Tumor

This interview with Joshua Hale Fialkov (creator of the acclaimed Elk’s Run from a few years ago and current noir work at Archaia, Tumor [which reunites Fialkov with his Elk's Run artist Noel Tuazon]) took an interesting route before finally getting here. The initial interview started as a suggestion from Johanna Draper Carlson back in October 2008 (thanks, Johanna) and was intended for my pop culture blog, Talking with Tim. Fialkov was more than game to do the interview and we completed the initial interview in late 2008, right around the time I signed on to contribute my comics interviews to Robot 6.  So, savvy, yet disorganized guy that I am, I set the interview aside--and promptly misplaced it. When news of Fialkov's Tumor (available here for Kindle and here for free for those of without Kindles) started making the rounds, I realized my mistake and  tracked the emails down. I contacted Fialkov (offering my sincere apologies)  and he was kind enough to entertain new questions about Tumor. So please note, after the initial Tumor discussion, the interview moves on to the initial 2008 interview, which while it is understandably dated in some aspects, much of it is still quite engaging and relevant. My thanks to Fialkov for his understanding and for his time both in 2008 and 2009.

Tim O'Shea: How pleased have you been with Tumor's Kindle sales? How much has the story's word-of-mouth been boosted thanks to the website?

Joshua Hale Fialkov: Well, just using our placement in the ranks on Amazon, the fact that a Kindle only comic book can get up to be the 8th most ordered graphic novel on all of Amazon, including print, is pretty damn amazing. I think there's a lot of reasons that we're up there, including that we're giving the first chapter away for free, but, still, that says to me that there's an audience for comics on the device, and it's one that in some ways may soon rival the audience for print comics. At least, for those readers who use Amazon to get their fix. My whole career has been built on a lot of goodwill, and from the support of friends and fans with big mouths and wide audiences, and, frankly, in a niche business like comics, that's really how the whole thing works. What I hope to do is go the extra mile to really reward my readers, first with what I hope is excellent content, but secondly by giving them access to the stuff over on the website, including behind the scenes material, and special features that not only enhance their enjoyment of the book, but hopefully show them a side of the process they haven't considered. To that end, there's a healthy amount of traffic who make it over to the site every time we release an issue, so, I know that in some respects, it's working.

O'Shea: How did the idea to release it through Kindle first come about?

Fialkov: Both Stephen Christy (of Archaia) and I have Kindles, and love them to death. Within twenty minutes of receiving mine, I was playing with some of Noel's art on the device, and instantly fell in love. When I went to talk to Stephen about it, he'd been thinking the same thing, so we approached Amazon, and they told us how excited they were about having graphic novels on the device, as well, and it just snow balled from there. I think that realistically the device has some ways to go before it becomes the paper killer as far as comics go, but, the experience is so much more like reading print than virtually any other option, that as far as I'm concerned it's way ahead of the pack.

O'Shea: In a recent CBR article about Tumor, you conceded that while you tried to make the book as realistic as possible, you still took some dramatic license with some aspects. How challenging was it for you decide where to draw the line between realism and dramatic license, so as to keep the drama engaging?

Fialkov: It's just sort of a gut thing... My father and brother are both doctors, and I know from watching movies and tv shows with them how irritated they get when things lack verisimilitude, but, I also know that when the story is engaging and the characters are painted realistically, they both seem to notice less. I think that's the same for all professions, and it's just one of the tricks of writing real world stories. With Tumor, the time I spent with the neurologist who I consulted with on the book, as well as most of my research actually helped to give the story a lot of shape that it missing in outline form, and I think the details really enhanced the story into something unique. Probably the best compliment I've gotten was actually from my father, who when I initially explained the story to him he told me it sounded completely unrealistic, but now, as the books come out, he's amazed at how real it feels. That's with the exact same story beats and everything, it's just for the most part because of the notes and research.

O'Shea: What is it about Tuazon's creative approach and artistic style that makes him a good fit for a noir tale?

Fialkov: Noel's work feels like it's straight out of the 1950's. He's a guy who's in love with the 50's EC artists, and every panel he draws just bleeds that stuff. Add to that the thing that Noel is really remarkable at is capturing emotion, which, for me, is one of the key things to noir. Despite the melodrama inherent in the plots of so many of those films, there's an earnestness and realness to the actors and their emotions that resonates across all of the best of the genre. I think that Noel has that in spades.

His work is an acquired taste for a lot of people, because he's just so unusual, but, when he's on his game, his storytelling and acting is genuinely some of the best in the business, and I'm proud to say that he is definitely on his game with Tumor.

[Initial 2008 interview begins here]

O'Shea: Given the rough publishing path that Elk's Run traveled, when it finally landed at Villard did you feel like you could rest a little easier? Or did you have enough industry experience to know you would need to hit the ground running, hunting for that next writing gig?

Fialkov: Yeah, I was psyched for Elk's Run to have a home, but, I come from a freelancing background, doing tv and film production, and, what that teaches you is you are ALWAYS running. But, that being said, there's always a need to take a few minutes and be proud of a job well done, too. For me, I was able to bridge the success and acclaim of Elk's Run into a lot of freelance work, but, for my, ahem, more exotic creator owned stuff, I've still been forced to find unique solutions to getting them out there.

O'Shea: Do you think most people realize that when you make it in the comic book industry, you truly don't make it per se, but rather have to prove yourself repeatedly?

Fialkov: I don't know that i 'made it' per se, so I might not be the right person to ask. What I've found is that like anything, you have to do the work, do it well, and then hope for the best. Every guy who seemingly 'comes out of nowhere' had to bust their ass to get where they are. This isn't Hollywood, it's much more of a small, insular circle of people than that. It takes gumption, and perserverance, and all that other stuff, but, I also think it requires a certain understanding of progress. You can't keep doing what you do. You have to keep growing, reaching, and trying to create something new and different.

O'Shea: Like any career, succeeding in a work-for-hire focused industry, how important is it to play the political/networking circles? How do you think you've grown, be it on the creative end or on the business end?

Fialkov: I think that aspect isn't just WFH , but creator owned as well. Being able to interact professionally, and rise above the rest really is a big part of the challenge. Look, again, the thing with making comics that's so wonderful is that it's easy to do. The money you need is fairly small, and, if you have the money, you can put a book out, and have it go to a national audience through Diamond. That means that along with allowing newcomers a chance to break in, there's also a lot of crap that gets through. So, just having published a comic (or having your comic published) isn't always enough. But, to make the leap to being someone other publishers and editors will take a risk on, you need to bring something special.

O'Shea: Rightly or wrongly, Top Cow finds itself trying to prove itself as a diverse publisher, despite the efforts it has made like the pilot season competitions. Were you hesitant to enroll in the pilot season competition for the fear of some sort of Top Cow stigma (which exists in some industry "group think" circles...)?

Fialkov: Not at all. First off, work is work. Anybody who turns down opportunities to work with professional companies on professional quality work is a fool. A writer takes whatever opportunities in front of them, and learns what they can. Now, as far as Top Cow, I think Rob, Filip, Mel, and all the guys have really done an amazing job at changing the face of what Top Cow means. They're not just trying to change the reputation, or alter the brand, or any of those things. They're just trying to make better books. And, if you look at the work Ron Marz is doing on Witchblade, Phil Hester is doing on Darkness... hell, the other creators on the Pilot Season books... Top Cow has found great people and let them do what they do best. I think that just about every other mainstream publisher could learn something from that. Now, how the hell I tricked them into hiring me is a whole other story.

O'Shea: Once you won the first Top Cow pilot season, did you see renewed interest in your work? What other benefits (other than getting Cyblade a publisher)?

Fialkov: There was a little bump in interest, but, not really. At the end of the day, the comics audience is deeply divided between mainstream and indie. While Top Cow has some indie sensibilities, it's still fairly mainstream, audience wise. At the same time though, I think my comics in general skirt somewhere between mainstream and indie audience wise, so it's always been challenging.

O'Shea: What will it take to effectively bridge that divide between mainstream and indie--or is that even possible?

Fialkov: I think it's happening a bit with publishers like Oni, IDW, Dark Horse, and Top Cow each attempting in their own way to make something new in comics. It's going to be slow going, and those books will always sell lower amounts than Infinite War Crisis of Secrets or whatever crossover is going on. But, Hollywood has realized (more and more it seems) how valuable having a fleshed out story, character, and tone can be, and that comics provide all of that. And, I think we're all learning how better to make comics that are comics first, rather than movie pitches, which is what happened five or six years ago during the first so-called boom.

So, give me a couple more Sin City's, History of Violence's, Wanted's, etc. and let the publishers start aggressively trying to capitalize on the books as they go alongside the movie. It might not reach the current comics audience, but, expanding beyond ou fanbase is more than just wishful thinking... it's the only way we can survive.

O'Shea: Did you approach your second pilot season marketing efforts differently than your first time around?

Fialkov: Yes and no. I think I was just a plain better writer the second time along. I learned so much about writing straight action in the year between writing the books, that I think Alibi is a better version of what I'd like to do in a more mainstream setting. I'm immensely proud of that book, and heart broken I won't get to do more of it... for now.

O'Shea: How does your work as head writer of LG15: The Resistance (and the creative process you're immersed in with episodic development for the web) influence your comic book writing (if at all)?

Fialkov: It really lit a fire under me creatively. What Eqal is doing as a company is so amazingly exciting... it literally challenges everything about how to tell stories. From actually using the internet for what it is (integrating web 2.0 into the storytelling) to letting the audience be a part of the narrative itself. It's just a wholly different way to tell a story, and seeing the sheer number of possibilities in this kind of entertainment really opens my mind up to what the true potential of comics are. Comics in America really haven't had to stretch in nearly forty years. Stan and Jack reinvented the form and damn near 80 or 90 percent of what's come since is just variations thereof. For me, bucking the system and the rules has always been in my nature, and working in a brand new medium where there are no rules, because we're literally the people who are writing them, is amazing.

O'Shea: Do you think the folks that enjoy your LG15: The Resistance work are aware of your comics work--or do you think they're not interested in exploring comic book/sequential art reading opportunities?

Fialkov: I really don't know. Despite how hands on we are with our audience, it's still quite a bit like television, where certainly the fans know your name, but, they're so into the show that they don't even think to look beyond it. And that's great... I want them to be as in to the show as humanly possible while they're watching it, But, I think a lot of them would enjoy not just my comics, but comics in general. So many young people (God, I sound old...) don't even know that comics exist. They think that Spiderman is a movie and Inu Yasha is a cartoon. There's such an amazing selection of books available these days, it's a shame so many people still aren't even aware we exist.

O'Shea: You have had your name attached to some fairly diverse projects, for example,  you did a run on Harris Comics' Vampirella?

Fialkov: Every project I do is something that I love. I learned a long time ago that taking on something that you're only lukewarm on ends badly. Vampirella was a book I read and loved as a kid. So, getting a chance to write her now was really just a little bit of selfish wish-fufillment for me. I had a blast, I only wish the series was more regular so I could really do some of the long form storytelling the book was so beloved for in the early days.

O'Shea: You do a variety of genres in terms of your writing--is there any genre you have not tackled that you would love to tackle?

Fialkov: I'd love to write a straight romance, and for some reason I just haven't. I'm doing it a bit in the Dark-Hunter manga for Dabel Brothers, but, that's still pretty much an action/horror thing. Early on, when I was a self-publisher, I had this crazy idea that after doing 5 issues of Western Tales of Terror, I'd end the book, and start a new anthology, say, Broken Hearts and Sizzling Love, or something. Just spend a few years producing a different genre every year. I'm a big fan of the pulps, and just love genre film and literature. Using the somewhat rigid rules of a specific genre, and finding a unique way to tell a story within those boundaries is probably my favorite part of writing.

O'Shea: I read with curiosity that your wife is a librarian and historian, specializing in California and film. Given her knowledge of film, do you ever find yourself tweaking a story or exploring an element in a story due to feedback/insight from your wife's wealth of knowledge?

Fialkov: Oh absolutely. She's a treasure in more ways then one. She's got an encyclopedic knowledge of California, and, is a master researcher, so, as I'm working on different projects, she's completely amazing. She'll pull articles from 100-year-old newspapers, pull addresses and business names out of census records, small detail stuff like that, which while minor, adds a whole other level of realism to what I do. It's literally a match made in heaven.

O'Shea: You've gone on record about your respect for manga. In fact in a post at your blog last year, you wrote: "Until we embrace not just the style (I'm looking at you, Marvel Mangaverse), but the ethos of these far more successful (and in many ways far superior) comics, I fear that there might not be much of an American comics industry left in a few years." Would you still agree with this statement, and do you think your call for change in the industry might hurt your chances to get hired by some editors/publishers?

Fialkov: When I talk about that stuff, I think it's pretty clear that I'm not telling Marvel to stop publishing Spiderman. And, I think there's an envy amongst a lot of the folks in the industry of the freedom you see on the other side of the Pacific. I mean, what writer doesn't lick his lips at the thought of telling a 2000 plus page story about a serial killer, or a wizard, or... whatever. I love American comics. I grew up on superhero comics, but, unlike most other kids, I got lucky, and read independents, European, and Japanese comics. I was reading TinTin, Asterix, Omaha the Cat Dancer, Ranma, Concrete, AND the Archie's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles simultaneously. And when I look at the progress made outside of North America in terms of the sophistication of storytelling, I really think most times, there's no comparison. But, the difference is that the guys who do the different stuff are starting to break into mainstream comics, so, hopefully, they'll bring that change with them. Certainly, Ed Brubaker has done that with his work at Marvel, and Brian K. Vaughan does it on everything he does. I think, despite the huge crossover comics, Grant Morrison is another guy who's done more to make American comics a freer place than just about anyone else in the past 20 or 30 years.

As for editors... look, any publisher who doesn't want their comics more diverse, different, or unique probably isn't going to hire me anyways. At least, that's what I keep telling myself.

Conan

Publishing | Paradox Entertainment, which owns the rights to the Robert E. Howard library and is rebooting the Conan the Barbarian movie franchise, has signed a deal with Dark Horse to publish comics based on its slate of films. Dark Horse has been publishing Conan titles since 2003, and last year released miniseries based on Howard creations Solomon Kane and Kull. [Variety]

Publishing | Jeff Katz's new entertainment company American Original has brought together a group of top-name comedians to write a comic-book series called Comedy Death Ray. Those already signed on include David Cross, Zach Galifianakis, Janeane Garofalo, B.J. Novak, Bob Odenkirk, Patton Oswalt, Paul Scheer and Sarah Silverman. Each comedian will write on issue of the anthology series, which will be released through American Original's deal with Top Cow Productions. [Variety]

Publishing | Eric Reynolds, Fantagraphics Books' longtime director of publicity, quietly has been promoted to associate publisher. [The Comics Reporter]

Marvel

Publishing | British entrepreneur Theo Paphitis, one of the stars of the BBC TV series Dragons' Den, has been appointed to Marvel's international advisory board to oversee the development of opportunities in Europe. [This is Money]

Publishing | Executive Editor Tom Brevoort offers a peek behind the scenes at Marvel with a publishing-strategy memo from 2004. It's kind of interesting for a number of reasons, among which is to see which titles have been relaunched or canceled since then. I don't even remember a Thanos comic. [Marvel.com]

Creators | Cartoonist John Ryan, creator of the Captain Pugwash comic strips and BBC animated series, has passed away at age 88. [BBC News]

Retailing | Here's a brief profile of Fort Lauderdale, Florida's Tate's Comics, winner of this year's Will Eisner Spirit of Retailing Award. [ICv2.com]

Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?

Sales charts | It's Alan Moore Week on The New York Times' Graphic Books Best Seller List as the writer holds five spots in the hardcover and paperback categories: Lost Girls, Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? and Batman: The Killing Joke take the second, third and eighth positions, respectively, on the hardcover list, while Watchmen holds on to No. 1 on the paperback list, followed at No. 4 by V for Vendetta. Angel: After the Fall, Vol. 4, and Fruits Basket, Vol. 23, take the top hardcover and manga spots. [The New York Times]

Creators | Claire Prentice profiles artist Simon Fraser. [Daily Record]

Webcomics | Glen Weldon offers a sampler of webcomics, and some tips of finding and viewing them. [NPR]

Crime | Police in Port Richey, Florida, have arrested a man suspected of stealing as many as 1,500 comic books and selling them to comic shops to support his drug habit. The owner of the collection said the books are worth $12,000. [ABC Action News]

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

No word on when the third Pilot Season competition starts. Last year's winners were Twilight Guardian by writer Troy Hickman and artist Reza, and Genius by writers Marc Bernardin and Adam Freeman and artist Afua Richardson.

Let's see what will be going on ...

• Marvel's been absent from WonderCon for the past couple of years, and while they don't appear to have a booth, they do have a presence this year. Both Ed Brubaker and Matt Fraction are guests of honor, and it looks like Jeph Loeb, Mark Paniccia and Axel Alonso, among others, will also be there. Of note is a discussion between Fraction and author Michael Chabon on Saturday that will likely be worth the price of admission alone.

• Speaking of special guests, Brian Azzarello and Dave Johnson are also attending and will host a panel on 100 Bullets on Saturday ... followed by a night at Isotope Comics. And although Dan DiDio won't be at the con this year, DC's got Jim Lee, Will Dennis, Ian Sattler, James Robinson and Aaron Lopresti, among others.

• Oni Press, IDW, Dark Horse, BOOM!, SLG, Aspen and Top Cow will also be on hand, both on the floor and at various panels to talk about their latest projects.

• And rounding out the special guest list are Sergio Aragonés, Mark Evanier, Gary Friedrich, Wendy Pini, Trina Robbins, Alex Robinson, Stan Sakai, Jill Thompson and Roy Thomas, all of whom will have a spotlight panel. San Francisco's Cartoon Art Museum will kick off a Stan Sakai art exhibit that weekend as well, so if you're in town, be sure to check it out.

• In the "other media" area, or to answer the question "So what's happening in the big room?" ... it looks there will be panels on Watchmen, Star Trek, Chuck, Terminators Sarah Connor Chronicles and Salvation, Pixar's UP, a showing of the Wonder Woman animated DVD and the Black Panther animated show.

• Our own Matt Maxwell, creator of Strangeways, has a booth this year, so be sure to drop by and say hi if you're going.