Tag Archives: john stanisci

Jason Aaron, David Baron, Dan Goldman, Stuart Sayger, John Stanisci, and Joe Staton are coming to Baltimore Comic Con

Posted on by Leave a comment

The Baltimore Comic-Con makes its triumphant return to the Inner Harbor’s Baltimore Convention Center on September 25-27, 2026. The Baltimore Comic-Con has announced that Jason Aaron, David Baron, Dan Goldman, Stuart Sayger, John Stanisci, and Joe Staton as guests of the 2026 event! Purchase your tickets now!

Jason Aaron is an award-winning writer who has created some of the most celebrated comic books of the last twenty years. Best known for his work with Marvel Comics, including Star Wars, Wolverine & The X-Men, Doctor Strange, The Avengers, and a landmark seven-year run on Thor, Aaron is currently spearheading the red-hot Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for IDW and Absolute Superman for DC Comics. His critically acclaimed creator-owned work includes the Eisner and Harvey Award-winning Southern Bastards from Image Comics and the New York Times best-selling Scalped from DC/Vertigo, plus the brand new hit series Bug Wars for Image. Aaron was born and raised in Alabama and currently resides in Kansas.

David Baron’s first time in Baltimore! A celebrated comic book colorist and writer with over three decades in the industry, David has brought his vivid, cinematic style to some of comics’ biggest titles, including Batman, The Batman Who Laughs, Superman: Last Days of Lex Luthor, The Authority, Justice League, Green Arrow, and the new Heavy Metal. His creator-owned sci-fi hit STAINED showcases his talents not just as a colorist, but as a writer and world-builder. Known for bold palettes and storytelling through color, David’s work turns every page into an unforgettable visual experience. Don’t miss your chance to meet him, get your books signed, and hear behind-the-scenes stories from one of the most dynamic talents in comics today!

Dan Goldman is a writer-artist working in prose, comics, and video games. He is the creator of Red Light Properties, a tropical horror comic series about haunted Miami real estate. He is also co-creator of the graphic novels Chasing Echoes (Humanoids), the Priya’s Shakti series, the non-fiction political docu-comic 08: A Graphic Novel of the Campaign Trail (Three Rivers), and the Eisner-nominated Shooting War (Grand Central). Dan has also worked in game narrative, including the Emmy-winning Silent Hill: Ascension (Genvid) and The Division: Resurgence (Ubisoft). He currently lives in South Florida where he’s producing all-new RLP stories.

Stuart Sayger is known for his dynamic cover art for Red Sonja, Conan, Vampirella, Batman, Joker, G.I Joe, Transformers, Lego Bionicle, and much more! Visit www.stuartsayger.com to see more of his work!

John Stanisci is a 30-year comic veteran whose work has appeared in DC, Marvel, IDW, and now Heavy Metal Magazine. Currently, John is THRILLED to be writing and drawing his own original ongoing series Gladiatrix for Heavy Metal Magazine. Other credits include Batman #150, which was a top seller for the month of July. John had a story in Superman: Red and Blue which received an Eisner Nomination for Best Anthology. John was part of DC Comics’ Batman Beyond: Hush Beyond which premiered at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list for graphic novels. Other characters include work on Spider-Man, Batman, Catwoman, Vigilante, Superman, and many more. Outside of comics, John has just completed work on his debut sci-fi novel, Lifedeath (announcements coming soon!) and is currently working with film/TV producers Zero Gravity Entertainment (Ozark on Netflix) and Echo Lake on new TV series and a feature films. www.johnstanisci.com

Joe Staton has been drawing comics since he started working for Charlton Comics in 1971, where he co-created E-Man and Michael Mauser. Though the bulk of his work has been for DC Comics, at last count, Staton has worked for at least 30 publishers and 100 different editors. Among his many comics credits are Action Comics, Green Lantern, The Legion, Classics Illustrated, and various incarnations of Batman. During his time on Green Lantern, he co-created several GLs, including Kilowog, Arisia, and Salakk. He also designed GL Guy Gardner’s “bad boy” look. More recently, with his writer-wife Hilarie, he produces medical comics such as Pete Learns All About Crohn’s and Colitis and Amy Goes Gluten-Free. In 1998, he received the Eisner Award for his work on World’s Finest: The Superman-Batman Adventures. He penciled over 100 issues of the Cartoon Network’s Scooby Doo comic. He illustrated a graphic novel adaptation of Ayn Rand’s Anthem for NAL and a graphic biography of Ronald Reagan. Starting in 2011, working with writer Mike Curtis, Joe was the regular artist for the long-running Dick Tracy newspaper strip (available online at www.gocomics.com/dicktracy). Dick Tracy received Harvey Awards in 2013, 2014, and 2015 for Best Syndicated Strip or Feature.

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

Exclusive Preview: Get a look at Gladiatrix! Out in Heavy Metal #3!

Posted on by
Forbidden Planet New York Signing

After a hugely successful relaunch earlier this year, the latest issue of Heavy Metal will appear in stores from Wednesday, October 8 – the same week as New York Comic Con! One of the stand-out titles from this new era of the magazine has been John Stanisci’s Gladiatrix, which fuses history, sci-fi, fantasy and hyper-violence into a potent bloody mix.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, Forbidden Planet New York will host an all-star signing event for Heavy Metal #3 at their 832 Broadway location on Wednesday, October 8 from 5:00-7:00pm. Joining Gladiatrix creator John Stanisci will be his colorist David Baron, letterer Tom Napolitano and editor Dave Kelly, as well as artist Marco Failla who is illustrating the new serial, Ink.

On an ancient world ruled by eldritch forces, a fierce warrior steps into an arena to confront a sinister gatekeeper and a horde of the undead, but the real test will come from the emerging hero’s willingness to face the haunting weight of her own sins. Issue 3 offers further revelations in the Gladiatrix saga and sets the stage for what’s to come – making it the perfect jumping-on point.

Gladiatrix was co created by John Stanisci and Oscar nominated screenwriter Dan Gordon with special thanks to Charley and Vlas Parlapanides, the creators of Blood Of Zeus on Netflix and Ink for Heavy Metal.

Heavy Metal #3 will be available for signing at the Forbidden Planet New York event on Wednesday, October 8. You can also find it (and earlier issues) at your local comic shop, newsstand or online direct from shop.HeavyMetal.com.

Review: Superman: Red and Blue #2

Posted on by
Superman: Red and Blue #2

I loved the debut of Superman: Red and Blue. The first issue was such a fresh take on Superman with a delivery that mixed in socio-political issues and the character’s limits and failures. Mixed with beautiful art, it was a debut that forced you to take notice. Superman: Red and Blue #2 is entertaining in its own way but falls far short of that first issue that soared.

There isn’t anything particularly bad about Superman: Red and Blue #2. There are five stories that are all entertaining in their own way. The stories vary in their focus and art style each delivering its own take on the character and his world. But, none of the stories really stand out. They’re entertaining while you read but I didn’t find the issue sticking with me in the same way as the first. It’s a case of starting out with a debut that’s almost “too good”. It’s difficult to match that level of quality.

Superman: Red and Blue #2 has its highlights. The comic debuts and opens with an interesting and emotional take on Clark’s relationship with his parents. It’s one that takes on negative perceptions about adoption and stamps them down.

An entry that pits Lex Luthor against Superman has a tinge of humor that pays homage to past stories. It’s a cute, fun story that I’d love as a backup feature in a Superman comic.

Where the comic stands out is in its varied subject matter. The anthology features stories focused on Martha Kent, Val-Zod, Lex Luthor, a random young girl, and Cyborg Superman. Each story is good in its own way and are worth reading. Superman: Red and Blue #2 is a frustrating comic in a way. All of the stories would be great as backups to a regular running series. But, as an anthology the stories are a bit too different in their subjects and topics and far too often fall into Superman battling something or they fall into predictable cheese.

Superman: Red and Blue #2 is hampered by that amazing first issue. It hasn’t stuck with me as that debut has. It’s not one that I immediately raved about to others. It’s good. It’s an entertaining read to sit back and relax to. But, it doesn’t challenge or do anything really new or interesting with an iconic character. An anthology feels like it presents a way to try something new, not something we’ve seen before.

Story: Steven T. Seagle, Chuck Brown, Dan Panosian, Stephanie Phillips, Jason Howard
Art: Duncan Rouleau, Denys Cowan, John Stanisci, Dan Panosian, Marley Zarcone, Jason Howard
Color: Chris Sotomayor
Letterer: Pat Brosseau, Dave Sharpe, Rob Leigh, Tom Napolitano
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Amazon – Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW

They Were Cast Aside, But They May Be the Ones to Save the World in Foundlings

Posted on by
Foundlings

John Stanisci and Emma Kubert have teamed together to create Foundlings, a brand new dystopian young adult comic book series in the vein of Stranger Things and The Goonies, tackling issues of diversability and empowerment. The series follows a group of children cast aside by their families and society…until they were possibly the only ones capable of saving it. Funding exclusively on Kickstarter, and if successful, planned for a full graphic novel, Foundlings is a timely story tackling themes of global politics and ableism in a story that will keep readers on immersed for 28 pages.

The comic is currently being offered through Kickstarter. The campaign ends on November 13 and has an $8,000 goal.

Years in the future, a virus has been weaponized by a Russian government hell-bent on destroying America from within. This deadly new strain has been perfected to kill within 24 hours of contact, and only small groups of children carry immunity to the effects. They are the Foundlings; a diverse group of children under the age of 16, who alone carry the hope for a possible cure, and a solution to extinction.

Foundlings centers around one very special group of kids, all who still dream of the families that long ago abandoned them, and instead find family in each other in order to survive and find a way to save the Earth from destruction. The story is inspired by The Foundlings Hospital in New York City, which is a real-life home to children, many of whom are challenged with physical and emotional issues. The story is rich with themes of empowerment and inspiration for teenagers and adults alike, in a fun adventure story that recalls some of the most beloved films and television series.

Funding exclusively through this Kickstarter campaign is a self-contained comic book story, published in a 28 page, full-color comic format, written by John Stanisci, and drawn by Emma Kubert, with two covers available.

Currently on Kickstarter, $5 gets you a digital copy of the comic with $10 getting a “Kickstarter Edition” physical copy. Other tiers feature pins, variants, signed copies, and even the ability to be drawn into the comic.

Preview: The Curse of Brimstone #12

Posted on by

The Curse of Brimstone #12

(W) Justin Jordan (A) Denys Cowan, John Stanisci (CA) Eduardo Pansica
In Shops: Mar 06, 2019
SRP: $2.99

It’s the epic finale! As Brimstone struggles to fight the Dark Multiverse beings who managed to come through from their “home office” to our world, the chance to lift the curse of Brimstone is offered! But with Annie’s life in the grip of the Salesman, Brimstone is forced to choose between his only family left and the sanity left in him.

The Curse of Brimstone #12

Preview: The Curse of Brimstone #11

Posted on by

The Curse of Brimstone #11

(W) Justin Jordan (A) Denys Cowan, John Stanisci (CA) Eduardo Pansica, Julio Ferreira
RATED T
In Shops: Feb 06, 2019
SRP: $2.99

Part one of the epic two-part series finale! After unleashing his raw dark-matter energy and melting Doctor Fate’s helmet, Brimstone’s newfound powers have alerted forces much darker than the ones he’s come across so far. As the home office opens its doors to finally enter into our reality, you’ll never believe the first fiery presence to step through!

The Curse of Brimstone #11

Preview: The Curse of Brimstone #6

Posted on by

The Curse of Brimstone #6

(W) Justin Jordan (A) Denys Cowan, John Stanisci (CA) Philip Tan
In Shops: Sep 05, 2018
SRP: $2.99

Nothing is creepier than possessed children. Wait, no, possessed dolls. Those are worse. Anyway, our heroes Joe and Annie find themselves under assault from a horde of possessed kids, all under the command of the mystical baddie Slackjaw. In reality, Slackjaw’s a possessed child himself, so it might be time to call in Brimstone for an exorcism. Unfortunately, Joe’s having a crisis of conscience because he doesn’t want to fight children, even if they’re possessed by the devil. So how do you stop a child-devil army without hurting the innocent possessed?

John Stanisci’s LifeDeath Debuts on Kickstarter

Posted on by

John Stanisci introduces a graphic novel 20 years in the making today in an exclusive Kickstarter campaign to publish his original science fiction epic, LifeDeath!

In the year 2211, Dr. Emil Heydrich, a fugitive scientist on Mars, discovers that humans invented the afterlife long before man existed on Earth. The ‘afterlife matrix’ is an ancient computer program, an uploading device to preserve human consciousness. After many millennia, that matrix grew to sentience and now, like anything that lives, the afterlife matrix is dying.

Deke Renner, an elite Martian soldier, is slowly going insane. His mind is being torn apart by his memories of a past life where he was Lucet, a Jewish 14 year-old female resistance fighter in World War II. An ancient evil has entered Deke’s past life as Lucet, in hopes of corrupting his past life soul. If it succeeds, and Deke dies in his current life, he will be erased by the Lifedeath. The story takes place over two timelines: the future year of 2211, and the year 1944, during the Jewish uprising of the Warsaw Ghetto. Lifedeath is an action packed thrill ride where the spirit world collides with a future science spiraling out of control.

LifeDeath debuts as a 140 page graphic novel, written and drawn entirely by Stanisci, and produced through LifeDeath Media LLC, co-owned with editor Joseph Navarra. LifeDeath has added three-time Emmy award winner Jared Safier, and veteran actor/producer Stelio Savante to help the graphic novel find a home as a series and to explore its development as a feature.

LifeDeath is currently available exclusively on Kickstarter, with a release slotted for early 2018.

Preview: Judge Dredd: City Limits, Vol. 2

Posted on by

Judge Dredd: City Limits, Vol. 2

Duane Swierczynski (w) • Nelson Daniel, John Stanisci, Staz Johnson, Andy Belanger, Steve Scott, Shane Pierce (a) • Jimbo Salgado (c)

In the 22nd century, crime runs rampant in Mega-City One, home to over 800 million citizens, robots, criminals, and lunatics. The only line of defense between order and chaos are… the Judges. Contains stories such as “The American Way of Death,” “Black Light District,” and “Mega-City Manhunt” from issues #13–30 of the Judge Dredd series as well as all of the short back-ups.

TPB • FC • $34.99 • 404 pages • ISBN: 978-1-63140-770-3

judgedredd_citylimits_02-cover