News release for the Appleseed Comics and Art Convention:
Appleseed Comics and Art Convention just around the corner
(May 13, 2014) – In less than two weeks, the Appleseed Comics & Art Convention will be descending on Fort Wayne. On May 17 and 18 at the Grand Wayne Center, comics fans will have the opportunity to meet some of comics biggest talent, including great local creators who are making waves nationally. Fans can buy comics, get personalized sketches from artists, and buy original art. Vendors will also have a wide selection of comic books, toys, games, and more. Guests at the show include legendary Marvel Comics artist Jim Steranko (Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., Captain America), indie comics icon Peter Bagge (The Bradleys, HATE, Neat Stuff), and New York Times Bestseller Ed Piskor (Hip-Hop Family Tree).
“The guest list for this year’s Appleseed is probably the best one that we have ever had,” says Zack Kruse, the event’s founder and organizer. “I am really humbled to have all of these great men and women here, and this is an opportunity that no fan should pass up.” The comic book convention business has been booming over the last few years, but Appleseed is different says Kruse. “Appleseed is about comics and the comics community; that’s it. It’s not about b-list celebrities or any of those stereotypical distractions. Comics are an amazing and beautiful medium that brings together people from all walks of life. This show is about that community.”
Appleseed will feature a number of local and regional dealers and over one hundred comic book artists and writers. Along with Steranko, Bagge, and Piskor, the 2014 guest list boasts Rachel Deering (Anathema, Womanthology), Mike Norton (Revival, Battlepug, Young Justice), Tom Scioli (Transformers v. G.I. Joe, Godland, American Barbarian), Dave Wachter (Godzilla, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Guns of Shadow Valley), Ryan Browne (God Hates Astronauts, Manhattan Projects, Bedlam), Hilary Barta (The Simpsons, Plastic Man, Fear Agent), Christopher Mitten (30 Days of Night, Criminal Macbre, Legends of the Dark Knight), Jim Rugg (Afrodisiac), and Action Lab Entertainment (Princeless, Ghost Town, Fracture, Vamplets).
“I have been running shows for five years, and the level of talent that we are able to get for Appleseed never ceases to amaze me,” say Kruse. “Even running the show, I get really pumped up about who’s going to be here. I can’t wait to meet them or hang out or buy a bunch of books and art from them.”
Kruse went on to say that it is the personal nature of the show that makes it so much fun to attend. “One of the other things that I love about this show is that it is purely comics and art—everything from the most independently minded work to the very mainstream. We have artists and writers from just about every level of the industry. We have creators who are doing work at Marvel and DC, independent creators, creators who work on licensed properties [such as Star Wars and Disney characters], and Eisner Award winners and nominees. It’s so rewarding to have all these creators here.”
Kruse goes on to explain that having a guest of Jim Steranko’s caliber is important for the show and the region, saying that, “Whether someone has been reading comics their entire life, or never read them at all, they have been impacted by the work of Jim Steranko.” Steranko share’s Kruse’s excitement, adding that this year’s Appleseed is “one not to be missed.”?
“Appleseed Con will be a milestone show for me,” Steranko says, “because it’s my first appearance in Indiana, and a major opportunity to meet a new cross-section of fans and friends. I’m hoping that everyone who has invested a part of their life in the entertainment spectrum of film, animation, comics, and electronic gaming will stop by, so we can share our experiences, our interests, and our visions.”
“Fort Wayne is a great city,” Kruse concludes. “There are a lot of young people here that are doing some very exciting things, and I’m just glad to be a part of it. We’re lucky to have the youthful entrepreneurs that we do, and we’re lucky to have such an amazing arts and geek community.”
Appleseed Comic Con will be held from 10 AM – 6 PM on Saturday, May 17 and from 11 AM – 5 PM on Sunday, May 18. Tickets may be purchased online or at the door: weekend passes are $15 and single day passes are $10. More information regarding the convention, guest list and ticket orders may be found at https://www.AppleseedCon.com.
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