In one of the oddest announcements to come out of FanExpo last weekend, DC Comics has announced that the time-traveling hero Booster Gold will be tweaked somewhat.
A member of the new Justice League International, Booster Gold will be revealed to be a Canadian citizen, representing his true native land. Whether he’s still from the future remains unclear.
It's actually more of a reset. David Finch's infamous JL1 variant cover, which was also used as one of the covers for the Program Guide at Fan Expo Canada last weekend..
Tonight at midnight in some select stores and tomorrow morning everywhere else, DC Comics will be getting a lot of attention. Why? It’s the end of one era and the begging of a new direction.
1) Flashpoint #5 “changes everything” as the DCU goes through what can only be compared to a “Star Trek-like” readjustment of it’s entire superhero line of comic books. I liken it to the recent Star Trek movie (the one directed by J.J. Abrams) in that a central DC hero (looking to foil his arch-enemy) has gone back in time and changed events that have caused the present to change dramatically resulting in the warped Flashpoint world where Superman is a lab rat and Batman is Thomas Wayne. Flashpoint is also similar to Back to the Future II in that events in the past have changed the present, sort of like the alternate 1985 on BTTF II. Well, in the process of fixing the timeline, things change again — and the new timeline will be similar but with a lot of subtle differences which of course will be evident in…
2) Justice League #1 by the powerhouse dynamic duo of Geoff Johns and Jim Lee, which starts off with a six part story that looks at the formation of the Justice League some nebulous “five years ago”.
Justice League #1 debuts with a variant cover by David Finch, and there will also be a bagged version that includes a code for a digital copy of the comic. Customers will also be able to purchase the comic online as it is the first of the new “day and date” digital publishing plan that DC has adopted.
Needless to say, curiousity levels will be high. Since the story broke DC has been playing up and playing down the changes so much that the existing customer base is as put off by it as they are intrigued, but both groups will want to know the hows, whats and whys of the changes before making a final call on this massive change.
At FanExpo this past weekend I had a chance to talk to some of the folks at DC and they are very excited but equally nervous as this is a bold step for the company, and it’s one they won’t know the results of for sure until the third issues of the “new 52″ are out and retailers report on whether the influx of interest in the new #1′s has encouraged anyone to stick around long enough to sample the second and third issues.
I also spoke with many retailers over the weekend, and they are both excited at the interest their customers are showing in the relaunch, but equally concerned about the longevity of their customer’s interest. On top of that, most seem either negative or indifferent towards the digital releases.
Either way, there’s no debate about the importance of this event to both retailers, the publisher and the one element rarely mentioned — the distributor. If DC successfully alienates their existing readers and fails to attract new ones this will end up being a spectacular failure of “New Universe” proportions and could result in a hasty “quick fix” event to restore things to the way they were and it could potentially. If it is successful retailers will see an influx of new and old faces into their stores looking for comics again. Let’s hope that is the case!
In 1991, North Toronto’s Paradise Comics opened as a little cubbyhole on the east side of Yonge Street north of Lawrence. Under the direction of original owner Chris Friesen the store became a popular location for back issue collectors. As the business grew, the store relocated across the street to it’s current location. In 1994 Friesen sold the store to his room-mate at the time and decided to move into comic book restoration full time and has gone on to become the restoration expert for CGC.
New owner Peter Dixon subsequently continued down the same path established by Friesen, and the store has grown slowly over the subsequent 17 years. Dixon and manager Doug Simpson are both Overstreet price guide advisors. The store and some customers/associates were also involved in producing local comic conventions, eventually offloading them to Wizard in 2009 who continue them under the “Toronto Comic Con” brand name as part of their Wizard World family of conventions. The store continues to be the host for some local signings.
Over the last five or more years Paradise has expanded it’s graphic novel selection and the main floor of the store is lined with bookshelves full of trades and hardcovers. The basement is filled from floor to ceiling with long boxes of back issues, a selection of the size and scope that most retailers are currently abandoning.
Starting next week Paradise is celebrating their anniversary, here’s the blurb:
On Wednesday September 7th 2011 Paradise Comics will be celebrating our 20th anniversary. Over the course of the next year, we’ll be hosting a series of events to thank our friends, customers, and colleagues for all their support. The party will begin on September 7th between 3-8pm. Please join us for cake, door prizes and maybe even the chance to meet a few special guests. Please keep checking out our site www.paradisecomics.com throughout the next 12 months for many more special sales and events and we hope to make our next 20 years as fun as the first 20.
Well, we somehow managed to survive another year of the Comic Book Expo at FanExpo. I’ll be taking some time to process everything that happened over the 4 (LONG) days of the event before making any final decisions and comments about it, but it is nice to know that the majority of reports are positive in tone.
Huge thanks to the two best assistants a guy could ask for: Allison Covey and Andrew Walsh. Great job!
One thing I don’t need to reflect on is that the Comic Book Expo’s “How To” Workshops rocked! Thanks to the fine folks at the Toronto Cartoonists Workshop – particularly the irreplaceable Walter Dickinson. The mods were great: Keiren Smith, Paul Truster, Robert Pincombe, Jason Shayer, Ron Kasman, Brent Chittenden and Kathleen Gallagher. A lot of them were standing room only (especially Anthony Del Col‘s talk on Friday afternoon). Huge thanks to Ty Templeton for doing a new record of 3!
Sketching Duels continued to be a big hit at FanExpo. Thanks to all of the artists who participated and big props to our team of refs: ‘Fearless Fred’ Kennedy, Brian Deemer from Comic Geek Speak, Andrew Walsh and Shelley Smarz! Highest attended: Tony Moore / Bill Sienkiewicz (standing room) and the one that got the best positive feedback was the Women of Comics one with Jill Thompson, Agnes Garbowska (representing Canada), Sara Richard and Katie Cook!
For once I had a little time to walk around and buy a few things. My FanExpo pick-ups include: One Soul by Ray Fawkes, Infinite Kung Fu by Kagan McLeod, Three Thieves Book Two: The Sign of the Black Rock by Scott Chantler, plus sketchbooks and mini-comics by Tony Moore, Nimit Malavia and Mike Del Mundo, prints by J. Bone and Salgood Sam and original art from Steve Mannion, Geof Isherwood, Michael Cho, Ron Salas and Kalman Andrasofszky.
Announced this weekend, appropriately enough at Fan Expo Canada — Marvel Comics has decided to turn the 8-issue Alpha Flight mini-series into an ongoing series with the same creative team of Greg Pak, Fred Van Lente and Canada’s own DALE EAGLESHAM.
According to related news, Canadian superteam Alpha Flight will find out they are part of a commonwealth of superheroes…. this is not unlike the fact that most Canadians don’t really remember the fact that Canada itself is still a member of the Commonwealth of Nations (formerly known as the British Commonwealth) that includes the UK, Australia, India, Pakistan, South Africa and 48 other countries around the world.
McClelland & Stewart senior editor Anita Chong has acquired world rights to The Spectral Engine, a graphic novel by Ray Fawkes. The book is a retelling of Canada’s most famous ghost stories, linked by themes of migration, dislocation, nation-building, and the casualties of history. The book will be published October 2013.
Located at booths 118 and 120, Koyama Press has sent to us their daily appearance schedule for creators who will be at their booth this weekend at Fan Expo Canada:
Thursday, August 25th.
Chris Kuzma
Steve Manale
Diana McNally
Maurice Vellekoop
Britt Wilson
Jesjit Gill
John Martz
Fiona Smyth
Steve Wolfhard
Michael DeForge
Friday, August 26th
Steve Manale
Diana McNally
Brian Fukushima
Maurice Vellekoop
Mark Laliberte
Jesse Jacobs
Diana Tamblyn
John Martz
Fiona Smyth
Steve Wolfhard
Ginette Lapalme
Patrick Kyle
Saturday, August 27th
Brian Fukushima
Vicki Nerino
Alex Perkins
Mark Laliberte
Diana Tamblyn
John Martz
Fiona Smyth
Aaron Costain
Steve Wolfhard
Ginette Lapalme
Patrick Kyle
Sunday, August 28th
Steve Manale
Diana McNally
Vicki Nerino
Alex Perkins
Britt Wilson
John Martz
Fiona Smyth
Aaron Costain
Steve Wolfhard
DC COMICS – MUST SEE EVENTS
DC FOCUS: JEFF LEMIRE
Jeff Lemire first made an impression on the world of comics with his award-winning Essex County graphic novel trilogy. He soon made the move to DC Comics with the graphic novel The Nobody and comics including Superboy and the dystopian epic Sweet Tooth. Lemire recently wrote the miniseries Flashpoint: Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown and will make a splash in September with the new, continuing series Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. and Animal Man. Join Jeff for a special chat about his work for DC Comics and Vertigo.
THURSDAY, 5 PM – ROOM 715B
DC FOCUS: JAMES ROBINSON
James Robinson is a comic book scribe and sometimes screenwriter, currently completing a landmark run on Justice League of America. His major prior work, Starman, was recently reprinted in its entirety by DC as a series of six omnibuses. He’s set to launch the upcoming The Shade maxi-series this October. Join James for a special chat about his career, his work for DC Comics and beyond.
FRIDAY, 11:30 AM – ROOM 715B
DC: FINAL FLASHPOINT FRIDAY!
Everything you know will change in a Flash! Flashpoint, the blockbuster comics event of the summer, has turned the DC Universe inside out! Join DCU Executive Editor, Eddie Berganza, Brian Azzarello (Batman: Knight of Vengeance), Andy Kubert (Flashpoint), and James Robinson (The Outsider) for the final Flashpoint Friday panel that leads into DC Comics – The New 52 launch!
FRIDAY, 1 PM, ROOM #716
DC COMICS – THE NEW 52
DC Comics explodes in September with 52 new number one issues and one panel is not enough to cover it! With the ‘DC Comics – The New 52’ launch just around the corner, there’s sure to be something for everyone! Join DC Comics Executive Editor, Eddie Berganza, for an up-close look at this unprecedented wave of new series, from the first-ever re-launches of Action Comics and Batman titles to the latest thrills from comics’ cutting-edge! Panelists include Brian Azzarello (Wonder Woman), Tony Daniel (Detective Comics), Dan DiDio (O.M.A.C.), David Finch (Batman: The Dark Knight), Jeff Lemire (Animal Man), Francis Manapul (Flash), Ethan Van Sciver (Fury of the Firestorms), James Robinson and Jill Thompson.
SATURDAY, 1 PM – ROOM #716
Moderator: DC Editorial
DC ART MASTERS: DRAWING BATMAN
Superstar artists Tony Daniel (Detective Comics), David Finch (Batman: The Dark Knight) and Andy Kubert (Flashpoint) share their secrets of drawing Batman with a special projector designed so you can see their every master stroke. Check out this unique presentation that will surely draw ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ amongst the gathered masses!
SATURDAY, 2:30 PM – ROOM #716
DC COMICS: DRAWING THE NEW 52
What does it take to remake a universe? Immensely talented artists! Join DC Comics Executive Editor, Eddie Berganza with artists Francis Manapul, Yanick Paquette, and Ethan Van Sciver for a unique look as they discuss and show their visual approach to reshaping the DC Universe!
SUNDAY, 1 PM – ROOM #716
THE KUBERT SCHOOL – MUST SEE EVENTS
CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF TALENT: SPOTLIGHT ON THE KUBERT SCHOOL
Since it was founded in 1976, The Kubert School has offered students a high quality and challenging education in Cartooning and Graphic Art. In this spotlight panel, Marvel’s C.B Cebulski will lead a unique and lively discussion with founder and comics legend Joe Kubert (Sgt. Rock, Hawkman), his sons – Adam Kubert (Astonishing Spider-Man/Wolverine) and Andy Kubert (Flashpoint), as well as former students Shane Davis (Superman Earth One), Fernando Ruiz (Archie Comics) and Alex Maleev (Moon Knight, Scarlet). Come and learn what has made this important institution so relevant in today’s age of comics. Questions welcomed!
SATURDAY, 4 PM, ROOM #716
THE KUBERT SCHOOL PRESENTS: FERNANDO RUIZ AND JOE KUBERT
An awesome event for aspiring artists and fans! First join Kubert School graduate and current instructor Fernando Ruiz (Archie Comics) as he teaches you how to lay out an action packed cover then prepare yourselves for the legendary Joe Kubert (Sgt. Rock, Hawkman) as he demonstrates his drawing techniques in a rare live demo. To add even further to the excitement, the unique piece or original artwork he will create before you will be raffled off at Fan Expo Canada with all proceeds benefiting the The Hospital for Sick Children! Stop by The Kubert School booth (#124) on Friday or Saturday for details on how to win and to purchase tickets. Don’t miss out on this chance to see a living legend create a work of art right before your eyes!
SUNDAY, 2:30 PM, ROOM #716
MARVEL COMICS – MUST SEE EVENTS
MARVEL: BREAKING INTO COMICS THE MARVEL WAY
You have the talent. You have the imagination. You have the “Go get ‘em Tiger” determination that would make the Bullpen proud. But where do you go from there? Discover the next step in your budding comics career with Matt Fraction (Fear Itself), Mark Brooks (Uncanny X-Force), Jonathan Hickman (FF), Marvel SVP, Creator & Content Development C.B. Cebulski and Marvel Editor In Chief Axel Alonso as they give you all the right pointers towards getting a foot in the door at Marvel Comics. Discussing all entry points across every department, this can’t-miss panel is a must for all Marvel hopefuls!
THURSDAY, 5 PM – ROOM #714
MARVEL: FEAR ITSELF
The entire Marvel Universe is gripped with Fear! The Serpent and his Worthy continue their assault on Earth’s Mightiest, sending mass panic across the globe — but what other threats can the Avengers expect to face? Find out here as the creators behind the comic blockbuster event of the year answer your questions and let you in on what happens next! Join Matt Fraction (Fear Itself), Stuart Immonen (Fear Itself), Fred Van Lente (Alpha Flight), Marvel SVP, Creator & Content Development C.B. Cebulski and Marvel Editor In Chief Axel Alonso as they reveal the Avengers’ deepest fears!
FRIDAY, 2:30 PM – ROOM #714
MARVEL: THE INCREDIBLE ULTIMATE PANEL
Need a gamma irradiated Ultimate Comics fix? Then this is the panel for you! Join Marvel Editor In Chief Axel Alonso, Jonathan Hickman (Ultimate Comics Ultimates), Jason Aaron (Incredible Hulk), Fred Van Lente (Herc) and Associate Editor Sana Amanat as they give you the lowdown on the all-new Ultimate Comics Universe and the inside track to the latest happenings to everyone?s favorite Jade Giant! It?s the ultimate panel worthy of the Green Goliath himself!
SATURDAY, 11:30 AM – ROOM #714
MARVEL: X-MEN: REGENESIS
The bonds of brotherhood have been broken between Cyclops and Wolverine, as their feud reaches its boiling point ? tearing the X-Men apart in X-Men: Schism. But after the dust settles, what’s next for the X-Men and their allies? Enter X-Men: Regenesis, where we answer all your questions and reveal exclusive details about what’s next! You’ve got questions & these people have answers! Editor Jeanine Schaefer, Marvel Editor In Chief Axel Alonso, Jason Aaron (Wolverine & the X-Men, X-Men: Schism), & Marvel SVP, Creator & Content Development C.B. Cebulski are on hand to lay out what’s going on with the X-Men for this all-new, all-DEADLY panel!
SATURDAY, 2:30 PM – ROOM #714
MARVEL: PINT O’ C.B.
This is it, Mighty Marvel fan s- the no-holds-barred, anything goes, full of surprises panel you wait all year for, and it’s here! Marvel SVP, Creator & Content Development, C.B. Cebulski, takes on all questions, shocks the audience with jaw-dropping announcements and guests, Matt Fraction (Thor), Jonathan Hickman (FF), Jason Aaron (Wolverine), Dan Slott (Amazing Spider-Man), & Fred Van Lente (Herc)! You better be here, because this is the panel that everyone will be talking about! So head on over and grab a pint with C.B.!
SATURDAY, 5:30 PM – ROOM #714
MARVEL: NEXT BIG THING
What major events lie around the corner for the Marvel Universe? Get the latest scoop on the characters and comics you love, with some surprising announcements to boot! Join panelists Dan Slott (Amazing Spider-Man), Jonathan Hickman (S.H.I.E.L.D), Dennis Hopeless (X-Men: Season One), Marvel Editor In Chief Axel Alonso & Marvel SVP, Creator & Content Development C.B. Cebulski as they answer all your burning questions, while giving you a sneak peek at the future of Marvel!
SUNDAY, 11:30 AM – ROOM #714
MARVEL: YOUR UNIVERSE
Join Marvel Editor In Chief Axel Alonso, SVP, Creator & Content Development C.B. Cebulski, Director of Communications Arune Singh & Editor Jeanine Schaefer as they leave their Marvel ID’s at the door and enter as fans! Want to know how things work at the House of Ideas? Got some things to get off your chest about a Marvel character or story? Well here’s your chance True Believer! It’s the panel for fans BY fans with no spin, no marketing, and just a friendly chat amongst fans!
SUNDAY, 2:30 PM – ROOM #714
JEFF SMITH – CARTOONIST GUEST OF HONOUR – MUST SEE EVENTS
CREATING THE WORLDS OF BONE AND RASL WITH JEFF SMITH
From concept sketch to finished page to graphic novel, both Bone and Rasl have engaged the full creative potential of master cartoonist Jeff Smith. Join Jeff as he discusses his process of developing the characters and environments that make these two works so rich and engaging to readers.
FRIDAY AT 2:30, ROOM #716
SPOTLIGHT ON JEFF SMITH
Join 2011 Cartoonist Guest of Honour Jeff Smith (Bone, Rasl) as he discusses the 20th anniversary of Bone, feature films, the future of comics, and much more.
SATURDAY AT 2:30 – ROOM #718
IMAGE COMICS – MUST SEE EVENTS
IMAGE: PITCHING YOUR CREATOR-OWNED COMICS – WRITERS UNITE!
Creator-owned comics have grabbed the imagination of the comic-reading community all over again and publishers are looking for fresh ideas from a new generation of talent. Listen closely as Image Comics creators Charles Soule (27, Strongman), Kurtis Wiebe (Green Wake, The Intrepids) and Jim Zub (Skullkickers) discuss pitching their hit comic series and offer advice on how to climb to the top of the treacherous submission mountain. (How-To, Q&A)
SATURDAY, 11 AM – ROOM #717
IMAGE COMICS PRESENTS YOUR NEW FAVORITES
Join Image Comics for announcements about upcoming projects, updates about ongoing projects, and a Q&A session with some of the best creators working in comics. Don’t miss your chance to find out about what we’re up to before anyone else does, and ask questions of your favorite creators! Panelists include Charles Soule (27), Kurtis Wiebe (Intrepids, Green Wake, Peter Panzerfaust), Viktor Kalvachev (Pherone, Blue Estate), Dennis Hopeless (Lovestruck), Jim Zubkavich (Skullkickers), and Jonathan Hickman (The Red Wing, Feel Better Now).
SATURDAY, 1 PM – ROOM 713
OTHER “MUST SEE” EVENTS
KIRBY KRACKLE – THE NERD ROCK BAND UNPLUGGED
THURSDAY, 6:30 PM – ROOM #713
COMIC GEEK SPEAK RECORDING AND TRIVIA EXTRAVAGANZA
Join the Comic Geek Speak crew as they do a live Q&A session about their show and podcasting in general. And then try your hand at stumping CGS’s Adam Murdough in comic trivia.
FRIDAY, 1 PM ROOM 715B
STAR WARS: THE EXPANDING UNIVERSE – THE COMICS
From the Marvel series of the late 1970′s and 1980′s to the latest offerings from Dark Horse Comics; from movie adaptations to licensing art to the worlds of Star Wars Lego — creators have been adding to the Star Wars universe for decades! This all-star panel of creators are here to discuss their involvement in the worlds of Lucasfilm. Featuring Ken Steacy, Greg Hyland, Dave Ross, Ramon Perez and more!
FRIDAY, 6 PM, ROOM #715B
THE FOUR COLOUR MARRIAGE: COUPLES AND COMICS
What is it like to be working together in the same industry? Join us as we have a candid discussion on work and relationships with creator couples Matt Fraction (Fear Itself) and Kelly Sue DeConnick (Castle), Stuart Immonen (Fear Itself) and Kathryn Immonen (Wolverine and Jubilee), Jill Thompson (Scary Godmother) and Brian Azzarello (Wonder Woman).
FRIDAY, 4 PM – ROOM #714
C.B. CEBULSKI PRESENTS: FOOD & COMICS
In a unique panel that is part epicurian delight and fanboy dreams – come join Marvel Comics Senior V.P. C.B. Cebulski and Toronto’s own Chefs Chris MacDonald (cavarestaurant.ca) and Chef Roger Mooking (from the Food Network Canada’s Heatseekers and Everyday Exotic) for a lively, yet tantalizing discussion on how geek, comic and food culture come together in this, the age of new media.
FRIDAY 5:30 ROOM 714
A NOVEL APPROACH – CREATORS ON GRAPHIC NOVELS & NEW MEDIA
With the rise to prominence of the graphic novel format over the last two decades, graphic novels also must face the challenge presented by the coming digital age. Please join a star-studded panel of creators including Ray Fawkes (One Soul), Scott Chantler (Two Generals), Cameron Stewart (Sin Titulo), Andy Belanger (Kill Shakespeare) and Ramon Perez (upcoming Jim Henson’s A Tale of Sand) as they discuss working in different platforms and what the future may hold for comics and graphic novels.
SUNDAY, 1:30 PM – ROOM #715B
CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER – THE COMICS
Join a roundtable of popular comics creators as they discuss the important role the star-spangled Avenger plays in the world of comics, their thoughts on how he should be interpreted, anecdotes about their time working on Cap and their thoughts on Captain America in other media. Featuring Jason Aaron (Ultimate Captain America), Steve Epting, Ron Garney, Bob McLeod and Steve McNiven.
SUNDAY 4PM – ROOM #714
Unique to Fan Expo Canada, these friendly competitions are fun question and answer sessions with comics creators while they produce amazing original pieces which will be raffled off to lucky audience members.
This year the line-up includes:
SHANE DAVIS, MARK BROOKS AND CLAY MANN
THURSDAY, 6:30 PM – ROOM #716
MARKO DJURDJEVIC AND TONY DANIEL
FRIDAY, 11:30 AM – ROOM #716
BILL SIENKIEWICZ AND TONY MOORE
FRIDAY, 4 PM – ROOM #716
THE WOMEN OF COMICS - JILL THOMPSON, AGNES GARBOWSKA, SARA RICHARD AND KATIE COOK
FRIDAY, 5:30 PM – ROOM #716
STEVE EPTING AND ALEX MALEEV
SATURDAY, 11:30 AM – ROOM #716
JIMMY CHEUNG, DALE EAGLESHAM AND DALE KEOWN
SATURDAY, 4 PM – ROOM #716
DAVID FINCH AND ETHAN VAN SCIVER
SUNDAY, 11:30 AM – ROOM #716
Unless otherwise noted, these workshops are being produced and run with the cooperation of our friends at the Toronto Cartoonists Workshop!
MAKE YOUR OWN DARN COMIC! ASSEMBLING THE HOLMES INC. PROJECT WITH TY TEMPLETON
THURSDAY, 5 PM – ROOM #717
Moderator: Ty Templeton
IT’S IN THE PUNCHLINE: GAG HUMOUR CARTOONING WITH PLAYBOY’S DOUG SNEYD
THURSDAY, 6 PM – ROOM #717
Moderator: PAUL TRUSTER
TEAM SPIRIT: CREATING THE FF WITH JONATHAN HICKMAN, STEVE EPTING & MARKO DJURDJEVIC
THURSDAY, 7 PM – ROOM #717
Moderator: BRENT CHITTENDON
KEEPING IT IN PERSPECTIVE- A PRIMER WITH DALE DESROCHERS
FRIDAY, 12 PM – ROOM #717
Moderator: Dale Desrochers
GREAT WHITE NORTH STARS: CREATING ALPHA FLIGHT WITH CHRIS CLAREMONT, FRED VAN LENTE & DALE EAGLESHAM.
FRIDAY, 1 PM – ROOM #717
Moderator: JASON SHAYER
NO TRACING ALLOWED – ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON CONTEMPORARY INKING WITH MARK MORALES, DEXTER VINES, J. BONE AND BOB MCLEOD
FRIDAY, 2 PM – ROOM #717
Moderator: Kellam Templeton-Smith
LIFE WITH ARCHIE- CARTOONING THE ETERNAL TEEN WITH DAN PARENT
FRIDAY, 3 PM – ROOM #717
Moderator: Walter Dickinson
DIGITALLY SPEAKING WITH CAMERON STEWART
FRIDAY, 4 PM – ROOM #717
Moderator: Walter Dickinson
KILL SHAKESPEARE PRESENTS: CREATING AND MARKETING YOUR INDEPENDENT COMIC
FRIDAY, 5 PM – ROOM #717
Moderator: Walter Dickinson
TAAFI PRESENTS: SCHOOLISM.COM – DIGITAL PAINTING WITH BOBBY CHIU
Presented by the Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI.COM)
FRIDAY, 6 PM – ROOM #717
Moderator: TAAFI
COMIC BOOK BOOTCAMP WITH TY TEMPLETON
SATURDAY, 12 PM – ROOM #717
Moderator: Ty Templeton
CREATING ZOMBIES AND MACABRE MONSTERS FOR FUN & PROFIT WITH TONY MOORE
SATURDAY, 1 PM – ROOM #717
Moderator: Walter Dickinson
CUTE REBOOT: CREATING FUN COMICS FOR KIDS WITH KATIE COOK
SATURDAY, 2 PM – ROOM #717
Moderator: Robert Pincombe
POISONED PENS: WRITING CRIME COMICS WITH BRIAN AZZARELLO AND JASON AARON (who will join in at 3:30)
SATURDAY, 3 PM – ROOM #717
Moderator: PAUL TRUSTER
SUPERHERO STEW – CREATE A CHARACTER WITH DAN SLOTT AND TY TEMPLETON
SATURDAY, 4 PM – ROOM #717
Moderator: Ty Templeton
ILLUSTRATION MASTERCLASS WITH COMICS LEGEND BILL SIENKIEWICZ
SATURDAY, 5 PM – ROOM #717
Moderator: Robert Pincombe
WATERCOLOUR MASTERCLASS WITH JILL THOMPSON
SATURDAY, 6 PM – ROOM #717
Moderator: Walter Dickinson
PENCILING THE COMIC BOOK PAGE- AN INTRODUCTION BY LEONARD KIRK
SUNDAY, 12 PM – ROOM #717
Moderator: Leonard Kirk
DRAWING THE FEMME FATALE WITH MARK BROOKS
SUNDAY, 1 PM – ROOM #717
Moderator: Walter Dickinson
BREAKING THE MOLD: REDEFINING THE CLASSIC HERO WITH JAMES ROBINSON
SUNDAY, 2 PM – ROOM #717
Moderator: KATHLEEN GALLAGHER
LOOK UP IN THE SKY! CAPTURING THE FLYING FIGURE WITH SHANE DAVIS
SUNDAY, 3 PM – ROOM #717
Moderator: Walter Dickinson
PAINTING MASTERCLASS WITH FAMOUS MONSTERS COVER ARTIST JASON EDMISTON
SUNDAY, 4 PM – ROOM #717
Moderator: Keiren Smith
Link to the floorplan and exhibitor locations
ARTIST ALLEY EXHIBITORS (-P = Premium booth/endcap)
1% Talent A205
36K Studios A275
A Cat’s Drawing A172
Adam Temple A159
Alana McCarthy A20-P
amillustration A254
Amya Chronicles A92
Andrea and Drake A75
Andrea Gerstmann A142
Andrew Barr A249
Angels and Fetuses A7
Animish A185
Antimatter A213
Arcnet01 + Becca T-R A223
Art by Karine & Sam A113
ArtbyFrankHong A118-P
Artisans of Evil A210-P
AT Design Inc A62
Attic Raiders A220-P
Aysculpture A252
Babes in Space A229
Bake Sailors A77
Basement Studios A137
Beach Creative Studios A11-P
Beat Black A257
Ben Thomas A155
Big Sexy Comics.com A1-P
Bird Behind the Mask A236
Bizarre Comics Ent. A123
Black Currant A215
Blacklist Studios A239
Bonnie Tang A233
bowmanitis.com A224
Busted illustration A63
C + S Illustration A234
C’s Charms A202
C&C Creations A194
Cadmi A240-P
Chase Artwork A219
Chibi Seimei A180-P
Christina D Art A232
Christopher Uminga A117
Chromachine A227
Claire Beard Art A258
Closet Monsters A264
Comic Sins A146
Comic Store Sitcom A37
Comic-Kaze! Designs A96
Cracked Lens Photos A245
Craig Arndt A14
Crimson Crayon A109
Cryptic Cresent A152
Dances with Ghosts A237
Del From Hell Studio A73
Devil’s Panties A85
Devilish Ink A116
Devon Devereaux A115
Dino Damage A8
DMF Comics A23
Echo Chernik A260-P
Egesta Comics A65
Elandera A174
Erik Irwin A105
Evinou-Faulkner Studio A9
Faebyl Art A217
Fairy Alien Conspiracy A132
Fall on Me/Namesake A106
February Jones A114
Female ofthe Species A212
Fireguy Productions A46
Flatlines – Ultra Men A45
Flying Pegbars A184
Francesco Zito A259
Fransois Chartier A67
Full Circle A134
Gloomies A13
Guerilla Printing A30-P
Gum Gum Pins A154
Guy H.L. A153
Halfglove Hospitals A193
Hand’Solo Records A128-P
Heather Bruton A198-P
Hey Apathy! A90-P
Hyein Lee A98
Illustraytion.com A177
Imaginism Studios A2
Imposterfeit A104
Inky Bits Collective A168-P,
A178-P, A188-P
Jack and Pookie A156
Jacob Johnson A222
Jacques of Trades A53
Jaded Dragon Studios A74
James Davidge A97
Jamie Boylan A238
Jeff Young Sterling A12
jeffdeananthonyadam A66
Jennifer Tisdale A84
Jesse Rayburn A87
John Giang A119
Jonomus A266
Justin B and Angel S A93
Karly & Megan Design A122
Katoo & the Bourgyman A126
Kaze-Hime Co. A175
Keita & Jimmy A143
Ken turner A25
Kiddo-Static A176
Kirby Krackle Music A108
Kruger Art A110-P
Kuma Crafts A192
Lamin Illustration A58-P
Laura Vegy’s Art A56
Laurel Vision A27
Lonehorseman Prod A86
Lubomir Arsov A64
Lucoart A197
Luijan & Raquel Prints A186
Mad Hatter Designs A173
Mandy.J and Susan.D A103
Marc Wolfe A277
Mas Nelsonisms A82
Max the Mutt A88-P
Mika’s Fountain A206
mike Boldt A120-P
Mike Maydak A147
Miranda Viventi A95
MKAGE A255
Monster Kookies A242
Monster Make A263
MummysLittleMonster A246
My Ghoul Friday A248
Nayuki A163
Neil Chenier A33
Nikufei and KK Cross A148
Nina and Kailey A256
Odd Novelty Prod. A253
Odd Robot A36
Oh Stowm! A133
Omake A247
Paris Alleyne A72
Pedestrian X Art A244
Perishing Twinkie A207
Peter Habjan A89
Pheleon Creations A183
Pieces of Eights A124
Postscript-Celadore A40-P
Powie Studios A44
Qinni & Kehrilyn A80-P
Quacked Plush A165
Qute Wear A160-P
Ramy A250-P
Red Moon A265
Red Moon Creations A167
Richard A Kirk A200-P
Rorschach Press A48-P
S’up Cuz A127
Sabrina Geraats A57
Sakura River A196
Sammay A203
Sara Richard A273
Sarah Hiroko Hibino A162
Scowling Elf A164
Selena and Meaghan A102
Sequential Scribbles A39
Sewing Business A166
Shilin Huang A195
Sikotik Comics A55
Sillwill Studios A135
Sketchkrieg A22
Sla-Yer Comics A125
Space Canuck Comics A136
SparkleGirl A226
Specimen b-28 A54
Spent Pencils A140-P
Sprocket House A262
Staja A112
StarXade Media A150-P
Stranger A94
Strawberry Ink A208
Studio Lounak A138-P
Studio Marimo A268
StudioComix A144
Sunhawk A214
Sweet Geeks A130-P
Sylvia Shi A170-P
Tallgear Industrial A216
Taryn/Jori A29
The Anthology Project A50-P, A52
The Day After A243
The Fedoras A182
Thomas Riley Noveis A218
Tiikay A267
Titan: Graphic Novel A100-P
Tomgeeks A60-P
Tony Perna A32
Tower of Ash Comics A34
Twisted Pentagram A225
Ultraist Studios / PP A35
Uriginals Inc A145
Utama Studios A158-P
Varethane A107
Velharthis Comics A269
Verdigris Grove A204
Vitaly S Alexius A42
Webcomic Alliance A83
Why Not Buttons A235
Wild Things A70-P
Wire to Weave A190-P
Xiao Bai Artwork A157
XTC Creations A187
Yanimator A43
Yuta/Wesley A47
ZombieInfo.com A230-P
Link to the floorplan and exhibitor locations
There have been a few changes since the map was published – here’s my most up-to-date listing of guests (Monday Aug. 22 @ 7:00 pm). Canadians in bold. This list doesn’t include additional creators with artist alley booths, or other creators located in the exhibitor area.
Name TABLE / BOOTH # Company
Jason Aaron NA Signing Area
Sal Abbinanti P034
Kei Acedara P006-A
Attila Adorjany P080-B
Sam Agro P049-A
Axel Alonso 743 Marvel Entertainment
Adrian Alphona P021-B
Sana Amanat 743 Marvel Entertainment
Kalman Andrasofszky 112 Royal Academy
Brian Azzarello NA Signing Area
Laurie B. P003
Andy Belanger 112 Royal Academy
Eddie Berganza 1043 DC Comics
J. Bone P042-A
Ken Branch P010
Jack Briglio P043-A
Ed Brisson P048-A
Mark Brooks P045
Kent Burles P025-B
Jeff Cahn 130 Image
CB Cebulski 743 Marvel Entertainment
Scott Chantler P042-B
Michael Cherkas P088-A
Jim Cheung P017
Bobby Chiu P006-B
Michael Cho 112 Royal Academy
Charlene Chua P006-C
Chris Claremont NA Signing Area
Comic Legends Legal Defense Fund (CLLDF) P054-A
Richard Comely P049-B
Katie Cooke P039
Aaron Costain 118/120 Koyama Press
Rob Coughler 112 Royal Academy
Wes Craig P060-A
David J. Cutler P056-A
Ian Daffern P090-B
Jeremy Dale P086-B
Tony Daniel NA Signing Area
Shane Davis P051
Willow Dawson 112 Royal Academy
Daxiong Guo P006-D
Valentine DeLandro P023-B
Mike Debalfo 126 Zenoscope
Kelly Sue DeConnick P002-A
Michael DeForge 118/120 Koyama Press
Anthony Del Col 112 Royal Academy
Michael Del Mundo P004-A
Dan Didio 1043 DC Comics
Marko Djurdjevic P036
Omar Dogan 115 UDON Entertainment
Robert G. Doria P009-B
Ryan Dunlavey P065-A
Dale Eaglesham P066
Niall Eccles P076-A
Felippe Echevarria P011
Jason Edmiston P054-B
Steve Epting P015
Rick Evans P009-A
Ray Fawkes P014-B
David Finch NA Signing Area
G.W. Fisher P087
W. Scott Forbes 130 Image
Matt Fraction NA Signing Area
Brian Fukushima 118/120 Koyama Press
Mike Gagnon P026-B
Larry Ganem 1043 DC Comics
Agnes Garbowska P068-A
Ron Garney P016
George Peter Gatsis P024
Jesjit Gill 118/120 Koyama Press
Jason Gilmore P083 Pop Sandbox
Holly Halftone P008-A
Larry Hancock P088-B
Clayton Hanmer aka C-Ton P041-A
Bob Harras 1043 DC Comics
Scott Hepburn 112 Royal Academy
Janet Hetherington P071-A
Jonathan Hickman NA Signing Area
Dennis Hopeless 130 Image
Edwin Huang 130 Image
Greg Hyland P076-B
Raffaelle Ienco P057-B
Kathryn Immonen P044-A
Stuart Immonen P044-B
Geof Isherwood P027
Jesse Jacobs 118/120 Koyama Press
Alex Janson P083 Pop Sandbox
Victor Kalvachev 130 Image
Ron Kasman P086-A
Dale Keown P062-B
Dan Khanna P012
Nam Kim 130 Image
Bill Kimberley P013-A
Lovern Kindzierski 125 Renegade Arts Entertainment
Leonard Kirk P055-B
Shane Kirshenblatt P089-A
Scott Kowalchuk 130 Image
Annie Koyama 118/120 Koyama Press
Drazen Kozjan P092-A
Adam Kubert 124 Signing Area
Andy Kubert 124 Signing Area
Joe Kubert 125 Signing Area
Mark Laliberte 118/120 Koyama Press
Jessie Lam P046-A
Marvin Law P002-B
Alvin Lee P005-A
Kurt Lehner P089-B
Leo Leibelman P084
Jeff Lemire P082-A
Mike Leone P090-A
Leo Lingas P040-A
Nimit Malavia P004-B
Alex Maleev P035
Steven Charles Manale 118/120 Koyama Press
Francis Manapul P068-B
Clay Mann P019
Steve Mannion P077
Marvin Mariano P022-A
Nick Marinkovich P082-B
John Martz 118/120 Koyama Press
Richard Maurizio P072-B
Conor McCreery 112 Royal Academy
Brian McLachlan P013-B
Bob McLeod P061
Kagan McLeod 112 Royal Academy
Diana McNally 118/120 Koyama Press
Steve McNiven P028
James Millet P050-A
Alex Milne P047
Junko Mizuno P093
Tony Moore P001
Mark Morales P018
Matt Moylan 115 UDON Entertainment
Vicki Nerino 118/120 Koyama Press
Joe Ng 115 UDON Entertainment
Sean O’Reilly 220 HarperCollins Canada
Richard Pace P062-A
Yanick Paquette P033-B
Dan Parent P079
Ramon K. Perez 112 Royal Academy
Alex Perkins 118/120 Koyama Press
Paul Peterson P083 Pop Sandbox
Richard Poplak P083 Pop Sandbox
John Porcellino P083 Pop Sandbox
Nick Postic P026-A
Gibson Quarter P055-A
Peter Repovski P085
Benjamin Rivers P040-B
James Robinson NA Signing Area
Hugh Rookwood P022-B
Dave Ross P025-A
Riley Rossmo 130 Image
Marco Rudy P020-A
Fernando Ruiz P078
Ron Salas P014-A
Salgood Sam 112 Royal Academy
Sam Sarkar 130 Image
Jeanine Schaefer 743 Marvel Entertainment
Travis Sengaus P073
Alex Serra P043-B
Bill Sienkiewicz P064
Dan Slott NA Signing Area
Jeff Smith 129 Boneville
K.T. Smith P056-B
Fiona Smyth 118/120 Koyama Press
Doug Sneyd P007
Kean Soo P075-A
Charles Soule 130 Image
Ken Steacy P058
Ryan Stegman P023-A
Cameron Stewart P033-A
Ronn Sutton P071-B
Diana Tamblyn 118/120 Koyama Press
Ralph Tedesco 126 Zenoscope
Ty Templeton P057-A
Jill Thompson P038
Kelly Tindall P060-B
Marcus To P067-B
J. Torres P041-B
James Turner P080-A
Alina Urusov P005-B
Fred Van Lente P065-B
Ethan Van Sciver P029
Eric Vedder 112 Royal Academy
Maurice Vellekoop 118/120 Koyama Press
Joe Vriens 112 Royal Academy
Tigh Walker P046-B
Michael Walsh P048-B
Sean Ward P008-B
Ken Wheaton P072-A
Kurtis Wiebe 130 Image
Britt Wilson 118/120 Koyama Press
Owen Wiseman 130 Image
Steve Wolfhard 118/120 Koyama Press
Howard Wong P020-B
Tory Woollcott P075-B
Wowee Zonk (Chris Kuzma, Ginette Lapalme and Patrick Kyle) 118/120 Koyama Press
Xiao Bai P092-B
Craig Yeung P021-A
Thom Zahler P050-B
Richard Zajac P067-A
Jim Zubkavich 130 Image
There are more. I’ll be updating this list up to Wednesday.
Hard to believe but it’s coming up so fast, but FAN EXPO CANADA is scheduled to start one week from today on Thursday, August 25th. This marks the first time this 17 year old event has been four days. In a couple of hours I’ll be heading down to the MTCC for our final pre-show staff meeting to run through the logistical side of how the show will run.
It’s been keeping me quite busy lately, as we are preparing all of the last minute touches on the event, so unfortunately there’s been little activity here on the JSA site. Things will get back to normal in September hopefully.
I will take some time this week (before Wednesday) to point out some comic related attractions.
BEST LETTERER
John Workman, THOR, Marvel Comics
BEST COLORIST
Jose Villarrubia, CUBA : MY REVOLUTION, Vertigo/DC Comics
BEST SYNDICATED STRIP OR PANEL
DOONESBURY, Garry Trudeau, Universal Press Syndicate
BEST ONLINE COMICS WORK
HARK! A VAGRANT, Kate Beaton, http://harkavagrant.com/
BEST AMERICAN EDITION OF FOREIGN MATERIAL
BLACKSAD, Juan Diaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido, Dark Horse Comics
BEST INKER
Mark Morales, THOR, Marvel Comics
BEST NEW SERIES
AMERICAN VAMPIRE, Scott Snyder, Stephen King and Rafael Albuquerque, Vertigo/DC Comics
MOST PROMISING NEW TALENT
Chris Samnee, THOR: THE MIGHTY AVENGER, Marvel Comics
SPECIAL AWARD FOR HUMOR IN COMICS
Roger Landridge, THE MUPPET SHOW, BOOM! Studios
BEST ORIGINAL GRAPHIC PUBLICATION FOR YOUNGER READERS
TINY TITANS, Art Baltazar and Franco Aureliani, DC Comics
BEST GRAPHIC ALBUM PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED
DAVE STEVENS’ THE ROCKETEER: ARITIST’S EDITION, designed by Randall Dahlk & edited by Scott Dunbier, IDW
BEST ANTHOLOGY
POPGUN # 4, edited by D.J. Kirkbride, Anthony Wu and Adam P. Knave, Image Comics
BEST DOMESTIC REPRINT PROJECT
DAVE STEVENS’ THE ROCKETEER: ARITIST’S EDITION, designed by Randall Dahlk & edited by Scott Dunbier, IDW
BEST COVER ARTIST
Mike Mignola, HELLBOY, Dark Horse Comics
BEST BIOGRAPHICAL, HISTORICAL OR JOURNALISTIC PRESENTATION
THE ART OF JAIME HERNANDEZ: THE SECRETS OF LIFE AND DEATH, Todd Hignite, Abrams ComicArts
SPECIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN PRESENTATION
DAVE STEVENS’ THE ROCKETEER: ARITIST’S EDITION, designed by Randall Dahlk & edited by Scott Dunbier, IDW
BEST GRAPHIC ALBUM – ORIGINAL
SCOTT PILGRM VOLUME 6: SCOTT PILGRIM’S FINEST HOUR, Bryan Lee O’Malley, Oni Press
BEST CONTINUING OR LIMITED SERIES
LOVE AND ROCKETS: VOLUME 3, Jaime and Gilbert Hernandez, Fantagraphics
BEST WRITER
Roger Langridge, THOR: THE MIGHTY AVENGER, Marvel Comics
BEST ARTIST
Darwyn Cooke, RICHARD STARK’S PARKER: THE OUTFIT,IDW
BEST CARTOONIST
Darwyn Cooke, RICHARD STARK’S PARKER: THE OUTFIT, IDW
BEST SINGLE ISSUE or STORY
DAYTRIPPER, Fabio Moon and Gabiel Ba, Vertigo/DC Comics
Last night, at the Toronto Cartoonists Workshop at 587A College Street, the TCW, Guerilla Printing, All New Comics and the Joe Shuster Awards held a launch party and art show event for two Toronto-based creators: Andy Belanger (for Kill Shakespeare 12 – which unfortunately has been delayed to an August 23rd release date) and J. Bone for DC Retro-Active: Wonder Woman – The 70′s #1.
The night started out, interestingly enough, by our group passing renowned cartoonist Seth and his wife on College Street on our way into the school/gallery space. Seth didn’t attend the event, but it was a surprise to see him and it seemed an interesting start to what ended up being a great night for comics in Toronto.
The TCW’s Eden Bachelder and Kellam Templeton-Smith had already framed and hung the 53 pieces submitted by Andy and J. for display, with the entire issue of J.’s Wonder Woman issue on the East wall, and an assortment of pieces from Kill Shakespeare and other work by Andy along the West wall. Attendees were greeted by the absolutely stunning (and massive!) original art by Andy for the cover of Kill Shakespeare #12 as they came in.
Between 7 and 11 the place was packed with fans, art lovers, a few retailers and a number of comics professionals — a true industry night!
J. Bone (centre)
J. had even prepared some new limited prints for the evening featuring Wonder Woman, one of which was a redo of the cover for DC Retroactive Wonder Woman #, but done in J’s on style instead of the Mike Sekowski homage style he was asked to apply to the published comic. The other print – Wonder Woman soaring with an eagle was another stunner. I would personally LOVE to see more Wonder Woman comics done by J. Bone in this style. Who’s with me on this? Maybe we can put some pressure on DC’s Eddie Berganza, Bob Harras and Dan Didio when we see them here in a couple of weeks for Fan Expo Canada! Here’s a closer look at that cover recreation – great job on the colouring as well J.!:
Over at Andy’s table he had a selection of issues of Kill Shakespeare and other comics he had worked on, including the first trade paperback collection. He also had a couple of great prints for sale, one a silk screen print featuring the art from that Kill Shakespeare 12 cover, as well as one of an amazing collaboration he did with another talented Toronto-based artist – Michael Cho.
I saw the piece originally on display in Calgary, and surprisingly it did not sell there. I am happy to report that it has found a home — my apartment. Here’s a closer look at that piece:
It was quite the crowd and I was really impressed with the installation and the overall atmosphere was very laid back and a lot of fun. The free beer certainly helped! Event sponsor Guerilla Printing also had a table, run by Darwin Santos and Tyrone McCarthy:
We are happy to report that we had over 100 visitors and we raised 340 dollars in admission fees for the 2012 Joe Shuster Awards budget. People were very generous!
Some crowd shots:
See you in late September at our next Industry Night event – The launch party for THE FLASH #1 by Francis Manapul!
From left to right: Peter Fisico (All New Comics), Francis Manapul, Marcus To and Jason Truong
Big thanks to everyone at the TCW – particularly Sean Menard, Regina Menard, Eden Bachelder and Kellam Templeton-Smith!
Big thanks to Peter Fisico for being our financial sponsor!
Big thanks Darwin Santos and Tyrone McCarthy and their staff at Guerilla Printing!
Big thanks to everyone at the JSA who came down and pitched in – Allison Covey, Andrew Walsh and Tyrone Biljan. Special thanks to Debra Jane Shelly for assisting!
And finally HUGE thanks to the stars of the night: J. BONE and ANDY BELANGER!
Official Press Release
Just in time for Fan Expo Canada 2011, Marvel is pleased to announce an all-new variant by superstar Canadian artist Dale Eaglesham on Captain America #1! The Sentinel of Liberty heads to the Great White North with this special variant for our loyal fans attending Fan Expo at the Metro Toronto Convention Center! No fan can miss out on this this special Canadian variant that will be available for purchase for only four days (August 25th-28th) at the Fan Expo Canada Exclusives Booth! Experience the first issue of Marvel’s explosive new series in true Canadian fashion this month, with the Captain America #1 Eaglesham Variant!
Can’t make it to the convention? Follow along on the Marvel Events App & events.marvel.com, the best way to get exclusive videos, real-time announcements from the convention floor and up-to-the-minute panel, in-booth, and signing schedules of all your favorite Marvel creators!
CAPTAIN AMERICA #1 EAGLESHAM VARIANT
Written by ED BRUBAKER
Art by STEVE McNIVEN
Cover by DALE EAGLESHAM
FOR SALE AT FAN-EXPO CANADA 2011
PREVIEWSworld.com New Releases
Shipping 8/10/2011
Every Wednesday, PREVIEWSworld.com provides a list of comics, graphic novels and other pop-culture merchandise arriving this week to your local comic shop.
Please check with your retailer for availability, as not all new releases may be on sale in all areas at the same time. Continue reading
Looks like indie comics will have a busy spring, aside from any involvement indie creators might have in the dreaded flea market cons, it looks like they will have some tough choices to make in late April and early May. There’s either a turf war going on or a bunch of blind, inconsiderate decisions being made as per the timing of the bigger indie comics festivals in 2012.
Previously announced for June, MOCCA announced last week that they were moving their New York based event to the weekend of April 28-29 – a weekend already staked out by the Portland, OR-based Stumptown Comics Festival. End result will likely be an east/west split but it’s always a shame when these events overlap. MOCCA is a popular destination for Toronto indie creators, but I have to wonder how many will want to make the trek down given that…
…both of those events are the week before the first Canadian indie comics festival of 2012 – TCAF, which is on May 7-8, 2012 (as noted the 7th is also Free Comic Book Day for the rest of the comics community). They recently started taking applications for the curated event so be extra nice to festival director Chris Butcher when you submit your forms. The previously mentioned VanCAF is scheduled for two weeks after that, so it will be a busy month for those who choose to do both TCAF and VCAF… uh, VanCAF!
P.S. MOCCA and Stumptown are also on the same weekend as the 2012 CALGARY COMIC & ENTERTAINMENT EXPO… April 27-29.
To celebrate 18 years in business, Amazing Stories in Saskatoon, SK, will be hosting Ethan Van Sciver today.
PREVIEWSworld.com New Releases
Shipping 8/3/2011
Every Wednesday, PREVIEWSworld.com provides a list of comics, graphic novels and other pop-culture merchandise arriving this week to your local comic shop.
Please check with your retailer for availability, as not all new releases may be on sale in all areas at the same time.
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