I honestly don’t know where to begin, as I am that excited about this show. Make no mistake, like many boys who grew up in the early 60’s, my days and nights were filled with tales of adventure that lived between the pages of the comic books I read. They were our collective escape from the reality of homework, chores and church.
Superman, Green Lantern, Aquaman, Wonder Woman, Captain America, the Flash…
They were everything I was not. Not only did I get lost in those panels, I became a better reader, artist and writer as a result of what my father used to call, “my wasted hours that I would never get back.”
Comic Conventions have now achieved cult status. The biggest of these is the original Comicon, held every year in San Diego, where TV and movie studios trot out the latest celluloid creation born in comics. Witness Marvel’s Avenger’s, Iron Man and Spider Man franchises. From the humble beginnings of small, cramped studios in Manhattan a multi-billion dollar industry was born. And we get to experience all the magic and mayhem this month at our New Jersey version of Comicon. What is so special about this weekend event is the presence of the artists who write and draw these superheroes. Here’s a quick rundown of personal appearances:
Steve Rude – Captain America, Fantastic Four, Superman
Herb Trimple – Hulk, Co-creator of Wolverine
Bob Camp – Co creator of Ren & Stimpy
Simon Bisley – Judge Dredd, Batman, Heavy Metal Magazine
Larry Hama – Original writer of GI Joe
Neil Adams – Legendary writer of Green Arrow, Green Lantern, X-Men
For many guests, the panels are the place to be. It is a chance to hear from these amazing artists and ask questions about their favorite heroes and villans. The schedule will feature topics that range from the great artists of the Renaissance to television animation to the album art of John Van Hamersveld, the man responsible for The Beatles “Magical Mystery Tour” and The Rolling Stones “Exile on Main Street.”
Here are a few choice sessions:
Marvel in the 80’s – Ann Nocenti, Jim Salicrup, Bob Wiacek, and Peter Sanderson take us back to the days of blowing up the Baxter Building, big hair, Epic Stars, Secret Wars, Long Shot, and the Perelman aquisition.
Arlen Schumer’s Art and Comic Book Art – Just as art historians look back 500 years ago on the great Renaissance masters of the human figure like Michelangelo and Raphael, so too will art historians 500 years from now look back on the great masters of the human figure of our time, our great comic book artists like Jack Kirby, Neal Adams, Joe Kubert, Carmine Infantino, Gil Kane—to name a few. Yet in fine art circles, it is still considered “blasphemous” to compare/contrast the two sets of artists. Join comic book historian Arlen Schumer he does just that, with his provocative, perceptive presentation, comparing and contrasting the great artists and great artworks from the worlds of fine art and comic books, curating a fascinating journey through art…and comic book art!
As for the audience and participants… Get out that glue gun, spandex and cardboard! Prizes will be awarded by their highly esteemed and expert cosplay judges for the best costumes in categories for both adults and children. People go nuts with their creativity. It is a sight to behold.
Speaking of children, “Kids Love Comics” will feature special presentations for young adults encompassing forums such as, Light Saber Training with Jedi Master Jongal,
Alien Art, Sci-Tech Heroes, Superhero University and puppets.
So, Go, eNJoy, wear tights, and have a super time!
April 11 & 12
Meadowlands Exhibition Center
www.eastcoastcomicon.com
