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Seattleish has a thorough report on a class-action lawsuit filed by volunteers, known as “minions” for the 2014 and 2015 Emerald City Comic Cons. Minions worked varius duties in exchange for access to the convention, an action that many joyfully accepted. However the use of unpaid labor to keep massive conventions running (ECC drew over […]

  Rounding up the news aout of Emerald City Comic Con which certainly seems to have become the spring news drop. In addition to the fine-looking new Tarzan/Planet of the Apes book we told you of earlier, Dark Horse had many announcements, including:   § Biggest news of alll, details on the Mouebius LIbrary were released. As […]

The Comic Book Women, an advocacy group helping raise the profile of women working in comics, had a great showing at Emerald City Comic Con this year with several panels this year. This wasn’t a case of putting women on a panel and focusing on their gender perspective. It was about providing a group of talented women that could share their experience and provide insight into how to make it in the comic book industry—resulting in a panel for everyone. What secrets did they share on selling your comic book?

Comic books continue to reach mainstream audiences and have stretched into academia. At the Panels and Pedagogy: Teaching Comics panel, panelists aimed to help answer questions that arise about—teaching comic books, formal instruction for creators, and establishing the academic discipline of comics. Where do comic books fit in your academic life?

Yesterday The Mary Sue published an article noting that for-profit comic-cons might be violating federal labor law by not paying minimum wage to workers improperly classified as volunteers. However, a recent case involving Major League Baseball shows how commercial comic-cons could beat the tag.

The use of free labor by for-profit companies has become a hot issue in recent years. Internships have become a particularly touchy topic – class action lawsuits by former interns have prompted some companies to end their unpaid internship programs, although there are at least a couple high-profile cases on appeal in which companies are challenging the Department of Labor’s standards for determining whether an intern is actually an employee.

Given how costly it can be for a company to fall afoul of federal law on this issue, it is indeed prudent for the companies that run comic conventions to assess whether it is legal for them to use unpaid volunteers. This is especially conventions run by for-profit companies, since charitable nonprofits enjoy a special exemption from minimum wage and overtime requirements in regard to volunteers. The Mary Sue has once again performed a service to the community in calling attention to this important issue.

With that in mind, in making this analysis it’s important to be aware of both the law’s requirements, the specific practices of each company, and the exemptions that are available outside the one given to charities.

First, since conventions produced by ReedPop — NYCC, ECCC, C2E2 — were mentioned in the post, it’s worth noting, as several “volunteers” have stated in the original comments thread and a related Reddit thread, that ReedPop pays volunteers minimum wage as official crew. Calling people volunteers in this context is a great way to foster a sense of community and community — one of things for which Lance Fensterman and company are to be commended is the way that they have fostered this communal sensibility while maximizing return on investment.

But not every for-profit comic-con that brings on volunteers gives these workers compensation – in fact, depending on the convention, you might actually be required to pay a fee for the privilege of helping the company out! Although this may seem on its face like a violation of federal law, there’s a legal loophole that has enabled countless commercial businesses to use volunteers in the standard sense of term.

Over the years the federal Fair Labor Standards Act has accumulated dozens of exemptions for a wide range of ventures, from homemakers making wreaths to C-level executives. For a company that operates a program taking place within a limited period of time during the year, there is one exemption in particular that catches the corporate attorney’s eye: minimum wage and overtime requirements do not apply to “any employee employed by an establishment which is an amusement or recreational establishment…” that operates no more than seven months a year or meets a financial test as to revenue generated at different times of the year. (29 USC 213(a)(3))

There are several cases that show how a commercial comic-con can take advantage of this provision, but the ruling perhaps most on-point was issued just a year ago in the Southern District of New York – coincidentally, the same federal district in which the New York Comic-Con takes place. Chen v. Major League Baseball Properties was brought by a former volunteer for the 2013 All-Star Week FanFest at the Javits Center (!), and the volunteer made arguments similar to those made in the intern lawsuits: volunteers at the event met the criteria for employee status, and thus Major League Baseball should have paid them at least minimum wage.

Major League Baseball — and the court — disagreed. As the court observed, although Major League Baseball operates all year long, Department of Labor regulations distinguish an entire enterprise from an “establishment,” which specifically refers to “a distinct place of business.” The exemption was put in place to accommodate seasonal ventures employing people for discrete periods of time in activities that might offer “non-monetary rewards.” The court concluded Major League Baseball’s FanFest was analogous to the amusement and recreational activities in view when legislators originally enacted the exemption, and the plaintiff’s federal as well as state law claims were summarily dismissed.

The plaintiff has appealed the district court’s ruling – in fact, it was argued in the Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals today, March 30 – but as noted above, there are a number of cases in other circuits that have reached similar conclusions. What’s more, even if the appeal succeeds, the main case being cited in opposition focuses on aspects of one baseball team’s operations that are distinguishable from a comic-con. For instance, while the team in question utilized its stadium for events throughout much of the year, comic-cons typically take place in rented facilities for discrete periods of time.

The analysis gets somewhat trickier for an entity operating multiple conventions. For instance, let’s assume that Wizard World doesn’t pay its volunteers — there’s nothing about compensation in the volunteer information packet, at least; Wizard World volunteers don’t even get munchies or parking reimbursements. The fact that Wizard World operates year-round could be grounds for arguing that the seasonal establishment exemption doesn’t apply, but there are also clever counter-arguments and organizational strategies that could persuade a court to disagree. Others have tried and succeeded with even more daunting facts – which, on a related front, is why the NCAA doesn’t have to pay taxes on ads sold for March Madness.

The seasonal exemption has long been a lifeline for companies offering an opportunity to volunteer for ventures that operate on a limited-term basis, such as amusement parks, outdoor swimming pools, Oprah’s Life You Want Tour, and New York Fashion Week. If you are an unpaid commercial comic-con volunteer who believes a lawsuit for back wages would be a clear home run, expect Major League Baseball Properties and cases like it to be deployed to strike you out.

By the time you read this, The Beat will be on our way to Seattle for The Emerald City Comic Con, now just about the third biggest comic con in America (although I’m working on a new chart about that.) The show is already COMPLETELY SOLD OUT and has been for a while, so good luck getting in. I haven’t been to ECCC in four years so I’m looking forward to seeing just how big and overwhelming it’s gotten and having some oysters and seeing everyone. Certainly if my twitter feed is any indication, excitement is running high!

This is nothing like a complete who’s where, just some folks I saw on Tumblr and what they will be bringing etc etc. I’ll update this with companies when I get settled.

Ryan North
Monkeybrain

Matt Fraction
Evan Doc Shaner
Chip Zdarsky
Joe Keatinge & Leila Del Duca
Oni Press
Ibrahim Moustafa and Christopher Sebela
Amy Falcone
Dresden Codak

Dennis Culver
I think it is like a tradition to make a map with an arrow pointing to wher eyou will be since the show is so HUUUUUGE. Anyway I did that! I’ll be at table f-10 in Artist Alley with Ben McCool. Ben will be selling and signing things and I’ll be typing and crinking coffee. And saying hi. Come by and say to either or both of us.

I’ll be on the prowl for all the hot scoops and news feel free to drop them in a big steaming pile near me.

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For years people have been telling me to go to this show. “It’s a comics comic-con.” I just want to say right of fthe bat, if you didn’t get in to San Diego Comic-Con or you have been going for years and didn’t beat the refresh button, then save up for ECCC next year. This is a show that wants you and your support.When I got in to Seattle, I met up with Jacob Breckenridge and Mike Esham, my fellow Tucson stand up/comic creators. They made this the best comic con experience I ever had.  I’m lucky that they took the initiative and helped me plan this trip in early November; I think if we waited any longer then we would have missed out.  This time, we stayed near the Space Needle. If we were any closer, I could sneeze on the tip of it.

On day one, when I entered the dazzling Seattle Convention Center, I had no idea what I was getting myself in to.  I was introduced to a well organized, massive line of eager attendees.  There were thousands of people standing around the lobby, blocking packed restaurants and novelty shops. Thank Rao that the Fire Marshal didn’t intervene or lock the doors.

That was just the first of six floors. The second floor was made up of many elaborate Lego exhibits, panel rooms and Sci-fi Speed dating. Exhibitors, guests, artist alley and more panels made up the third floor.  The four floor was where all the action took place; All the major publishers, special guests and actors and another massive artist alley section were jammed in there. Level six featured more panels and an exclusive area for celebrities, and voice actors, a brilliant move on the show director’s part.

Everyone from Artist’s Alley and beyond told me that the show has never been this big. I kept getting, “It’s so big, it’s overwhelming.” There aren’t too many shows that you can say that the overwhelming MAJORITY of attendees were comic book enthusiasts. While I was on a twitpic spree, I over heard many chipper children tell their parents how happy meeting their their artist/writer role models made them. Sure it happens at every show but I heard it enough times really warm my heart and made me excited for future generations of the business.

Throughout the weekend I asked many artists that have attended the show previously, how it was doing for them financially.  The universal feeling was that Saturday was the slowest and no one knew why.  I got this reaction more frequently in the X, P, O, N, M L, V, T, R, S Q and K sections.  There seemed to be a bottleneck with the enormous space of small/big press, retailers and various geek culture booths in front of them. A handful of creators that have had financial success previous years, didn’t make enough to cover their travel expenses this time around. Very few used the Sheraton to their advantage for making connections and getting new gigs.  If you went home in the red and no new potential collaborative opportunities, then your next convention should involve a networking re-attack. This is everyone’s favorite show because working industry artists are so accessible and they introduce you to their friends.

The ECCC volunteers were the greatest.  A big, serious thanks goes out to everyone that donated their time to making this convention as great as it was.  They should all go in to the Secret Service, because everything moved like clock work.  Lines for creators would be capped off and they would hold a sign saying, come back in half an hour. Consequently, I meet everyone I wanted to meet, a rare thing at San Diego and New York.  When I asked staff how they was treated, the response was, “royalty.”

I know you all read our stellar coverage of the live panel blogging here. Which I was grateful for, because it gave me more time to explore the show room.  I thought the live blogging was going to censor, and effect how the panelists expressed themselves in fear of *offending* the folks at home. But it didn’t.  Don’t believe me? Watch the Comedy Writing panel with the funniest writing duo in comics Gerry Duggan and Brian Posehn. Then count how many times you cringe from the guilt of laughing at shit you shouldn’t.  The panels were top notch and really stole the Saturday crowd from artist alley.

For some reason the retailers were tight lipped about how the show was going for them.  Maybe I wasn’t asking the right questions or my sweater vest threw them off.  Everyone I spoke with said sales were inline with previous years. So it must good.  A sold-out show of over 60,000 attendees should put the kids through community college, right?  Jimmy Jay was grinning ear to ear when I asked how sales were going for him.

I mean this when I say that this is my favorite comic-con. The energy and the people just inspired me, and everyone I know in so many ways. Big congratulations, and thanks to Jim Demonakos for putting on such a successful show. We met at Shannon Denton’s table, while Demonkos was going around to every booth personally thanking everyone behind their table for coming out.

I know that I can’t express it any better than the following lovely people, that gave their heart and soul for three sleepless (in Seattle) nights. I will also leave you with some photos from the event:

“Being a geek isn’t about the stuff we love, it’s about how we love it.” – @wilw #ECCC

— Bonnie Burton (@bonniegrrl) March 4, 2013

#captainmarvel #cosplay tmblr.co/ZNBXbyfN-FyY

— Kelly Sue DeConnick (@kellysue) March 3, 2013

thanks @technogreek …great show #ECCC

— Mike Mignola (@artofmmignola) March 4, 2013

#ECCC Was fantastic. Seattle, you are awesome

— Kyle Higgins (@KyleDHiggins) March 4, 2013

The fact that ECCC has managed to keep their focus on comics during such extraordinary growth is to be commended.

— Chris Roberson (@chris_roberson) March 4, 2013

Another memorable #ECCC .As always, I had a terrific time in the presence of wonderful staff, fans, and pros.Can’t wait for next year

— Kevin Maguire (@maguirekevin) March 4, 2013

#ECCC Fact #2: We COMPLETELY SOLD OUT of Freelancers #2!#WeAreBoom

— Ξric M. Ξsquivel (@ericMesquivel) March 4, 2013

The only bad thing about #eccc was that it was too busy for me to leave my table. I have no idea who was at this con. What a great show.

— skottie young (@skottieyoung) March 4, 2013

Thanks to everyone that made #ECCC a great experience @tonymoore @thebrianposehn & I are overwhelmed by your reaction to Deadpool. #grateful

— Gerry Duggan (@GerryDuggan) March 4, 2013

Best thing at #ECCC for me was this awesome young man cosplaying as Mettle from Avengers Academy! Such a thrill 4 me twitter.com/Christosgage/s…

— Christos Gage (@Christosgage) March 4, 2013

Thank you @emeraldcitycon for an amazing weekend. I flew out from Colorado to attend for the first time, and I WILL be back next year! #ECCC

— Josh Hawkes (@303_Ninja) March 4, 2013

Tiny kid dressed as Boba Fett. #ECC #PossiblyMyFavoritePictureSoFar twitter.com/ChelseaCain/st…

— Chelsea Cain (@ChelseaCain) March 3, 2013

SWEET CHRISTMAS! #ECCC twitter.com/HenryBarajas/s…

— Henry Barajas (@HenryBarajas) March 2, 2013

Okay, so how awesome is this? #ECCC twitter.com/CullyHamner/st…

— Cully Hamner (@CullyHamner) March 2, 2013

Two “Spacemen” meet at the Emerald City Comicon! Thx @willw! I am honored! Thx for your NASA support!#eccc twitter.com/Astro_Clay/sta…

— Clayton C. Anderson (@Astro_Clay) March 2, 2013

Rocketeer sketch. Table K-04 #ECCC twitter.com/gabrielhardman…

— Gabriel Hardman (@gabrielhardman) March 2, 2013

This may be early, but the #eccc award for best costume… 5th Element. twitter.com/dpocza/status/…

— Pocza (@dpocza) March 2, 2013

Train-to- #ECCC sketch request by @caterjunes : “saber tooth vampire at a Timbers match.” I am sorry twitter.com/culturepulp/st…

— Mike Russell (@culturepulp) March 2, 2013

Loved the sea food, beer, jazz music, coffee and Pikes Place Market. I need to go back and visit the city again.

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Comics boom time seems to be continuing, is this weekend’s Emerald City Comic Con was any indication. While we wait for Beat correspondents Henry Barajas and Amy Chu to regain consciousness, you can read all our panel coverage here and just follow along on the #eccc hashtag until you get tired of seeing people talking about how awesome the show was.

A few representative photos:

Astronaut reading Astronauts via Dave Roman

Lady Hellboy via Branwyn Bigglestone

Kiki’s Delivery Service by Peter Bagge via Fantagraphics

So yeah…comics.

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Time to break in those shoes and hydrate — big con season is back starting today with the Emerald City Comic Con. The tribe has already gathered, if our twitter feed is any indication, and a plethora of exclusives and signings will be available. ECCC, as it’s known, has definitely become one of the finest regional cons on the circuit and we expect to hear a lot of news as everyone explains what they did on their winter vacation.

And if you CAN’T make it to the show (like us) check out the FlipOnTV ECCC feed. They’ll be livestreaming panels from the ECCC Spotlight Lounge (the Q&A room, many hosted by Blair Butler) and Hall B (where almost all of the comics publisher panels will be) and a rover cam all for FREE. For a mere $14.95 you can subscribe all six panel rooms. We’re surprised no one has done this before but by next year probably every one will be doing it.

The fun kicks off at 2 pm PST!As for publishers, here’s who signing and what’s new:

BOOM! STUDIOS

Besides debuting a new logo and rebranding, Boom! will have a ton of exclusives:

BOOM! Studios proudly unveils its exclusive items for Emerald City Comicon 2013 including exciting new debuts and fan favorite series. Both BOOM! Studios and its all-ages imprint, KaBOOM! Studios, will be representing at the Washington State Convention Center in full force from March 1st through March 3rd with exclusives for ADVENTURE TIME, ADVENTURE TIME: FIONNA & CAKE, BRAVEST WARRIORS, PEANUTS, DEATHMATCH, and FREELANCERS. BOOM!’s newest limited series, ALIENS VS PARKER, co-created by comedian Paul Scheer (NTSF:SD:SUV::, THE LEAGUE, & HUMAN GIANT) and writer Nick Giovannetti will debut at the show with a pulse-pounding cover by Joe Quinones (WEDNESDAY COMICS, AMAZING SPIDER-MAN). And fans of the smash all-ages hit, ADVENTURE TIME, won’t want to miss the exclusive wraparound cover by Dustin Nguyen (BATMAN: L’IL GOTHAM) of the ADVENTURE TIME MATHEMATICAL EDITION HARD COVER. To add to the excitement, BOOM! will be debuting two new projects featured in exclusive limited edition prints by Brian Stelfreeze and Mike Kunkel. Swing by the BOOM! (#2002) and KaBOOM! booths (#2102) for more information!


ALIENS VS PARKER #1 
ECCC EXCLUSIVE
ART BY JOE QUINONES

(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$10



DEATHMATCH #1
ECCC EXCLUSIVE
ART BY DAN PANOSIAN
(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$10



FANBOYS VS ZOMBIES #11 
GET-A-SKETCH 
2013 CONVENTION EXCLUSIVE
DON’T MISS THE CHANCE FOR SERIES ARTIST JERRY GAYLORD TO SKETCH
A ZOMBIFIED VERSION OF YOU TO CREATE A UNIQUE, ONE-OF-A-KIND COVER.

(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$20


FREELANCERS #1
ECCC EXCLUSIVE
ART BY REILLY BROWN

(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$10



FREELANCERS #1
GET-A-SKETCH
2013 CONVENTION EXCLUSIVE
GET A CUSTOM SKETCH OF CASS OR VAL FROM SERIES ARTIST JOSHUA COVEY
OR FROM YOUR FAVORITE ARTIST AT THE BOOM! BOOTH

(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$20


ADVENTURE TIME MATHEMATICAL EDITION VOLUME 1

HARD COVER 
ECCC EXCLUSIVE
ART BY DUSTIN NGUYEN
GET THE OVER-SIZED, GORGEOUS HARD COVER EDITION OF THE SMASH HIT FEATURING
THE FREE COMIC BOOK DAY ISSUE ALONG WITH ISSUES #1-4,

TONS OF EXTRAS,
AND AN EXCLUSIVE NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN STORY ENTITLED “HOW COMICS ARE MADE”
BY RYAN NORTH, SHELLI PAROLINE, AND BRANDEN LAMB. 


(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$50



ADVENTURE TIME: FIONNA & CAKE #1
ECCC EXCLUSIVE
ART BY COLLEEN COOVER


(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$10




ADVENTURE TIME: FIONNA & CAKE #1
GET-A-SKETCH
2013 CONVENTION EXCLUSIVE


DON’T MISS THE CHANCE TO GET A CUSTOM SKETCH
FROM YOUR FAVORITE ARTIST AT THE BOOM! BOOTH


(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
 $20



BRAVEST WARRIORS #1
ECCC EXCLUSIVE


ART BY SHELLI PAROLINE AND BRADEN LAMB


(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE) 
$10



BRAVEST WARRIORS #1
GET-A-SKETCH
2013 CONVENTION EXCLUSIVE
DON’T MISS THE CHANCE TO GET A CUSTOM SKETCH
BY SERIES ARTIST MIKE HOLMES AT THE BOOM! BOOTH.
(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$20



PEANUTS #6
ECCC EXCLUSIVE
ART BY VICKI SCOTT
(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$10

ARCHAIA

Several Archaia creators will be on hand to sign copies of their books or promotional items at the Archaia booth (#808), including: Andrew E. C. Gaska (Critical Millennium: The Dark Frontier, Conspiracy of the Planet of the Apes, Space: 1999: Aftershock and Awe); Chandra Free (The God Machine, Fraggle Rock Vol. 2); Charles Soule (the upcoming Strange Attractors); Dave Marquez (Syndrome, Days Missing Vol. 2: Kestus, the upcoming The Joyners in 3D); David Petersen (Mouse Guard); Royden Lepp (Rust); Yehudi Mercado (Pantalones, TX).

Special advance copies of the HAWKEN: GENESIS anthology graphic novel hardcover, which is based on the hit online, free-to-play mech game from Meteor Entertainment, will debut at ECCC and be available for sale. Writers Khang Le and Jeremy Barlow will be on hand to sign copies at the Archaia booth (#808) and at the Meteor booth in the Gaming Area.

In addition, a promotion through FourSquare will give fans the chance to win a prize pack comprised of autographed copies ofMouse Guard Vol. 1: Fall 1152, Rust Vol. 1: Visitor in the Field, and HAWKEN: GENESIS. Just be sure to check in at the Archaia booth through the FourSquare app on your iOS or Android phone once you’re at the show and you’re automatically entered!

For programming, Archaia will put on an exciting, entertaining panel at the show:

Archaia Presents: How I Broke in to Comics (and How You Can, Too!)
Friday, March 1, 4-5pm, Room 3AB
Ever wonder how some of your favorite creators broke in to comics, or were curious how some up-and-comers get to be “up-and-comers”? Join some of Archaia’s creators for a lively discussion of how they got their first break in comics, and to hear their advice on how you can, too! Panelists include Chandra Free (The God Machine, Fraggle Rock), Andrew E.C. Gaska (Space: 1999: Aftershock and Awe, Conspiracy of the Planet of the Apes), Royden Lepp (Rust), David Marquez (Syndrome, The Joyners in 3D),Yehudi Mercado (Pantalones, TX), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), and Charles Soule (Strange Attractors).

ONI

Emerald City Comicon 2013 is upon us once again and we have all sorts of attractions and goodies to delight any comics reader. What kind of goodies, you ask? How does an ECCC 2013 exclusive variant cover of Helheim #1 by the talented Chuck BB sound? Maybe, the Scott Pilgrim V2 Collector’s Edition is more your style. That will be there too! Also, don’t miss your chance to purchase the recently released all-ages titles Mermin, Glitter Kiss and Sketch Monsters V2. 

We will be located at BOOTH #902!

That’s not all! Stop by panel room 3AB, SATURDAY AT 6pm, for the RevolutiONIze Comics Panel. Join Oni Press Editor in Chief James Lucas Jones as he presents a whirlwind of talented creators, sneak previews, and the announcement of a new floppy series! This interactive panel will have some of the hottest names in comics right before your eyes, discussing their books and answering audience questions. Creators in attendance: Cullen Bunn (The Sixth Gun, Helheim), Brian Hurtt (The Sixth Gun, The Damned), Joëlle Jones (Helheim, You Have Killed Me) & Charles Soule (Strongman, Strange Attractors). All panel attendees will receive high fives and comics!

Below you will find our creators in attendance along with their signing times:

Jamie S. Rich: All weekend
Joëlle Jones: All weekend
Joshua Williamson: All weekend
Vinny Navarrete: All weekend

Joe Harris: Fri. 4:00-5:45pm & Sat. 1:00-2:45pm
Tyler Crook: Fri. 4:00-5:45pm & Sun. 4:00-5:45pm
Monica Gallagher: Fri. 4:00-5:45pm & Sun. 12:00-1:45pm
Chuck BB: Fri. 6:00-7:45pm & Sat. 5:00-6:45pm
Joey Weiser: Fri. 6:00-7:45pm & Sat. 5:00-6:45pm
Lars Brown: Sat. 11:00-12:45pm
Brendan Hay: Sat. 11:00-12:45pm
Chris Schweizer: Sat. 1:00-2:45pm & Sun. 10:00-11:45am
Jackie Lewis: Sat. 1:00-2:45pm
Cullen Bunn: Sat. 3:00-4:45pm & Sun. 2:00-3:45pm
Brian Hurtt: Sat. 3:00-4:45pm & Sun. 4:00-5:45pm
Brian Churilla: Sat. 3:00-4:45pm & Sun. 2:00-3:45pm
Bill Crabtree: Sat. 3:00-4:45pm & Sun. 2:00-3:45pm
Ray Fawkes: Sat. 5:00-6:45pm & Sun. 4:00-5:45pm
Matthew Southworth: Sun. 10:00-11:45am
Justin Greenwood: Sun. 12:00-1:45pm

VALIANT

Visit Valiant at Booth #2008 all weekend long to get a sneak peek at the future of the Valiant Universe inside the pages of the Harbinger Wars Sketchbook – a FREE first look inside the biggest Valiant event of the summer! 
 
Plus, for the first time ever, Valiant will also be debuting new Shadowman logo t-shirts for sale, alongside a complete selection of Valiant comics, trade paperbacks, hardcovers, and blank convention-only flip books!
 

And, to find out everything you need to know about the Valiant Universe in 2013, join us onSunday, March 3rd at 12 noon in Room 3AB for the Valiant 2013: Harbinger Wars and Beyond panel!

With the opening shot of Harbinger Wars only weeks away, get ready to discover the secrets that will put Harbinger and Bloodshot on an inescapable collision course – directly from a panel of Valiant insiders, including incoming Bloodshot penciller Barry Kitson, X-O Manowar artist/inker Stefano Gaudiano, Valiant Publisher Fred Pierce, and Valiant Chief Creative Officer Dinesh Shamdasani!

HERO INITIATIVE

Hero Initiative, the non-profit organization that aids comic creators in medical and financial need is heading to Emerald City Comic Con March 1st through 3rd in Seattle, Wash. at the Washington State Convention Center.

All through the weekend, participating artists throughout the floor will be donating a dollar for their signature. As win-win all the way around!  You can donate just a dollar and help Hero Initiative continue it’s important work for the industry.
Check out the list of participating artists:

Eric Canete
Mike Choi
Francesco Francavilla
Chris Gage
Paul Jenkins
Dave Johnson
Denny O’Neil
Dan Panosian
Brian Pulido
Darick Robertson
Tim Sale
Matteo Scalera
Fiona Staples
Richard Starkings
Mark Waid
Bill Willingham

Make sure you seek them out and stop on by the booth, #2308 and see what else  we have

COMIXOLOGY

ComiXology, Red 5 Comics & Emerald City Comicon have teamed up to bring fans the first-ever digital convention exclusive — Atomic Robo: Along Came a Tyrantula. Every ECCC ’13 badge holder will find a redemption code on the back of their convention badge that entitles them to this digital only Atomic Robo comic. Fans at the show will be the first to experience this first of its kind convention exclusive that showcases how comiXology makes exciting new, immersive and innovative storytelling techniques possible by utilizing comiXology’s Guided View technology – that can only be experienced on comiXology!

For those digital comic fans not attending ECCC’ 13, don’t fret! Atomic Robo: Along Came a Tyrantula will be made available for sale worldwide on Wednesday, March 6th across comiXology’s entire cloud-based platform that includes iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire, Windows 8 and the Web.
“This is not a paper comic adapted to digital. It was a from-scratch ground-up experiment with the boundaries of the comic reading experience. Without the tools that comiXology’s Guided View provides, it would not have been possible,” said Atomic Robo creators Brian Clevinger and Scott Wegener. ” We can’t wait to hear the reaction from the Emerald City Comicon debut. Atomic Robo is an action scientist, and it was great to have the chance to more deeply explore his action side for this comic.”

ComiXology will be presenting at Emerald City Comicon ’13 at booth #2101 while Brian Clevinger and Scott Wegener of the Atomic Robo creative team will be at G-04.

Things From Another World (TFAW)

Things From Another World (TFAW) returns to Seattle’s Emerald City Comicon March 1-3 with a new location at Booth #2112 and incredible deals you won’t want to miss! Save 20% on all new graphic novels, shop 50% off nick & dent graphic novels, and find fantastic deals on statues, toys, games, and more.

TFAW has put together an amazing selection of the newest graphic novels from Marvel, DC Comics, Image, Dark Horse, and more–as well as perennial best sellers–and will offer them at 20% off. Plus, they’re bringing hundreds of their “nick & dent” graphic novels, books with slight shelf wear, and marking them at 50% off the regular retail price. Finally, they’ve added popular toys, statues, games, and more at excellent prices.

IMAGE

The full schedule of signings taking place at Image’s booth (#1100) is as follows:

FRIDAY
2:00 – 2:45
Jim McCann and Janet Lee (LOST VEGAS)

Kurtis Wiebe (GREEN WAKE, DEBRIS, PETER PANZERFAUST) and Riley Rossmo (GREEN WAKE, DEBRIS, BEDLAM, DIA DE LOS MUERTOS)
3:00 – 3:45
Fiona Staples (SAGA) — ticketed signing

Joe Harris (GREAT PACIFIC)
3:30 – 4:30
Ryan Ottley (INVINCIBLE) — Skybound booth
4:00 – 4:45
Joe Casey (BUTCHER BAKER THE RIGHTEOUS  MAKER, SEX)

Ed Brisson and Michael Walsh (COMEBACK)
5:00 – 5:45
Joe Eisma (MORNING GLORIES)

Duffy Boudreau (BLACKACRE)
6:00 – 6:45
Darick Robertson (HAPPY!)

Ken Kristensen (TODD, THE UGLIEST KID ON EARTH)
7:00 – 7:45
Frank Barbiere (FIVE GHOSTS: THE HAUNTING OF FABIAN GRAY)

Jean-Paul Bonjour (ALPHA GIRL)
SATURDAY
10:00 – 10:45
Nate Bellegarde (NOWHERE MEN)

Ed Brisson and Michael Walsh (COMEBACK)
11:00 – 11:45
Jim McCann and Janet Lee (LOST VEGAS)

Michel Gagné (THE SAGA OF REX, ZED: A COSMIC TALE)
12:00 – 12:45
Joe Casey (BUTCHER BAKER THE RIGHTEOUS  MAKER, SEX)

Jay Faerber (NEAR DEATH, POINT OF IMPACT)
1:00 – 1:45
Blair Butler (HEART)

Frank Barbiere (FIVE GHOSTS: THE HAUNTING OF FABIAN GRAY)

Ken Kristensen (TODD, THE UGLIEST KID ON EARTH)
1:00 – 2:00
Ryan Ottley (INVINCIBLE) — Skybound booth
2:00 – 2:45
Fiona Staples (SAGA) — ticketed signing

Nathan Edmondson (THE ACTIVITY, DANCER, WHERE IS JAKE ELLIS?) and Mitch Gerads (THE ACTIVITY)
2:30 – 3:30
Ryan Ottley (INVINCIBLE) — Skybound booth
3:00 – 3:45
Darick Robertson — ticketed signing

Joe Harris (GREAT PACIFIC)
4:00 – 4:45
Brian Wood (MARA) — ticketed signing

Kurtis Wiebe (GREEN WAKE, DEBRIS, PETER PANZERFAUST) and Riley Rossmo (GREEN WAKE, DEBRIS, BEDLAM, DIA DE LOS MUERTOS)
5:00 – 5:45
Scott Snyder and Scott Tuft (SEVERED) — ticketed signing

Howard Chaykin (BLACK KISS II)
6:00 – 6:45
Brandon Graham (MULTIPLE WARHEADS, PROPHET) and Simon Roy (PROPHET)

Joe Keatinge (GLORY, HELL YEAH)
SUNDAY
10:00 – 10:45
Frank Barbiere (FIVE GHOSTS: THE HAUNTING OF FABIAN GRAY)

Jeremy Haun (THE DARKNESS)
11:00 – 11:45
Darick Robertson — ticketed signing

Nathan Edmondson (THE ACTIVITY, DANCER, WHERE IS JAKE ELLIS?) and Mitch Gerads (THE ACTIVITY)
12:00 – 12:45
Jim McCann and Janet Lee (LOST VEGAS)

Sina Grace (NOT MY BAG)
1:00 – 1:45
Gerry Duggan (THE INFINITE HORIZON)

Jim Zub (SKULLKICKERS)
2:00 – 2:45
Scott Snyder and Scott Tuft (SEVERED) — ticketed signing

Duffy Boudreau (BLACKACRE)
3:00 – 3:45
Fiona Staples (SAGA)  — ticketed signing

Jamie S. Rich (IT GIRL AND THE ATOMICS)
4:00 – 4:45
Ken Kristensen (TODD, THE UGLIEST KID ON EARTH)

Kurtis Wiebe (GREEN WAKE, DEBRIS, PETER PANZERFAUST) and Riley Rossmo (GREEN WAKE, DEBRIS, BEDLAM, DIA DE LOS MUERTOS)
Tickets for each day’s ticketed signings will be available at the Image Comics booth, beginning at the start of the convention day. Tickets are limited and are given out on a first-come-first-served basis. The signing schedule is subject to change. Ryan Ottley will be signing at the Skybound booth, just opposite of the Image booth.

Four Image Comics convention exclusives will be available to purchase at the Image Comics booth (#1110):

LOST VEGAS #1 by Jim McCann and Janet Lee, convention exclusive cover by Dan McDaid

SEX #1 by Joe Casey and Piotr Kowalksi

THE WALKING DEAD: THE GOVERNOR SPECIAL by Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard (available at the Skybound booth, just opposite of the Image booth)

UNCANNY SKULLKICKERS #1 by Jim Zub and Edwin Huang
All convention exclusives are available in limited quantity at the beginning of each convention day, during creator signings, and at creators’ Artist Alley tables (check Emerald City Comic Con’s website for names and locations).

There will be three Image Comics panels in Emerald City Comicon’s programming, each promising to be a lively discussion.

Putting the “Graphic” in Graphic Novels

It’s time to talk about sex and violence! Black Kiss II, Butcher Baker, Sex, Saga, Happy!, Multiple Warheads, Sex Criminals: these comics are definitely not for kids. Image Comics creators who aren’t shying away from adult situations talk about creating comics for grown-ups. Is there really such a thing as “gratuitous”? What’s it like to be banned in the UK and Canada? Join some of comics most respected creators for an eye-opening conversation. Panelists: Joe Casey (Butcher Baker the Righteous Maker, Sex), Howard Chaykin (Black Kiss II), Matt Fraction (Sex Criminals), Fiona Staples (Saga) FRIDAY 5 PM Hall B



Skybound: On the Rise


There’s no limit on what to expect from Skybound, Robert Kirkman’s imprint at Image Comics. The Walking Deadcontinues to dominate comics and television, Invincible just hit its historic 100th issue, and new series are on the horizon. Join Charlie Adlard, Ryan Ottley and more as they discuss what’s in Skybound’s future.
Panelists: Ryan Ottley, Charlie Adlard, Phil Hester, Josh Williamson SATURDAY 1 PM Hall B

Wondrous Worlds, Fractured Futures: Speculative Fiction and Image Comics


With the unlimited potential of comics, there is perhaps no better medium for speculative fiction than comics. Limited only by their imaginations, Image Comics creators have been creating far-flung universes and dystopian futures where science, fantasy, and technology explode in rich possibilities. Find out why they choose science fiction, how they build worlds, and what inspires them. Panelists: Duffy Boudreau (BlackAcre), Joe Harris (Great Pacific), Fiona Staples (Saga), Richard Starkings (Elephantmen) SUNDAY 1 PM HallB

Hero Initiative is the non-profit organization that aids comic creators in medical and financial need—and if you’ve been reading the Beat lately you know that they are more needed than ever. Tonight, as part of the Emerald City Comicon, they are having a bowling fundraiser which sounds like a great time for a great cause, as they say. Although spots have already been auctioned off, you can still go watch the fun:

That’s right! We’re bowling to raise money for our cause on Friday March 30 at 8pm! There are 24 spots to bowl with a special guest including Jim Valentino, Francis Manpul, Barry Kitson, Tony Parker and more at Garage Billiards at 1130 Broadway in downtown Seattle! (http://www.garagebilliards.com) For $40 you get 2 games with a special guest, shoe rental, a drink ticket and five raffle tickets to win a bowling pin designed by artists such as Joe Linsner or Matt Wagner!

And if you don’t want to bowl, come and have some fun! The custom bowling pins can be won by ANYONE who shows up! Raffle tickets are $5 each, and tickets will be sold all day Friday at booth number #807 and all evening at the event. Winners MUST BE present.
 
And of course our special guests at the booth will be signing and sketching for us. Check it out!
 
Friday, March 30 (hours 2-8)
200-300: Keu Cha
300-400: Scott Morse
400-500: Mike Oeming
500-700: Bill Willingham
 
Saturday, March 31 (hours 10-7)
1230-130: Jim Valentino
130-230: Adi Granov
430-630: Chrissie Zullo
 
 
Sunday, April 1 (hours 10-5)
1030-1130: Steve Lieber
1130-1230: Matt Fraction