games – Mobile-based comics and games are transforming the entertainment industry. Indie game and comic developers have more opportunity than ever before to make their mark and create some major waves. Join Kung Fu Robot creator Jason Bays and Burn the Lot co-creator Cameron Calder as they share their experiences in mobile-based interactive comic and game development. From concept to development to launch and beyond, these Kansas City-area veterans will offer their unique perspective to this exciting and ever-changing scene. - ROOM 2503 (Lower level)

 

Noon – 12:50 PM

David Yost  - The Blue Power Ranger has arrived! David Yost played Billy Cranston, the Blue Ranger, on the international television series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Power Rangers Zeo, and the film Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: the Movie. – ROOM 3501 (Upper level)

Timey Wimey Puppet Show – Direct from the YouTube web series and packed appearances at DragonCon and Gallifrey One, we’re pleased to present  this family-friend Punch-and-Judy-inspired Doctor Who comedy puppet show.  The show is for all ages! - ROOM 2502 (Lower level)

Khemia Creations: Cosplay Photography and Modeling – Whether you’re in front of behind the camera, this is the panel for you! We will be discussing techniques on how to make your cosplay photography go from a snapshot to a work of art! For those with camera in hand, we’ll tell you how to make the most of your environments, angles, and lighting to ensure you can capture the best images at every convention. For those wanting to show off their costume creations, we’ll give beginner modeling tips to offer your best side to camera every time! - ROOM 2503 (Lower level)

So you want to build an R2 Unit - Come join us for the in’s and out’s of building your own R2D2 or other Astromech droid. We will give you an idea of what it skills are needed, and the resources available to help you on your journey. - ROOM 2504 (Lower level)

Eddie McClintock: Eddie McClintock is best-known for his role as Secret Service agent Pete Lattimer on the Syfy series Warehouse 13. But, the actor is also an artist, who was inspired to purse his passion by comic books. He says, “It all started with Herb Trimpe andThe Incredible Hulk.” Now is your chance to meet Pete Lattimer and learn the answers to your Eddie McClintock questions. - ROOM 2505 (Lower Level)

1:00 – 1:50 PM

Lee Majors: The Six Million Dollar Man  - An actor of international importance, Lee Majors has  continually proven himself to be a favorite of audiences worldwide. Lee Majors’ performances and personas have made an indelible impact on television programs. From his initial role of Heath Barkley on The Big Valley to the Men From Shilo to Owen Marshall Counselor at Law to The Fall Guy and Raven. It was his starring role as Steve Austin on the overwhelmingly popular The Six Million Dollar Man that Lee became an icon and part of the American culture. - ROOM 3501 (Upper level)

How To Market Comic Strips Today – In previous decades, comic strips were the delicious and funny center of a reader’s daily dose of communication, placed in the middle of their newspapers and hearts. Today, comic strips and webcomics have enjoyed a strong renaissance in pop culture. How has this happened; how are cartoonists sharing their art and stories today? This panel will share the wide experiences of print, syndicated and web cartoonists alike. From viral marketing, presences at events such as San Diego Comic Con and Planet ComiCon, social media outreach, tours and more, we’ll hear from some of the engaging storytellers that are creating today. - ROOM 2502 (Lower level)

Star Wars in American Culture – Explore the influences and impact of the single most important film of the twentieth century. We will take a look at the many ways this pop culture phenomenon connects to our everyday lives. Presented by Dr. Bradley Will, Dr. Stephen Schleicher, and Dr. Scott Robson of Fort Hays State University. - ROOM 2503 (Lower level)

Dynamic Cover Design - Top artists reveal the tips and tricks that produce covers with a powerful pop. - ROOM 2504 (Lower level)

For the Love of Comics - What do you love about comics? Today’s top creators, including Jason Aaron, discuss the comics they love the most. Moderated by C.B. Cebulski. - ROOM 2505 (Lower level)

2:00 – 2:50 PM

Concept Design for Comic Books - Comic and concept artist Steven Sanders has designed a number of characters and locations for Marvel Entertainment, among other companies. Using examples from Marvel, he’ll explain how concept design in comics is different than concept design in video games or film, and will show what is needed to make good designs for comics. – ROOM 2502 (Lower Level)

50 Years of GI Joe – the first action figure – A history of GI Joe, the world’s first action figure, from its beginnings 50 years ago in 1964, to the present day. We will discuss the evolution of the brand from a 12 inch everyman solider to a modern team of hundreds of small action figures, as well as several odd and interesting detours and off-shoots along the way. We also will cover the brand’s current fandom, including online resources and fan projects. – ROOM 2503 (Lower Level)

DMC: Comics and Hip Hop - As a founder of Run-D.M.C., Darryl “DMC” McDaniels is a pioneer of hip hop culture. Now he’s turned his creative passion to comics! Already a hero to his millions of fans around the world, DMC’s accomplishments read like a laundry list of musical and cultural accolades: Grammy nominated musician, multi-platinum recording artist, Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame inductee and rap/rock pioneer who’s influenced music since the first time he’s ever touched a mic. Adding to his long lists of firsts, DMC is teaming up with some prominent fixtures in the comic book and music world to craft the first 100% authentic, unapologetic, indie, hip hop comic book. - ROOM 2505 (Lower level)

4:30 – 6:00 PM

TREKtacular ST:TNG Cast Reunion: This is a separately ticketed event. Seating is extremely limited! See this page to order tickets. – ROOM 3501 (Upper level)

Planet Comicon is Kansas City’s largest comic book and pop culture convention. Now in its thirteenth year! The convention will be held at the Kansas City Convention Center on March 14-16th. Please visit their website for the full guestlist, ticket information, and more!

UK – Punk Rock Jesus Signing

Sean Murphy, artist on Joe The Barbarian, Punk Rock Jesus, and The Wake, appears at Orbital Comics for a London-exclusive event on Friday November 22 at 5pm. Sean will sign comics and will do a quick sketch inside any of his trades bought on the day, so don’t miss out!

RSVP on Facebook!

Orbital Comics
8 Great Newport Street, London WC2H 7JA, United Kingdom
020 7240 0591

NYC – The Art of Horror Panel

Scott Snyder, Rafael Albuquerque, Sean Murphy, and more speak at the School of Visual Arts on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM!

Press Release:

A panel discussion featuring comics all-stars Scott Snyder (American Vampire, The Wake, Batman), Sean Murphy (American Vampire, The Wake, Punk Rock Jesus), Rafael Albuquerque (American Vampire, Uncanny X-Force), MFA Visual Narrative Chair Nathan Fox (Dogs of War, DMZ) and Mark Doyle, editor at DC Comics/Vertigo. The panelists talk about their careers, creative process and collaborations, as well as what inspires and informs their approach to telling tales of horror in the realm of graphic novels and sequential art. Presented by the Office of Career Development and the MFA Visual Narrative Department.

Admission is free but please RSVP here

School of Visual Arts
209 East 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010

Scott Snyder Hosts Bat-Panel at Boston Comic Con 2013

Press Release:

Comics superstar Scott Snyder will host a surprise Batman panel on Sunday August 4th at 4:00 pm in the Beacon Hall room! Come prepared to ask your questions about the Court of Owls, Death of the Family, The Black Mirror,  Gates of Gotham, and the current storyline Zero Year, a retelling of Bruce Wayne’s early days as Batman. In addition to the New 52 Batman title Scott also writes the mini-series Superman: Unchained and his Vertigo series American Vampire and The Wake. He has previously written Swamp Thing, Detective Comics, and more.  

This is a last minute addition to the schedule so please spread the word!

Additionally Scott will appear on the DC Comics panel on Saturday August 3rd at 3:00pm in the Waterfront room with Dan Didio, Tony Daniel, and Aaron Lopresti. Otherwise find him at his table in Artist Alley AAW40 & 41 from 11:00-1:30 and 4:30-7:00 on Saturday and 11:00-1:00 and 2:00-4:00 on Sunday!

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. This year’s rescheduled convention will be held Saturday August 3rd and Sunday August 4th opening at 10:00 am each day 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!

NJ – The Wake Signing

Artist Sean G. Murphy signs at Little Shop of Comics on June 26, 2013 from 6:00 till 8:00 pm.

Little Shop of Comics
393 Park Ave, Scotch Plains, New Jersey 07076
(908) 322-9402

NYC – The Wake Launch Party

Writer Scott Snyder and artist Sean Murphy celebrate the release of the all new Vertigo Comics series The Wake on Friday May 31st at Midtown Comics Downtown! Scott and Sean will be signing copies of The Wake #1 for fans from 7:00 till 9:00 pm. Don’t miss it!

“THERE’S SOMETHING DOWN THERE…”

When Marine Biologist Lee Archer is approached by the Department of Homeland Security for help with a new threat, she declines, but quickly realizes they won’t take no for an answer. Soon she is plunging to the depths of the Arctic Circle to a secret, underwater oil rig where they have discovered something miraculous and terrifying…

Writer Scott Snyder (BATMAN, AMERICAN VAMPIRE) and artist Sean Murphy (PUNK ROCK JESUS) bring their acclaimed talents to this sci-fi/horror epic that explores the horrors of the deep, probes the origins of human history, and leaps far beyond to a frightening future.

RSVP on Facebook!

Midtown Comics
64 Fulton Street, New York, NY 10038