Not Forgetting: A Scavanger's Story

On "The Hunt" in Chile.

It's time for a confession...

I have sifted, scanned, perused, and walked away many times empty handed from many an indoor flea market, out door flea market, garage sale, yard sale, estate sale, street fair and thrift shop (and sometimes not so empty handed)... it's like playing the slot machine for that one big score. Holding out for that one good hand. Optimistically playing the lottery. Knowing, of course, that the odds are always against you, and that someone has plied that machine with quarters before you. But, you go anyway.

Because...you never know....

The trick, like any addiction is deciding when to walk away, don't you think?  Realizing that you are talking yourself into that Cabbage Patch doll that you really don't need, don't like, and that you would never get around to  putting on ebay. That the plastic Mickey Mouse, no matter how old, really isn't worth THAT much. And although collectible, empty Avon bottles just aren't your thing. (I mean, my dryer collects lint. I don't save that either, although sometimes I think the patterns are pretty. But, you have to draw the line.) 

Crafts fair in South America.

That's the easy part: Figuring all that out. That comes with YEARS of training for your "sport."

The real trick is getting "the eye". Distinguishing Depression Glass from Oatmeal cups; Knowing what marks to look for on the bottom of a plate, or recognizing the ting of real crystal;  Reciting the history of Halls or Fostoria or Ruby glass and remembering which of your relatives collects which; Seeing that one Goebel statue amongst the imports from China or that Eisenberg or Weiss pin hidden in the tin and paste wannabes; Experiencing that thrill when the Steiff elephant at that flea market in Amsterdam still has the original tag and button;  Getting a leather bomber jacket for 5 euros at the same place!; Walking past all the "tourist" items in Moscow to get to the area in the back where people unwrap parcels teeming with artifacts, separated from the cold ground by the thin veil of a bed sheet;  Trying to negotiate in foreign languages that you don't remotely speak!; Getting the bead on a yard sale sign from 100 yards away and putting the blinker on as easy as batting an eyelash!

No matter if you are going to be a tad bit late for whatever it was you were doing before that: "It will only take a minute."

It's the thrill of the chase. 

And if you survive and endure and get ready for all of that, The REAL trick is knowing when you've found something special. No hesitation. In the zone. You run to the cash register (sometimes cigar box) as quick as possible. As if the Junk Patrol or maybe even those guys from "American Pickers" are  going to walk in at any moment and proclaim that the price is just "Too Low!"

Finds from the Moscow Flea Market

But of course, I'm being silly.

That's not the real confession...

The real confession of why I frequent these dusty bins of forgotten objects  is that it probably really has nothing to do with any of the above...

For a little explanation: I do come by these scavenging instincts naturally.

In the beginning, one Spring,  I remember my Kindergarten teacher had very small feet and she'd give us her old shoes to take home to play dress up.  The school was in the little church, which still rests across from the cemetery where my Father and my Grandmother are now buried. The shoes were old fashioned and beautiful and fancy in a way that even then, they just didn't make shoes any more. They sparked a curiosity.

Each Summer, later on, visiting the neighborhood garage sales, I marveled at odd little items and learned their origins or uses. It  became a hobby. If the Murray's had a sale across the street, or the Morrison's a few blocks down, I was there!  Mom was usually tagging along--although not always...

It was a time when it was safe to roam the streets like a miniature modern day pirate looking for gold.

And the little treasures I'd see never failed to fascinate: Made me wonder what someones life was like that they would use an iron "like that," or make toast in something that looked like a filigree doorstop; Or the little souvenirs that said Paris or Rome or Egypt? How did they get here? And by whom? When? Why?

Mom and I exploring Costa Rica. 

Mom is/was into more specific collecting-- mostly certain patterns of dinnerware or glassware, and we'd go searching antique stores and the like.  She loved going through the racks of plates and piles of textiles as much as I did. Willow Ware was also a particular favorite. I was drawn to old books, Fiesta Ware,  Siam Silver and Big Little Books, along with anything else that had character. Still am.

My Mom has always been the kind of person who spends money on others and hardly ever on herself. In fact, my Mom is one of the most selfless people I know. She talks herself out of buying things constantly-- even if it's something she needs, much less something she might just "want."

For many years, my Dad, took it as a mission to encourage her to just "Go Ahead." 

He would always make sure that Mom had something of her Miss America pattern (the pink was harder to find) under the Christmas Tree or for Mother's Day, because he knew she was that way.

He never forgot...even when he he was working long hours, or after he became too sick, he'd always direct me as to what I was to find for her.

You know, over the years, that Miss American Depression Glass pattern has become more and more rare, to the point that I hardly see it anymore. And in the year's since Dad's passing, it seems to have just gone away entirely... Or: Did we just buy it all, Dad! It's possible! 

Somewhere along the way though--and I'm not sure when-- it's gradually gotten harder and harder to get Mom to scavenge...I think half the joy in finding a beautiful object is adding to it's story, realizing you are the next block in it's journey. Then sharing the tale.

But, does it change at some point? Do we start to feel our  patchwork puzzle is complete...or, does it happen when we lose the people to listen?

Maybe? Only she would know.

Long after her shelves were full, and she seemed to lose  interest, I'd continue to go on my own, always lured by the pull of a hand written sign, proclaiming a window of "Saturday, 10-2" or a funny old antique store facade with painted on shaky letters,  that served as a magic magnet for these forgotten objects that needed saving from the Island of Misfit Toys (things).

Many times I'll find a piece of Depression Glass, or the Hall's Fall Leaves, and I'll buy it for Mom, not because she needs it, but simply because seeing it makes me think of her...

Oh...sometimes, in Autumn,  I can still get Mom to stop for some year end sales, even though she'll complain that she doesn't see as well anymore, or can't walk as fast as she once did...And this coming from a women that's still chooses to have a job in her 80's!

"I have enough stuff," she'll say.

But then she'll see something that will make her laugh.

Revisiting Summer at Texarkana Lake. 

Sometimes she repeats stories I've heard before, when certain objects make her recall. I've heard some people be short with folks when they do this, "You've already told me that," they'll say.  But I don't mind. I want to hear.

"That framed old photo--the one with the fancy frame? Photographers would come around when we were young and you'd pose in your own house, put on your best clothes, and they'd deliver the photographs later in frames like those." She has a similar one of her and her sister in her house;

"See that old washboard, when I was growing up, we didn't have indoor plumbing for the longest time. Washing clothes was such a chore." Or the Singer sewing machine. "Most of my dresses were made out of flour sacks on a machine like that." I still remember my Grandmother making her own lye soap when I was a child, even though she no longer had to.

And the the look on Mom's face when I almost bought a pressure cooker for canning, "When I was five, I came home from playing and Mother was in the kitchen, a big bloody gash down her arm. The pressure cooker had exploded, and the neighbors came and rushed her to the hospital. She almost died." I didn't buy the pressure cooker that day.

Or the increasing rare occasion when we would find one of these little bone china Dutch shoes she collects. "A little boy down the street gave me the first one when I was 7," she'll say. "Probably from the 5 and Dime.  I collect all I see now." Although she doesn't remember exactly which the first one was.

The photos, to me, are the most haunting though. Why... how...did they end up here? Didn't someone in that family want them? Maybe it's easy to forget something... but someone....

When did they just become "artifacts," their eye-witnesses lost in time, without the benefit of someone to "recall?"

Mom on the right, and her sister, Sandra.

And that's when I realize that a very large  part of the reason I love just looking with my Mom and listening is because it opens a portal, a dialogue, into the past. Into understanding...

Then, sometimes, as a BONUS, you find among the dust of stacked histories, a "jigsaw shape," for your own landscape in progress, that you didn't even know you were looking for!

The moments don't always come, but when they do, they are grand.

In Texas recently, I stopped at one of those indoor markets-- my Mom as reluctant participant-- and noticed an authentic oil painting stacked in the mix-- The technique of the sky and snow, the tranquil vibe, almost made me feel as if I could hear the rush of the wind, grasp the frame and walk right in...

I asked how much it was. Nobody knew! They wouldn't sell it to me without a price. BUT they couldn't give me a price?!

The canvas was old, so I guessed the piece was probably from the 40's or 30's, with a "Munich" stamp on the back, and writing in German that talked of a "winter morning on the Matterhorn." The artist, someone I had not heard of -- E. Kettemann.

Distinguishing clues.

All little details that piqued my interest even more....

I left my name and phone number. That afternoon, the lady at the shop called back and said they found the owner and he was in the store.  Just happened to walk in that day. The painting had been in the wrong booth. A stroke of luck.

"He wants Fifty Dollars," she said, almost apologetically. "I'll take it," I said, without hesitation.

Someone else had already inquired about the painting, but I had first dibs. I didn't waste a moment throwing on my shoes and heading for the car. Mom in tow. Sometimes these things change in a flash, you know.( Like that Murphy Bed I was going to check out in Manhattan, only to have the owner "text" me--not even call-- to say he'd just sold it to someone else, WHILE I was in the taxi going there, and even though I had an appointment.  Dude!!  Not cool. Just saying. And let's talk about the $40 cab ride while we're at it.)

But back to the tale (and thanks for sticking with me)...

By this time, after my digression, Mr. Kettemann's painting was sitting snugly in the back seat.

So, yes, I know why I love the hunt...

It's not a pack rat thing where your house is piled high with newspapers and soup labels or ski slope schedules from 10 years ago. It's different. It's more seeing what resonates. What says "take me home," and thinking how this artifact, this teapot/figurine/jewelry item--whatever it might be-- has survived wars and earthquakes and kids and whatever happened in it's world, to get to this crossroads in it's unknown travels. That it was held, poured tea, listened to conversations, that only it is witness to now, and can never relate. Was wrapped, unwrapped, saved for...and somehow ended up here.

It's all beautiful, sad, joyful and temporary. All at the same time.

It's the story, for me.

Winter Morning in Zematt at the Matterhorn

Later, I looked up E. (Erwin) Kettemann...well-known German landscape painter (1897-1971), born in Munich, he lived and painted there his whole life, doing mostly landscapes and most of those, winter scenes... His paintings well... they go at auction for ALOT more than $50.

I'd have loved it even so. It whispers to me from decades past of something beyond a monetary attribution-- a sense of peace perhaps, the sound of quiet, a portal to a place somewhere in time... and I wonder what Mr. Kettemann was thinking when he painted it, and did it speak in the same way to the people that owned it before me?

Again... I don't know... But, I'm  happy to have this, and all my pieces, as part of my own puzzle for a time...until the puzzle breaks apart again.

So, by now, you realize the real confession: I am a fool for the sentimental.

My most prized possessions are things that have little value. But they once belonged to my Grandmother, my Mother, my Aunt Margaret, my Father's Mother who died so young, and whom I never met... but when I hold the Milk Glass trinket box painted with pink roses that once belonged to her...I remember.

As for my "adopted" things...I like my addiction. It's a happy one. And often times cheaper than my predominate addiction, coffee, after all! 

It's also an unspoken acknowledgement  that nothing here ever was--that nothing was ever cherished-- with the intention of just throwing it away...Nothing important should be.

Like a "Winter's Morning..."

My Mom...being more into looking at the old Elvis memorabilia that day, didn't really get it at first. "Why are you buying a painting," she said, but on the short drive home, looking back, she finally remarked "You know, it's really very beautiful." I laughed.

She usually comes around.

And then she looked down at what else we found that day-- the small, white, porcelain Dutch shoe, cupped in her hands, and she smiled.

Had it only been in my mind?... I'm sure it was just there-- a whispered:  "Go Ahead." 

(But, , oh... I was being totally serious about one other thing:  I do keep one eye open for those "picker" guys.")


-Renee W.
Thanksgiving
2015

The Little Shoes. 

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. )

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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!