Eisner-award winning graphic novel publisher, Archaia Entertainment, unveils its biggest event slate at this year’s New York Comic Con with several eye-opening presentations set to highlight the company’s most anticipated initiatives.
Friday offers attendees the chance to become more than fans with the panel, How to Make a Great Indie Graphic Novel, which gives fans an inside look at what it takes to become a published author and artist. Join Archaia editor-in-chief Stephen Christy and Chief Creative Officer Mark Smylie as they host special guests for an informative panel on what goes into the production of a full-length graphic novel, including the steps from concept to writing, design to production, to self-publishing or submitting your graphic novel for publication. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it takes to make an amazing-looking book, this is the panel to attend! Guests include Michael Lapinksi (Feeding Ground), Jim McCann (Return of the Dapper Men) and David Petersen (Mouse Guard). The panel takes place in Room 1A23 from 2:30pm to 3:30pm.
Also on Friday, Archaia is hosting two exciting off-site signing events attended by Chad Michael Murray, Victor Quinaz and Brent Schoonover.
One Tree Hill’s Chad Michael Murray will be signing copies of his highly-anticipated graphic novel, Everlast at Barnes & Noble (150 East 86th St., New York) beginning at 7:00pm. Everlastfollows Derek Everlast, a mysterious man whose destiny in life is to guide mankind on the eve of the apocalypse.
Victor Quinaz and Brent Schoonover, creators of the gritty and groundbreaking Mr. Murder is Dead, will be signing copies at P.S. Bookshop (76 Front St, Brooklyn) from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Hearkening back to the golden age of comics, Mr. Murder is Dead is a stylistic noir that follows a burnt out detective as he uncovers the truth behind the death of his arch-nemesis. The creators will be back on Saturday when they’re joined by Zachary Quinto (Star Trek), who produced the graphic novel under his company, Before the Door Productions. All three will be available for autographs from 8:00pm to 10:00pm at St. Mark’s Place (11 Saint Mark’s Place, New York).
On Sunday, Archaia is honored to share the legacy of one of the world’s greatest creative visionaries, Jim Henson, in The Early Works of Jim Henson. Jim Henson was a creative genius responsible for some of the most iconic properties today, including The Muppets, Fraggle Rock and The Dark Crystal. But what was he like leading up to that success? Join Archaia and The Jim Henson Company as they explore his early works and creative process, complete with archival, rarely seen footage, brought to you by Henson archivist, Karen Falk. Then, get an advance look atTALE OF SAND, the new original graphic novel coming in November, based on a never-before-seen screenplay written by Jim Henson and his longtime collaborator, Jerry Juhl. Falk, Archaia editor-in-chief Stephen Christy and Tale of Sand artist Ramón Pérez will discuss the behind-the-scenes production of the book and debut some new images! Moderated by Archaia CEO PJ Bickett, the panel will happen from 3:45pm to 4:45pm in room 1A15.
Throughout the weekend, Archaia will host dozens of writers and artists for autograph sessions at their booth, #1546. Check Archaia.com or the booth for a schedule. In addition, Relativity Media, the studio behind the upcoming Immortals film, will host a gallery on the show floor (booth #444) featuring art from the graphic novel prelude, Immortals: Gods and Heroes, including works by Rafael Kayanan, Jock and Scott Hampton.