On the first day of HeroesCon 2014, the 32nd edition of the Charlotte, North Carolina, comics convention founded and still run by Shelton Drum, I tried to cover a lot of ground in taking photographs. When possible I found out about the current or upcoming projects in the pipeline for the creators photographed.



Maris Wicks collaborated in 2013 with Jim Ottaviani on the latest First Second 2013 book, Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas, as well as illustrating Galen Goodwin Longstreth's 2013 children's picture book, Yes, Let's. Currently she is working on her next book for First Second.



Tom Fowler is currently doing covers for Valiant and is teaming with writer Fred Van Lente on a miniseriesHowToons [re]ignition, a project that sets out to explain elements of  physics and energy.



To quote Langridge: "Current projects: well, the final issue of IDW's Rocky and Bullwinkle just came out, so presumably there'll be some sort of collection of that out shortly. I've got a page in the brand spanking-new Moose Kid Comics, out this [past] Friday... But the big thing right now is The Musical Monsters of Turkey Hollow, a graphic novel version of an unproduced Jim Henson TV special, which I'm adapting and drawing for Archaia. That's what's currently on the drawing board. Should be out in October I think."

A Langridge bonus, I was able to purchase a Langridge original at the fourth annual HeroesCon/Team Cul de Sac Drink and Draw. As noted by the con itself: "This event has grown each year as has the amount of money you wonderful people contribute in the fight against Parkinson’s. " It was great to see the strong turnout for last night's event, below is the original I bought.



 



I had not realized until speaking with her yesterday that Martin's exclusive contract with Marvel had ended (she intends to continue to do work at Marvel when the opportunity presents itself). Currently the award winning veteran creator is coloring:

  • Walter Simonson on IDW's Ragnarök
  • Bryan Hitch on Image's Real Heroes
  • John Romita Jr. on DC's Superman
  • Doug Braithwaite on Valiant's Armor Hunters



I can always trust Harbin to amuse me when he strikes a pose for a picture. He has plans for this world...loads of creative plans...he just could not talk about them. Meanwhile there's plenty to see at his website.



Prior to the con, I received this update from Buscema:

  • "As always, working on a variety of comic covers. Currently Vampirella and Red Sonja on a monthly basis and a few others!
  • I'm happy and really excited to be working with Pinup Girl clothing, designing art textiles for their clothing and dresses. A Fairy Tale themed line with some of the new designs was just announced and released this month.
  • Spending a good half of 2014 working on paintings for upcoming gallery shows and paintings for print.

 Any project and/or art updates can be found on my blog.



The writer's list of current activities includes:

  • Pinocchio, Vampire Slayer Omnibus (Top Shelf Productions) — which is debuting at HeroesCon
  • The Leg (self published, distro via Top Shelf) — available in August
  • Green Lantern Corps
  • The Flash



Yanick Paquette was more than happy to confide that DC is being quite flexible and giving him the time he needs to work on his and Grant Morrison's Wonder Woman project.



After having the pleasure to interview her earlier this year, as well as write about her just last week, it was nice to finally meet writer/artist Katie Skelly in person. She told me that right now she's  working on writing a new comic and continuing work on her online comic Agent 8 for slutist.com.



I was both surprised and pleased to learn from the Owly creator that he has amicably left Top Shelf and will be self-publishing the next volume of Owly. Runton expressed a desire to learn more about the production process for one of the reasons he has decided to strike out on his own.



The veteran artist is currently working at DC Comics, including the upcoming Superman: Futures End #1.

 



The veteran colorist is currently working on Wonder Woman and Swamp Thing for DC, as well as Secret Avengers at Marvel. Wilson briefly discussed his big news with me, that he will be coloring Chris Samnee again (I fondly remember those two on Thor: The Mighty Avenger) starting with Daredevil #8.



Corinna Bechko 



The wife and husband creative team of Bechko and Hardman have a great deal on their plate, as usual. Prior to the con, Bechko told me: "Gabriel and I are doing a two-issue arc of Savage Hulk! I believe it should be issues #5 and #6. We're writing, Gabriel's drawing, and we've got the wonderful Jordan Boyd on colors. Very excited for everyone to see it! Needless to say, it was a lot of fun."