Above: Lee Yan Marquez drawing at the NZ Comics booth. Photo by Karl Wills.
Above from left: Richard Fairgray and Drake drop by with a note....Brent Willis hiding out on the right. Photo by Karl Wills.
Above from left: James Cairns & Lee Yan Marquez still smiling on Day #2. Photo by Gijs Priegel.
Showing posts with label Armageddon Expo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Armageddon Expo. Show all posts
The Auckland Armageddon Expo 2010 Report
Above: The New Zealand Comics booth, manned from the left by Aimee Cairns and Kelly & Darren Sheehan. photo by Karl Wills.
The Armageddon Expo returned to the Auckland ASB Showgrounds this year for another successful Labour Weekend celebration of all things pop culture related, with an estimated 45,000 punters through the door! The global credit crunch and recent tax increases clearly didn't stop fans from turning out in their droves to enjoy a weekend of sci-fi overload; with two Doctors Who in the house, a variety of web and comic guests, the voices of Goofy and Bender, and because no Expo would be complete without a pseudo-celebrity, that washed up kidult from Married With Children.
This year New Zealand Comics had it's strongest showing yet, with a large 'new and improved' NZ Comics booth, the Blastosaurus booth, Drake's Ninjet booth, Coal Powered Press, Drawfest and a variety of solo artist booths.
Above: The cover of Gridley Stones #1, by James & Aimee Cairns. Copyright James & Aimee Cairns 2010.
At the New Zealand Comics booth there was a wide variety of great books on sale for the weekend: including two new novellas from the Sheehan Bros, Into the Dark Woods and Frozen; part two of The Impostor by Lee Yan Marquez, Connie Radar PH D by Karl Wills, the latest issues of NZ comic anthologies Funtime #25 and Bristle #7, the debut issue of Gridley Stones by James & Aimee Cairns, and a great selection of back issue favourites.
Above: A signed sketch from Living with the Dead by artist Ben Stenbeck.
There were also some booth exclusives: the Dylan Horrocks and Emily Perkins collaboration, All Hail Elle: Destroyer of Worlds!, previously only available at the Orcon Great Blends event; and signed and sketched copies of Witchfinder and Living with the Dead by local superstar artist Ben Stenbeck.
Local comics guests appearing at the booth over the weekend included: the Sheehan Bros, Lee Yan Marquez, Karl Wills, James & Aimee Cairns, Isaac Freeman, Brent Willis, Marc Streeter and Jianran Pan.
Above: Funtime editor Isaac Freeman at the NZ Comics booth. Photo by Karl Wills.
Above: Richard Fairgray at the Blastosaurus booth. Photo by Karl Wills.
Meanwhile, over at the Blastosaurus booth Richard Fairgray had a large amount of new material on offer, which virtually sold-out after the first two days. This included a new Blastosaurus Halloween Special, a DVD collection of Chewing Zombies, new volumes of I Fight Crime, and Clip Show a collection of his earlier high school stories.
Above: Drake manning his Ninjet booth.
Drake did brisk business over the weekend at his Ninjet booth, with a new issue of his ninja-cat series to promote.
In pavilion #1 around the corner from the NZ Comics booth, Coal Powered Press made their convention debut, with an impressive line-up of New Zealand web-comics, which you can check out right HERE.
Above: The cover of White Cloud Worlds. Copyright Paul Tobin/Harpercollins 2010.
The Weta Workshop booth provided a hidden treat, with a Expo preview of the new fantasy art anthology collection White Cloud Worlds, featuring among others, fantasy and comic artists Ben Stenbeck and Greg Broadmore, edited by artist Paul Tobin. It will be available at all good booksellers from the 1st of November, and you can also check out the official website HERE.
It was a great convention for NZ Comics, with a noticeable increase in sales across the board. There was a competitive nature in the air after Day #1, which led me to proclaim the NZ Comics booth as the best in show on Facbook, which lead to an ominous note, left at the booth for me on Sunday morning:
Unfortunately I had the day off, so any retaliation, or a Star Trek inspired death duel would have to wait till Monday.
While attendance was healthy with punters ready to part with their cash, retailer and promotional spending appeared to be down, with less 'wow' factor than previous years. The usually elaborate video-game and console area seemed noticeably smaller, with fewer screens and less advertising. In general there seemed to be more blind-spots than usual inside the pavilions, as if the Expo was stretched thin to fill the entire complex to capacity. Unsurprisingly, major sponsor Warner Bros were a late no-show (possibly to avoid public backlash from the ongoing Hobbit controversy?), leaving a gap in pavilion #1 which was quickly filled by an extra artists alley. The presence of a fairly large NZ Army/Navy recruitment stand was a little alarming if you ask me, but I suppose it places them in slightly more interesting company than the usual career expos.
Another cause for concern was the amount of repetitive stores. There were at least six booths selling the same imported novelty T-shirts, caps and other nick-knacks. This lead to a repeated feeling of 'sameness' when walking through the Expo as a whole, making it feel more like Victoria Park Markets than a special event you payed $20 to attend. I think some decisive 'culling of the herd' next year could well improve the Expo's image and make way for some fresh stands and new exhibitors. One big improvement though, was the speedy entry point with multiple ticket booths, which prevented any timely delays, like last year's killer two hour entry line!
Overall, it was a pleasant weekend spend with friends: talking comics, tripping over R2-D2 and watching kids over-dose on mini donuts and candy-floss, while the monolithic Burning Man watched on.
-AK!
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Road To Armageddon Auckland 2010: NZ Comic Creators
Above: The Imposter by Lee-Yan Marquez. Copyright Lee-Yan Marquez 2010.
The Auckland Armageddon Expo 2010 is once again crashing down upon us; like a tidal wave of pop culture madness, overloading the senses and emptying our pockets! The Expo will be taking place over Labour Weekend, October 23rd-25th at the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane. It features a wide variety of popular culture guests and attractions from the latest videogame releases, to film, animation and comic guests.
As well as international comics guests (which you can read about HERE), the Expo will also be feature some of NZ's finest cartoonist, signing at the New Zealand Comic Creators Booth (booth 86, Pavilion #1).
Above: A spread from Into the Dark Woods a new graphic novella by the Sheehan Bros. Copyright Sheehan Bros 2010.
So let's have an exclusive look at some of the new local comics releases on offer at this year's Expo:
First up, the Sheehan Brothers have two new graphic novellas debuting at the show: Into the Dark Woods and Frozen. Hot off their Eric Award winning series The Inhabitants, these dark fantasy offerings are the first two chapters of an interconnected series of short stories, which will form a future boxed collection. It marks a return to the more lyrical nature of their first collaboration The Longman, which is where an earlier version of Frozen originated (as an insert in Longman #5).
Above: A spread from Into the Dark Woods a new graphic novella by the Sheehan Bros. Copyright Sheehan Bros 2010.
Darren Sheehan's artwork continues to evolve in both detail and atmosphere, reaching an Aubrey Beardsley level of mastery in the dark art of inking. If you drop by the booth may get to see some of the original artwork, which is even more stunning up close. Both writer Kelly and artist Darren Sheehan will be appearing during the weekend.
Above: The cover of Dr. Connie Radar PH.D Daily Funnies by Karl Wills. Copyright The ComicBook Factory 2010.
After an extended leave in advertising, the twisted comic strips of Karl Wills, creator of Jessica of the Schoolyard, returns with Dr. Connie Radar PH.D. Collecting his online daily strips from The ComicBook Factory website, it features the scientific adventures of space babe Connie Radar and her brainy robot sidekick, Julius.
Available in the same Tijuana Bible format as Jessica, your collection won't be complete without it. It's a limited edition run, so make sure you get in quick! Karl will also have some very affordable original artwork for sale, so stop by the booth to pick up some great artwork, from one of NZ's most polished cartoonists.
Above: The cover of Funtime #25. Copyright Funtime Comics Collective 2010.
The latest issue from New Zealand's longest running Comics Collective is out in time for the convention season! The Christchurch based Funtime gang, have produced what looks like another winner with this literally earth-shattering cover (what...too soon for bad puns?). Featuring a variety of creators and stories for all tastes, Funtime never fails to entertain, and issue #25 looks like it won't be any exception. Funtime editor Isaac Freeman will be on hand all three day of the Expo, to regale you with stories of cartooning from NZ's earthquake central, and get you to participate in what's sure to be another classic round of Jam Comics! (who could forget Welly Armageddon's Dr. Cheetah?).
Above: The cover of Bristle #7 by Brent Willis. Copyright Brent Willis 2010.This Wellington based anthology continues to go from strength to strength, as Brent Willis heads up a team of talented contributors in Bristle #7, including: Chris Cudby, David Piper, Matt Kelly, Ari Freeman, Renee Lyons and others. At $5 this is a steal, and since it takes a pot-shot at Paul Henry on the cover, you just know this is going to move fast! Editor Brent Willis will also be on hand for all three days of the Expo, no doubt bringing with him a wide variety of his solo efforts including a selection of 'blue' comics which are always a hit with our mature readers (perhaps a reprint of the rare 'double blue' rated Man Hole?...one can only dream...).
Above: The Imposter by Lee-Yan Marquez. Copyright Lee-Yan Marquez 2010.
Lee-Yan Marquez made a splash last year with part one of her mystery/psychological thriller series The Imposter, and issue #2 will be making it's debut at this convention.
Set in the totalitarian state of New Haven, social worker Lucy is rescued from a robbery by a mysterious stranger know only as 'K'. Their brief meeting lingers with Lucy, who has her own secrets that continue to haunt her waking world. Does she have more in common with this vigilante than she'll willing to admit, or will her attraction to 'K' lead her closer to danger instead of answers? Issue #2 ratchets up the tension as Lucy is drawn further into 'K's world. If you want to find out what happens next, as Jack Kirby would say, "don't ask, just buy it!".
Above: The Cover of Clip Show, a collection of Richard Fairgray's early uncollected cartoons. Copyright Richard Fairgray 2010.
And an Armageddon Expo would be complete without a round-up of Blastosaurus creator Richard Fairgray's latest offerings. Never one to rest on his laurels (...or sleep for that matter), Richard has a wide variety of new products on offer at this year's convention. So rather than rattle off the list, I'll turn things over to Richard to expertly showcase his wares:
Above: A page from Blastosaurus Halloween Special 2. Copyright Richard Fairgray 2010.
Blastosaurus Halloween Special 2: The four kids get trapped in an abandoned amusement park ride with an escaped monster and a child murderer with a foot fetish and only blastosaurus might save them. It's like a really fucked up Scooby Doo story...and has a board game on the back cover.
I Fight Crime: Three new books of I Fight Crime (plus the 2 that came out at the Wellington show but haven't been seen in Auckland yet). This takes us to strip #450 of the web series.
Clip Show: An anthology of my early work, some that was published in New Ground, some that has been out of print for a number of years and some stuff that has never been seen before. Every year I get a number of people asking for stuff of mine that I did years and years ago that they've seen in friends' collections or...I don't know...dumpsters or
something so I figured I might as well release what I still had access to. The whole thing is tied together by a new story that links all the separate pieces and is in fact about Terry and I and our adventures as comic writers...yeah, it's THAT self indulgent.
Yellow Girl: This is a webcomic that made it to #30 on Unfortunatecreatures.com before the site stopped existing. Now, forthe first time we have collected all 90 of the completed strips. It's about a brother and sister who fall through a mirror into a world of ravenous mutant lemmings, incest jokes and creepy troll things.
We'll also have the first season of Chewing Zombies on DVD which includes 4 bonus episodes of Stavros the Contractor and a 1 minute animated documentary about Terry and I and the creation of Blastosaurus.
We've also reprinted the final 4 issues of the NZ run of Blastosaurus because they were my favourites and haven't been available for quite awhile. We'll also have the usual duck throwing game and (the new and exciting feature) dinosaur candy!
-Richard Fairgray
There you have it. If you haven't checked out Richard's web-cartoon, Chewing Zombies, it's well worth a look! (and it's a surprising accurate primer on what to expect from a comic convention if you're a newbie...but we're preaching to the converted here, right?;)
Above: The cover of the new edition of Hicksville, by Dylan Horrocks.
And of coarse no NZ Comics booth would be complete without copies of the perennial favourite, Hicksville by Dylan Horrocks. Unfortunately Dylan won't be in attendance this year, as he'll be in Toronto for the International Festival of Authors (rubbing shoulders with indie comics royalty: Charles Burns and Seth, no less!). But to make up for this we'll be selling his exclusive mini-comic collaboration with Emily Perkins, All Hail Ellie, Destroyer of Worlds! (previously only available at the Orcon Great Blends event). This will be a rare item, and is Emily's first stab at creating comics, so seek out a copy, it's a steal at only $5!
Above: The Cover of All Hail Ellie, Destroyer of Worlds!, by Emily Perkins & Dylan Horrocks.
Above: ActionMan Adam by Marc Streeter. Copyright Mark Streeter 2010.
Marc Streeter, author of the always appealing webcomic ActionMan Adam will be appearing at the booth on Sunday, be sure to stop by to check out his artwork and related ActionMan Adam merchandise!
Above: An Anime inspired print by Jianran Pan. Copyright Jianran Pan 2010.
And to showcase a slightly different side of NZ Comics, illustrator and concept artist Jianran Pan will be selling prints of his highly polished manga/anime inspired artwork. It caught my eye earlier this year at Auckland's Doujin Overload Anime Convention, and I think you'll agree it's pretty top notch stuff.
I'll also be at the NZCC Booth on Saturday and Monday reporting on the event; so stop by and say hi, and I may even share with you some NZ Comics gossip, and hints about what's coming up in the new year (new projects and plans for a NZ Comics Convention!).
There's a massive amount of local talent at the Auckland Armageddon Expo this year, so make sure that after you've fought your way through a wall of stormtroopers and goth vampires, you take the time to come down to Booth #86 in Pavilion #1 for some of the best NZ Comics on offer this year! For more information visit the official Armageddon Expo website HERE.
-AK!
Road to Armageddon Auckland 2010: Comics Guests
Above: 'Deadpool', from the current series written by Daniel Way. Copyright Marvel Comics 2010. Having recently reviewed Armageddon Wellington, it's time once again to look towards October, as the comics guest list for Armageddon Expo Auckland 2010 - October 23-25th at the ASB Showgrounds, has been announced!
Above: 'Transmetropolitan' as illustrated by Darick Robertson. Copyright DC Comics 2010.
First up, making a return appearance at Armageddon is artist Darick Robertson. Robertson is probably best known as the co-creator of 'Transmetropolitan' with Warren Ellis, and the controversial superhero satire series 'The Boys' with Garth Ennis. A self-taught artist, Robertson got his start in comics by creating his own series 'Space Beaver', which he wrote and illustrated before graduating to mainstream comics, working on titles like 'Justice League International' and 'The New Warriors'. Since then he's spent the past twenty years working on a variety of high profile comics projects including: 'Punisher: Born' and 'Fury' with Garth Ennis and 'Wolverine' with Greg Rucka. He recently wrote and illustrated a 'Conan' one-shot for Dark Horse Comics, 'Conan: The Weight of the Crown'. You can visit his official website HERE.
On his last visit to New Zealand, Robertson was so impressed with local creator Richard Fairgray's DIY attitude to creating comics that he offered to be involved in the forthcoming American Original reprint of Fairgray's comics series 'Blastosaurus'. Look for an announcement related to this series closer to the event...
Above: A cover from the comics series 'Wolverine: Origins', written by Daniel Way. Copyright Marvel Comics 2010.
Writer Daniel Way got his start in comics publishing the series 'Violent Lifestyle' with the aid of a Xeric Foundation Grant in 2000. His work on that series got him noticed by Marvel editor Axel Alonso, who hired him to script a 'Deathlok' MAX mini-series which never saw print and 'Gun Theory' from the revived (and quickly killed) Epic imprint, which was cancelled after two issues. After a rocky start, Way continued to write for Marvel Comics producing solid runs and fill-in assignments on such comics as 'Spider-man:Tangled Web', 'Ghost Rider', 'Venom', 'The Incredible Hulk', 'Bullseye: Greatest Hits' and 'Wolverine'.
His perseverance paid off in 2006 when he was tapped to launch a new Wolverine title, 'Wolverine: Origins', with artist Steve Dillon. An instant hit, 'Wolverine:Origins' explored previously unrevealed memories of Wolverine's past as he sets off on a mission of revenge in the present. As the series progressed, Way introduced the new character 'Daken', Wolverine's son, who proved popular enough to gain his own series, 'Dark Wolverine'. Way also struck gold with a new take on Marvel's mutant mercenary Deadpool. Making a guest appearance in 'Wolverine: Origins', Way's twisted portrayal of Deadpool led to a new ongoing series with artist Paco Medina, catapulting the schizophrenic assassin to A-list status. Way is currently wrapping up his five year story-line on 'Wolverine: Origins', and you can expect Marvel has big plans for him in the near future.
Above: 'Buffy: The Vampire Slayer' by artist Georges Jeanty. Copyright Dark Horse Comics 2010.
Georges Jeanty began his comics career drawing books at Caliber Comics and London Night Studios. Later he landed work at DC Comics, drawing such titles as 'Green Lantern' and 'Superboy', before moving over to Marvel to work on 'Bishop: The Last X-man' and 'Deadpool'. He also collaborated with screenwriter John Ridley ('Three Kings') on the Wildstorm series 'The American Dream' in 2006.
Recently he was hand-picked by 'Buffy' creator Joss Whedon to be the regular artist of the 'Buffy: The Vampire Slayer' Season 8 comic series published by Dark Horse Comics. The comics series picks up where the TV show left off, and continues to be highly successful, often taking the top spot as the #1 independent comic published in the US.
Above: 'The Secret Six' as drawn by Nicola Scott. Copyright DC Comics 2010.
No stranger to Armageddon audiences, artist Nicola Scott will make a reappearance at this year's Auckland show. Based in Australia, Scott is best know for her collaborations with writer Gail Simone on 'Birds of Prey' and 'The Secret Six' for DC Comics. She recently collaborated with writer Greg Rucka on 'Blackest Night: Wonder Woman' and continues to draw 'The Secret Six' monthly.
Above: The cast of the web-comic 'Least I Could Do' by Lar DeSouza. Copyright Blind Ferret Entertainment 2010. Branching out into webcomic guests this year, Armageddon see the arrival of Ryan Sohmer & Lar DeSouza, creators of the web-comics, 'Least I Could Do' and 'Looking For Group'. They were the recipients of the Shuster Award for 'Best Webcomics Creator/Creative Team' in 2008 and continue to crank out webcomics at a steady pace. 'Least I Could Do' is updated seven days a week and 'Looking For Group' is updated Mondays and Thursdays.
For further updates on Armageddon comics guests and other plans for the Auckland Expo keep an eye on the official site HERE. I'll also be announcing updates on local comics creators attending the event, so stay tuned for those announcements in the months ahead!
-AK!
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