Archive for the ‘Interviews’

HEROESCON 2026 :: REWIND!!!

July 20, 2026 By: Karla Southern Category: DISCUSS, EVENTS, Feast Your Eyes, HeroesCon, HeroesCon REWIND, Interviews, NEWS, Now Read This!, Photos, Reviews

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Flickr 2026-SM

FlickAlbum

HeroesCon 2026 :: June 12-14 – FEATURING PHOTOS from YOU!!
https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCZfzE

Youtube

2026 HeroesCon Playlist

Featuring Over 80 Videos from creators all across the globe!!
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLK7p4FJnpez8&si=Sc_AJ1v97QuiBCiX

Featuring Videos from:

Still Only 35¢: I Travelled 24 HOURS for Heroes Con 2026! Simply the BEST Comic Event in the World!
https://youtu.be/VqPtU8L39bc?si=mxImCcgZqFIvCMc1

Todd Venture: HeroesCon 2026 Was Incredible! Full Convention Tour & Highlights
https://youtu.be/EUHz7ff3Yl4?si=q40CoFrpqJTGw0_4

Inside the Panel with Josh Greathouse: What makes Heroes Con, Heroes Con?
https://youtu.be/DMCxE0zsZvI?si=Wm4vkQYk5Wf9AFdC

Panels & Ink: HeroesCon 2026 Walkthrough
https://youtu.be/OJ2XydhrqaQ?si=mxWPV1v9ovmRcChq

Comics with IzzyVerseNYC: Inside HeroesCon 2026: Legends, CGC & Amazing Fantasy #15
https://youtu.be/kjOwk–Q4FU?si=RY9mK3rmHZSDeuKb

Comics are Dope with BJ Kicks: HEROES CON 2026: Recap, Comic Haul & Tons of Footage!
https://youtu.be/fk0l8R7zlsY?si=t4Gw8hREAiLB6iwm

RH Midwest Comics: HeroesCon 2026 – Is this truly the best Comic Con in the world?
https://youtu.be/Sh45DW2TAfs?si=YfNQh37qbtdSzw6t

The Brothers Boyd: Absolute DC Panel Heroescon 2026
https://youtu.be/I9naxRRdx6c?si=PGfVIDaiTnYvAnNV

Chris Covers Comics: Absolute Universe Panel – HeroesCon 2026
https://youtu.be/V1-lzkL79F4?si=oCJ2Z2riQBBvwFyX

Terence Dollard: Comic Culture Bonus Chris Claremont and John Romita, Jr X Men Panel at HeroesCon 2026
https://youtu.be/_KdPg_-OLj0?si=9eMVmgIiRl1czM5m

Mike Baron: “How to Make Comics” by Mike Baron | HeroesCon 2026 Panel
https://youtu.be/Y-C-6ZMe7oI?si=gQ9dAK23lFLW-dD9

West Coast Davengers: DON’T MISS THIS COMIC CONVENTION
https://youtu.be/LWBjt_6Mzs8?si=wazJC7iCcNVLYaYR

The Comic Vet: HEROES CONVENTION 2026 · Episode 1
https://youtu.be/vMKAz1xovC4?si=l6eW-0hcM1Xm792p

Sonny Boy Comics: Heroes Con 2026 Day 1 | We Came Looking for Grails
https://youtu.be/XWiS3PwoEuo?si=HarFqfyx53Z6pW0z

EJ The Collector: Buying RARE Comic Books at Heroes Con 2026 – Part 1
https://youtu.be/jc2KTJefmPM?si=jtfSeAaiKPP184uY

Marvelous Adventures Of T And G: Heroes Convention 2026
https://youtu.be/NnCpdyfMBWc?si=kOlSCEUPe81TSCd4

The Comics Den: Going to Heroes Con for Key Issue Comic Books and Discovering a Fortune in Absolute Batman Art
https://youtu.be/mK99l5Y0XDg?si=3-QOQtrBuAoFZ2ZS

Howlermouse: Heroes Con 2026 Eve The Night Before ! Comics To be Signed ! Heroes Con Past Remembered!!
https://www.youtube.com/live/KAmhsY0N_is?si=49kQTtC0eRNbW79j

NEO Cards & Comics: Hunting for Amazing Fantasy #15 at Heroes Con
https://youtu.be/yH-Kawarc1A?si=M5f3PF9awEMLsKMP

DJ LINX: HEROESCON 2026 MEGA HAUL | SHOPPING ON A $2000 BUDGET | DID I GO OVER? #comicbooks #heroescon #dc
https://youtu.be/0L4D23gJfhQ?si=oOIhsKftrqXMLAM8

SHUGGS Comics and Statues: Our First Heroes Con USA!
https://youtu.be/fzNLHv3vNNw?si=PESWNHRXNqc1uOme

Berkfamily54comics: Heroes Con 2026 Was INSANE! (Comic Book Collector’s Dream)
https://youtu.be/kzwNo_OirJg?si=C3kev8_Q9jxcDvN4

Cowboy Hat Comics: My HeroesCon 2026 Recap!
https://youtu.be/ECZP0mh7ZJY?si=WCXfIPU97amiImME

Geek Aficionado: Heroes Con 2026 – The “ALL BANGER” Recap Show!! with Mike from The Collective!!
https://www.youtube.com/live/BrC5uTRCInA?si=SvcCrXYoXg8uFcJP

Barson LIVE: HeroesCon 2026 Was AMAZING | GRAILS | Comic Haul
https://youtu.be/DvkZuZ-_Dr4?si=SBAchu8Ye7_Yxe4V

Legion of Comics: Legions Lair – HeroesCon Tour 2026
https://www.youtube.com/live/6ndosBsbmLM?si=16RiXHy4i8y2CAHU

Joe Schmoe: HeroesCon 2026 Original Art Haul
https://youtu.be/VjxGM3uVP6Q?si=LSXeutq7Q3vhzJ9m

Psychotronic Squirt Gun: Heroes Con 2026 — Was It Worth It? | My Thoughts
https://www.youtube.com/live/J9-yFWCXm9s?si=NUABUXKLpVHuIUcd

The Simply Incredible Podcast: 2026 Heroes Con Comic Book Haul #comics #heroescon
https://youtu.be/N40EiGHxGLw?si=NfZAXOkyh_ZOl13Q

CollectorAuctions: 2026 Heroes Con – Day 1 start to Finish: Creator Signings /CGC Drop–Off / Overall Thoughts
https://youtu.be/TZaeSJSUMd0?si=vI0n-RvSJcwtuvUn

Doc’s Comics: Heroes Con 2026 Recap! Fun Was Had!
https://youtu.be/oNWqkr3jUzQ?si=J5QtpogLaI1170Hn

Brian – LCS: Heroes Con 2026 Highlights from the Convention Floor
https://youtu.be/9JUme0fPEYU?si=8LX0PpzV1MVWyvYg

RBGPromotions: Heroes Con 2026 walk around
https://youtu.be/_WgJBwgmUQQ?si=BDPjM7zy0rPFv-h6

World of TecKe: Heroes Con 2026 in Charlotte NC. Super Kids and Comics Artists Friendly Comic Convention!
https://youtu.be/LV9uz1um1os?si=cfc4dCstq7mgyCxy

Mark on Comics: Mark on Comics – Heroes Con Day #1 – June 12th, 2026 – Ep 233
https://youtu.be/NgNmHK5YLTk?si=AJ9_gKfRjjyHnZF6

Mr Archive: Heroes Con 2026 | Day 3 | The CGC Results Are In!
https://youtu.be/dT7FR75jpWw?si=EyW3qC6MgF_PA9jK

Quinn Quill: Day 1 of Heroes Con 2026
https://www.youtube.com/live/AoBOEKnmMWY?si=M1U8Aad2XrAYTJhH

Comics Discourse: One-Shot Special: Heroes Con 2026 Recap
https://youtu.be/pJBNbQThL8k?si=O1__HnmOkaZKue62

Total Recall Show: MARVELS AND MONSTERS with TOM SCIOLI Panel at HeroesCon 2026
https://youtu.be/Id_8zMJgnJ0?si=875_oJEJyBuy45ac

TheLongestCosplays: Heroes Con 2026 – What Did I Get? | An UNEXPECTED Haul!
https://youtu.be/7bThfQD2OKo?si=1DTtb2LB7Etp1dtS

Talkin’ Comics: HeroesCon 2026 Haul! Meeting Stephanie Phillips & Skottie Young | Talkin’ Comics Ep. 124
https://youtu.be/egIS4AI1Z3M?si=iU1fnRoFdxNv7dRA

Nate’s Here and There: Hero con 2026
https://youtu.be/oZ7DBDLO9vE?si=mAm7YCeWWqCiiYyo

The comics life: Heroes Con 2026 Footage Day 1 Part 1!
https://youtu.be/iYMDuYIx9XU?si=xuYwjkeDD4NXtOT5

Youtube


SHORTS:

 

Thousands flock to Uptown for annual HeroesCon: WCNC
https://youtube.com/shorts/miXBFvoDN3o?si=rzqpUff32Rq7JYP6

HeroesCon 2026 Day 1: HamboneIRL
https://youtube.com/shorts/v4bi8R3-z9s?si=e6vlpHe3FVoaetSM

HeroesCon Day 2!!!: 4thwallpros
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NXrlZXt7qbY

HeroesCon Layout: Panels_and_Ink
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/IvFAOuCyMIo

Come With Me To Heroescon 2026!: collectingwithderrz
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/T-DECnUjYko

Heroes Con Day 1 is off to a HOT start!: Sonnyboycomics
https://youtube.com/shorts/WU4VO_4EaOk?si=iouAKy0nT5dsOreR

Great Golden Age Picks from Heroes Con 2026!: Goldenagecomicbooks
https://youtube.com/shorts/ZcYuyWA5QBU?si=WmbfWaOc0QFDXcIr

 

HeroesCon Podcast Interviews:

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Comic News Insider with Jimmy Aquino: Episode 1717 – Heroes Con Recap!
https://www.comicnewsinsider.com/episodes/cni-1717

Comic News Insider: Episode 1718 – Heroes Con: Pornsak Pichetshote!
https://www.comicnewsinsider.com/episodes/cni-1718

Comic News Insider: Episode 1719 – Heroes Con: Elliana Esquivel!
https://www.comicnewsinsider.com/episodes/cni-1719

Comic News Insider: Episode 1720 – Heroes Con: Mico Suayan!
https://www.comicnewsinsider.com/episodes/cni-1720

Comic News Insider: Episode 1721 – Heroes Con: Bobby Timony/Nicholas Doan!
https://www.comicnewsinsider.com/episodes/cni-1721

Comic News Insider: Episode 1722 – Heroes Con: Monica Gallagher!
https://www.comicnewsinsider.com/episodes/cni-1722

Comic News Insider: Episode 1723 – Heroes Con: Mike Maihack!
https://www.comicnewsinsider.com/episodes/cni-1723

Comic News Insider: Episode 1724 – Heroes Con: Bridgit Connell!
https://www.comicnewsinsider.com/episodes/cni-1724

Comic News Insider: Episode 1725 – Heroes Con: John Lucas!
https://www.comicnewsinsider.com/episodes/cni-1725

Comic News Insider: Episode 1726 – Heroes Con: Kamille Rodriguez!
https://www.comicnewsinsider.com/episodes/cni-1726

Comic News Insider: Episode 1727 – Heroes Con: Josh Greathouse!
https://www.comicnewsinsider.com/episodes/cni-1727

TikTok2026-smTikTok:

Lizzie Dillon: “Along for the Ride” @lizziedillonartwork
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTSBRM4fC/

 

Charlotte Observer:

A comic lover’s dream: We went to HeroesCon in Charlotte (Video)
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/charlottefive/c5-things-to-do/article316107515.html

ARTICLES:

Richard and Wendy Pini: An Elfquest Miracle: Matter of oPINIon – 68
https://mailchi.mp/elfquest/an-elfquest-miracle-matter-of-opinion-68

 

Instagram_logo_2026-smInstagram
Feeds:

 

 

Kata Kane @robokiss
https://www.instagram.com/p/DaQ3ka3m4na/

Ultimate Comics @ultimatecomicsofficial
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZnvGIogU8M/

Skottie Young @stupidfreshmess
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZgKmubEZKj/

Brett Bean @brett2dbean
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZlQa7UmPAe/

Lee Gatlin @neilaglet
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ3v3vPAet3/

@vintagecomicsandtoys
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZdqBzcxabD/

@mootyvision
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZvv7JHIJPM/

@geekoutwithrosko
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ0JpnxgJXD/

@fanholespodcast
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZicwnrvTTX/

Colleen Doran @doran.colleen
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZgBPZ9BFLK/

Faith and Fandom @faithandfandom
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZnE6YsA7dt/

@howlermouse
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZszqfmG5vU/

@zackindertattoos
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZjR5c6Dir2/

@samurye.swrd
https://www.instagram.com/p/DaiAnqoDpo4/

Mark Bagley @officialmarkbagleyart
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZkWJO0ldQE/

 


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Do you have Videos, Photos, Podcasts, or Articles you would like us to share in our 2026 HeroesCon Rewind? 

Send your photos, or links to [email protected] and we’ll add them to the collection!

– THE HEROES CONVENTION TEAM

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CAROLINA CAMERA with WBTV’s John Carter – Exploring Shelton’s Comic Book Collection

November 08, 2023 By: Karla Southern Category: DISCUSS, Exclusives, Feast Your Eyes, Heroes Aren't Hard To Find, Interviews, NEWS, Now Read This!, Vintage Comics

WBTV’s Carolina Camera gets behind the scenes with Shelton Drum and his comic collection

WBTV’s John Carter brought his Carolina Camera behind the scenes with Heroes own Shelton Drum to take a peek into Shelton’s vast collection of comic books that spans all generations. Shelton has been collecting comic books since he was 10 years old, and he has no intentions of stopping!

If you are looking for a specific comic, there’s a good chance Shelton might have it, and if you’re looking to SELL a collection of comics (especially from the 1970’s and earlier) there’s a good chance Shelton is looking to BUY them too!

You can stop by our store, Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find located at 417 Pecan Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204 any day of the week (except Thanksgiving and Christmas…we close TWICE a year!), or you can send an email to [email protected] or [email protected] if you have comic collecting questions!

Our MANY THANKS to John Carter and his Carolina Camera for shining a light down the halls of comic-collecting!

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HEROESCON 2023 Recap :: Photo Galleries, Videos, and MORE!

July 11, 2023 By: Karla Southern Category: DISCUSS, Feast Your Eyes, HeroesCon, HeroesCon News, HeroesCon Panels, Interviews, NEWS, Now Read This!, Opinion, Photos, Reviews, This Just In

Got a video, photo album, podcast or other HeroesCon 2023 memory that you would like us to share?
Email Us At: [email protected]

Photo Albums:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/heroesonline/albums/72177720309380006
https://www.flickr.com/photos/heroesonline/albums/72177720309612536

Fablegraph 3-D Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.734085212060001&type=3

Cardinal & Pine

Geno’s Comics:
https://genoscomics.com/2023/06/16/heroescon-2023-day-1-photo-gallery/
https://genoscomics.com/2023/06/17/heroescon-2023-day-2-photo-gallery/

Audio Panel Recordings:

http://www.thecomicbooks.com/audio.html?fbclid=IwAR19M0dGc1GyAvy-eu35jzX1WoUc

https://www.firstcomicsnews.com/the-jamie-coville-experience-heroes-convention-2023-starreach-at-50/

Comic News Insider:

Comic News Insider

Cartoonist Kayfabe
@CartoonistKayfabe
https://www.youtube.com/live/TDpyzP4-UQA

On the NEWS!
@WBTVNews
Examining The Evolving Comic Book Market Ahead Of The Heroes Convention

Weekend Events Expected To Attract Thousands To Charlotte

@WCNC
HeroesCon brings comic and superhero fans to Charlotte, NC

ConventionScene.com
https://www.conventionscene.com/2023/06/30/heroes-con-2023-wrap-up/

Youtube Videos:

@MrNotchy444

Panel for John Romita Sr

@toddventure

HeroesCon 2023 | Complete Walkthrough | It’s truly about comic books, the artists, and the writers.

@ccgtvcaldwellcountygovernm4773

Heroes Convention 2023

@jamiecosley

HeroesCon 2023

@LegionofComics
Heroes Con 2023 Tour Recap | Review | Haul

Legion of Comics Community Hangout HeroesCon 2023 Recap and Chat

Daniel Warren Johnson GRAIL PIECE | Heroes Con 2023

@Stickygoose

CAR CRASH GOING TO HEROES COMIC CON 2023 VLOG

@ImproveCollectingComics

So I Went to Heroescon 2023 – Wow

@jbstoytrunk

TOY HUNT at Heroes Convention 2023 in Charlotte, NC #toys #youtuber #toyhunt #starwars #comiccon

@DestinationStone

The LARGEST Convention in Charlotte NC | Amazing Artists and Cosplay | Destination: Heroes Con 2023

@popculturesquad7896

HeroesCon 2023 Show Floor Walk Through

@lorendrummer

Episode 16 Heroes Con!

@Mephiof

Hometown Heroes, HeroesCon 2023

@ManCaveCollectibleReviews

Toy & Comic Book Hunting @ HEROESCON 2023 Charlotte NC

@JerryPittman

Heroes Convention 2023 “Heroes Con” – Charlotte, NC – What Deals Can You Find on Sunday?

@GENOSCOMICS

HeroesCon 2023: Exploring the Show Floor | GENO’S COMICS

@GLStudios

Heroes Convention 2023 Cosplay Highlights in 4K!

@CollectorAuctions

Heroes Con 2023 Day 1 Recap – CGC unprepared for demand: Ep. 206

Heroes Con 2023 Day 2 Recap – Signatures and CGC: Ep. 207

Heroes Con 2023 Day 3 Recap – On the Hunt for Hulk 181: Ep. 209

@thebrothersboyd

Heroes Con 2023 Walkthrough!

HeroesCon 2023 Cosplay

@kspyoda

Heroes Con 2023 Brian Stelfreeze Storm Auction painting time lapse video
Brian Stelfreeze paints Roberto Clemente Heroes Con 2023

@fablegraph-photography

VR180 HeroesCon 2023

@KENTPOOLCollects Toy Hunt Heroes Con 23 Night One Four Horsemen Studios Mythic Legions Cosplay Comics Anime Funko

Toy Hunt Heroes Con 23 Day Two Comics Cosplay Anime YouTube Friends Mythic Legions Figure Score!

Toy Hunt Heroes Con Day 3 Mythic Legions Haul Legions Con Day 2 Exclusive information Ish Con 2023

@loliev4019

CHARLOTTE NC HEROES CONVENTION 2023 | VLOG

@EclecticScribbles

Heroes Con 2023 Artist Alley Recap | Best Convention So Far?

@thecomicvet
Live at Heroes Con! The Sites, The Sounds, The Great Comic Book Based Convention!

@UrinationNation

HeroesCon 2023 Comic Haul

@SuperRus9000

Heroes Con 2023!!

@RemyQStudios

Heroes Con 2023 – Lets Talk About It

@collectiblesdad

I Survived HeroesCon 2023. Show Recap.

@CupOComics

Heroes Con 2023 Haul w/ Bonus Content! #comics #comicbooks #comicconvention #spiderman #grail

@TheComicSlayer

Our Favorite Heroes Con 2023 Finds!

@AComicBookworm
Meet The Collectors from HeroesCON 2023 & Recap

@AndySmithComicArtist
https://www.youtube.com/live/4Sd1rlDpNIU

@PopCulturePhilosophers

https://www.youtube.com/live/b_jSzJyzTY8

@OmnidogsVault

https://www.youtube.com/live/2Y2C2wKa4-A

@EliAndFriends1

YouTube Shorts:

HEROESCON 2023 is a wrap! – YouTube

Heroes Con 2023! – YouTube

heroes con 2023 art auction part 1 – YouTube

How to set up at a comic book convention #HeroesCon #Aceblade – YouTube

HeroesCon Cosplay 2023, #shorts #comiccon #youtubeshorts – YouTube

Heroes Convention at the Charlotte Convention Center – YouTube

Burkey and Me from Heroes con #comicbookart #comicart #duelingdealersofcomicart – YouTube
Skottie Young Art Auction At Heroes Con #comiccon #skottieyoung #comics – YouTube

Fun short with Bill Cox from Heroes con #comicbookart #comiccon

Jim Steranko HeroesCon 2023 SCORE! King Size Hulk 1#hulk #incredibleHulk #marvel #comics #heroescon

Skottie Young Art Auction At Heroes Con #youtubeshorts #shorts #comiccon

Heroes Convention 2023 Pops straight chilling with comic legend Don Simpson

incredible hulk 5 cgc 2.5 #heroescon #hulk #marvel #cgc #cgccomics #comicbooks #incrediblehulk

HeroesCon Art Auction: Maihack #shorts

Heroes Con…on a Friday! #heroes #clt #heroescon #charlotte #charlottenc #comiccon #comics #podcast

HeroesCon Drink & Draw #shorts

Awesome Four Horsemen Mythic Legions Custom figures at Heroes Con 23

Come see us! #heroescon #heroescon2023 #artistalley #crochet #crochetplushies

Cosmic Update: Going to HeroesCon #Shorts

Comics, Comics, & Comics @ HeroesCon #shorts

Heroes con set up . See something you like let me know with interest See the website for new art

TikTok, Podcasts & Others!
Heroescon 2023! Whose gonna be there??

Artist’s Alley Aftermath: HeroesCon 2023 | Faith & Fandom

HeroesCon: The Ultimate Comic Convention Experience On Father’s Day Weekend – LRM

HeroesCon 2023 Recap: Artist Interactions, Convention Hauls, and Tips For Saving and Spending Money At A Comic Convention

Download the PDF with links:

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STAY UP TO DATE WITH OUR MOST RECENT INSTAGRAM POSTS! @HEROESONLINE

April 16, 2020 By: Karla Southern Category: DISCUSS, EVENTS, Feast Your Eyes, Heroes Aren't Hard To Find, HeroesCon, Interviews, Looking Ahead, NEWS, Now Read This!, Opinion, Photos, Reviews, Spotlight on New Releases, Staff Picks, This Just In, Uncategorized, Where Do I Start?

HEROES IS ON INSTAGRAM!

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HEROES WELCOMES VALIANT COMICS :: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH – INCURSION #1, PORTFOLIO REVIEWS + MORE!!

February 15, 2019 By: Karla Southern Category: Comics Industry, EVENTS, Heroes Aren't Hard To Find, Interviews, NEWS, Now Read This!, Other Events, Reviews, Spotlight on New Releases, Valiant Comics

Print

Heroes welcomes Comic-Book Publishers
VALIANT
Wednesday, February 20: 1PM-3PM

Come celebrate the Valiant’s action-packed comic INCURSION #1 and get a SUPER TOP SECRET look at upcoming comic books from Valiant Entertainment!
Or get your portfolio reviewed by a pro?! Senior Editorial Director Robert Meyers, Sales & Social Media Manager Emily Hecht, and Sales & Live Events Manager Julia Walchuk will be at Heroes to offer their insight and advice!!
This is sure to be a fun and insightful look at the world of comics, so don’t miss it!

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HEROES INTERVIEW :: MIKE ZECK

September 25, 2015 By: Rico Renzi Category: DISCUSS, EVENTS, Interviews, Store Signings

ZeckInterview

We recorded a great little interview with Mike Zeck while he was in town for his signing. Check it out!

VariantsAd

Exclusives available while supplies last at HeroesOnline.com
Video by Matt Tyndall, Jere Thomas, and Erik Button http://pricelessmisc.com/

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SHELTON DRUM “TMSIDK” INTERVIEW ON BOING BOING

August 15, 2013 By: Rico Renzi Category: DISCUSS, HeroesCon, Interviews

hc-logo_cmyk_new_colors

Tell Me Something I Don’t Know (TMSIDK) is the interview podcast hosted by cartoonists Jim Rugg, Jasen Lex and Ed Piskor at Boing Boing. This year the TMSIDK guys had the rare opportunity to sit down with our fearless leader Shelton Drum and talk about his career as a comics retailer and convention organizer. It’s a great talk so check it out; you may even learn something you didn’t know about Shelton! Thanks to TMSIDK, Boing Boing and our tireless Panel Coordinator Andy Mansell. The great sound on this recording is provided by Adam Daughhetee

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/105253110″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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HEROES INTERVIEW :: ED PISKOR

May 14, 2013 By: Seth Peagler Category: DISCUSS, Guest List, HeroesCon, Interviews

With HeroesCon less than one month away, I’m happy to bring our blog readers this interview with the talented Ed Piskor.  Ed’s already had a notable career, including work on original graphic novels like Wizzywig and collaborations with Harvey Pekar on The Beats and Macedonia.  You may have heard industry rumblings about Ed’s newest project, Hip Hop Family Tree.  Aside from being one of the most comprehensive sequential studies of a genre that’s ever been undertaken, it’s a work that’s already receiving due respect and acclaim from both the comics and music communities.  Make sure to stop by Ed’s table next month at HeroesCon and see why everyone’s talking about this book.
Seth Peagler (SP): Ed, I’ve known you for a few years now, and it seems like every time I’ve run into you, we’ve talked a little bit about this book-in-progress.  Through those conversations and preparing for this interview, I realized that Hip Hop Family Tree is something you’ve been living with and building toward for a long time.  How long do you think you’ve been consciously or subconsciously developing this book, and what made you want to collect it in this format now?
Ed Piskor (EP): I’ve been drawing comics incorporating classic Hip Hop imagery for as long as I’ve been drawing comics. I remember some of my earliest comic attempts in High School were like Hip Hop wannabe versions of Love and Rockets. Looking back at old interviews and stuff I found this interview from 2009 where I talk about wanting to do a Hip Hop comic. http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/ae/books/ed-piskors-graphic-novel-creates-sensation-among-genres-fans-346662/
“While working on “Wizzywig,” Piskor listens to old school hip-hop music  for inspiration. When “Wizzywig” wraps, his next big project will be a  history of hip-hop that focuses on the Boogie-Down Bronx and DJ Scott La Rock. He promises it will be exhaustive.”
Because it’s going to be an all encompassing and comprehensive work, it’s going to take forever to tell the entire story the way I want it to be told. In this day and age of the ADHD internet attention span, I felt it best to produce maybe one book a year to keep up a presence. Otherwise, I’d have to disappear for a decade and emerge with a doorstop of a comic, and that’s not quite sustainable or necessary. Some eras are more important to some people than others. A 100+ book per year feels right.
SP: A big part of the draw of the book for me is that you’re going back to the real roots of Hip Hop and tracing its progression over the years.  Even though I know you’re a fan, did you consult many sources outside of the music?  Are there many definitive histories of Hip Hop that you could even consult?
EP: There were some interesting things to look at while writing the book. It’s necessary to know the political/economic climate at the time. The fine art scene plays an integral role in the development of early Hip Hop as well, which many people might not know. If it wasn’t for the downtown scene gravitating toward graffiti culture it could have all died out in the early 80s.
There are several good books to reference out there, but, there are also 30 years of interviews with everybody who matters which are accessible either online, in magazines, or youtube. My goal is to take all the best stuff I can find from everywhere and distill it into a fun comix narrative. A tough goal, but, it’s what I’m shooting for, nonetheless.
SP: Along the way of writing and drawing the book, did you stumble across any lesser known artists whose stories you felt you needed to include?  Since it’s essentially a history of the genre, did you feel compelled to tell it chronologically, or did you allow yourself to veer from that path at any point?
EP: Being a fan of Rap music already, this project gives me the chance to fill in the gaps of my knowledge. I’m not necessarily discovering new people to cover, but, I’m discovering what makes certain, more obscure people, important in the greater scheme of things.
This first book is fairly linear but we’re going to veer off and project things into the future here and there as the project moves forward, because I will be talking about certain people who may not have contributed much in, say 1982, but went on to do great things by 89 and if we handle it linearly, you’ll have forgotten their intro. Not sure if that makes sense. I guess the best example would be one of the newer strips I’ve done which will be in book 2, about the Jonzun Crew. http://boingboing.net/2013/04/23/brain-rot-hip-hop-family-tree-55.html
SP: As a musician and someone who is just starting to write comics that incorporate elements of music within my stories, I’ve run into some difficulty conveying the gravity of rhythm and melody on a page.  I’ve seen several of your pages where you seem to not only capture the energy of specific artists and their charismatic stage performances, but also convey the communal aspects of an impacting live show.  How did you go about capturing the specific musical identities of these performers through the art of comics?
EP: During such sequences the characters need to be larger than life and maybe even downright Kirbyesque if/when possible. The Hip Hop Family Tree, however, is more about the actual relationships that went into creating hip hop rather than just focusing on the music.
SP: I’d like to bring up one of your earlier books, The Beats.  For those who aren’t familiar with it, in it you collaborated with the late, great Harvey Pekar, one of comics’ true innovators of journalism and memoir.  Of course, the Beats chronicled historical and cultural figures within the Beat movement, but I’d imagine you learned a lot from working with Pekar on that specific book that might have been beneficial for you on this project.  Were there any memories of collaborating with Pekar that resonated with you while you worked on Hip Hop Family Tree?
EP: I think working with Harv on The Beats gave me a strong clue into how to move the narrative along. Between each panel, days, months, or years can go by, and deconstructing Harv’s work gave me a roadmap for how to keep things tight. How to choose the correct moments to cover. Things like that.
SP: From what I’ve seen and read, Hip Hop Family Tree kind of stands alone as a unique chronicle of music in comics form.  I’m excited that Fantagraphics is publishing the book, and I know you’re already receiving critical praise from comics journalists.  Have you had much feedback from Hip Hop artists and journalists who cover the music?
EP: Yep, my phone number now seems to be within a network of rappers and journalists because I will randomly get calls from people at any hour of the day or night and it’s always a pleasant surprise. I don’t want to be a name dropper though. Everybody seems really into it and it’s creating a situation where I’m able to get some precious info that will enrich the story and that’s a cool bi-product that I wasn’t expecting. It’s cool too when different musicians tweet the strips. It helps propagate the material and spread the work.
Now that I have a handful of really cool people into the comic, whenever some random schmo has silly stuff to say, it gives me ammo to cut them down like “Oh that’s too bad you don’t like it, as long as “x” likes it, I guess I’ll just have to deal with that.”
SP: Finally, I’m wondering if you’ve allowed yourself to think about what kind of project you might want to work on next?
EP: Another thing about this project is that with the scope of the story I’m trying to tell, I know what I’m going to be working on for the foreseeable future.
SP: Thanks again to Ed for taking time out of his busy schedule for an interview.  Make sure you make it a point to stop by his table next month at HeroesCon.  His original art is something you’ll definitely want to see.  Remember to pick up Hip Hop Family Tree when it hits the shelves.  Rest assured, myself and other Heroes staffers will be talking about it when it does.
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HEROES INTERVIEW :: MATT KINDT

February 20, 2013 By: Seth Peagler Category: DISCUSS, Interviews

If you’re familiar with the work of Matt Kindt, you know he’s one of the hardest working creators in comics. Over the past several years he’s received critical acclaim for his graphic novels Super Spy, 3 Story: The Secret History of the Giant Man, Revolver, and Pistolwhip.  More recently, you’ve probably seen his work on Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. and in Mind Mgmt, the monthly Dark Horse title he writes, illustrates and designs.  Kindt’s previous graphic novels suggest he possesses one of the more original voices in comics.  Now with Mind Mgmt, not only do you have further support for his originality, but you’re getting monthly examples of it.  For a deeper look at Mind Mgmt, check out my review of issues 1-5 HERE.  In the meantime, enjoy the interview.

Seth Peagler (SP): Mind Mgmt is your first big monthly book, but it’s also one where you’re writing, illustrating and directing the design of every aspect of it. What were some things that contributed to your decision to tackle something of this scale at this point in your career?

Matt Kindt (MK): Well, to be honest, I feel like graphic novels were getting too easy from a creative stand point. I was getting a little bored. And I was tired of disappearing for a year to finish a book and then launching a book and disappearing again. Now I get to launch a new issue every month and get a little more interaction with readers. I honestly don’t know if I’ll ever go back to a GN format. I’m having way too much fun doing a monthly series. (more…)

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HEROES INTERVIEW :: MATT FRACTION

October 29, 2012 By: Seth Peagler Category: DISCUSS, Interviews

Over the past several years, writer Matt Fraction has produced a varied body of work, ranging from big company events like Fear Itself, to smaller, character driven books like Immortal Iron Fist.  Let’s not forget he also managed to write fifty-plus issues of Invincible Iron Man and still maintains creator owned projects like Casanova.  Fraction currently reunited with Iron Fist collaborator David Aja on the critically acclaimed Hawkeye series, and is taking over Fantastic Four and FF as part of the Marvel Now event.  Plus, Image announced that he’ll be working on even more upcoming creator owned titles for them in the near future.  With all these irons in the fire, Matt still found time to answer a few questions, and I appreciate it.

Seth Peagler (SP): First off, congratulations on what ended up being a long and successful run on Invincible Iron Man. Have you had a chance to reflect on your tenure? (more…)

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