How many years have you been attending Lilac City Comicon?
I first started attending Lilac City when it was still at the Jr College (I think it was a Jr College), which I think was its first or maybe second year. I have attended all but one year since then. Lilac City was the first convention that I tabled at as a new comic book artist, and it’s been one of my favorites ever since!
What is one of your favorite memories?
I have so many! Lilac City is a blast every year. Specifically, getting to meet and become friends with so many great creative people. Probably my favorite memory though is a couple of years ago, having dinner with a bunch of the artists and organizers of the show.
Mainly though is the fans. The fans in Spokane just seem to be really into it. Maybe it’s because there aren’t a huge number of cons in the area, so their enthusiasm is full force for Lilac City… whatever it is, I love it. Lilac City is one of my favorite cons to attend because the attendees are all so great.
What are you bringing to 2018’s convention?
I will have some copies of the Pumpkinhead comic I’ve been working on for Dynamite, as well as a lot of great new prints, plus my handsome and charming self!
What’s new at your booth?
Mainly the Pumpkinhead stuff. I have been working on the title for the last 6 months so most of what I have now is Pumpkinhead-centric. I’ve also got a cool new banner that I love.
What’s the best advice you have for fans attending LCCC2018?
Try something new from an artist or vendor that you might otherwise not have engaged with. I have made it a point for the last several conventions to find work that I was not aware of in genres that I wasn’t specifically interested in, and it has been one of the best decisions ever! I have discovered a whole new genre of horror (Japanese horror comics are THE BEST) and so many great new artists, writers, colorists and letterers and all because I stepped outside of my comfort zone and tried something new.
Who would your dream guest be and why?
Total dream guest would be Bernie Wrightson, because put simply, he is the greatest comic book artist of all time and his impact on the art and storytelling of comics just can’t be overstated. He has unfortunately passed away so we won’t be getting him on a panel anytime soon.
As for living guests, I would go with Bill Sienkiewicz. In addition to being a bona fide comic book superstar and all around amazing artist and creator, he is the nicest guy in comics. He is simply a lovely guy, very generous with his time and attention, and can talk about every aspect of the industry from a deep firsthand knowledge.
Plus, he drew the entire original Moon Knight series… I mean, need I say more?
What’s your favorite thing about going to cons?
As a fan, it’s meeting the artists, writers and creators that I admire who have worked on comics that are important to me.
As a comic creator, it’s meeting the people who love comics. Anyone who has had the misfortune of having a table next to me at a con will tell you that I am on my feet all through the day, engaging everyone I can and being as gregarious as I can because I genuinely love comics, fans of comics, and people who may be discovering comics for the first time. I love to talk about comics, cosplay, movies and TV shows, just all of it.
And cosplay. I LOVE COSPLAY. Young and old, men and women, super quick and easy to over the top complicated, I love all cosplay and cosplayers. I admire the creativity and cleverness they put on display.
For more on Lilac City Comicon 2018, check out this page.