Category Archives: Conventions

BOOM! Studios Announces All Star Creators and Panels at ALA Annual 2022

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BOOM! Studios logo

BOOM! Studios has announced their plans for the ALA Annual from June 23-28, 2022 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, in Washington DC. The publisher, home to imprints BOOM! Studios, BOOM! Box, KaBOOM!, and Archaia, will host panels and signings throughout the weekend.

The award-winning publisher will debut an all-new booth (#3733), where fans can catch a sneak peek at hotly anticipated graphic novels including Hollow by Shannon Watters, Branden Boyer-White, and Berenice Nelle, House of Slaughter by James Tynion IV, Werther Dell’Edera, Tate Brombal, and Chris Shehan, Buckhead by Shobo and George Kambadais, Fence: Rise by C.S. Pacat and Johanna the Mad, Getting Dizzy by Shea Fontana & Celia Moscote, and Maw by Jude Ellison S. Doyle and A.L. Kaplan, as well as the bestselling graphic novel thrillers Eat the Rich by Sarah Gailey and Pius Bak and Dark Blood by LaToya Morgan, Moises Hidalgo, and Walt Barna. 

Throughout the weekend, attendees will also have an opportunity to speak one-on-one with the writers behind some of the most anticipated graphic fiction of 2022 during signing events at the BOOM! Studios booth (#3733) with acclaimed comics creators including Shannon Watters (Hollow, Lumberjanes) and Branden Boyer-White (Hollow), Tate Brombal (House of Slaughter), Shobo (Buckhead), Sabaa Tahir (An Ember in the Ashes), and Jenna Ayoub (Forever Home). Full schedule below:  

Friday, June 24
5:30-7:00pm pm Raffle Giveaway! 

Saturday, June 25
10:00-10:30am  Hollow Signing w/Shannon Watters & Branden Boyer-White 
11:30-12:00pm  House of Slaughter Signing w/Tate Brombal
12:00-12:30pm  Raffle Giveaway! 
1:00-1:30pm      Buckhead Signing w/Shobo
2:00-2:30pm  An Ember in the Ashes Graphic Novel Creator Signing w/Sabaa Tahir 
3:30-4:20pm      New Kids on the Block Panel (Graphic Novel/Gaming Stage)

Sunday, June 26
10:00-10:30am  Hollow Signing w/Shannon Watters & Branden Boyer-White 
11:30-12:00pm  House of Slaughter Signing w/Tate Brombal
12:00-12:30pm  Raffle Giveaway! 
1:00-1:30pm      Buckhead Signing w/Shobo
2:30-3:20pm    Legends Come to Life: New Voices in Comics Panel (Diversity in Publishing Stage)
4:00-4:30pm      Forever Home Signing w/Jenna Ayoub 

Monday, June 27
10:00-10:30am  Hollow Signing w/Shannon Watters & Branden Boyer-White 
11:30-12:00pm  House of Slaughter Signing w/Tate Brombal
12:00-12:30pm  Raffle Giveaway! 

BOOM! Studios will host exciting conversations with fresh new voices and storytellers on two different stages, Graphic Novel/Gaming and Diversity in Publishing. Full details below:

Saturday, June 25
BOOM! STUDIOS: NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
3:30 PM – 4:20 PM
Stage: Graphic Novel/Gaming Stage

Being the new kid is difficult enough but what happens when you throw monsters, conspiracies, and mythical legends into the mix? Meet rising stars Shobo, creator of Afrofuturist adventure series Buckhead, and Tate Brombal, co-writer of bestselling horror series House of Slaughter (set in the world of Something is Killing the Children), as they discuss the challenges of writing young teen leads who must deal with the strange and unusual as they enter new chapters of their lives.

Sunday, June 26
LEGENDS COME TO LIFE: NEW VOICES IN COMICS
Time: 2:30 PM – 3:20 PM
Stage: Diversity in Publishing Stage

Discover the legend of Sleepy Hollow and African folklore like you’ve never seen them before! Join Shannon Watters, co-creator of Lumberjanes, rising star author Branden Boyer-White, and 2019 Creators for Creators Grant winner Shobo, as they discuss the passion and research they put into their queer supernatural and Afrofuturist YA graphic novels, which place centuries-old legends into fresh, new modern settings in ways you’d never expect. 

SDCC 2022: Coming to San Diego from a Galaxy Far Away: The First Order!

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By now, you may have seen the wide array of San Diego convention-exclusive items that Diamond Select Toys has announced. Well, now it’s Gentle Giant Ltd.’s turn! Coming to a comic convention near you on July 20, it’s the Star Wars The Force Awakens First Order Officer Legends in 3D ½ Scale Bust!

The First Order Officer joins the Legends in 3D lineup, sporting a red pauldron as seen in Star Wars: The Force Awakens! Standing approximately 10 inches tall, this exclusive bust sits atop a high-tech base, and is limited to only 1000 pieces. It comes packaged in a full-color window box with a hand-numbered certificate of authenticity.

In addition to appearing at the Diamond Select Toys/Gentle Giant Ltd. booth at Comic-Con International, booth #2607, it will also be available at gentlegiantltd.com and at select retailers off the show floor. So if you can’t make it to the show, order online or check with your local comic shop to see if they can get you one!

And keep an eye out for more exclusives to come!

 G.L.A.M.S. to Perform at Otakon 2022

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G.L.A.M.S.

The musical act G.L.A.M.S. will perform at Otakon 2022, according to Otakorp Inc. This will be the U.S. debut of the act, with a concert performance on Saturday, as well as performances during Opening Ceremonies and the Masquerade halftime.

G.L.A.M.S is an multidisciplinary art project begun in 2013 by Mikaru, a singer/songwriter from Tokyo who is well-known for having been the leader and vocalist of the bands Dio – Distraught Overlord and BLACK LINE.

Mikaru is now active as a musician (solo & band), painter, and jeweler. This will be the first time Mikaru has been in the U.S. since Dio – Distraught Overlord’s US debut in 2008.

Otakon will be held from July 29-31 in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Marvel Halloween Comic Book Extravaganza returns with Five Great Titles!

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Marvel Halloween Comic Book Extravaganza is back! On October 29, visit your local participating comic shop to celebrate Halloween with a thrilling trip to the Marvel Universe! The popular retailer event gives fans a chance to pick up copies of best-selling comics starring some of Marvel’s hottest characters and storylines, including perfect entry points for newcomers!

  • AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #88 is one of the most thrilling entries in the recently acclaimed Beyond era! The action-packed issue marks the debut of QUEEN GOBLIN, the latest addition to Spidey’s iconic rogues gallery who will soon be heating things up in a major storyline in Zeb Wells and John Romita Jr.’s current run of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN.
  • MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR #1 presents the first appearance of Lunella Lafayette, the preteen super genius who took the Marvel Universe by storm with this critically-acclaimed series. Moon Girl’s adventures are perfect for all ages and the breakout hero is set to star ‘Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur’ on the Disney Channel later this year!
  • STAR WARS: DOCTOR APHRA #1, the start of Doctor Aphra’s latest run by writer Alyssa Wong and artist Marika Cresta. With a new crew and new treasure to hunt down, the rogue archaeologist continues to captivate both Star Wars and Marvel Comics fans and is celebrated as the first Star Wars character created for comics to headline their own solo series!
  • STRANGE ACADEMY #3 opens the doors of the Marvel Universe’s first school for sorcerers to new readers! In this hit series by Skottie Young and Humberto Ramos, Doctor Strange, the Scarlet Witch, Magik, and all your favorite Marvel mages establish an academy for the mystic arts where young magic users from around the world are brought together to study. This hit issue spotlights one of the breakout students of the spellbinding cast of new characters– DOYLE DORMAMMU!

·       After the success of Free Comic Book Day 2022’s SPIDEY AND HIS AMAZING FRIENDS comic, this year’s MARVEL HALLOWEEN COMIC BOOK EXTRAVAGANZA will also give young readers a chance to enjoy a new collection of Spidey adventures! Stay tuned for more details!

Be sure to check with your local comic shop to see if they’ll be participating in this year’s MARVEL HALLOWEEN COMIC BOOK EXTRAVAGANZA!

Marvel Halloween Comic Book Extravaganza

“The Artist’s Experience: from Brotherman to Batman” shares insights into the creative process of top African-American comic book artists

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The Society of Illustrators has announced a dynamic new installation coming to the museum that delves between the pages of comic books and explores the artists’ process. “The Artist’s Experience: From Brotherman to Batman” on display from June 15 through October 29, 2022. The exhibit celebrates some of the top African-American artists in the comic book industry, and was co-curated by renowned culture journalist and writer Karama Horne and Eisner Award-nominated artist and writer Shawn Martinbrough, whose work will be featured along with over sixteen other talented artists. 

This special exhibition showcases the works of independent and mainstream creators, such as Dawud Anyabwile, founder of the landmark Brotherman Comics, the longest running, independently published American Black comic book and Eisner Award-winning, DC Comics and Marvel artist Denys Cowan, co-founder of Milestone Media.

Also featured are Eisner Award-winning artists Afua Richardson, Alitha Martinez and John Jennings, as well as veteran artists Larry Stroman and Darryl Banks.

Artwork from award-winning artist Ronald Wimberly, founder of the experimental art magazine THE LAAB (whose Prince of Cats graphic novel is currently being adapted to film by Spike Lee), Khary Randolph, Jamal Igle, Micheline Hess, Sanford Greene, Eric Battle, Marcus Williams, Chuck Collins, Damion Scott and Robyn Smith will all be on display, as well.

“The Artist’s Experience: From Brotherman to Batman” runs from June 15, 2022 to October 29, 2022, with a Juneteenth Opening Night Celebration on June 16th from 6pm-9pm at the Society of Illustrators located at 128 East 63rd Street New York, NY.

KingChris heads to Otakon 2022 as a guest

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KingChris

Online content creator KingChris has been added to the guest list for Otakon 2022, according to Otakorp Inc. He’s known for his popular content on anime and gaming.

KingChris rose to prominence for his comedy sketches on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram where he has a combined following of over 18 million followers. He was born and raised in Germany and graduated from university with a degree in filmmaking and directing.

Otakon will be held from July 29-31 in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Kaho Shibuya is coming to Otakon 2022

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Kaho Shibuyo

Kaho Shibuyo will be a guest at Otakon 2022, according to Otakorp Inc. She is a content creator, anisong DJ, singer and published author. This will be her East Coast U.S. debut.

Born and raised in Tokyo Japan, Kaho has been making waves on the cosplay and convention scene. She has hosted her own radio show, writes columns for multiple publications, has released three music singles, and is an accomplished author, as well. Her first Japanese-only book, “Everything Girls Should Know About The JAV Industry,” is being translated, repurposed, and will soon be published for her English-speaking audience.

She’s currently working on her second book, soon to be released in Japan.

Otakon will be held from July 29-31 in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Jose Estrada (brownbakugo) to Be Otakon 2022 Guest

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Jose Estrada

TikTok creator Jose Estrada has been added to the guest list for Otakon 2022, according to Otakorp Inc. He goes by the online handle of brownbakugo.

Estrada has been a lifelong anime fan who loves skit comedy and theater. He hopes to pursue a career in acting and voice-over.

He’s passionate about visibility for disabled athletes and creators and loves a game of wheelchair basketball when he’s not doing his best Clifford Chapin impression.

Estrada lives in San Diego, California.

Otakon will be held from July 29-31 in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Tillie Walden’s Clementine Book One Book Tour Adds a Star-Studded Lineup of Special Guests

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Clementine

Skybound Comet has announced an impressive lineup of special guests joining award-winning writer/artist Tillie Walden on the Clementine Book One Book Tour at stops across America this summer. The tour will support the release of Walden’s new Young Adult graphic novel that begins a trilogy set in the world of Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead and will be available everywhere books are sold June 28, 2022. Clementine Book One also marks the official launch of Skybound Comet, a new original graphic novel imprint aimed at Young Adult (Ages 12+) and Middle Grade (Ages 8-12) audiences.  

In celebration of the release of Walden’s highly anticipated graphic novel, the Clementine Book One Book Tour kicks off June 25 with special appearances at ALA Annual Conference in Washington D.C. and will continue with tour stops in major cities across America through July.

Tillie Walden’s in-person appearances will include book signings and at many stops, insightful conversations with Walden and a diverse roster of special guests that includes some of the most accomplished talent working in the worlds of books and comics today.  

These guests include G. Willow Wilson (writer, co-creator of Ms. Marvel), Jeremy Holt (writer, Made in Korea), George Gustines (The New York Times), Robin Brenner (President, ALA GNCRT), Shannon Watters (writer, co-creator of Lumberjanes), Terry Blas (writer, Lifetime Passes and Who Was the Voice of the People) and Andréa Gilroy (owner, Books with Pictures – Eugene). 

Full details of each appearance are listed below. 

East Coast Book Tour 

Saturday, June 25 & Sunday, June 26 – Washington, D.C.  
ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition 
Walter E. Washington Convention Center  
Appearing at Image Comics booth (#1332) and other activations including: 

  • #OwnVoice Adventures in YA/Middle Grade Comics with Skybound Comet  
  • Saturday, June 25 11:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. ET  
  • Featuring Tillie Walden, Mairghread Scott (writer, Sea Serpent’s Heir Book One), and Tri Vuong (co-writer & co-artist, Everyday Hero Machine Boy; writer & artist, LEGO Ninjago Vol. 1: Garmadon). Moderated by Candice Wing-yee Mack (Manager, Young Adult Services, LA Public Library).  
  • Skybound Comet: Explore New YA & Middle Grade Graphic Novel Worlds 
  • Sunday, June 26 1:30 – 2:20 p.m. ET  
  • Featuring Tillie Walden, Mairghread Scott, Tri Vuong, and Alex Antone (Senior Editor, Skybound Entertainment). Moderated by Moni Barrette (President-Elect ALA GNCRT; co-founder, Creators! Assemble Inc). 
  • Clementine Book One ALA Signing 
  • Sunday, June 26 3:00 – 3:50 p.m. ET 
  • Please visit the Image Comics booth (#1332) where Tillie Walden will be signing copies of Clementine Book One. 

Sunday, June 26 – Washington, D.C.  
East City Bookshop 
6:30 p.m. ET start time 
Jeremy Holt in Conversation with Tillie Walden + Book Signing 
More Event Information 

Monday, June 27 – New York, NY 
Strand Book Store  
7:00 p.m. ET start time in the Rare Book Room 
George Gustines in Conversation with Tillie Walden + Book Signing 
More Event Information  

Wednesday, June 29 – New York, NY 
Midtown Comics (Downtown) 
5:00 p.m. ET start time 
Book Signing  
More Event Information 

Thursday, June 30 – Boston, MA  
Brookline Booksmith  
7:00 p.m. ET start time in the Used Book Cellar 
Robin Brenner in Conversation with Tillie Walden + Book Signing 
More Event Information  

West Coast Book Tour 

Monday, July 25 – Los Angeles, CA  
Skylight Books  
7:00 p.m. PT start time 
Shannon Watters in Conversation with Tillie Walden + Book Signing  
More Event Information 

Tuesday, July 26 – Los Angeles, CA  
Collector’s Paradise (North Hollywood)  
5:00-7:00 p.m. PT 
Book Signing 
More Event Information 

Thursday, July 28 – Portland, OR  
Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing  
7:00 p.m. PT start time  
Terry Blas in Conversation with Tillie Walden + Book Signing 
More Event Information 

Friday, July 29 – Eugene, OR  
Books with Pictures (Eugene)  
5:30 p.m. PT start time   
Andréa Gilroy in Conversation with Tillie Walden + Book Signing 
More Event Information 

Saturday, July 30 – Virtual Event 
Dallas Public Library’s FanCentral  
8:00 a.m. PT start time  
Author Chat with Special Guest Tillie Walden and Rudolph Rihner (Manager – Public Service, Dallas Public Library) 
More Event Information  

Saturday, July 30 – Seattle, WA  
Kinokuniya Seattle 
2 p.m. PT start time 
G. Willow Wilson in Conversation with Tillie Walden + Book Signing 
More Event Information 

Composer Harumi Fujita has been announced as a Otakon 2022 Guest

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Harumi Fujita

Composer Harumi Fujita will be a guest at Otakon 2022, according to Otakorp Inc. She has been composing music for popular video games for decades.

Fujita was born in Osaka, Japan. After graduating from music school, she joined Osaka-based SNK in 1983, where she composed for “Mad Crasher.” She moved to Capcom shortly thereafter, where she worked on iconic franchises like “Ghosts ’n Goblins,” “Bionic Commander,” “Chip ’n Dale,” “Final Fight” and “Mega Man 3.”

She became independent going into the 1990s and worked on titles like “Tomba!,” “PULSTAR” and “BLAZING STAR.” More recently, she composed for “Spidersaurs” with the company WayForward.

Today, Fujita enjoys travel and working on music for games and other media with her son, who is a mixing engineer.

Otakon will be held from July 29-31 in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

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