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Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Convention Bookings for 2016 OPEN--Check out our partial list of talent at Eva Ink Artist Group!




(The World isn't as big as it used to be! Conventions-- bringin' it all together!  )


Hey Everyone-- 

We are beginning to accept convention bookings for the 2016 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



Check the bios of some of our great creators below:



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. )


Alan Harris-- (Actor-- Bossk from "Star Wars")


Alan Harris IS Bossk from the "Star Wars" movies:  "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi." And does he have some behind the scenes stories to share!

In "Empire Strikes Back,"  Alan was already acting as one of the stand ins for  actor Anthony Daniels (C3PO), as well as portraying a Storm Trooper from time to time, when he was tapped to take on the role of the  Trandoshan bounty hunter, Bossk. The character became so popular that it has spawned many stories and comic books of his own, and is featured in the “Bounty Hunter Wars,” trilogy, and other volumes.

In "Return of the Jedi," the character became so "in demand" during that filming, that Alan, again one of the stand ins for Anthony Daniels who was in most of the scenes, sometimes had very little time to go from CP3O mode to getting into and out of his Bossk costume!

Aside from the wildly popular bounty hunting bad boy, Harris had his hand (and actually whole BODY), in other "Star Wars" facts and fun as well:

For example: Alan was engaged for the development of the Boba Fett costume. "Three months before filming started, at the concept stage, they built the Boba Fett costume around me," explains Harris.  "Boba Fett was originally meant to be a Super Trooper and would launch from a space ship using the rocket that can be seen in his back pack, and be able to fire at the enemy on the ground. I was totally unaware of the flame thrower built in the costume. When they tested it, it gave me quite a fright."

He was also the body for "Han Solo in Carbonite." 

"When the plaster cast was dry they cut my face out and put Harrison Ford’s in.  Kershner and I were looking at the finished product on set and Harrison came over and said he was thinking of turning one of these into a coffee table. I don’t know if he ever did,” he laughs.

Programming Notes:  Alan is available for signing, photo ops, and for panels about the making of "Star Wars."  (Specific booking details apply.)


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!


Neil Kaplan-- (Voice Actor/Actor/Comedian-- Optimus Prime, Star Wars, PowerRangers)


Master of many characters, Neil Kaplan, IS Optimus Prime!  

But his creations give life to numerous other  hot properties as well, including: "Star Wars," "Power Rangers," Marvel Heroes, "Avatar," "Gears of War"… The list goes ON! In fact, his chorus of  resonating heroes and villains touches many a childhood and demographic the world over.



Just to name a few of Neil Kaplan’s characters: - Optimus Prime - The original "Transformers: Robots in Disguise"; "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" (VG); Diabolico "Power Rangers: Lightspeed Rescue" (TV); Gluto - "Power Rangers: Time Force" (TV); "Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers" (TV & movie); "Power Rangers Lost Galaxy" (TV); Skadge - "Star Wars the Old Republic" (VG); Governor Adlehard - "Star Wars: Uprising" (VG); Bendak Starkiller - "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic" (VG); Boss Ganne - "Star Wars: Battlegrounds" (VG); Green Goblin & Norman Osborne - "Spider-Man: Battle for New York" (VG); Venom & Sabretooth - "Marvel Heroes" (VG); Gorilla Grodd - "Justice League Heroes" (VG); Hawkmon - "Digimon" (TV & movie); Tychus Findlay - "StarCraft II" and "Heroes of the Storm"; Madara Uchiha - "Naruto Shippuden" (Anime - TV, movie and VG); Albus Dumbledore & Leader of the G.I. Joe EXTREME - "Robot Chicken"; Kinnect "Disneyland Adventures" (VG);"Avatar: The Game" (VG); "Final Fantasy XIII" (VG); "Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Retribution" (VG); "Gears of War 3" (VG); "God of War: Ascension" (VG)--And that's only a partial list!



Programming Notes: Neil is currently available to meet fans, delight crowds and sign autographs at your convention or event. He is open to various types of programming, and meeting fans at his table. 



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.





Chris Parsons-- (Actor, 4-LOM from "Star Wars")

Chris Parsons

Born in London in 1960,  Chris Parsons would soon find himself in the "galaxy far, far, away" via his  involvement in the Star Wars saga of the late 1970's and early 1980's! 

His various work in the trilogy includes:


Star Wars: Episode V - Empire Strikes Back (1980) 
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983) in which he portrayed: C-3PO (double), K-3PO, E-3PO, R-3PO, a Death Star Droid, a  Stormtrooper, Snowtrooper, a Hoth Rebel soldier and a Hoth Snow Speeder pilot.

All making his stories from the set varied and insightful.

Chris has also been in various other Television and film productions including:  Raiders Of The Lost Ark, Quadrophenia, Superman ll, Yentl, The Shining and James Bond. 

But of all his various work, the one most resonating with Star Wars fans is his portrayal of 4-LOM, the Bounty Hunter. 4-LOM is remembered as the cold, calculating and ambitious LOM-series protocol droid, resembling the insectoid species he was designed to serve,  who overrode his programming and became an intergalactic thief and later a bounty hunter, often working with Grand Findsman Zuckuss. 
 
Following the Battle of Hoth, 4-LOM was hired by Darth Vader to capture Han Solo, Captain of the Millennium Falcon and hero of the Rebel Alliance. For this, the mechanical teamed up fellow Bounty Hunters Boba Fett, Dengar, Bossk, and IG-88.

Chris Parson's unique part in the Star Wars trilogy allowed him to give life to this unique creature, spawning Legos, trading cards, toys and more!


Programming Notes:  Chris is happy to take part in panels talking about his behind the scenes experiences on the Star Wars set, alone or with other cast members. For Booking information, contact Renee at Pros & Cons Celebrity Booking: evaink@aol.com    


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. 



Trina Robbins--(Writer/Historian)



Award-winning herstorian and writer Trina Robbins has been writing books,
comics, and graphic novels for over forty years. Her 2009 book, The
Brinkley Girls: the Best of Nell Brinkley’s Cartoons from 1913-1940
(Fantagraphics), and her 2011 book, "Tarpe Mills and Miss Fury," were
nominated for Eisner awards and Harvey awards. Her all-ages graphic
novel, Chicagoland Detective Agency: The Drained Brains Caper, first in a
6-book series, was a Junior Library Guild Selection. Her graphic novel,
"Lily Renee: Escape Artist," was awarded a gold medal from Moonbeam
Chidren’s Books and a silver medal from Sydney Taylor Jewish Library
Awards. 

Trina’s most recent book is Pretty in Ink, her final and
definitive history of women cartoonists. In 2013, Trina was voted into
the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame.

Programming Notes: Trina is available 
for panels highlighting her career as well as panels on women in comics and
the history of comics. 



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. 



Kenn Scott-- (Actor, Director-- Raphael from TMNT)


Kenn Scott is beloved by millions for his well known portrayal of "Raphael" in the world famous "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" films-- One of the most enduring franchises in comics,  film and pop culture history.
 


Aside from the great Turtle connection, Kenn has cross over appeal in other markets as well. He is internationally acclaimed for his starring role in the cult martial arts hit "Showdown," as well as roles in "Sworn to Justice," "Star Hunter," "Shootfighter," "Recoil,"  "Dr. Mordrid"  and much more!
 

Here is a sampling of his audience and participation programming tailored for your event, which could include:


1.  "Breakin' In the Movie Business with Kenn Scott" - Cowabunga dudes and dudettes!  In this 45min-1 hour engaging presentation, Kenn Scott, "Raphael" in the hit films TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES 1 & 2, uses film clips and photographs to share the entertaining and comical story of how a North Carolina boy with dreams of Hollywood, fought his way into the role of a lifetime.



2.  "Ninja Turtle Interactive Theater" - Watch the original TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES film (or #2) with Kenn Scott, the stuntman and actor who portrayed "Raphael."  With control of the remote, Kenn shares behind- the-scenes stories, anecdotes, and fun facts to enlighten and entertain turtle fans of all ages.


3.  "Turtle for a Day!  Train One on One with Raphael"-- Kids can suit up and share an interactive hour with Kenn as he teaches them some of Raphael's signature moves. A highly popular event! 

Programming Notes: Kenn is available to conduct panels and interactive events for your show. Certain Guarantee and booking details required.



Rikki Simons-- (Voice Actor- Invader Zim, Writer, Artist)
 
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! And the pop culture scene does too, as fans embrace the chance to meet Rikki in person at his appearances worldwide.


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.

 
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.




  
Veronica Taylor--(Actress/Voiceover Actress--Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, TMNT)




Veronica Taylor is a classically trained actor who has performed in NYC and around the U.S. in contemporary and classical theatre. 

Her voice has been a part of Saturday morning cartoons for some time now. She is probably best known for playing the roles of Ash and May on “Pokemon”, 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). 

Current projects include Sailor Pluto on “Sailor Moon”, “Mofy” (Mofy, Mogu, Sora), “Astroblast” (Sputnik), and “Welcome to the Wayne (Spy from 8-i).  Some anime favorites include Amelia on “Slayers”, Yukino on “His and Hers Circumstances”, all 7 Nana’s on “Nana Seven of Seven”, and Narue on “World of Narue”, as well as many others. 

She has done numerous voices for animation, video games, audiobooks, commercials, and documentaries. 

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



Robert Trebor -- (Actor, Writer--Hercules, Xena)


 
Renowned and versatile Actor, Robert Trebor is known worldwide for his pivotal role as Salmoneus on the “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys” and “Xena: Warrior Princess” television series. 


He is equally as well know for his parts in feature films such as “Purple Rose of Cairo,” “52 Pick Up,” "Universal Soldier," “Making Mr. Right,” “The Shadow,” “My Demon Lover,” “Jiminy Glick in Lalawood,” (among MUCH more) and no doubt for his upcoming role in the much anticipated  Coen Brother’s movie “Hail, Caesar!”

One of his most mesmerizing roles was the role of David Berkowitz in “Out of the Darkness,”  a haunting portrayal that still resonates today.

On television, in addition to “Herucles” and “Xena,” Mr. Trebor  has appeared on the small screen in “Miami Vice,” “Murphy Brown,” “Empty Nest,” “Young Indiana Jones Chronicles,” “Baywatch,” “Wedding Daze,” “Missing Persons,” and Boomtown.”


A writer, some of Mr. Trebor's credits include stories for the "Xena" comic book for Topps Coomics, as well as "Dear Salmoneus: A Guide to Love and Money," from Eva Ink Publishing / Image Publishing, in addition to an upcoming autobiography.

Program Notes: A versatile actor and comedian, Robert Trebor is available for shows in 2016 to fit around his various filming schedules.  He is open to group panels or solo panels. We can also discuss acting classes or critiques available to a limited number of shows.




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.



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


Looking forward to it! 

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Konstantin Komardin Making US Appearances This Month!




New York--Artist and animator Konstantin Komardin will be making several appearances in the United States beginning last weekend at the Kansas City Comic Con and continuing for the next month.  He will be accepting commission requests, as well as screening several of his animated shorts.

Konstantin Komardin is an award-winning Russian sequential artist, graphic artist and animator currently living in Moscow. This marks his second only appearance schedule in the United States, providing a rare opportunity to see some amazing originals never before offered. Konstantin was born in Ekaterinburg, where he fell in love with sequential art as a child, and went on to attend the Academy of Book Design. And has worked with numerous publishing houses on book covers and interior illustrations, while also working with anthology magazines in the role of graphic artist. 

Some of his published 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.” Other works include the Russian/Polish project “City Stories.” Konstantin was awarded the Grand Prize for “The Site of Polis” at the Moscow Comics Festival in 2003. 

A talented illustrator for print, Konstantin is also an award-winning animator as mentioned. His works include the concept designs on “Elka,” “Man with the Wind in his Head” which appeared in the Suzdal Film Festival in 2008, “Tram,” “Spindel” which was honored at the Moscow Short Film Festival in 2010, and “The Man in Penze Nez,” which screened at both the Suzdal Film Festival and the Moscow International Film Festival in 2010.

Several shorts by Konstantin will he aired at the convention, including “How I Lost 21 Grams,” and “The Man With the Wind in His Head,” so check your programming for time and place. Konstantin will be in artist alley sketching throughout the show. 

His schedule of shows for this trip includes:

Kansas City Comic Con— August 7-9
ComiCON— August 14-16
Wizard Chicago— August 20-23
Little Rock— August 29
Wizard San Jose— September 4-6





For more information on Konstantin and his work be sure to visit him at his table in artist alley. For information on ordering sketches before any show, contact Renee at evaink@aol.com



Monday, July 6, 2015

Montreal Comic Con! Overall... the Best of Times.... (Addressing the Table Issue)



Hi Folks—

In response to the posts about the Montreal Comic Con this weekend and the table placement for artists at the show:

There has been a little turbulence due to a tweet made by an artist at the show, who had no knowledge of what occurred behind the scenes that necessitated some of us not being where we were supposed to be on the map. Not knowing what really transpired, this has led to a great deal of misinformation on the internet... as usual. Big surprise.

So, here's what happened as we witnessed it,  below.

As the booking agent for a group of artists at the convention, including Mike Zeck, Michael Golden and others:

When we arrived for set up on Thursday, there was a snafu with the table lineups for all the artists. None of the agreed table amounts were accounted for.  In order to correct the problem, everyone had to be moved.

The Montreal Comic Con, much to their credit, stepped in and found solutions for all the table placements, so that all artists had their agreed upon table amounts!

Arthur Suydam moved actually to allow fulfillment of tables for some of my group -- (he had been placed right in the middle of the two Michaels, all with inadequate space). 

But hey, several people had table issues that needed to be addressed that added to the Tetris Game:  I had been placed across the room, another one of our guys had been placed even somewhere else and was incorrectly christened as "Jerry." :-)  Yanick had 3 tables, one of which was on a different row...Again, seemingly simple stuff to fix, that nobody was aware of unless they were there for set up. 

Arthur then got permission to move once more due to space limitations. (The first table relocation wouldn’t work because of the size configuration— which was my fault for thinking it would— as it turned out, he needed a linear space, not an L-Shape. )


Nobody was upset....These things happen. It's a big show. You just arrive for set up. Check out your space, and  if there are problems, you ask the organizers what to do, offer suggestions, and work things out.

Later, when Arthur became aware that there was some discontent, he volunteered to do what he could with the show promoters, to make the other artists happy, when it became evident that they were not aware of the logistical moves that were made on Thursday. Several people are witness to that conversation. He even said he'd move for them. 

At that point he had paid for electricity in the new approved spot  and the other artists seemed happy in their spots with added tables etc. Dan said he didn't want to move and Francis seemed fine with more tables. At least that's what they said when Arthur, myself and several other people met to discuss it with them in person. (Isn't that a novel idea.)  I didn't meet Rachel until later in the weekend, but spoke with her as well.

In Short: No changes were made without the shows knowledge and no artist made any arbitrary changes on their own.   Any artist there for set up was informed of the changes, and I'm sure others, who weren't there for set up, were told as soon as they could be told.

As Yanick suggested to me, perhaps we all should have considered a simple statement saying there were "Last minute Floor Changes necessary after the printing of the program" and that would have sufficed! It's not the first show where placements have been off, afterall! 

So, in the end, NONE of us were where we were originally supposed to be on the map. But it appears that all the fans found us anyway and everyone had a great time at the event. The fans were tremendous, actually!

I can’t fault the show in any way either. They’ve been wonderful.

So, thanks to the Montreal Comic Con for their support and willingness to fix any situations that did arise. And thanks to everyone that come to see all the talent at the show.

Best,
Renee Witterstaetter

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Mike Zeck, Jim Shooter and John Beatty-- Together for "Secret Wars" Reunion Tour!

PRESS  RELEASE


JIM  SHOOTER  --  MIKE  ZECK  --  JOHN  BEATTY …. TOGETHER AGAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME IN CLOSE TO 30 YEARS in celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the ground breaking Marvel Comics Maxi Series “Secret Wars”

Eva Ink Artist Group together with The Artist's Choice is proud to announce:
THE  2015  LIMITED  EDITION  SECRET  WARS  REUNION  TOUR


Jim Shooter, Mike Zeck, and John Beatty reunite for the first time in nearly 30 years to make a limited number of convention appearances together, as they celebrate the anniversary of the legendary Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars maxi-series. This will be a rare opportunity to meet, greet and get autographs from all three of the original creators of one of the most important publishing events in comic book history.

Prior to the official launch of the tour, artists Mike Zeck and John Beatty will make a stop together for a special pre-tour celebration at HEROESCON: June 19-21, 2015 at the Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, North Carolina,   http://www.heroesonline.com/heroescon. Heroes Aren't Hard To Find & HeroesCon owner Shelton Drum said “When I heard there was going to be a new Secret Wars series, I just knew I had to get Mike Zeck and John Beatty to do a variant cover for my show. Secret Wars # 8 has always been one of my favorites, and I am in love with their new interpretation. Having them at HeroesCon is just icing on the cake“. Don’t miss the opportunity to get your copy of the 2015 SECRET WARS ISSUE #1 HEROESCON VARIANT, featuring penciller Mike Zeck, and inker John Beatty, who reunited to recreate their classic Secret Wars Issue #8 cover, replacing the original characters with their contemporary counterparts.

The formal tour begins when writer Jim Shooter, penciller Mike Zeck, and inker John Beatty reunite at FLORIDA SUPERCON: June 25-28, 2015 at The Miami Beach Convention Center, in Miami, Florida, http://www.floridasupercon.com.  Florida Supercon owner Mike Broder said “I'm thrilled to have Florida Supercon as the formal launch point for this reunion tour! Secret Wars was such a groundbreaking concept thirty years ago, and helped fundamentally change how comic books approach big events, marketing, licensing, etc.. Plus, it couldn't be more relevant than today, just as the new Secret Wars series from Marvel Comics hits the shelves. It really is an honor and privilege to play host to these three legendary creators."

The second stop will be KANSAS CITY COMIC CON: August 7-9, 2015 at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri, http://www.kansascity-comiccon.com. Matt Driscoll, owner of the convention said of the tour  “Secret Wars is a milestone that has influenced writers and artists ever since its publication in 1985. We are proud to have the creative team of Jim Shooter, Mike Zeck, and John Beatty join us at Kansas City Comic Con to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the most iconic series in Marvel history”


The tour will then continue at the CONNECTICUT COMICONN: August 14-16, 2015 at the Mohegan Sun Convention Center, Uncasville, Connecticut, http://www.ctcomicon.com/. Connecticut ComiConn producer Mitchell Hallock stated  “Having all three of the Secret Wars creators with us … Jim Shooter, Mike Zeck and John Beatty … together at the Mohegan Sun this August for the con is a dream come true. I'm sure fans will come from miles around to say hello, shake their hands, get an autograph or three and say "thank you for making one of the greatest comic book stories ever!”

There are at least three additional tour stops planned, which will be announced shortly. More events may be added down the line as well.

*Mike Zeck, legendary Bronze Age penciler and creator of Spider-Man’s black costume, said of the tour … “We’re putting the band back together!” Looking forward to this reunion with Jim Shooter and John Beatty to celebrate the original Secret Wars series and hail the arrival of the new Secret Wars. It’s been very gratifying to see our original series maintain its popularity and remain in print for the past 30 years. A rare success! Hope to see you at one of our dates”

John Beatty, inker extraordinaire, stated “The big picture of Secret Wars is the fans. Having fans tell me through the years over and over that this series either brought them back to reading comic books, or started them reading comic books. I never dreamed, or could have at the time, that Secret Wars with Mike Zeck & Jim Shooter would have kept its appeal for three decades. Being able to share in the history of this series with both Jim and Mike is a bit surrealistic in many ways. It's a huge blessing that we are still able to get together 30 years later and show our appreciation for the fans who made the series the success it has been and hopefully will continue to be. Thank you all!”

Jim Shooter, legendary writer, artist, editor, and publisher said of the tour “Secret Wars turned out to be a watershed in the history of the medium. I'm glad I was part of it and I am very, very happy to get together again with brilliant artists Mike Zeck and John Beatty.”

Don't miss this once in 30 years opportunity to get your comics signed by all of the creators who made it happen so many years ago ... Jim Shooter, Mike Zeck and John Beatty.

Looking forward to seeing many fans, old & new, at the respective events.

Spencer R. Beck
The Artist’s Choice
SpencerBck@aol.com

Renee Witterstaetter

*(For questions on booking Mike Zeck)
Eva Ink Artist Group
evaink@aol.com


Monday, March 30, 2015

Witterstaetter Talks: The Business of Comics



Courtesy of Renee Witterstaetter and Eva Ink.


From:http://www.legendariummedia.com/2015/03/27/renee-witterstaetter-discusses-business-comics/
By: A.D. Poole

Renee Witterstaetter Discusses "The Business of Comics"



At the WizardWorld Comic Con in Raleigh, NC, Renee Witterstaetter took the time to go on the record with Legendarium Media. Witterstaetter worked as an artist, writer, and editor with DC, Marvel, and Topps Comics and now runs her own publishing company, Eva Ink.

Legendarium: What interested you in the comic book industry?
Renee Witterstaetter: Oh, well, gosh, I’ve always been interested in storytelling ever since I was a young kid. Storytelling was always something that always attracted me, whether it was movies, or books, and comic books as well. My first exposure to comic books: I had two older brothers and I would often go into their room to look for reading material, and I think some of the first comics I ever saw were the issue of Spider-Man where he met Mary Jane, and also some kind of really funny DC comics that featured Jerry Lewis, and I just loved the storytelling, and it just so happened that my career ended up being in journalism and English and certain doors opened to me and that led to me becoming a comic book editor.

L. Through that experience growing up, did you have any particular favorite characters?
R.W. I always did like Spider-Man. He was always one of my favorites and I gravitated more towards the Marvel books because to me at the time they did seem to have a lot of empathy, you could really relate to them, they had flaws, they had very accessible personalities. There were some DC characters I liked as well like Batman, but I have to say that one of my favorites was always Spider-Man.

L. You worked on some licensed works as well, such as The X-Files and The Shadow. Did working with licensed works introduce you to any new fandoms that you became attached to?
R.W. Oh, absolutely! I really enjoyed working on the licensed projects! In fact, when I first read the “Jurassic Park” novel I took it to my bosses and said, “You know, we really need to try to get this license and make it into a comic book.” And we did! That was at Marvel at the time. . .The person I took it to at Marvel [was] like, “Well, we don’t really need to do Jurassic Park because we’ve got Devil Dinosaur.” But then I shortly after that started working at Topps Comics and they actively pursued the Jurassic Park license and I got to work on it anyway, and I love dinosaurs so that was a dream come true. I had Michael Golden doing all my covers, one of the best artists in the industry, and I had some wonderful writers on that. And I really enjoyed X-Files as well, because it was a TV show that I really enjoyed. And one of my favorites was also working on the [comics for the] Hercules and Xena TV shows. We would receive tons of Email from people on all of those properties that just really enjoyed those particular genres, and it led me to being able to go visit the TV sets of a lot of those shows, and it was a lot of fun. You know, there wasn’t the infrastructure of conventions when those books came out like there is now, so honestly, I’m just now beginning to meet a lot of the fans that were reading my books when those shows and properties were being done.





 
Jurassic Park Comic. Courtesy of Renee Witterstaetter.

L. So when did you start coming to the con scene?
R.W. I’ve been an artist agent now since 2003. So, I’ve been taking whatever artists I’m working with and representing them on the con scene since 2003. I’m also a publisher, I have Eva Ink Artist Group and Eva Ink Publishing, so I’ve been taking my own books and books that I print on and publish on other artists to shows and also selling them through Diamond [Comic Distributors], so that’s been really great on the convention scene to introduce the artists to fans that haven’t met them yet, and also to introduce our books to a wider audience as well.

L. Speaking of Eva Ink, what are some of your upcoming projects?
R.W. We always have a lot of projects in the works. I’m currently working on a trade paperback of Spartan X, which is a series that I created with Michael Golden. My new book. . .“Nick Cardy: The Artist at War” and all of his sketches from World War II, those have just been released by Titan Books in England, so that’s a brand new book. We’re also planning some new sketchbooks on various artists like Michael Golden, and then I have a few very specific and very fun books which I’m writing right now but I can’t really talk about those yet.





“Nick Cardy: Wit-Lash,” an artbook featuring Nick Cardy’s humor art. Image courtesy of Renee Witterstaetter and Eva Ink.

L. How did you get into editing comics, and how is that different from editing print work, like novels?
R.W. Well, my degree, like I mentioned, was in journalism and English, and through that door I was hired. My first job out of college was doing public relations for a show that put on comic book conventions. That was in Texas, it was a company called the Dallas Fantasy Fair and they’re not around anymore, but they were really the forerunners, I would say, of the modern-style convention. From there I was hired by DC Comics as an assistant editor, and from there I went to Marvel and Topps, and from there I started my own company. But, really, editing a comic story is not that much different from editing a newspaper story or editing a novel because you are still looking for the same elements. You’re looking for a good story. You are looking for what we call in journalism the essentials. You have to read something and say, “Does it answer Who, What, Why, Where, How, and When?” If you have all those elements answered in your story, then when your reader is reading that—whether it’s a comic or a novel or a newspaper story—in their brain they’re gonna feel like they have all the information. Even if they don’t stop to pick out all those elements while they’re reading it, their brain knows if it’s there or not. So, as an editor, you’ve got to make sure that all the essentials are there so it’s a fulfilling package. And the difference with being a comic book editor is that. . .if you’re doing it the way American publishing works—where you have the writer, the artist, the inker, the colorist, the letterer—you’re dealing with five creative people on every book you work on, so your job as the editor is to find the best people for that job, the person whose writing and art style fits that project, and then finding that group of people that works well together and also makes the deadlines, because in American comic books, that’s a very important element as well. So, as the editor, you are the director. You are the producer and the director of putting this project together.





Renee Witterstaetter showcases some of her work. Courtesy of Renee Witterstaetter and Eva Ink.
L. As both an artist and having a background in journalism, did that give you valuable insight into the creative process of comic book making?
R.W. I would like to think so, and I had a very good relationship and still do with all the artists that I work with, and they have always been very accepting of any feedback I give them, any changes I ask them to, because I always approach it from a storytelling perspective and I explain why I’m asking for the changes. And if you do that, they’re like, “Yeah, I see what you’re talking about.” So I do think having that background has helped as an editor.

L. In closing, do you have any advice for any aspiring editors or comic book artists?
R.W. You know, it’s a wide-open market right now. There’s so many different avenues you can find to get your work out there, including the Internet. If you have your own project that you want to get out there, self-publishing [and] doing webcomics is a great way to go. I would say if you’re doing your own properties to get your intellectual properties in print either on the web or on hardcopies, to protect your copyrights, and if you’re not doing all of the elements of the story yourself, find good people that you like to work with and even if they’re your brother, sign contracts. [Laugh.] And protect whatever it is that you’re creating together. You know, you may go into this thinking like, “Oh, he’s my best friend and we’ve known each other for 20 years!” That may be true, but in business, you also always have to. . .you know, it just helps preserve the friendship, I would say, and just realize that this is a creative medium and to try to find things that you like to work on. You know, if you’re the artist, find the style that you wanna work on, and find out if you wanna work with Marvel or DC, find out what it is that they’re working for [and] looking for. I can tell you that they want you to do at least eight pages of things that are focused on their property. So you wanna do their characters. But do not give away original story ideas! Find a script online you can go and do those samples from. And there’s so many other things! We should do a panel at it at a show sometime! So you guys come out and see me at one of the Wizard shows, or one of the other shows I’m at, and, who knows? Maybe we should do a panel on this, on the business of comics.