Calgary Expo

LoadingReadyRun

Founded in 2003 by Graham Stark and Paul Saunders, LoadingReadyRun has grown from a sketch comedy site to a comedy destination, with our videos featured in film festivals such as the Comic Con International Film Festival in San Diego, and shown on major TV networks, including G4 TechTV, The CW, TruTV, NBC, and even CNN.

Since 2007, LRR has raised money for the Child's Play charity with the "Desert Bus for Hope" fundraising telethon and gaming marathon. The event, which sees members of the crew play the worst video game ever made for days on end, has raised over $440,000 in its four years.

The LRR Crew fear actual work as they have no transferable skills, so expect the silliness to continue for a great while.

The 404's

They`re back! The 404s have been entertaining fans at geeky events from anime conventions to sci-fi gatherings for more than ten years. At every show, the Expo`s own “house team” of improvisors take suggestions from the audience and bring them to life in completely improvised comedy scenes, combined with only the nerdiest themes, dreams and memes. They`ve packed rooms from Vancouver to Montreal with their crazy combination of nerdy wit and witless nerdisms – and your participation will power the fun!

This year, see The 404s as they perform a classic geek-prov “jam” show on Friday with your help, witness their antics as they and writer guests try to “Stump the Nerds” in a game show, and wrap it up Sunday as they join forces with Expo`s invited improvisors for the “Geeks vs. Nerds” comedy showdown where you decide the winners! And the call is out – you never know what guests may appear alongside The 404s. Check out the schedule for showtimes!

Septembryo

Music. Magic. Mystery. Alternative rock has been abducted by U.F.O.s and implanted with electro-pop. Septembryo is already making their mark in both the local music scene and on cornfields, and their ship shows no signs of stopping. With a live show featuring projections of declassified videos and supernatural images, Septembryo is sure to deliver an out of body experience you wont forget.

THWOMP

THOWMP is Canada's finest video game band. On first glance it's a collection of indie rockers with a passion for gaming and the nostalgia inspired by the music of games from the classic era of console gaming. They re-create the classic gaming themes you all know and love at a visceral pace and with unparalleled energy. The show is high-energy, fun, and accessible to everyone, whether you've played these games or not (but let's be honest -- you all have ... a lot.)

Hero Incredible

Heroincredible is an original rock band based in Calgary, known for combining cerebral songwriting with a driven, passionate sound - they are also some of the biggest geeks you’ll ever meet. Heroincredible started playing conventions for fun in 2009, showcasing their original songs about dragons, pirates, and mythology alongside their own special renditions of TV and video game themes, filks, and cult classics. They performed at the Calgary Expo in 2011 and are thrilled to be back this year.

Sal Abbinanti

Sal Abbinanti is a comic book artist and writer of Atomika. Abbinanti started publishing the comic in 2005 and it has had a who’s who of cover artists ranging from Micahel Turner to Alex Ross. In December, the Rogue’s Gallery in Chicago launched an exhibit of Abbinanti’s artwork.

Adrian Alphona

Adrian Alphona is a Toronto-based illustrator and comic artist. He is best known for co-creating the series Runaways with Brian K. Vaughn for Marvel Comics, and illustrating the majority of the first 7 volumes.

Laurie B!

Laurie B! is a Canadian illustrator best known for Pure Heroine, a series of sketch books featuring her pin-up style take on pop culture characters. Laurie B! has also freelanced for Paul Dini, Nickelodeon and Top Cow Comics.

Kate Beaton

Kate is a Canadian cartoonist best known for her Hark! A Vagrant web comic. Besides Hark! A Vagrant, Beaton has published two books: History Comics and Never Learn Anything from History.

Ian Boothby

Ian Boothby is a multiple Shuster Award, Harvey Award and Eisner Award nominee and an Eisner Award–winning comic book creator best known for his work as one of the main writers on the Simpsons & Futurama for Bongo Comics.

Max Brooks

Max Brooks is the author of the two bestselling books The Zombie Survival Guide & World War Z. As well, he has written for Saturday Night Live, for which he won an Emmy and released a graphic novel The Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks in 2009.

Marco Bucci

Marco Bucci is a freelance artist in the animation, film and video game industry. He was worked on such notable properties as The Backyardigans, Monkey Island II, Iggy Arbuckly and more!

Frank Cammuso

Frank Cammuso is an American author & illustrator of children's books. His notable works include the Knights of the Lunch Table series, Otto's Orange Day and Max Hamm - Fairy Tale Detective.

As well, Frank has worked as a political cartoonist for the The Post-Standard, newspaper in Syracuse, NY for the past 20 years. During that time his cartoons have been published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today and Newsweek.

Scott Campbell

Scott worked as the Art Director on Psychonauts & Brütal Legend for Double Fine Studios. Alongside this career in games, he has published numerous comics and created paintings that have appeared in galleries and publications all around the world.

Desert Wind CGC

Desert Wind Comics (DWC) is a CGC Authorized Member Dealer and a Authorized CGC Signature Series Facilitator and will be acting as a CGC Authorized Signature Series Facilitator and Signature Series Witness for the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo. If you wish to have your book signed and submitted for CGC Signature Series grading either contact DWC in advance or stop by the DWC booth at the show for complete information. DWC will be accepting any and all CGC submissions during the show. You can get your Stan Lee signature authorized! Desert Wind will be located at booth Z 106, right beside Stan Lee's signing area.

Frank Cho

Frank Cho is a Korean-American comic illustrator best known for his work on Mighty Avengers and Hulk for Marvel, and Jungle Girl for Dynamite Entertainment.

Katie Cook

Katie Cook is an American Illustrator known for creating adorable artwork based on popular entertainment franchises. She has done licensed work for DC, Marvel, Star Wars, HEROES, Lord of the Rings, and more. As well, Katie has created an all-ages web comic titled "Gronk, a Monster's Tale".

Chris Craddock

A graduate of the University of Alberta, Chris Craddock has become a respected writer and actor in the theatre community. He has written and co-written over 20 plays, two feature films and three musicals, just to name a few of his accomplishments. Some of the titles to his credit include BoyGroove, which received a Dora Award, a bilingual film entitled The Pharmacist/La Pharmacien, and his solo show, Moving Along which has toured across Canada.

He has also worked closely with Mass Effect star Mark Meer on Harold of Galactus with Rapid Fire Theatre.

Camilla d'Errico

Camilla is a talented artist who has worked for publishers such as IDW and Darkhorse. Some of her comics and graphic novels include Nightmares & Fairytales, Vampy Cat Playfriend, and Sky Pirates of Neo Terra.

Geof Darrow

Geof Darrow is an American comic artist / designer known for his work on Hard Boiled, Big Guy and Rusty the Boy Robot, Shaolin Cowboy and for his conceptual designs for the three Matrix Movies. Darrow’s artwork can also be often seen on a number of covers. He will also be doing spot illustrations for an upcoming Andrew Vachss Novel.

Peter David

Peter David is an American writer of comic books, novels, television, movies and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning, 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, Supergirl, and Fallen Angel.

His Star Trek work includes both comic books and novels, such as Imzadi, and co-creating the New Frontier series. His television work includes Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Space Cases, which David co-created.

Lar DeSouza from Blind Ferret

A professional illustrator for over 20 years, Lar is the cartoonist for the 2008 Shuster Award winning online comics, “Least I Could Do”, which is updated six times weekly at www.leasticoulddo.com, and “Looking For Group”, which is updated Mondays and Thursdays at www.lfgcomic.com . Lar has also been the recipient of the Prix Aurora Award for Artistic Achievement in Canadian Science Fiction (2008, 2006) and numerous other awards for caricature and cartooning.

Omar Dogan

Omar is a Canadian illustrator who works for Udon Entertainment. Omar has contributed art for various Street Fighter titles and for White Wolf games. March 2012 marks the release of his Girl 7 sketchbook featuring a collection of Good Girl pinups.

Dale Eaglesham

Dale Eaglesham is a Canadian Shuster Award winning comic illustrator who has worked with DC Comics, Dark Horse and CrossGen. In 2009, he signed an exclusive contract with Marvel, where he has worked on titles such as Spider-Man, the Incredible Hulk, and is currently working on Alpha Flight, a much-anticipated reboot of Canada's own cavalcade of superheroes!

Ray Fawkes

Ray is a Canadian fine artist & writer of graphic novels, prose fiction, and games. He is a two-time Shuster Award nominee and a YALSA award winner. His newest book, "One Soul", debuted in July 2011 to critical acclaim.

Andrew Foley

Andrew is a Canadian comic creator best known for creating Done to Death, published by IDW and co-writing Cowboys and Aliens. He lives in Edmonton, Alberta and is currently working on Six Shots, and Fools & Mad Men.

Ray Friesen

Ray Friesen is author & cartoonist who draws a series of humour-adventure graphic novels chock full of penguins, pirates and all sorts of silly things. His notable (and hilarious) works include Pirate Penguin vs. Ninja Chicken, Cupcakes of Doom, Another Dirt Sandwich and more.

John Gallagher

John Gallagher is a cartoonist, self-publisher, and award-winning designer, John has written and illustrated his online and printed graphic novel series Buzzboy since 1998 and has worked in graphic design, interactive media, and comics books creation for more than 20 years.

John Giang

John Giang is a concept artist, graphic designer and illustrator who currently works with Industrial Light and Magic in San Francisco

Danielle Corsetto Girls with Slingshots

Danielle is an American web cartoonist who created her first comic strip at eight years old, starting with a blatant rip-off of Garfield called Fat Cat. In 2004, she created Girls with Slingshots and continues to create web-based hilarity five times a week.

Pia Guerra

Pia Guerra is a Shuster, Harvey and Eisner award-winning Canadian comic book artist best known for her work as co-creator and lead penciller on the Vertigo title Y: The Last Man. She also pencilled Doctor Who: The Forgotten for IDW Publishing.

Larry Hama

Larry is a writer and editor for Marvel Comics who wrote G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, Wolverine, Nth Man: the Ultimate Ninja, and Elektra. He is also the creator of the character Bucky O’Hare. Larry dabbled in acting and appeared in M*A*S*H, Saturday Night Live and Sondheim’s Pacific Overtures on Broadway.

Phil Hester

Phil Hester is an American comic book illustrator and writer who created The Wretch. His work in comics includes: Swamp Thing, Argus, The Flash, Boneshaker, Fringe and The Bionic Man with writer/director Kevin Smith.

Jeph Jacques

Jeph is a writer and illustrator who also happens to be the brains behind the web comic Questionable Content which received several honours from the Web Cartoonists’ Choice Awards. Jeph was also the Artist Guest of Honor at Albacon 2006.

Tyler Jenkins

Tyler Jenkins is an illustrator and comic creator living in Calgary. Credits include Snow Angel and the new Image Shadowline series Peter Panzerfaust. He is the founder and owner of Blacksheep Studios Inc, specializing in narrative illustration with credits in the magazine, game, film, animation and comic industries. check out www.tylerjenkins.ca.

Nat Jones

Nat is one of the industry's top horror and dark fantasy artists. Nat has worked with many recognized creators and filmmakers like Steve Niles, Rob Zombie and Joe Hill. He is currently an instructor at Guru Digital Arts College in Edmonton, Alberta.

Lovern Kindzierski

Lovern is a Canadian Creator who has worked with every major publisher in the industry. He created the Shame Trilogy with artist John Bolton and Renegade Arts Entertainment.

Scott Kowalchuck

Scott Kowalchuck graduated with a Bachelor of Design from the Alberta College of Art & Design in 2009 Calgary-based freelance Illustrator, Scott Kowalchuk found early success with published work in Absolute Underground Magazine, Calgary's weekly alternative paper FFWD, and storyboard work for RBC and Gillette. In 2010 Scott set his sights on breaking into the comic book industry, and achieved this with the launch of his first series (with writer Kurtis J Weibe) from Image Comics called The Intrepids (formerly titled Rat Bastards). His next project is a series for Oni Press titled Down Set Fight.

Bio provided courtesy of ACAD

Bob Layton

One of the comics industry's true visionaries at every level, creator, writer, artist, designer, and entrepreneur, Bob Layton has successfully migrated to other media, including television, animation and feature films. Bob reinvented the Iron Man comic in the late 70s, taking it from near-cancellation to one of Marvel's all-time bestselling series.

He's also co-creator/executive producer on the upcoming comedy/horror film, “Shambler“ for Odyssey Pictures and is hard at work co-authoring a new action/adventure film with superstar actor/comedian Dane Cook.

Stan Lee

Emerging from the brokenness of the Great Depression and persisting through the adversity of WWII, Stan Lee, born Stanley Martin Lieber, has become an icon in the comic-book industry and a model of strength, determination and resilience.

As a child, Stan had an insatiable appetite for reading and writing, interests that led him to his first job as an obituary writer for the local news service and composing press releases for the National Tuberculosis Centre. He launched his arts and entertainment career in 1939 with Timely Comics. His duties were menial to begin with - refilling ink wells, erasing pencils from finished pages and delivering lunches to the artists. Unbeknownst to Stan, Timely Comics would eventually develop into one of the world’s leading comic book production companies – Marvel Comics, instigating Lee’s career as the most notorious comic book creator since the industry’s inception.

Stan, along with Jack Kirby, would go on to create such outstanding characters as Thor, Iron Man, X-Men and The Fantastic Four. In August of 1962 Lee co-created Spiderman with Steve Ditko, launching one of the most well-known, well-loved and well-received comic book heroes of all time.

A notable difference in Stan's characters was the human element of imperfection – something that had previously been absent from most super-hero archetypes. His heroes were not only visions of strength and stamina, they also struggled with angst, sadness, fear, loneliness and yes, heartache. These character flaws propelled the Marvel Revolution as fans, maintaining their admiration for their superhero archetypes, also began to relate to them on a more personal level. This cultivated a sense of community between the creators, the characters and the fans, forever changing the way that comic books would be written.

For over 60 years the entertainment industry has felt the presence of Stan Lee’s profound devotion to art and literature. In 2010 the Stan Lee Foundation was formed, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting literacy, cultural awareness and artistic diversity throughout the States. His influence has encouraged thousands of aspiring writers and artists to pursue their ambitions and enhance their talents.

Joseph Linsner

Joseph is the creative mind behind Dawn, a contemporary version of classical mythology. He also worked on Killraven: 2020 and The Vampire's Christmas. He has produced two full-colour artbooks entitled The Art of Joseph Michael Linsner, and Girls & Goddesses: The Pinup Art of Joseph Michael Linsner.

Million Dollar Man

He’s wrestled for the NWA, WWF the WCW and hoards of other acronyms and organizations. He was Hulk Hogan’s first opponent in Hogan’s debut in Madison Square Garden’s and he’s one of wrestling’s most notorious personas: Million Dollar Man.

Ted made his debut in wrestling in June of 1974 and continued to be one of wrestling’s most influential names for the next 20 years. He is the author of Every Man Has His Price and founded the Heart of David Ministry – a Christian outreach organization.

Bob McLeod

Bob is an accomplished artist who has worked on titles such as G.I. Joe, The 'Nam, and X-Men. His hobbies include tennis, drawing, and teaching.

Tony Moore

Tony Moore is an American comic artist known for co-creating The Walking Dead, The Exterminators and Fear Agent. Moore first gained notice through Battle Pope (also with Robert Kirkman) and recently has worked on the Franken Castle story in The Punisher, Ghost Rider and Venom.

Ryan North

Ryan is a comedic writer and musician who is the creator and author of Dinosaur Comics. He is also the co-creator of Whispered Apologies and Happy Dog the Happy Dog.

Yanick Paquette

Yanick Paquette is a Canadian comic artist currently working on the relaunched Swamp Thing. Paquette has worked on a number of comics including Ultimate X-men, Wolverine: Weapon X, Terra Obscura with Alan Moore and Seven Soldiers: Bulleteer and Batman Incorporated with Grant Morrison.

Dan Parent

Dan Parent is an American Comic Artist and writer best know for his work for Archie Comics. As a freelance illustrator, Dan has worked with various companies including Felix the Cat Productions, Disney, Marvel Comics and Mattel.

George Pérez

George Pérez is an American writer and illustrator of comic books, known for his works on various titles, including the Avengers, Teen TItans, Crisis on Infinite Earths and Wonder Woman. George's work in comics has arguably made him the most influential comic artist during the 1990's.

Alina Pete

Alina is a Canadian artist, writer and creator of the popular web comic Weregeek. You can also see her talents on Wapos Bay, a Gemini-winning children's show.

Whilce Portacio

Whilce Portacio is a comic book artist and writer who has worked on projects such as The Punisher, Spawn and The Uncanny X-Men. He was interviewed by Stan Lee for a documentary entitled The Comic Book Greats and is one of the co-founders of Image Comics. Some of his other titles include Batman Confidential, Iron Man and Daredevil.

Pure Pwnage

The Pure Pwnage web series has been spanking TV since 2004. Now that the show is an Internet phenomenon with millions of fans worldwide, it's time to pwn TV as well. Pure Pwnage on Showcase is the next step for this universe of uber gamers.

Robert Burke Richardson

Robert is a Canadian comic book writer based out of Edmonton, Alberta. He created Absolute Magnitude for DC Comics and a Lost Anthology with Orson Scott Card. Recently he created the Matriarch and Old School with Arcana Studios.

Riley Rossmo

Riley is a Canadian comic book artist and illustrator based out of Calgary, Alberta. His notable works include Cowboy Ninja Viking and Seven Sons. He is currently working on Bedlam with writer Nick Spencer.

Steve Rude

Steve is an American comic illustrator and fine artist who co-created the ground breaking Nexus with Mark Baron in 1981. In 2006, he established Rude Dude Productions and independently publishes new issues of Nexus and The Moth and sells fine art.

Andy Runton

Andy Runton is a comic artist and writer who created Owly, a breakout all-ages series of graphic novels featuring a wide-eyed adorable owl who embarks on amazing adventures. In 2006, Runton and Owly won an Eisner Award for "Best Publication for a Younger Audience."

Mike Sass

Mike is a Canadian concept illustrator and freelance artist who worked for BioWare in Edmonton, Alberta for 12 years. His art was featured in Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Neverwinter Nights, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, World of Warcraft, Magic The Gathering and more.

Robert J Sawyer

Robert J. Sawyer is a Canadian Hugo Award-winning and Nebula Award-winning Science Fiction writer. He has authored 20 Science Fiction novels including Flash Forward, The Terminal Experiment and the WWW series Watch, Wake & Wonder.

Ryan Sohmer

Ryan Sohmer is best known for his work as the writer/creator of two of the net's most well-known comics, Least I Could Do (www.leasticoulddo.com) and Looking For Group (www.lfgcomic.com), along with the newly popular and unique comic The Gutters (www.the-gutters.com). He is also the Creative Director and co-founder of Blind Ferret Entertainment. Despite his hectic schedule, Sohmer still finds the time to prepare himself for the upcoming Zombie Apocalypse.

Claude St. Aubin

Claude is a Canadian comic illustrator. He worked as a colourist and artist on the original Captain Canuck series. Recently, he has worked on various titles for DC Comics like R.E.B.E.L.S.

Fiona Staples

Fiona is an Eisner nominee and Shuster Award-winning artist based in Calgary, Alberta. Her notable works include Done to Death and the Mystery Society. She is currently working on the ongoing image series SAGA with Brian K. Vaughan.

Ken Steacy

Ken has become one of Canada’s leading artists over the past thirty years. He runs Ken Steacy Publishing, an on-demand publishing house for comic creators.

DPI Studios

DPI Studios is comprised of Canadian artists Jaysin and Embrio. Their multi-genre art includes fantasy, sci-fi, steampunk, cyberpunk, horror and more. Their art has been featured in the World of Warcraft Trading Card Game and the cover of the 2011 Dreams and Wishes Artbook.

Arthur Suydam

ZOMBIE KING, ARTHUR SUYDAM, is an award winning American comic creator best known for his work on the smash hit series Marvel Zombies, and for reinventing history’s pop icons in a zombie universe. Additional credits include winning the prestigious Spectrum Gold Award and Film Festival of San Sebastian Lifetime Achievement Awards among others. Suydam has worked on numerous hit series, including, Deadpool, Batman, Wolverine, Army of Darkness, Raise the Dead, Red Sonja, Vampirella and more....

Ty Templeton

Ty Templeton is a Canadian comic book artist and writer. His notable works include Steigs Inferno, Batman Adventures and The Simpsons.

Mark Texeira

Mark Texeira is a fine artist and a commercial illustrator who has worked in the comic industry for more than 30 years. Classically trained as a painter, Texeira has showcased his mind-blowing art in titles like Wolverine, Spider-Man, X-Men, Moon Knight, Ghost Rider, Vampirella and more.

Ron Wagner

Ron is a graduate of The Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art in Dover, New Jersey. He has worked for major comic book companies such as Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Dark Horse, and Image. he has drawn titles that include Batman, Superman, G.I. Joe, Punisher, Daredevil, and The Flash. Along with comic art and illustration, he also paints portraits. His portrait experience includes work in oil, acrylic, pencil, and pastel.

(bio courtesy of www.rjwagner.com)

Joe Weems

Joe Weems is a comic book illustrator and inker who has worked with notable artists like Brandon Petersen, Mike Turner, Joe Benitez and eventually Marc Silvestri with Top Cow Comics. He has also worked with Dark Horse, Wildstorm, Crossgen, DC and Marvel Comics and is an instructor with www.thegnomonworkshop.com.

Kurtis Wiebe

Kurtis Wiebe is a Saskatoon, Canada based author who’s been established in the world of comic writing since 2009. His work on projects like Peter Panzerfaust, Green Wake, and The Intrepids with Image Comics has garnered critical acclaim. Never satisfied with a specific style of writing, Kurtis has branched out to novels, videogames and screenplays. He spends his days at home, writing about the mad things that float around his brain, hosts The Process, a writing podcast with other aspiring authors and occasionally escapes to various cities around North America to promote his projects.

Renee Witterstaetter

Renee Witterstaetter is an American writer, editor, colour artist, agent, and publisher who has worked on titles for Marvel and DC Comics. She is the President of Eva Ink Publishing and works in artist management, representing Michael Golden, Steve Scott, & Mark Texiera.

Bernie Wrightson

Bernie Wrightson is an American comic illustrator renowned for revitalizing the horror comic industry in the 1970's. Among his career highlights was co-creating the Swamp Thing character for DC Comics with Len Wein and adaptating classic horror tales for Warren Publications. As well, Wrightson drew the poster for the Stephen King-penned horror film Creepshow and illustrated comic book adaptation of the film.

Jim Zubkavich

Jim Zubkavich or "Zubby" is a trouble-making Canadian artist-writer boy. His latest comics are Skullkickers (Image Comics) & Makeshift Miracle (Udon Comics). Zubby also works as a Project Manager for UDON Entertainment and as a Professor of Animation History and Digital Painting in Seneca College’s Animation Arts Centre.