Category Archives: Conventions

Clementine, Wrestlequest, Escape Academy and Before Your Eyes Headline New Skybound XPO: Games on May 20

Skybound Xpo: Games

Skybound has revealed its lineup for Skybound Xpo: Games, the upcoming virtual convention highlighting both the fan-favorite and brand-new video games that Skybound is home to. Hosted by Andrew Ghai and Janet Garcia, the digital pop culture experience will feature all-new programming, limited-edition merch drops and exciting announcements, streaming on Skybound’s YouTube channel on Friday, May 20, 2022.

The Games Xpo will celebrate 10 years of beloved character Clementine, star of the hit The Walking Dead video games, from start to finish. Tillie Walden, acclaimed author and artist of the upcoming Clementine Book One will sit down with comics superstar Ryan North to discuss her hugely anticipated graphic novel and reveal the very first details of Clementine Book Two.

David Finch and Dave McCaig’s variant cover of Clementine #1 will headline Shawn “Big Clutch” Kirkham’s biggest Comics Vault Live of 2022, and Xpo will also kick off the release of exclusive new Clementine merch that fans will not want to miss.

 Alongside the iconic Clementine, the Xpo will debut programming that features the stars of new and upcoming video games from Skybound. Wrestling megastar Jeff Jarrett will be on hand to discuss Wrestlequest, Sarah Burns and Eric Edelstein will join for the online debut of Before Your Eyes Actors React, and Elyse and James Willems of Funhaus will do their best to best one of the toughest rooms in Escape Academy.

Skybound’s Xpo will also grant fans can’t-miss panels across Skybound’s vast network—from the world of comics, a discussion of all things paranormal with Kyle Starks for his upcoming series I Hate This Place; a new episode of ATTACK! With Attack Peter that promises a special announcement of Peter’s biggest project to date; and of course, a video games adaptation-themed new Movie Trivia Schmoedown match! 

The full programming line-up, beginning at 10 a.m. PT, includes:  

  • WRESTLEQUEST Presents: A History of Wrestling in Games – MegaCat Studios, developers of the upcoming game WRESTLEQUEST, are joined by Jeff Jarrett and a very special guest to discuss the raucous, awesome, storied history of video game wrestling.  
  • Breaking into ESCAPE ACADEMY – Can Elyse and James Willems from Funhaus big brain their way out of one of the most ingenious rooms in ESCAPE ACADEMY? Check out the latest simulated escape room from developers Coin Crew Games and iam8bit.  
  • Skybound Games Showcase – Join host Woody Tondorf (Did we learn nothing from the Skybound Games Game Awards?!) as we give you a look at the amazing slate of upcoming Skybound Games releases, culminating in the online debut of Before Your Eyes Actors React, featuring Sarah Burns (Barry, Werewolves Within) and Eric Edelstein (We Bare Bears, Jurassic World)!  
  • Chatting CLEMENTINE with Tillie Walden and Ryan North – Award-winning author Tillie Walden (Spinning, On a Sunbeam) returns to Skybound Xpo with superstar special guest Ryan North (The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Slaugherhouse-Five) to discuss her hotly anticipated Clementine Book One, reveal the very first details of the sequel, what it’s like to work on the biggest properties in pop culture, and more in this can’t-miss panel for any The Walking Dead fan! 
  • Get Paranormal with I HATE THIS PLACE – A discussion of all things paranormal with Kyle Starks (writer, Assassin Nation) and Jon Moisan (Editor, Skybound) in celebration of the how new Skybound series I HATE HIS PLACE with moderator Rachel Evans. 
  • COMICS VAULT LIVE 305 – Shawn Kirkham AKA Big Clutch is back with another episode of Comics Vault Live with can’t-miss exclusive drops including CLEMENTINE, TWIG, I HATE THIS PLACE, THE WALKING DEAD, SKYBOUND X and more.  Discover the full lineup. 
  • ATTACK! with Attack Peter – Everyone’s favorite artist & printmaker Attack Peter (Peter Santa-Maria) hosts a segment where he’ll make a surprise announcement about his biggest project to date and release an exclusive print to go with it. 
  • Video Game Movie Trivia Schmoedown – Another classic Xpo Schmoedown exhibition match as our ace competitors tackle one of the most challenging movie genres yet: the Video Game adaptation! Who will have the cinematic knowledge needed to come out on top? 

COMICS VAULT LIVE 305 Covers

This FCBD Nottingham’s Andrea Mutti Signing at Yancy’s Comics!

Mad Cave Studios has announced, this Free Comic Book Day, artist Andrea Mutti will be signing the Nottingham FCBD 2022 Special issue from 10am – 4pm EST at Yancy Street Comics (13944 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL)!  Fans won’t want to miss what takes place during Christmas 1192, between Nottingham Volumes 1 and 2.

A very Merry Christmas—All eyes are on Everard Blackthorne, the Sheriff of Nottingham, when his predecessor is murdered in cold blood. It’s business as usual for Ev, with Hood and the Merry Men pulling the strings and a terrible choice to make as the lives of Alan Dale’s wife and son hang in the balance.

Nottingham FCBD

Oni Press Celebrates Free Comic Book Day with Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters

This Saturday, Oni Press is celebrating Free Comic Book Day 2022 with a special edition reprint of the first issue of Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters, the all-ages hit co-written and drawn by Eisner Award-winner Chris Samnee and co-written by Laura Samnee, with colors by Matthew Wilson, and letters by crank!

Rainbow has been searching for her sister, Jonna, for a year. The last time she saw Jonna was also the first time she saw one of the monsters that now roam the planet. They’re big, ugly, and dangerous creatures driving humanity to the brink of extinction. Though there isn’t much hope for survival out in the wild, Rainbow knows that her sister is out there somewhere-and she’ll do anything to find her.

Readers who enjoy this FCBD intro to the action-packed series can also check out the newly released Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters Vol. 2, which collects issues #5–8 of Rainbow and Jonna’s journey, and Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters #9, which begins the third and final arc of the kaiju-filled adventure.

Support your local comic book store and pick up a copy of FCBD 2022 Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters using the Free Comic Book Day Store Locator.

Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters

Free Comic Book Day 2022 Reviews!

Free Comic Book Day is May 7th and we’ve got some quick reviews of over 20 of the releases!

Check out what we think of this FCBD release and then find a shop to go celebrate the day with this Saturday!

Reviewed in order are:

  • 10 Ton Press Presents: 10 Ton Tales
  • Three Stooges Celebration
  • 25 Years of Buffy the Vampire Slayer Special
  • Hollow
  • Trese
  • The Rema Chronicles: Realm of the Blue Mist
  • Dav Pilkey Sampler Featuring Dog Man
  • The Incal Universe
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles FCBD Special 2022
  • Bone Orchard Mythos Preview
  • Clementine #1
  • Nottingham FCBD Special
  • The Year of Valiant FCBD Special
  • Guardian of Fukushima
  • The Winchester Mystery House
  • Best of 2000AD
  • Neverlanders
  • Fuzzy Baseball
  • Wandance and Blackguard Sampler
  • Sonic the Hedgehog FCBD 2022 Special
  • Archie Free Comic Book Day 2022 Special

Original articles:
Part 1
Part 2


Diamond Comic Distributors provided Graphic Policy with FREE copies for review

Archie Comics celebrates Free Comic Book Day 2022 with The Best Archie Comic Ever and Creator Signings

This Saturday is Free Comic Book Day, a global event where participating comic shops give away special issues of comic books for free and celebrate all the fun, magic, mystery, and heart that has made comics such an enduring art form all around the world for over 100 years.

Archie Comics will be offering Free Comic Book Day 2022: The Best Archie Comic Ever #0The issue features a tour, guided by Archie Andrews himself, of the wild life he’s currently living across a new line of one-shot comic books with interpretive art styles and imaginative stories by some of the comics industry’s top talents. All of these are currently available at comic shops everywhere for new readers who would like to dive into the fun.

The FCBD issue boasts a first look at art from next month’s all-new one-shot THE BEST ARCHIE COMIC EVER #1, with selections from that comic’s lead story, “Once We Were Heroes,” by Fred Van Lente and Tim Seeley. In this sequence, Archie makes an appearance as his fan-favorite superpowered alter ego Pureheart the Powerful, who first appeared in Life With Archie #42 in 1965.

In addition to the free comic available at participating comic book stores, Archie Comics fans can meet their favorite comic book creators at in-store signings across the country.

Check out the list below and see if there’s a signing event near you!
** All signings/times subject to change **

  • J. Torres (Fun With Little Archie & Friends– Comic Book Addiction in Whitby, ON from 12pm-4pm
     
  • Jamal Igle (The Best Archie Comic Ever Anyone Comics in Brooklyn, NY from 11am-6pm
     
  • Tim Seeley (The Best Archie Comic Ever Darktower Comics in Chicago, IL from 12pm-3pm
     
  • Craig Boldman (Jughead, classic-style Archie digests)  Wonder Comics and More in Trenton, OH from 3pm-5pm
Free Comic Book Day 2022: The Best Archie Comic Ever #0

New Paradigm Studios Announces Free Comic Book Day Signings

Free Comic Book Day 2022

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

Dan Brereton, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, Jim Starlin, Jill Thompson, and Gene Luen Yang head to Baltimore Comic Con

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-MenJustice LeagueBatmanThorRed SonjaVampirella, 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 SupermanBatmanHawkmanTarzan, and Jonah Hex. His other notable work includes Atari ForceDeadmanNew 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 MarvelWarlock, and Silver Surfer, Marvel mini-series Infinity GauntletInfinity War, and Infinity Crusade, and DC Comics’ BatmanThe 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!

Gene Luen Yang
(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).

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