The Syracuse Heroes Expo is Central New York's premiere hobby convention. From comics to action figures, anime, sci-fi, manga, action figures, and video games we are dedicated to bringing the very best enthusiast gathering to the CNY region! This year the expo is all weekend, so everyone is encouraged to come visit!
This year's guests include Alvin Lee, Alex Milne, Larry Kenney, Tom Hodges, Art Baltazar, Jeff Lemire, John Herbert, Michael Kingston & Roger Stern. For more info, check the site! Tickets are on sale now!
Showing posts with label Conventions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Conventions. Show all posts
What is the Syracuse Heroes Expo all about?
The Syracuse Heroes Expo is simply put the event that all Central New York fans of comics, horror films, anime, manga, video games and all other related hobbies have been waiting for! At the expo you'll have the opportunity to meet with fellow fans, meet and greet with special guests, find that hard-to-find item you'd been looking, and so much more!
To summarize this event is about having a ton of fun!
When will the next expo take place and where?
Saturday, November 1st and Sunday, November 2nd.
Who is organizing the event?
Jeff Watkins
Syracuse native Jeff Watkins has been making his living as an event organizer and promoter since 1999. Making a name for himself in the music industry, he's organized events in Syracuse and Albany that boast Grammy winners, TV stars, and chart toppers.
Previous Syracuse Heroes Expo's have boasted great guests like Ray Park (Darth Maul), Yvonne Craig (Batgirl), Francis Manupal (Iron and the Maiden, Witchblade), The Iron Shiek, and Ken Lashley (The Flash). Previous guests include Marv Wolfman, Sean McKeever, Jon Arcudi, and John Russo, Ethan Van Sciver, Daniel Logan, Tony Isabella, Pop Mhan, Brinke Stevens, Bonnie Piesse & Tom Savini.
More info, as well as ticket info, will be on sale soon.
Press Release
The Orlando MegaCon, the largest comic book multi media event in the Southeast is pleased to make its initial announcement of guests for its 2009 convention. The Orlando MegaCon will take place Feb. 27-March 1, 2009 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL.
Legendary artist George Pérez will be the Special Guest of Honor at MegaCon 2009. In a 30+ year career in comics, George has illustrated Avengers, Fantastic Four, JLA, Wonder Woman, and a host of other seminal comics titles. He is hard at work on his next project from DC Comics, Final Crisis: Legion of Three Worlds. This will be George's first scheduled convention appearance in over a year, as he took 2008 off the convention circuit.
In addition, MegaCon is proud to announce additional comic guests including:
* Jimmy Palmiotti, writer of Back to Brooklyn
* Amanda Conner, artist of Green Arrow/Black Canary
* Darwyn Cooke, writer/artist of The Spirit
* Adam Hughes, artist of Wonder Woman and Tomb Raider
* Ethan Van Sciver, artist of Green Lantern
* Paul Pelletier, artist of Guardians of the Galaxy
* Jim Cheung, artist of Young Avengers
* Ron Marz, writer of Witchblade and Dragon Prince
* Steve McNiven, artist of Wolverine and Civil War
* Chuck Dixon, writer of Robin and Nightwing
* Brandon Peterson, artist of Uncanny X-Men
* Greg Land, artist of X-Men
* Nelson DeCastro, artist of Action Comics
* Mark Waid, writer of Flash, Captain America, and Fantastic Four
* Tony Bedard, writer of Birds of Prey and Exiles
* And Chris Claremont, Marvel Comics' legendary X-Men writer, who shepherded the title for over 20 years.
The MegaCon guest list is constantly growing. Check www.MegaConvention.com frequently for more updates.
Press Release
The New York Anime Festival (NYAF) today announced tickets to its 2008 event are now available at select retailers throughout New York City. Participating comic and anime shops include Manhattan anime landmarks Kinokuniya Bookstore and Image Anime. Tickets are also available online at newyorkanimefestival.com. The New York Anime Festival, an anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture convention from the creators of New York Comic Con, takes place September 26th through the 28th at the Jacob Javits Center in New York, NY.
"We're very happy to be working with comic and anime stores around New York City to offer fans another way to purchase tickets to the 2008 New York Anime Festival," Show Manager Lance Fensterman said. "We've been working with some stores for years now, and this is the first time we're partnering with many more. We're always excited to make local shops part of the New York Anime Festival family!"
NEW YORK ANIME FESTIVAL RETAIL PARTNERS
Anime Castle
35-32 Union St
Flushing, NY 11354
Forbidden Planet
840 Broadway
New York, NY 10003
Image Anime
242 West 30th St
New York, NY 10001
Kinokuniya Bookstore
1073 Ave of the Americas
New York, NY 10018
Midtown Comics
459 Lexington Ave
New York, NY 10017
Jim Hanley's Universe
4 West 33rd St
New York, NY 10001
Friday tickets are $35, Saturday tickets are $40, Sunday tickets are $35, and Weekend tickets -- good all three days -- are $55. Additional retailers will be announced soon at newyorkanimefestival.com. Retailers wishing to join the program can contact the New York Anime Festival's Kyle Marsden-Kish at kmarsdenkish@reedexpo.com.
ABOUT THE NEW YORK ANIME FESTIVAL:
The New York Anime Festival takes place September 26-28, 2008 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan and is organized by Reed Exhibitions, the creators of New York Comic Con. The New York Anime Festival showcases the best of anime pop culture, including the latest anime, manga, Japanese cinema, music, and games, and anime-influenced comics, animation, and films from around the world. The festival features exclusive and extensive screenings, a gala cosplay masquerade, sessions with the some of the biggest names in anime from Japan, Asia, and America, and explores the Japanese cultural experience with displays of both traditional and cutting-edge Japanese life. NYAF's partners include Anime News Network, Bandai Entertainment, BookExpo America, Del Rey Manga, DigitalLife, Free Arts NYC, Japan Society, Karaterice, Kinokuniya Bookstore, New York Comic Con, Samurai Beat Radio, Subway Cinema, TheOtaku.com, TOKYOPOP, VIZ Pictures, and the World Cosplay Summit. Further information can be found at newyorkanimefestival.com.
ABOUT REED EXHIBITIONS:
The New York Anime Festival is operated by Reed Exhibitions, the world's leading events organizer. In 2007, Reed brought together over six million industry professionals from around the world generating billions of dollars in business. Today, Reed events are held in 38 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia and organized by 39 fully staffed offices. Reed Exhibitions is part of Reed Elsevier Group plc, a FTSE-100 company and world-leading publisher and information provider. In 2006, Reed Elsevier made adjusted profit before taxation of #1,052 million on turnover of #5,398 million.
Official Press Release
A new and special manner to present original content to a captive and devoted audience has been created by The New York Anime Festival (NYAF) who today announced that the short story Vampire Hunter D: The Wanderer's Ship by Hideyuki Kikuchi will be published inside its Official Guide Book. Vampire Hunter D: The Wanderer's Ship has never been printed before in any language anywhere in the world. The New York Anime Festival, an anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture convention from the creators of New York Comic Con, takes place September 26th through the 28th at the Jacob Javits Center in New York, NY.
Hideyuki Kikuchi is one of Japan's most prolific horror novelists and one of the New York Anime Festival's Guests of Honor. Mr. Kikuchi is most famous for his Vampire Hunter D novel series, stories that follow "D" -- a half-human, half-vampire swordsman -- through a dystopic future ruled by vampires. The first D novel, penned in Japan in 1983, has been followed by over 15 sequels, with the most recent -- Throng of Heretics -- released in Japan in 2007. Mr. Kikichi is attending NYAF along with Vampire Hunter D illustrator Yoshitaka Amano and translator Kevin Leahy.
Vampire Hunter D: The Wanderer's Ship, a story of D and his encounter with a blood-red battleship, dates back to one of the author's "Talk Live" events. Each year, Mr. Kikichi hosts several "Talk Live" gathering in the Kabukicho section of Shinjuku. At these events, he introduces a younger generation of fans to a wide variety of horror and sci-fi films and brings them face-to-face with guests from the worlds of publishing, animation, and film. The events conclude with drawings that give the audience chances to win signed books, artwork, and other exclusive prizes. The very best is saved for last -- short stories handwritten by Mr. Kikuchi with exclusive publication rights.
To date, three tales set in the Vampire Hunter D universe have come into the possession of lucky fans. Only the first has been published. The third -- Vampire Hunter D: The Wanderer's Ship -- was won by Ms. Hitomi Yasue, a longtime fan of Mr. Kikuchi and a regular attendee of his events. As someone who knew D from the novels before ever seeing the anime, she was surprised to hear the opposite was true overseas. Ms. Yasue has graciously agreed to share this short story with fans at the New York Anime Festival in the hopes of exposing more people to the literary incarnation of her favorite Vampire Hunter. Vampire Hunter D: The Wanderer's Ship has been translated for the New York Anime Festival by Mr. Kikuchi's friend and the translator of his Vampire Hunter D novel series, Mr. Kevin Leahy
"It is with great pleasure that the New York Anime Festival presents Vampire Hunter D: The Wanderer's Ship in print for the first time anywhere, in any language," NYAF Show Manager Lance Fensterman said. "This is a genuinely historic moment, something for Kikuchi's fans around the globe, and it is only possible because of the generosity of Ms. Hitomi Yasue and the hard work of Mr. Kevin Leahy."
The New York Anime Festival Guide Book will be available in the Jacob Javits Center lobby from September 26-28, 2008. Tickets to the New York Anime Festival are now available at newyorkanimefestival.com.
ABOUT THE NEW YORK ANIME FESTIVAL:
The New York Anime Festival takes place September 26-28, 2008 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan and is organized by Reed Exhibitions, the creators of New York Comic Con. The New York Anime Festival showcases the best of anime pop culture, including the latest anime, manga, Japanese cinema, music, and games, and anime-influenced comics, animation, and films from around the world. The festival features exclusive and extensive screenings, a gala cosplay masquerade, sessions with the some of the biggest names in anime from Japan, Asia, and America, and explores the Japanese cultural experience with displays of both traditional and cutting-edge Japanese life. NYAF's partners include Anime News Network, Bandai Entertainment, BookExpo America, Del Rey Manga, DigitalLife, Free Arts NYC, Japan Society, Karaterice, Kinokuniya Bookstore, New York Comic Con, Samurai Beat Radio, Subway Cinema, TheOtaku.com, TOKYOPOP, VIZ Pictures, and the World Cosplay Summit. Further information can be found at newyorkanimefestival.com.
ABOUT REED EXHIBITIONS:
The New York Anime Festival is operated by Reed Exhibitions, the world's leading events organizer. In 2007, Reed brought together over six million industry professionals from around the world generating billions of dollars in business. Today, Reed events are held in 38 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia and organized by 39 fully staffed offices. Reed Exhibitions is part of Reed Elsevier Group plc, a FTSE-100 company and world-leading publisher and information provider. In 2006, Reed Elsevier made adjusted profit before taxation of #1,052 million on turnover of #5,398 million.
Press Release
Warner Bros. Digital Distribution and Warner Premiere announced today a new way for graphic novel fans to connect with their favorite characters and the stories they know and love through short-form digital content. “Warner Premiere’s Motion Comics” draw on a massive amount of source material to bring a visually engaging experience to life through the use of subtle movements, voice-overs, sweeping music scores and stunning comic book artwork. The highly anticipated debut episode of DC Comics “Watchmen” is now available exclusively as a free iTunes download for the next two weeks via Entertainment Weekly’s website (www.ew.com/watchmen). Beginning August 2, the debut “Watchmen” Motion Comic will be available on the iTunes Store (www.itunes.com) for purchase and download for $1.99. In addition, the Eisner Award-winning “Batman: Mad Love” starring Batman, The Joker and Harley Quinn can be downloaded to own from Xbox Live and available on Verizon Wireless’ V CAST Video service starting July 22. A full lineup of “Warner Premiere’s Motion Comics” and release dates will be announced shortly after Comic-Con.
Watchmen – Motion Comic
“Watchmen” takes viewers through the critically acclaimed DC Comics and Hugo award-winning graphic novel by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons. Set in 1985 at the height of the cold war between the United States and the Soviet Union, costumed avengers have been banned with the exception of two – The Comedian and Rorschach. During this time the mysterious murder of a United States government official named Edward Blake occurs in New York, possibly by Soviet Communists. It is later confirmed that Blake is actually a costumed avenger – The Comedian. The news of the murder is discovered by his fellow costumed avenger, Rorschach who sets out to discover the murderer.
During his search viewers discover whether Rorschach is really insane or if he’s uncovered a plot to murder super-heroes and, even worse, millions of innocent civilians. On the run from the law, Rorschach reunites with his former teammates in a desperate attempt to save the world and their lives. But what they uncover will shock them to their very core and change the face of the planet. Following two generations of masked superheroes from the close of World War II to the icy shadow of the Cold War comes this groundbreaking comic story — the story of The Watchmen.
In the July 18 edition of Entertainment Weekly fans will find a special link through EW.com (www.ew.com/watchmen) that provides access to the episode via iTunes. Additional episodes for purchase will also be made available via iTunes and other distribution partners in the coming months leading to the theatrical release of Watchmen in 2009.
Batman: Mad Love
“Batman: Mad Love” is taken directly from the pages of the Eisner Award-winning single issue graphic novel by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm. The story revolves around The Joker’s sidekick Harley Quinn who is madly in love with him. She uses crime to demonstrate her love for her “Puddin’” and sets out to commit the ultimate act of love – killing Batman.
The “Batman: Mad Love” Motion Comic will be available to purchase from Xbox Live and viewing on mobile phones enabled for Verizon Wireless’ V CAST Video service starting July 22. “Batman: Mad Love” episodes will also be available from other distribution partners in the coming months.
Sign up for Comic-Con Updates from Warner Bros.
To get the latest information on Warner Bros. activities during Comic-Con, go to the official WAP portal: http://getwb.com/comic/. Fans can also sign up for text alerts to Warner Bros. Entertainment events, free downloads and more by sending a text message with the word COMIC to 58671. Standard carrier rates may apply.
Press Release
Comic-Con International, the largest comic book and popular arts event in the United States, is proud to announce that Archie Goodwin and Larry Lieber have been selected to receive the 2008 Bill Finger Award for Excellence in Comic Book Writing. The choice was made unanimously by a blue-ribbon committee chaired by writer and historian Mark Evanier.
The Bill Finger Award was instituted in 2005 under the supervision of comic book legend Jerry Robinson. The awards committee is charged each year with selecting two recipients, one living and one deceased.
"With all the writers who seem worthy of this award, you'd think it would be an impossible decision," Evanier explains. "But this year, two names just jumped off the list of candidates. Much like the late Bill Finger, Larry Lieber and Archie Goodwin did important, groundbreaking work in our field that has not received the recognition it deserves. We're hoping to rectify that a little with these awards."
Archie Goodwin did his first work in comics (mystery stories for Harvey, along with assisting Leonard Starr with the newspaper strip On Stage) in the late 1950s. From 1964 to 1967, he produced a body of acclaimed work as writer/editor of Creepy and Eerie, then moved on to work as both a writer and editor for DC Comics and Marvel, writing memorable scripts for Batman, Iron Man, Star Wars, Manhunter, and many others. He also wrote several newspaper strips, including Star Wars, Secret Agent X-9, and Captain Kate. Goodwin passed away in 1998.
Larry Lieber began working in 1950 at the company now known as Marvel, doing artwork under the editorship of his brother, Stan Lee. In the late 1950s, he and Stan comprised the entire writing staff for the company, and Larry's work on monster comics (including the acclaimed "Fin Fang Foom") helped lay the groundwork for the Marvel superhero line of the sixties. For that line, Larry scripted the first stories of Thor and Iron Man and many early tales of The Human Torch. He is currently the illustrator of the Spider-Man newspaper strip.
The Bill Finger Award honors the memory of William Finger (1914"1974), who was the first and, some say, most important writer of Batman. Many have called him the "unsung hero" of the character and have hailed his work not only on that iconic figure but on dozens of others, primarily for DC Comics.
In addition to Evanier, the selection committee consists of Charles Kochman (executive editor at Harry N. Abrams), comics and animation writer Paul Dini, writer Tony Isabella, and writer/editor Marv Wolfman.
The 2008 awards are part of Comic-Con International with DC Comics as the major sponsor, along with supporting sponsors Comics Buyer’s Guide (CBG) and Heritage Auctions.
The Bill Finger Award will be presented during the 2008 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards ceremony at this summer's Comic-Con on Friday, July 25.
Additional information on the Finger Award can be found at www.comic-con.org/cci/cci_finger.shtml
Press Release
Neil Gaiman, the renowned author of science fiction and fantasy short stories and novels, graphic novels, comics, and films will be presenting a live reading benefiting the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund at the New York Comic-Con. The appearance, a paid ticketed reading event, will be called an "An Evening With Neil Gaiman" with 100% of the proceeds going to benefit the First Amendment legal work of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.
"Reed Exhibitions and the New York Comic Con have always shown a passion for the First Amendment, and their continued commitment to the CBLDF is a tremendous boon to our work," says CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein. "We're thrilled to team up with them for this rare and special event."
"We're elated to be working with the CBLDF to host this incredible event," states Lance Fensterman, Show Manager for New York Comic Con. "Neil Gaiman is a huge personality, and the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund is an incredibly influential and important organization. To have them both come together like this at New York Comic Con is a significant honor and I know this will be an enormous highlight of our weekend activity."
"An Evening With Neil Gaiman" will be Mr. Gaiman's only public appearance at New York Comic Con. It will be held on Friday, April 18, at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City, and will feature a reading of material selected by Mr. Gaiman. A limited access VIP reception will take place immediately before the event. New York Comic Con, the largest popular culture event to occur on the East Coast, will take place at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City, April 18 - 20, 2008.
Tickets for "An Evening With Neil Gaiman," are open to New York Comic Con attendees only and are available at www.nycomiccon.com. General admission tickets to the reading are available for $20, while supplies last. Tickets for the VIP reception are strictly limited to 100 pieces, and will include access to meet Mr. Gaiman and receive two signatures, plus a gift bag of exclusive Neil Gaiman oriented items from CBLDF, and preferred seating at the reading. VIP reception tickets are available for $500.
Hello out there to the visitors of Comics Impulse... I'd like to take the time to apologize about the lack of updates for the past few months. I am working on some stuff right now that makes it hard to keep up with everything here, though soon I hope to add more features. More will be posted soon, but CI will be back very soon with new material.
I'll be adding some shots from the Syracuse Heroes Expo as well (turn out this year was great, lots of fans, tournaments and just an overall fun experience. I'd like to thank all the dealers who came, as well as the celebrity guests. We all hope you visit again soon! And again, thanks goes out to everyone who's stuck by me & Comics Universe/Impulse over the past 3 years!
The Syracuse Heroes Expo is Central New York's premiere hobby convention. From comics to action figures, anime, sci-fi, manga, action figures, and video games we are dedicated to bringing the very best enthusiast gathering to the CNY region!
This year's guests include Ethan Van Sciver, Daniel Logan, Tony Isabella, Pop Mhan, and Brinke Stevens,Bonnie Piesse & Tom Savini. For more info, check the site! Tickets will be on sale soon.
Comedy Central has entered into an agreement with 20th Century Fox Television to syndicate the existing episodes and air the new movies as new episodes in an episodic format as of February 2008. At Comic-Con 2007 it was announced that Futurama will return on November 27th as a full-length DVD release called Futurama: Bender's Big Score, which will be followed by three additional films: The Beast with a Million Backs, Bender's Game and Into the Wild Green Yonder. After their release, each film will be divided into four episodes and air on Comedy Central. The show originally aired from 1999-2003 on FOX but was constantly pre-empted by Football... glad to see the show return as Family Guy has as well as King of the Hill!
Warner Home Video is announcing that 300 has become the fastest and highest selling high definition DVD to hit the market thus far. Since July 31st, 2007, 300 has moved more than 250,000 copies of both the HD DVD and the Blu-ray disc. 300 was also added to some cable HD On Demand lineups on the same day.
"'300' is an amazing film, and the high definition sales we are seeing underscores the positive business benefits of supporting both HD DVD and Blu-ray," said Ron Sanders, President of Warner Home Video. "This phenomenal response to '300' is the latest proof that our approach makes the most sense in today's market and has enabled Warner Home Video to continue to lead the market in high definition sales."
In some Time Warner markets, including Columbus, Ohio, 300 was added to the On Demand lineup on July 31, the same day it was released on standard and High-Definition disc (Blu-ray and HD DVD).
Comcast, the nation's largest cable operator, plans to add 300 to its HD On Demand menu on August 14, just two weeks after the DVD release.
In the past, home viewers would have to wait at least 30 days before seeing a new video release on cable or satellite VOD. But Warner Bros. has been testing 'same day' releases in select markets across the country.
The decision to release movies in the 'same day' format is another challenge to video retailers who are increasingly concerned about new video distribution methods.
Without the traditional "window" between the DVD release and the VOD premiere, there is less reason for the average viewer to rent the film from a video store.
In the past, Warner has tested the same day approach with lesser titles such as The Astronaut Farmer. But 300, which made $70 million during its opening weekend release, is far and away the biggest box office hit to get the same day treatment.
The film recounts the ancient clash between 300 Spartans and the Persian Army.
The Simpsons Movie easily led the international box office this weekend, adding $47.3 million from 6,627 theaters in 75 markets to bring the animated-comedy's worldwide take to $315.5 million in 12 days. The Simpsons Movie has earned $187 million overseas to date. This film is a must see, very funny & well worth the wait.
Transformers Hits $592.3 Million Worldwide
Transformers remained a solid overseas player with $30 million at 6,118 in 53 markets. The movie's foreign total has hit $296 million, nearly matching the domestic total. Transformers, which has exceeded Paramount's expectations offshore, should become the 48th pic to hit the $300 million international mark in a few days. It will be the fifth summer tentpole -- but first non-sequel -- to cross that milestone this summer after Spider-Man 3, "At World's End," "Order of the Phoenix," and Shrek the Third.
How does Samuel L. Jackson feel about his upcoming appearances in Iron Man & The Spirit? You can find out here.
Trekkies are in luck - Paramount announced at the San Diego Comicon a new Star Trek film directed and produced by J.J. Abrams, with Zachary Quinto (Heroes) confirmed as a young Spock. Leonard Nimoy will also play Spock... let the speculation begin!
Lastly, here's the Hellboy 2: The Golden Army teaser poster designed by Mike Mignola...
Press Release:
SAN DIEGO - Comic-Con International, the nation's largest comic book and pop culture event announced that Sunday admissions have sold out.
"I guess this was bound to happen, but it's still surprising," said David Glanzer, spokesperson for the non-profit event, "For the first time in our 38 year history, Comic-Con has sold out of Friday, Saturday and now Sunday admissions."
Because of capacity concerns during last year's Comic-Con International, organizers made a concerted effort to address potential overcrowding.
"One way to anticipate attendance was to encourage early online registration," continued Glanzer "which progressed much quicker than in previous years." Pointing out that while registration was closed for a time last year the facility never reached capacity.
Comic-Con International's efforts at early registration presumably will help them better control crowd issues at what has become the largest comic book and pop culture event in the United States.
Comic-Con International is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to creating awareness of and appreciation for comics and related popular art forms primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture.
Press Release:
Comic-Con, the nation’s largest comic book and pop culture event announced that Friday admissions have sold out due to early, online registration.
“I feel a little like a broken record,” said David Glanzer, spokesperson for Comic-Con, “we sold out of Saturday admissions, four-day admissions, and now Friday and three-day admission.”
Last year the convention drew over 123,000 people over the four-day show and this year appears to top, or at the very least, match that number.
“You never want to be in a situation where you advertise an event that people can’t attend,” continued Glanzer, “however as it relates to Friday and Saturday, this may be the case, especially if they don’t already have tickets.”
Single day admission for Sunday is still available. For a complete schedule of events and up to date information on admission availability, visit www.comic-con.org.
Comic-Con International is a non profit educational organization dedicated to creating awareness of and appreciation for comics and related popular art forms primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture.
press release:
Baltimore Comic-Con Shines with Stars, Raises $$$ for Actor, CBLDF, Katrina
Fans and Pros Cheer 6th Annual Con in Charm City as Attendance Doubles
"I didn't know this was such a big show!"-- This was the statement of one attendee at the jam packed Baltimore Comic-Con last weekend, as DC , Image, IDW, and a slew of mainstream and independent creators, hit the scene in the Baltimore Convention Center. Golden-, Silver-, and modern age retailers were also well represented, and a coty of Superman #1 was sold during the weekend's festivities. To many in attendance, Baltimore was noted as one of the "...few great comic shows still about comics."
Marv Wolfman, Erik Larsen, Walter & Louise Simonson, Frank Cho, Howard Charkin, Mike Wieringo, Robert Kirkman, and local boy Frank Cho were all on hand, meeting fans, signing comics, and doing sketches. All-Star Wrestler-turned comics author Mick Foley was a big draw to the show, promoting his series of childdren's books with artist Jill Thompson. Rob Liefeld was also in attendance, making his first East Coast appearance in nine years, and thousands flocked his table for him to sign issues of "Teen Titans" #27, given out in the thousands by organizer Marc Nathan. Liefeld, like many of the exhibitors at the show, was impressed with the fun, comics-centric feel of the convention, proclaiming, "I'm digging this show!"
Other creators, including Howard Porter, Ron Garney, Mike Manley, Joseph Michael Linsner, Jim Starlin, and JG Jones, were equally pleased with the throes of fans visiting their booths, many to get autographs for "Drawing Strength," a Katrina benefit sketchbook they contributed art for (and for the auction during the show) produced by Sky-Dog Press specifically for the Baltimore Comic-Con, raising over $4000 for Habitat For Humanity. Across the aisle, special guest John Romita raised thousands for ACTOR, by auctioning custom sketches, helping to raise upwards of $9000., and CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein also mentioned a healthy contribution total, including a $4000 check from one publisher.
Programming was packed, as Adam Hughes, Phil Noto, Matt Wagner and others discussed comics cover creation, show favorite Mike Wieringo, Cho and special guest Wolfman discussed the current and past Spider-Man series, and Dan DiDio gave a bit of Crisis Counseling, explaining the current Earth shattering events in the DC Universe. Other panels included inking greats Dick Ayers, Terry Austin and Jimmy Palmiotti discussing embellishing, and decidedly all-ages creators John Gallagher and Rich faber moderated panels regarding Kids Comics, including a How-To Create Comics forum, with many kids and teenagers on hand, drawing their own mini comics, and learning the secrets of fun comics form the likes of Todd Dezago, Louise Simonson, Jimmy Gownley, and Andy Runton.
Regarding attendance, convention organizer Marc Nathan estimated a doubling from last year, without getting too specific. "I don't want to get into the new math that conventions seem to be using in determining numbers lately," stated a very happy Nathan, "but I will say, based upon how packed the show was, and retailer response on both Saturday and Sunday, I am very grateful to have had such great guests to help double attendance at the Baltimore Comic-Con--we could not do it without them."
Nathan was happy to announce September 9-10, 2006, as the date for NEXT YEAR's Baltimore Comic-Con. What does he have planned to top 2005? "Whatever it is," Nathan said, "...it will be all about COMICS."
I'm very proud to announce the Syracuse Comic Book Expo on October 15, 2005. Please mark your calendars and come out to the Palace Theater in Eastwood, NY. There will be many, many vendors and spectacular events are scheduled. Every 30 minutes from 10am to 4pm, an autographed or limited edition comic book will go to a lucky winner! Everyone gets a ticket with paid admission & children under age 11 are free.
Guests include Scott Beatty, Frank Cammuso (Max Hamm: Fairy Tale Detective) , Kevin Conrad (Hulk:Destruction), Steve Ellis (The Silencers) & Eisner Award winner Sean McKeever among others. If you're in the area, or even if you aren't, come check this convention as it should be pretty exciting & fun for all ages.
For more info, check out syracusecomicbooks.com. The Syracuse Comic Book Expo will take place Saturday, October 15th at the Palace Theater (2384 James St.) in Eastwood, NY.
press release:
Parts Unknown: The Comic Book Store is pleased to announce the main guests at its 4th annual Comicon, October 8–9, 2005, at the Joseph Koury Convention Center at Four Seasons, I-40 Exit 217, Greensboro, NC.
Special guests attending the show will be award-wining artist Bernie Wrightson and award-winning science fiction/fantasy writer Orson Scott Card.
Bernie Wrightson, known as the Master of the Macabre, is the co-creator of Swamp Thing. The 30-year comics veteran is considered the top Frankenstein artist. Bernie’s other credits include work on such comics as The Punisher, Toe Tags and Batman: The Cult. He will be appearing both days at the convention.
Orson Scott Card is a science fiction/fantasy writer who has captured Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy awards. The Greensboro resident’s credits include his brand-new novel “Magic Street” as well as “Ender’s Game,” “Lost Boys” and “Speaker For the Dead.” Card has made the leap into comics as the writer on the miniseries Ultimate Iron Man for Marvel Comics. He will appear at the convention from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 8 only.
Other guests include:
Mike Wieringo: Fan-favorite artist on such books as the upcoming monthly comic Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man with writer Peter David, Fantastic Four, The Flash, Robin, and many more.
Tommy Lee Edwards: Tommy is an up-and-coming artist whose work includes The Question, Hellboy: Weird Tales, and licensing and style-guide artwork on Star Wars, Batman Begins, Men in Black 2, and Harry Potter.
George Pratt: 2003 Eisner Award Winning Artist for Best Painter. George is also known for his painting and writing. His works include the Enemy Ace: War Idyll graphic novel. He has also worked on Batman: Harvest Breed, The Haunted Tank, and Wolverine: Netsuke. And he finds the time to work into his schedule teaching at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va.
Scott Hampton: Scott is an accomplished painter whose has worked on Life Eaters, Star Trek: The Next Generation—Forgiveness, Books of Magic, and his new project with horror writer Steve Niles, Batman: Gotham County Line.
John Van Fleet: John’s resume includes Batman: The Ankh, Cast Shadows, and X-Files, as well as covers for DC Comics’ Smallville.
Randy Green: The Greensboro-area resident has been the artist on such books as New X-Men, White Queen, Witchblade, and The Dollz.
Casey Jones: Casey has penciled comic books such as Fantastic Four, Birds of Prey, and Excalibur. He also developed artwork for Disney theme parks, and has most recently illustrated covers for the Jubilee series for Marvel Comics.
For years Parts Unknown has hosted the top comic book professionals at the Piedmont Triad’s largest comic book convention. We look forward to having you run our announcement in your weekend section and on your Web page announcements.
If you need any information, would like to interview one of our guests, or perhaps cover our convention, please call John Hitchcock at 336-272-7060. Parts Unknown is located at 906 Spring Garden Street, Greensboro, NC 27403. Our Web site is www.partsunknown.net, e-mail punk906@bellsouth.net.
The internet is on fire after rumors speculated from the Cup of Joe panel at Newsarama: Newsarama: From “MrMxyzptlk”: we know that Leinil Yu is coming to the Ultimate Universe. That is cool. But can you confirm or deny that Joe Madureira and Michael Turner will work on the Ultimates titles too? Joe Q: I can do no such thing.
Then, Cyphon from Newsarama commented that CB Cebulski confirmed that Jeph Loeb and Joe Mad are the next team on Ultimates.
First, he was asked what Joe Mad is working on and he said "See Wizard in four days".
Then he was asked who the next team on Ultimates is, he said "See Wizard in four days."
Then he added, "I think you can all put two and two together."
Everyone is certainly abuzz... but until then, let your imagination flow and we'll all find out Wednesday is this one is true.
update: the Wizard website has indeed confirmed that Loeb & Mad will work on The Ultimates volume 3. Stay tuned for more news as it comes.
The World Has Changed:House of M panel:
The New X-Men' status quo is changing after the House of M. Craig Kyle and Chris Yost from X-23 are taking over after Nunzio DeFillippis and Christina Weir. Their first arc deals with the repercussions of HoM and how that affected the younger mutants. Editor Mike Marts said that HoM "demands a line-up change." "X-23, Surge, Hellion, Rockslide, Mercury, Elixir, and Dust " are on the new lineup...
Marts says "You have to read all of House of M, then House of M: The Day After and New X-Men # 20, both in November," said Marts. "Then you'll understand why all these characters were chosen to be a part of the New X-Men." He also said none of the present characters are going to any of the other Marvel Universe superteams, nor or any getting solo series...
Marvel Editor Andy Schmidt said Excalibur will be restarted featuring some of the classic line up from writer Chris Claremont and artist Michael Ryan. The line up includes: Captain Britain, Nocturne, Pete Wisdom, and Dazzler.
X-Factor is also returning this November spiraling from the success of the Madrox limited series and out of events from House of M. The series will be centered in the District X region with a darker tone than the original book...
There will be an X-Men/Power Pack limited series starting in October from the Power Pack team of Marc Sumerak and Gurihiru...
The House of M variant covers for # 6 are by Greg Land, #7's are from Sal Larroca, and #8's from Chris Bachalo...
Starting with Uncanny X-Men 464 new creative team is Chris Claremont and Chris Bachalo...
Whedon and Cassady will stay on until Astonishing X-Men #25
Exiles # 69 - #71 is about Beak returning to the mainstream Marvel Universe, but when the Exiles return, its the House of M. Also in Exiles issue # 71, a member of the team will die...
The Pulse # 10 by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Lark is going to be the most closely tied in to the House of M. If people want the full story on House of M, this is the issue to buy...
There are some plans for the X-Statix, but nothing that can be announced yet...
There are no plans for the Man-Thing after its appearance in House of M...
Joe Quesada, Orson Scott Card, Brian K. Vaughan, and Brandon Peterson on the Ultimate Marvel panel:
Concept art was shown featuring Silver Sable, Havok ,and several other characters. Quesada mentioned that Ultimate Silver Sable was in the upcoming Ultimate Spider-Man video game and that the game was penned by Brian Michael Bendis. There was no mention of if she would show up within the pages of any Ultimate Universe comic book.
Teaser art was featured from the final part in the Warren Ellis Ultimate trilogy, Ultimate Extinction. The piece shown was a black and white Galactus looking helmet. Brandon Peterson is tapped to pencil the series... he teased "The Silver Surfer is there, but not in the way you might expect.
"It's not just going to be a Fantastic Four thing," Peterson continued. "It's an entire Ultimate Universe thing with all the major players coming together to team up. Galactus will not be a big guy in a purple suit. We have a really realistic take on Galactus. The scope of the series is huge - as in actual astronomical units being described in the script I had to draw."
When asked "Why weren't Shanna and Black Panther rebooted in Ultimate line?", Joe Q said "The Ultimate Line is intended to be more in line with the movie line. When we tried to do an Ultimate Daredevil to coincide with the movie, we ended up with basically the same character. That's why with BP and Shanna, when we found ourselves going down the same road, we decided they should remain in the regular universe."
Joe Quesada plugged again the fact that major announcements containing the Ultimate Universe would be forthcoming in the next three to four weeks and everyone should "stay tuned."
Other Marvel Universe panel info:
Joe Quesada has signed a new multi-year deal with Marvel Comics that has him not only wearing the Editor-in Chief hat, but also Chief Creative Officer, Publishing.
“Over the next couple of years, my ultimate goals will remain further growing Marvel Comics’ leadership position and expanding our mainstream presence. I want comics to have the same consumer prominence as movies, TV and novels and in doing so continue to grow Marvel Comics as among America’s premiere storytellers,” said Quesada.
New creators on Iron Man, Daredevil and Thor, as well as the New Avengers artist and Incredible Hulk writer, will be announced soon. The new Thor book won't launch until next year.
Punisher #25-30 pit Frank Castle against the NYPD.
Marvel Comics revealed a new six-issue Moon Knight series will begin in February. Moon Knight: The Bottom is written by Charlie Huston, with art by David Finch. Huston, 37, is an author of such books as Caught Stealing, Six Bad Things and the upcoming Already Dead.
"This is Charlie's inaugural comic work," Marvel editor-in-chief Joe Quesada said. "Charlie's are the best scripts I've ever seen coming from someone who hasn't written comics before."
The book will be set firmly in continuity and will feature Marc Spector as Moon Knight. "But it moves the story forward," Quesada said.
Another Mary Jane series written by Sean McKeever will start in November or December.
Fantastic Four: First Family, a six-issue series, will launch in January, written by Joe Casey, with art by Chris Weston
"We go back and explain a lot of the early stuff," Casey said. "There a lot of firsts, like the first time Reed Richards kissed the government's ass, which he seems to do a lot now."
J. Michael Strazcynski's Book of Lost Souls will be published in October, with art by Colleen Doran.
New Thunderbolts #13-14 is a meeting with the New Avengers
New Avengers- Finch's last arc will feature Ronin and then Frank Cho's arc on New Avengers will feature Spider-Woman
The original numbering on the She-Hulk will be relaunched in October, but will soon revert to cumulative numbering with a #100 issue (combining the original series, Sensational & the most recent series)
Cloak and Dagger would be seen in the pages of a Runaways arc beginning with issue # 9. The New Avengers will also be featured in that arc....
Luke Cage will appear in six issues of Black Panther.
Quesada said to look for some Iron Man-related mini-series
J. Michael Straczynski said the move of Supreme Power from MAX to Marvel Knights won't impact the title's contents creatively.
"The story isn't going to change, the characters aren't going to change and the tone isn't going to change," he said. "The only thing that will change will be the imprint."
Straczynski said there won't be any crossovers between the Marvel and Supreme Power universe, but there might be Marvel Universe-like characters in Supreme Power.
Secret War will conclude in November, and Dan Buckley said a hardcover is targeted for February or March
The panel ended with Quesada teasing a project. He said last year at Comic-Con he was asked if there was any one writer he could have come work on a Marvel Universe project, who would it be, and then flashed "The King" image without further explanation.
Peter David, Reggie Hudlin and J. Michael Straczynski on the Spider-Man panel:
"The Other", a twelve part story debuts this fall after the end of "House of M", crossing through all three monthly Spidey titles
[Peter David & Mike Wieringo's] Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man will be from Peter's POV, Marvel Knights Spider-Man through Mary Jane's, and Amazing through Aunt May's
There will be no deaths in Peter’s family during the storyline...
Peter David on "Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man":
"1) It's a way of doing a crossover story in which writers don't feel like they're doing bits and pieces; (2) readers who prefer particular writers can read a month of their stories in a row rather than piecemeal chapters; (3) regular readers of the respective books will be exposed to writers and might--with any luck--like what they see and check out those writers on their own regular, respective titles.
"My first month of stories will essentially be one complete tale. FNSM is told from Peter's POV, MK will be from MJ's POV, and the third will focus on Aunt May. The main storyline will be resolved by Part 3, which will be in ASM. Now...will it have elements that tie into a larger crossover? Yes. One would hope they'll be interesting enough to prompt readers to continue reading the full arc. But if not, you'll still have a complete story, soup to nuts, just as if I were doing a three parter in FNSM. The only difference is that you'll get it in one month rather than three. I would like to think that's a good thing. But if you guys think that's a bad thing and don't want to read them, well...okay. I think that's kind of unfortunate, but it's your call."
“The Other” storyline traces its roots back to Amazing Spider-Man writer J. Michael Straczynski’s “The Book of Ezekiel” arc, which introduced the idea that not only was Peter Parker not the first spider-based hero, but that the world was filled with individuals taking their powers from various animal totems...
The question of Peter's webshooters came up at the panel and here's what they had to say on it:
He wasn't 100% sure, as it was Paul Jenkins' story which gave Spidey the organic webs, but he speculated that it was done to more closely tie-in to the movies. However, he said he likes the idea of organic webshooters, as he put them in Spider-Man 2099 years ago. He then questioned why people could accept that a man could crawl on walls and have a form of ESP, but that shooting webs from his wrist is crazy? He says that crazy would be if he shot them from his behind, like a real spider.
A DC vs. Marvel videogame is in talks, about a game that would feature characters from both universes, but no official announcements can be made yet.
When asked about the recent story about Gwen Stacy, Norman Osborn & their illegitiment children, JMS seriously answered that Gwen Stacy had never really been explored as a character, and that she came across as trivial. By showing her go through this ordeal of making a mistake and choosing to take responsibility for that mistake, she became a stronger character in the process. He also pointed out that originally the baby was going to be Peter's but the story was changed to keep Peter's age ambiguous.
When asked how to make Mary Jane more than just "Spider-Man's wife", Straczynski said "By showing her taking more chances in her career, and doing her own thing. Also, her interactions with the New Avengers are going to play a huge role in their relationship." David says "She can see things Spidey can't. For example, Spider-Man has never actually learned how to fight, and Mary Jane sees that they're living with Captain America, one of the best fighters in the world and suggests that Spidey take lessons from Cap."
Now that he’s Chief of Programming for BET, Hudlin said he has three more issues of MK Spider-Man after his “The Other” arc.
He added he doesn’t know how much longer he will stay on Black Panther, but that he wants to always be writing at least one comic, “Because I’m having too much fun.”
New villains will show up in FNSM, David says the new title will be entertaining Spider-Man stories, more than likely kid-friendly
JMS said Peter will also be dealing with identity theft that will mess up his life & plans to bring back some classic villains after “The Other”, naming Sandman, Molten Man, and maybe Doc Ock
SIDE NOTE: Before he signed with Marvel, DC offered JMS Superman as part of their pitch to sign with them, but he turned down the offer. Apparently however, they said that should he ever change his mind, Superman will be there for him.
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