Glyph Award-winning and Eisner nominated publisher New Paradigm Studios has announced their signing schedule for the nationwide comic celebration Free Comic Book Day which is occurring May 7th 2022. Readers all across North America flock to participating comic shops visit participating stores and receive comic books absolutely free. New Paradigm Studios will have creators Joelle Sellner and Brandon Perlow will be on hand to sign the latest release Werewoofs at the three stores below. Free buttons and bookmarks will be available for giveaway.
Signing Locations and Times: Galaxy of Comics 17306 Saticoy Van Nuys, California Saturday May 7, 4-7
Brave New World 22722 Lyons Ave Newhall, California Saturday May 7, 11-3
Comics Factory 1298 E Colorado Blvd Pasadena, California Sunday May 8, 12-5
This year’s Baltimore Comic-Con is going to be a big one! Join us on October 28-30, 2022 at the Inner Harbor’s Baltimore Convention Center. The Baltimore Comic-Con has announced Dan Brereton, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, Jim Starlin, Jill Thompson, and Gene Luen Yang as guests of our 2020 event. Purchase tickets online now and avoid ticket counter lines!
Award-winning creator Dan Brereton has been in the comics game for over four decades, having written and illustrated for nearly every major comics publisher on a wide spectrum of characters and genres such as X-Men, Justice League, Batman, Thor, Red Sonja, Vampirella, the Simpsons, and many more. Past clients range from Walt Disney TV Animation, Hasbro Toys, CBS, and musicians like Rob Zombie. His best-known and loved creator-owned property is Nocturnals, with a new two-volume hardcover Omnibus out from Dark Horse Comics, and a new graphic novel currently in production. Dan is a regular Kickstarter creator. Find Dan and his work here : https://linktr.ee/B33Da
José Luis García-López was born in Spain and began drawing comics professionally in Argentina at age 13. In the 1960s, he drew romance titles for Charlton Comics. Garcia-Lopez came to the U.S. in 1974 and started working for DC Comics, drawing series such as Superman, Batman, Hawkman, Tarzan, and Jonah Hex. His other notable work includes Atari Force, Deadman, New Teen Titans, and On The Road to Perdition. Since 1982, Garcia-Lopez has designed and pencilled the definitive versions of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and many other characters for various DC Comics style guides, which are created for licensees only. His style guide art has been seen on countless DC Comics licensed products and is still being used today.
The multi-talented Jim Starlin has worked on both writing and creating art for some of the most noteworthy creations since his entry into the field of comics in the 1970s. The mind behind the Marvel character Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu, he is also responsible for a number of noteworthy cosmic characters in the Marvel Universe, including Gamora, Drax the Destroyer, and the villainous Thanos, all of whom are featured in the major motion picture, Guardians of the Galaxy. He developed noteworthy runs on Marvel’s Captain Marvel, Warlock, and Silver Surfer, Marvel mini-series Infinity Gauntlet, Infinity War, and Infinity Crusade, and DC Comics’ Batman, The Weird, and Cosmic Odyssey. His Death of Captain Marvel was the first Marvel graphic novel to be published. More recently, he has provided writing and art for DC’s Stormwatch and writing on Green Lantern: Mongul, and he returned to his classic villain with Marvel’s Thanos: The Infinity Revelation.
Jill Thompson is a ten-time Eisner Award-winning comic book creator. She is best known for her creations The Scary Godmother and Magic Trixie, her award-winning graphic novel Wonder Woman: The True Amazon, as well as her collaborations with Neil Gaiman on The Sandman, Grant Morrison on The Invisibles, Will Pfeifer on Finals, Evan Dorkin on Beasts of Burden, Mick Foley on Tales From Wrescal Lane, and many more. Jill’s comic work has been translated into many languages and she loves to travel around the world to appear at comic conventions and festivals to meet her wonderful fans! The Scary Godmother has been adapted to the stage as a play, and then to television for Cartoon Network! Jill is actively working to create more Scary Godmother in every form for everyone to enjoy!
(c) ALBERT LAW porkbellystudio
Gene Luen Yang writes, and sometimes draws, comic books and graphic novels. As the Library of Congress’ fifth National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, he advocates for the importance of reading, especially reading diversely. American Born Chinese, his first graphic novel from First Second Books, was a National Book Award finalist, as well as the winner of the Printz Award and an Eisner Award. His two-volume graphic novel Boxers & Saints won the L.A. Times Book Prize and was a National Book Award Finalist. His other works include Secret Coders (with Mike Holmes), The Shadow Hero (with Sonny Liew), Superman from DC Comics (with various artists), and the Avatar: The Last Airbender series from Dark Horse Comics (with Gurihiru). In 2016, he was named a MacArthur Foundation Fellow. His most recent books are Dragon Hoops from First Second Books and 2020 Ringo Spirit Award winner, Superman Smashes the Klan from DC Comics.
2022 GUESTS
Confirmed guests for this year’s show include: Jeremy Bastian (Cursed Pirate Girl), Marty Baumann (Pixar artist), John Beatty (Marvel Super Heroes: Secret Wars), Brian Michael Bendis (Action Comics), Brett Breeding (Superman), Dan Brereton (Nocturnals), Mark Buckingham (Fables), Jeffrey Burandt (Killer Bad), Jim Calafiore (NED, Lord of the Pit), Richard Case (Edgar Allan Poe’s Snifter of Terror), Howard Chaykin (Time Squared), Steve Conley (The Middle Age), Katie Cook (Nothing Special), Kevin Cuffe (Metalshark Bro), Kristina Deak-Linsner (Roses for the Dead), Todd Dezago (The Perhapanauts), Garth Ennis (The Boys, Friday and Saturday only), Bob Frantz (Metalshark Bro), Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (DC Nation), Steven Grant (X), Gene Ha (Mae, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Bob Hall (West Coast Avengers), Dean Haspiel (The Fox), Mike Hawthorne (Happiness Will Follow), Greg Hildebrandt (Star Wars), Jamal Igle (Molly Danger), Klaus Janson (Daredevil, Friday and Saturday only), Chris Kemple (Artist Alley Comics), Phillip Kennedy Johnson (Alien), Barry Kitson (Amazing Spider-Man), Joseph Michael Linsner (Red Sonja), Howard Mackie (Ghost Rider), Whitney Matheson (Pandemix: Quarantine Comics in the Age of ‘Rona), Bob McLeod (New Mutants), Mike McKone (Genis-Vell: Captain Marvel), Carla Speed McNeil (Finder), Adriana Melo (Action Comics), Pop Mhan (Gears of War 3), Frank Miller (Sin City, Saturday only), Mark Morales (Thor), Bill Morrison (The Simpsons), Trevor Mueller (Albert the Alien), Jerry Ordway (Superman), Rachel Ordway (Chainmail Bikini), Richard Pace (Second Coming, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Andrew Pepoy (Simone & Ajax), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Khoi Pham (Teen Titans), Ed Piskor (Red Room: Trigger Warnings), Afua Richardson (Omni), John Romita, Jr. (Amazing Spider-Man), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Craig Rousseau (The Perhapanauts), Jim Rugg (Hulk Grand Design), Stuart Sayger (The Joker), Pat Shand (Destiny, NY), Louise Simonson (X-Men Legends), Walter Simonson (Ragnarok), Don Simpson (Megaton Man), Matt Slay (Equilibrium), Jim Starlin (Infinity Gauntlet), Joe Staton (Dick Tracy), Jill Thompson (Scary Godmother), Billy Tucci (Shi), Dexter Vines (Civil War, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Sean Von Gorman (Return of Toe Tag Riot), Mark Waid (Superman: Red and Blue), Emily S. Whitten (The Underfoot), Matt Wieringo (Stargate Atlantis: Gateways), Keith Williams (Thor the Worthy), Rich Woodall (Electric Black), Gene Luen Yang (Superman Smashes the Klan), and Thom Zahler (Love and Capes).
Awesome Con, Washington, D.C.’s iconic three-day pop culture convention, announces three days of programming complete with exclusive panels, workshops, meetups and celebrity appearances from Friday, June 3 through Sunday, June 5. Awesome Con will take over the Walter E. Washington Convention Center with a robust lineup of events. LGBTQ+ focused Pride Alley, in partnership with Geeks OUT and Metro Weekly, returns with its largest slate of programming that spotlight LGBTQ+ artists, creators and fans. The wildly popular Science Fair is back with not one but two full programming tracks: TERRA for Earth-based panels and COSMOS: for Space-based panels. Science Fair has four divisions of NASA represented, along with a special program on pop culture history in partnership with Smithsonian’s highly anticipated upcoming exhibit Entertainment Nation. Family-friendly pavilionAwesome Con Jr. is back with even more events planned to educate and entertain kids of all ages and parents alike. After debuting last year, Destination Cosplay will make its return to the show floor with cosplay demos, meetups and more. Awesome Con’s Book Fair is back! Powered by D.C.-based Solid State Books, guests can enjoy book signings, access to writers and publishers and take a stroll down Author’s Lane to discover independently published authors from a variety of genres. Attendees can start planning their Awesome Con experience and view the full program schedule.
In addition to the return of these great show features, Awesome Con is introducing two new programming areas:
Awesome Con Remix Stage located in Destination Cosplay – Boogie down and shake your groove thang at Awesome Con’s Remix Stage! Fandom-inspired tunes, games, trivia, singalongs, and of course, dancing, are happening all weekend long right here!
The Movement Room located in Room 208 – Tired of sitting in a panel room? Wanna do something a little more active? Activities in this room require you to get up and get moving!
Celebrity and Comic Guests
Hear from some of the biggest influencers from the world of pop culture and comic books at panels, screenings, Q&As and more. For a full lineup of confirmed guests visit here.
The full main stage lineup includes:
June 3:
Question the Doctor! Get to know Sylvester McCoy (2:00 p.m.)
Who loves Kel Mitchell? We love Kel Mitchell! (4:30 p.m.)
Voice-A-Palooza ft. Wes Johnson (7:00 p.m.)
Meet the Cosplay Competition Judges ft. Plexi Cosplay, Bishop Cosplay, and Woman of Wonders (8:15 p.m.)
June 4:
Spotlight on Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings cast: Simu Liu, Meng’er Zhang, and Florian Munteanu (10:30 a.m.)
Out in space with Anthony Rapp and Wilson Cruz (11:45 a.m.)
A Bewitching Sabrina the Teenage Witch Cast Reunion (1:00 p.m.)
Oh dear! It’s Anthony Daniels! (3:30 p.m.)
Awesome Con 2022 Cosplay Competition ft. Logan Stone Drag Halftime Show (7:00 p.m.)
June 5:
The Many Roles of Giancarlo Esposito (11:00 a.m.)
Growing up a Nick Kid with Melissa Joan Hart and Kel Mitchell (12:15 p.m.)
Second Breakfast with Sean Astin (1:30 p.m.)
Hang with Vegeta and Goku! It’s Christopher Sabat and Sean Schemmel (2:45 p.m.)
Pride Alley
LGBTQIA+ Table Talk: This is Me Q&A Geekdom (June 4 – 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM – Room 204) Join the round table discussion with host Shady Haze and LGBTQ+ creators as they discuss LGBTQ+ representation in pop culture and their coming out story, how the geek/comic world shaped who they are today and what pride means to them.
For All Humankind: Fueling the Space Race to Diversity and Inclusion (June 5 – 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM – Room 207B – Science Fair COSMOS)
Where the Science Fair and Pride Alley collide! Join this discussion with some of the trailblazing minds at NASA about the diverse pioneers of space travel, the efforts being made to increase representation, and what the future holds as we look to the stars.
Geeks OUT presents a sit down with queer & ally artists/creators to discuss the importance of queer female representation in comics. We’ll explore our panelists’ influences, what draws them to Strong Female Characters, and why intersectionality is paramount to the future of comics.
Science Fair
The Science Behind the Mandalorian (June 3 – Room 207B – Science Fair: COSMOS)
Mandalorians have captured the imagination of fans around the world. The National Science Foundation brings together a team of experts to discuss the science behind the Mandalorian.
The Science Behind the Ten Rings (June 4 – Room 207B – Science Fair: COSMOS)
Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings captivates the imagination of audiences around the world. Come join the National Science Foundation as it brings together a panel of experts to discuss the science behind the Ten Rings.
Genetics, Ancestry Testing, Race, and Star Trek (June 5 – Room 207B – Science Fair: TERRA)
A primer on basic transmission and genetic ancestry testing with Dr. Mohamed Noor. Learn many of the fundamental underlying science concepts, and see how these concepts connect with each other and get applied in the Star Trek universe across the various series.
Women at NASA (June 4 – 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Room 207B – Science Fair COSMOS)
From Mission Operations to Public Engagement, come meet just a few of the talented women who work at NASA. Hear about what led them to the space agency, the sometimes crazy paths they took to get where they are today and the challenges they’ve faced.
Building a fully fleshed out world is the first step in making your creation real to the reader. Let’s explore how a fictitious world can seem completely real while overwhelmingly magical through excellent writing.
Get to know the talented science fiction author Timothy Zahn. Known for his prolific collection of Star Wars books, chiefly the Thrawn series, he’ll be taking the stage to answer your burning questions.
SFF Authors and Real World Ideas (June 5 – 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM – Room 204)
How do real world religious beliefs, political doctrines, and views on society impact science fiction/fantasy writers, and the direction they take in their novels? This panel will explore how personal beliefs and reality can become subtly infused into science fiction/fantasy works.
Awesome Con Jr.
Saber Guild Kids Lightsaber Training (All weekend – Awesome Con Jr. Movement Zone – Hall C)
Younglings will take their first steps into a larger world virtually with Saber Guild’s Kids Lightsaber Training. Saber Guild’s elite costumed Jedi will interact and walk kids through an introductory course to lightsabers and The Force.
Interactive Storytime presented by the DC Public Library (June 3 & 5 – Awesome Con Jr. Movement Zone)
Get your imagination in gear for a story time with the DC Public Library, all about the joy of pretending!
Kids Costume Parade (Open to first 30 kids – Saturday & Sunday – Awesome Con Jr. Movement Zone)
Awesome Con is excited to welcome kids of all cosplay levels to the Kids Costume Parade! Registration is limited to the first 30 kids (and their parents).
Destination Cosplay
Costuming with the 501st Legion (June 3 – 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM – Cosplay Demos – Destination Cosplay – Hall B)
Ever wonder how stormtrooper armor is built? Join the 501st Legion, the premier Star Wars costuming club, and learn the process of becoming a stormtrooper.
Awesome Con 2022 Cosplay Competition featuring Logan Stone Drag Halftime Show (June 4 – 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Main Stage)
This year’s Cosplay Competition Halftime Show is where Pride Alley and Destination Cosplay collide! The Halftime Show will feature Queens Logan Stone (D.C. Drag Performer), Dax ExclamationPoint (RuPaul’s Drag Race), D’Manda Martini (Drag Performer), and Crimsyn (Painted with Raven).
Beauty, Blood & Bruises SFX Makeup with Black Crystal Cosplay (June 5 – 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Cosplay Demos – Destination Cosplay – Hall B)
Everyone loves a good glitz and glam makeup, but have you ever thought of glitz AND gore? Black Crystal Cosplay will show you a great way to mix the two in order to showcase a different approach to making cosplay makeup even more fun, fabulous and interesting this con season.
Additional Programming Highlights:
Star Wars Dance Party & Trivia (June 3 – 4:15 PM – 4:45 PM – Remix Stage)
Flaunt your dark side at this Star Wars gathering! All lightsabers are encouraged.
Saber Guild Dathomir Temple presents a production made just for Awesome Con 2022. The continuation of the story from AwesomeCon 2021. Saber Guild is a non-profit, all-volunteer, international organization that specializes in lightsaber stage choreography and education.
The Geek Comedy Tour is a collective of the funniest stand-up comedians from the Washington D.C. area. Each one is an experienced comic, having performed at bars, clubs, and colleges all over the East Coast.
The K-Pop Random Dance Party (June 3 & 4 – Room 208 – Movement Room)
Royal Kourt Crew presents a multi-generation KPOP random dance play!
Disney Family Singalong (June 5 – 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM – Remix Stage)
Bring everyone you know to sing all of your favorite Disney songs.
Free Comic Book Day 2022 takes place May 7th and for comic fans, it’s one of the best days of the year! We get a chance to sample amazing comics from so many publishers and also teased what’s to come for a few. We got a chance to check out some of what’s coming out this year ahead of release. See what we think of this year’s releases!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles FCBD Special 2022 – The comic is a teaser for the upcoming event “The Armageddon Game” and while the comics themselves tend to be pretty on point, this teaser is a bit of a letdown. Told from the perspective a mysterious individual revealed at the end, the names are all wrong and it generally just doesn’t tell much of what we can expect. Unless you know who the character is at the end, it’s a whole lot of meh. Also included is the classic first issue, so there’s that at least if you’ve never read it.
Audience: Fans of the IDW TMNT comics.
Bone Orchard Mythos Preview – Get a look at the highly anticipated comic from Jeff Lemire, Andrea Sorrentino, and Dave Stewart. This is a must for horror fans. It’s creepy and so good.
Audience: Older teens and adults/horror fans
Clementine #1 – While Clementine might be in the title, the comic really is a sampler of the first three graphic novels from Skybound’s Skybound Comet young reader line. It’s a solid get for middle-grade readers and up to see if they’d be interested in any of the three series teased. Overall, it has me more excited to read the releases when they get here.
Audience: Middle-grade and up
Nottingham FCBD Special – I think this is an original story? Nottingham for those that don’t know is an interesting take on the Robyn Hood mythology and this particular story is a solid murder mystery set in that world. Also included is a teaser for the upcoming A Legacy of Violence that looks really good. This one will fly under the radar and it shouldn’t. It’s a solid read that’ll get you interested in checking out what’s been released so far.
Audience – Mature readers/Adults
The Year of Valiant FCBD Special – If you’re a Valiant fan, this is one to check out. Or, if you’ve wanted to find out what Valiant is about, also check it out. The comic takes you through stories featuring Bloodshot, Armorclads, Archer & Armstrong, and Ninjak. It’s a mix of new material and teasing some that’s already been released.
Audience: Teen and up/Valiant fans
Guardian of Fukushima – A teaser for the English language translation of the French graphic novel about the 2011 earthquake off the coast of Japan that lead to the Fukushima disaster. The story focuses on a farmer and the people of Tohoku and the comic is a nice setup of what’s to come.
Audience: Teens and up
The Winchester Mystery House – A tease of the concept of the Winchester Mystery House and the comic series it feels like light horror. Those really into the house will enjoy this but beyond that, there’s better horror releases to get this Free Comic Book Day.
Audience – Teens and up/Horror fans
Best of 2000AD – I haven’t read too much from 2000AD so I have no idea if what’s in here is new or reprints but it’s six solid comics that will absolutely give you an idea of what it’s all about. It’s a solid read with great “British sci-fi”, exactly what they’re known for. I usually pick up a copy every year and have yet to be dissapointed.
Audience: Mature readers
Neverlanders – I’ll admit, I forgot Tom Taylor and Jon Sommariva had this coming and after reading this, it’s at the top of my reading list. It’s a new take on Peter Pan and wait until you get to the twist. It definitely had me going and I’m loving what I read so far. If FCBD is supposed to get you excited for things to come, this does the job and then some!
Audience: Middle-grade readers and up.
Fuzzy Baseball – I know nothing about this series but it’s a cute take on baseball for young readers. Hopefully it’ll get them interested in checking out more.
Audience – Middle-grade readers
Wandance and Blackguard Sampler – An introduction to the manga and neither really clicks for me. They’re not bad just neither really stands out. What’s nice is they do act as a great way for those who have never read manga to experience it. So, here’s your chance to check it out!
Audience – Teen and up
Sonic the Hedgehog FCBD 2022 Special – There’s a big event coming for Sonic but you wouldn’t really know it with this release. It has a solid story featuring Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, and a recap but it doesn’t hook me or get me excited for the main series. It’s a good grab for younger readers interested in safe action/adventure.
Audience: Middle-grade and up/Sonic fans
Archie Free Comic Book Day 2022 Special – The comic is fun bouncing around Archie and the various takes on the character. It’s something Archie has embraced on and off over the years and it looks like we’re going to get more of it soon from top notch talent. It’s worth checking out and grabbing and maybe it’ll interest you to see some of what Archie has coming in the near future.
Free Comic Book Day 2022 takes place May 7th and for comic fans, it’s one of the best days of the year! We get a chance to sample amazing comics from so many publishers and also teased what’s to come for a few. We got a chance to check out some of what’s coming out this year ahead of release. See what we think of this year’s releases!
10 Ton Press Presents: 10 Ton Tales – Featuring around 5 different comics of varying types, 10 Ton Press delivers an interesting sampler of what the publisher has to offer. My review copy felt a little incomplete and without a physical copy to compare it to, the comic is exactly what it is, a sampler. Some stories feel more like sketches, others a tease of something greater. Overall, it’s an interesting release but not sure about the execution of how it’s presented.
Audience: Generally for all ages. There’s nothing bad for younger kids but nothing they’d really appreciate.
Three Stooges Celebration — Published by American Mythology, this release gave me the opportunity to check out their Stooges comics which I don’t believe I’ve read before. Consisting of three different stories, the comic attempts to capture the trio as they head into a virtual world, are superheroes, and then a meta story following them as they make a film. It’s not bad and at moments captures what makes them great but it’s hard to capture comedy that’s so physical. This one is for die-hard Stooges fans who enjoy the characters being put into varying situations.
Audience: General for all-ages
25 Years of Buffy the Vampire Slayer Special – BOOM! Studios celebrates 25 years of the beloved franchise. The first half is a literal yearbook going over characters and moments. As someone that doesn’t know the franchise, it’s kind of meh, but the art is pretty good. The second half is a teaser for the newly launched The Vampire Slayer series. It’s pretty good and definitely had me faked out. It might even be enough for me to check out the first issue!
Audience: Teens and Buffy fans.
Hollow – A new spin on the Legend of Sleep Hollow is coming in this graphic novel. We get a pretty solid teaser of what we can expect and so far, I’m digging it. This is a project I wanted to check out anyways so to be able to get this teaser has me more excited to read more when it comes out in September.
Audience – Tweens and up
Trese – The graphic novel series is being published in English by Ablaze and well worth checking out. We’ve praised what’s been released and it’s been turned into a Netflix series. It’s pretty much horror manga out of the Philippines. If you’re into horror, and especially horror manga, this is a perfect chance to read a bit of it before diving into the first volume.
Audience: Teens and up/fans of horror
The Rema Chronicles: Realm of the Blue Mist – I really enjoyed the entire graphic novel so it’s not a surprise I’d enjoy this segment from it. The comic cuts out a lot of the opening and drops you into the action which gives readers a solid idea of what to expect. If you like magical worlds and fantasy, snag this one and get a test of the graphic novel.
Audience: Middle-grade readers and up
Dav Pilkey Sampler Featurng Dog Man – I’ve never read any of Dav Pilkey’s work so this was probably the first time ever. I completely get why kids will enjoy this and it’s perfect for them to pick up. Featuring Captain Underpants, Dog Man, and Cat Kid Comic Club, and more, the comic is a perfect all-ages release.
Audience: All-ages
The Incal Universe – Confession time, I’ve never read any of Incal by Alejandro Jodorowsky and Mœbius. I know a lot of people that enjoy it but it’s just something that never quite interested me. Humanoids will be expanding on that world with a series of new comics set in it. This comic is a solid introduction as it not only explains the general story but also features a tease of what’s to come. My interest has definitely increased and the comic is smart enough to even provide a guide for those who want to dive in and need to know where to start! A very smart idea and great for long time fans and new readers.
The Mike Wieringo Comic Book Industry Awards is an annual celebration of the creativity, skill, and fun of comics. The awards will be presented on Saturday, October 29, 2022 as part of the fan- and pro-favorite convention, The Baltimore Comic-Con. The Ringo Awards is currently in the midst of the 2022 nomination process, which is inclusive of fans and comic book professionals alike. Please submit your nominations before voting closes at midnight on June 30, 2022.
An esteemed jury of comics professionals will participate in the nomination process, selecting favorite works in over 20 categories. The 2022 jury was chosen as a representative cross-section of the comic book industry, with members representing seasoned and venerated educators, retailers, and creators across numerous genres.
In 30-plus years working in comics, Jim Calafiore has worked on Peter David’s Aquaman, Judd Winnick’s Exiles, Gotham Underground with Frank Tieri, Red Lanterns with Charles Soule, various Batman books, Deadpool, and Black Panther. After a run on the critically-acclaimed Secret Six with Gail Simone, they reunited with for their creator-owned success Leaving Megalopolis. He’s currently working on his creator-owned supernatural-comedy saga, NED, Lord of the Pit.
Finder, the science fiction series Carla Speed McNeil started in 1996, was “born” in Maryland, and so were her two kids and three cats. She and her husband were born and raised in Louisiana, but we’ve lived here longer than we ever lived there, which is a funny thought sometimes. She’s won an Eisner, several Ignatzes, and the LA Times Book Prize. She teaches comics at MICA in Baltimore, and her COVID hobb-session is making teeny tiny doors.
Jarrett Melendez grew up on the mean, deer-infested streets of Bucksport, Maine. A longtime fan of food and cooking, Jarrett has spent a lot of his time in kitchens, oftentimes as a paid professional! Jarrett is a regular contributor to Bon Appetit and Food52, and is the author of The Comic Kitchen, a fully illustrated, comic-style cookbook. When not cooking and writing about food, Jarrett usually writes comic books and graphic novels, including Chef’s Kiss from Oni Press, and has contributed to the Ringo-nominated All We Ever Wanted, Full Bleed, and Murder Hobo: Chaotic Neutral. He is currently writing a graphic memoir for Oni Press. Jarrett lives in Somerville, MA, with his collection of Monokuro Boo plush pigs.
Joe Murray’s auspicious introduction to the world of comics was through the inauspicious Marvel toy tie-in comics of ROM, Micronauts, and Shogun Warriors, but they were enough to get him hooked. After earning a degree in English Literature and the job prospects that opened up (at graduation he was given a diploma and told he could never afford to turn down a free meal), he inveigled his way into a job at his Local Comic Shop, Captain Blue Hen Comics in Newark, Delaware. Within two years, he was running the place. In 2001, after picking the brains of the wisest and brightest in comic retailerdom, Joe and his wife Danielle decided to buy the business. Captain Blue Hen is a three-time Eisner Spirit of Retailing finalist, a seven-time Readers’ Choice Best Comic Shop winner, and celebrated its 40th anniversary overall and 20th anniversary under Joe and Danielle’s stewardship in 2021.
A member of ComicsPro, the only trade organization for direct-market comic book retailers, Joe was elected to the Board of Directors in 2019 and became Vice President in 2021. Joe works with a multitude of schools and libraries in several states. He has been a speaker at the Delaware and Maryland Librarians conference, a workshop speaker at Diamond Summits and New York Comic-con, and is a regular guest speaker at the University of Delaware for graduate study courses in Library Sciences.
Qiana Whitted is professor of English and African American Studies at the University of South Carolina. A graduate of Hampton University with a PhD from Yale University, her research and teaching focus on Black literary and cultural studies, and American comics and graphic novels. She is the author of the Eisner Award-winning book, EC Comics: Race, Shock, and Social Protest, and co-editor of the collection on Comics and the U.S. South. She also wrote the introductory essay for the Black Panther volume of the new Penguin Classics Marvel Collection and is currently editing a collection on blackness in early American comics. She is the editor of Inks: The Journal of the Comics Studies Society and chair of the International Comic Arts Forum.
Fan and Pro Nomination Categories
Best Cartoonist (Writer/Artist)
Best Writer
Best Artist or Penciller
Best Inker
Best Letterer
Best Colorist
Best Cover Artist
Best Series
Best Single Issue or Story
Best Original Graphic Novel
Best Anthology
Best Humor Comic
Best Webcomic
Best Humor Webcomic
Best Non-fiction Comic Work
Best Kids Comic or Graphic Novel
Best Presentation in Design
Perennial Jury-Only Nomination
The Mike Wieringo Spirit Award
Fan-Only Favorite Categories
Favorite Hero
Favorite Villain
Favorite New Series
Favorite New Talent
Favorite Publisher
Hero Initiative Award (selected by the Hero Initiative)
AWA Studios is bringing Primos to Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) taking place Saturday, May 7. AWA’s first issue of Primos, the popular Mayan legend and Latino culture mixed limited series created by the all-Mexican team of comic legends, Al Madrigal and Carlo Barberi. The release will feature Primos #1 in both English and Spanish, marking the first time a publisher has released a dual-language issue.
Primos is a 4-issue limited series that features a Latinx hero. Written by Madrigal and illustrated by Barberi, Primos was originally announced in December of last year. After the first issue was released on February 2, it quickly sold out across the country. Issue #2 was released on March 9 while issue #3 and issue #4 will be available on April 20 and June 1 respectively.
In Primos, centuries ago, two Mayan brothers constructed a spacecraft that sent them hurtling into outer space. Returning to Earth only to find their culture and civilization destroyed, one of the brothers vows revenge and seeks to decimate the planet with intergalactic technology gathered on his travels. To prevent this, his sibling creates a contingency plan that activates the world’s protectors – descendants of their own Pascal family. Now, the fate of the planet lies in the hands of three cousins scattered throughout Central and North America who have never even met.
To further promote the series for Free Comic Book Day, AWA has partnered with the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture (NALAC), the nation’s premier multidisciplinary Latino arts service organization. A special ad will be included in the Primos FCBD offering with a forward note from Al Madrigal for consumers to learn more about PRIMOS, the organization, and what it’s doing for Latino creators and artists. For over 30 years, NALAC has delivered programs that stabilize and revitalize the US Latino arts and cultural sector by providing critical advocacy, funding, networking opportunities, leadership development, and professional training for Latino artists and arts organizations in every region of the country.
Skybound Comet today announced theClementine Book One Book Tour, a nationwide tour this summer in support of the new Young Adult graphic novel from award-winning writer/artist Tillie Walden that begins a trilogy set in the world of Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead, available everywhere books are sold June 2022.
Clementine Book One 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, but sure to captivate readers of all ages.
In celebration of the release of Tillie Walden’s highly anticipated graphic novel, the Clementine Book One Book Tour will kick off in June 2022 with a special appearance at ALA Annual Conference in Washington D.C. at the Image Comics booth (#1332) and will continue with tour stops in major cities across America through July.
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
Sunday, June 26 – Washington, D.C. East City Bookshop 6:30 p.m. ET start time In Conversation with Tillie Walden + Book Signing
Monday, June 27 – New York, NY Strand Book Store 7:00 p.m. ET start time in the Rare Book Room In Conversation with Tillie Walden + Book Signing
Friday, July 29 – Eugene, OR Books with Pictures (Eugene) 5:30 p.m. PT start time In Conversation with Tillie Walden + Book Signing
Saturday, July 30 – Virtual Event Dallas Public Library’s FanCentral 8:00 a.m. PT start time Author Chat with Special Guest Tillie Walden
Saturday, July 30 – Seattle, WA Kinokuniya Seattle 2 p.m. PT start time In Conversation with Tillie Walden + Book Signing
It’s a new beginning for Clementine, the star of the bestselling THE WALKING DEAD video games, in Clementine Book One, as she’s back on the road, looking to put her traumatic past behind her and forge a new path all her own. But when she comes across an Amish teenager named Amos, the unlikely pair journeys north to an abandoned ski resort in Vermont, where they meet up with a small group of teenagers attempting to build a new, walker-free settlement. As friendship, rivalry, and romance begin to blossom amongst the group, the harsh winter soon reveals that the biggest threat to their survival…might be each other.
Clementine Book One (Diamond Code MAY218587, ISBN: 978-1-5343-2128-1) will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play on Wednesday, June 22 and everywhere books are sold on June 28.
Don’t miss Clementine #1, available on Free Comic Book Day May 7, 2022, featuring an all-new FCBD exclusive cover by Tillie Walden and extended previews of Skybound Comet OGNs Clementine Book One, Everyday Hero Machine Boy and Sea Serpent’s Heir Book One.
You won’t want to miss the return of the Baltimore Comic-Con to the Inner Harbor this October 28-30, 2022 at the Baltimore Convention Center. The convention has announced the return of Frank Miller to the show. Limited tickets are now available.
The announcement comes on the heals of the news that broke yesterday that Miller is launching a new publishing banner called Frank Miller Presents
Frank Miller is a comic book writer and artist, a screenwriter, a film director, and a movie producer. Originally from Olney, MD, Frank was raised in Montpelier, VT, and eventually found his way to New York City and the comic book industry in the late 1970s. Finding work in Gold Key Comics initially, he went on to work with DC and Marvel. At the latter, after recurring fill-in and cover artist gigs, he took over art and, eventually, writing duties on Daredevil. He co-plotted the Wolverine limited series with Chris Claremont, and would continue working on titles (his own and those of the companies for which he worked) including Ronin, Daredevil: Born Again, Elektra Lives Again, The Dark Knight Returns, Sin City, and 300.
In addition to his comic book work, Miller wrote the scripts for Robocop 2 and 3, directed the film version of The Spirit, shared directing duties with Robert Rodriguez on the Palme d’Or-nominated Sin City and Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, and produced the film 300. Eagle-eyed viewers can spot him in cameo roles in Robocop 2, Daredevil, Sin City, Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, and The Spirit. Miller is known for creating Elektra for Marvel Comics’ Daredevil series, and a female version of the Robin character, Carrie Kelley, for DC Comics.
Miller will be appearing on Saturday only, and a limited number of tickets are available for fan interaction during his appearance. To purchase tickets to the Baltimore Comic-Con and the Frank Miller Gold and Silver tickets specifically, please see our tickets webpage.
Gold Tickets – Limited to 150
VIP packages Includes:
4 autographs
1 limited edition lithograph of an exclusive image for Baltimore
45 min private meet and greet/signing
VIP seating to public panel
early admission to the show (9:30am ET)
skip any Silver ticket holders
Gold Ticket holders from 2020 or 2021 who did not seek refunds are entitled to the items above plus an exclusive lithograph never to be reprinted and one additional autograph. As well, they are eligible for a random drawing of two sketch covers by Frank Miller.
Silver Tickets – Limited to 400
Includes:
1 autograph
2022 GUESTS
Confirmed guests for this year’s show include: Marty Baumann (Pixar artist), John Beatty (Marvel Super Heroes: Secret Wars), Brian Michael Bendis (Action Comics), Brett Breeding (Superman), Dan Brereton (Nocturnals), Mark Buckingham (Fables), Jim Calafiore (NED, Lord of the Pit), Richard Case (Edgar Allan Poe’s Snifter of Terror), Howard Chaykin (Time Squared), Steve Conley (The Middle Age), Katie Cook (Nothing Special), Kevin Cuffe (Metalshark Bro), Kristina Deak-Linsner (Roses for the Dead), Todd Dezago (The Perhapanauts), Garth Ennis (The Boys, Friday and Saturday only), Bob Frantz (Metalshark Bro), Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (DC Nation), Gene Ha (Mae, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Bob Hall (West Coast Avengers), Dean Haspiel (The Fox), Mike Hawthorne (Happiness Will Follow), Greg Hildebrandt (Star Wars), Jamal Igle (Molly Danger), Klaus Janson (Daredevil, Friday and Saturday only), Chris Kemple (Artist Alley Comics), Phillip Kennedy Johnson (Alien), Barry Kitson (Amazing Spider-Man), Joseph Michael Linsner (Red Sonja), Howard Mackie (Ghost Rider), Bob McLeod (New Mutants), Mike McKone (Genis-Vell: Captain Marvel), Carla Speed McNeil (Finder), Adriana Melo (Action Comics), Pop Mhan (Gears of War 3), Frank Miller (Sin City, Saturday only), Mark Morales (Thor), Bill Morrison (The Simpsons), Trevor Mueller (Albert the Alien), Jerry Ordway (Superman), Rachel Ordway (Chainmail Bikini), Richard Pace (Second Coming, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Andrew Pepoy (Simone & Ajax), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Khoi Pham (Teen Titans), Ed Piskor (Red Room: Trigger Warnings), Afua Richardson (Omni), John Romita, Jr. (Amazing Spider-Man), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Craig Rousseau (The Perhapanauts), Jim Rugg (Hulk Grand Design), Stuart Sayger (The Joker), Pat Shand (Destiny, NY), Louise Simonson (X-Men Legends), Walter Simonson (Ragnarok), Don Simpson (Megaton Man), Matt Slay (Equilibrium), Jim Starlin (Infinity Gauntlet), Joe Staton (Dick Tracy), Jill Thompson (Scary Godmother), Billy Tucci (Shi), Mark Waid (Superman: Red and Blue), Emily S. Whitten (The Underfoot), Matt Wieringo (Stargate Atlantis: Gateways), Keith Williams (Thor the Worthy), and Thom Zahler (Love and Capes).
