Stand clear! BIG  HeroesCon 2011 guest list update coming through!

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Frank Cho rose to popularity with his syndicated newspaper strip Liberty Meadows. Tired of dealing with the stuffy attitudes of the syndicate, Frank took his creation to Image comics where he enjoyed continiued success (of course). Lately Frank has been  illustrating lots of the characters he grew up enjoying for Marvel Comics, including Shanna the She-Devil, Hulk, Mighty Avengers, and most recently, the popular New Ultimates.

Darwyn Cooke first tickled our eyeballs with his fantastic opening sequence for the Batman Beyond animated TV series. His first comic work, Batman: Ego showed that Darwyn was an artist with an innate talent for storytelling. His amazing covers for numerous titles has also shown he has a classic design sense.  The instant classic DC: the New Frontier and his Parker adaptations have solidified Darwyn’s reputation as a master comic creator.

We are happy to welcome our friend Joe Jusko back to HeroesCon this year. Joe’s lush paintings have graced the covers of countless comics books and magazines. Joe’s renditions of Vampirella have made him a favorite of fans of the character. His work has been on our shelves lately on the covers of Wolverine/Hercules from Marvel Comics.

We are very excited to welcome Ryan Sook to his very first Heroes Convention! Ryan was one of the first artists that Mike Mignola trusted with his creation Hellboy. Ryan has since gone on to show his versatility with a very memorable Batman: Black and White story, striking work on X-Factor, Friday the 13th, and The Spectre to name just a few, and his great Kamandi story in the enormous Wednesday Comics from DC.

Billy Tucci is the founder of Crusade Comics where he publishes his creator-owned comic Shi. Billy also wrote and drew the acclaimed Sgt. Rock: The Lost Batallion which featured the retelling of the astounding “last stand” by a small number of trapped US Infantrymen of the 36th Division and their rescue by the American-born Japanese soldiers of the highly decorated 442nd Regimental Combat Team.

But that’s not all!  Buzz, Jamie Cosley, Rob Hunter, Eric Layton, and Tommy Smith have also been added to our guest list today! Whew!

1) Ultimate X #4

There are lots of readers out there who have been clamoring for this book.  The wait is over this week as Jeph Loeb and Art Adams finally bring their fourth issue to the table.  Adams’ art is as good as it has always been, and this title always sells well, so don’t forget about this one.

2) Kick Ass 2 #2

Fans of Mark Millar and John Romita, Jr.’s ultra-violent book (and subsequent film adaptation) should be happy to know that the second issue of their second volume sees print this week.  Like every other issue, this one is likely to be popular and move quickly, so if you’re a fan, you might want to pick this one up soon.

3) Dollhouse: Epitaphs one shot

Joss Whedon fans should also be happy this week as Dark Horse releases this one shot that leads into his next comic series.  Picking up where his cult t.v. show Dollhouse ended, Whedon tells the next chapter of his technology run rampant story with help from creators Maurissa Tancharoen, Jed Whedon, and Cliff Richards.  Also check out that snazzy Phil Noto cover!

4) Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters #1

This series boasts an impressive creative team that should bring some readers to this new series focusing on the famous movie monster and fellow monsters like Mothra, Rhodan, and Ghidorah.  Join Eric Powell, Tracy Marsh, and Phil Hester as they bring Godzilla back to comics.

5) Captain America #616

This week’s issue celebrates Cap’s 70th anniversary with an A-list of top creators offering stories from throughout Cap’s history.  Featuring work from writers like Ed Brubaker, Cullen Bunn, and Frank Tieri, and artists like Travis Charest, Mike Deodato, Howard Chaykin, Paul Azaceta, and Ed McGuinness, there’s something for every Cap fan to enjoy here.  Also worth noting is the issue’s great story from Charlotte creators Jason Latour and Rico Renzi, who continue their impressive year of Marvel work.  Be sure to check out Latour and Renzi’s upcoming southern crime book Loose Ends from 12 Gauge, which features detailed art from Chris Brunner, another of Charlotte’s talented artists.  Their first issue comes out in July, but you can pick up a preview of it on Free Comic Book Day on May 7 at Heroes.

Bonus Picks of the Week: Jimmy Olsen #1, Age of X: Universe #1, Incognito: Bad Influences #5, Detective Comics #875, and Black Panther: Man Without Fear #516.

Let’s round out the week by adding more names to the  HeroesCon 2011 guest list which is already bursting at the seams!

We are very excited to announce that DC Comics superstar Shane Davis will be a guest at HeroesCon this year! When DC has an epic superhero adventure that needs drawing, Shane is one of their go-to guys. You’ve seen his detailed and action-packed work on Superman: Earth One, Batman: Bruce Wayne: The Road Home, Superman/ Batman: The Search for Kryptonite, and Final Crisis: Rage of the Red Lanterns, not to mention all the cover work he has been getting lately!

We’re also happy to welcome back the guys from Creaturebox, Greg Baldwin and Dave Guertin. You’ve seen their awesome work on the covers of the Ratchet & Clank series from DC/Wildstorm. Their love of cartoons, robots, aliens, and creatures of all shapes and sizes and their ability to render them with imagination and believability has put them in demand in the comic and video game industries.

HeroesCon without Nat Jones would be like Christmas without presents! We’re happy to welcome Nat back this year. You’ve seen Nat’s remarkable work on Frank Frazetta’s Death Dealer. Recently he teamed up with Steve Niles to illustrate Wulf for Atlas Comics. He always paints awesome pieces for our Anuual Art Auction, so don’t miss it!

Inker Mark Morales’ super clean inks have graced the pages of Avengers: Children’s Crusade, The Mighty Thor, Siege, and Secret Invasion. Stop by his table and say, “Hey!”

We have some good stuff for you guys! Not only do we have a great guest list update, but the initial Artist’s Alley/ Small Press listing has also been added to the site. Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty!

Writer Paul Benjamin has a list of credits far too long to list here. Muppet King Arthur, Amazing Spider-Man, and World of Warcraft: Shaman are just a few.

We’re very happy to have Danielle Corsetto back this year. Her popular webcomic Girls With Slingshots is a perennial favorite! Look for the giant cactus with a moustache, she won’t be far.

Nick Derington can do many things, from storyboarding animation to writing and drawing comics, and he does them all very well. You’ve seen Nick’s work in the film adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s A Scanner Darkly (Nick was the Lead Animator), Erin Esurance ads, Popgun Vol. 1 and the Escapist to name a few.

Michael Dooney is the creator of Gizmo, a great comic from the black and white boom of the 80’s. Dooney has also worked on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and tons of toy designs.

Ian Flynn is the writer and guiding creative force behind the comic versions of Sonic the Hedgehog and the upcoming Mega Man books from Archie Comics. Ian will also be at the store for Free Comic Book Day on May 7th if you can’t wait until June!

Carla “Speed” McNeil is known for her long-running Finder series. She has recently taken her creation to Dark Horse Comics and I’m sure this amazing series that Scott McCloud called, “the best comic you’ve never read” will find the audience it deserves!

Declan Shalvey is making his second trip to HeroesCon this year and he has been keeping busy since his last visit! You know Declan’s art from the pages of 28 Days Later, Thunderbolts, and Captain America and Crossbones.

We’d also like to welcome back Micah Harris & Loston Wallace, co-creators of the new, hot-off-the-presses Lorna: Relic Wrangler.

Take a look at some of the talented folks setting up in our Artist’s Alley! Table assignments will be up before too long. If you purchased a table (not a booth) and you don’t see your name on that list please feel free to contact  me. Also, email me if you see any errors (mispelled name, broken/bad links, etc). I will take the blame if I made the mistakes but some of you need to work on your penmanship (you know who you are!)

As we mentioned in a previous blog post Small Press tables at HeroesCon 2011 are sold out. We will be taking a limited number of waiting list slots in case anyone needs to cancel or more space becomes available. Thanks!

1) FF #1

Jonathan Hickman and Steve Epting relaunch Marvel’s First Family, but this time FF doesn’t mean Fantastic Four, but Future Foundation.  Alongside Mr. Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, and the Thing are a handful of other characters including the Richards’ children, Dragon Man, and Alex Power of the Power Pack, among others.  You couldn’t ask for a better jumping on point than this issue.

2) Batman Incorporated #4; Batman: The Dark Knight #2

Two of the top Batman titles see print this week.  In Batman Incorporated, Grant Morrison and Yanick Paquette take Bruce Wayne away from his world travels and back to Gotham City for an encounter with Batwoman.  Over in Batman: The Dark Knight writer/artist David Finch continues his storyline that will have Batman facing Etrigan the Demon.

3) Owly and Wormy HC: Friends All Aflutter

Andy Runton’s much loved series continues in this week’s new oversized picture book volume.  Owly books are always great gift ideas for small readers.  The wordless format greatly lends itself to interaction between parents and children, and encourages the kids to get involved with the telling of the story.  At the same time, adult readers can’t deny the quality of Runton’s cartooning.  This one’s not only a great all ages book, but one that should encourage you to sit down and read with your kids.

4) David Boring GN Pantheon Edition

Daniel Clowes continues what will end up being a very busy few years for him.  Last year saw the publication of his original graphic novel Wilson.  Next month another new graphic novel, Mister Wonderful will see print, and later this year a revised version of his Eightball story The Death-Ray will be published.  This week Pantheon offers up a new printing of David Boring, another acclaimed Clowes book that is well worth reading.

5) Green Lantern #64/Green Lantern Corps # 58

Parts one and two of DC’s “War of the Green Lanterns” event are available this week.  Geoff Johns and Tony Bedard handle writing duties, while Doug Mahnke and Tyler Kirkham illustrate.  This storyline is the biggest Green Lantern event to happen since Blackest Night, and it will likely draw in new readers as well as established fans.  Get in on the ground floor with the first two parts of the story this week.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Astonishing Spider-man/Wolverine #5, Finder Library TP vol. 1, Arctic Maurader HC, New Character Parade TP, and Cardboard Valise GN.

As of  now Small Press tables at HeroesCon 2011 are sold out. We will be taking a limited number of waiting list slots in case anyone needs to cancel or more space becomes available.

If you have already purchased a table look for your name to be added to the Small Press page on our site soon.

Our guest list is bursting at the seams with great guests and 2011 is shaping up to be another great year at HeroesCon!

1) Fear Itself: Book of the Skull #1

Ed Brubaker and Scott Eaton kick off Marvel’s Fear Itself miniseries with this one shot prequel.  This issue focuses on Captain America, Namor, and the Red Skull and lays the groundwork for the upcoming series from Matt Fraction and Stuart Immonen.  If you plan on following Marvel’s next big event, you’ll want to pick this one up to make sure you’re in on the ground floor.

2) Ruse #1

Last week saw the release of Sigil #1, Marvel’s first foray into their publishing of CrossGen titles.  This week sees the release of Ruse, one of the most popular of the CrossGen books.  Original series writer Mark Waid returns to tell the Victorian detective’s latest tales alongside artist Mirco Pierfederici.  Don’t forget to pick up Sigil #1 too, which is still available at Heroes.

3) DC Universe Legacies #10

The popular DC series ends this week courtesy of the creative team of Len Wein, Jesus Saiz, Karl Story, Gary Frank, and Scott Kolins.  The series that started with DC’s earliest heroes wraps up with a retelling of more recent occurrences.  Blue Beetle fans should take note as the back up story features the classic Ted Kord incarnation of the character.

4) Avengers: Children’s Crusade: Young Avengers #1

While this is a one shot it does tie in with the current Avengers: Children’s Crusade miniseries.  While the issue’s premise of the Young Avengers all grown up will appeal to some readers, even those who don’t read the book should notice that legendary artist Alan Davis illustrates this issue.  Allan Heinberg also writes this issue, which should hold readers of the Children’s Crusade over until issue #5 is released next month.

5) Yo Gabba Gabba: Comic Book Time HC

It’s always nice to feature a great new kids book on the spotlight.  This anthology based on the popular kids show features contributions from several animators who work on the show, as well as a wide variety of comic talents like Evan Dorkin, Mike Allred, J. Bone, and even color art from Heroes’ own Creative Director, Rico Renzi!  This book will make a great gift for children that show an interest in reading comics but might be too young to jump into super hero books.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Xombi #1, Morning Glories #8, Your Highness TP, Guild: Tink one shot, Captain America and Crossbones #1, and IZombie vol. 1 TP.

The hits keep coming! Two guest list updates in one day! This one is Indie Island specific and filled with a plethora of great artists!

I was introduced to Paul Conrad many years ago by Mr. Adhouse, Chris Pitzer. Paul has resume with serious credentials! Some of his amazing designs can be seen in the film Up from Pixar Animation Studios. He has also worked for Walt Disney, Big Idea Productions, Scholastic & Little Golden Books.

By day Joel Carroll is training the next generation of video game designers. When he’s not doing that he’s working on his New Century Space Opera : TOPAZ. Joel has also had his comics published in the critically acclaimed FLIGHT anthology. Joel has a knack for great superhero costume design too, you can check out some of his great contributions over at Project: Rooftop. He’s also done some great sketchcards for Marvel, Star Wars, and Indian Jones card sets!

Graphic designer Ron Salas’ beautiful illustrations have recently graced the covers of Dracula: The Company of Monsters and the interiors of 28 Days Later, both from Boom Studios. His art can also be found in Existence 2.0 and Existence 3.0, written by Nick Spencer.

Maris Wicks illustrated my favorite book that I picked up at SPX this year. Maris and Galen Longstreth’s Yes Let’s from Tugboat Press is a great book for the whole family. Maris was also the glue on Adhouse’s Project: Romantic. Not only did she illustrate the cover, her Adventure Love Story is interwoven throughout the book as well.

Kristian Donaldson is responsible for the striking art on the Brian Wood penned Supermarket. The book’s unique look springs not only from Kristian’s drawing style but his dazzling colors. He has also done covers for The Guild, Dr.Horrible, and Chuck.  Be on the lookout for Kristian’s art in Vertigo: Crime’s 99 Days which goes on sale the week before HeroesCon 2011!

Joe Quinones amazed many with his stunning work on Green Lantern in DC’s Wednesday Comics. When you’re digging in the comic boxes at HeroesCon be on the lookout for Joe’s great 12 page story in Amazing Spider-Man #622. Not one to rest on his laurels, Joe has been delighting eyeballs with covers on Star Wars: Knight Errant, Mass Effect, and a series of great variant covers for Amazing Spider-Man featuring pretty much all the big-time bad guys Spidey has tussled with.

Alberto Ruiz is an art revolutionary plain and simple. Alberto had worked for corporate clients in the illustration and design but soon realized he needed to do his own thing.  Seeing a void in the world of art books, Alberto blazed his own path and asked many of his talented friends to come along for the ride. Brandstudios has a reputation for putting out beautiful art books featuring great artists from around the world. Alberto now draws for himself and is much happier for it!

After last year’s popular appearance, we are happy to announce artist Ben Templesmith is returning to HeroesCon 2011! You know him as the artist behind Choker, Fell, 30 Days of Night, the writer and artist of Wormwood: Gentleman Corpse and Welcome to Hoxford. Ben has also shown his range on the beautiful and informative The Presidents of the United States.

Flashpoint #1 – Promoted in the first issue of last year’s Flash relaunch, DC’s big summer event has finally come.  From the look of the onslaught of promotion surrounding it, Flashpoint will be an Age of Apocalypse-style alternate timeline story revolving around. . .you guessed it, The Flash.   The mystery of what happened and the fun of seeing what’s different in this new reality is the fun of these kinds of stories and writer Geoff Johns has shown a firm hand of constructing solid summer blockbuster yarns. Pg. 75

Batman: Gates of Gotham – Scott Snyder’s Detective Comics started late last year and has quickly become this writer’s favorite DC superhero book.  I was very excited to hear that he would also be doing this mini-series about the history of Gotham.  Along with him is co-writer Kyle Higgins and the mega-talented Trevor McCarthy.  The subject matter is the history of powerful families and how the architecture of a city influences people and takes on a life of its own.  I love this kind of stuff!  Pg. 83

Rocketeer Adventures – Between the return of Dark Horse Presents and Strange Adventures (also coming out in May) this is proving to be quite a year for anthologies.  IDW puts some skin in the game with this anthology based around the beloved Rocketeer.  Among the talent in the first issue: Kurt Busiek, Mike Allred, John Cassaday, Michael Kaluta, Mike Mignola, and Jim Silke.  Indeed this appears to be a very proper tribute to the late Dave Stevens and his great creation. Pg. 145

Paying For It – Last year brought a string of new work by alt-comics masters Dan Clowes, Chris Ware, and Seth.  Chester Brown, a peer among that group, brings up the rear with his newest work, a memoir about his participation in prostitution.  The subject matter is surely controversial but Brown is talented enough to skillfully navigate it. Pg. 284

Moon Knight #1 – Brian Bendis and Alex Maleev return to street level superhero comics.  My understanding is that the character will be getting a new setting (L.A.) and a twist on his multiple-personality disorder (he takes on the personas of other superheroes.) From the look of it Maleev will be returning to his Daredevil style and there are certainly enough hooks here to make this worth a look.  Marvel Pg. 45