Category Archives: Conventions

Eisner Awards Changing Up Voting. Voters need to Apply with a May 13 Deadline to Apply

Eisner Awards

Things are changing up a bit when it comes to voting for the 2026 Eisner Awards. Starting this year, all prospective Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards voters will have to apply to be considered to vote before the nominees are announced. Once the nominees are announced, there will be no new applications processed. The deadline to apply is May 13.

Online voting will be available to professionals in the comics industry, including creators, editors, publishers, distributors, and retailers.

Those invited to vote for the 2026 Hall of Fame are already eligible to vote for the Eisner Awards and don’t need to re-register.

The deadline to apply to register to vote is May 13, 2026… which means we’ll have the nominations some time after that date.

You can apply to vote here.

Becky Cloonan, Michael W. Conrad, Chris Kemple, Kevin Maguire, John K. Snyder III, and Kelly Yates are coming to Baltimore Comic Con 2026

Baltimore Comic-Con will return to the Inner Harbor’s Baltimore Convention Center on the weekend of September 25-27, 2026. Baltimore Comic-Con welcomes Becky Cloonan, Michael W. Conrad, Chris Kemple, Kevin Maguire, John K. Snyder III, and Kelly Yates as guests of the 2026 event! Buy your tickets today online!

Becky Cloonan began her career making minicomics as part of the Meathaus collective. Since then, she’s gone on to write and draw on titles like Dark AgnesConan the BarbarianThe PunisherTrue Lives of the Fabulous KilljoysGotham AcademyDetective Comics, and Batman, and working on creator-owned books like Southern Cross and the critically acclaimed collection of short stories, By Chance or Providence. When she’s not making comics, she illustrates album art, and gig and movie posters for My Chemical Romance, Black Sabbath, Adult Swim, and Mondo. She enjoys old movies, true crime podcasts, and still tries to self-publish new minicomics when she can. Becky currently lives in Portland with her partner Michael, two weird cats, and a couple dozen plants.

Michael W. Conrad has often been described as “a gin soaked monster”, which is a lie — that was how Hemingway’s son described his father. Based on this, we can ascertain that Conrad is a liar, which is a fine way to describe a writer.

While Conrad laments the fact that his art is indeed a commodity, he revels in the high strangeness that has afforded him the opportunity to contribute to the legacies of many characters y’all know including: Wonder WomanBatmanSupermanGodzillaNightwingDoom Patrol, and countless others.

Michael’s own work has been markedly more subversive, including Tremor Dose and Double Walker. These books explore an absurd and often surreal anxiety, with a focus on an inability to reconcile one’s own perceptions. With a number of creator-owned projects currently in development, one can only imagine that these explorations will continue in future work.

Conrad remains critical of himself and often feels like an imposter, but as his contributions to comics grow, one can only imagine that such ideations are rapidly being replaced with dread.

Chris Kemple is one of the contributors to the digital comics effort, Artist Alley Comics. After graduating with a BFA in Painting and Drawing from East Carolina University, Kemple worked as an assistant at Artamus Studios with Richard Case, Mike Wieringo, Jeff Parker, Casey Jones, and Scott Hampton, among others. Currently a teacher and freelance artist, Chris was a founding member of and texture artist and 3D object modeler at video game development studio, Red Storm Entertainment.

Kevin Maguire is an artist who is known for his work on Justice League InternationalMan Of SteelAdventures Of Captain AmericaBatman ConfidentialDefenders, and so many more it would just seem like bragging. You probably know him as the guy who draws goofy facial expressions. In his spare time, he enjoys yoga, IMAX films, and tweeting.

John K. Snyder III is an Eisner-nominated illustrator and writer of comic books and graphic novels. Creator of the independent comic series Fashion In Action, and adapter/illustrator of the graphic novel adaptation of Grand Master mystery writer Lawrence Block’s classic novel Eight Million Ways to Die published by IDW, he has worked for nearly every major publisher including DC, Dark Horse, Marvel, IDW, and many others. Snyder worked on Suicide Squad during its classic 1980’s run with writers John Ostrander and Kim Yale, and provided covers for the 2007 Suicide Squad mini-series. Along with Matt Wagner, Snyder co-created the Pieter Cross version of Doctor Mid-Nite for DC and Lady Zorro for Dynamite. Snyder also worked with Wagner on the epic Grendel: God and the Devil storyline. John’s recent work includes work for The Doors’ graphic novel anthology, Morrison Hotel written by Leah Moore and published by Z2 Comics, and a return to Suicide Squad with new covers for DC Comics to coincide with the release of the Warner Brothers movie. John’s future work includes all-new Fashion In Action adventures to be published by Clover Press. John encourages all artists and writers, young and old, to actively pursue their own creator-owned aspirations.

Kelly Yates is an illustrator best known for his work on Doctor Who comics for both Titan and IDW Publishing. His artwork inspired the Doctor WhoMy Hero Academia, Junji Ito, and Attack on Titan Kawaii TITANS toy lines. In addition, he writes and illustrates the creator-owned books, Amber Atoms and MonstHer.

kellyyatesart.com
@kellyyates_art


This year’s confirmed guests for the show include: Jason Aaron (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Marty Baumann (Pixar artist), Josh Blaylock (Mercy Sparx, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Russ Braun (The Boys), Jeffrey Brown (Hulk Teach, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Mark Buckingham (Fables), Jim Calafiore (NED, Lord of the Pit), Richard Case (Doom Patrol), Keith Champagne (Stranger Things), Howard Chaykin (Time Squared), Jo Chen (Runaways), Cliff Chiang (Paper Girls), Frank Cho (Harley Quinn), Becky Cloonan (War), Michael W. Conrad (In Bloom), Steve Conley (The Middle Age), Amanda Conner (Harley Quinn), Olivia Cuartero-Briggs (The College Try), Paris Cullins (Blue Devil), Todd Dezago (The Perhapanauts), Colleen Doran (The Sandman), Scott Dunbier (DC Silver Age Covers and Stories Artist’s Edition), Garth Ennis (The Boys), Trish Forstner (Feral), Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (DC Nation), Chris Giarrusso (Mini Marvels), Randy Green (Witchblade), Torunn Grønbekk (Catwoman), Gene Ha (Mae), Bob Hall (West Coast Avengers), Larry Hama (GI Joe: A Real American Hero), Tony Harris (The Whistling Skull), Dean Haspiel (Chest Face), Glenn Hauman (They Keep Killing Glenn), Mike Hawthorne (Deadpool), Marc Hempel (Sandman), Jamal Igle (Superman), Phillip Kennedy Johnson (Infernal Hulk), Dan Jurgens (Action Comics), Chris Kemple (Red Vengeance), Peter Krause (The Power of Shazam, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Mike Kunkel (Herobear and the Kid), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), Jae Lee (Inhumans), Nate Lovett (Commander Tomorrow), Kevin Maguire (Justice League), Laura Martin (Nubia: Queen of the Amazons, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Shawn Martinbrough (Red Hood: The Hill), Ron Marz (Green Lantern), Jose Marzen Jr. (Y: The Last Man), Mike McKone (Teen Titans), Bob McLeod (New Mutants), Carla Speed McNeil (Finder), Adriana Melo (Fantastic Four), Pop Mhan (He-Man and the Masters of the Universe), Al Milgrom (Spectacular Spider-Man), Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise), Mark Morales (Thor), Bill Morrison (The Simpsons), Trevor Mueller (Bat Pat), Sarah Myer (TMNT Saturday Morning Adventures), Phil Noto (Fantastic Four: First Foes), Kevin Nowlan (Batman: Sword of Azrael), Patrick Olliffe (Untold Tales of Spider-Man), Ryan Ottley (Invincible), Jimmy Palmiotti (The Punisher), Dan Parent (Sabrina the Teenage Witch), Margeaux Pepoy (Simone & Ajax), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Khoi Pham (Star Wars: Darth Vader), Tom Raney (Incredible Hulk), Afua Richardson (Kahhori: Reshaper of Worlds), Tone Rodriguez (Feral, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Craig Rousseau (The Perhapanauts), Joe Schmalke (We Don’t Kill Spiders), Erica Schultz (Rogue), Mark Schultz (Xenozoic Tales, courtesy of Flesk Publishing), Louise Simonson (The Death of Superman 30th Anniversary Special), Walter Simonson (Thor), Matthew Dow Smith (DC’s Misfits of Magic), Scott Snyder (Friday and Sunday only, DC K.O.), John K. Snyder III (Suicide Squad), Mark Sparacio (Liberty Girl Deluxe), Joe Staton (Dick Tracy), Brian Stelfreeze (Black Panther), Martha Thomases (Dakota North), Billy Tucci (Shi), Gus Vazquez (Sunfire and the Big Hero Six), Mark Waid (Action Comics), Mark Wheatley (Breathtaker), Bob Wiacek (All-New Wolverine, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Matt Wieringo (Stargate Atlantis: Gateways), Chuck Wojtkiewicz (Justice League, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Rich Woodall (Sgt. Werewolf), Kelly Yates (Doctor Who), and Thom Zahler (Long Distance).

Russ Braun, Richard Case, Ron Marz, Dan Parsons, Erica Schultz, and John Workman are coming to Baltimore Comic Con

The Baltimore Comic-Con returns on September 25-27, 2026 at the Inner Harbor’s Baltimore Convention Center. The Baltimore Comic-Con welcomes Russ Braun, Richard Case, Ron Marz, Dan Parsons, Erica Schultz, and John Workman as guests of the 2026 event! Buy tickets online today!

Russ Braun has been drawing comics for over 30 years, with time out for a 7-year stint with Walt Disney Feature Animation. Known for his expressive characters and storytelling on everything from BatmanSwamp ThingFables, and Jack of Fables, Russ is best known for his frequent collaborations with Garth Ennis, including The BoysNight Witches, their creator-owned book, Jimmy’s Bastards, and its new sequel Jimmy’s Little Bastards.

Richard Case has been illustrating comics for more than 30 years. His run on Doom Patrol with writer Grant Morrison inspired much of the recent TV series seen on HBO Max. He has also illustrated a number of books, including SandmanPreacherShade the Changing ManHunter: Age of MagicDr. StrangeSensational Spider-Man, and Batman ‘66. He is currently a Lead Concept Artist for Ubisoft/Red Storm Entertainment. Follow on Instagram @richardcaseillustration

Ron Marz has been writing comics for more than three decades, starting his career with a lengthy run on Silver Surfer for Marvel. Since then, he has worked for virtually every major publisher and compiled a long list of credits, including stints on Thor for Marvel, Green Lantern and Superboy for DC, Star Wars for Dark Horse, and the historic Marvel vs. DC crossover. He co-created the Green Lantern Kyle Rayner during his landmark run on the title.

Marz is also known for penning numerous inter-company crossovers, including Green Lantern-Silver SurferBatman-AliensBatman-Tarzan: Claws of the CatwomanGreen Lantern-Aliens, and Amalgam title Doctor Strangefate. He was Senior Writer at CrossGen Comics, where his titles included MysticScionSojourn, and The Path.

Other credits include his acclaimed run on Witchblade, as well as MagdalenaArtifacts, and Cyber Force for Top Cow/Image, and many others. Marz’s creator-owned series include the all-ages tale Dragon Prince at Top Cow; the historical adventure Samurai: Heaven and Earth at Dark Horse; the vampire tale Shinku at Image; and cosmic graphic novel Resolution.

Marz has also written for video games, including multiple Skylanders titles, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2Spider-Man 2, and more. He is currently part of the narrative team for Blizzard’s Diablo franchise. Marz also teaches comic book writing at the Jacob Krueger Studio, based in Manhattan.

Dan Parsons started out in comics self-publishing his creator-owned “bad girl” series Harpy in the mid 1990s. He wrote and penciled Harpy as an ongoing series and, with its popularity, he was hired to pencil and ink another comic series called Razor. He also penciled, inked, and did cover work for the classic Battlestar Galactica comic book series; all this while still working full-time as a scientific researcher at Johns Hopkins Bay-View Medical Center in Baltimore, MD.

Parsons went on to release another creator-owned series, Savage Planet, which he describes as a tribute to the EC Comics of the 1950s, honoring the work of Frank Frazetta and Al Williamson. Parsons recently gathered these comics as well as new additions into a graphic novel version.

Parsons worked for Dark Horse as the primary inker on a wide range of Star Wars titles until the end of the Dark Horse era in 2014. These include the hugely popular Clone WarsLegacyDawn of the Jedi, and the ongoing Star Wars comics as well as Republic and many other titles.

Parsons won an Inkwell Award in 2010 and again in 2015 for his ink work on the Star Wars comics. Other inking credits include DC Comics’ Nightwing and other Dark Horse titles Ghost and King Kong. More recently Parsons penciled and inked Conan for the Savage Sword magazine.

Parsons also did some work for Hollywood, including providing elaborate pencil drawings for HBO’s Game of Thrones Season One special features. He illustrated an Avatar The Last Airbender book for Nickelodeon/Insight Editions and a graphic novel adaptation of Ayn Rand’s 1937 sci-fi classic, Anthem.

In addition to these projects, Parsons painted numerous trading cards for the Topps Company from 2002 to present. Parsons is currently doing cover artwork for American Mythology Productions and penciling their new Dracula comic book series. He is also painting covers for various Tarzan and other Edgar Rice Burroughs novels.

Erica Schultz is an Inkpot Award recipient (2025) with her writing work having been nominated for both Ringo and Eisner awards. She is currently writing Rogue for Marvel Comics and Spawn: Rat City for Image Comics. Schultz is best known for her work on Daredevil and Laura Kinney: Wolverine for Marvel and creator-owned books like The Deadliest Bouquet for Image.

John Workman managed to turn a love for the comics form into a career. During the past five decades, he has held the position of editor, writer, art director, penciler, inker, colorist, letterer, production director, and book designer for various companies. He created (with some help from Bhob Stewart and Bob Smith) the offbeat stories in Wild Things (with much of that material having first appeared in Star*Reach and Heavy Metal) and both wrote and drew the comics series SindyFallen Angels, and Roma. In 1991, he reflected on model Bettie Page in Betty Being Bad (Eros), and later produced the hardbounds Heavy Metal: 25 Years of Classic Covers and Innocent Images: The Sexy Fantasy Females of Viper and Kiss, as well as The Adventures of Roma, a reformatted graphic novel version of his earlier series. He continues to write and draw and to do a whole lot of lettering for a number of comics companies on an international level.


This year’s confirmed guests for the show include: Jason Aaron (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Marty Baumann (Pixar artist), Josh Blaylock (Mercy Sparx, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Russ Braun (The Boys), Jeffrey Brown (Hulk Teach, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Mark Buckingham (Fables), Jim Calafiore (NED, Lord of the Pit), Richard Case (Doom Patrol), Keith Champagne (Stranger Things), Howard Chaykin (Time Squared), Jo Chen (Runaways), Cliff Chiang (Paper Girls), Frank Cho (Harley Quinn), Steve Conley (The Middle Age), Amanda Conner (Harley Quinn), Olivia Cuartero-Briggs (The College Try), Paris Cullins (Blue Devil), Todd Dezago (The Perhapanauts), Colleen Doran (The Sandman), Garth Ennis (The Boys), Trish Forstner (Feral), Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (DC Nation), Chris Giarrusso (Mini Marvels), Randy Green (Witchblade), Torunn Grønbekk (Catwoman), Gene Ha (Mae), Bob Hall (West Coast Avengers), Larry Hama (GI Joe: A Real American Hero), Tony Harris (The Whistling Skull), Mike Hawthorne (Deadpool), Jamal Igle (Superman), Phillip Kennedy Johnson (Infernal Hulk), Dan Jurgens (Action Comics), Peter Krause (The Power of Shazam, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Mike Kunkel (Herobear and the Kid), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), Jae Lee (Inhumans), Kevin Maguire (Justice League), Laura Martin (Nubia: Queen of the Amazons, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Ron Marz (Green Lantern), Jose Marzen Jr. (Y: The Last Man), Mike McKone (Teen Titans), Bob McLeod (New Mutants), Carla Speed McNeil (Finder), Adriana Melo (Fantastic Four), Pop Mhan (He-Man and the Masters of the Universe), Al Milgrom (Spectacular Spider-Man), Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise), Mark Morales (Thor), Bill Morrison (The Simpsons), Trevor Mueller (Bat Pat), Sarah Myer (TMNT Saturday Morning Adventures), Phil Noto (Fantastic Four: First Foes), Kevin Nowlan (Batman: Sword of Azrael), Patrick Olliffe (Untold Tales of Spider-Man), Ryan Ottley (Invincible), Jimmy Palmiotti (The Punisher), Dan Parent (Sabrina the Teenage Witch), Margeaux Pepoy (Simone & Ajax), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Khoi Pham (Star Wars: Darth Vader), Tom Raney (Incredible Hulk), Afua Richardson (Kahhori: Reshaper of Worlds), Tone Rodriguez (Feral, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Craig Rousseau (The Perhapanauts), Joe Schmalke (We Don’t Kill Spiders), Erica Schultz (Rogue), Mark Schultz (Xenozoic Tales, courtesy of Flesk Publishing), Louise Simonson (The Death of Superman 30th Anniversary Special), Walter Simonson (Thor), Matthew Dow Smith (DC’s Misfits of Magic), Scott Snyder (DC K.O.), Brian Stelfreeze (Black Panther), Gus Vazquez (Sunfire and the Big Hero Six), Mark Waid (Action Comics), Bob Wiacek (All-New Wolverine, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Matt Wieringo (Stargate Atlantis: Gateways), Chuck Wojtkiewicz (Justice League, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Rich Woodall (Sgt. Werewolf), Kelly Yates (Doctor Who), and Thom Zahler (Long Distance).

The 2026 Hugo Award Nominations have been announced

Hugo Awards

LAcon V, the 84th World Science Fiction Convention has announced the finalists for the 2026 Hugo Awards, Lodestar Award for Best Young Adult Book, and Astounding Award for Best New Writer.

Members of the World Science Fiction Convention are able to vote on the Hugo Awards. Voting begins in early May.

1,488 valid nomination ballots were cast. The nominators made 23,543 nominations for 4,299 works and individuals across 21 categories.

The 2026 Hugo Awards, the Lodestar Award, and the Astounding Award will be presented on Sunday evening, August 30, 2025 at a formal ceremony at LAcon V.

“Best Graphic Story or Comic” featured 362 ballots cast for 243 nominees. The finalists ranged from 19-42 votes. The six nominees are a wide range of storytelling, creators, and publishers.

You can see all six nominees in the category below and the full list of nominees here.

BEST GRAPHIC STORY OR COMIC

362 ballots cast for 243 nominees. Finalists range 19-42.

  • Absolute Wonder Woman Vol. 1: The Last Amazon, written by Kelly Thompson, art by Hayden Sherman and Mattia de Iulis, coloring by Jordie Bellaire, lettering by Becca Carey (DC Comics)
  • A Girl and Her Fed, written by KB Spangler, art by Ale Presser (www.agirlandherfed.com)
  • A Wizard of Earthsea: A Graphic Novelwritten by Ursula K. Le Guin, adapted and art by Fred Fordham (Clarion Books; Walker UK)
  • The Invisible Parade by Leigh Bardugo and John Picacio (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; Orion UK)
  • The Power Fantasy Volume 1: The Superpowers, written by Kieron Gillen, art by Caspar Wijngaard, lettering by Clayton Cowles (Image Comics)
  • The Space Cat, written by Nnedi Okorafor, art by Tana Ford (First Second)

Kodansha House Returns this July in Partnership with Anime Expo

Kodansha

Anime Expo and Kodansha will partner for this year’s revival of Kodansha’s wildly popular immersive pop-up fan event, Kodansha House, which will make its West Coast debut this summer in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo neighborhood July 2-12, while Anime Expo runs concurrently July 2-5 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Highlights of this year’s Kodansha House Los Angeles will include guest appearances by the creators of two of the biggest manga hits of the year: Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura, the creative team behind the global-hit soccer manga Blue Lock, and Kamome Shirahama, author and artist of the magical fantasy manga Witch Hat Atelier, recently adapted into a highly anticipated anime series. In addition, Kaneshiro-sensei, Nomura-sensei, and Shirahama-sensei will appear as official guests of Anime Expo, where they will hold separate panels and signing events. More details of how to attend these coveted appearances at both Kodansha House and Anime Expo will be announced. Attendees of Anime Expo can also unlock special benefits at Kodansha House with their AX badges—more details forthcoming. 

Once again Kodansha will partner with Kinokuniya USA as its official Kodansha House partner for retail operations during the Los Angeles pop-up event. Look for future announcements on exclusive merchandise that can only be purchased at Kodansha House and Kinokuniya bookstores.

More than a manga event, Kodansha House is a vibrant meeting place where the world of manga crosses over into the real world. Fans this year will enter a portal that takes them into a dynamic, interactive space to connect with and celebrate the impossible stories they have come to love. They can then spend their time more leisurely with friends, as well as meeting new ones, while hanging out in a manga gallery, cafe, lounge, and library. With daily programming to include manga creator appearances, anime screenings, panel discussions, and more, Kodansha House is the perfect pop-up for manga enthusiasts, both new and seasoned, to mingle and dive deeper into the magic of manga.

BookCon 2026: EveryLibrary Kicks Off National Library Week with Live Author Interviews

EveryLibrary BookCon

EveryLibrary, the national political action organization focused on defending and advancing public, school, and academic libraries, will bring its advocacy directly to readers at BookCon on April 18–19, 2026, hosting live author interviews to kick off National Library Week which takes place April 19–25, 2026.

Through these conversations, EveryLibrary will spotlight the vital role libraries play in connecting communities to books, ideas, and opportunity. Content captured at BookCon will be shared across EveryLibrary’s platforms throughout National Library Week, amplifying author voices while reinforcing the importance of libraries nationwide.

EveryLibrary’s presence comes at a time when libraries across the country are facing increased challenges, including funding pressures and growing attempts to restrict access to materials. By engaging directly with authors, publishers, and readers at BookCon, the organization aims to highlight the connection between a thriving book culture and strong public libraries.

Participating authors (tentative, subject to change) include Cassandra Clare, Melissa Bobe, LaDarrion Williams, R.J. Valldeperas, Darcie Little Badger, Cristy C. Road, Amélie Wen Zhao, Olivie Blake, Rebecca Thorne, Hilary Davidson, Kelsey Impicciche, TJ Alexander, Chloe Gong, Alex Krokus, Rebecca Danzenbaker, Soman Chainani, Jasmine Guillory, and Tricia Levenseller.

The activation will also highlight Take Action for Libraries Day on April 23, a national day of advocacy encouraging public support for libraries.

ITHACON 49 celebrates Batman ’66 with the “Do the Batusi” Panel

Who needs Gotham City? ITHACON 49, the nation’s second-longest-running comic convention, held every year in Ithaca, NY, will be celebrating all things Batman ’66 with an innovative Do the Batusi Panel. This panel is a celebration of 60 years of Batman —“the Adam West Version”—on TV, in the movies, on merchandise, and in print. The panel is scheduled for Saturday, April 25th, at 4:00 pm in Klingenstein Lounge.

Panelists include:

  • Jim Beard – Author of the ZLONK! ZOK! ZOWIE! and The Subterranean Blue Grotto Essay Series on Batman ’66 and Gotham City 14 Miles
  • Tom Peyer- AHOY Comics’ Editor-in-Chief, co-creator of The Wrong Earth and a contributing writer to DC’s recent Batman ’66 comic series.
  • Dean Haspiel – Award-winning illustrator and one of the artists of DC’s Batman ’66 series.
  • Ed Catto – RetroFan Editor-in-Chief, Founding Partner of Captain Action Enterprises and a contributing writer and illustrator to The Subterranean Blue Grotto Essay Series.

Jim Beard will also be reading excerpts from his Bat-Books earlier that day at 1:30 in the Klingenstein Lounge.

The full list of panels and activities is available on the ITHACON website, along with a digital program book. Tickets are also available at ITHACON.org.

Keith Champagne, Randy Green, Bob Hall, Phil Noto, Khoi Pham, and Afua Richardson are coming to Baltimore Comic Con

The Baltimore Comic-Con will be held on September 25-27, 2026 at the Inner Harbor’s Baltimore Convention Center. Baltimore Comic-Con is welcomes Keith Champagne, Randy Green, Bob Hall, Phil Noto, Khoi Pham, and Afua Richardson as guests of the 2026 event! You can purchase your tickets online today!

Keith Champagne is a comic book writer and creator best known for several decades of work with DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Dark Horse Comics, and many more publishers. From Stranger Things to Superman to Uncanny X-Men, he’s provided art and/or stories for countless characters and projects.

After graduating with a BFA in Painting, Randy Green worked for several advertising agencies as an artist/art director and did some comic book work on the side. During this time, he worked mostly for Dark Horse and Image. Eventually, Randy was able to get enough steady work to pursue comic book art full-time, working for Marvel, DC Comics, and others as well. Top Cow’s Witchblade was his first long run as an artist on a title and opened the doors to many other opportunities, including Tomb Raider and a short-run creator-owned title, Dollz, which he hopes to do more with in the future. Afterwards, he continued on some more work at Marvel on Emma Frost and New X-Men Academy X, always managing to squeeze in a project or cover for some of the comic companies here and there. In recent years, Randy has been doing most of his work behind the scenes for Disney Parks, and has had several books come out through Dark Horse and Aspen Comics, as well as several indie creators, and is currently working on a title, Stopwatch, written by Beau Smith coming soon from Clover Press.

Randy has been working comics full-time for nearly two decades now, and enjoys life in the country with his family, wife Amy, and children Haley and Max.

Bob Hall had a long association with Marvel Comics, where at one time or another he drew most of the major books and characters such as The ChampionsSpider-ManDr. DoomConanThorThe Fantastic FourThe SubmarinerCaptain AmericaPSI ForceThe Avengers, and The New Mutants. He was the artist for the West Coast Avengers mini-series and was the primary artist on the original Squadron Supreme. He drew movie adaptations of WillowDark Man, and the notorious first Captain America movie, as well as pencils and inks for the graphic novel, Emperor Doom. Bob was an editor at Marvel in 1979. For Valiant, he wrote and penciled the monthly series Shadowman, wrote Timewalker, and then created Armed and Dangerous, a black and white “comicbook-noir” series. For DC, he wrote and drew the Batman graphic novel projects Batman DOAI Joker, and It’s Jokertime. Recently, he has been creating educational comics that have tackled measles, mosquitoes, COVID-19, and vaccine hesitancy. Bob is a member of the National Cartoonists Society, Actors Equity Association, and the Society for Directors and Choreographers. His work can be seen at www.bobhall.com. Commissions and original art are available through www.catskillcomics.com. He can be messaged on Facebook.

Phil Noto is a comic book artist, painter, and illustrator best known for his work on Marvel Comics’ Black Widow series and numerous Star Wars projects.

He attended Ringling College of Art and Design. After college, he began a career in animation at Walt Disney Feature Animation where he worked on such films as Lion KingPocahontasHunchback of Notre DameMulan, and Lilo and Stitch.

In 2001, Phil started his comic career as the cover artist for DC Comics’ Birds of Prey. Some of his projects over the past 20 years are Danger GirlJonah HexAvengersX-23Uncanny X-ForceBuffy the Vampire SlayerThe Infinite HorizonPoe DameronDaredevilCable, and X-Men.

Besides doing comic art, Phil has illustrated middle grade novels for Lucasfilm Publishing and done work for Time Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, and the Criterion Collection. He also does retro fine-art paintings with numerous shows at Stranger Factory Gallery in Albuquerque, NM and, most recently, Outre Gallery in Fitzroy.

Khoi Pham is an artist and mentor. His artworks include DC’s Teen Titans, Marvel’s Mighty AvengersX-Men LegacyScarlet SpiderSpider-ManDaredevilChaos WarIncredible HerculesGambitMighty Thor, and X-Factor, and Top Cow’s Cyberforce. He has done numerous cover illustrations for various publications. Khoi was an attorney and venture capitalist prior to switching to art and mentoring. He has a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Saint Joseph’s University.

Afua Richardson (pronounced “ah-FOO-wah”) is an award-winning American comic book illustrator best known for her work on Marvel’s Black Panther: World of Wakanda. Some of her other works include The Wild StormAttack on TitanX-Men ’92Captain Marvel, and All-Star Batman to name a few. Afua is also a musician, voice actor, activist, and mentor. As a recipient of the Nina Simone award, she is aptly called a Jane of All trades.


This year’s confirmed guests for the show include: Jason Aaron (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Marty Baumann (Pixar artist), Josh Blaylock (Mercy Sparx, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Russ Braun (The Boys), Jeffrey Brown (Hulk Teach, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Mark Buckingham (Fables), Jim Calafiore (NED, Lord of the Pit), Richard Case (Doom Patrol), Keith Champagne (Stranger Things), Howard Chaykin (Time Squared), Jo Chen (Runaways), Cliff Chiang (Paper Girls), Frank Cho (Harley Quinn), Steve Conley (The Middle Age), Amanda Conner (Harley Quinn), Olivia Cuartero-Briggs (The College Try), Paris Cullins (Blue Devil), Todd Dezago (The Perhapanauts), Colleen Doran (The Sandman), Garth Ennis (The Boys), Trish Forstner (Feral), Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (DC Nation), Chris Giarrusso (Mini Marvels), Randy Green (Witchblade), Torunn Grønbekk (Catwoman), Gene Ha (Mae), Bob Hall (West Coast Avengers), Larry Hama (GI Joe: A Real American Hero), Tony Harris (The Whistling Skull), Mike Hawthorne (Deadpool), Jamal Igle (Superman), Phillip Kennedy Johnson (Infernal Hulk), Dan Jurgens (Action Comics), Peter Krause (The Power of Shazam, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Mike Kunkel (Herobear and the Kid), Jae Lee (Inhumans), Kevin Maguire (Justice League), Laura Martin (Nubia: Queen of the Amazons, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Ron Marz (Green Lantern), Jose Marzen Jr. (Y: The Last Man), Mike McKone (Teen Titans), Bob McLeod (New Mutants), Carla Speed McNeil (Finder), Adriana Melo (Fantastic Four), Pop Mhan (He-Man and the Masters of the Universe), Al Milgrom (Spectacular Spider-Man), Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise), Mark Morales (Thor), Bill Morrison (The Simpsons), Trevor Mueller (Bat Pat), Sarah Myer (TMNT Saturday Morning Adventures), Phil Noto (Fantastic Four: First Foes), Kevin Nowlan (Batman: Sword of Azrael), Patrick Olliffe (Untold Tales of Spider-Man), Ryan Ottley (Invincible), Jimmy Palmiotti (The Punisher), Dan Parent (Sabrina the Teenage Witch), Margeaux Pepoy (Simone & Ajax), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Khoi Pham (Star Wars: Darth Vader), Tom Raney (Incredible Hulk), Afua Richardson (Kahhori: Reshaper of Worlds), Tone Rodriguez (Feral, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Craig Rousseau (The Perhapanauts), Joe Schmalke (We Don’t Kill Spiders), Erica Schultz (Rogue), Mark Schultz (Xenozoic Tales, courtesy of Flesk Publishing), Louise Simonson (The Death of Superman 30th Anniversary Special), Walter Simonson (Thor), Matthew Dow Smith (DC’s Misfits of Magic), Scott Snyder (DC K.O.), Brian Stelfreeze (Black Panther), Gus Vazquez (Sunfire and the Big Hero Six), Mark Waid (Action Comics), Bob Wiacek (All-New Wolverine, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Matt Wieringo (Stargate Atlantis: Gateways), Chuck Wojtkiewicz (Justice League, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Rich Woodall (Sgt. Werewolf), Kelly Yates (Doctor Who), and Thom Zahler (Long Distance).

Storm King Comics Makes its Exhibitor Debut At Los Angeles Times Festival of Books April 18 & 19

Storm King Comics

Storm King Comics will make its exhibitor debut at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books next weekend, April 18-19.  

For its first turn as an exhibitor at the prestigious Los Angeles Times Festival of Books book fair, Storm King Comics will celebrate horror and sci-fi with various volumes from series including Dark & Twisted, Tales of Science Fiction, Night Terrors and Storm Kids.  Fans will also have the opportunity to purchase Tales for a HalloweeNight Vol. 11 which features the first chapter of CATHEDRAL, John Carpenter’s first original graphic novel which will be released in August 2026 and have books signed by some of Storm King Comics authors.

Authors Duane Swierczynski (Dead Flowers,  Redhead) and Amanda Deibert & Cat Staggs (Death MaskTales For A HalloweeNight) will be signing copies of their respective works.

WHEN: Saturday, April 18 & Sunday, April 19, 2026
Booth hours: Sat, Apr 18, 10:00am – 6:00pm
Sun, Apr 19, 10:00am – 5:00pm

Signing times:
Amanda Deibert & Cat Staggs at 12pm
Duane Swierczyanski at 1 pm on Sun, Apr 19

WHERE: Los Angeles Festival of Books on the USC Campus 
3570 Trousdale Pkwy, Los Angeles, CA 90089
BOOTH # 860 // Green Zone (Hero Complex)

Tillie Walden tours for Charity & Sylvia kicking off in June!

Join cartooning powerhouse and Eisner winner Tillie Walden as she tours her new book, Charity and Sylvia, this summer with stops in Chicago, Toronto, Boston, New York, Vermont, and Montréal!

TOUR DATES

CHICAGO, IL
Tillie Walden in conversation with Caroline Cash
June 4, 7pm
Offsite at Haymarket House with Women and Children First
800 W Buena Ave

TORONTO, ON
Toronto Comic Arts Festival (TCAF)
June 6-7
Mattamy Athletic Centre
50 Carlton Street

CAMBRIDGE, MA
Tillie Walden in conversation with Michael Bronski
June 10, 7pm
Harvard Bookstore
1256 Massachusetts Ave

NEW YORK, NY
Tillie Walden in conversation with Alexis Clements
June 15, 6:30pm
NYPL-Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library
455 5th Ave

NORWICH, VT
Tillie Walden in conversation with Dan Nott
June 15, 7pm
The Norwich Bookstore
291 Main Street

MONTRÉAL, QC
August 5, 7pm
Librairie Drawn & Quarterly
176 Bernard O

An openly Lesbian couple survives and thrives in 19th century Vermont–a true story, as told by Tillie Walden

The month is February in the year 1807. The place is Weybridge, Vermont: small, cold, lonely, and beautiful. Sylvia Drake is exhausted. As an unwed woman with few prospects, she is residing with and caring for her sister’s rambunctious family. Today the house is abuzz awaiting a guest―Charity Bryant. A friend of the family, she is most known for her elegant letters, with their swoopy and evocative penmanship and carefully chosen prose. But Charity’s visit is a guise, she is coming to Vermont to start over after heartbreak and rumours―so many rumours―that have grown too loud back in Massachusetts.

Being openly gay in 19th century New England is not an easy row to hoe. But Charity can only be herself, and she immediately catches―and holds―the eye of none other than Sylvia Drake. From this point on, for 44 years, the two would be inseparable, building a life together despite all odds and living as a lesbian couple in small town Vermont.

The true, exceptional story of these remarkable women is brought to life with humor and passion by the unparalleled and award-winning Tillie Walden (Spinning, On A Sunbeam). We see America grow alongside these women over a period that brings about the railroad, many novels, 14 Presidents, riots, rebellion, plagues, and poetry. Based on extensive archives of their writing, Charity and Sylvia is a groundbreaking biography that is also the story of 19th century America.

Charity and Sylvia is out in stores June 16.

Charity and Sylvia tour
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