Ron Marz
Ron Marz has been writing comics for two decades, starting his career with a lengthy run on Silver Surfer for Marvel. Since then, he has worked for virtually every major publisher and compiled a long list of credits, including stints on Green Lantern for DC (where he created Kyle Rayner), Star Wars for Dark Horse, Witchblade for Top Cow, and as a staff writer for CrossGen Comics. He recently signed an exclusive contract with Image-based Top Cow, where he continues to write Witchblade, as well as launching the monthly Magdalena title and the Angelus and Velocity mini-series. This summer, Marz will debut Artifacts, Top Cow’s most ambitious publishing event ever.

His creator-owned series including Dragon Prince at Top Cow; Samurai: Heaven and Earth, and Pantheon City, at Dark Horse; and the upcoming vampire tale Shinku.

Check out his website here.

Bob Greenberger
Bob Greenberger (for those of you unfamiliar with him after all these years) began his professional career at Starlog Press where he created Comics Scene, then joined DC Comics as assistant editor, working on the seminal before switching to the administrative side of the company, rising to the role of Manager-Editorial Operations.

In 2000, Bob left DC for a job as Producer at Gist Communications and then returned to comics in 2001, as Marvel Comics’ Director-Publishing Operations. In 2002, he went back to DC Comics as a Senior Editor in its collected editions department. Bob joined Weekly World News as Managing Editor until its print demise in 2007. Since then he has been a fulltime freelance writer and editor.

As a freelancer, Bob has written numerous Star Trek novels and short fiction in addition to short works of science fiction and fantasy. His works includes the Scribe Award-winning novelization of Hellboy II: The Golden Army. 2010 releases include Wonder Woman. Amazon Hero. Icon., Captain Midnight Chronicles (May), Green Hornet Chronicles (June), and The Essential Superman Encyclopedia (August). His comic book work includes the new edition of DC Comics’ Who’s Who debuting in July and a Star Trek Captain’s Log: Garrett one-shot from IDW at year’s end.

He serves his home in Fairfield as a representative to the Greater Bridgeport Regional Planning Agency. Bob makes his home with his wife Deb and their dogs Dixie and Ginger.

For more information, see his website, www.bobgreenberger.com.

Cesar Feliciano
Cesar has worked for One Shot Press, Dark Moon Productions, Steve Woron's The Illustration Studio, Masterpiece Comics, Bluewater Productions as both a penciler and inker. His works include the Horror Anthology "Captain's Jolting Tales”, The Innovators, The Thespian, Prophecy, The Survivors, Full Moon Craze, Female Forces: Justice Sonia Sotomayor coming in April 2010, and background inks on Suicide Squad.

Cesar's current project is "Ripperman" for Arcana Comics.

Cesar has been featured on Fox Affiliates "Stan Simpson Show", Telemundo's International broadcast and The Hartford Courant.

Matthew Dow Smith
Matthew Dow Smith is a writer and comic book artist, best known for his work on the SUPERNATURAL: ORIGINS comic book (based on the CW television show), two short stories with Mike Mignola for HELLBOY, and as the artist of the "Fugitive" story arc in IDW'S DOCTOR WHO comic book. He has also written and drawn stories for several different incarnations of the award-winning NEGATIVE BURN anthology. He is currently working on his first novel, as well as a number of comic book projects.

Eric Battle
In Eric Battle's career as an illustrator, he has covered the span of editorial, fashion, children's books, and advertising. As a comic book artist, he's drawn for some of the top companies in the industry: Marvel, DC Comics, Top Cow, Drak Horse, and Harris Publishing.

Eric has also worked with best selling Science Fiction authors, George R. R. Martin and Daniel Abraham on Wildcards - The Hard Call, and with best selling novelist, I. A. Banks, on her Vampire Huntress Legends novel series.

For Marvel, Eric most recently illustrated the mini-series Timestorm 2009-2099. He also produced the key artwork in SomosArtes's Marvelous Color exhibit (NY).

Looking towards the future, Eric is moving to broaden his scope even further in upcoming projects and gallery exhibits. Eric is unable to attend ComiCONN this year, but he is working along with artists Jack Purcell and Thomas Chu to create the exclusive variant cover for Magdalena #1 which will be available at the show.

Tom Chu
Tom Chu, a comic book colorist that has over ten years of experience working with the two major companies in the business. While at Marvel Comics, he worked on series such as Deadpool, Avengers Forever, Iceman, and Weapon X, and at DC Comics, he was on the major weekly comic event Countdown to Final Crisis. He recently worked on Brave and the Bold and Red Circle: The Shield written by J. Michael Straczynski, and is currently working on X-Men Noir with Dennis Calero and Spider-Man Classic reprints with a modern color style. You can see more of his work at colordojo.deviantart.com

Jerry Ordway
Jerry Ordway is a veteran of the comics industry, having worked for a host of companies like Charlton, DC Comics, Image, and more; with writing, penciling and/or inking titles that include All-Star Squadron, Infinity Inc, Crisis on Infinite Earths, Adventures of Superman, The Power of Shazam, Tom Strong, Justice Society of America, and Red Menace.  While writing for the Superman family of titles, Jerry helped devise the epic "Death of Superman" storyline in 1992.

A transplant from Wisconsin, Jerry has lived in Connecticut since the 1980's. 

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Shawnti Therrien
Shawnti Therrien is the creator of “Am I Immortal”, “Meth” (with Atlas Unleashed), the creative director for the CAG manga anthology “With Honor”, and many other dark tales.   She lovingly crafts each tale herself: weaving written word, creating the art, the layouts, and even lettering. Shawnti wears many hats: creative director, editor, letter, artist and writer. Whenever the opportunity has arisen, she has mentored fellow artists and worked with other creators expanding her repertoire.  

Shawnti’s interests are not limited simply to comics, but extend throughout all forms of artistic expression.  In her rural Connecticut home she works with her husband to create music and independent film. She also works with a local sculptor to make her 2d artistic creations come to life.  Her attention to detail is fueled by her drive to touch her audience on a very base level, as she puts soul into each of her pieces.   She likes to work with any media she can get her hands on, but almost always chooses illustrated prose and comics as the ultimate way to capture her intent.

Visit www.immortalgothicangel.com to see more of her work and embrace your darker side.

Jim Main
Jim Main has been providing the world at large his brand of fanzines/small press publications, since the early 1970's. His most recent titles COMIC FAN!, SATYR, CHASE!, 'ZINE OF BRONZE, STRANGE SPACE STORIES, and others, will be available at the show.  Also, check out his dealer table for resin model kits, original art, and monster magazines.  Check out his website.

Michael Field
Michael started out shooting no-budget skit shows on a VHS-C camera.  Attended New York Film Academy in the summer of 1998, where he also produced his first short film, The Day the Mimes Pushed Back, which premiered on IFILM.com to good reviews.  

In the fall of 1999, Michael co-founded Up on the Roof productions and moved into the digital age with his first DV short, The Hero. The story of an ordinary man who finds himself saving a damsel in distress placed in the top ten of the TriggerStreet.com Season 2 Online Festival and won “Best in Category” at the 2003 Dragon*con Short Film Festival.  

He produced his first feature in the summer of 2003 with Save the Forest, an indie comedy about hapless movie theater employees who try to save their endangered cinema from destruction. The movie found a home with the Newmark/Echelon Entertainment Company and is available for sale on several websites and for rent on Netflix.   

Keeping those writing and directing muscles flexed, Michael produced One Up in 2005, a short film which currently enjoys outstanding reviews on Triggerstreet.com. The DV short was also an official selection at the 2005 Coney Island Film Festival, 2005 Long Island International Film Expo, 2007 FYLMZ Festival (Nashville), 2007 Staten Island Film Festival and Wildsound Feedback Festival (Toronto).  

He has since followed that up with the 2007 short Running in Place and several campaign ads for the Kinko for President on-line campaign. He has also optioned a children's adventure script, Max Flemming Saves the Day, which was recently named to the Kids First! Film Festival.

Check out Mr. Field's blog here: www.mdfield.blogspot.com

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Frank McLaughlin
Frank McLaughlin is a 45 year veteran of the comics industry, having drawn such world renowned icons such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Arrow, JLA, Captain America, The Avengers, The Defenders, Iron Fist, Silver Surfer, Dracula, Judomaster, Fatale and White Viper among many others.  

During this time, Mr. McLaughlin has worked with virtually every major comic publisher. In addition to his comic book accomplishments, he has contributed to many newspaper strips including Gil Thorp, the Heart of Juliet Jones [with the late Stan Drake] Stan Smith's Tennis Tips and Nancy.  

As a professor of art, Mr. McLaughlin teaches visual storytelling and cartooning at Paier College of Art in Hamden Connecticut. His work on Wonder Woman, White Viper and Fatale has earned him the reputation as one of America's leading illustrators of the female form, prompting the publishing of his book; "How to Draw Those Bodacious Bad Babes of Comics". Corporate clients include Disney, General Electric, McDonalds, IBM, Sikorsky Aircraft, Norden and others.

Erin Holroyd
Erin Holroyd is the writer of ComicMix original series White Viper, freelance columnist for The Fairfield County Weekly and finalist at the Mirimax Film Festival for Best Screenplay for Running Back.  Erin is currently working on book two of White Viper and her second screenplay The Fourteen. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, Jeff and daughter Kate.

Jack Purcell
Jack Purcell graduated with a bachelors degree in Illustration from Massachusetts College of Art in 1996.  He began his work both penciling and inking in various independent jobs with a variety of companies, in addition to freelance illustration for companies like Best Buy, New Jersey Fireworks and Digi magazine.  Jack has taught workshops in comic book creation for the last 16 years in schools, libraries and museums and feels very old when he says that out loud.  He eventually focused on inking and has worked on various independent titles, Heavy Metal magazine, and a variety of titles for Marvel Comics and DC Comics.  Titles include Gotham Underground, JSA Classified, Green Arrow, Detective Comics, Amazing Fantasy, Countdown, Batgirl, Blue Beetle, Arkham Reborn, Guardians of the Galaxy, JSA Kingdom Come Special, World's Finest, and others.  

Mr. Purcell will be available for commissions and selling original art at ComiCONN.

Check out Mr. Purcell’s blog here: http://jackpurcell38.blogspot.com/

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Tyler James 
Tyler James is a comics creator residing in Newburyport, Massachusetts.  Tyler is the writer/artist of Over, a romantic comedy online graphic novel, and the writer of Tears of the Dragon, an epic fantasy webcomic.  His work has been published by Zuda Comics, DC's online imprint, and includes Interrogation Control Element, a political action thriller, and Super Seed, the story of the world’s first super powered fertility clinic.  Tyler writes the Creating Comics! The Art + Craft Column at Comic Related, and teaches comics classes locally to children and adults.  All his projects and more can be found at his website: tylerjamescomics.com.

As a special treat for attendees of ComiCONN, Tyler will be doing a limited number of absolutely free sketch cards for attendees who request them before the show. Click here to get a free sketch at the show.

Lisa Cavalear
Lisa Cavalear has always held an interest in the visual arts and writing, earning her B.A. in Art History and later her Masters of Library Science and Information Technology. Despite work and school, she developed an unshakable addiction to knitting which resulted in a lot of yarn that kept piling up in her home. That yarn gave birth to a small cast of dolls which later became the basis of her photographic webcomic, Project Poppet, which launched in October 2009. Project Poppet follows the mischief of a group of handmade poppet dolls in the one bedroom apartment of their creator and is updated weekly.

Kevin Liell
Kevin Liell is an illustrator and co-collaborator with Anthony Forrest in creating the Star Wars comic story titled Star Wars Fixer: From the Shadow of Twin Suns. A professional artist, he has created artwork for several publications, including Topps Cards' Star Wars series. He recently exhibited artwork at the “Art Strikes Back” exhibit, a Star Wars art show that started in Boston, MA. and will be touring the country later next year.

Scott Barnett
Scott is a professional graphic artist, whose comic book work consists of painted covers, pin-ups and trading cards for companies such as Image, Topps, Wildstorm, Malibu (Marvel), Chaos!, Crusade, London Night and Avatar. Recently, he’s gotten into the sketch card industry, having done work for Topps (Major League Baseball Series 1, Terminator: Salvation), Rittenhouse (X-men Archives, Spider-man Archives) and 5finity Productions (Archie Comics, The Greatest American Hero), as well as private commissions for collectors.

Mr. Barnett will have original sketch cards for sale at his table and will be doing sketch's.

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The Rebel Legion
The Rebel Legion is a premier Lucasfilm costuming group for Star Wars, and aptly named for our New England rainy weather, Kamino Base is one of the newest additions to the Rebel Legion family and is actively seeking recruits who'd like to join their fight against the Empire here in Connecticut and in neighboring Rhode Island. We're the good guys! Stop by their table for a look at what it takes to be a Jedi, senator, pilot, or even a Wookiee from a Galaxy Far Far Away.

Ken Wong
Ken Wong is a comics creator (writer/artist) known primarily for his unusual "origami comics," minicomics presented in folded forms rather than as traditional books or magazines. Ken is also a contributing writer to SECRET IDENTITIES, the Asian American Superhero Anthology" (2009, The New Press). More information about Ken, SECRET IDENTITIES, his origami comics (including PANDORA'S BOX, SCHRODINGER'S CAT, and the forthcoming HEX FLEXAGON), and other projects can be found on his website (www.k-wong.com).

Jamal Igle
Starting at the tender age of 17, Jamal Yaseem Igle has worked his way up the ranks turning a six-month internship at DC.Comics into a successful 16-year penciling career. Over the years Jamal has been editor, art director and animation storyboard artist.

Jamal’s detailed pencils have graced books as varied as The Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglas, the all ages action miniseries “Race Against Time” as well as mainstream hits such as G.I.Joe, Green Lantern, Jamal has served as the series artist for Firestorm the Nuclear Man, Nightwing, Tangent: Superman’s Reign for DC Comics, Noble Causes for Image Comics and a four issue run on New Warriors for Marvel.

Jamal co-created the comic book series ” VENTURE” with Dynamo 5 creator/writer Jay Faerber. He’s done just about everything from acting on the small screen to voiceovers for commercials, packaging books for Juggernaut Press, storyboards artist on Rougnecks: Starship Trooper Chronicles and Max Steel:MX1 for Sony Animation.

Jamal is an active volunteer with the Museum of Comic and Cartoon art, as well as a guest lecturer on the subject of comics and animation. In addition Jamal is also a former instructor at the Art Students League of New York. Currently Jamal is the penciller of Supergirl as well as an exclusive artist for DC comics.

Jamal is married to his brilliant and much smarter wife Karine, and father to way too smart for her own good daughter, Catherine.

Mr. Igle will be signing at his table and doing sketches.

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Anthony Paolucci
Local children's author Anthony Paolucci has written and self-published four books, with two more currently in production. He has worked with artists Mohamed Qovaizi, Albert Lopez, and Kim Hargraves to produce entertaining stories for kids of various ages. Titles include: Beautiful Black, Follow Me Home Moon, Jack of the Crawlies, and Sir Foolhardy & the Misfits of Mushwood Forest, all of which will be on hand for sale and for the writer to sign. Artist Albert Lopez will also be on hand to sign his work.

The four available titles can be previewed at: http://stores.lulu.com/anthonypaolucci

* The two books in production will be available in time for the convention. Their titles are: A Box in the Woods, and Clara & the Lands of the South.

This signing is a ComiCONN exclusive. ComiCONN highly recommends these fine books for young readers.

High Adventure
Todd Howard (Spaghetti Cake, Last Fair Deal) and Glen Nelson (Spaghetti Cake, Flipper Dave) are the acoustic prog pop duo High Adventure. They have been friends since childhood, and have been playing original music since 1984, the summer that "Temple Of Doom" hit theaters. Inspired by all things Indy and Star Wars (with a healthy dose of Rush and The Beatles mixed in) their unique brand of 'adventure rock' has been featured on the Indy-Cast and the Force-Cast, and can be found online at www.highadventuremusic.com. You can also download their new podcast series "High Adventure Radio", a lively discussion of their varied passions and interests. Todd and Glen will be performing a special set exclusively for ComiCONN that fanboys and fangirls everywhere will be sure to love. Make plans to stop by and say hello to these two genuine fans and friends.

Dick Giordano - In Memory
When one mentions the legends that have shaped the history of the comics industry, rest assured that high on that list will be the name of Dick Giordano.

Giordano has been active in the comics field since 1951 and credits his major artistic influences as Stan Drake, Alex Raymond and Hal Foster.

As a freelance artist, Dick began his career at the Jerry Iger Studio working on Shenna for Fiction House.

In the years that followed, Giordano worked his pencil and ink magic for a variety of publishers including Charlton Comics, DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Dell, American Comics, Valiant, Treasure Chest and Junior Life.

In addition to his considerable freelance contributions, Giordano has acted as Editor-In-Chief for Charlton Comics, during which he oversaw the creation of their most memorable characters including such classics as The Blue Beetle and Captain Atom. As Executive Editorial Director of DC Comics, Dick was the guiding force behind such award-winning series as Alan Moore’s WATCHMEN, Frank Miller’s DARK KNIGHT RETURNS and many, many more revolutionary concepts.

His creative vision at DC Comics resulted in raising the bar for creativity throughout the entire comics industry.

Dick Giordano has also been responsible for launching two successful ad-art companies, namely the legendary Continuity Associates (with partner Neal Adams) and Dik-Art, Inc., of which he continues to manage to this day.

With his fellow Floridian and former pupil, Bob Layton, Dick has lent his considerable pencilling skills to several co-authored projects such as BATMAN: DARK KNIGHT of the ROUND TABLE, BATMAN: HOLLYWOOD KNIGHT, and the six-issue miniseries THE L.A.W. for DC Comics which reunited Dick with his Charlton characters.

In recent years, Dick Giordano, along with creative partners Bob Layton and David Michelinie, formed FUTURE ENTERTAINMENT, a multi-media company.

Most recently, Dick completed the art for a graphic adaptation of the classic, Moby Dick as well as his literary contributions to a biography of his fascinating career as told by author Michael Eury. This entertaining look at this legend, who has shaped the history of the comics industry, is currently available from The Two Morrows publishing company.

Check out his work here.

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Bob Layton
Bob Layton has, for all intents and purposes, done it all in the comics industry. From CPL, to Charlton, to Marvel, to DC, to Valiant, to Future Comics, movies like Iron Man, cartoons, and more. Comic fans know him best as “Mr. Iron Man”. His legendary run on that book with writer David Michelinie re-imagined Marvel's shell head, ultimately transforming it from a low-end book into one of Marvel's all-time best sellers. When they took over the series in 1979, the book was near cancellation numbers, under 90 thousand copies. By the time Michelinie and Layton left their first run on Iron Man, the title was selling at half-a-million units per month. Their storyline "Demon in a Bottle" is now considered a milestone in comics history and was recently voted as 'one of the top 20 comic stories of all time' by the industry's own.

Mr. Layton will be doing an exclusive art print for ComiCONN even though he is not attending. These limited edition prints will be signed and made available at our admission table area as part of our "Platinum" admission.

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Dana Powers and R2-D2
Dana Powers is a member of the International R2-D2 Builders Club since 2007. He spent 6 months researching how to build an Astromech Droid online and 8 months getting parts (made all over the world), to build his 1st Astromech Droid (R2-D2).

R2 is composed mostly of steel & aluminum and is remote controlled which allows Dana to drive him around, spin his dome, trigger lights, sounds & music.

Dana attends conventions, parades, trade shows, charity events, hospitals and has even done events with LucasFilms Ltd. His son Jedi Jesse joins in on the adventures, like a true Star Wars fan.

Dana is planning on building another R2-D2 in the near future with all the gadgets, including gripper & cpu arms, fire extinguisher, periscope, lifeform scanner and much more.

501st Conn Squad of Connecticut
Conn Squad invades ComiCONN! Come have some fun and bring the kids for some great photo opportunities with Connecticut's definitive costuming organization that has been serving the Emperor proud since 2005. If you only knew the power of the Dark Side!

Thanks to the 501st, proceeds from ComiCONN will be donated to The Tommy Fund for Childhood Cancer.

Adam Wallenta
Come meet the artist/writer of American Mule Entertainments Public Enemy comic series. The first trade paperback volume of PUBLIC ENEMY, collecting issues 0-5, by Chuck D and Adam Wallenta is available now. Adam also illustrated and designed the artwork for producer/recording artist, J.J. Brown's solo album: CONNECT THE DOTS. Check out his website for more information!

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Mike DeCarlo
Mike DeCarlo's career began in the late 1970's as a sports cartoonist at a local paper, he soon moved on to the comic book world, first with DC Comics and then Marvel on such titles as Batman and Thor. In the '90's Mike gravitated to animation art with Warner, The Simpsons & The Cartoon Network. When working for DC Comics, Mike worked on "A Death in the Family" a Batman story arc first published in the late 1980's which gave fans the ability to influence the story through voting over the phone. "A Death in the Family" ran through Batman #426-429, and dealt with the death of Jason Todd, who has recently returned to life as the murderous vigilante the Red Hood. Mr. DeCarlo also worked on the legendary Crisis on Infinite Earths.

Mr. DeCarlo will also be doing commissions at the show and selling original artwork. Check out his work here.

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Ox Baker
Ox Baker was an amateur high school wrestler in 1962 before getting thrown out of school. He played football for six years, 4 in high school and two in the service. In the early 1960's Ox approached Kansas City promoters about wrestling and was paid $300 for his first night. Following that night he went into training with Buddy "Killer" Austin, Pat O'Connor, and Bob Geigel. A couple of years later he was ready, standing 6-Foot 5-Inches and Weighing in at 342-pounds Ox began his Pro-Wrestling Career. First rolling over Frank Hickey in Kansas City, then destroying the Missouri Mauler. As time went on he was winning a majority of his matches by knock out caused by the Heart Punch which he borrowed from Stan Stasiak and adapted into his own ring arsenal.

In his career he would defeat "Cowboy" Bob Ellis for a version of the crown in Dick The Bruiser's Indianapolis territory, he would also defeat Carlos Colon for the WWC World Title in Puerto Rico. History shows that Ox Baker was a multi-time Tag Team Champion. He has teamed with the likes of Ole Anderson and Scandor Akbar to capture Tag Team Championships in the NWA and NWF. Baker teamed with Big John Stud (then known as Chuck O' Connor) to win the WWA Tag Team Title in 1976. He also teamed with Superstar Billy Graham to hold the NWA Florida Tag Team Title. Baker would go on to Heart Punch his way through The Sheik to win the American Heavyweight Title, he also won the World Class Championship and the World Class Texas Title several times.

In studying Baker's In-Ring Career it would appear that over 8,000 men have fallen to his feared version of the Heart Punch. Among them are Fritz Von Erich, David Von Eric, Kerry Von Eric, Jimmy "Super Fly" Snuka, Verne Gagne, Ernie Ladd, Harley Race, Bulldog Brower, Mil Mascaras, and Hulk Hogan. Hogan's knockout came when he tried to wrestle the Florida Title away from Baker, Hogan would eventually get knocked out three nights in a row.

Ox Baker's Heart Punch made Head-Lines in 1970, when he wrestled a man by the name of Alberto Torres. Baker hit Torres with the Heart Punch and Torres dropped and did not get back to his feet again. He was rushed to the hospital where he later died. It turned out that he had a ruptured pancreas, but didn't disclose it to the wrestling promoters before the match. Baker's Heart Punch was not the 100% cause of death. Then in 1975, Baker's Special Move made Head-Lines again. This time Ox was battling Ray Gunkel in a Texas Death Match. Baker hit Gunkel with the Heart Punch and Gunkel was dead before he hit the floor. Incidents like these made Ox Baker a feared man in the ring.

He has done work on Television and appeared in half a dozen feature films, such as Jackie Chan's action film "The Big Brawl" and John Carpenter's 1981 film classic "Escape From New York".

In 1988 Ox retired from Pro-Wrestling and in following years he opened "Ox Baker's Wrestling School" becoming a well renowned trainer of future Stars and Champions such as the Russian Brute and the Night Stalker (latter known as Atom Bomb) . Now happily remarried with his wife Peggy Ann and living in the New England area where he continues to keep himself busy. He has published a children's Coloring Book, recorded a Music CD and always a fan favorite, continues to make Public Appearances.

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John Pirtel
John Pirtel was raised in North Branford, Connecticut, United States. He began drawing around the age of five and from then on he knew he wanted to draw forever.

Influenced by the comic strip art of Walt Kelly, Charles Shultz, Hank Ketcham, Rick Fletcher and the illustrations of Norman Rockwell, NC Wyeth and Norman Bridwell, John continued to draw all the way through his early school years.

John studied art at Colorado State University and the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Arts. It was at the Kubert School where he encountered some of the biggest influences on his art and development as an artist. John left the Kubert School in 1986 and entered the work force... drawing comics for publication and working the overnight shift in a pre-press house creating proofs.

By 1990, John was working steadily as a freelance artist; carving out his niche in the licensing and comics industries. During this time period, in 1993, John developed and created an AIDS awareness poster for the Ryan White Foundation. The poster was distributed nationally and made it's debut on the Phil Donahue talk show. By 1997 he was drawing many well known characters for some of the top companies in the business including some of the earliest licensing art of Thomas the Tank Engine. It was in that same year that John began a two year relationship as in-house art director for the Nipper Group, creating premiums and toys for the food industry. During this time, John continued his relationship with Disney, DC Comics, Marvel, Henson, and Mirage contributing artwork to a variety of projects including Pocahontas, Superman, Batman the Animated Series and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

In 1990, John was honored with having his licensing art for Batman the Animated Series as part of a Batman retrospective exhibit at the Words and Pictures Museum. He also guest lectured on the art of licensing at the museum. In 1999, John worked as an assistant to Guy Gilchrist on the 'NANCY' comic strip.

Since 2000, John has been enjoying his dual career as an illustrator and graphic designer. In 2004 , John added teaching art at the Green Street Arts Center, a project of Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT, to his schedule.

Recenty, John has worked on projects which include a juvenile graphic novel about Helen Keller, storyboards for Phillip Morris and new collateral literature for USTA New England. He also has helped with artwork for ComiCONN and if your lucky, you might find him roaming the convention floor.

Check out his website here. Check out his work here.

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Luke Foster
Luke Foster is the writer and artist of "Moon Freight 3," a full-color comedy/science fiction comic strip that runs every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at www.moonfreight3.com. Moon Freight 3 takes a look at what life in the future might be like for the people who don't get to be famous starship captains or destined heroes, but are instead regular people working regular, boring jobs of the future. He is also the writer and artist of "The Gang From the Store: True Tales From the Comic Book Shop," a series of true vignettes about him and his friends at his local comic book store, done in the style of a gag comic. It can be read every Saturday and Sunday at http://pkdmedia.com.

A writer by training, Luke was a weekly columnist for the comic book web site The Pulse between June 2007 and June 2008, where he wrote Make With the Funny Comics, a weekly examination of different comic books and comic strips that had a humorous slant. He has also contributed to the Geek Syndicate Web site, a UK-based site providing news and reviews of comic books and pop culture. Luke was also a cast member on "Nine Panel Nerds," a weekly podcast about comic books and pop culture.

He is currently a co-host of "The Incredible Hulkcast," a monthly look at the Hulk comic books and other media, which is hosted by Comic Book Noise He also co-hosts "Podcast on a Half-Shell," a show about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles that comes out a few times a year. It is syndicated through the Comic Racks podcast feed.

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