Comic Book Feeds

AMERIKARATE #6
Writer(s): Brockton McKinney, Corey Kalman
Artist Name(s): Daniel Arruda Massa
Cover Artist(s): Devin Roth (Cover A), Daniel Arruda Massa (Cover B), Dave Perillo (Cover C), April O’Neil (Cover D)
Cover A  – Regular Cover (unlimited): Devin Roth 
Cover B – Machine Gun Variant (limited to 1500): Daniel Arruda Massa
Cover C – Karate Man Variant (limited to 1500): Dave Perillo
Cover D – April O’Neil Cosplay Variant (limited to 1500)

Explosions explosively disrupt Sam’s life as Cynthia fights for her legs in the midst of the mysterious robot crime wave. Now it’s up to Kickwell to clean up the city the only way he knows how: with an absolutely insane arsenal of asskicking weapons! If you’ve got a death wish, he’s ready to grant it!

32 pgs./ M / FC                   $3.99 

 

HERO CATS OF SKYWORLD TPB (COLLECTS HERO CATS #16-18)
Writer(s): Kyle Puttkammer
Artist Name(s): Omaka Schultz
Cover Artist(s): Omaka and Schultz (Inks), Julie Barclay (Colors), George Gant (Letters)

Bandit of Earth meets the Hero Cats of Skyworld for the first time! A perfect place for new readers to discover the exciting and dangerous realm ruled by Corvus the Crow King.

96 pgs./ E / FC $11.99

MIRACULOUS: DARKBLADE
Writer(s): Zag Entertainment
Artist Name(s): Zag Entertainment
Cover Artist(s): Zag Entertainment
Arranged and Adapted by: Cheryl Black and Nicole D’Andria

After losing the municipal election against Mr. Burgeois, D’Argencourt gets akumatized and turns into Darkblade! Using his sword he transforms people into knights and builds an army to turn the Mayor out. His forces storm City Hall where a class rep election battle between Marinette and Mr. Burgeois’ daughter, Chloe, is brewing. It’s up to Ladybug and Cat Noir to protect City Hall and all the students gathered inside!

NOTE: This was previously released digitally on comiXology.

64 pgs./ E / FC $4.99

SHINOBI: NINJA PRINCESS – LIGHTNING ONI #1
Writer(s): Martheus Wade
Artist Name(s): Martheus Wade (Pencils), Gene Fayne (Colors)
Cover Artist(s): Martheus Wade and Gene Fayne

Ninja VS Monster Action is Back! After the capture and narrow escape of fourteen year old ninja-in-training, Shainndrea, the Toshigawa Ninja Clan has been forced to move to a new secret base further on the outskirts of Osaka. The evil Red Dragon has taken leadership of the rival Azumi Ninja Clan and is determined to fulfill the contract to capture Shianndrea at any and all costs. Now, with her new commanders in place, the stage is set for the Red Dragon to reveal her most powerful Oni yet, Yawata, the embodiment of war with the powers of lightning. However, Yawata has his own agenda and capture is the furthest from his mind.

32 pgs./ E / FC $3.99

Limited Edition items are available exclusively through participating
comic book shops on Saturday, November 18

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (September 11, 2017) – BOOM! Studios is excited to announce a WWE ROYAL RUMBLE PRINT and a SABAN’S POWER RANGERS BLIND BOX exclusively for Local Comic Shop Day®, taking place on Saturday, November 18 at participating comics retailers. These instantly collectible items will be available in strictly limited amounts—500 units for the print, and 250 units for the blind box. To find your participating local comic shop, visit localcomicshopday.com.

The beautifully illustrated WWE ROYAL RUMBLE PRINT ($19.99) by artist Brent Schoonover (Generations: Captain Marvel & Captain Mar-Vell) measures 16” x 20” and is the culmination of 12 connecting covers of BOOM! Studios’ acclaimed WWE comic book series. This frameable image features over three dozen Superstars—including The Ultimate Warrior, Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, Finn Bálor, and many more—as they battle it out in the Royal Rumble match of fans’ dreams.

Each SABAN’S POWER RANGERS BLIND BOX ($99.99) contains a copy of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Year One: Deluxe hardcover; a limited-edition Mighty Morphin Power Rangers lithograph by Acme Archives featuring one of the Rangers, including rare Green and White Rangers; and two random, limited-edition variant covers from previous Mighty Morphin Power Rangers issues. In addition, 25 random blind boxes will contain copies of the hardcover signed by Saban Brands—Haim Saban (Creator of the Power Rangers franchise), Brian Casentini (Executive Producer, Power Rangers content), Melissa Flores (Director, Power Rangers Content), and Judd “Chip” Lynn (Executive Producer, Power Rangers television series)—the company behind Power Rangers.

Local Comic Shop Day® is an annual event that began in 2014, conceived and implemented by ComicsPRO comic book specialty retailers to call attention to locally owned independent comic book specialty stores, celebrating their unique and vital role in being the primary fire-starters of pop culture. Pop Culture begins in your Local Comic Shop!

Retailers have until September 18 to register their stores’ participation at www.comicspro.org/lcsd2017. Final orders for the WWE ROYAL RUMBLE PRINT and SABAN’S POWER RANGERS BLIND BOX are due from retailers by September 25.

LOLA XOXO #3 (vol 2)

Siya Oum – Story & Art

The best-selling Aspen series from creator Siya Oum continues!

Lola barely scrapes by with her life after an attack by the Legion of Suits on the city of Artemis. Now she must take care of a young boy, Isaac, whom she barely knows–and bring him home safely. However, the mystery of where Isaac hails from will put Lola’s life—along with everyone she knows–in mortal danger!

LOLA XOXO #3 vol 2 is in stores September 13th, 2017!

FC 32 pages $3.99

(September 11, 2017 – Burbank, CA) – New Line Cinema’s widely acclaimed horror thriller “IT” smashed the record books with stunning opening weekend numbers on both the domestic and international fronts, it was announced by Sue Kroll, President Worldwide Marketing and Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. Based on Stephen King’s beloved perennial bestseller, the film took in an estimated $189.4 million worldwide.

Domestically, “IT” scared up an astounding $123.1 million, crushing multiple records in its first weekend, starting with $13.5 million Thursday night previews, which made history as the highest horror preview; the largest R-rated preview; and the top September preview ever. Through the weekend, the milestones continued to mount, just a few of which include: the top horror film opening ever; biggest September opening for a film of any genre; and highest non-holiday weekend release for an R-rated film. On its own, “IT” surpassed the all-time industry record gross for a post-Labor Day weekend. In addition, “IT” now stands as New Line Cinema’s highest opening ever, and moviegoers looking for the biggest scares gave IMAX their #1 opening weekend in September. The records had begun falling even before release, as “IT” became the top horror pre-seller ever and Fandango’s top September pre-seller ever for any genre.

Internationally, “IT” also saw huge releases in 46 markets, topping the box office in virtually all of them. Taking in an extraordinary $66.3 million, “IT” had the largest opening ever for a horror film. Among the other benchmarks are: the highest opening weekend for a horror film and top September debut ever in Russia and Australia; the biggest horror film debut in Brazil, Holland and Poland; and Warner Bros. Pictures’ largest opening for 2017 in 19 markets, including Russia, Australia, Spain, Poland, Norway, Belgium, Finland, Denmark and Chile. Anticipation is high in major markets yet to open, including Sweden, Mexico, France, Argentina, Germany and Italy.

In making the announcement, Kroll stated, “Anticipation for ‘IT’ has been at a fever pitch since the record-breaking debut of its teaser trailer, and the film has exceeded all expectations. ‘IT’ is not only a tremendously successful entry in New Line’s expanding horror-verse, but its appeal transcends the genre. Everyone involved, including director Andy Muschietti, his cast, and the producers, did a remarkable job bringing Stephen King’s cherished masterpiece to the big screen. I want to congratulate them, as well as all of our colleagues at New Line, on this fantastic start. I also want to recognize the inspired marketing campaign, spearheaded by Blair Rich, and our worldwide distribution efforts, led by Jeff Goldstein, Veronika Kwan Vandenberg and Tom Molter, and all their teams. We look forward to strong reviews and word-of-mouth carrying the film well into the fall/holiday season.”

“IT” tells the story of seven young outcasts growing up in the township of Derry, Maine, who call themselves the Losers’ Club. Each of them has been ostracized for one reason or another; each has a target on their back from the local pack of bullies…and all have seen their inner fears come to life in the form of an ancient shapeshifting predator they can only call It. For as long as their town has existed, Derry has been the entity’s hunting ground, emerging from the sewers every 27 years to feed on the terrors of its chosen prey: Derry’s children. Banding together over one horrifying and exhilarating summer, the Losers form a close bond to help them overcome their own fears and stop a killing cycle that began on a rainy day, with a small boy chasing a paper boat as it swept down a storm drain…and into the hands of Pennywise the Clown.

Directed by Andy Muschietti (“Mama”), “IT” is based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, which has been terrifying readers for decades. First published in 1986, IT became an instant classic. It continues to be counted among the best and most influential works of the undisputed literary master of horror, inspiring numerous film and television projects in the years that have followed.

The film stars Bill Skarsgård (“Allegiant,” TV’s “Hemlock Grove”) as the story’s central villain, Pennywise. An ensemble of young actors also star in the film, including Jaeden Lieberher (“Midnight Special”), Jeremy Ray Taylor (“Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip”), Sophia Lillis (“37”), Finn Wolfhard (TV’s “Stranger Things”), Wyatt Oleff (“Guardians of the Galaxy”), Chosen Jacobs (upcoming “Cops and Robbers”), Jack Dylan Grazer (“Tales of Halloween”), Nicholas Hamilton (“Captain Fantastic”) and Jackson Robert Scott, making his film debut.

Muschietti directed “IT” from a screenplay by Chase Palmer & Cary Fukunaga and Gary Dauberman, based on the novel by King. Roy Lee, Dan Lin, Seth Grahame-Smith, David Katzenberg and Barbara Muschietti produced the film, with Dave Neustadter, Walter Hamada, Richard Brener, Toby Emmerich, Marty P. Ewing, Doug Davison, Jon Silk and Niija Kuykendall serving as executive producers.

The behind-the-scenes creative team included director of photography Chung-Hoon Chung (“Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,” “Oldboy”), production designer Claude Paré (“Rise of the Planet of the Apes”), editor Jason Ballantine (“Mad Max: Fury Road”), and costume designer Janie Bryant (TV’s “Mad Men”). The music was composed by Benjamin Wallfisch (“Annabelle: Creation”).

New Line Cinema presents a Vertigo Entertainment/Lin Pictures/Katzsmith Production, “IT.” The film is being distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

“IT” has been rated R for violence/horror, bloody images, and for language.

I got my hands on the Empire Pictures box set from Full Moon and its PACKED with 80’s cult movies! Want to see what’s in the box?

When Full Moon announced that they were putting together a box set of the Empire movies, I was excited. I wasn’t as familiar with the company as I was with the later Full Moon films, but I was aware of some of the movies. I was looking forward to watching some of these films that I might have only seen the VHS box covers for long, long ago.

So I finally got my hands on a box and I have to tell you. It’s pretty damn cool. Have a look at my video and I’ll show you what’s going on!

Ok, I wanted to mention that the texture of the box is pretty nice as well. It doesn’t feel like plain cardboard, which was a pleasant surprise.

Another thing that I did mention in my video is that just about all of the movies have some type of special features like Commentaries, Galleries, trailers, all-new retrospectives and much more. There is quite a lot of content here.

The movies are:

Metalstorm
Metalstorm – 3D Version (NOTE: works only on 3D TVs)
The Dungeonmaster
Ghoulies
Trancers
Eliminators
Crawlspace
From Beyond
Terrorvision
Troll
Dolls
Prison
Cellar Dweller
Catacombs
Ghost Town
Ghoulies 2
Robot Jox
Arena (Dvd Only)

As you may have already figured out since there are 18 movies and only 15 discs, some are doubled up on and I’m ok with that.

This really is an incredible set. I am just starting to go through it all and I already know its going to take me awhile. Is this a must-have? If you love Sci-Fi, Horror and cult movies in general – YES. For what you get, it’s a really good price. Get yours from FullMoonDirect.com

Tanya Tate

Author, editor, publisher, and film maker Adam Bezecny has published the 5th collection of new Jim Anthony stories in Airship 27’s series.  This is a collection of 4 stories that are interrelated and represent a single story line in 4 parts.  It is full of action and lots of adventure.  Another major book from Airship 27!

Not only that.  Adam and I are two bibliophiles (especially when it comes to Pulp) and we discuss several of our favorite series.  The show notes will direct you to some of these interesting and somewhat off beat offerings.

There is also a tip of the hat to librarian and uber pulp scholar, Jess Nevins.  We accidently misstated the name of his recent pulp story anthology, but we corrected that in the notes and STAGECOACH Mary is also offered for your enjoyment.

Also for Philip Jose Farmer fans, Adam is a big PJF and Wold Newton fan and in his story, The Divine Mrs. E, there is a long discourse on PJF that is integral to the story!

We had a free wheeling discussion and a lot of fun.  You will too!  You will even learn the secret of Adam’s unusual middle name.

 

Jim Anthony, Super Detective vs.  Mastermind, Volume 5:

https://www.amazon.com/Jim-Anthony-Super-Detective-Adam-Bezecny-ebook/dp/B074LBS2H3/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1505178514&sr=8-1&keywords=adam+bezecny

 

Adam Bezecny’s Amazon Author’s Page:

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_ebooks_1?ie=UTF8&text=Adam+Bezecny&search-alias=digital-text&field-author=Adam+Bezecny&sort=relevancerank

 

Stagecoach Mary by jess Nevins:

https://www.amazon.com/Stagecoach-Mary-Jess-Nevins-ebook/dp/B01M1DA25B/ref=la_B001JS5YH6_1_13?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1505090216&sr=1-13&refinements=p_82%3AB001JS5YH6

 

Jess Nevins’ Amazon Author Page:

https://www.amazon.com/Jess%20Nevins/e/B001JS5YH6/ref=la_B001JS5YH6_pg_2?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_82%3AB001JS5YH6&page=2&sort=author-pages-popularity-rank&ie=UTF8&qid=1505090182

 

ROCKY Nelson’s IMDB Page:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0625714/

 

Harry Steven Keeler Page at Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_gnr_fkmr1?rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aharry+keeler&keywords=harry+keeler&ie=UTF8&qid=1505088203

Tarot#108 Special!*

With this Special, You’ll receive Covers A & B, the Deluxe Art Print, Photocover, Bonus Goodie and JUST for This Bundle a brand new Faerie Passport Sticker. You may also ADD ON the Studio Cover (TBA) and or The Photo Skyclad will be the unedited Photocover of Deliha OR NEW OFFER an unedited print of Cover A-if you wish

And the Story:

PreOrder Tarot#108 Special Today!

Tarot is shot while accompanying the Skeleton Man on one of his missions! Jon must steal a police car to save her life! Time is ticking away as Tarot bleeds out! Meanwhile, Raven Hex is attacked by two of Azure’s minions as they attempt to retrieve his severed arm.

 

Cover A

Photocover

Unedited Photocover: Skyclad featuring Delilah Lilac

Dlx Artprint

ships late Jan 2018

Martian Lit is proud to release the debut issue of Lazarus, the Forever Man! The 24-page zero issue reprints the Lazarus stories from Martian Comics, in preparation for his ongoing series!

The series stars the Biblical Lazarus, and tracks his adventures after being resurrected by a Jesus possessed by a Martian.

The comic is priced at only $0.99. It’s written by Julian Darius, with art by Sergio Tarquini and colors by R. L. Campos.

The issue is available on ComiXology now! If you prefer a DRM-free PDF of the comic, it’s available here.

You can learn more about the entire series on its webpage and on Facebook.

Lazarus, the Forever Man is our fourth comics title, after Martian Comics, Kimot Ren, and Necropolitan.

Our 5e Land of Azurth game continued last night with the mysterious absence of Kairon the Demonlander Sorcerer but otherwise the usual crew. Their investigation of the rampaging iron woodsmen had led them to the mill, where they discovered an invisible imp. It got away before they could capture it.
Our heroes still had no idea what was going on, but they knew Gargam the misanthropic wizard had told them the Snarts were captives of the woodsmen, and that was not the case. They made their way back to his dilapidated house, giving the remaining woodsmen wide birth. Waylon the Thief spied on Gargam through the window and saw him writing in a great tome. They knocked on his door and told him about the absence of Snarts and the imp. 
Gargam was his usual charming self. He professed no knowledge of the imp, but didn't seem particularly surprised that his assertion about the Snarts proved false. He quickly shuts the door in the party's face, but they decide to put him under surveillance and camp out nearby. When nothing has happened by morning, Waylon and Shade move in to pull a breaking and entering. They are surprised by Gargam's cat, Orias.
Art by JarrodOwenThe cat creates an illusion of itself, then jumps at them, growing in size to over two feet long. Erekose runs in to help, and the three make short work of the fast moving animal. Gargam shows up to acid splash them before they can deliver the coup de grace.
With Gargam's feline familar as a hostage, they demand answers. The wizard reluctantly admits to botching a devil summoning spell he got in correspondence with the Warlock of Lost Lake (now deceased). Gargam hoped to summon a fiend to destroy the mill (he loathes the townspeople) and have the blame put on the Snarts (who he hates). Instead, he got a mischevious imp that promptly ran away and monkeyed with the iron woodsmen, making them cease obeying commands.

The group forces Gargam to perform the ritual and summon the imp again. The imp admits to his had behavior, which he finds very amusing. He begs for his freedom and promises to leave the area. Shade is having none of it. This despoiler of the forest is facing his end. The party fries the imp with scorching rays, sending him back to the Nether Realms.
Next they track down the remains woodsmen and destroy those four, though as always they are tenacious opponents. Shade has a change to use the figurine of a bear she acquired back in the gelatinous dome.
After a brief talk with the townspeople, our heroes once again head out for Rivertown.

Len Wein was a comic book writer and editor best known for co-creating DC Comics’ Swamp Thing and Marvel Comics’ Wolverine, and for helping revive the Marvel superhero team the X-Men (including the co-creation of Nightcrawler, Storm, and Colossus). Additionally, he was the editor for writer Alan Moore and illustrator Dave Gibbons’ influential DC miniseries Watchmen.

DC editor Joe Orlando hired both Marv Wolfman and Lein Wein as freelance writers. Wein’s first professional comics story was “Eye of the Beholder” in DC’s Teen Titans No. 18 (Dec. 1968), for which they co-created Red Star, the DC Universe’s first official Russian superhero.

Wein and artist Bernie Wrightson created the horror character Swamp Thing in The House of Secrets No. 92 (July 1971). Over the next several decades, Swamp Thing would star in DC series and miniseries – including an initial 1972–76 series begun by Wein and Wrightson, and the mid-1980s Saga of the Swamp Thing, edited by Wein and featuring early work by writer Alan Moore, as well as two theatrical films, and a syndicated television series.

Wein co-created the Human Target with artist Carmine Infantino and wrote the character’s appearances as a backup feature in Action Comics, Detective Comics, and The Brave and the Bold. The character was adapted into a short-lived ABC television series starring Rick Springfield which debuted in July 1992, and was briefly revived in 2010 for a two-season series on Fox that starred Mark Valley, Chi McBride, and Jackie Earle Haley.

Len Wein was ask to create a character Wolverine, who is Canadian and of small stature and with a wolverine’s fierce temper. John Romita, Sr. designed the first Wolverine costume, and introduced the retractable claws. Wolverine first appeared in the final “teaser” panel of The Incredible Hulk #180 (cover-dated Oct. 1974) written by Wein and penciled by Herb Trimpe before making his first major appearance in The Incredible Hulk #181 (Nov. 1974) by the Wein and Trimpe.

In 1975, Len Wein and artist Dave Cockrum revived the X-Men after a half-decade’s hiatus, reformatting the membership in Giant-Size X-Men No. 1 (May 1975). They added Wolverine and created Nightcrawler, Storm, Colossus, and Thunderbird. Wein plotted the early “new X-Men” stories with artist Cockrum. These issues were then scripted as Uncanny X-Men No. 94 and 95 by Chris Claremont, who subsequently developed the title into one of Marvel’s leading franchises as well as a huge movie franchise for 20th Century Fox.

Wein underwent quintuple bypass heart surgery on February 10, 2015. He died on September 10, 2017.

Ivan Kocmarek is a retired high school teacher and comic book collector for over 50 years based in Hamilton, Ontario who has taken on the research of the Canadian war time comics as a retirement project. Has an online weekly column on this subject on Comic Book Daily and recently wrote about these books in Overstreet 44. He is a founding memeber of the Whites Project and currently has a Kickstarter for his new book Heroes of the Home Front. Ivan was nice enough to stop by First Comics News and let our readers know all about Heroes of the Home Front.

 First Comics News: What is Heroes of the Home Front about?

Ivan Kocmarek: Overall, the book is about the art and artists who worked for Canadian WWII comic book publishing company, Bell Features Publications, which was based in Toronto and which put out original Canadian comic book material between 1941-46. The book is a 300-page 9” X 12” volume that reproduces more than 150 pages of original art from the Bell Features collection held by the Library and Archives of Canada in Ottawa. It also reproduces an additional 25 Bell Features original art pages from private collections. Each of these original art pages is reproduced as a full 9” X 12” page in the book and have never been reproduced in this way before. The rest of the book is text with photos sharing some of the backstory of the artists who made those pages. There are about 30 sections in the book each one about a different Bell Features comic book artist. The basic structure of each of these sections is:

-A backstory on the life of the artist

-An index of his/her work for Bell Features

-An interview with the artist where possible or an interview with a direct family member.

-Pages reproducing a selection of that artist’s original page drawings for Bell Features.

1st: What was the War Exchange Conservation Act?

Ivan: The “War Exchange Conservation Act (WECA)” was enacted by the Canadian parliament on Dec. 6th, 1940. This act limited the importation of “unessential” products into the country in order to protect the Canadian wartime economy and shore up the Canadian dollar.  The government wanted Canadians to spend their money on goods produced in Canada rather than American products. Among the “unessential” products banned from entering the country from America were comic books and pulps. This produced a comic book vacuum in Canada for a couple of months and until Canadian companies began to step in and produce our own Canadian comic books. The ban lasted roughly until the end of WWII and then American comics began appearing on Canadian stands again and our own Canadian comic book industry of original material folded about a year afterwards.

1st: Who were Gene and Cy Bell?

Ivan: Gene and Cy Bell were brothers who started up the Commercial Signs of Canada Company in Toronto in the 1930s. This company began producing comics in the summer of 1941 and then changed its name to Bell Features early in 1942. Cy Bell seemed to be more of the leader and was always President of the company while Gene worked more in the background as a sort of general secretary. There’s a “Woody and the Wolf” story by Tedd Steele in the last issue of Wow Comics that parodies the brothers as mobsters and calls them “Gene and Cy Bong.”

1st: What did Edmund Legault bring to the company?

Ivan: Edmund Legault was a teenager who worked for Commercial Signs of Canada before they started doing comics. Original Canadian comics had been around for a couple of months in Canada after the ban and Ed Legault brought the idea of doing a comic book to Cy Bell by showing some sketch pages for a buccaneer character called Dart Daring. Cy Bell bought into the idea and Wow Comics No. 1 quickly appeared on the stands. Legault also created Thunderfist, who was drawn by Murray Karn in Active Comics.

1st: How did John Ezrin become involved?

Ivan: John Ezrin was an original investor in Bell Features and, in 1947, when the company had folded, Ezrin bought the holdings of the warehouse which contained all the original art pages and some comics. He sold this to Patrick Loubert and Michael Hirsch in 1971 and they were able to sell the collection to National Archives of Canada and started up the Nelvana Studios animation company with the proceeds.

1st: Once the US Comics are banned, how do the Bell brothers go out and find Canadian creators to put out their comics?

Ivan: Murray Karn told me that he was hired by answering an ad in the newspaper and this must have been the main method. Adrian Dingle, creator of Nelvana, came over to Bell Features in the spring of 1942 after his own short-lived comic book publishing company, Hillborough Studios, folded and Cy Bell bought up his debts. Jack Tremblay and Gerry Lazare were still in high school and sent Bell Features samples of their work and were hired. So, it happened in various ways.

1st: What was Commercial Signs of Canada?

Ivan: Commercial Signs of Canada was a Toronto signage company that the Bell brothers founded in 1929. Its name is on the indicia of the comic books it produced up until the spring of 1942 when it changed its name to Bell Features.

1st: Why did that change to Bell Features publishing?

Ivan: By the spring of 1942 Commercial Signs of Canada had 3 additional titles (Dime Comics, Active Comics, and Joke Comics) to its first title, Wow Comics. It was finding that comic book publishing had legs and room for growth and profit. I think it wanted to recognize this new branch enterprise and so changed its name to the family name of the founders of its company. It also came up with a logo (thought to have been created by one of its artists, Oscar Schlienger) that make its books garner instant brand recognition on the newsstands.

1st: Which heroes found a home in the Bell Features Universe?

Ivan: Depends on which genre you mean. There were Air Aces (Scotty MacDonald, Ace Barton, and Crash Carson), there were Detectives (Drummy Young, Dr. Blue and Blackie, and Nels Grant), there were Military/Espionage Heroes (Johnny Canuck, Major Domo and Jo-jo, Guy Powers, Clift Steele, The Sign of Freedom), Western Heroes (Tang, Phantom Rider), and Soldiers of Fortune (Rex Baxter, Jeff Waring, Red Thortan, Doc Stearne). But, you’re probably talking about the costumed super heroes which included female heroes such as Nelvana, The Wing, and The Polka-Dot Pirate, and male heroes such as Speed Savage, Nitro, Capt. Wonder, Thunderfist, The Brain, The Penguin, The Dreamer, Nighthawk, Super Commando, and a brief panel appearance by the promising Mr. Monster.

1st: Who were the creators that worked on these comics?

Ivan: There were dozens with the most notable being Adrian Dingle, Edmond Good, Gerry Lazare, Leo Bachle, Fred Kelly, Tedd Steele, Murray Karn, Al Cooper, Ross Saakel, Jack Tremblay, Rene Kulbach, Mel Crawford, Doris Slater (their lone female creator and one of the first female creators in comics) and many more.

1st: Which of these creators were you able to interview?

Ivan: I managed to interview Gerald Lazare, Murray Karn, Jack Tremblay, and Mel Crawford.

1st: What about the creators that have passed on since World War Two?

Ivan: For the others who are no longer with us, I managed to track down direct relatives (children, wives, siblings) to interview.

1st: What is the split on the book between reprint stories and original interviews?

Ivan: There are no reprint stories in the book. The format of the book is described in the answer to your first question.

1st: How did you collect the art for the reprint stories?

Ivan: I obtained licenses to reproduce 150 Bell Features original art pages from the collection of the Library and Archives of Canada and I found another two dozen original Bell Features art pages in private collections.

1st: What’s your Kickstarter goal?

Ivan: The Kickstarter goal is $25,000 Canadian.

1st: What does that go towards?

Ivan: The majority of the funds raised will go to the printing and distribution of the book with $2,000 going to pay the book designer and $1,000 towards original art commissions obtained for the Kickstarter.

1st: What is the minimum pledge to get a PDF copy of the book?

Ivan: $20.

1st: What is the minimum pledge to get a physical copy of the book?

Ivan: $70 plus $20 for shipping = $90.

You can find the Kickstarter here.

Title: Kaijumax: Season Three # 3
Publisher: Oni Press
Written & Illustrated by: Zander Cannon
Color Assists by: Jason Fischer
Price: $ 3.99 US
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Website: www.onipress.com
Comments: It looks like there is an island used as a prison for monsters. This is a unique idea for sure. Monsters that you will almost recognize are there and lots more.
The monsters act like people. They talk and converse same as any one would. The story follows these monsters and their lives as prisoners. The monsters do seem tame. There is almost no violence from them.
The art is not done to make the monsters scary. It is cartoonish.
Kaijumax Island is just full of monsters of all kinds.
This issues focuses on the prisoners and mainly one giant goat creature. He comes across as pitiful. The Creature from Devil’s Creek or Daniel. Daniel is terrified of his father. Poor Daniel and Daniel is such a nice soul. He does not want to hurt a fly. Being a giant monster though people get the wrong idea.
This comic is unlike any other out there.

Title: Invader Zim # 23
Publisher: Oni Press
Created by: Jhonen Vasquez
Written by: Eric Trueheart
Illustrated and Lettered by: Warren Wucinich
Colored by: Fred C. Odin
Cover A by: Warren Wucinich
Cover B by: Jey Odin
Recap Kid Illustrated by: Warren Wucinich
Price: $ 3.99 US
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Website: www.onipress.com
Comments: Zim goes inside Gir to find Virooz. Zim is illustrated over the top, when he shows emotions they are so huge. Zim isa character that grabs your attention and as you follow him on his adventure you find yourself liking him and wanting to see more of him.
Zim faces off against three opponents in an arena. These opponents are far out. Legless the Clown, Sgt. Oysterface and Susie Sad-Orb. Well the fight is action packed and you will never again see a battle like this one.
Zim is hilarious while inside the computer program. The way he wonders about everything he sees. He does not just take it on faith he questions a lot.
Zim has the most screwed up adventures you can imagine. You will not believe all the things that happen and how he reacts to them. Your in for a wild and crazy time with Zim.

Title: Dead of Winter: Good Good Dog # 2
Publisher: Oni Press
Written by: Kyle Starks
Illustrated and Colored by: Gabriel “Gabo” Bautista
Lettered by: Crank!
Cover: Brian Hurtt and Colored by Bill Crabtree
Price: $ 3.99 US
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Website: www.onipress.com
Comments: Mr. Haney dressed as Santa is outside with his dog trying to eat a young woman. Turns out they know each other.
A couple people are stuck in a police station. The police officer we see is strange and violent. The way he is illustrated you just know something is wrong with him.
The people besides Santa and the Cop are drawn looking really young. At first glance, you might think they are kids.
Annaleigh is an assertive person if need be. With zombies all around though it is not enough.
You do need to have read the first issue or played the game to fully understand what is going on here.
Zombies are out in force and they want humans to eat. The zombies are drawn well and they look how you would expect them to.
The Cop now he is an amazing character in his insane weird style. This Cop is crazy and drawn to look it. Crazy Cop vs zombies which will win.
The group of humans though minus one make a run for it with more zombies than you can count in pursuit.
The zombie apocalypse is here!

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – September 10, 2017 – The 18th annual Baltimore Comic-Con returns to the Baltimore Convention Center the weekend of September 22-24, 2017. Tickets are available now for General Admission, VIP, and Ringo Awards! As is the case every year, we have received a steady stream of requests for our Panel schedule — details are now ready for release, and we’re really excited to share them with you!

Friday will feature a spotlight on one of the most popular creators in modern comics, Frank Miller. Also, a spotlight on Matt Kindt, The Jimmy and Amanda panel, numerous panels featuring some of the industry’s largest publishers including Archie and Dynamite, a look at the Kirby Museum, and a game show!

 

Saturday, publisher panels include DC Comics, Marvel Comics, BOOM! Studios, Image Comics, Valiant, and Dynamite, a spotlight panel on Bob Fujitani, a seminar from Carl Potts, and media guests Stefan Kapicic, DMC, David Mazouz, and Sean Pertwee. Plus, celebrate Batman Day and The Mike Wieringo Tellos Tribute.

 

Sunday, we celebrate the centennial of perhaps the most influential comics creator with Jack Kirby at 100. Check out panels from Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Valiant, American Mythology, and Ominous Press, and special panels with media guests DMC, Finn Jones, and Jessica Henwick. And don’t miss a conversation with Marv Wolfman and Mark Evanier, and a spotlight on comics in the 1970s.

 

Of course, don’t let your children miss the excitement scheduled for the Kids Love Comics Pavilion!

Friday

 

(Please note, all times and panels shown are subject to change.)

 

Room 339-342

2:00-3:00 – Valiant Spotlight: Matt Kindt

One of the most-lauded creative minds in the industry today, Matt Kindt is a true visionary of the comics medium. From his creator-owned series – like Mind Mgmt, Dept. H, Grass Kings, Ether, and dozens more – to his work at the forefront of the Valiant comics line – including X-O Manowar, Divinity, Ninjak, and the upcoming Harbinger Wars 2 – join the New York Times best-selling and Eisner Award-nominated writer/artist for a wide-ranging discussion of his work, present and future.

 

3:30-4:15 – Frank Miller Spotlight

 

From Daredevil to Ronin to Batman: The Dark Knight Returns to Sin City to Dark Knight III: The Master Race, creator Frank Miller has left an indelible mark on modern comics. Join Frank, frequent collaborator Klaus Janson, and moderator Dan DiDio for an engaging panel. You’ll kick yourself if you miss it.

 

4:30-5:30 – Archie Comics: Riverdale Revealed

Celebrate the new era of Archie Comics as we take a look at the next wave of exciting Archie Comics titles and look ahead to the second season of The CW’s hit new show Riverdale! Featuring a panel of all-star writers and artists including Mark Waid, Dan Parent, Alex Segura, and Joe Eisma!

Room 343-344

2:00-3:00 – How to Kill Zombies

The RIGHT way to kill a zombie! From chainsaws to helicopter blades, novelist Peter Meredith hosts a light-hearted panel discussion on the many ways found in literature and film to slay the undead.

 

3:15-4:15 – The Power of Magic and the Magic of Memory

Learn about magic in comics, its roots in reality, and the magic of memory. Chris Miskiewicz (Thomas Alsop) will talk about the magical mythology of New York City, and Dean Haspiel (The Red Hook) will preview his upcoming webcomic War Cry, showing how transfiguration can deliver powerful moments in storytelling. Sarah Trustman (The Memory Arts) will discuss using comics to teach real-world magic and give a demonstration of the same memory techniques that appear so fantastic that using them got people burned as witches. And, David Trustman (The Rise) will discuss his controversial graphic novel God Slap and its modern take on religious magic.

 

4:30-5:30 – The Jimmy & Amanda Panel

Get to know Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti in an interactive panel where the audience gets to talk to the guests about their work and lives, in an intimate getting-to-know-you setting. Listen to them talk about their current work on Harley Quinn and what the future has in store for them both.

Room 345-346

2:00-3:00 – Writing Across Genres

Ever wonder how a comic book writer can write so many different types of stories all seemingly at the same time? Join Charles Soule (Darth Vader, Curse Words, Astonishing X-Men), James Tynion IV (The Woods, Detective Comics, The Eighth Seal), Amy Chu (KISS, Red Sonja, Poison Ivy), and Tom King (Batman, The Sheriff of Babylon, Vision) as they talk about how they manage to write so many types of genres at the same time. Moderated by Christy Blanch.

 

3:15-4:15 – #DARETOBEHEROIC With Dynamite

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 us as we discuss the anatomy of crafting a true hero!

 

4:30-5:30 – Shared Universes

Ever since the Human Torch met the Sub-Mariner, comics have had shared universes for better or worse. A panel of experienced veterans – Mark Buckingham, Terry Moore, Peter J. Tomasi, and Meredith Finch — who have worked in and out of these universes discuss the pros and cons with moderator Robert Greenberger.

Room 347-348

2:00-3:00 – Super-Blank: The Game Show

Get ready to match the comics stars! Strikingly similar to the classic TV game show, The Match Game, a panel of comics “celebrities” will fill in the blanks as contestants from the audience try to match them for points and prizes! With: Lora Innes (The Dreamer, Wynonna Earp), Brian “Smitty” Smith (Stuff of Legend, Tree Mail), Brian Joines (Bill & Ted, Imaginary Agents, Krampus), and more! Hosted by Gregg Schigiel (Pix, SpongeBob Comics, Stuff Said podcast).

 

3:15-4:15 – What is the Kirby Museum

Join founding trustee Rand Hoppe as he shows what the Jack Kirby Museum & Research Center has been up to for the last 12 years. See photos of some of our accomplishments, as well as what we are planning for the future!

 

4:30-5:30 – Creating Kickass Characters

Popular comics creators share their insights on character development in comics and how they work to make heroes and villains extraordinary and memorable. Featuring: Amy Chu (Poison Ivy, Red Sonja), Tom King (Batman, Vision), and Carla Speed McNeil (Finder, No Mercy, Love is Love).

Kids Love Comics Programming

4:00-5:00 –  Drawing with Drouin: Nickelodeon Characters with Emily Drouin

Learn to draw popular characters from Nickelodeon shows using basic shapes in this fun drawing activity!

 

5:00-6:00 – Alien Art with Dawn Griffin

The Kids Love Comics Workshop Area will be transformed into an alien factory when cartoonist Dawn Griffin shows you easy ways to draw wacky aliens.

Saturday

 

(Please note, all times and panels shown are subject to change.)

 

Room 339-342

11:00-12:00 – Story Structure

Where do you begin? With the plot, the theme, a conflict or all of the above? An all-star line-up featuring Marv Wolfman, James Tynion IV, Mark Waid, Louise Simonson, and Elliot S! Maggin chat with moderator Robert Greenberger about how they write their four-color stories.

 

12:15-1:15 – DC Comics: My Secret Origin: How I Broke Into Comics

Moderator: Dan DiDio

Talent: Cully Hamner, Alisa Kwitney, Justin Jordan

They say breaking up is hard to do…but breaking into comics may be tougher! Come by for an inside look at how some of DC’s top-notch talent broke in, crafting the tales of your favorite DC Super Heroes!

 

1:30-2:30 – Marvel Legacy

A new era of Marvel storytelling is about to begin! Mysteries, returns, and infinite possibilities await in the pages of each Marvel Legacy title. SVP & Executive Editor Tom Brevoort and Ken Lashley (X-Men Gold), David Marquez (Defenders), Greg Pak (Incredible Hulk), and Mark Waid (Avengers, Captain America, Champions) will be in attendance to give fans the latest info about their first thrilling story arcs in their Marvel Legacy series.

 

2:45-3:45 – Baltimore Celebrates Batman Day!

Moderator: Jimmy Palmiotti 

Talent: Amanda Conner, David Finch, Peter J. Tomasi, James Tynion IV, John Timms 

It’s Batman Day but Harley Quinn is taking over! Celebrate Harley’s 25th Anniversary and all things Batman in this can’t miss panel.

 

4:00-5:00 – Kirby: King of Comics

Jack Kirby created or co-created some of comic books’ most popular super heroes. Take a look at Kirby’s career in comics as writer Mark Evanier and Abrams Books’ Charlie Kochman discuss Evanier’s book, Kirby: King of Comics.

 

5:15-6:15 – Image Comics: Your New Favorite Series

Image Comics is home to some of the best storytellers in the comics business constantly reinventing the medium with fresh and new exciting titles. Meredith Finch (Rose), Charles Soule (Curse Words), Justin Jordan (The Family Trade), Nikki Ryan (The Family Trade), and Andrew MacLean (Head Lopper) lead the latest wave of Image classics and are here to tell how they’re about to become your new favorite books!

Room 343-344

11:00-12:00 – The Mike Wieringo Tellos Tribute

Join Todd Dezago, Thom Zahler, Val Staples, Rob Stull, Paul Mounts, and many more as they discuss the creation of the most impressive and ambitious graphic novel project ever as well as the creation of the original Tellos series and memories of Ringo.

 

12:15-1:15 – Mike Wieringo Tellos Tribute Signing

An exclusive signing, for the first time, of both Ringo Tellos Tribute Volumes 1 and 2, featuring a collection of many of the contributing artists.

 

1:30-2:30 – Valiant Presents Icons: X-O Manowar, Bloodshot, Faith and Beyond

With record-setting series like X-O Manowar, Faith, and SECRET WEAPONS, Valiant Entertainment is the most celebrated publisher anywhere in comics today! Now, right here at BCC, find out what’s coming for Valiant’s next blockbuster series like Bloodshot Salvation, Eternity, Ninja-K, and Quantum and Woody! with an all-star cast of guests! Valiant’s next major leap forward starts here with exclusive announcements and artwork – first at BCC!

2:45-3:45 – Dynamite: Igniting Imaginations

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. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the real-life origin stories of some of your most beloved comic creations!

 

4:00-5:00 – BOOM! Studios: Discover Yours

There’s a comic at BOOM! Studios for everyone, from longtime fans to brand-new readers, and this is the panel to discover YOUR favorite new series! Join BOOM! Studios staff and creators as they explore the diverse imprints of the main BOOM! Studios line, BOOM! Box, KaBOOM!, and Archaia with exclusive previews, news, and the information you need to discover your next obsession. Featuring James Tynion IV (Eugenic, The Backstagers), Hope Larson (Goldie Vance), Sean Rubin (Bolivar), Greg Pak (Mech Cadet Yu), Matt Kindt (Grass Kings), Anthony Burch (Big Trouble in Little China: Old Man Jack), and Clay McLeod Chapman (Lazaretto). Moderated by Filip Sablik (President, Publishing & Marketing, BOOM! Studios).

5:15-6:15 – Bob Fujitani Spotlight

Bob Fujitani began his career in comics in the 1940s and may be best known for the original artist of Doctor Solar, Man of the Atom. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. He’s drawn characters including The Hangman, Flying Dutchman, SkyWolf, Sherlock Holmes, and books including Lassie, Crime & Punishment, and Turok, Son of Stone. Join Bob Fujitani and moderator Mark Evanier as they look back at his amazing career.

Room 345-346

11:00-12:00 – Comics Creators Consuming Coffee: Baltimore Edition

Back by popular demand! Sample the world’s strongest coffee with your favorite comics creators while we chat about all things coffee and comics. Amy Chu (writer Poison Ivy, Red Sonja, KISS) and Sean Von Gorman (Batfreak, Toe Tag Riot) host this interactive panel featuring special guests including Terry Moore (Motor Girl, Strangers in Paradise).

 

12:15-1:15 – A Crash Course in Online Reviewing

Fans of pop culture often have a lot to say and share. The writing and editing crew at Pop Culture Uncovered talk about getting started writing reviews, editorials, and columns. How to find your voice, find and keep an audience, and how to find the motivation when writer’s block gets in the way.

 

1:30-2:30 – Lettering with Todd Klein & John Workman

The letterer’s job is usual an invisible one unless the letterer becomes an integral part of the printed page. Two of the premier practitioners of the unheralded art form, Todd Klein and John Workman, talk about their work and their careers with moderator Robert Greenberger.

 

2:45-3:45 – Amulet Graphic Novel: Behind-the-Scenes

Presentation and Q&A with author Kazu Kibuishi on the creation of the Amulet graphic novel series for Scholastic Graphix. Explore the process of creating adventures for all ages!

 

4:00-5:00 – Fandom and Representation: A Conversation on Why Diversity Matters to Fans

The subject of character diversity and representation in pop-culture seems to always be accompanied by controversy. But at the heart is a simple notion: people wanting to see themselves reflected in their art. Fantasy, sci-fi, and comics are no exception. In this panel, we’ll be speaking on why showing the real world in comics, good, bad, and ugly, is so important. And why it’s good for everyone.

 

5:15-6:15 – Creator-Owned vs. Company-Owned

A company-owned property usually means a good paycheck, guaranteed audience, and a chance to reach a wider readership than creator-owned works. But the latter offers great freedom and satisfaction. Walter Simonson, Dean Haspiel, and Thom Zahler talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly with moderator Robert Greenberger.

Room 347-348

12:15-1:45 – Inside the Art of Visual Storytelling

Carl Potts, former Marvel Entertainment Executive Editor, screenwriter, and author of The DC Comics Guide to Creating Comics: Inside the Art of Visual Storytelling, discusses how to combine instinct with knowledge to arrive at the best visual narrative solutions for your story.

 

2:45-3:45 – Women Creators Discuss the Evolving Comic Book Industry

Join this panel of talented comic book creators with a wide range of experience in the industry for a discussion on the evolving comic book industry. Discover panelists’ perspectives on how comics has evolved over the years. How do panelists measure success? What unique challenges exist for women creators? What impact does social media have on panelists’ interaction with fans? How has the comic book store and convention experience for women creators changed? What might the future hold? Discussion on all these questions and more! Moderated by Creator Talks podcast host Christopher Calloway, panelists include: Meredith Finch (creator/writer of Rose/Image Comics), Alitha Martinez (artist for Iron Man, X-Men/Marvel Comics), Erica Shultz (writer of Charmed/Dynamite Entertainment).

 

4:00-5:00 – LICENSED!: Overstreet Looks at Licensed Comics

From the Disney work of Carl Barks to Zorro by Alex Toth, from Planet of the Apes to Star Wars, and from The Micronauts to G.I. Joe, licensed titles have been an exciting part of the fabric of comics. Join The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide for a lively discussion of licensed comics with Mark Wheatley (Doctor Who, Jonny Quest, Tarzan), James Kuhoric (Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash, Hatchet), Joseph Rybandt (Editor – Dynamite Entertainment) and Overstreet’s own J.C. Vaughn (24, Stargate Atlantis, Stargate Universe).

Ballroom (4th Floor)

11:00-12:00 – Stefan Kapicic Panel

In the movie Deadpool, Stefan Kapicic left his mark as the stoic X-Man, Colossus. Discover more about this amazing actor and his work, and maybe even learn a bit about the next Deadpool movie, with this spotlight panel.

 

12:00-1:00 – Darryl Makes Comics

You know Darryl “DMC” McDaniels from his legendary music career. But do you know he also makes comics? Join DMC, Greg Pak, Khoi Pham, Domo Stanton, and moderator Amy Chu as they explore the world of Darryl Makes Comics. Sponsored by The Hero Initiative.

 

1:30-2:30 – David Mazouz and Sean Pertwee Panel

Join David Mazouz (Bruce Wayne) and Sean Pertwee (Alfred Pennyworth) for a trip to Gotham. If you’re a fan of the FOX TV show, you know this is the panel for you.

 

3:00 – Costume Contest (Adults)

Kids Love Comics Pavilion Workshop Area

12:00-1:00 – The AaaaWoooooo Werewolf Workshop with Chris Flick

Have a howling good time as cartoonist Chris Flick shows you how to draw werewolves of all shapes and sizes.

 

1:00-2:00 – Panel Party with Mark Mariano and Kazu Kibuishi

You are cordially invited you to the Panel Party, where your imagination, storytelling ability, and art skills will be welcomed and celebrated. Simply put, we are going to have a blast making comics together! Warning: attending this party may result in you throwing your own Panel Party at home!

 

2:00-3:00 – Cosplay Crafts with Gina Super Sox

Gina makes clothing for superheroes to wear! The seamstress of Super Sox Shop will discuss making clothing, toys, soft swords and shields, and other fabric crafts.

 

3:00-4:00 – Pixel Portraits with Tim Fielder

Pixel Portraits: A Digital Storytelling Workshop by the creator of Matty’s Rocket, showcases his storyboarding process of panel to panel techniques for comics, animation, and film.

 

4:00-5:00 –  Building a Better Batcave! with John Gallagher

You are part of Batman’s trusted team of engineers and interior designers. He has just tasked you with a very important job. Working together, you must design and draw the blueprints for a new Batcave!

 

5:00-6:00 – A Piggy’s Tale Comic Reading and Drawing! with Piggy and Tod Emko

Join Tod Emko for a live reading of A Piggy’s Tale, the universally loved all-ages comic. Piggy the Three-Legged Super Pup will be present to greet his public and model as the audience draws the heroic canine. If Piggy likes the drawing, the child will receive the first issue of A Piggy’s Tale! All participants will have their photos taken with their drawings for the piggytale.com website.

Sunday

 

(Please note, all times and panels shown are subject to change)

 

Room 339-342

11:00-12:00 – Black Panther

Before you see Black Panther on the big screen in 2018, you want to make sure you know his comic book roots and this panel is a perfect way to start. Travel to Wakanda with Afua Richardson, Alitha Martinez, and moderator Tom Brevoort.

  

12:15-1:15 – DC Universe

Moderator: Dan DiDio

Talent: Amanda Conner, Tom King, Steve Orlando, Jimmy Palmiotti, James Tynion IV

The DC Universe is what everyone who’s anyone is talking about. The universe has been restored with hope and optimism, engaging storylines and dynamic characters. Come discover more about your favorite DC super heroes, plus hear from the talented teams bringing these stories to life!

 

1:30-2:30 – Jack Kirby at 100

This past month, the comics world celebrated what would have been the 100th birthday of legendary creator Jack Kirby. Tom King, Walter Simonson, Mark Buckingham, Jerry Ordway, Dean Haspiel, John K. Snyder III, the Kirby Museum’s Rand Hoppe, and moderator Mark Evanier discuss Kirby’s work and it’s lasting influence in comics today.

Room 343-344

11:00-12:00 – CosLove Presents: #icanbaHERO

Cosplay promotes creativity, camaraderie, and can even evolve into community service and philanthropic pursuits. Meet members of CosLove, DC Heroes, East Coast Avengers, Justice League Alliance Mid-Atlantic, Hope for Henry, and The 501st Legion as they provide tips on how to combine your passion for cosplay along with giving back to your local community and other charity efforts. Find out how you can reach out to local organizations and other cosplayers/costumers to organize events, as well as how to use cosplay to reach new patrons or engage students. #TeamCosLove is a group of cosplayers and creatives that support local communities through school and hospital visits within the DC/MD/VA Mid-Atlantic Region, assisting organizations with similar events across the United States, and which promotes the overall love for cosplay and cos-positivity within the community. With Brian Korzec, Alice Irvin, Liam Stillman, Shemika Demouchet Berry, and Patrick Michael Strange.

 

12:15-1:15 – The Plotmasters Project

David Petersen (Mouse Guard) & Jesse Glenn (Odd 13 Brewing) have started a new video podcast series, The Plotmasters Project, in the spirit of looking back at their earliest characters and stories, sharing old embarrassing artwork and ideas, discussing what worked and what didn’t with them, and then creating new art and ideas as though they were working on that project today. Join The Plotmasters as they talk about concept editing, character design, and artistic evolution.

 

1:30-2:30 – Valiant 101: Jump on Board Here!

New to the Valiant Universe? Jump on board right here with a concise and fun-filled introduction to the origins and adventures of Valiant’s greatest and most iconic heroes – from Bloodshot and Divinity to Faith and Harbinger to Ninjak and X-O Manowar! From Buzzfeed and Entertainment Weekly to The Guardian and dozens more, Valiant has been hailed as the premier superhero publisher in comics today… Now, look no further than this panel of Valiant all-stars to find out where to start!

2:45-3:45 – Historical Fiction Comics

Like history? Love comics? Come travel through time with comics! Join Christy Blanch (The Damnation of Charlie Wormwood), Lora Innes (The Dreamer), and Thom Zahler (Time and Vine) as they talk about writing and drawing historical fiction.

Room 345-346

11:00-12:00 – Marv Wolfman and Mark Evanier in Conversation

Marv Wolfman (New Teen Titans, Deathstroke the Terminator, Tomb of Dracula) and Mark Evanier (Darkseid Special, Groo the Wanderer, DNAgents) discuss writing. Don’t miss this chance to see two legendary creators sharing stories about their time in comics and more.

 

12:15-1:15 – The Return of Classic Cartoon Comics – Underdog, Casper, Rocky & Bullwinkle, and Pink Panther

American Mythology is proud to bring back some of the most beloved all-ages cartoons to introduce to new generations of comic fans. Parents remember the animated antics of Underdog, Casper, Rocky & Bullwinkle, and The Pink Panther as staples of Saturday morning cartoons. Join S.A. Check, Pat Shand, John Gallagher, and Mike Wolfer as they share their memories of these cereal and milk classics and discuss new all ages fun coming your way from American Mythology next year!  

1:30-2:30 – Comics for Everyone

An all-star panel of writers and artists talk about the magical power of comics, how they work to reach new readers, and make stories for all audiences. With Amy Chu (Poison Ivy, Red Sonja, KISS), Carla Speed McNeil (Finder, No Mercy, Love is Love) and Franco (Aw Yeah Comics, Tiny Titans).

 

2:45-3:45 – From Idea to the Page: Making Comics the Comicker Way

Comicker Press co-founder and New York Times best-selling writer Sean E. Williams takes you step-by-step through what goes into taking your comics ideas and making them a reality. From finding collaborators to building a proposal, from self-publishing to pitching to publishers, and from writing a script to coloring the final page, Williams shows what goes into making comics from beginning to end.

Room 347-348

11:00-12:00 – Writing for Young Readers

How is writing for young readers unique? What are the rewards and challenges? Are any themes off limits? Join Kazu Kibuishi, Barry Lyga, Andy Runton, Hope Larson, Louise Simonson, and moderator Charlie Kochman as they explore writing for young readers.

 

12:15-1:15 – Comics in the 1970s

The Comics Code was revised, the direct sales market was born, and the first hints of independent publishing highlighted a decade that saw a new generation of creators make their debut, including Elliot S! Maggin, Keith Pollard, Joe Staton, Ron Wilson, and John Workman. They reminisce with moderator Robert Greenberger about those transitional years. Sponsored by The Hero Initiative.

 

1:30-2:30 – Ominous Press Panel

Join Bart Sears and Andy Smith for a panel discussing all things Ominous Press and more! They will discuss their careers from the beginning to now! And why they felt now was the right time to bring Ominous Press back.

 

2:45-3:45 – Creative Community: Finding It, Building It, and Growing With It

Making comics can sometimes feel like a lonely pursuit — but having a team of colleagues, supporters, and friends can encourage, support, and promote independent creators, no matter where they are in their careers. Come chat with Kata Kane (Ana and the Cosmic Race, Altar Girl), David Crispino (Taft Sturgeon), Colin Byrd (The Crimson Fly), and Jordan Clark (Bitch Planet, Triple Feature) from local creators’ group Bmore Into Comics about how to find and participate in comics communities. Moderated by Parker Hicks (Vengeful Ghost).

Ballroom (4th Floor)

11:00-12:00 – Down with the King 

A one on one retrospect with DMC as we talk about about his journey from Run-DMC to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to DMC the superhero. Moderated by Eddie #ebonyhero Newsome.

 

12:00-1:00 – Finn Jones and Jessica Henwick Panel

You know them from The Defenders, Iron Fist, and Game of Thrones. They’re Finn Jones (Danny Rand) and Jessica Henwick (Colleen Wing). Join us for a fascinating and engaging panel exploring these two talented actors and their work.

 

2:30 – Costume Contest (Kids)

Kids Love Comics Pavilion Workshop Area

11:00-12:00 – Drawing With Drouin: Disney Characters with Emily Drouin

Learn to draw Disney characters using basic shapes in this fun drawing activity!

 

12:00-1:00 – Cosmic Character Creations with Kata Kane and Amy Chu

In this interactive all ages workshop, color and draw alongside artist Kata Kane (Altar Girl, GFFs: Ghost Friends Forever) and dream up your character with writer Amy Chu (Poison Ivy, Red Sonja) as they talk about their new graphic novel Ana and the Cosmic Race. Color pictures of Ana, Zyx, Keio, and Ekene, or create your own character to compete in the Cosmic Race!

 

1:00-2:00 – Superhero University with Chris Mariano and Brian Smith (OPEN TO FIRST 30 KIDS)

You won’t be able to fly and it won’t give you super powers, but you will learn all the ins and outs of superheroics from the industry’s top professors. PLUS, you’ll have fun making your own cape and superhero mask! Come to this workshop as a kid, leave as a superhero!

2:00-3:00 – Once Upon a Superhero with Gregg Schigiel

What happens when the worlds of Fairy Tales collide with Superhero Comics? Join Pix and SpongeBob Squarepants cartoonist Gregg Schigiel for this genre-mashing creative workshop.

 

3:00-4:00 – Imagination Aquarium with Jamar Nicholas

Ever find yourself stuck for cartoon ideas? Put on your wetsuit and dive into the IMAGINATION AQUARIUM, where cartoonist Jamar Nicholas will help you catch ideas in your net and create awesome cartoons!

In support of our hearing-impaired fans and attendees, the Baltimore Comic-Con will have ASL interpreters available at select 2016 panels.

TICKETS

General Admission and VIP Package tickets for Weekend, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, as well as the Ringo Awards, are now on sale! Visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com/tickets/ for more information and to purchase your advanced tickets now, and as always, kids 10 and under get into the show free with a paid adult General Admission!

The Ghostlight Fen presents a feature common to this world, but a greater danger in this place, the substance the current human inhabitants often call "magic" but their ancient progenitors called "fae." In the parlance of the original human colonists fae is a system, perhaps even a network, that spans the entire planet and can manipulate matter and energy in accordance with the will of the user. The indigenous species are born knowing how to manipulate this system in various ways, but other can learn to control it. Control is the keyword, and the system is psychoactive and will respond to unconscious mind as easily as the conscious.

Indeed, theorists in ancient times speculated that the fae was a created rather than natural phenomena and the demons from the unconscious of its creators destroyed them, leaving only their creations (the ieldri and others) behind.

Fae permeates and surrounds the world, but in some places it collects and goes awry. Some of those bad places were caused by overstressing the system, as the ieldri sorcerers did in their desperate war against the ylthlaxu. Others may be places where it has just broken down with time. The Ghostlight Fen seems to be one of the former type.


This dysfunction manifests itself several ways, but most particularly: peculiars and visitants. Peculiars are small, discrete areas of reality distotions generated using these tables. Visitants are more pseudo-encounters of weirdness using these tables. The chance of coming across these in a given hex in the Fen per day is as follows:

Green Fen Hex: Peculiar - 20%, Visitant 5%
Pink Fen Hex: Peculiar - 60%, Visitant 30%

Spellcasters and Fae: All arcane spellcasters (not just sorcerers) are subject to something akin to a wild magic surge. After casting a 1st level or higher spell, a roll of a 1 on d20 requires a d100 roll on the table in the 5e PHB. In green hexes, this roll is only required for the first spell cast by an individual caster per hex. In the pink hexes it is required for the first spell of each spell level cast by an individual caster. Clerical casting is only affected in pink hexes and in the manner of green hexes for arcane casters.

Inspirations: The concept of the fae was inspired by C.S. Friedman's Coldfire Trilogy, but also borrows from the some of the rationalizations of magic in Hite's Trail of Cthulhu: Rough Magicks, details of  Forbidden Planet (1958), and Roadside Picnic.

Created by:

Richard Buckler, Stan Timmons & Tony deZuniga

Real Name:

Paul Patten Jr.

Joined Mighty Crusaders:

Mighty Crusaders (vol. 2) #11

First Appearance:

Blue Ribbon Comics (vol. 2) 6, March 1984

Origin:

Paul Patten’s, son takes over his father’s role as the Fox.

History:

Paul Patton Jr. was raised as a child in the town of Beaver Kill where his father, Paul Patton, operated as the Fox. Patton took up a career in photography and eventually got a job as a photographer in Impact City. His wife, Mae Patton, operates as the She-Fox while his son, Shinji Patton, follows in his father’s footsteps as the Ghost Fox.

Powers & Weapons:

The Fox has no super powers but is a skilled martial artist.

Checklist:

Red Circle/Archie Comics:
Blue Ribbon Comics (vol. 2) 6, 7
Mighty Crusaders (vol. 2) 9, 11-13

Archie’s Weird Mysteries 3, 14

Red Circle

Fox 1-4

Fox: Freak Magnet TPB

Dark Circle

Fox Hunt 1-4