Tommy Lee Edwards, the acclaimed artist whose comics work includes Turf, Bullet Points and The Question, has become co-owner and senior director of his local convention, Durham's North Carolina Comicon.

Launched in 2010 by Ultimate Comics owner Alan Gill as a one-day show at an outlet mall, the convention moved to the Durham Convention Center in November 2012, bringing with it such big-name creators as Frank Cho and Duncan Fegredo, thanks in large part to Edwards, who lives in nearby Pittsboro. Last year's convention drew about 3,000 fans, triple that of those earlier shows.

“Tommy has been involved with the convention and its planning since our first one-day show,” Gill said in a statement, “Now we’re moving to make the partnership official. Tommy has been an amazing friend to the convention and to me personally. I want this con to mirror what he has brought to it and what I believe makes his work so great.”

Edwards' increased involvement contributed to a guest lineup for this year's event that so far includes Neal Adams, Geof Darrow, Adam Hughes, Phil Noto, Daniel Way, Ron Marz, Tony Harris, Josh Adams and Bob Keen. The artist, whose resume includes The Book of Eli and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, is also key to organizing the new NC Comicon Film Festival in partnership with Durham’s Carolina Theatre,

“Working with Ultimate Comics to bring such a fun weekend to my community is a real joy,” Edwards said. “I believe that, as a seasoned comics, games, and film professional, I can bring a unique perspective to NC Comicon and help it thrive as an annual event that celebrates creative storytelling like no other.”

This year's NC Comicon will be held Nov.9-10.