Megaupload

Legal | The U.S. Justice Department and the FBI on Thursday shut down the popular file-sharing site Megaupload, seized $50 million in assets and charged its founder and six others with running an international enterprise based on Internet piracy that’s cost copyright holders at least $500 million in lost revenue. The FBI has begun extradition proceedings in New Zealand to bring company founder Kim Schmitz, aka Kim DotCom, to the United States. He and three other associates are being held without bail until Monday, when they’ll receive a new hearing. Three others remain at large. They face a maximum of 20 years in prison.

News of the shutdown was met with retaliation by the hacker collective Anonymous, which attacked the websites of the Justice Department and the Motion Picture Association of America.

Founded in 2005, Megaupload allowed users to anonymously transfer files like movies and music and, certainly on a much smaller scale, comic books. The Hong Kong-based company, which reportedly employed as many as 155 people, is said to have made $175 million from ads and premium subscriptions. According to the indictment, DotCom, whose assets apparently include a fleet of cars, took in $42 million from the operation in 2010.

Before Megaupload was taken down, the company posted a statement on its website claiming that allegations it facilitated massive breaches of copyright are “vastly overblown”: “The fact is that the vast majority of Mega’s Internet traffic is legitimate, and we are here to stay. If the content industry would like to take advantage of our popularity, we are happy to enter into a dialogue. We have some good ideas. Please get in touch.” [USA Today, The New York Times, CNET]

J.M. DeMatteis

Piracy | In response to recent conversations about the Stop Online Piracy Act, comics writer J.M. DeMatteis shares his thoughts on comic book piracy: “The bottom line — my bottom line, anyway — is this: If you’re enthusiastic about a particular creator, buy his or her work and then let others know about it. If you spread the word via file-sharing, it’s not much different than loaning a friend one of your books or CDs. Just as I once became an obsessive fan after taping my friends’ vinyl albums, many of your friends will become fans who’ll spend their hard-earned money on actively supporting that creator’s work.” [Creation Point]

Creators | Lynda Barry will be the spring artist in residence at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. [University of Wisconsin-Madison News]

Creators | Movie producer and former Marvel Studios President Avi Arad chats briefly about his new manga The Innocent: “I’ve been in the world of comics all my life, and specifically into Japanese comics in the early days, before manga attempted to penetrate this market. I wanted to do The Innocent a long time ago. It stayed with me quite a while. Once I got out of Marvel Comics, it was one of the things on my bucket list to do a manga. I had an idea and I followed it, and here we are.” [Graphic Novel Reporter]

Dancer #1

Creators | Nathan Edmondson discusses Dancer, his upcoming Image Comics miniseries with artist Nic Klein about a retired assassin and his ballerina companion on the run from a sniper in Milan. [USA Today]

Creators | Jennifer Anderson spotlights Oil & Water, the new Fantagraphics graphic novel by Steve Duin and Shannon Wheeler that examines the impact of the BP/Deepwater Horizon oil spill on the Gulf. [Beaverton Valley Times]

Creators | Collaborators Kurtis J. Wiebe and Tyler Jenkins talking about their upcoming Image/Shadowline series Peter Panzerfaust, which reimagines Peter Pan and the Lost Boys as Nazi resisters during World War II. [USA Today]

Publishing | Dave Ferraro and Patrick Markfort discuss the small publisher Sparkplug in their latest podcast. [Comics-and-More]

27

During HeroesCon earlier this month, I ran into 27 writer Charles Soule. Being a big fan of music (and comics of course), I was ashamed to admit that I had not run across his series (which launched last year from Image/Shadowline), built upon the rock and roll legend about certain very brilliant musicians dying at the age of twenty-seven. With the trade paperback of the first four issues set to go on sale this Wednesday, Soule and I settled in for a quick email interview. I was intrigued to learn about Soule’s contest for readers. Also, we talk about e sure to read to the end of this interview for a mention of Vanilla Ice.

Tim O’Shea: While at the heart of the tale, the threat of death looms–and yet as you note in this November 2010 CBR interview 27‘s theme is “really creativity”. Can you talk about why you wanted to explore the concept of creativity partially through death?

Charles Soule: Jumping right into the heavy stuff, eh? Fine by me. The “hook” to 27 revolves around the many brilliant musicians and artists who have died at age twenty-seven – they’re known in rock and roll mythology as the “27 Club,” and the idea is that there’s some sort of curse that takes particularly talented individuals well before their time. In the 27 comic, Will Garland, a superstar guitar hero, turns twenty-seven and his life falls apart. His hand gets hit with a nerve disease that makes him unable to play, and all sorts of other terrible things start to occur that make him realize he’s been hit by the curse. From there, he has to try to beat the curse and live to see twenty-eight. Lots of supernatural craziness, lots of rock music lore, lots of thrills, chills and guitar fills.

But as you noted, that’s just the surface story – the carnival barker tease that gets people in the freakshow tent. The deeper theme is creativity; why do some people seem almost compelled to make art, and what does that cost them? Why are some amazing talents taken young, and, of course, is it better to burn out or fade away (to, er, re-coin a phrase)? These are big questions, and I thought they were worth exploring. Most people are creative to some extent, and the ‘why’ of it all is worth trying to unravel.

O’Shea: Infusing this tale with a puzzle, how complicated was it to incorporate it into the first four issues? Have you always been a fan of puzzles?

Soule: Right – there’s a cool little puzzle built into the series, but let me answer the second part of your question first. I’ve loved puzzles since I was a little kid. First jigsaw puzzles, then more complex conundrums of all sorts – except blacksmith puzzles. I hate those things. Seriously, screw blacksmith puzzles. These days, I like murderously hard crossword puzzles, as well as codes and ciphers. I think it’s particularly fun when someone hides a code or symbolic reference in a creative work, whether you’re talking about the Konami Code (Up-Up-Down-Down-Left-Right-Left-Right-B-A-Start, friends and neighbors), the Kryptos sculpture at the NSA or even hidden genitalia in various Disney cartoons. I just think it’s cool when someone takes the time to build in an extra layer for attentive readers or watchers. Most people won’t even see it, but when someone does, it’s just a “yeah, that’s awesome” moment.

So, the puzzle in 27. Hidden across all four issues are a series of guitar chord symbols – twenty-seven in all, as you might expect. They’re stashed in the gutters of particular pages numerically related to one of the themes of the book. When you take all of the chord symbols and put them in a row, they make a sort of code. That code, when deciphered, makes a set of instructions. My original plan was to buy a plane ticket to a con for the first person who deciphered the code, to support an obviously loyal fan, but so far, despite a lot of people working on it, no one’s cracked it yet.

Because of that, and because I really do want to buy that plane ticket, I’ve changed the rules slightly. I put the solution to the puzzle into the trade, which hits stores on June 29. Anyone who picks up the trade and follows the instructions within the first week after the book is out will be entered into a drawing for the prize. I’ll pick a name out of a hat, and that’ll be that! I hope lots of people enter – it’s fun, easy, and you’ll get a pretty cool book out of it, even if you don’t win the flight.

O’Shea: When writing, I’m curious do you listen to music? Would you recommend a soundtrack for folks reading 27?

Soule: I listen to music all the time! When I’m writing, and I really want to lose myself in the work, I tend to put on records I’ve loved for years, so the music provides a backdrop but doesn’t intrude into my “writing consciousness” too much. As for what that might be, I’m all over the place. There’s an LA band called Dawes that I’ve been listening to a bunch recently. I just found a band called Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears that are mondo awesome. The Hold Steady is an old standby, and I’ve been putting on a Joe Pass solo guitar record quite a bit. That’s just the last couple of weeks, though. I go through a lot of tunes.

As far as a soundtrack for 27, you obviously want to focus on the tragic artists who died younger than they should have. The 27 Club musicians, of course – Hendrix, Cobain, Morrison, Joplin, Brian Jones-era Rolling Stones, but it’s actually much broader than that. I don’t think you’d be too far off-base to put in some Minutemen, or any of the first few Grateful Dead records, or Robert Johnson blues, Duane Allman (he was a little under twenty-seven when he died, but he’s a member in spirit, I think), the Stooges… it goes on and on, sadly. Also, maybe some guitar hero stuff: Van Halen, Eric Johnson, Steve Vai. Really, though, listen to whatever you want! Everyone likes their own type of music, and the ideas about music in 27, without getting too grandiose, apply pretty universally to anyone who’s ever enjoyed a song, by anyone.

O’Shea: When did you first learn that so many musicians died when they were 27?

Soule: I’ve been playing music since I was three. First violin, and then guitar in high school, and a bunch of other instruments since, to varying degrees of proficiency. When you grow up around music, you can’t help but hear the stories. For my part, I would say the main sources were guitar magazines, sweet rock band bios like Hammer of the Gods (the Led Zeppelin biography) and, of course, other musicians. So, I probably first heard about the 27 Club in high school, and it was really brought home when Cobain died in 1994. That was right when I was figuring out the sort of music I loved, and what I wanted to play, and thinking that this guy had achieved so much and then died so young hit me in a way that the other, earlier 27 Club deaths didn’t.

O’Shea: You did a first issue commentary for CBR, which featured this fascinating bit: “Tony Iommi didn’t just lose those fingertips, he lost them and then created new, homemade plastic fingertip prosthetics out of melted-down dish soap bottles for himself to wear. They worked perfectly — he used them (or subsequent versions) through all the Black Sabbath years.” Where do you learn musical history facts like THAT? I mean, particularly the “melted-down dish soap bottles” detail?

Soule: As a guitarist, stories about musicians who get injured and lose the ability to play are totally enthralling to me. Some people are huge horror movie fans – for me, these stories are like that. There are tons and tons of them, many that I didn’t even mention in the book. For example, poor Chet Baker, the famous jazz trumpeter, was mugged and beaten so severely that his teeth were knocked out and he wasn’t able to play his horn anymore. He had to go pump gas. Awful, but mesmerizing.

O’Shea: What kind of bonuses are included in the new TPB?

Soule: Oh, tons! As I mentioned, the solution to the 27 Puzzle is included, but there’s much more. The biggest single extra in the 27: First Set TPB is an all-new twelve-page backup story entitled Crossroads Blues, which tells a story based on the idea that blues guitarist Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil at a crossroads in return for musical expertise. It’s got all new, gorgeous art from Renzo Podesta, and it’s really fun. Beyond that, the issues themselves have been expanded slightly with some extra pages we didn’t use in the original versions. There’s a list of cool easter eggs built into the book, a breakdown of the amazing homage covers by Scott Forbes, and really quite a bit more. I’m incredibly happy with the whole package. The team at Shadowline puts out amazing-looking collections, and the 27 trade is no exception. Whether you already read the single issues or you’re new to the series, it’s definitely worth checking out!

O’Shea: Looking back over the first four issues, was there a certain panel or page that exceeded your initial expectations once Renzo Podesta drew it?

Soule: Renzo’s style is a beautiful mix of precise and impressionist, and it suited the story perfectly. There are many gorgeous panels, but as far as work that exceeded my expectations, I would say that the whole sequence in Issue 3 where Will Garland is sitting next to a fire in the desert, having the mysteries of the creative universe explained to him by a surprise guest, really blew my mind. It was somehow exactly what I wanted but so much more at the same time. Renzo’s incredibly strong on the fantastic/supernatural side of things – fortunately, 27 gives him plenty to work with.
What can we look forward to in the upcoming arc of 27?

Soule: We’ll, we’re calling it 27: Second Set (you know, like a concert!), and it really is the next chapter in Will Garland’s story as he progresses from self-obsessed, bitter rock star to… something else. The first issue is in Previews right now and will hit in September (Previews code is JUL110437 – time to preorder!) The main theme in the second arc revolves around another potent legend in music history: one-hit wonders. Rock and pop music are littered with people who worked just as hard as any music legend to get a song out there, and then vanished into obscurity once the unforgiving eye of the public turned another way. I’ve been having a lot of fun with it – the main villain in the story is a one-hit wonder from the 80s who will do anything, and I do mean anything to get back in the spotlight. Renzo has taken his art up another notch, and Scott Forbes is providing another group of truly fantastic homage covers (this time, each reference is to a “famous” one-hit wonder). The whole team is really bringing their A game. I can’t wait for people to check it out.

O’Shea: Care to divulge any of the one hit wonders homaged in the Second Set covers?

Soule: For the first cover, we went with one of the biggest and “best” of all the one-hit wonders: the one, the only, the legend, Vanilla Ice. As far as the others, I’d like to let people wait and see. Part of the fun is revealing them one at a time.

O’Shea: Anything you’d like to ask or tell the Robot 6 readers?

Soule: First and foremost, thank you for supporting my work! It’s fantastic that the series has connected with readers – meeting people at cons or online who have enjoyed the story so far makes my day, every time. That said, if you haven’t read it, consider checking out the trade – it’s a good read, promise. What else – in addition to 27, I write the Strongman series for SLG Publishing. It’s a set of action-crime stories with a washed-up old luchador as the hero. I like to say the tone’s like Sin City, but uplifting. The second volume in that series will hit shelves in August, and if you liked 27, I hope you’ll give Strongman a spin as well. Small press books have to fight for every reader, as we all know. You can find both volumes here . I’ve got some other stuff in the works as well. The best way to stay up on my future projects is to check out my blog from time to time, or follow me on Twitter. Once again, thanks for reading!

Image United #1

Image Comics will be out in full force at the con, with several panels and a huge list of folks who will be signing all weekend — everyone from Mike Allred to Christopher Yost.

The biggest event on their schedule is a special signing event with everyone involved in their upcoming Image United book: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Rob Liefeld, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, Whilce Portacio and Jim Valentino.

Find their full press release and schedules after the jump

PRESS RELEASE – IMAGE COMICS TOTALLY BRINGS IT TO SAN DIEGO COMIC CON 2009!

The world’s greatest creator owned comic book publisher announces their full lineup for San Diego Comic Con International 2009!

16 July 2009 (Berkeley, CA) – Image Comics, the world’s greatest creator owned comic book publisher, returns to San Diego with a bigger guest list than ever before and exclusives galore, all available at booth #2729!

In addition to a slate of panels including an unprecedented Image Comics workshop on creating creator owned comics, spotlights on Mike Allred & Robert Kirkman and their annual Image Comics Show featuring the company’s most massive announcements of the year, Image will also feature a very special Image United signing event on Saturday at 10 AM, the only signing featuring all seven members of the crossover’s creative team including Robert Kirkman (Walking Dead, Invincible), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), Rob Liefeld (Youngblood), Todd McFarlane (Haunt), Marc Silvestri (Top Cow Pilot Season 2009), Whilce Portacio (Fortress) and Jim Valentino (ShadowHawk).

Throughout the weekend the Image Island will include booths showcasing Image Central, Todd McFarlane Productions and Shadowline with a pantheon of creators including Mike Allred (Madman Atomic Comics), Glen Brunswick (Jersey Gods), Camilla d’Errico (Sky Pirates of Neo Terra), Greg Epinoza (Pug), Tyrese Gibson (Mayhem!), Kieron Gillen (Phonogram), Rob Guillory (Chew), Phil Hester (Firebreather, Darkness), Greg Horn (The Art of Greg Horn), Jason Howard (The Astounding Wolf-Man), Andy Kuhn (Firebreather), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), John Layman (Chew), Mike Le (Mayhem!), Rob Liefeld (Youngblood), David Mack (Kabuki), Derek McCulloch (Pug, Stagger Lee), Jamie McKelvie (Phonogram, Suburban Glamour), Ryan Ottley (Invincible), the crew behind Image’s Harvey award-winning anthology PopGun, Cliff Rathburn (Invincible, Walking Dead), Jimmie Robinson (Bomb Queen), Tone Rodriguez (Mayhem!), Jon Sommariva (Gemini), Kris Simon (Bruce The Little Blue Spurce), Andy Suriano (Charlatan Ball), Josh Wagner (Sky Pirates of Neo Terra) Will Wilson (Mayhem!) and Jim Valentino (ShadowHawk). In addition, there will also be an exclusive first look at Todd McFarlane and Robert Kirkman’s long-awaited collaboration, Haunt, available from Todd McFarlane Productions!

There will also be special signing appearances by Frank Cho (Liberty Meadows), Marco Cinello (Soul Kiss), Alex Grecian (Proof), Sonny Liew (Liquid City), Ted McKeever (Transmet, Eddy Current, Metropol), Whilce Portacio (Fortress), Nick Spencer (Existence 2.0), Christian Ward (Olympus), Christopher Yost (Killer of Demons) and Man of Action Studios members Joe Casey (Gødland), Duncan Rouleau (The Great Unknown), Joe Kelly (I Kill Giants) & Steve Seagle (Soul Kiss) with many, many more!

Image will also once again be teaming up with the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund for their annual San Diego Comic Con Welcome Party, 7:30 – 11:00 PM at the Westgate Hotel on 1055 Second Avenue. For even more fun stop by Top Cow Productions, Booth #2629, featuring a full lineup presented by the Image Comics’ partner studio run by Marc Silvestri!

Image Comics will be at booth #2729 during Comic Con International at the San Diego Convention Center, July 22nd-26th, 2009.

Image Comics is a comics and graphic novels publisher formed in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Since that time, Image has gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. There are currently five partners in Image Comics (Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino), and Image is currently divided into four major houses (Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, and Image Central). Image comics and graphic novels cover nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable, offering science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor, and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. Visit www.imagecomics.com.

IMAGE COMICS

SAN DIEGO 2009 
SCHEDULE

IMAGE UNITED

SPECIAL SIGNING EVENT

SATURDAY, JULY 25th

10:00 – 11:30 AM

Featuring the entire creative team of the upcoming blockbuster crossover in their only signing together!

Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Rob Liefeld, Todd McFarlane, Whilce Portacio, Marc Silvestri, Jim Valentino

PANELS

Thursday, July 23

4:30-5:30 PM Workshop – Creating Creator Owned Comics The Image Comics Way: Want to bring your own vision to comics? Learn how from the people who do it best! Join Image Founder Jim Valentino (Shadowhawk) with Image luminaries Joe Kelly (I Kill Giants), John Layman (Chew), Jimmie Robinson (Bomb Queen) Steven T. Seagle (Soul Kiss), and Richard Starkings (Elephantmen) for a very special, unprecedented workshop with an insider look at the creative process and tips on perfecting your pitch. This will also include a question and answer session giving you the chance to directly talk to many pros who have made their dreams their reality! Room 7AB

Friday, July 24

10:00-11:00 AM Spotlight on Mike Allred: Comic Con Special Guest Mike Allred (Madman) makes an extremely rare San Diego Comic Con appearance to discuss his entire body of work from Dead Air to Madman, Red Rocket 7 to X-Statix and his recent Image Comics series, Madman Atomic Comics. The discussion will give fans a rare look into Allred’s creative process, including never-before-seen art and a unique chance to pick the brain of one of comics’ most creative minds! Moderated by Stardust the Super Wizard collaborator Joe Keatinge (PopGun) and featuring a number of surprise guests! Room 8

11:30AM – 12:30 PM The Image Comics Show: The world’s greatest creator-owned comics publisher returns to San Diego with a flurry of announcements including an exclusive look including the biggest crossover event of the year, Image United by creators Robert Kirkman (Walking Dead), Todd McFarlane (Spawn), and Rob Liefeld (Youngblood). In addition, Image superstars Frank Cho (Liberty Meadows), Tyrese Gibson (Mayhem) and Ben Templesmith (Fell) will give the first word on many of their upcoming projects. The Image Comics Show will be the first place to get your first sneak peek at Whilce Portacio’s superhero series emerging from Image United, Fortress! Room 5AB

4:00 – 5:00 PM KIRKAMANIA! The Robert Kirkman Panel: Join Robert Kirkman (Walking Dead, Invincible) for a lively discussion on his many projects and a look forward into the future with more than a few exclusive announcements! All this plus a surprise special guest appearance by Todd McFarlane (Haunt) as super secret free comics will be given away during a very special question and answer session! Room 7AB

SIGNING SCHEDULE

IMAGE UNITED

SPECIAL SIGNING EVENT

SATURDAY, JULY 25th

10:00 – 11:30 AM

Featuring the entire creative team of the upcoming blockbuster crossover in their only signing together!

Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Rob Liefeld, Todd McFarlane, Whilce Portacio, Marc Silvestri, Jim Valentino

Wednesday, July 22nd

6:00 – 9:00 PM: Jim Valentino & Kris Simon (Bruce The Little Blue Spruce) – Shadowline


Thursday, July 23rd

10:00 – 11:00 AM: Jim Valentino & Kris Simon (Bruce the Little Blue Spruce) – Shadowline

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Dave Elliot (Fallout Toy Works, Sharkman) & Steve Pugh (Sharkman) – Table 1

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Steven Grant & Victor Riches (The Safest Place) – Table 2

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Jimmie Robinson (Bomb Queen, Evil & Malice, T. Runt!) – Shadowline

12:00 – 1:00 PM: Frank Cho (Liberty Meadows) – Table 1

12:00 – 1:00 PM: Kat Cahill (I Hate Gallant Girl, All Girl Comics) – Shadowline

1:00 – 2:00 PM: Sean Lapacek, Ian Keiser & Joseph Weisman (Lillim) – Table 1

1:00 – 2:00 PM: Nat Jones (Frank Frazetta’s Death Dealer) – Table 2

1:00 – 2:00 PM: Joshua Williamson & Vinny Navarrete (Dear Dracula, Overlook, Johnny Monster) – Shadowline

2:00 – 3:00 PM: Joe Casey & Andy Suriano (Charlatan Ball) — Table 1

2:00 – 3:00 PM: Robert Kirkman (Walking Dead, Invincible) – Table 2

3:00 – 4:30 PM: Sonny Liew (Liquid City) – Table 1

3:00 – 4:00 PM: Alex Grecian (Proof) – Table 2

3:00 – 4:00 PM: Jeff Mariotte (Zombie Cop, Graveslinger) – Shadowline

4:00 – 5:00 PM: Nick Spencer & Kris Simon (Existence 2.0) – Shadowline

4:30 – 5:30 PM: Viktor Kalvachev & Philo Northrup (Pherone) – Table 1

5:00 – 6:00 PM: Joshua Williamson & Vinny Navarrete (Dear Dracula, Overlook, Johnny Monster) – Shadowline

5:30 – 6:30 PM: Kelly Yates (Amber Atoms) – Table 1

6:00 – 7:00 PM – Lisa Chase & S. Struble (Lil Depressed Boy, Existence 2.0) – Shadowline

Friday, July 24th

10:00 – 11:00 AM: Dave Elliot & Steve Pugh (Sharkman) – Table 1

10:00 – 11:00 AM: Alex Grecian (Proof) – Table 2

10:00 – 11:00 AM: Jimmie Robinson (Bomb Queen, Evil & Malice, T. Runt!) – Shadowline

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Viktor Kalvachev & Philo Northrup (Pherone) – Table 1

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Kelly Yates (Amber Atoms) – Table 2

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Mike Dolce & Marcus Perry (Descendant) – Shadowline

12:00 – 1:00 PM: Nat Jones (Frank Frazetta’s Death Dealer) – Table 1

12:00 – 1:00 PM: Steven Grant & Victor Riches (The Safest Place) – Table 2

12:30 – 2:00 PM: Nick Spencer (Existence 2.0) – Shadowline

1:00 – 2:00 PM: Todd McFarlane (Spawn) – Table 1

2:00 – 3:00 PM: Joe Kelly (I Kill Giants, Bad Dog) – Table 1

2:00 – 3:00 PM: Ted McKeever (Transit, Metropol, Eddy Current) – Shadowline

2:30 – 4:30 PM: Sonny Liew (Liquid City) – Table 2

3:00 – 4:00 PM: Frank Cho (Liberty Meadows) – Table 1

3:00 – 4:00 PM: Pander Brothers (Tasty Bullet, Accelerate) – Shadowline

4:00 – 5:00 PM: Sean Lapacek, Ian Keiser & Joseph Weisman (Lillim) – Table 1

4:00 – 5:00 PM: Jimmie Robinson & Derek McCulloch (T. Runt!) – Shadowline

5:00 – 6:00 PM: Christian Ward (Olympus) – Table 1

5:00 – 6:00 PM: Gabriel Hardman & Corrina Bechko (Heathentown) – Shadowline

6:00 – 7:00 PM: KIRKAMANIA!: Robert Kirkman (Walking Dead, Invincible), Ryan Ottley (Invincible), Jason Howard (Astounding Wolf-Man), Cliff Rathburn (The Walking Dead), Cory Walker (Invincible) – Table 1

6:00 – 7:00 PM: Joshua Williamson & Vinny Navarrete (Dear Dracula) – Shadowline

Saturday, July 25th

10:00 – 11:30 AM: Image United Special Event: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Rob Liefeld, Todd McFarlane, Whilce Portacio, Marc Silvestri & Jim Valentino

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Kat Cahill (I Hate Gallant Girl)

12:00 – 1:00 PM: Nat Jones (Frank Frazetta’s Death Dealer) – Table 1

12:00 – 1:00 PM: Kelly Yates (Amber Atoms) – Table 2

12:00 – 1:00 PM: Jimmie Robinson (Bomb Queen, Evil & Malice, T. Runt!) – Shadowline

1:00 – 2:00 PM: Chris Yost (Killer of Demons) – Table 1

1:00 – 2:00 PM: Christian Ward (Olympus) – Table 2

1:00 – 2:00 PM: Nick Spencer (Existence 2.0), Mike Dolce & Marcus Perry (Descendant) – Shadowline

2:00 – 3:00 PM: Steven T. Seagle & Marco Cinello (Soul Kiss) – Table 1

2:00 – 3:00 PM: Josh Williamson & Vinny Navarrete (Dear Dracula) – Shadowline

2:30 – 4:30 PM: Sonny Liew (Liquid City) – Table 2

3:00 – 4:00 PM: Justin & Bethany Shady (The Roberts, Missing the Boat, Lava is a Floor, I Beg Your Pardon) – Shadowline

3:30 – 5:00 PM: Todd McFarlane, Ryan Ottley, Robert Kirkman (Haunt) – Table 1

4:00 – 5:00 PM: Gabriel Hardman & Corinna Bechko (Heathentown) – Shadowline

5:00 – 6:00 PM: Alex Grecian (Proof) – Table 1

5:00 – 6:00 PM: Steven Grant & Victor Riches (The Safest Place) – Table 2

6:00 – 7:00 PM: Viktor Kalvachev & Philo Northrup (Pherone) – Table 1

6:00 – 7:00 PM: Jim Valentino & Kris Simon (Bruce the Little Blue Spruce) – Shadowline

Sunday, July 26th

10:00 – 11:00 AM: Jeff Mariotte (Zombie Cop, Graveslinger) – Shadowline

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Kelly Yates (Amber Atoms) – Table 1

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Justin Shady (The Roberts, Missing the Boat, Lava is a Floor, I Beg Your Pardon) – Shadowline

12:00 – 1:00 PM: Mike Dolce & Marcus Perry (Descendant) – Shadowline

1:00 – 2:00 PM: Steven Grant & Victor Riches (The Safest Place) – Table 1

1:00 – 2:00 PM: Josh Williamson & Vinny Navarrete (Dear Dracula) – Shadowline

2:00 – 3:00 PM: Duncan Rouleau (The Great Unknown) – Table 1

2:00 – 3:00 PM: Nick Spencer (Existence 2.0) – Shadowline

2:30 – 4:30 PM: Sonny Liew (Liquid City) – Table 2

3:00 – 4:00 PM: Christian Ward (Olympus) – Table 1

3:00 – 4:00 PM: Derek McCulloch & Jimmie Robinson (T. Runt!) – Shadowline

4:00 – 5:00 PM: Jim Valentino & Kris Simon (Bruce the Little Blue Spruce) – Shadowline