Category Archives: Conventions

SDCC 2022: Dynamite and Immortal Studios Announce Publishing Partnership

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Ahead of San Diego Comic-Con, Dynamite has announced a new publishing partnership with Immortal Studios, to bring the Los Angeles-based publisher’s shared universe of Wuxia martial arts-fantasy comic books to the broader marketplace. Through the Kickstarter crowdfunding platform, the Los Angeles-based publisher Immortal Studios has to date successfully funded three comic book series as part of a larger shared universe. Now Dynamite is set to bring these action packed titles to the direct market comic stores, digital vendors, bookstores, and beyond in multiple formats, with more releases and titles to come.

Immortal Studios’ Storyverse is spearheaded by the company’s Founder and CEO Peter Shiao, who is collaborating with a team of comic book storytellers to bring a modern sensibility to the Wuxia genre that has influenced contemporary pop culture, including Marvel’s Shang-Chi, Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Matrix, and Star Wars, as well as countless anime and manga like Naruto. Wuxia, pronounced “woo-sha,” is a long running genre born from China that depicts the adventures and trials of martial arts heroes, often but not always in historical settings and with fantasy elements. The Immortal Studios’ Storyverse is inspired by the storytelling of one of the foremost authors in the Wuxia genre, Peter Shiao’s father Shiao Yi, whose novels have been adapted into film and television more than thirty times, including films by the Shaw Brothers and Golden Harvest. 

Immortal Studios’ titles include:

  • The Adept by writers Tasha Huo, Charlie Stickney, Alison Norrington, and Peter Shiao, artist Yishan Li, and letterer Deron Bennett. The Adept tells the deep and personal story of a young woman on a journey to master an ancient martial art that was thought to be long lost. Filled with action, transformation, and mystery, the key theme is about homecoming and redemption. Two action-packed chapters have been produced to date, featuring kidnapped pop stars, arcade brawls, and more.
  • Chronicles of the Immortal Swordsman by writer Peter Shiao, artists Pop Mhan and Jheremy Raapack, colorist Rex Lokus, and letterer Deron Bennett. In this series, protagonist Phil Du escapes his struggles through parkour and online gaming. But when he’s suddenly pulled into an ancient order of supernatural warriors amidst a civil war and cataclysm, he will have to step up to his destiny.
  • Fa Sheng: Origins is created by Peter Shiao, written by Rylend Grant, illustrated by Dexter Wee, colored by Omi Remalante Jr., and lettered by Deron Bennett. The tale chronicles the humble beginnings of a great Shaolin Master. The series is written by Rylend Grant, a screenwriter, author, and Ringo Award-winning comic book creator who is also an ordained Soto Zen Buddhist monk.The series is recommended for fans of films based on the story of Ip Man, including the eponymous series and The Grandmaster.
  • Assassin G by writer Jen Troy and artist He Tao, featuring coloring by Hi-Fi Design and lettering by AndWorld Design. This summer Immortal Studios will launch a Kickstarter campaign for this new series, from the CW’s Supergirl TV series writer Jen Troy, about the deadly saga of vengeance between warring factions in the martial underworld in the early 1980s. The novel that inspired Assassin G by Wuxia master Shiao Yi, 甘 19 妹 (Gan the 19th Sister), is known as one of the preeminent IPs in the Chinese speaking world which has been adapted for television four times, and this new series will mark the story’s first comic book and English language adaptation. The Assassin G Kickstarter pre-launch page for the campaign is now live. 

Immortal Studios feature a range of variant covers from the likes of Gene Ha, Jim Cheung, Ming Doyle, Gian Gulang, Joyce Chin, and more. Other talents and staff behind the curtains include former longtime DC Comics editor Brian Cunningham and team members with experience at Disney, Warner Bros., Sony, 20th Century Fox, and more.

More details to come!

SDCC 2022: Fantagraphics and Sunday Press Enter Partnership Deal

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Fantagraphics

Fantagraphics has announced a new partnership with the award-winning independent publisher Sunday Press. Fantagraphics will distribute Sunday Press’s back list beginning in July 2022, and, in 2023, start publishing new books under the Sunday Press imprint.

Sunday Press, founded by Peter Maresca in 2005, is the multiple Eisner and Harvey Award-winning publisher of high-quality, full-sized collections of classic American newspaper strips. Maresca’s first book was Little Nemo in Slumberland: So Many Splendid Sundays, an oversized volume of Winsor McCay’s groundbreaking strip. He followed these up with Sunday with Walt & Skeezix (Frank King), Little Sammy Sneeze (McCay), and collections of strips by Gustave Verbeek, George Herriman, and others. Maresca’s books represent a high water mark in the full color reproduction and preservation of American comic strips.

Fantagraphics, now in its 5th decade, is the world’s preeminent publisher of classic comics and literary graphic novels. It has published compilations of many of the finest newspaper strips ever created, including George Herriman’s Krazy Kat, E.C. Segar’s Popeye, Walty Kelly’s Pogo, Crocket Johnson’s Barnaby, Hal Foster’s Prince Valiant, and Charles Schulz’s Peanuts, to name just a few. Its contemporary graphic novelists span two generations, including Daniel Clowes, Jaime Hernandez, Carol Tyler, Joe Sacco, Jim Woodring, Emil Ferris, Eleanor Davis, Lee Lei, and many of the most aesthetically challenging young cartoonists working today.

Fantagraphics’ trade distributor, W.W.Norton will distribute all of Sunday Press’ back list to bookstores, while Diamond Distributors will sell them to the comics stores. They are all available on Fantagraphics website for direct purchase.

Fantagraphics and Sunday Press both have had a presence at Comic-Con International in San Diego for decades. This year, Fantagraphics is proud to host Sunday Press, displaying several of their latest titles, and offering free Sunday Press giveaways with the purchase of any book at the booth.

SDCC 2022: A La Brava, the First Latina Superhero Team Debuts!

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As covid restrictions end in Southern California, the illustrious San Diego Comic Con shines its light welcoming eager comic and toy enthusiasts to run amuck on the convention floor. With their open doors, comes the first Latina superhero team in comic book history, A La Brava.

Creator/Writer Kayden Phoenix, having been a long-time full pass attendee herself, is proud to see herself on the other side of the table with her publishing company, Phoenix Studios.

Combine Phoenix’s vision with a fresh-eyed Latina artist team like acclaimed GLAAD and Eisner-nominated illustrator, Eva Cabrera (SANTA, LOQUITA) and newcomer Amanda Julina Gonzalez (JALISCO, RUCA), an uprooted New Mexican who recently graduated from Laguna College of Art and Design in Animation, and you get history-making, invigorating art for new audiences.

JALISCO, a blade-wielding folklorico dancer that uses her culture as her weapon. SANTA, a brawler that takes down the ICE detention centers. LOQUITA, a supernatural teen detective. RUCA, a chola serving justice. BANDITA, the gunslinger in modern day New York. A LA BRAVA, the 1st Latina superhero team in history.

You can see Kayden Phoenix debut A LA BRAVA, the Latina Superhero team graphic novel at her table in SDCC Artist Alley.

A La Brava

SDCC 2022: The Frazetta and Bakshi Masterpiece Fire and Ice Returns!

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Fire and Ice returns! The beloved sword and sorcery masterpiece of artwork, animation, and storytelling is making its way back to the hearts and hands of fans thanks to a new partnership between Dynamite Entertainment, the Frazetta Girls brand, and Bakshi Productions for both new comic books and tabletop games.

With the coming 2023 marking 40 years since the 1983 release of the original film, now more than ever is the time to celebrate and continue the legacy of this innovative and memorable film. Dynamite is working alongside the Frazetta family and Bakshi Productions with talented creators to craft a truly special set of follow ups that will delight fans new and old.

A comic book series is set to debut that will serve as a prequel and continue the themes and ideas of the original film. That ended with the barbarian hero Larn and his beloved Princess Teegra embracing in their victory and survival against the fearsome evil queen Juliana and her demented son Nekron. While their mysterious ertswhile ally Darkwolf looked on from afar. Could fans get to see these characters again, or be introduced to a barbaric and fantastical cast of newcomers? These secrets will be revealed in time as the projects come to fruition.

Further creative team information will be revealed soon, but the comic series will feature a cover presenting Frank Frazetta‘s original masterpiece painting created for the development and eventual poster for the movie. Superstar artists with a love of the mythos will be announced closer to the solicitation date.

In addition to a thrilling comic book prequel, Fire and Ice will also be coming to gamers’ tabletops! The expansive fantasy mythos and memorable characters will translate perfectly to the roleplaying sphere where these tropes are beloved by gamers who play the likes of Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder as more, with many games taking inspiration from Fire and Ice and Bakshi’s other fantasy films. The exact format and design of the game is to be revealed.

Fire and Ice was the match made in heaven collaboration between Bakshi and Frazetta. The two developed the concept together and the film’s art style was based on Frazetta’s work, brought to life through Bakshi’s animation. They then called in comics scribes and Conan the Barbarian veterans Roy Thomas and Gerry Conway to handle the script. Frazetta was then also closely involved in production, from casting to the rotoscoping filming sessions. In its day the film was heralded as if a comic book was brought to the big screen, and now Dynamite is bringing it back to some of its major inspirations in other media.

More details will be revealed soon!

Fire and Ice

Around the Tubes

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San Diego Comic-Con

It’s a huge week for comics this week with the return of San Diego Comic-Con. We’ll have as much coverage as we can from a distance and to star the week we have some news from the weekend you might have missed.

Kotaku – Your Favorite Manga Isn’t More Important Than The Creator’s Health – Yes, much more important.

Comicbook – Manga Pirate Sentenced After Unusual Lawsuit Ruling – Interesting.

ICv2 – Eaglemoss Files for Administration – That’s a bummer.

ICv2 – People on the Move: Tara Lehmann to TKO – A lot of staffing changes in recent weeks.

The Mary Sue – Dear San Diego Comic-Con, Can We Still Have Virtual Panels? – Baffling why more conventions haven’t pivoted to this in addition to the in-person events. Charge some money to view and it’s added revenue!

Jenny Zha is a guest for Otakon 2022

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Jenny Zha

Jenny Zha will be a guest at Otakon 2022, according to Otakorp Inc. Zha is an award-winning integrated marketer and the CEO of Infinitize.

Formerly leading short-form content and engagement at global streaming service Viki and Korean entertainment community Soompi, Jenny is the producer and showrunner of 500 pieces of original content, including “When You Call My Name,” a Viki Original mini-documentary exploring the crossing of musical cultures through lens of Grammy-nominated R&B singer Gallant and MONSTA X.

A fan of fans, she is the original creator of “Rising Legends,” a Shorty Awards-nominated global fan-voted talent competition held in partnership with Cube Entertainment and JYP Entertainment, where AleXa was discovered. Jenny also led Soompi’s annual event, Soompi Awards, which set a new Guinness World Records title for “Most Used Hashtag on Twitter in 24 Hours” in 2019, thanks to the dedication of over 150 fandoms around the world.

In 2019, Jenny founded Infinitize, a marketing consultancy. Featured in various media and publications including Billboard and Forbes, Infinitize works with global artists and entertainment tech companies on scaling fandom engagement, and is the marketing powerhouse behind trending campaigns for K-pop artists like Woosung, AleXa, and more.

Zha will participate in an Otakon panel about the K-pop industry.

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

SDCC 2022: CBLDF Welcome Party and Art Auction Return

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Comic Book Legal Defense Fund

The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund returns to Comic-Con San Diego this month with the CBLDF Comic-Con Welcome Party Thursday night and the CBLDF Art Auction Saturday night. These events will be in addition to nine CBLDF-sponsored panels. You’ll also be able to reach us throughout the Con at booth #1918.

Join CBLDF and their contributing members Thursday night, July 21, for the convention’s most popular comic-focused party. CBLDF will host the party at the Westgate Hotel’s Terrace Under the Stars starting at 8 pm. The welcome party brings together all corners of the comics community, including retailers, publishers, creators, educators, and fans. 

The party will have hot and cold hors d’oeuvres for the first 90 minutes and a cash bar through the evening until 12 am. It’s open to the public, with free admission for CBLDF members and all others asked to make a voluntary contribution. Attendees will also get an up-close look at the art to be auctioned Saturday night. 

CBLDF Art Auction is back! After two years, the fan-favorite auction returns with art and collectibles from some of comics’ greatest creators. (See our full list below.) The CBLDF Art Auction will be held Saturday, July 23, from 8 pm to 10 pm at the San Diego Hilton Bayfront in the Sapphire AB room. 

All proceeds will benefit CBLDF’s ongoing battle against the rising tide of censorship in our schools, libraries, and stores. The auction is open to all — You do not need a Con badge to attend! Bidding will be available online, and Comic-Con attendees can also visit CBLDF booth #1918 to see auction art in advance.

Interim Director Jeff Trexler, Communications Director Jordan Smith, and special guests will host the following special CBLDF panels on recent developments in protecting the comic arts: 

  • CBLDF: Defending Comics Today, Thursday, 7/21/22, 12:00PM – 1:00PM, Room 11
  • Decency Exposed: Law, Comics, and the New Culture Wars, Thursday, 7/21/22, 1:00PM – 2:00PM, Room 11
  • Strategies for Defending Comics in Your Library, Thursday, 7/21/22, 4:00PM – 5:00PM, Room: Helen Price Reading Room, San Diego Central Library
  • Being Seen: Defending Identity in the Comic Arts, Friday, 7/22/22, 12:00PM – 1:00PM, Room 11 
  • Raising the Dead: Horror Comics and the Comics Code, Friday, 7/22/22, 1:00PM – 2:00PM, Room 11 
  • Protect Yourself: Responding to Challenges, Saturday, 7/23/22, 12:00PM – 1:00PM, Room: 11
  • Express Yourself: Activism Through the Comic Arts, Saturday, 7/23/22, 1:00PM – 2:00PM, Room 4
  • Intellectual Freedom for Educators, Saturday, 7/23/22, 3:00PM – 4:00PM, Room: Helen Price Reading Room, San Diego Central Library
  • CBLDF Legal Q&A, Sunday, 7/24/22, 12:15PM – 1:45PM, Room 5AB

Interim Director Jeff Trexler will also be participating in three additional panels to discuss issues pertaining to rights and free expression in the comics community:

  • Crazy Talk: Representing Mental Health, Thursday, 7/21/22, 3:00PM – 4:00PM, Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis
  • Banned Comics: Old Problems in New Forms, Saturday, 7/23/22, 10:00AM – 11:00AM, Room 4
  • Tales from the Comic Book Crackdown, Sunday, 7/24/22, 2:00PM – 3:00PM, Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis 

CBLDF Auction Artists

  • Alan Quah
  • Andy Kubert
  • Ben Caldwell
  • Beth Sotelo
  • Bill Morrison
  • Danica Brine
  • Derrick Chew
  • Dike Ruan
  • Eduardo Risso
  • Gary Frank
  • Georges Jeanty
  • Jamal Igle
  • Jorge Fornés
  • June Brigman
  • Justin Norman
  • Kael Ngu
  • Kendrick “Kunkka” Lim
  • Kenneth Rocafort
  • Leinil Yu
  • Mike McKone
  • Nick Bradshaw
  • Niko Henrichon
  • Paolo Rivera
  • Peter Steigerwald
  • Riccardo Federici
  • Ron Salas
  • Rose Besch
  • Scott Kolins
  • Simone Di Meo
  • Stanley “Artgerm” Lau
  • Sweeney Boo
  • Todd Nauck
  • Veronica Fish
  • Wee “Ejikure” Kiat
  • Yildiray Cinar
  • And More!

SDCC 2022: Z2 Comics at San Diego: Major Lazer, Jason Derulo, Emily Hampshire, Last Podcast on the Left & More!

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Z2 Comics

Z2 Comics is rocking Comic-Con International in San Diego with a flurry of talent and panels spotlighting its current and upcoming graphic novels. On Thursday, Diplo, Walshy Fire, and Ape Drums—better known as the globally celebrated electro-reggae epiphany Major Lazer—will introduce their new graphic novel, Year Negative One, alongside creative director/cartoonist Ferry Gouw.

On Friday, Schitt’s Creek breakout star Emily Hampshire will show an exclusive preview of her upcoming graphic novel, Amelia Aierwood: Basic Witch, opening a door to an enchanting new world where the mundane and mystical collide in hilarious, charming, and touching ways. Also on Friday: the morbid, mischievous trio behind The Last Podcast on the Left—Ben Kissel, Henry Zebrowski, and Marcus Parks—will haunt the halls of the San Diego Convention Center with pages from The Last Comic Book on the Left, alongside contributor and famed actor David Dastmalchian (Count Crowley, Suicide Squad). Prepare to snicker and shriek. 

All of these panelists will partake in signings at the Z2 Comics Booth—2621. (Check the full schedule below for details.) Other signings include:
• Spencer Charnas (lead singer of Ice Nine Kills, co-writer Ice Nine Kills: Inked in Blood)
• Phillip Sevy (Artist, Ice Nine Kills: Inked in Blood)
• Charlie Benante (Anthrax, Pantera, Writer/Artist Anthrax: Among the Living)
• Carla Harvey (The Butcher Babies, Writer, Pantera: Vulgar Display of Power)
• Jimmy Palmiotti & Amanda Conner (Creative Team, Blondie: Against the Odds)
• Steve Niles (Writer, Dio: Holy Diver)
• Brittany & Brianna Winner (Writers, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts: 40×40)
• Chris Miskiewicz & Vincent Kings (Creative Team, This Is Where We Fall)
• Jazzlyn Stone & Liana Kangas (Writer/Artist, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts: 40×40)

And in a very special appearance, R&B megastar Jason Derulo will sign copies of his upcoming graphic novel, UZO, on Sunday.

Z2 Comics’ full San Diego Comic-Con 2022 Schedule below!   

Thursday, 7/21/2022

Z2 Comics: Major Lazer: Year Negative One
1:00PM – 2:00PM 
Room: 5AB
Major Lazer has been making the world smaller by making the party bigger since 2008, merging the worlds of dance hall, reggaeton, afrobeat, and beyond through the eclectic collaboration of Diplo, Walshy Fire, and Ape Drums. At the center of this collective stands the eponymous figure—a man defined by his lethal bionic arm and equally lethal beats. Discover Jamaica’s greatest hero in Major Lazer: Year Negative One, a new graphic novel written and drawn by Major Lazer art director Ferry Gouw. Join Major Lazer’s own Diplo, Walshy Fire, Ape Drums, and Gouw for an exclusive look into a world of vampires, zombies, and brawling club owners during this essential panel on the making of a modern cross-media action icon. Moderated by Ryan Downey (MTV, Loudwire). 
THURSDAY SIGNINGS AT Z2 COMICS BOOTH 2621
• Brittany & Brianna Winner (Joan Jett & The Blackhearts: 40×40): 11:00 – 12:00
• Major Lazer: 2:15 – 3:15
• Spencer Charnas (Ice Nine Kills) & Phillip Sevy: 4:00 – 5:00

Friday, 7/22/2022

Z2 Comics: The Last Comic Book on the Left with Ben, Marcus, Henry, and Special Guest David Dastmalchian, 10:30AM – 11:30AM
Room: 10
Ben Kissel, Marcus Parks, and Henry Zebrowski have been filling our ears with laughs and shrieks for over a decade with The Last Podcast on the Left. This summer, their hilarious, obsessively-researched tales of the morbid and morose transcended mediums for The Last Comic Book on the Left, a chilling anthology filled with Last Podcast icons including Detective Popcorn, the Sandown Clown, and John Wayne Gacy. Join the trio and Last Comic writer/rad actor David Dastmalchian (Count Crowley, Suicide Squad) for a hilarious panel filled with tons of heart—both metaphorical and literal. Moderated by Z2 Comics Publisher Joshua Frankel.
 

Z2 Comics: Emily Hampshire Conjures Magic with Amelia Aierwood
5:30PM – 6:30PM
Room: 24ABC
This autumn, actress Emily Hampshire will cast a spell of delight and whimsy over readers with Amelia Aierwood: Basic Witch. The breakout star of Schitt’s Creek and the upcoming sci-fi series The Rig will jump from the screen to the panel in the charming tale of a black-sheep witch struggling in the shadow of her reality-show family. Join Emily as she shows an exclusive, enchanting preview of her upcoming graphic novel. Moderated by Nerdist Editor-in-Chief Amy Ratcliffe. 
 FRIDAY SIGNINGS AT Z2 COMICS BOOTH 2621
• Steve Niles (Dio: Holy Diver): 11:00 – 12:00
• Last Podcast on the Left: 12:00 – 1:00
• Spencer Charnas (Ice Nine Kills) & Phillip Sevy (Ice Nine Kills: Inked in Blood): 1:30 – 2:30
• Charlie Benante (Anthrax) & Carla Harvey (Butcher Babies): 3:00-4:00
• Emily Hampshire: 4:00 – 5:00

Saturday, 7/23/2022

SATURDAY SIGNINGS AT Z2 COMICS BOOTH 2621
• Last Podcast on the Left: 11:00 – 12:00
• Jimmy Palmiotti & Amanda Conner (Blondie: Against the Odds): 1:00 – 2:00
• Charlie Benante (Anthrax) & Carla Harvey (Butcher Babies): 2:00 – 3:00
• Chris Miskiewicz & Vincent Kings (This Is Where We Fall): 3:00 – 4:00

Sunday, 7/24/2022

SUNDAY SIGNINGS AT Z2 COMICS BOOTH 2621
• Jason Derulo (UZO): 11:00 – 12:00
• Jazzlyn Stone & Liana Kangas (Joan Jett & The Blackhearts: 40×40): 1:00 – 2:00

Angelina Foss has been added to the Otakon 2022 Guest Roster

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Angelina Foss

Angelina Foss of ZB Label will be a guest at Otakon 2022, according to Otakorp Inc. ZB Label is the label that produces AleXa’s music.

Swedish-Chilean with a background in international graduate school for international relations and communication at HUFS, Foss is the creative director and head of ZB Label.

Having begun her initial career in Korea at a Korean entertainment conglomerate, this is Foss’s 8th year working at ZANYBROS, where she helms production, marketing and MV directing roles. Since 2014, she has been the creator of global K-pop content channel ZANYTV, taking charge of global business and projects for ZANYBROS, including production projects such as YOUTUBE SPACE SEOUL, Soompi Rising Legends, Zanybros global film projects and more.

Currently, Foss serves as the creative director for AleXa, overseeing her journey from training period to debut to the American Song Contest project and all aspects of A&R, visual directing, and management. In 2020, she won “Best Zanybros of the Year” at the yearly Zanybros awards.

Foss will participate in an Otakon panel about the K-pop industry.

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

SDCC 2022: Zenescope Entertainment Plans Big Giveaways

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Zenescope Entertainment has announced the company’s plans for San Diego Comic Con which runs July 20-24th, 2022 at the San Diego Convention Center. The popular comic book and graphic novel publisher, known as a leader in the industry for its highly collectible cover art, will be located at booth #2301 throughout the five day event.

Aside from offering thirteen brand new limited edition Collectible Comic Con Exclusives, Zenescope will be hosting a “San Diego Scratch Off” game that includes several giveaways ranging from a Meta Quest 2 VR Headset to Apple Airpod Pros to Beats by Dre Wireless Headphones. Other prizes will include Statues, Board Games, Graphic Novels, Comics, Limited Edition Art Prints, and more.

To win a prize, Comic Con attendees just need to stop by booth #2301 and ask a Zenescope staffer how to get a free Scratch Off Ticket. All Scratch Off tickets will be winners and can be redeemed at the Zenescope booth with no purchase necessary.

On Saturday July 23rd, Zenescope will host “Xmas in July” where limited edition Christmas themed Comic Con exclusive covers by industry standouts Keith Garvey and Ula Mos will be on sale for one day only. Those who purchase a collectible Christmas cover will also receive a Comic Con Collectible Card and be entered in a chance to win a mystery prize at the booth.

Zenescope SDCC 2022
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