Tag Archives: llexi leon

Jason Howden to direct Monsters of Metal based on his Opus Comics series!

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Jason Howden will direct an adaptation of upcoming comic series Monsters of Metal. Written by director and visual effects artist Howden together with Opus Comics’ founder Llexi Leon, Monsters of Metal sees a group of beloved horror icons team up to form a heavy metal band in this riotous R-rated mockumentary set to be a cross between Spinal Tap and The Monster Squad.

Frankenstein’s monster (named Frank) and his bandmates Medusa, Jack O’Lantern, Werewolf and the Bride have spent the last few centuries squatting in Dracula’s castle – unbeknown to their slumbering host. But after a band rehearsal gets out of hand and wakes the fearsome vamp, the group get booted from the castle and are forced to hit the road.

As Frank and the band take their act on tour they find themselves fighting off crazed groupies, monster hunters and fellow crypt creatures in a darkly comic tale that puts the death in “death metal”.

Opus Comics’ parent company Incendium will produce Monsters Of Metal as the first in a slate of titles entering development for film and television, with more to be announced soon. Llexi Leon will executive produce for Incendium.

Monsters of Metal #1 is written by Howden and Leon with art by Luis Guaranga and covers from Ryan Christensen. It’s on sale from October 19th.

Incendium Launches Opus Comics into the Direct Market. Get an Exclusive look at Frank Frazetta’s Death Dealer covers

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Opus Comics

There’s a new comic line to keep an eye on. Incendium has announced its publishing arm, Opus Comics, will be releasing comic books in the direct market, distributed by Diamond Comic Distributors.

Opus and Diamond also announced that the publisher will implement a new Final Order Cut-Off (FOC) program, effective with products scheduled to go on sale on May 4 and now carrying an FOC Date of Monday, April 11.

Frank Frazetta’s Death Dealer #1 and Disturbed: Dark Messiah #1 are the first titles from the new publisher, making its retail debut in May. With a scheduled on sale date of Wednesday, May 4, Death Dealer #1 will carry an FOC Date of Monday, April 11. With a scheduled on sale date of Wednesday, May 18, Disturbed: Dark Messiah #1 will carry an FOC Date of Monday, April 25.

The first titles in the lineup, hitting shelves in May and June 2022, include the new Frank Frazetta’s Death Dealer comic series and the Bill & Ted Roll the Dice miniseries, plus the music-based titles Disturbed: Dark Messiah and Joe Satriani’s Crystal Planet.

This marks a new stage for the production company, which has been selling comics, toys, games, and collectibles for 15 years, with an emphasis on creating merchandise for the heavy metal music scene. Driven by the company motto of “Myths, Monsters, and Metal,” the brand embraces ’80s and ’90s counterculture with a contemporary twist.

Incendium was founded in 2006 and initially established as a creative service business for the music industry, with clients including Iron Maiden, for which it produced comics, music videos, toys, and more. Incendium grew into a multifaceted production company, remaining independently owned. The company moved into comics with Eternal Descent in 2010, an original series that explores a radical take on the heavy metal music genre with axe-wielding metal masters in a dark fantasy world.

Over the years, the company has been involved in many unique productions, creating video games, animation, comics, music, and more. Incendium also moved into physical manufacturing of toys and collectibles for a number of clients and developed a pipeline for a line of 5” fully articulated “Figbiz” action figures, an homage to the ’90s toys Leon collected as a child.

During the pandemic, Opus Comics started working more with bands as tours and releases were delayed and musicians had more time and opportunity to explore narratives based on their music IP. This led to collaborations with popular metal and rock bands like Evanescence, Exodus, Cradle of Filth, Disturbed, and many more making their comic medium debut with Incendium. In this vein, the team behind Opus Comics always looks to push boundaries with stories exploring genre fiction, especially fantasy, horror, and sci-fi, be it with existing legendary properties or original ideas.

CEO Llexi Leon is joined at Opus Comics by Executive Editor Denton J. Tipton, who spent the past decade rising through the editorial ranks at IDW Publishing, most recently in the position of Managing Editor. R.G. Llarena has also come aboard as International Editor for Opus Publishing. He spent several years working as a freelance writer for both the American and Mexican comic book markets.

Opus Comics will be debuting Bill & Ted Roll the Dice #1 on June 14th, 2022, a four-issue miniseries set after the events of Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure and Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey. The series is written by James Asmus with art by Wayne Nichols, and will also have a backup story featuring the origin of villain Chuck De Nomolos, written by John Barber with art by Andrew Currie. In addition to putting new Bill & Ted comics on the racks every month from June, Incendium also makes official Excellent Adventure and Bogus Journey merchandise, including FIGBIZ toys and playsets, art prints, apparel, and accessories.

The first issue of Frank Frazetta’s Death Dealer debuts May 4, embarking on a brand-new adventure through the worlds of Frazetta, introducing readers to extraordinary characters and places envisioned by the “Godfather” of fantasy art. This first title, authored by animation writer Mitch Iverson and illustrated by celebrated artist Stefano Martino, begins a major launch of comic books building towards an entire multiverse of stories inspired by Frazetta’s most famous creations. This is the start of a decade-long partnership between Frazetta Girls and Incendium, spanning comics, toys, games, and more across physical and digital collectibles.

Other high-profile titles in Opus Comics’ lineup include direct market releases of the Disturbed: Dark Messiah comic book series, written by Tim Seeley, and Joe Satriani’s Crystal Planet series. Incendium is also releasing collectible FIGBIZ action figures for every project related to the bands and their comic book storylines.

Thrash Metal Band Exodus Teams Up With Incendium For a Comic Series

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Exodus and Incendium are teaming up for the launch of Tales Of The Damned, a four-issue comic book anthology series that explores classic tracks from the band, a legendary pioneer in the thrash metal genre. The terrifying “Organist” from Exodus artwork and lore will also be immortalized as an action figure.

Published under Incendium’s music-focused OPUS imprint, the first issue riffs on the title track of 2004’s Tempo Of The Damned and is crafted by horror masters, writer Ian Edginton and artist Luis Guaragna. Tales Of The Damned #1 features cover artwork by Ryan Christensen that showcases the “Organist.” The first issue is lettered by Jacob Bascle and edited by Llexi Leon and Denton J. Tipton.

In the bone-chilling first issue of Tales Of The Damned, a teenage girl goes missing after becoming obsessed with “The Wavelength,” a mysterious signal coming from an elusive radio station. Her protective older sister’s search leads to an abandoned town, where she not only unravels the mystery of her sister’s disappearance but also of the cursed music behind it…The Tempo of the Damned.

The debut of the comic book series coincides with the release of Exodus’ new album Persona Non Grata, which the legendary thrash metal band recorded themselves from home-built studios with the help of Andy Sneap on mixing and mastering and with Steve Lagudi at the helm of engineering. Their groundbreaking eleventh studio album, Persona Non Grata, will be released by Nuclear Blast Records.

Tales Of The Damned is a quarterly anthology series; the first print edition of each issue will be released as a prestige-format limited edition collectible comic book, featuring cardstock covers, specialty foil treatments, glossy pages, and individual numbering.

The first printing of each issue will be limited to 1500 copies at $16.66, and available to order. The first issue is available to order now and ships October 31, 2021. The “Organist” action figure is also available to pre-order for $29.95, shipping Q1 2022.

Heavy Metal, Disturbed, And Incendium Team Up For Comic Series

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Disturbed, Incendium, and Heavy Metal Entertainment have announced Dark Messiah, a five-part comic book series. Published under Heavy Metal Entertainment and Incendium’s music-focused OPUS imprint, the story was conceptualized by Incendium CEO Llexi Leon and Tim Seeley and written by Seeley, with illustrations by Ángel Hernández, and cover artwork by Ryan Christensen.

Dark Messiah takes place in the not-so-distant future, as firefighter Griffin DeSanto finds himself a man out of time, stumbling into a harsh world of poverty, automation, and subjugation. Technology rules and a tech empire built on suffering keeps the population in check through surveillance and mechanized policing. Though lost, Griffin is never alone. He was brought here for a reason, and The Vengeful One is his guide.

Dark Messiah begins as a 5-issue comic series; the first print edition of each issue will be released as a prestige-format limited edition collectible comic book, featuring cardstock covers, specialty foil treatments, glossy pages, and individual numbering. Disturbed’s Dark Messiah will extend beyond the printed page into toys, apparel, and collectibles, including an action figure of “The Guy”.

The first printing of each Dark Messiah issue will be limited to 3000 copies at the devilish price of $16.66, and available to order. The first issue is available to order now and ships July 2021. “The Guy” action figure is also
available to pre-order for $29.95, shipping October 2021.

Joe Satriani’s Crystal Planet comes and Incendium under the OPUS imprint

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Incendium and Heavy Metal Magazine have announce the launch of Crystal Planet, created by Joe Satriani and Ned Evett, under all-new music-focused OPUS imprint. The comic features a script by Tony Lee, art by Richard Friend, color by Carlos Cabrera, lettering by Jacob Bascle, and edited by Llexi Leon.

A vivid space odyssey where Satchel Walker, a man out of time, finds himself caught between desperate factions as they battle for resources in the perilous orbit of a dying star. In a bold and brutal saga of sentient storms and Wingsuit armies, it’s music, and more importantly, the power and emotion that music can conjure, which could bring an end to the conflict, restore harmony to the timestream, and reveal Walker’s true place in the universe.

Crystal Planet begins as a 5 issue series. The first print edition of each issue will be released as a prestige format limited edition collectible comic book, featuring cardstock covers, specialty foil treatments, glossy pages, and individual numbering. Each first printing will be limited to 1998 copies at $19.98, and available to order. The first issue is available to order now and ships in March 2021.

The world of Crystal Planet will extend beyond the printed page into toys and collectibles. A Joe Satriani Crystal Planet action figure is also available to pre-order for $29.95, featuring Joe in a Tri-Diver suit from the comics with his signature Crystal Planet Ibanez guitar. Shipping May 2021.

Preview: Eternal Descent: Lyra #1

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ETERNAL DESCENT: LYRA #1 (ONE-SHOT)

SKU: ETDC0101
UPC: 711099797350 00111
Price: $3.99
Rating: Teen+
Frequency: Monthly
Writer: Adam Hamdy with Llexi Leon
Art and Cover: Tom Fleming (C), Pericles Junior (A), House of Imagi (C)
Genre: Action & Adventure, Horror
Publication Date: July
Format: Comic Book, FC
Page Count: 32 page

Eternal Descent returns with Lyra #1! The first in a slate of all new one-shot origin stories exploring the major players in this heavy metal fantasy. Discover Lyra’s unconventional upbringing, the mystery surrounding her parent’s death, and a strange connection to the supernatural that has haunted her since childhood. If that’s not enough, you’ll see the titular rock star succubus tear it up on stage and get exclusive backstage access!

WHAT IS IT: This is a brand-new one-shot companion and sequel to the first 2 volumes of Eternal Descent!

FOR FANS OF: Supernatural, Horror, Hard Rock, and Heavy Metal!

WHAT HAPPENS: Lyra Constance is the vocalist and lead guitarist of fictional heavy rockers, Constellation 9. Eternal Descent: Lyra #1 explores Lyra’s unconventional upbringing, the mystery surrounding her parents’ death, and a strange connection to the supernatural that has haunted her since childhood. This is a kick-ass version of the backstage pass.

EtD_Lyra_CVR

Eternal Descent: Heavy Metal Heroes Unleashes Comic Book Fury on iOS

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The brainchild of British guitarist and comic creator Llexi Leon, the multi-media Eternal Descent phenomenon has finally been unleashed on the world of video games. Developed by London-based PLA Studios, the action-packed, 3D scrolling endless brawler Eternal Descent: Heavy Metal Heroes is now available on the App Store for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch*.

Based on IDW Publishing’s cult comic book series, Eternal Descent: Heavy Metal Heroes places gamers in the role of Sirian, a nomadic warrior fighting back endless hordes of demonic creatures as they rampage through the city streets. Armed with a supernaturally charged electric guitar, Sirian must traverse the depths of the underworld and eliminate the Pit Lords within – all to a killer soundtrack.

Eternal Descent: Heavy Metal Heroes also features appearances and original performances from Joe Satriani, Misha Mansoor and Andrew W.K. who act as heroic tag-team assists activated by power-up tokens within the game. Wayne Static and Michael Amott take on the role of end of area boss characters, gatekeepers to the realms on Sirian’s journey to Hell.

With more rock/metal music acts slated to appear in future updates for Eternal Descent: Heavy Metal Heroes, instrument brands such as ESP, Jackson and Dean Guitars have leant their support to ensure that all cameo musicians appear with their signature instruments for real shred guitar action!

Easy to pickup but difficult to master, Eternal Descent: Heavy Metal Heroes is now available on the App Store for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch priced £1.99/$2.99/€2.39.

A series of updates with new characters and additional content are planned for release throughout 2014.

* An iPad 2 or newer, iPad Mini, iPhone 4S/5, or iPod touch (5th gen) is required to play Eternal Descent: Heavy Metal Heroes on iOS.

IDW Publishing’s Eternal Descent Returns With Volume 2 Graphic Novel!

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Continuing to explore the unholy alliance that has long existed between the worlds of heavy metal and fantasy comics, multi-media phenomenon Eternal Descent returns with the second volume of the much-heralded comic saga!

Collecting six single issues, an exclusive ‘Cobalt’ one-shot, and extensive art galleries into a 200-page graphic novel set for release in March 2013 by IDW Publishing and available for preorder worldwide, Eternal Descent Volume 2 immerses fans in a dark fantasy world where demons and angels battle for supremacy alongside some of the biggest names in metal, including Arch Enemy, Firewind, Periphery, and Joe Satriani!

With the fallen Sirian consigned to his fate and Lyra consumed by her inner demons, Loki’s designs draw ever closer to their terrible conclusion. As the conflict rips into the fabric of time, Gus G. returns with an unlikely guide, offering a glimmer of hope for our heroes… The disturbance reaches far across the universe and heralds the arrival of Joe Satriani, The Extremist, whose incredible energies bring balance to the cosmos, but leave our world consumed by Khaos magic. Michael Amott lies at the heart of this volatile new reality, empowered by mysterious amber artifacts and rivaled only by Misha Mansoor, a time-traveling wanderer wielding unparalleled technology! With lives lost, heroes reborn, and darkness rising, don’t miss the climactic resolution to  Eternal Descent Volume 2!

The brainchild of British guitarist and comic creator Llexi Leon, who has teamed with American animation veteran Shaun McLaughlin and DC Comics writer Justin Peniston to bring his unique artistic vision to fruition, Eternal Descent is set in a fantasy universe where lost souls lurk in every shadow, and darkness veils sinister designs. Heavy metal could be the key to salvation… or the gateway to destruction!

Offering comics, graphic novels, animated shorts, limited edition ESP guitars, a signature Digitech ­effects pedal and an upcoming video game to keep fans occupied, Eternal Descent is fast becoming an international phenomenon.

Set to become a 21st century cult classic, fans of comics and heavy metal alike will be staggered in the scale of Eternal Descent’s ambitions and the second volume of the cult comic series promises to plunge readers even more deeply into the graphic novel’s dark, multi-faceted world.

IDW Publishing Announces San Diego Comic-Con Signing Schedule

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Official Press Release

IDW Publishing Announces San Diego Comic-Con Signing Schedule

All-Star Signings at booth #2643!

Joe Hill! Ashley Wood! Steve Niles! Gabriel Rodriguez! Anne Rice! Kevin Eastman! Eric Powell! George R.R. Martin! Walter Simonson! J. Scott Campbell! Jonathan Ross! And many more!

[Mighty Thor Cover]San Diego, CA (July 14, 2011)—Once again making a splash at Comic-Con, IDW Publishing today announced the company’s action-packed signing schedule, featuring exclusive appearances with such fan-favorite talent as George R.R. Martin, Walter Simonson, Anne Rice, Joe Hill, Gabriel Rodriguez, Ashley Wood and Kevin Eastman.

“Try and find a booth with more talent in it in San Diego, you won’t!” exclaimed Dirk Wood, IDW’s director of retail marketing, responsible for the impressive signing roster. “We really went all out this year, and while I’m personally already exhausted just thinking about it, fans are going to love being at the IDW booth.”

IDW kicks off Comic-Con with a special Walter Simonson event during preview night, celebrating the launch of the WALTER SIMONSON’S THE MIGHTY THOR: ARTIST’S EDITION with Simonson on hand to sign the SDCC exclusive variant.

Other signing highlights include Anne Rice (Servant of the Bones) on Thursday, George RR Martin (Doorways) on Friday, Michael McMillian (True Blood: Tainted Love) on Friday and Saturday, and Kevin Eastman and a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles party on Saturday. Plus, Eisner nominated Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez (Locke & Key), Comic-Con guest Ashley Wood, and comics historians Dean Mullaney and Craig Yoe will all be headquartered at the IDW booth #2643 throughout the convention.

See the full, all-star list below!

Wednesday July 20th Preview Night

OPEN – 8:00  SPECIAL EVENT! Walter Simonson’s The Mighty Thor: Artist’s Edition
Book Release Featuring IDW Guest of Honor – Walter Simonson (*Check out the show exclusive hardcover!)

[Servant of the Bones Cover]Thursday July 21st

10:00 – 11:00 All-Ghouls School – Marc Sumerak, Brian Miller (Get a free limited signing card!)
11:00 – 12:00 Walter Simonson’s The Mighty Thor: Artist’s Edition – Walter
Simonson (*Check out the show exclusive hardcover!)
12:30 – 2:00 Servant of the Bones – Anne Rice (Check out the show exclusive Comic!)
(Signing items limited – See employee for details)
[The Cape]2:00 – 3:00 Code Word: Geronimo – Capt. Dale Dye, Dr. Julia Dye (Get a free limited
signing card!)
3:00 – 4:00 Walter Simonson’s The Mighty Thor: Artist’s Edition – Walter
Simonson (*Check out the show exclusive hardcover!)
3:00 – 4:00 Tribes: The Dog Years – Michael Geszel, Inaki Miranda
4:00 – 5:00 The Rocketeer Adventures – Tommy Lee Edwards, Jonathan Ross, Mike Allred
5:00 – 6:00 Locke & Key – Joe Hill, Gabriel Rodriguez (*Check out the show exclusive
hardcover! And don’t miss the debut of The Cape #1 by Joe Hill!)

Friday July 22nd
[Popbot Cover]
10:00 – 11:00 Doorways – George R.R. Martin
(Signing items limited – See employee for details)
11:00 – 12:00 IDW Special Guest – Ashley Wood (*Check out Ash’s multiple exclusives!)
11:00 – 12:00 True Blood – Michael McMillian, Marc Andreyko, MariahHuehner, J. Scott Campbell, Joe Corroney
(Get a free limited signing card!)
12:00 – 1:00 Walter Simonson’s The Mighty Thor: Artist’s Edition – Walter
Simonson (*Check out the show exclusive hardcover!)
12:00 – 1:00 Love and Capes – Thom Zahler
1:00 – 2:00 Doctor Who – Tony Lee, Kelly Yates, Matthew Sturges, Mark
Buckingham, Brian Shearer (Get a free limited signing card!)
1:00 – 2:00 *Special Announcment! New Series Signing – Chris Roberson
(Get a free limited signing card!)
[Locke & Key Cover]2:00 – 3:00 Locke & Key – Joe Hill, Gabriel Rodriguez (*Check out the show exclusive hardcover!
And don’t miss the debut of The Cape #1 by Joe Hill!)
2:00 – 3:00 G.I. JOE – Mike Costa (Get a free limited signing card!)
2:00 – 3:00 Yoe Books! 3D Comics!  – Craig Yoe
3:00 – 4:00 Torpedo – Jordi Bernet
3:00 – 4:00 *Special Announcment! New Series Signing – Menton3, Kasra
Ghanbari (Get a free limited signing card!)
4:00 – 5:00 Star Trek – Mike Johnson, Tim Bradstreet, Roberto Orci (Get a free limited
signing card!)
4:00 – 5:00 All-Ghouls School – Marc Sumerak (Get a free limited signing card!)
5:00 – 6:00 Celebrating the upcoming major motion picture Dorothy of Oz! – Roger[Dorothy of Oz Cover] S. Baum,
Denton Tipton (*Get a free comic!)
5:30 – 7:00 Presenting The Cast of the upcoming Chiller movie Remains! – Miko Hughes,
Evalena Marie, Grant Bowler & co-creator Steve Niles
(*Get a free poster!)

Saturday July 23rd

10:00 – 11:00 Tank Girl – Rufus Dayglo
10:00 – 11:00 Kill Shakespeare – Andy Belanger
11:00 – 12:00 Silent Hill– Tom Waltz, Menton3
11:00 – 12:00 Angel Yearbook – Chris Ryall, Scott Tipton, Brian Lynch
12:00 – 1:00 Walter Simonson’s The Mighty Thor: Artist’s Edition – Walter Simonson (*Check out the show exclusive hardcover!)
[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Cover]12:00 – 1:00 Horror Hour with Steve Niles! – Steve Niles, R.H. Stavis, Fiona Staples
1:00 – 2:00 Launch Party! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Kevin Eastman, Dan Duncan, Tom Waltz
(*Get an exclusive SDCC TMNT Ashcan!)
1:00 – 2:00 Celebrating the upcoming major motion picture Dorothy of Oz! – Roger S. Baum, Megan Hilty,
Amy Mebberson, Denton Tipton (*Get a free comic!)
2:00 – 3:00 Jericho – Dan Shotz, Robert Levine, Matt Federman, Tom Davidson &
Special guest – Cast member Brad Beyer!
2:00 – 3:00 Ghostbusters – Nick Runge (Get a free limited signing card!)
3:00 – 4:00 Walter Simonson’s The Mighty Thor: Artist’s Edition – Walter[Archie Celebration Cover]
        Simonson (*Check out the show exclusive hardcover!)
3:00 – 4:00 Transformers– Mike Costa, John Barber (Get a free limited signing card!)
4:00 – 5:00 Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters – Eric Powell (Get a free limited signing card!)
4:00 – 5:00 True Blood – Michael McMillian, Marc Andreyko, Mariah
Huehner, Joe Corroney (Get a free limited signing card!)
5:00 – 6:00 Locke & Key – Joe Hill, Gabriel Rodriguez (*Check out the show exclusive
hardcover! And don’t miss the debut of The Cape #1 by Joe Hill!)
5:00 – 6:00 Devil’s Concubine – Palle Schmidt
6:00 – 7:00 Zombies vs Robots – Ashley Wood, Chris Ryall (*Check out the exclusive
hardcover!)
6:00 – 7:00 Archie Celebration! – Victor Gorelick, Jon Goldwater, Mike Pellerito,
Dan Parent, Craig Yoe

Sunday July 24th

[Amazing 3D Cover]10:00 – 11:00 Kill Shakespeare – Andy Belanger
11:00 – 12:00 True Blood – Marc Andreyko, Mariah Huehner, Joe Corroney (Get a free limited signing card!)
11:00 – 12:00 The Last Unicorn – Peter S. Beagle
12:00 – 1:00 Suicide Girls – Missy Suicide, Brea Grant, Zane Grant, Cameron
Stewart, David Hahn
12:00 – 1:00 Eternal Descent – Llexi Leon
1:00 – 2:00 Miss Fury & The Library of American Comics! – Trina Robbins, Dean Mullaney[True Blood Cover]
1:00 – 2:00 Yoe Books! 3D Comics!  – Craig Yoe
1:00 – 2:00 Walter Simonson’s The Mighty Thor: Artist’s Edition – Walter
        Simonson (*Check out the show exclusive hardcover!)
2:00 – 3:00 Torpedo – Jordi Bernet
2:00 – 3:00 Tribes: The Dog Years – Michael Geszel, Inaki Miranda
3:00 – 4:00 Doctor Who – Tony Lee, Kelly Yates, Matthew Sturges,
Mark Buckingham, Brian Shearer, Amy Mebberson (Get a free limited signing card!)
3:00 – 4:00 Tank Girl – Rufus Dayglo