When BookExpo America, North America’s largest publishing event, rolls into McCormick Place thid week, bibliophiles won’t be the only fans with a long list of things to do. Lion Forge Comics, the St. Louis-based graphic novel publisher, will showcase several new high-profile titles for fans of books, comics, animation, and even wrestling. Highlights include a rare midwest appearance by Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, daughter of pro wrestling hall-of-famer Andre the Giant, in support of this month’s re-release of a critically acclaimed authorized biography, and a slate of free sketch sessions and exclusive giveaways at Booth #2130A throughout the show.

SIGNINGS

Below times are subject to change and more events to be announced — stop by booth #2130A for up-to-the-minute news.

Wednesday
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. — Madballs Signing and FREE Sketches

Local cartoonist Sean Dove signs copies of a show-exclusive artist’s edition of the current Madballs comic series, as well as free sketches for fans.

4:00 – 5:00 p.m. — Care Bears Signing and FREE Sketches

Cartoonist Melanie Gillman (As the Crow Flies) signs free previews of the upcoming Care Bears: Rainbow River Rescue graphic novel, as well as free sketches for fans.

Thursday
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Care Bears Signing and FREE Sketches

Cartoonist Melanie Gillman returns for Day Two!

3:00 – 5:00 p.m. — Andre the Giant Signing

The legendary pro wrestler’s daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff signs free copies of the Glyph Award-nominated authorized biography, Andre the Giant: Closer to Heaven.

EXCLUSIVES AND GIVEAWAYS

All giveaways will be distributed throughout the weekend at Booth #2130A. Featured items below are extremely limited and subject to availability.

CARE BEARS FIRST-CHAPTER PREVIEW

Limited edition of 500
Releasing October 2016
When Wonderheart Bear and her friends go exploring in Care-a-Lot, they find a lost Humming Stork! It’s up to Funshine Bear, Cheer Bear, and Grumpy Bear to reunite her with her family on Far-Flung Island, through whitewater rapids, falling rocks, a few wrong turns, and at least one wild Panthrokeet. Join the Care Bears as they use their kindness, smarts, and cooperation to rescue a friend in this all-new adventure!

CARE BEARS SHOW-EXCLUSIVE TOTE

Featuring art by Melanie Gillman (As the Crow Flies)
Limited run of 500

MADBALLS FIRST-CHAPTER PREVIEW

Limited edition of 500
Releasing October 2016
You thought – no, HOPED – those creepy heads from the ‘80s were gone forever, but boy, were you wrong! When the headless Torsoids sabotage the Intergalactic Bizarro Bowl, the squabbling Madballs have to team up to take ‘em down — Madballs may be dirty, but they like to play fair. These wretched pus bags have to set aside their differences, reassemble the field’s elaborate wacky contraptions, and find a way to stop the Torsoids before it’s too late. With bonus stories by some of the world’s most disgusting artists, this volume is packed with so much mayhem it’s almost illegal in several states!

MADBALLS TEMPORARY TATTOOS

Featuring art by Jimmy Giegerich (Fight Frogs)

CHAVO GUERRERO FIRST-CHAPTER PREVIEW

Limited edition of 500
Releasing November 2016
Chavo Guerrero’s legend in the ring is matched only by his family heritage; a line of champions that have left a mark on wrestling history for generations. But within days of retiring from the family business, Chavo uncovers a deep family secret. While his family grappled opponents in the squared circle, they secretly kept up another far more dangerous line of work: a decades-long battle with a criminal cartel known as La Junta del Jaguar. When the bad guys come to collect their debt, Chavo’s shock and rage unleashes a superhuman strength he never knew he had. As he learns to control a growing array of cat-like superpowers, Chavo has to join the fight one last time, for his legacy . . . and the world.

ANDRE THE GIANT POSTER

Featuring art by Denis Medri (Spider-Verse)
Releasing May 2016
This lavishly illustrated authorized biography of pro wrestling legend Andre the Giant charts his entire life from the earliest days on his family’s farm to his blockbuster feuds with the biggest wrestling stars of all time, exploring the dark side of fame and fortune along the way.

VOLTRON POSTER

Featuring art from the new Netflix animated series
Releasing December 2016
In this never-before-seen chapter of the smash-hit new animated series, Team Voltron takes on a dangerous training mission at the command of Coran, Princess Allura’s majordomo. They are barely on their way when Coran is captured by an old enemy looking to settle an outrageous debt. The pilots set out on a quest for the only object in the universe valuable enough to settle the score, against more monsters than they’ve ever had to face. It will take teamwork, swordplay, smarts, and, of course, Voltron, to save their friend’s life against all the odds!