Convention Bookings Open for Eva Ink Artist Group-- 2017!

Hey Everyone-- 

We are beginning to accept convention bookings for the 2017 season! And with a range of talent that encompasses writers, artists, editors, directors, film professionals and actors!

 If you are a convention or store, and are interested in inquiring about any of our great talent, please get with me ASAP.

If you are a fan, and would love to see some of these folks at a show/store near you, be sure to let that venue know.

Looking forward to seeing you in the coming year!

Best,

Renee

R. Witterstaetter

Eva Ink Artist Group

evaink@aol.com

Tip of the hat to Mr. Schulz

Check the bios of some of our great creators below:

John Beatty-- (Artist/Inker)

John Beatty ( Inker – Marvel Super Heroes “Secret Wars”, Captain America, The Punisher, Thanos Quest, Batman )

John Beatty is a veteran comic book artist, best know for his inking work for both Marvel and DC Comics.

Developing into one of the industries top inkers over his career, Beatty has worked with top pencil artists, such as Mike Zeck, Kelley Jones and Michael Golden.

Working on almost every major comic character in the industry at one time or another.

Titles best known for include many fan favorites such as: Marvel Super Heroes “Secret Wars”, Captain America, The Punisher, Thanos Quest and many Batman projects, including a highly regarded fan favorite 3 year run on the monthly “Batman” book.

Being picked or picking titles and peers to work with carefully and with cause, many of these series still remain highly regarded and collectable in today's current comic culture.

Dennis Calero-- (Writer/Artist/Colorist)

Dennis Calero is an internationally recognized and award winning artist and writer.  Co-creator of "Xmen Noir" and the web series "Devil Inside," Calero co-penned "Clandestine" for the Syfy Channel and Valhalla Productions.Dennis currently writes and draws Assassin's Creed: Templars for Titan Comics and is currently working on his second novel.

His novel, You Aren't the Captain of Me, has been optioned. He's the recipient of awards from The Harvey's and The Society of Illustrators. Other work includes "Alex Ross's Masks," "Army of Darkness," with writer Steve Niles,"The Shadow," "Legion of Super-Heroes," "Magic: The Gathering," "The Night Stalker," "Star Trek: The Next Generation,"  "Cowboys vs. Aliens,"  "Dungeons and Dragons," and "X-Factor" which was honored with a Harvey Award for Best New Series during his tenure. As well as being a versatile penciler, Dennis is also a sought after colorist, while also working in the world of film and television.  

Programing notes: Any number of panels can be arranged with Dennis that encompass overviews of his career, or focus on his amazing skill set.

Tom Cook-- (Artist/Animator) 

Tom began his career as an animator and director in 1978 at Hanna-Barbera Studios where he was hired to work as an assistant animator on Challenge of the SuperFriends, Godzilla, Scooby Doo, Smurfs, Pacman and the Flintstones.

A short stop at Ruby-Spears had him working on Thundarr the Barbarian (had the privilege to meet and work with Jack Kirby), Heathcliff, Fang Face and Plastic Man. Freelancing at Film Roman he worked on the Garfield Special Babes and Bullets and for Bill Melendez on the Peanuts Special This is America Charlie Brown.

He then moved over to Filmation Studios in 1980, which at this point had become the only animation studio doing animation in the United States, and worked on Tarzan, Flash Gordon, Blackstar, Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, Brown Hornet, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, She-Ra Princess of Power, Ghostbusters, Lone Ranger, Zorro, The Kids Super Power Hour with Shazam (Captain Marvel), Hero High and the futuristic Western Bravestarr. He was also involved with many TV commercials such as The Jolly Green Giant, Chevrolet, and the 7 Up Spot campaign.

He then became the timing director on Road Rovers, Disney's Mighty Ducks, PB & J Otter, Duckman, King of the Hill, Savage Dragon, HBO's Happily Ever After Fairy Tales, Extreme Ghostbusters, Extreme Dinosaurs and many more.

He also animated on a number of motion pictures such as Walt Disney's Prince and the Pauper starring Mickey Mouse, Roger Rabbit in Tummy Trouble, The Jetson's Movie, Rover Dangerfield, Stay Tuned, Pinocchio and the Emperor of the Night, Steven Spielberg's Were Back, and Don Bluth's Thumbelina. 

Michael Golden--(Artist/Writer/Consultant/Designer)

One of THE storytellers in the industry,  influencing generations of comics fans and professionals, Michael Golden boasts creations that are some of the most licensed and enduring in the industry. 

Co-Creator of Rogue, Bucky O'Hare, Micronauts and "The 'Nam," among much more, Golden is known as one of THE artists on such characters as Batman, Doctor Strange, G.I. Joe and the Punisher. Golden's recent covers can be seen on everything from "Spawn" to the "Walking Dead," to World Wrestling  work. Recent covers include works on "The Walking Dead," "Deadpool," and "DareDevil," to name a few. 

In short, no history of comics is complete without touching on the influence that this legendary artist has had on this industry. Recent books on the colorful life and vibrant art of Golden include "Michael Golden: Alchemy" "Modern Masters: Michael Golden" and "Excess: The Art of Michael Golden," and "Michael Golden: Dangerous Curves." 

In addition, having served as both Senior Art Director at Marvel Comics and Senior Editor at DC Comics, Golden's lectures and classes in storytelling are sought after world wide, with recent venues including places as diverse as Spain, France, Russia, Norway, Brazil, Chile and China. With recent gallery shows mounted in New York City, Maryland, Spain and Russia. 

Programing Notes: Various panels on the art of comic books can be scheduled with Michael, to highlight this special event at your show.  (Note: Michael has specific table and listing requirements. )



Guy Gilchrist-- (Muppet Babies, Nancy, TMNT)

Gil and some of his friends.

At the age of 24, Guy was hand-selected to create Jim Henson’s Muppets Comic Strip that was printed worldwide in 660-plus newspapers daily from 1981 to 1986.  Throughout the years, he has set his hand to such notable cartoons as The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Looney Tunes, Tom & Jerry, Tiny Toons, Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock,The Pink Panther, Minnie Mouse, and was instrumental in the creation of The Muppet Babies!

Guy's iconic Muppets artwork was enshrined in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC. as symbolic of a National Treasure in 1984 after he was Guest of Honor at the White House.

Gilchrist took over the iconic Nancy comic strip in 1995, and 2017 marks his twenty-second year drawing Nancy, her Aunt Fritzi, and of course....Sluggo!

Syndicated internationally in 80 countries and some 400 newspapers, Nancy has a viewership of 57 million readers around the world.

 Gilchrist has been recognized and honored internationally for his creativity and authorship.  He was awarded the National Cartoonist Society's highly coveted Reuben Award in 1997 and again in 1998 for Best Magazine and Book Illustrator, for Night Lights and Pillow Fights – Book One and Book Two.  Also for Night Lights and Pillow Fights, he was awarded the Bank Street Award for Best Book of the Year – 1998.   He is a three-time award winner of the Best Book of the Year from the International Reading Council of the United Nations, for the Tiny Dinos book series.  The Tiny Dinos series was among the top bestselling books at Walden Books.
 
Programing Notes: Guy is available for panels and art demos at shows.

Geof Isherwood--(Artist/Designer/Storyboards)

Renowned artist for Marvel, DC, Broadway, and Heroes Of The North, in fact, creator of Psylocke's Katana! Some of Geof's major title runs include "Dr. Strange," "Suicide Squad," "Conan the Barbarian," "Conan The King," "Namor" and "The 'Nam".  Geof is also the inker of the graphic novel, "Revenge of the Living Monolith," over Marc Silvestri. But he says the comic brought to him most often to sign is probably "Dr. Strange" #50. 

Geof has also worked on over 60 film and TV productions, including X-Men: DOFP and X-Men: Age of Apocalypse, Being Human (US), Hot Wheels, Helix, Wings of the Dragon, The Phantom, The Last Templar, Race to Mars, The Covenant, Dead of Night, Battlefield Earth, Gothika, Rollerball,The Fountain and much, much more. 

In addition to film work, as an expert in figure drawing, Geof teaches in the Concept Art and Illustration program at Algonquin College in Ottawa, Ontario, as well as having a sketch list that is in demand at every show he attends. 

Geof is now also working for Renegade Media drawing the final issue of the soon-to-be-released "Necromatics".  

Programming Notes:  Geof is available for programming encompassing subjects ranging from comics to TV/film!

Konstantin Komardin--(Artist/Animator/Writer)

After several successful signing and screening tours in the United States, Konstantin is busy at work on his current lengthy animation project focused on human rights, now in development. 

Komardin is an award-winning sequential artist, graphic artist and animator. His work includes the BD magazines “Veles,” “Hacker,” “Max Cooler,” “Moulin Rouge,” “Timof” which published his story “Siberian Dreams,” and the renowned comics “Agent Z,” “Sit-o-city,” “Gate of Alice,” and “Mechanics of Senses.” Konstantin was awarded the Grand Prize for “The Site of Polis” at the Moscow Comics Festival.  

His animation works include the concept designs on “Elka,” “Man with the Wind in his Head,” which was featured at the Suzdal Film Festival, “Tram,” “Spindel” which was honored at the Moscow Short Film Festival, and “The Man in Penze Nez,” which screened at both the Suzdal Film Festival and the Moscow International Film Festival.  

Programing Notes: Konstantin can do panels on animation as well as sequential art for your show, and talk about the cross-cultural world of comics.

Ric Meyers--(Writer/Film Consultant/Director/Actor)

Novelist Richard S. Meyers is responsible for the Marvel prose novel featuring the Hulk among others, but around 100 other books as well! Creator of the Destroyer series, Ric is also the writer of "Santa Confidential," illustrated beautifully by artist Chris Browne of "Hagar the Horrible" fame, "The Kung Fu Movie Book," featuring everything you want to know about the martial arts world, and is the director of "The Kung Fu Movie Movie."  

His commentary is sought after on director cuts of movies and television compilations worldwide. As well as acting (most recently as a villain in a Scotland filmed production), Ric has been called on as an expert consultant for such projects as "Twilight Zone," and "Kung Fu Panda." He yearly runs the Marital Arts movie segments at the San Diego Comic Con. 

Programing Notes: Ric is available for a plethora of programming, Kung Fu, comics, film and otherwise! Screening of his movie works are also possible.

Rags Morales-- (Illustrator)

A veteran of the comic industry, Rags began his career with DC Comics in 1989 with the TSR licensed book Forgotten Realms. His first super hero series was "Black Condor." 

He has since worked on countless titles for DC, most notably "Identity Crisis". Other notable projects include: long runs on "JSA," "Hawkman," not to forget "Batman/Superman," "Nightwing," The New 52 and "First Wave." 

Rags has also worked with Valiant, Dark Horse, and Marvel Comics. 

From September to May, Rags also teaches at the Joe Kubert School of Cartooning and Graphic Art. He lives in eastern Pennsylvania.

Programming Notes:  Rags is available for programming regarding his career in comics and creating comic books. 

Phil Ortiz (Simpsons, Hanna-Barbera, Warner Bros., Muppet Babies!)

Phil Ortiz

Come and be sketchanized by Phil and see what you would look like if you were to appear as a character on the Simpsons! It costs $70 per person to be sketched inked and colored. This is a work of art that you will cherish for the rest of your life.

Phil Ortiz grew up in East LA of Mexican and Spanish/Norwegian parents in 1953. He currently lives and works in the beautiful Lake Arrowhead area. Over his more than 30 years as a professional artist, Phil has worked on everything from daily newspaper comic strips (Bugs Bunny) to layouts and character design for animated cartoons including The Simpsons where Phil had a hand in the look of about 200 characters on the longest running comedy series in TV history. Some of the notable characters Phil designed for the Simpsons include: Flanders, Otto, Herman, Lou and Eddie, Ralph, and Apu. Phil has won five CERTIFICATES of ACHIEVEMENT for his work in TV animation and has been drawing for The Simpsons comic books for many years. 

He won three of these Awards for work on Jim Henson's Muppet Babies animated series. He has also worked on Disney's illustrated books and for Hanna-Barbera, Warner Bros. Animation, Ruby Spears, and many other animation studios in his long career. Phil's talents include designing merchandise items and speaking to students from all over the world about his art form.

Rodney Ramos--(Artist)

Artist Rodney Ramos has worked on just about every major character for Marvel Comics and DC Comics with a flourish that makes him a master at his craft. He began his storied journey in comics as a Romita Raider at Marvel Comics, learning his craft under the legendary John Romita, Sr. Regular work on titles like "Psi-Force," "What The!?" "Thundercats" "Punisher War Journal," "Amazing Spider-Man," and "Iron Man" followed, as well as work on Green Lantern, Batman, Wonder Woman, and much more. 

His works include masterful craftsmanship for clients ranging from Valiant, Malibu, Acclaim, Marvel UK, and Neal Adams Continuity Studios, in addition to Marvel and DC. He reached cult status with his work on DC's "Transmetropolitan," a huge fan favorite, and most recently over Simon Bisley's pencils at Legendary.

Programming Notes:  Rodney is available for panels on his career and comics in general. 

Jim Salicrup--(Writer/Artist/Editor)

Jim Salicrup is the Editor-in-Chief of Papercutz, the graphic novel publishing company he co-founded with Terry Nantier. Papercutz is devoted to publishing great graphic novels for all ages:  Annoying Orange, Ariol, Classics Illustrated, Dance Class, Disney Fairies, Geronimo Stilton, LEGO® Ninjago, LEGO Chima,Lunch Witch, Nancy Drew Diaries, The Smurfs Anthology, and many more. Recently, Papercutz launched a new imprint, modestly called Super Genius, which publishes titles such as WWE Superstars, Neil Gaiman’s Lady Justice, and more.

After being published as a writer and artist in Kids Magazine at age 14, Jim moved on to working at Marvel Comics for twenty years, editing most of their top titles, such as Spider-Man (with Todd McFarlane), The Uncanny X-Man (with Claremont & Byrne), The Fantastic Four (with John Byrne), Iron Man, and many more. Jim was the writer, and then editor of Spidey Super Stories, , a comic created to help children learn how to read. Spidey Super Stories was produced in co-operation with the Children’s Television Workshop, the producers of Sesame Street and The Electric Company. Editing and writing Spidey Super Stories was important in getting Jim to think about comics created for kids.

Jim was also the writer of such comics as Transformers, Visionaries, The Spider-Man Child Abuse Prevention comic, The A-Team, The Inhumanoids, Kool-Aid Man, and more. He also wrote and edited Marvel calendars, toilet paper, coloring books, posters and drinking cups. He also was the editor on Marvel Age Magazine for eight years.

After Marvel, Jim developed a line of comics for the Topps Company, Inc., where he was Editor-in-Chief. At Topps Comics Jim worked with such writers and artists such as Charlie Adlard, Ray Bradbury, Steve Ditko, Keith Giffen, Michael Golden,  Don Heck, Gil Kane, Miran Kim,  Jack Kirby, Don McGregor, Mike Mignola, George Perez, Stefan Petrucha, P. Craig Russell,  Scott Shaw!,  Roy Thomas, Craig Yoe, and many others.  Jim was also Senior Writer/Editor for Stan Lee Media, and a Trustee for the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art. 

Programming Notes: Jim is available for panels on his career and comics in general. 

Arthur Suydam-- (Artist/ Creator)

The Zombie King," as he is known, rose to stardom for his work on the smash hit series "Marvel Zombies," the lines at his booth at any given show are a testament to the enduring "zombie craze," with Suydam as a forerunner. He is also renowned as the Deadpool cover artist on "Merc with a Mouth." 

Recent awards for Arthur include "The Spike TV Scream Award (Best Artist)," "Spectrum Gold Award for Institutional Art," "The San Sebastian Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award,"as well as the "University of Maryland Eastern Shore Lifetime Achievement Award,"  among others. 

His work can also be seen on works for "The Walking Dead," "Deadpool, "Batman," "Wolverine," "Fantastic Four," "X-Men," "Ghost Rider," "Army of Darkness" "Vampirella," and too many to name here. Suydam's creator-owned projects include "Mudwogs" and "The Adventures of Cholly and Flytrap," among much more.  

Programing Notes: Arthur is also offering to do a special promo for shows that includes free sketches for kids on Sundays. Ask for details.  (Note: Arthur has certain table and listing requirements.)


Matt Triano--(Artist/Designer)

Matt Triano is known for his illustrative work on both super-hero and fantasy/horror projects. "The Devilers," "Grimm's Myths and Legends," "Robyn Hood," "Call of Wonderland," "Sleepy Hollow," "The Story of Mankind" for the Discovery Channel, "Shark Week" illustrations for Discovery Channel, "The Shadow," "The Lone Ranger Annual," and more highlight his amazing work and insistence on research and story setting. 

His attention to detail and design has most recently been seen in the series "Sherlock Holmes: The Liverpool Demon," which was released to great reviews and the aforementioned "The Devilers," which also feature his character designs. 

In addition to his story work, Matt also is a storyboard artist, working on motion comics projects and developing custom comics for high profile clients. Other works include material for Robin Hood Charities in New York,  work on Marvel Trading Cards and Batman work for the "DC Halloween Special."  

Programing Notes: Matt is available for programming at all the shows he attends,on subjects relating to his career and the comic book industry.

Mike Toth (Lone Ranger, Tarzan, Shazam, Peanuts!)

Mike Toth

Mike began his long career in the animation field in 1978 at Filmation Studios. Having been inspired by the Warner Brothers cartoons of the 1940s he always dreamed of being an animator. Starting his career at Filmation Studios he worked on He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, She-Ra Princess of Power, Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, Tarzan, Lone Ranger Zorro Adventure Hour, Shazam, Blackstar, Bravestarr, Ghostbusters, New Adventures of Tom & Jerry. He also worked freelance for Bill Melendez on This is America Charlie Brown, Snoopy's Reunion and It's Spring Training Charlie Brown. 
When Filmation closed it's doors in 1988 he moved over to the Baer Animation Studios where he got to work on many commercials such as the Green Giant, Chevy Lumina and also worked on Roger Rabbit in Tummy Trouble as well as the Prince and the Pauper short starring Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy. In the mid 1990s he found himself working at Disney Studios Animation in Burbank where he worked on such great Disney Classics as Aladdin, Pocohontas, Mulan, Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, Atlantis the Lost Empire, Treasure Planet, Hercules and Home on the Range. 

Now you can create your own ANIMATOR ALLEY at your event with these amazing and engaging guests!  Contact us for details at: evaink@aol.com

Renee Witterstaetter--(Writer/Editor/Color Artist)

Writer, editor, colorist and publisher Renee Witterstaetter has acted as editor on such books as "Hercules," "Xena," "X-Files," "Conan," "She-Hulk,"  "The Marvel Holiday Special," "Impossible Man Summer Special," "Jurassic Park,"  and too many books to mention here. 

As a film professional, she has worked on such movies as "Red Dragon" and "Rush Hour 2," while also behind the scenes, racking up credits on dozens of music videos and commercials for artists as diverse as Madonna, Seal and Usher.  

Her books as a writer include: "Jackie Chan: Dying for Action," "Nick Cardy: The Artist at War," "Excess: The Art of Michael Golden," "Nick Cardy: Wit-Lash," "Art of the Barbarian,"  "Michael Golden: Excess," "The Art of Mark Texeira," and her children's book "Kerry and the Scary Things." 

In addition, combining her film work with comics, she is a producer of DVD's on various comic book creators and talents in other fields through her partnership with Amdale Media,  and has spearheaded mounting art shows and retrospectives in the United States, Spain, China, Russia and other venues worldwide. She has lectured on the industry in China, Spain, Norway, and numerous other countries, not to mention the United States! 

Programing Notes: Renee is available for portfolio reviews as well as panels relating to her career and working in the publishing industry and comics. 

Mike Zeck--(Artist)

When discussing comics heavy hitter, Mike Zeck, you'd have to argue which is his most influential work, or which is most deeply embossed on our pop culture. 

His series "Kraven's Last Hunt," took Spider-man to a whole new level and has been voted by readers as the "Greatest Spider-Man story ever told." His subsequent work on the Punisher  with "Cricle of Blood," cemented him as one of the THE artists for the character, while the series "Secret Wars," set comic book readership on their ears, and heralded Zeck's creation of the black and white Spider-Man costume, still around as the attire of the super-villain, Venom. His work on Captain American also stands out as some of the most influential in the industry, and iconic images of this and other characters such as Superman and Batman, are etched in comic history.  

In fact, Zeck images are featured on Marvel merchandising ad nauseam year after year, evidence of his enduring popularity. It's hard not to notice all those "Secret Wars" t-shirts! 

Recent books on Mike include "Raw Fury: The Art of Mike Zeck," while Zeck's  series with writer Steven Grant (creator of the hit movie "Two Guns"), "Damned," was released in a recent volume by IDW Publishing, which has also just released a deluxe volume of Mike's classic Marvel covers. 

Programming Notes: Mike prefers not to do panels. But is at his table for fans all hours of any show he attends.  (Note that Mike will be doing very limited appearances, and certain conditions apply. Please contact me for details. )

++++++++

Okay, let's get the ball rolling! 

I may be adding a few more very exciting talent names before the end of the year.

Looking forward to hearing from you, and discussing your show, gallery event or store appearance.

Best,

Renee

R. Witterstaetter

Eva Ink Artist Group

evaink@aol.com

Get the word out ya'll! 

Michael Golden: SDCC 2016 Exclusives! Eva Ink Booth 1509! Available for Pre-order!

Announcing Michael Golden SDCC Exclusives!

Artist, Michael Golden will be located at the Eva Ink Artist Group booth at SDCC this year. Booth Number 1509.

We are offering several very limited and collectible exclusives to mark the first year of the Eva Ink Artist Group Booth at SDCC! 

1.)  LIMITED EDITION T-SHIRT--You may recognize the image, but chances are that you probably didn't know the artist-- Yup, it's a Golden original and always has been. So now is your chance to wear it  proudly on this limited edition tee, (marking the first time the artist will ever have been paid for a shirt sporting this image!) Very limited quantities in M, L and XL.  $25. 

2.)  Captain American “Civil War” #1 Variant Cover. Movie tie-in cover. Signed and Numbered to only 500 copies for this event. Includes a certificate of Authenticity.  Available for $50. while they last. 

3.) Captain American “Civil War” #1 Variant Cover WITH SKETCH.  Available as time permits. Pre-orders welcome.  The “Civil War” variant featuring the head sketch remark of your choice.  $125. Includes certificate. Signed and Numbered. 

4.) “Walking Dead” #1 Variant Michone Cover. Color.  Signed and Numbered to 50 copies. With COA. $80 at this event only. 

5.)  “Walking Dead” #1 Variant Michone Cover. Black and White Sketch Edition.  Signed and Numbered to 50 copies. With COA. $80 at this event only.

6.) “Marvel Fanfare”  Spider-Man/Hulk cover. Variant. Limited Spanish Edition. Only 500 made and only 50 available at this show.  $40. signed and numbered with COA. And YES, the story inside is the original classic by Michael Golden, featuring Golden's original coloring! 

7.) “Dangerous Curves” Hardcover sketchbook.  Signed and Numbered with COA.  Only 30 available at this event. $40. 

8.) “Dangerous Curves” Hardcover sketchbook with Original Sketch inside.  Signed and Numbered with COA.  Only 30 available at this event. $200. (These are pre done sketches)

9.)  Michael will also be doing limited amounts of sketch requests at the show (pencils with inks), as time permits. On his paper or blank comic covers. If you'd like to be on the sketch list and pre-pay for your con art, please e-mail below.  Or come by the table and inquire about scheduling. 

In addition, if you would like to pre order any of the product or art listed above, contact Renee at: evaink@aol.com.  

We accept paypal and credit cards and you can pick up your orders at Booth 1509 on the show floor all weekend long. 

(If you will not be at SDCC and you'd still like to get in on the exclusives, we can mail them to you! While supplies last!) 

For other questions, again, contact us at: evaink@aol.com, and hope to see you at the show! 

"Voltron" Series Debuts! --Neil Kaplan as Zarkon in DreamWorks Project!

Villainy Comes Naturally to Neil Kaplan! 

By Chuck Barney
Bay Area News Group

In a career that spans more than 20 years, voice over actor Neil Kaplan has repeatedly proven that he’s oh-so-good at being bad.

In “Voltron Legendary Defender,” a DreamWorks animated series now streaming on Netflix, he plays Emperor Zarkon, the chief adversary of five teenagers who have been plunged into the middle of an intergalactic war. Long story short: This dude is evil.

“The fun thing about playing big bad guys is that they’re certain about what they want,” says Kaplan, who grew up in San Jose. “They have a goal, and they’re out to achieve it. They’re not asking for advice. It’s just, ‘This is what we’re doing, and this is how we’re going to get it there.’ "

Emperor Zarkon voiced by Neil Kaplan

Kaplan, says he gets a kick out of playing Zarkon because he’s a character with “shades of gray”—someone who is a “little more erudite and intelligent.”

Being bad is nothing new for Kaplan. Some of his early work included voicing “villains of the week” on the iconic “Power Rangers” TV series.

But there’s no type-casting Kaplan. Over the years he has taken on a vast variety of roles in animation, video games, television, film, audiobooks and anime. (Agents Note: Including Optimus Prime, as well as Marvel, Legaue of Legends and Star Wars properties.)

“The great thing about voice acting is that it doesn’t matter what you look like,” he says. “If you’re tall, you can play a short person If you’re 100 years old, you can play a teenager…If you can play it, you can play it.”

Kaplan became fascinated with voice work while watching “The ABC Comedy Hour,” an early 1970’s variety show featuring a team of impressionists that included, among others, Rich Little, Frank Gorshin and Fred Travalena.  Soon he was entertaining fellow students at Bagby Elementary School with his own impressions of Jimmy Stewart and Richard Nixon.

Kaplan went on to compete in Santa Clara County Fair talent shows and perform with touring groups for San  Jose Children’s Musical Theatre. During a fundraiser at the  Montgomery Theatre, he had a chance to meet the legendary voice-actor Mel Blanc and came away impressed.

“He was probably 80 years old at  the time, and he looked to be every single minute of it,” Kaplan recalls.  “He was slumped over and not showing a lot of life. But when they announced his name and he hit the stage, I swear he lost 50 years. He was bright and bubbly, and he just blew me away.”

Actor, Neil Kaplan

*******

To see some clips from the new series and have Emperor Zarkon blow YOU away, here are some links that relate directly to Neil in his new part!

Not only that, but he's available to do it in person at a convention near you!


http://m.ign.com/articles/2016/06/11/voltron-legendary-defender-season-1-review

http://collider.com/voltron-legendary-defender-sizzle-reel/

http://www.denofgeek.com/us/tv/voltron/255959/voltron-legendary-defender-review-spoiler-free

http://geekeinc.com/2016/06/12/voltron-legendary-defender-season-1-review/


For Booking information, contact Renee, Pros & Cons Celebrity Booking: evaink@aol.com.  

Aurlion Sol from League of Legends, voiced by Neil Kaplan.

Dreamworks Announces: NEIL KAPLAN Cast as EMPEROR ZARKON in New Netflix Voltron Series!!

Los Angeles-- It's just been announced that renowned voice actor, Neil Kaplan, has been cast as the Emperor Zarkon in the new Dreamworks original series for Netflix entitled "Voltron: Legendary Defender." And you can be the first to book the new Emperor to your show or event! 

As announced at WonderCon this year, there have numerous variations of the Voltron series, but none have been as popular or as well received as the original Lion Force based primarily on the Beast King GoLion from Japan.

The new series follows five unsuspecting teenagers, transported from Earth into the middle of a sprawling intergalactic war who become pilots for five robotic lions in the battle to protect the universe from evil. Only through the true power of teamwork can they unite to form the mighty warrior known as Voltron: Legendary Defender.

This new series offers up a great voice cast including Kimberly Brooks (Ben 10: Omniverse) as Princess Allura, Rhys Darby (What We Do in The Shadows) as Coran, Josh Keaton (Green Lantern The Animated Series) as Shiro, Black Lion, Tyler Labine (Tucker & Dale vs. Evil) as Hunk, Yellow Lion, Jeremy Shada (Finn in Adventure Time) as Lance, Blue Lion, Bex Taylor-Klaus (Arrow) as Pidge, Green Lion, Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead) as Ketih, Red Lion and Neil Kaplan (Transformers: Robots in Disguise) as Emperor Zarkon.

Past version of Emperor Zarkon.

During this year’s Wondercon Executive Producer Joaquim Dos Santos, Co-Executive Producer Lauren Montgomery and writer Tim Hedrick took the stage to unveil not only the cast, but also never-before-seen artwork and footage for the all-new series.

BE there when the lions come back together to form Voltron: Legendary Defender with all 13 episodes exclusively on Netflix beginning June 10th.

Voice Actor, Neil Kaplan.

And for you convention promoters, BE the first to book Neil Kaplan for your 2016 event! 

For more information, contact Renee at Pros & Cons Celebrity Booking: evaink@aol.com

GIR from "Invader Zim"-- RIKKI SIMONS Available for Booking!

Rikki Simons

Rikki Simons  Voice Actor, writer, and artist, is now available for booking via Eva Ink Artist Group/ Pros & Cons Celebrity Bookings.

You know Rikki as the voice of the robot in a dog suit, GIR from Invader ZIM! As fans embrace the chance to meet Rikki in person at his appearances worldwide.

Gir

As a writer he is known for the science fiction and fantasy novel Hitherto a Lion.


Original illustrated books and comics that he created with Tavisha-Wolfgarth-Simons include Super Information Hijinks: Reality Check!, Ranklechick and His Three Legged Cat, ShutterBox, and now The Trinkkits.

"Trinkkits: Sad Circus by the Sea."

He is also a background painter in animation, most noted for his color design on Invader ZIM.

Programming Notes:  Rikki is available for panels designed for your show, focusing on the art of voice acting, as well as his various writing projects.

For more information contact Renee at: evaink@aol.com

Neil Kaplan Just Cast as AURELION SOL-- Space Dragon from "League of Legends!"

Voice Actor, Neil Kaplan

THIS JUST IN, PUTTING THE AUDIENCE ON THEIR EAR AT WONDERCON, 2016! 

Renowned voice actor, Neil Kaplan,  lauded for his work over the last 20+ years in animation, video games, television, film, audiobooks, amusement parks and anime, has just been cast as the long awaited voice of the mystical space dragon AURELION SOL in the wildly popular "League of Legends" game--Exciting  news for fans that have been anticipating Aurelion Sol's arrival for some time, and clamoring for it even!

And to add to that,  Neil also recently completed recording for the upcoming season of Disney's hit animated series "Penn Zero, Part Time Hero".

This is just more icing on the cake for a career that has spanned the spectrum of pop culture favorites.

It's safe to say that a legion of fans will recognize Neil blindfolded as the voice of iconic Autobot leader OPTIMUS PRIME on FOX Kids' "Transformers: Robots in Disguise." As most Transformers fans can tell you, Neil was the second actor ever to provide the voice for the immensely popular character.

His other fan favorites includes numerous Digimon as well as season two target of fan adoration, HAWKMON-- as well as all of his derivations. Neil's current work in the world of anime includes the charismatic villain MADARA UCHIHA on the popular long-running series "Naruto: Shippuden".

In addition, Neil has worked on dozens and dozens video games, often creating incredibly memorable characters including the roguish anti-hero TYCHUS J. FINDLAY in both "Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty" and "Heroes of The Storm", the mysterious star dragon AURELION SOL in "League of Legends", the hulking, brutish, bounty hunter companion SKADGE in "Star Wars: The Old Republic", as well as IMPERIAL GOVERNOR ADELHARD in "Star Wars: Uprising" and BENDAK STARKILLER in "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic".

He can be heard as SABRETOOTH and VENOM in "Marvel Heroes", KRAVEN THE HUNTER, GORILLA GRODD, DECEPTICON LONG HAUL, NORMAN OSBOURNE and THE GREEN GOBLIN on various video games as well as hundreds of background characters who help bring the background to life.

His other video game credits also include The Skylanders series of games, "The Last of Us", "God of War: Ascension", "Diablo III", "Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor", "Elder Scrolls", "Guild Wars 2", "Bioshock Infinite", "World of Warcraft" and many, MANY others.

Neil Kaplan, that's who! 

Some of Neil's other notable work includes:

His work voicing the stuffed Care Bear teddy called FUNSHINE BEAR; As well as being the main narrator for the young adult book series, "I am Number Four";

Neil  was thrilled to say YES when producers of the cult hit "Robot Chicken" asked him to play in their sandbox as the LEADER of GI JOE EXTREME and Hogwart's beloved headmaster, ALBUS DUMBLEDORE;

And also resonating with his corp of followers, are many of his vocal performances on the television classic, Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers. (As well as The Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers: The Movie) However, Power Rangers know him best for voicing the memorable DIABOLICO, the evil lieutenant to Queen Bansheera in "Power Rangers: Lightspeed Rescue" and GLUTO, the not-so-bright henchman to the villainous Rancik, on "Power Rangers Time Force."

...And the list keeps growing!

These days it is rare for Neil to meet an English speaking pop-culture fan who has not been influenced by his work.

For booking information contact his agency at:

Renee Witterstaetter

Pros & Cons Celebrity Booking

evaink@aol.com

Pokemon 20th Anniversay! Veronica Taylor-- Voice of Ash-- Available for Bookings!

Hey everyone, believe it or  not, Pokemon has turned 20! That's celebrating two decades that gamers of all ages have been collecting these little pocket mischief makers in the pursuit of being the best, and following the adventures of our lovable miniature monsters and Ash, on Saturday morning cartoons.

To celebrate, Nintendo is not only having all previous Pokemon games on hand in great supply, but they have announced the release of TWO new games in 2016: "Pokemon Sun" and "Pokemon Moon." Remastered games hit the stores on February 27th-- Pokemon's actual birthday! While the two new games will hit later in 2016, building up the excitement!

And that's only the beginning, Nintendo has announced that 2016 will be a year long celebration of the past, present and future of this enduring game and cartoon series, with more surprises in the works.

Veronica Taylor, the voice of Ash.

Voice over actress Veronica Taylor has been part of the Pokemon legacy for some time now-- as the voice of the main character Ash, as well as May, in the popular cartoon series.

Some of her other parts include: April on “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and roles in “Cubix”, “Dinosaur King”, “Yu-Gi-Oh!”, “Huntik”, “Tai Chi Chasers”, and more. She can be heard on PBS kids’ “Word World” (Sheep), “Lunch Lab” (Mixiebot), and “Chuck Vanderchuck’s ‘something something’ Explosion!” (Ramona).

Ash and Picacu!

Other projects include Sailor Pluto on “Sailor Moon”, “Mofy” (Mofy, Mogu, Sora), “Astroblast” (Sputnik), and “Welcome to the Wayne (Spy from 8-i).

Now is the perfect time to add Veronica to your convention celebrity list and help celebrate the YEAR of Pokemon! 

Programming Notes: Veronica loves to be at her booth to sign autographs for fans. Inquire as well for various programming opportunities.

If you are interested in interviewing Veronica or booking her for your convention/event, please contact:

Eva Ink Artist Group
Pros & Cons Celebrity Booking
evaink@aol.com