comics
Guests are listed in alphabetical order by first name.
Acee has a studio called W3rkshop. He is currently working on two creator owned titles called WARSHOP & The Disinterred Agent.
Al Sparrow has been reading comic books from the moment he picked up his older sisters’ copies of Teen Titans and Superman Family (starring Supergirl, the comic book character he would develop an unhealthy fixation on for the next thirty plus years). The first comic he remembers picking out for himself was an issue of Black Panther, mainly because the cover was really, really cool. For most of his misspent youth, ready comics was enough…until he started finding stories that weren’t getting told. Stories that needed to be told. Stories that existed inside his mind and wouldn’t get out unless he told them. Sometimes he gets lucky and finds talented artists to help him tell these stories.
For example, Thugs!, a superhero parody which lives both in print format and online at www.thugsonline.com, which he co-creates with talented artist Stephen Reid. Other times, he takes pencil and brush in hand and foists his evil on an unsuspecting populace in the form of books like Dedlock, a love story for a supervillain, and his forthcoming foray into fantasy - Travis, the Undying – premiering at this year’s Phoenix Comicon. He’s also done work for popular anthologies Pirate Heart Ninja and Alien Heart Bigfoot for Fiction House Mafia, as well as a short story in Unite and Take Over: Songs Inspired by the Music of The Smiths. In his spare time, he paints, plays Harvest Moon (don’t tell anybody), and watches My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. No, really. It’s a cool show.
Alfred Trujillo has had a life long love affair with comics and with the support of family, friends and the online art community Penciljack.com, he broke into comics late last year. After meeting Raven Gregory of Zenescope Entertainment at Phoenix Comicon last year, Alfred was hired to draw Herbert West Chronicles, Wonderland Annual 2010, Grimm Fairy Tales Holiday Special and most recently Myths and Legends. When Alfred is not drawing, you can expect to find him playing with his band Radiobox, with tools and oil on his face underneath a car or out on the town partying with friends. Watch out, ladies! Alfred is single.
Allen Martinez is an inker who is part of Danny Miki's Crime Lab Studios. Allen has worked for Marvel, DC and Image. He has worked on Uncanny X-Men, New X-Men, Spawn, Mighty Avengers, Thor, Incredible Hulk and many other titles.
April Reyna is celebrating her 3rd return to Phoenix Comic Con. She has worked as a freelance artist producing commissions, sketch cards, and sequential pages. April prides herself as an artist constantly seeking a creative outlet for discovery and self-expressionism through art. Some of her published works include web-based comic Devi-licious Recipe Adventures, local anthology Alien Heart Bigfoot, Unite and Take Over vol 2, and her own on going series titled Mark of the Pterren published along side the talented writings of Melissa Stacy.
April Has Exhibited work in galleries such as the A.E. England gallery in phoneix and was featured as one of the valley's top 100 creatives in the phoenix area in 2010 http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.
Avatar Press is a comic book publisher that continues to push the boundaries between mainstream and independent with current and upcoming work from creators such as Alan Moore, Frank Miller, Warren Ellis, Garth Ennis, Brian Pulido, George A. Romero, George R.R. Martin, Joe R. Lansdale, John Russo, Mike Wolfer, Juan Jose Ryp, Jacen Burrows, and numerous others. The company has published a wide range of comic books including creator-owned titles like Garth Ennis’ 303 and Brian Pulido’s Lady Death, company-owned comics such as Pandora and The Ravening, licensed hits like Frank Miller’s Robocop and George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead, and numerous other titles. A publisher that has established itself as one of the cornerstones of the American indy comic book scene over the past decade.
Hi Everyone I'm BadApple, Illustrator and Creative Designer, Animation Student, and a Fan of Art. I dedicate myself in becoming a better artist by Pushing My Limits each and everyday.
I've been creating art since Middle School but it wasn't until a 10 year hiatus that I decided to pursue my dream of being a professional artist, I'm getting ever so close to realizing that dream. I am currently a Student of Animation and an Illustrator for T.R.I.B.E Studio Comics. Reaching my dream does not end there for me. I have a goal and that is to create art at many different levels. It will be a life long goal to accomplish this but I know that I will enjoy every moment of it.
A comic creator/writer and multiple award winning sketch card artist. Benjamin's current works include publishing his own Comics, Tin Star Tex, Skulljammer and Superworld presents as well as contributing art on Moonstone publishing and 5finity productions “Zombies Versus Cheerleaders” series and with image comics,“Hack/Slash meets Zombies Versus Cheerleaders”. Recently Benjamin has also ventured into video game and toy concept work.
A sketch card artist since 2007 Benjamin has worked on properties such as Marvel Masterpieces, Marvel 70th archives, Hack/Slash, The Spirit, Ironman 2, Lady Death, Zombies Versus Cheerleaders, X-men Origins: Wolverine, Voltron, Bettie Page collection, The Greatest American Hero, Josie and the Pussycats and Marvels greatest heroes 2012 featuring the Avengers.
I am Professional Airbrush Sketch Card and Pin-up Artist for comic companies Marvel, Upper Deck, Cryptozoic Entertainment, Breygent Marketing, 5Finity, Zenescope and Unstoppable Cards. I have worked on trading car sets from Marvel Avengers to AMC's The Walking Dead. For my sketch cards I use almost 100% airbrush to create these tiny 2.5"x3.5" paintings.
When it comes to the comics industry, Bob Layton has done it all. Starting in 1978, he took part in transforming Iron Man, making it one of Marvel's all-time best sellers. He didn't stop there - he's also worked on X-Factor, a series that revived the original Marvel X-Men characters.
Layton was also co-architect, Editor-in-Chief and Senior Vice President of the Valiant Universe. He also formed Future Comics and was a pioneer in creating their internet comics company to sell comics to readers and booksellers directly online.
Recently, Layton has returned to Iron Man and Marvel Comics, as well as worked on a new Hercules mini-series for Marvel. He's also added film and television work to his resume, developing new movies and television series as a screenwriter.
Before he was able to walk, Brad Dwyer had started using crayons and pencils to scribble on scrapes of paper, books, and anything else in the immediate vicinity. And much to his older brother’s chagrin, this incessant mark-making would sometimes extend to the comic books that Brad’s brother would leave lying around the house.
After discovering punk rock in his teenage years, he played in a variety of loud, obnoxious bands before eventually applying the same D.I.Y energy and aesthetic to self-publishing autobiographical minicomics. Nowadays, Brad's art and comics can be found on the Phoenix New Times award winning webcomic, "Epic Tales of the Mundane", in addition to the weekly "Record Heat" comic strip, which appears on "Up on the Sun", the Phoenix New Times music blog. He has also contributed stories to several anthologies, including the forthcoming "Unite and Take Over, Vol. 2: A Smiths Comic Anthology" and the "EOC (Eleven O' Clock Comics) Anthology, Vol. 2".
Brian Augustyn is an award-winning comic book editor and writer. His most notable works are The Flash from 1989 to 2000, The Comet in 1992 and Impulse from 1995 to 1996. In 1994, he was recognized his work in the industry with the Wizard Fan Award for Favorite Editor. Augustyn is the current managing editor of Visionary Comics Studio.
Chris Moreno is a comics, concept, and storyboard artist, and the creator of the new comic Zombie Dickheads (http://www.zombiedickheads.com). His work has appeared in Disney’s Toy Story for BOOM! Studios, The Minions of Ka from Arcana, and Paul Jenkins' Sidekick from Image Comics.
His creator-owned character, Sanz Pantz: Ninja Platypus appears in the Popgun anthologies from Image. His other comics credits include Alien Inventor, World War Hulk: Frontline, Dracula vs. King Arthur, Monkey in a Wagon vs. Lemur on a Big Wheel, The Last Sin of Mark Grimm, the webcomic Super Frat (http://www.superfrat.com), and Zenescope's Grimm Fairy Tales. Chris's work has appeared on sketch cards for Inkworks for The Spirit, Shrek the Third, Alien Vs. Predator: Requiem, Hellboy: Sword of Storms, Robots and Family Guy.
His art has been seen in role-playing games for companies like Kenzer & Co., on their Hackmaster game and Knights of the Dinner Table Magazine, and Tony DiGerolamo's Complete Mafia for d20 from Living Room Games. His entertainment work includes storyboards for commercials and video games, including 2K Games' Mafia II and The Darkness 2, as well as production art for TV shows like Disney XD's hit show Pair of Kings. More of his art can be seen at http://www.chrismoreno.org, http://chrismoreno.deviantart.com, and his webcomic, Dysfunctianimals, can be seen at http://dysfunctianimals.blogspot.com.
David “Dave” Beaty got his start in the Comic Book industry in 1994 as a “ghost” artist working on backgrounds for Guardians of the Galaxy annual #4 for Marvel Comics. Since that time he’s been published as a writer, penciler, inker, cartoonist, and colorist. He has done “credited” work for DC Comics, BOOM Studios, Antarctic Press, Aspen Entertainment, Dabel Brothers, and Marvel Comics. Recent comics work includes Brightest Day (DC), Batman, Inc. (DC), Grifter (DC), Mister Terrific (DC) and cover art for Adventure Comics (DC), Fathom (Aspen), Stan Lee’s: The Traveler (BOOM), and Irredeemable (BOOM). Dave lives in Prescott Valley, Arizona with his lovely wife Micah and their three pets (Sato, Nermal, and Kirby). See some of his work and learn more at www.davebeaty.com
Lapham started his career in 1990 as a penciller at Valiant Comics where he was discovered by editor Jim Shooter. He went on to join Shooter at Defiant Comics where they co-created Warriors of Plasm in 1993.
He set up his own publisher El Capitan Books in 1995, to self-publish Stray Bullets which he wrote, drew and lettered himself. He then took a sabbatical from Stray Bullets in 2000, to produce his nine issue period murder mystery Murder Me Dead also from El Capitan Books.
Lapham began accepting more mainstream comics work from 2005 onwards, writing a storyarc for Top Cow Comics' The Darkness ("Hell House", Vol. 2 #17-20), a 12 part Batman storyline in Detective Comics ("City of Crime" #801-808 and 811-814) for DC Comics and writing and pencilling the six part Daredevil Vs. Punisher: Means And Ends limited series for Marvel Comics. In late 2006, Marvel released Giant-Size Wolverine #1, with a 34 page Lapham story illustrated by David Aja, and DC began releasing Tales of the Unexpected with an 8 issue arc starring the Spectre which was also written by Lapham. Vertigo published the original graphic novel Silverfish in July 2007 and his interpretation of Terror, Inc. was released under the Marvel MAX line. He then wrote the Vertigo series Young Liars and took over from Garth Ennis as writer on Crossed.
David Mack is a comic book artist and writer well known as the creator of the series, Kabuki first published in 1994. He is also known for his work on Daredevil from 1999 to 2004, Alias from 2001 to 2004 and the New Avengers in 2008. Mack has also been nominated for the International Eagle Awards in 1999 for Favorite Comic Artist (Painted) and Best Cover of the Year (Painted). He has also been nominated for the Esiner Awards, Harvey Awards and the Kirby Awards as well.
Mini & Webcomic Creator by night, Mathematics Teacher by day, and Husband/Father 24/7! Creator of Get That Chicken, Lollygaggin' Adventures, Jenny Spookawski and Cousin Harold.
Eddie was doing art design for multiple video games for DC Comics. Eddie also worked on Flash Point: Lois Lane and the Resistance.
Eric M. Esquivel has been working as an author and journalist since 2003-ish.
His work primarily focuses on viewing the superhero in the context of human mythology, and in examining the usefulness of myths and allegories in modern society.
Titles include: Blackest Terrror, Thor: Unkillable Thunder Christ, Horrible Little People, Awesomenaut, Zombies vs. Cheerleaders Unite and Take Over: Volume 2, and Electric Youth.
Publishers: Moonstone Books, Big Dog Ink, Spookshow Records, WarrenEllis.com, BleedingCool.com, Modern Mythology Press, Evil Robo Productions, KWO Press, Indieonly, Imagifreakination, Spazdog Press, BrokenFrontier.com, The Tucson Citizen and The Tucson Weekly.
Eric Mengel is the writer/artist/publisher of OCHO. OCHO is an alien missionary sent to make Earth a better place.
Eric and OCHO have been staples of the Arizona comic book scene since 1995. Eric has been referred to "the godfather of the mini comics movement in Arizona" as well as "a legend", while OCHO has been referred to as "the longest running local indy comic" and "the greatest comic character in Arizona".
OCHO is Eric's life's work with regard to comics and has dedicated himself to making OCHO the best comic book he can.
Francis Manapul is an artist currently working for DC comics. In 2011 he was awarded the Joe Shuster Award for Outstanding Artist. He is best known for his work on Top Crow comic's Witchblade and Necromancer. Since then he has gone on to work on titles like Adventure Comics, and Superman Batman. Manapul is currently the writer/artist for the New 52's revamp of The Flash.
My name is Frank O'Rourke, and I'm a Freelance Artist well-versed in many areas of art. I am a Professional Artist with a Certificate in Digital Media: Animation and Graphic Art. Also, I'm well versed in Image Editing. I am always seeking Commissioned work locally here in Arizona. I am currently working to assist T.R.I.B.E. COMICS in a major event in which they will be relaunching all 4 of their major titles plus releasing a brand new book called Intensity at the 2012 Phoenix comicon. I also own my own little business which is called Gaugespace Graphix. It is currntly in a partnership and is working side by side with T.R.I.B.E. Comics.
A little info about me. I am from California (Contra Costa County Born-n-raised. I grew up in Foster care and group homes til I was 18. (I had a really rough childhood during that time) I then went to San Jose Job Corps til I was 20. I was homeless for a little while before being recruited into the Navy. I only joined to get off the streets and go to college. While in Boot Camp in Great Lakes Illinois I sustained a lower back injury and got a General Discharge, I then moved to Phoenix, Arizona on August 3rd, 1997, and have been here ever since. In 2003 I met an awesome gal in a Karaoke Sports Bar in a Bowling alley. and have been with her ever since. In 2004 I attended Phoenix College for a Bachelors Degree in Art, but due to finances had to settle for a Certificate. since then, I've been struggling to find work in the Art field. I've been doing commissioned work here and there but still continue to struggle. To keep myself from losing my mind I immerse myself in a few hobbies. I have always been a huge Transformers Fan so I have been collecting toy throughout the years. I also enjoy watching an collecting cartoons from the 80's, 90's and today. but, my biggest hobby of all or rather addiction is the Computer...well, more importantly...The Internet lol. Damn internet has taken over my life. so you see it's very essential I get some work doing what I love. and what I love is and always will be: ART.
Frank Beddor is a actor, author, film producer and stuntman well known for his book, The Looking Glass Wars first released in 2004. Before his career in the entertainment industry, Beddor was a two-time World Champion freestyle skier in 1981 and 1982. The Looking Glass Wars went on to The New York Times bestseller. Beddor was also a producer for Hollywood films There's Something About Mary and Wicked both in 1998. Currently, he manages Automatic Games and Automatic Publishing.
Comic book writer and artist Freddie Williams II is notable for working almost entirely in a digital format. Starting in 2005, Williams worked on the DC series Seven Soldiers: Mister Miracle. He's continued his work with DC Comics on many titles including Robin, Flash, Countdown, 52, Blue Beetle, Aquaman, Final Crisis Aftermath: Run and JSA Classified.
Williams is active in the online comic book world and has contributed to comic book podcasts like Comic Geek Speak, Raging Bullets and Fanboy Radio. He also shares digital drawing technique tutorials on YouTube and has written a book on digital artwork: The DC Comics Guide to Digitally Drawing Comics.
Garth Ennis is a comics writer best known for his work on the series' Preacher from 1995 to 2000 and Hitman from 1996 to 2001. Between 1993 and 2001, Ennis has been nominated for five Eisner Awards eventually winning in 1998 for Best Writer (for Hitman, Preacher, Unknown Soldier and Blood Mary: Lady Liberty). Ennis has also been nominated for for four Eagle Awards in 1999 and winning for Favourite Colour Comic Book (for Preacher).
George Perez started drawing at the age of five and is known for his work on various titles, including Avengers, Teen Titans and Wonder Woman. Pérez came to prominence when he started illustrating Marvel's The Avengers he started with vol. 1 #141. In the 1970s, Pérez illustrated several other Marvel books, including Creatures on the Loose featuring the Man-Wolf, Inhumans, and Fantastic Four.
In the 1990s he worked on several popular projects such as Sachs and Violens and Hulk: Future Imperfect. Pérez first returned to DC Comics in October 1996 working on another incarnation of the Teen Titans. Pérez returned to a major ongoing title for the third series of The Avengers, where he remained for nearly three years, again receiving critical and fan acclaim for his polished and dynamic art. After leaving the book, he worked to produce the long-awaited JLA/Avengers inter-company crossover, which saw print in late 2003.
In May 2006, Pérez illustrated the cover art to one of the alternative covers to the Direct Market release of the annual Official Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide (36th edition) featuring Wonder Woman. He drew the first ten issues of DC's The Brave and the Bold (vol. 2, 2007–present) and also worked on Infinite Crisis, the follow up to Crisis on Infinite Earths, as a fill in artist. He worked on Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds in 2008-2009, thus contributing to every chapter of DC's official Crisis trilogy. He is currently co-chairman of the board of the comic industry charity The Hero Initiative.
Greg Horn is an accomplished illustrator in many different industries including Comic books, novels, advertising, and video games. His past work has consisted of on-screen illustrations for Spike TVs Scream Awards, cover art for the Hulk movie DVD, the 2004 Olympic Basketball team poster, comic book covers for Triple A Baseball, illustrations for Spider-man:Turn off the Dark broadway musical's program guide, and the art work on Marvel's Embrace Change--the acclaimed ad campaign for their summer blockbuster hit Secret Invasion.
While best known in the comic world for his unforgettable visions of Marvel's female leads such as EMMA FROST, MS MARVEL, and ELEKTRA, he's also created concepts and art for Nike, EA SPORTS, Allstate, GM, Bacardi, Ringling brothers, Carlsberg Lager, Universal Studios, 2K Games, Mattel, Hasbro, Blizzard Entertainment, ESPN, Random House, Warner Brothers, Penguin Books, and Sony.
Greg Horn recently catapulted his art to the next level with acclaimed work on DC Comics’ BLACKEST NIGHT. His variant covers for the big summer event included GREEN LANTERN CORPS, WONDER WOMAN, GREEN ARROW, and GREEN LANTERN. Greg has continued his work for DC with covers for JUSTICE LEAGUE: RISE OF ARSENAL, and the new FLASH series.
Greg Land is a well-known comic book artist best known for his work on Birds of Prey from 1999 to 2000, Sojourn from 2001 to 2004, Ultimate Fantastic Four from 2005 to 2006 and Uncanny X-Men from 2008 to 2011. He is currently the artist for Uncanny X-Men and X-Men: Legacy.
Henry Barajas (@HenryBarajas) is a comic book writer by day and a stand up comedian by night. Henry has been a driving force in the Arizona comic community, bringing creators and comic related films and documentaries to Tucson and promoting local comics creators, events and conventions, His recent self published comic book projects include “Captain Unikorn” co-created by Christian Vilaire (Astrophobia: The Adventures of Space Rameriz ). He is also the creator of the critically acclaimed "El Loco" with artist and co-creator Arnie Bermudez. Henry wrote the controversial story "Meat is Murder" for The successful Kickstarter Project, United and Take Over: Stories inspired by The Smiths.
Brian and Kristy Miller are no strangers to the Phoenix Comicon. As co-owners of Hi-Fi Colour Design that are an important part Arizona comic culture and the comic book industry as a whole. Employing artists who do work for many different publishers including DC, Marvel, Disney, Wizard, and Lucasfilm (Star Wars). Brian was a colorist working under several different pen names till 1998, when he started Hi-Fi Colour. The pair now run Hi-Fi together and continue to help comic book artists grow. With their first two books Hi-Fi Color for Comics and Master Digital Color they share some of what they have learned over the years with aspiring comic book artists.
Howard Chaykin is a comic book writer and artist famous for his innovative storytelling. He is best known for his work on Dominic Fortune from 1975 to 2011, Cody Starbuck from 1974 to 1981 and American Flagg! From 1983 to 1989. Chaykin was awarded the Inkpot Award in 1977 and then the Eagle Award for Favourite Comics Writer/Artist in 2006.
A 1996 Graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, Burrows has become known for his unique style of intricate linework which reflects a blend of American, Japanese, and European influences.
Burrows entered comics professionally as Scott Clark's background assistant on a number of Wildstorm projects, and subsequently worked on indy projects such as King Zombie for Caliber and Skid Roze for London Night Studios. Jacen has also worked in the game industry on properties such as Star Wars and Dungeons and Dragons.
At Avatar Press, Burrows has provided artwork on Cimmerian (written by Tom Sniegoski), the Ravening, Quantum Mechanics, and Razor among others. His best known Avatar works have been for Warren Ellis Avatar projects Bad World, Dark Blue, and Scars, and Alan Moore projects The Courtyard and Yuggoth Cultures.
Current and upcoming projects at Avatar Press from Burrows include contributions to Lovecraft mythos saga Yuggoth Creatures, and Garth Ennis project 303.
J. Gonzo is a Chicano artist who currently resides in Mesa, AZ. Born and raised in Cypress, CA, Gonzo attended the Orange County High School of the Arts’ Visual Art program and, after moving to Arizona, earned a degree in Visual Communications. He completed a tattoo apprenticeship in Mesa and tattooed full-time for several years until his graphic design and illustration career took flight - working full-time as well as freelancing for several of the top advertising agencies in the Phoenix area. Later, Gonzo worked in-house as the Senior Art Director for McFarlane Toys/Todd McFarlane Productions. After having worked his way to Creative Director for an advertising agency, Gonzo left to freelance full-time and shift his focus primarily to art, illustration and completing his Comic Book project - La Mano del Destino. Gonzo works in a traditional, Silver Age style and believes in the impact of idea over intense rendering.
Comic book creator and artist Jay Fotos got started in the industry as a color artist for Todd McFarlane and worked on projects such as Curse of the Spawn, Spawn: The Dark Ages, Sam and Twitch, and Cy-Gor.
Fotos is a co-creator of the immensely popular Frank Frazetta's Death Dealer series. The first issue of Death Dealer sold out in 6 hours. He's followed up this success with the launch of comic series and books like Swamp Demon, Dark Kingdom, Neanderthal, Freedom, Dracula Meets the Wolfman and many more. He also works in a variety of industries ranging from animation, television, movies, and even toy design.
Please join Jay Fotos at the “‘68 Experience” booth along with Co-creators Mark Kidwell and Nat Jones as they bring the world of ‘68 Comics to life in this fan favorite booth experience!
For all things '68 please visit www.68zombie.com and also join the '68 ZOMBIE COMIC facebook page at www.facebook.com/68zombie
Jean Arrow is a local Arizona artist who made her comic book debute in 2010 with a short comic with artist Andy Bohn entitled "The Extraordinary Tales of Lazer Woman and Strong Girl" #1. She has since done countless sketch cards, side projects, appearances and a second full issue comic of "The Extraordinary Tales of Lazer Woman and Strong Girl". You will find more of Jean's work in future 5finity sets, and be sure to get the third issue of her comic debuting at Phoenix Comic Con 2012! You can find Jean on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.
Jeff Pina moved to Phoenix 12 years ago from La Quinta, CA. He met his wife, Tricia, in college and she supported him in launching his first book, Dr. Oblivion’s Guide to Teenage Dating in late 2005. He has been making comics since. Jeff does the art chores on the weekly web comic Drunk-Robot with collaborator Brian Powell. He also has two other self-published series Imaginatives and Monkey in Space that he fits into his schedule.
To focus showcasing local talent, Jeff worked as project coordinator for Fiction House Mafia's “Heart” anthologies. He has also done artwork for Hasbro Games, sketch cards for 5finity, as well as freelance work in the local Phoenix market.
As an eighties kid, Jeff was thrilled to be published in Voltron: United and Drawn. He has also done variant cover art for Big Dog Ink's Critter and worked with Micheal Kessler in Spazdog Press' Smiths: Unite and Take Over.
Sometimes in-between all this he sleeps or watches Star Trek. At some time during this show he won't be at his table, because he'll be getting signatures from all the Star Trek Guests.
You can read some of Jeff's comics at www.sideways8studios.com to know what you're getting yourself into.
Only here on Saturday and Sunday!
Jim Cheung is a comic book artist best known for his work on series such as Scion from 2000 to 2004, New Avengers: Illuminati from 2005 to 2006 and Avengers: The Children's Crusade from 2010 to present. In 2005, he was named one of Marvel Comics “Young Guns” for his potential to be “a future superstar pencillier.” Cheung currently illustrates for the miniseries Avengers: The Children's Crusade.
Jim Hanna is a Artist/Writer from Evolution Studios based out of Mesa, Arizona...he has done work with Arcana Studio as the Artist on PHILLY, Upper Deck, Red 5 comics, the Marvel/The Hero Initiative as one of the contributing artists to the Ultimate Spider-man 100 project and The New Avengers 100 project....and be on the lookout for Spotlight with Marat Mychaels and Mark Poulton....and also Jack Rabbit with Jonathan Goff!
Joel currently works for DC Comics and has worked for Top Cow and Aspen comics. Joel has worked on Witchblade, Darkness, Iron and the Maiden, Wetworks, Authority, Flash, Reverse Flash and many other comic books
Comic book writer and letterer, John Layman currently writes the comic series Chew. Layman started writing comics full-time in 2002, mainly for Marvel Comics. He's also been an editor for the DC Comics branch Wildstorm.
Previously he has worked on many pre-existing licensed comic books for the series Xena: Warrior Princess, ThunderCats, Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness and Army of Darkness/Xena: Why Not?
In addition to working on comics, Layman started working for video game studio Cryptic Studios in 2007.
Jolene Houser got her start in Comics industry with Dusk Comics in 2008. Drawing a few short stories in their flagship book "Dusk". She has also been working in the industry doing conventions and local events since then. She is a contributor in the first volume of IDW's Womanthology.
To find out more about her and her work:
Deviant Art, Facebook, and Twitter.
Kevin Coulston is an accomplished Webcomic Illustrator/Writer and Website Designer. Kevin is the creator of the popular Webcomic Stalebacon – A Pop Culture Parody which began in 2009 as well as the time travel comedy Teenage Paradox. His first printed work StaleBacon – Stomach Caterpillars was released early 2012.
http://stalebacon.com
http://teenageparadox.com
Khoi Pham has worked on some of the biggest comic in the industry. This one time trail lawyer turned comic book artist has made his mark as an artist in everything from Marvel's X-Factor #17-20 to Image's Wounderlost #1. He was also an artist for What If? Spider-Man: Other and Secret Invasion: Requiem He is currently working on Mighty Avengers.
Kozak Komiks is a local Arizona independent comic group of a bunch of lost boys . This year at the 2012 Phoenix Comic Con, they will debut issue #1 of SECOND STAR! Second Star is a modern-day action adventure comic where Peter Pan and his mercenary Lost Boys fight against the oppressive rule of Captain Hook and his Pirate Empire.
Alec Kozak is the writer/artist/creator of Kozak Komiks Presents: Shakespeare the Virus series, and Second Star. He enjoys long walks on the beach, soothing ocean views, and listening to Rage Against the Machine.
Nate Schulte does art; good art. Currently, he is working on a few collaborations with Kozak Komiks and enjoying just about every minute of it. During his free time, he teaches his wiener dog, Rocko, how to Polka and make crepes.
Stephen Kozak, completely and totally unrelated to Alec, his brother, is the writer for Second Star. Much like Superman, he possesses no special abilities or talents, nor has he done anything extraordinary. He does, however, know how to detach his thumb with one hand, and then reattach it right before your very eyes.
You can find Alec on Facebook and on Deviantart at http://kozmanaut.deviantart.com/
You can find Nate on Facebook and on Deviantart at http://grimcakecomics.deviantart.com
Go to Second Star at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Second-Star/295044013872086
Livio is an Illustrator and Concept Artist.He is currently working on "Transformers:Chaos" for IDW Publishing. He previously worked for WildStormProductions ( a subsidiary of DC Comics/WarnerBros.) for over three years, doing design work on the"DC Universe Online" MMO title.
Madame M has been making the world considerably more creepy, cutesy and curvaceous since 2000 with the release of her award-winning book, “Creepy Little Bedtime Stories.” The frightening frolicking continued throughout the decade with its sequel “Eerie Little Bedtime Stories,” as well as a casket-full of other peculiar publications such as “Trauma Queens/Trauma Kings” and “Tales of the Truly Grotesque.” In 2009, Madame M cast a spell with the lovable super-hero vampire comic, “Super Vamp,” 2010 brought a series of Comicards (greeting cards and mini comics in one) and in 2011 she came out with her 5-story comic book, “Glamour Ghouls.” She has more recently turned her sights onto the Freakshow, Circus and Burlesque scenes with her newest line of artwork and products. She continues to concoct a cavalcade of kooky comic characters with her magnificent macabre musings.
www.madamempresents.com
www.supervampcomic.com
Brooks has worked on Marvel Age, Cable & Deadpool and Ultimate X-Men. He provided cover art for the Spider-Man spinoff Anya Corazon:Araña: The Heart of the Spider, and later worked on The Amazing Spider-Man, Ultimate Spider-Man Annual #1 and 2, and New X-Men, and Avengers: The Initiative.
Best known for his writing and illustrating of the horror mini-series BUMP, Mark Kidwell is an artist and writer hailing from Kentucky. He is also the writer of Dark Kingdom, Freedom and Tyrannosaurus Rex for Frazetta Comics, Jack the Lantern: War of the Soul for Castle Rain Entertainment, and Creature From the Depths and the Vietnam Zombie epic '68 for Image Comics.
Kidwell is also the screenwriter for the upcoming film version of BUMP and is writing a BUMP novel.
Please join Mark Kidwell at the “‘68 Experience” booth along with Co-creators Nat Jones and Jay Fotos as they bring the world of ‘68 Comics to life in this fan favorite booth experience!
For all things '68 please visit www.68zombie.com and also join the '68 ZOMBIE COMIC facebook page at www.facebook.com/68zombie
Matt Goodall is the artist and co creator of Sonic Youth, a superhero comedy that features a humorous look at parenthood and the suburban lifestyle for Spazdog Press. In November 2011 Matt supplied the pencils for the story Shoplifters of the World Unite, which again paired him with Sonic Youth writer and Spazdog Press founder Shawn Demumbrum and also with Jason Pederson's inks. The story appears in the compilation Unite and Take Over: Stories Inspired by the Songs of the Smith's. Matt will also be supplying all of the art for the story Oscillate Wildly, written by Chris Murrin and Andy Jewett, which will appear in Unite and Take Over volume II set for release in 2012.
A New York Times Bestselling author, Michael A. Stackpole is best known for his work as a science fiction and fantasy author and game designer. He is also an advocate for digital publishing.
Originally from Vermont, where we was awarded a BA in History at the University of Vermont, Stackpole now resides in Scottsdale.
Stackpole has written numerous Star Wars novels, including books in the X-Wing and The New Jedi Order series. He's also worked on the BattleTech series for over 20 years.
Originally from New Jersey, Mike DeBalfo has found a home here in Phoenix. DeBalfo originally wanted to be come an animator but eventually turned toward comic s. He studied art at the Joe Kubert School and after having a fan piece he created displayed in a local comic book store, he caught the eye of Raven Gregory and started working mainly with Zenescope Entertainment. He became the first signed exclusive artist for Zenescope and has worked on covers for titles like Neverland, Escape From Wonderland and Grimm Fairy Tales.
Recently, DeBalfo has been chosen to create a series of exclusive covers celebrating the 20th anniversary of Lady Death.
British born comic book artist Mike McKone is perhaps best known for his work on Teen Titans and Fantastic Four. Interested in comics from an early age, particularly Fantastic Four, McKone got his start in the industry after showing his portfolio to an editor for DC in London in 1988.
This launched his career with DC and he worked on many notable titles including Justice League of America, Justice League International, Green Lantern and Superman. He's also completed art for Marvel titles Amazing Spider-Man, Punisher: War Zone, Thor, and X-Men. Currently, McKone is working on the Avengers Academy series.
One of the most highly-regarded creators on the indy comics horror scene, writer/artist Mike Wolfer entered the field in 1987 with his giant-monster saga Daikazu, under his own Ground Zero Comics banner.
Wolfer launched his best-known creation Widow around 1991 and the adventures of the genetically altered woman-spider have showcased his trademark character-driven blend of drama, horror, science fiction, and erotica ever since. Wolfer has also done work for Chaos!, London Night, and Dark Horse.
At Avatar Press, Wolfer has done a number of Widow mini series plus the 14-issue Widow X which collects and expands the entire pre-Avatar Widow saga. His erotic horror character Rag Doll has run in the pages of Avatar's adult anthology Raw Media, and he has also worked on indy goth-girl staple Razor at Avatar, both in collaboration with David Quinn (Faust) and in his own written and drawn serial in Avatar's Threshold anthology.
Writer, penciller and inker Nat Jones has worked on a variety of projects for nearly every major comic publisher in the industry including Dark Horse, IDW, Image and Fox Atomic.
Early in his career, he illustrated Looney Tunes books for Warner Bros, but quickly found his calling working with horror comics. He was an artist for Spawn: The Dark Ages, worked with Rob Zombie for the Dark Horse Comic The Nail, and collaborated with David Arquette on the comic adaptation of the film The Tripper.
Jones has worked with Jay Fotos in founding Frazetta Comics and worked on the Death Dealer series. He's also established himself as an accomplished painter and horror writer.
Please join Nat Jones at the “‘68 Experience” booth along with Co-creators Mark Kidwell and Jay Fotos as they bring the world of ‘68 Comics to life in this fan favorite booth experience!
For all things '68 please visit www.68zombie.com and also join the '68 ZOMBIE COMIC facebook page at www.facebook.com/68zombie
Norm has continued to make his mark on a variety of DC titles including 52, INFINITE CRISIS, a 3-year run on BOOSTER GOLD and TIME MASTERS: VANISHING POINT. Currently, you'll find Norm on 2 titles of DC's New 52. TEEN TITANS and THE FURY OF FIRESTORM.
Raven Gregory is the Executive Editor and staff writer of Zenescope Entertainment. Raven has written the world famous Wonderland Trilogy as well as other comics such as Fly, The Waking, and The Theater. Raven was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona it has been commonly said that knowing Raven Gregory is, "very much like basking in the sun of awesome".
You can check out his awesomeness yourself by following his Facebook!
Richard is an inker who has spent most of his career with DC/Wildstorm. He has worked on Batman, Birds of Prey, Wildcats, Supergirl, Gen 13, Steampunk and various other titles. He is currently working on Batman The Dark Knight with David Finch.
Sketch Card artist: Upper Deck, 5finity;
Rhittenhouse
Cover Artist
Moonstone productions / 5finity : Zombies vs Cheerleaders
Hypno Comics: Comic Book Junkie
Ryan Winn is a comic book artist and inker best known for his work on The Darkness from 2008 to 2009. He was worked for every Founding Member of Image Comics and was a collaborator on the independent series, Hiding in Time in 2007. In 2009, Winn was nominated for a Harvey Award for Best Inker for his work on The Darkness.
Owner and artist for T.R.I.B.E. Comics.Always a big fan of comics growing up ,I practiced everyday to push my art to its limit.Starting at the age of 8 I knew that comics was the main focus for me.Through schools I had some art training but spent most of my time just drawing the way I felt comfortable.I'm the main one that everyone comes to here for support and direction.The main titles I have penciled recently :Comic Bug ,Hot Dog Man,Rat,Shadow.
Scott Koblish is a comic book artist who has worked for Stan Lee Media in 2000, Marvel Comics from 1992 to present and DC Comics from 1996 to present. In 2000, he was also a storyboard artist for films Nobody Beats Charlie and Flush. Koblish is currently a freelance artist for Disney Publishing Worldwide.
Shelby Robertson has worked professionally in the comic book and illustration field for 17 years. Published book credits range from Image Comics, Marvel/Malibu, Verotik, London Night, Express Publications, and even his own imprint American Dischord. Illustration and digital art credits include pre-press work and production artwork for musical acts Bloodhound Gang, Agent 51, Danzig, and Kidd Nasty.
Most recently Shelby has moved into concept art illustration in the video game industry. This will be Shelby's second Phoenix Comic-Con appearance since transplanting to Arizona three years ago. Current projects include Diva Dahl and Hells Gate, both self published and launching at this years Phoenix Comic-Con with limited exclusive covers and content. Shelby was also 2011's recipient of the Phoenix New Times Comic Book Artist of the Year award. Items being offered at Shelby's booth range from published materials, prints, and maybe even a package of Double Stuffed Oreos available for consumption. Commissions requests always accepted.
Stuart Sayger is a Comic Artist, well know for his work on books such as the Ignition comics. Part of the lego Bionicle series. More recently Sayger is the creator of Shiver In the Dark, producing the comic independently. Sayger uses an expressive style and many different mediums such as inks, gouache, chalk and oil pastels.
Tony Parker got his start as an artist by freelancing for pen and paper Role Playing Games. He has also done art for commercials, movies, CCG art and book covers.
In his extensive work in the comics industry, Parker has gained a nomination for an Eisner Award for his work as an artist for Do Androids Dream of Electric Sleep? He has also done art numerous issues of Warhammer 40,000 and worked with Marvel, Boom! Studios, HERO Initiative, Games Workshop, Mongoose Publishing and Green Ronin.
Is the Eisner nominated fantasy illustrator/writer of the comic series the Bean. Each year Travis offers FREE sketches at his table to any one who asks. Last year he drew over 976 sketches... maybe he will break a 1000 this year. Come visit his work at http://www.beanleafpress.com
Val Hochberg is the artist and writer of the popular webcomic series MYSTERY BABYLON. The extreme post-apocalyptic story features Kick Girl, a very unhappy demon, who is forced to travel with the happy-go-lucky priest, Zero.
Since 2007, Val has completed three mini-graphic novels of KICK GIRL. She has also worked on the webcomic series JESUS CHRIST: In the Name of the Gun and has done work illustrating sketch cards with 5finity Productions.
She lives locally in Gilbert, working as a designer for EPIC DIGTIAL. She loves Star Wars, video games, and she giggles all the time.
Victor is an inker who is part of Danny Miki’s Crime Lab Studios. Victor has worked on Hulk, Uncanny X-Men, X-Men, Spawn, Shadowland, and many other titles. Victor is currently working with Humberto Ramos on Amazing Spider-man.
Wayne Gardiner is founder and owner of Crucidel Productions. Crucidel is a new small press, comic book production and publishing company which started publishing comic book projects in 2011. The company’s goal is to bring the highest literary and artistic comics to print. The first comic book released by Crucidel is called Knightingail, also created, written, and edited by Wayne Gardiner. Knightingail is an all-ages, fantasy-adventure comic book that follows the story of a teenage Forester princess who becomes Knightingail, a mystical powered warrior who must re-unite the tribes in her homeland to fight a massive invading army. The second project from Crucidel productions will be released in 2012 is called CrossStar and is also created, written, and edited by Wayne Gardiner. CrossStar is a more traditional super hero, detective comic book that follow a cloaked crusader who fights crime in modern-day America using a sword, his horse Starlight, and his throwing stars called cross-stars, from where he gets his name.
Avatar Press editor-in-chief William Christensen's 20-year career in the comics has included contributions in publishing, writing, and comic industry journalism. Christensen was a prolific freelancer for Wizard during the magazine's formative years in the early 90's, and went on to work with 90's indy powerhouse Chaos! Comics in various capacities. His first comic book writing credit was in the 1995 series Chaos! Quarterly.
After founding Avatar in 1996, Christensen became the architect of much of the early company line, including Pandora and The Ravening. As Editor-in-Chief of Avatar, he has become known for establishing Avatar's famous policy of creative freedom as well as his knack for working with the industry's best writers, including Warren Ellis, Alan Moore, and Garth Ennis.
