The Comics Festival
Saturday, November 7, 2009 — FREE, 11:00 am-4:00 pm
Clark County Library | 1401 E Flamingo
Presenting some of the top names in today’s comics — with speakers, panel discussions, industry vendors, films, book signings, exhibitors and other special events.
Panel Discussions
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Large Conference Room
The Goshdarn Batman Panel — Mark Evanier moderates as Matt Wagner, Steve Englehart, and Michael Uslan discuss the evolution of Batman over the decades — their insights into this unique character, their approaches to him, and the good and bad of what it means to work on such an iconic figure.
Jewel Box Theater
Last Indy Standing — Laurenn McCubbin moderates (and gets in a few good shots of her own) as publishers Chris Staros, Gary Groth and Dan Vado duke it out. Points of contention: I love those creator’s rights more than you; distributors, shoot on sight or burn at the stake?; and my scratchy zombies can whup your pseudo-manga emo goth boys.
12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Large Conference Room
We Know Where the Bodies are Buried — John L. Smith may know where the bodies are buried in Vegas, but writer/historian Mark Evanier, writer/artist Steve Englehart, artist Deryl Skelton and writer/producer Michael Uslan know the stories behind the stories at all the major publishers. Join them as they share tales of famous creators, infamous characters, and even the occasional hush-hush, strictly on the QT cover up.
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Large Conference Room
Spotlight on Matt Wagner — From Green Arrow to Grendel, from Mage to Madame Xanadu, from Batman to Sandman Mystery Theatre, as a creator, Matt Wagner’s a chameleon. He writes across a dizzying array of genres. Cover gigs have not caused him to put down the pencil. He does both creator-owned and work-for-hire projects. Just when you think you know him: you don’t. Join us for a Q&A with a living legend whose distinctive stories and art have left an indelible mark on comics.
Jewel Box Theater
Hail to the King! — In this tell-all panel, his former squire (and noted comics historian) Mark Evanier shares his unique insights about industry titan, Jack “King” Kirby. Not only did Jack Kirby create some of comics’ most iconic characters and teams, his artistic innovations, including “Kirby dots,” still shape the way we tell stories today.
3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Large Conference Room
The Drunk Panel — Inspired by underground comix such as Zap, Real Pulp, “Tijuana Bibles”, and Raw, Drunk takes the torch and continues the craft of comic storytelling initiated by these forebears. You don’t have to be 21 to attend as writers and artists Kim Deitch, Noelle Garcia, Jarret Keene, Sean Russell, and Michael Ogilvie tell bizarre, funny, violent, loving, and sincere tales about the quintessential human achievement of being drunk — with additional insights about the process of producing, publishing, and promoting a non-mainstream work of art.
Jewel Box Theater
Comics, and Books, and Movies, Oh My! — Just what does it take to turn a book into a comic, or a comic into a movie? Join Michael Uslan, Cecil Castellucci, Steve Englehart, and Chris Staros for an animated (or written, or drawn) conversation about the challenges and opportunities of working across different media.
Film Screenings
11 a.m.
Main Theater
THE LEGENDS BEHIND THE COMIC BOOKS (2008, 56 min, NR)
This documentary film captures the living artists and writers from The Golden Age of Comic Books (1938–1951) and The Silver Age of Comic Books (1956–1973). Insightful comments are provided by the creative geniuses who were there at the beginning, including Stan Lee (Spider-Man, The Hulk, The X-Men, The Fantastic Four), Joe Simon (Captain America, Sandman), Joe Kubert (Sgt. Rock, Tarzan), and many more. These men — and one woman, Ramona Fradon — and their creations inspired our servicemen and patriotic kids at home during the dark days of World War II. In the 1950s, the comic book villains took on the form of the Red Barbarians of Asia to face the All-American caped crusaders and, in the 1960s, these artists and writers continued to make comic books relevant to the times. Even today, as they continue to mirror historical and social trends, comic books present us with hope for the future — a future of truth, justice and the American way.
12 p.m.
Main Theater
THOR AT THE BUS STOP (2009, 99 min, NR)
Thor at the Bus Stop is a comedy about the mythical Thor, the Norse God of Lightning, making his final journey through a suburban neighborhood on the day he is going to die fighting to save the world. Thor starts a chain reaction of interweaving story-lines packed with zany characters and themes about goodness and the power of cool. After the screening, attend a Q&A panel with directors Jerry and Mike Thompson and producers David Schmoeller and May May Luong.
12:15 p.m.
Jewel Box Theater
Selections from Adventures in Voice Acting: The Bang Zoom! Guide to Voice Acting (2008; rated NR; 108 min)
If you’ve considered what it would be like to have a career in voice acting, or want to know what it takes to break in, then you need to watch Adventures in Voice Acting. It includes all the essentials you will need to get started. Nearly 100 voice actors, casting directors and producers were interviewed for this project. Watch and listen as they share with you their personal pitfalls and triumphs.
2 p.m.
Main Theater
X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE (2009, 107 min, PG-13)
Hugh Jackman reprises the role that made him a superstar — as the fierce fighting machine who possesses amazing healing powers, retractable claws and a primal fury. Leading up to the events of X-Men, X-Men Origins: Wolverine tells the story of Wolverine’s epically violent and romantic past, his complex relationship with Victor Creed, and the ominous Weapon X program. Along the way, Wolverine encounters many mutants, both familiar and new, including surprise appearances by several legends of the X-Men universe whose appearances in the film series have long been anticipated.
Signing Sessions
| 12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Matt Wagner |
| 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Steve Englehart |
| 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Deryl Skelton |
| 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Cecil Castellucci & Kim Deitch |
| 3:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. | Mark Evanier |
Portfolio Reviews
Review will be limited to 10 minutes max per person.
No more than 6–8 pieces, please. Please review guidelines.
| 11:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. | Deryl Skelton |
| 12:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. | Laurenn McCubbin |
| 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Deryl Skelton |
Businesses and Community Organizations Participating
A Collector’s Menagerie
Located off Lake Mead Boulevard and Tenaya, A Collector’s Menagerie specializes in new and vintage sci-fi collectables. They also carry items relating to Star Trek, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Futurama, and Marvel & DC superheroes as well as comic books, action figures, t-shirts and trading cards.
Alternate Reality Comics
Started in 1995 when Ralph Mathieu bought Dungeon Comics (established in 1987), Alternate Reality Comics carries all things comics with a heavy emphasis on alternative, underground and indie titles. In addition to off-beat publications, they carry a comprehensive selection of new titles and back issues (including superheroes), Japanese manga, graphics novels, collectables, and free red vines. Close to UNLV and easy to get to from the Las Vegas Strip; Alternate Reality Comics is open seven days a week.
The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF)
The Comic Book Legal Defense Funds is a non-profit organization created in 1986 to protect the First Amendment rights of comics’ creators, publishers, and retailers. Throughout its existence, the CBLDF has carried out its mission to protect free speech in comics through the generous support of fans and professionals alike. At conventions, through benefit books and other fundraisers, the comics community has rallied behind the First Amendment. No media has a more enthusiastic base of support than comics, and the CBLDF is proud to play a part in protecting this vital American art form. Become a member and keep comics safe for tomorrow.
Comic Oasis
Conveniently located on the corner of Rainbow and Cheyenne, Comic Oasis features all things comic-related. They carry a huge array of new comics and back issues, toys, Japanese manga, games, and clothing, all in an open and comfortable store. Open 7 days a week, Comic Oasis hosts weekly tournaments and special events.
Every Picture Tells a Story
Every Picture Tells a Story is a gallery dedicated to the art of illustration and children’s literature, a place where the original works from books are recognized as fine art and where one can appreciate a finished book as a work of art itself. They create special events, book signings and exhibitions celebrating artists, their art and the art of the book. Their new division, Marvel Art Works, features original and limited edition fine art prints from the fabled Marvel Comics archives — featuring Spider-man, Iron Man, Captain America, X-Man, and the art of Jack Kirby, Alex Ross, Jim Lee, Adam Hughes and many others. Visit their website at marvelartworks.com or www.everypicture.com.
Fantagraphics
Fantagraphics Books is a publisher of alternative comics, underground comics, magazines, and graphic novels currently based in Seattle, Washington. Founded in 1976 by Gary Groth and Kim Thompson, their roster includes such artists as R. Crumb, Peter Bagge, Gilbert and Jaime Hernandez, Dan Clowes, Joe Sacco, Chris Ware, Jessica Abel and others.
MaximuM Comics
MaximuM Comics, located on Fort Apache between Tropicana and Hacienda, is the home of MaximuM value. They carry a large selection of new comics, graphic novels, toys, posters, statues, Japanese manga, back issues and a beefed-up clearance section with dollar deals. MaximuM Comics has a knowledgeable and friendly staff which is always available to help in any way possible with your comic book needs.
Pop! Goes the Icon
Pop! Goes the Icon (PGTI) is a boutique print and online publishing house, specializing in sequential art — both in traditional comic book form and as online webcomics — as well as prose books, posters, and prints. PGTI started in 2007 as a comic book/pop culture blog featuring news, commentary and personal stories from Las Vegas writer and musician Pj Perez. It has since become a hub for new comic book, non-fiction and art projects for independent and upcoming creators.
Slave Labor Graphics (SLG) Publishing
Founded by Dan Vado in 1986, Slave Labor Graphics Publishing has remained true to its roots as a publisher of great diversity for over twenty-three years. The first publisher of such notable comic book artists as Evan Dorkin, Andi Watson and Jhonen Vasquez, SLG has been known to be on the forefront of discovering and fostering new talent in the comics industry. It is often the “first choice” of new artists looking to break into the industry and because of this, SLG books offer readers the opportunity to not only read entertaining stories told with excellent artwork but to encounter new voices and talents.
Top Shelf Productions
Started in 1997 by Chris Staros and Brett Warnock, Top Shelf Productions is a comic book and graphic novel publishing house best known for its ability to discover and showcase the vanguard of the alternative comics’ scene. Their authors include Alan Moore, Craig Thompson, Andy Runton, Nate Powell, James Kochalka and Eddie Campbell.
Wishing Well Comics
Wishing Well Comics, formerly Dreamwell Comics, is located at 5706 W. Charleston Boulevard — one block East of Jones behind the 7-Eleven. They have a carry back issues, toys, and posters; plus a wide variety of comic book supplies, including drawer boxes. Additionally, they offer a free subscription service with 15% off new comics.
