Another collection of the most insanely, spectacularly, butt clenchingly,  splendiferous cons in the universe.

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FEATURED CONVENTIONS

Alabama Phoenix Festival
May 25-27, 2012
Birmingham, AL
www.alabamaphoenixfestival.com

“The Alabama Phoenix Festival is a celebration that spans the realms of creativity and imagination and shows how the impossible is possible for us all! The Festival invites all ages from 1 to 909 years of age to come together and celebrate The Arts, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Gaming and all interests from every quarter of the universe! There is something for everyone! The fantasies and dreams of today lead to the realities of tomorrow and Alabama Phoenix Festival is here to support that in our community!”

Film & Television guests include Adam Baldwin, David Duncan, Amanda Dyar, Larry Mainland, Jim O’Rear, Kevin Rubio, Daniel Emery Taylor & Sonya Thompson

Author guests include Cam Crowder, Joe Crowe, Allen Hammack, J. F. Lewis, Jared Millet, Bobby Nash, Stephanie Osborn, Van Allen Plexico, Robert Ring, Lee Shackleford, Charis Taylor, Sean Taylor & M. B. Weston.

Comics, Art & Illustration guests include Jeenie Breeden, Tom Briscoe, Sam Flegal, Chris Garrison, Andy Gray, Geoffrey Gwin, Larry Hama, James Hill, James Hislope, Rick Johnson, Kittyhawk, David LaRocca, Kinch Raby, Kevin Rubio, Lysa Shin, Billy Tackett & Sarah White.

Theatrics guests include Freddy Clements, Scott Merrill, Chris Mueller, Sharon Morgan & Lee Shackleford.

Paranormal guests include Paul Browning, Tommy Golden, Cassidy Rae & Ami Taylor.

Other guests include Sean Patrick Fannon, Carinn Seabolt & Dr. Osborn.

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Albuquerque Comic Expo
Jun 8-10, 2012
Albuquerque, NM
abqcomicexpo.com

“The Albuquerque Comic Expo is the southwest’s premier comic book, pop culture, and entertainment convention… We’ll also have panels and other events running the entire time, and some that go on after hours, too.”

Celebrities & media guests include Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes, Stan Lee, Billy Dee Williams, Adam Baldwin, Jewel Staite, Kevin Sorbo, Peter Mayhew, Tom Kane, Julie Caitlin Brown, Jim Kelly, Lloyd Kaufman, Tommy Yune, Sean Becker, Kurly Tlapoyawa, Billy Garberina, Yaya Han and Scott Phillips.

Comic creators include Clark Castillo, Mel Smith, Brent Peeples, Paul Azaceta, Andrew Robinson, Kody Chamberlain, Keven Gardner, Eben Matthews, Doug Wagner, Chris Brunner, Brian Stelfreeze, Ale Garza, Mark Dos Santos, Joe Benitez, Len Wein, Herb Trimpe, Bill Sienkeiwicz, Mike Grell, Zombie King Arthur Suydam, Michael Golden, Allen Bellman, Mark Texeira, Greg Horn, Phil Hester, Ryan Cody, Terry Naughton, Rich Arons, Brian Pulido, Aaron Campbell, Tim Seeley, Nei Ruffino, Matt Campbell, Eroll See, Chris Beaver, Ryan Alexander, Rita Moore, McLain McGuire, Michael Champion, Cory Smith, Jeff Balke, Andy Kuhn, Matt Frank, Larry Welz, Ben Templesmith, Joe Jusko, Rodney Ramos, Ted Slampyak, James O’Barr, Renee Witterstaetter, Matt Haley, Chris Summers and Shannon Eric Denton.

Literary guests include John Jos Miller, Robert E. Vardeman, Victor Milan, Melinda Snodgrass and Ric Meyers.

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Fanboy Expo, The Ultimate Fan Experience
June 15-17, 2012
Pigeon Forge, TN
fanboyexpo.com

“This event will allow the attendees to the experience to interact with their favorite Celebrities during Autograph sections, Fan Panels and special Meet & Greets. In addition they can visit with Comic Industry Pros and shop the dealer floor.”

Celebrity guests include Marina Sirtis (Star Trek: TNG, Enterprise, Voyager, Stargate SG-1, Gargoyles), Bruce Boxleitner (Tron, Tron Legacy, Babylon 5, Scarecrow and Mrs. King), Cindy Morgan (Tron, Caddyshack, Falcon Crest), George Lazenby (On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Batman Beyond, Kentucky Fried Movie), Diora Baird (Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning, Wedding Crashers, Hot Tub Time Machine), Jeremy Bulloch (Star Wars III, V & VI, The Spy Who Loved Me), Richard Leparmentier (Star Wars IV, Superman II, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Octopussy), David Barclay (Star Wars V & VI, Labyrinth, Cats & Dogs and Team America: World Police), Tim Rose (Star Wars VI, Return to Oz, Howard the Duck, The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Dark Crystal), Mark Dodson (Star Wars VI, Gremlins 1 & 2), Scott Schwartz (A Christmas Story, The Toy), Ross Patterson (Poolboy: Drowning Out the Fury, The New Guy, Accepted), Amber Smith (LA Confidential, American Beauty, Sin City Diaries), Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka (WWF, AWA, ECW heavyweight champion), Maria Kanellis (WWE diva), Stacy Carter aka Miss Kitty (WWF women’s champion), Nidia Guenard (Tough Enough, Smackdown, Raw), Nick Cvjetkovich aka Kizarny (WWE, TNA) and more to come!

Comic guests include Arthur Suydam (Marvel Zombies, Batman, Wolverine, Fantastic Four, The Incredible Herc, X-men), Steve Scott (X-Men Forever, Marvel Adventures Hulk, Batman Confidential, JLA), Rob Hunter (X-Men, Spiderman, Wolverine, Batman, Justice League, Red Lantern), Scott West (Jericho: Three: Civil War, Angel, 24) and more to come!

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ApolloCon
Jun 22-24, 2012
Houston, TX
www.apollocon.org

“Houston’s Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Conference. Presented by the Houston Science Fiction Association”

Guest of Honor: Tanya Huff (Blood Price, Keeper’s Chronicles, Smoke and Shadows)
Artist Guest of Honor: Jael (Perceptualistics, Paint or Pixel, Frank Collections)
Fan Guest of Honor: Candace Pulleine

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Days Of The Dead
Jul 6-8, 2012
Indianapolis, IN
www.daysofthedead.net

“Days of the Dead is a by the fans, for the fans, convention which had its inaugural show July 1st – 3rd, 2011, at the Wyndham Indianapolis West, located in Indianapolis, IN….Days of the Dead’s primary goal is to bring back the concept of the genre convention being a welcoming communal gathering of like minded friends and fans and not just another “pay-and-go” autograph show that has become an all too common (and impersonal) experience in the convention scene. Chock full of special events tailored just for the fans, an active after hours scene of horror themed parties, and a massive guest list of the hottest celebrity guests, artists, and up and coming independent film makers, Days of the Dead has already begun rewriting the script and setting the bar for what a true horror convention weekend should look like.”

Guests include Danny Trejo (Machete, Heat, Predators, Rob Zombie’s Halloween, Desperado, Grindhouse), John Waters (Hairspray, Cry-Baby, Pink Flamingos), Ace Frehley (Kiss), David Prowse (Star Wars IV-VI), Traci Lords (Blade II, Cry-Baby, Zack and Miri Make a Porno), Ron McGovney (Metallica), Spider One (Powerman 5000, Death Valley), Dick Miller (Terminator, Gremlins, Demon Night), Bill Moseley (Texas Chainsaw II, House of 1000 Corspes, Devil’s Rejects), Mink Stole (Pink Flamingos, Lost Highway, All about Evil), Gunnar Hansen (Texas Chainsaw I), Bill Johnson (Texas Chainsaw II), R.A. Mihailoff (Texas Chainsaw III), Marylin Burns (Texas Chainsaw I), Ed Neal (Texas Chainsaw I), John Dugan (Texas Chainsaw I), Allen Danzinger (Texas Chainsaw I), Terri McMinn (Texas Chainsaw I), William Vail (Texas Chainsaw I), Ed Guinn (Texas Chainsaw I), Sam Mckinzie (Texas Chainsaw 3D), Sammy Terry (horror host), Jeff Burr (Pumpkinhead II & IV, Texas Chainsaw III), John Kassir (Tales from the Crypt), Patty Mullen (Frankenhooker), Nick Principe (Laid to Rest I & II), Sean Whalen (People Under the Stairs, Halloween II, Lost), Mercedes Mcnab (Hatchet, Angel, Addams Family I & II), Lamberto Bava (Demons I & II, Macabre), Eerie Von (Samhain, Danzig), Wednesday 13 (Murderdolls), Marty Cassella (Poltergeist), Oliver Robins (Poltergeist I & II), Laurence Harvey (Human Centipede II), Ari Lehman (Friday the 13th), Mark Patton (Elm Street II), Jorg Buttgereit (Nekromantik I & II), Ian Whyte (Game of Thrones, Clash of the Titans, Aliens vs Predator: Requiem), Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp) and the “Haunted Hotties” – Courtney Landers, Kayla Perkins, Kayla Kizer and Julie Anne.

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InConJunction XXXII
Jul 6-8, 2012
Indianapolis, IN
www.inconjunction.org

“This is a fan-run, not-for-profit general science fiction and fantasy convention with a strong focus on our literary roots.”

Author Guest of Honor: Kevin Hearne (The Iron Druid Chronicles)
Artist Guest of Honor: Paul Taylor (Wapsi Square)
Guest of Honor: Mike Moore (SFX props master)
Music Guest of Honor: Wild Mercy (Filk band)
Fan Guest of Honor: Fyberdyne Laboratories
Toastmaster: Lou Harry

Featured guests include Five Year Mission (Star Trek themed band), Charlie Kaufman (disaster preparedness expert) and Sam Stall (Night of the Living Trekkies)

Also appearing are Chuck Budreau, TammyJo Eckhart, Joe Greene, Scott Hann, Drew Happli, Ronald Hawkins, Tom Jaquish, Marq Johansen, Das Krakenhaus, Katt McConell, Sarah Miller, Publisher Karl Niemiec, A. R. Risch, Brenda Sutton, Jeff Thompson and many more!

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Would you like to be a featured convention?  Send an email to Britt at: conventions@soulgeek.com and ask us how?

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OTHER CONVENTIONS

Big Wow! ComicFest
May 19-20, 2012
San Jose, CA
www.bigwowcomicfest.com

“Big Wow! ComicFest Returns to San Jose on May 19th & 20th, 2012, bringing two great days of Comic Book, Art, Anime, Sci- Fi, Fantasy, Gaming and Cosplay FUN! Many of the country’s best vendors of all things cool and collectible will tempt your wallets with the perfect gifts for Geek Grads and Dads!!!”

Featured guests include Travis Charest, Juanjo Guarnido, Thomas Jane, Jim Lee, Toshio Maeda, Steve Niles, Kevin Nowlan, Jane Wiedlin, Bernie Wrightson and Terrance Zdunich.

Other guests include Sergio Aragones, J.D. Arnold, Mark Badger, Eric Basaldua, Richard Becker, Joe Benitez, Ryan Benjamin, Sandahl Bergman, Mark Bode, Brandon Bracomonte, Tim Bradstreet, Dan Brereton, Danny Bulanadi, Buzz, Carlyfornia, Ernie Chan, Frank Cho, Frank Cirocco, Denise Crosby, Olivia d’Abo, Mark Dos Santos, Lela Dowling, Mark Evanier, Tony  Fleecs, Dan Fogel, Ernie “Hardware Wars” Fosselius, Sean  Galloway, Kathy Garver, The Bay Area Ghostbusters, Michael Golden, Mick Gray, Mario Hernandez, Frank Hill, Joe Jusko, Rich Koslowski, Debra Lamb, Michael Lark, Bob  Layton, Steve Leialoha, Joe Linsner, John Livesay, Aaron Lopresti, Dennis Mallonee, Steve Mannion, Chris Marrinan, Mike Mayhew, Mike McKone, Miss Misery, Chris Moreno, Bill Morrison, Rudy Nebres, C. Andrew Nelson, Alex Nino, Miss Nintendo, James O’Barr, Dan O’Neill, Steve Oliff, Dan  Parsons, Valerie Perez, Brandon Peterson, Jon Provost, Ted Richards, Riddle, Trina Robbins, Tone Rodriguez, Simon Rohrmuller, Tim Sale, Stuart Sayger, Liam Sharp, Jim Silke, Ryan Sook, John  Stanley, Strephon  Taylor, Mark  Texeira, Larry Todd, Morrie Turner, The TMNT Van, Tim  Vigil, SaSa & Scarlet von Harlet, Nate Watson, David Williams, Tom Wyrsch, Dean Yeagle, Thomas Yeates and Charles Yoakum.

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BayCon
May 25-28, 2012
Santa Clara, CA
www.baycon.org

“Join us at BayCon, the San Francisco Bay Area’s Regional Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention since 1982. We will be launching its 30th Anniversary Pleasure Cruise themed convention at the Hyatt Regency Santa Clara this May! Don’t miss the ship when Captain Cruz and the BayCon 2012 crew set sail!”

Writer Guest of Honor: Brandon Sanderson
Artist Guest of Honor: Stephan Martiniere
Fan Guests of Honor: Scott and Cathy Beckstead
Toastmasters: Dani Kollin and Eytan Kollin.

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Spooky Empire’s May-Hem
May 25-27, 2012
Orlando, FL
www.spookyempire.com

“Spooky Empire has quickly become one of the most respected horror event promotions companies in the United States, bringing to life two of the most popular horror conventions in the nation…October’s event, Ultimate Horror Weekend, has grown significantly since its modest start in Fort Lauderdale in 2003…in 2011 they introduced the first “May-Hem” event taking place on Memorial Day weekend. Although a more intimate show, May-Hem still proved to pack just as big a punch as its predecessor. May-Hem exceeded everyone’s expectations and has now become an annual event.”

Celebrity guests include Linda Hamilton (Terminator I & II, Chuck, Beauty and the Beast), John Astin (Addams Family, Return of the Killer Tomatoes, Twilight Zone, European Vacation), Lisa Loring (Addams Family, As the World Turns, Blood Frenzy), Felix Silla (Addams Family, Buck Rogers, Return of the Jedi), Michael Rooker (The Walking Dead, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, Slither, Mallrats), Joey Lauren Adams (Chasing Amy, Mallrats, Big Daddy, Dazed & Confused), Ace Frehley (KISS), Kristanna Loken (Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, Bloodrayne, Painkiller Jane, Mortal Kombat), Monica Keena (Freddy vs. Jason, Dawson’s Creek, Night of the Demons, The Devil’s Advocate), Holly Marie Combs (Charmed, Pretty Little Liars), Brian Krause (Charmed, Sleepwalkers), Madison Lintz (The Walking Dead), Oliver Robins (Poltergeist, Airplane II), Roddy Piper (They Live), Micah Sloat (Paranormal Activity, Paranormal Activity 2), William Forsythe (Boardwalk Empire, Devil’s Rejects, Deuce Bigalow), Marc Price (Trick or Treat, Family Ties), Mackenzie Lintz (The Hunger Games), Kelly Lintz (The Hunger Games, Surface, One Tree Hill), Alex Vincent (Child’s Play, Child’s Play 2), Lita Ford (The Runaways), Michael Bailey Smith (Charmed, Buffy, The Hills Have Eyes I & II) and more!

Artist guests include Bob Tyrrell, Dan Henk, Ron570, Paul Acker, Joe Spino, Annie Spore, Bili Vegas, Jessica Veprovsky, Clint Kephart, Ken Karnage, Tony Scientific, Adrian Dominic, Nico Negron, Nick Caccavale, Jason Reed, John Pohl, Nate Cook, Jason Cunliffe, Sean Zee, Buz Hasson, Abdiel Pedraza, Cesar Morales, Scott Trerrotola, Josh Schellenberg, John Barrett and more!

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DucKon 21
Jun 1-3, 2012
St. Charles, IL
www.duckon.org

“DucKon is a sci-fi convention held annually in Chicago’s far west suburbs. DucKon is an activity and fund raiser for Super-Con-Duck-Tivity, a non-profit organization… Proceeds from DucKon go to support the Golden Duck Awards for Excellence in Children’s Science Fiction Literature.”

Author Guest of Honor: Robert J. Sawyer
Artist Guest of Honor: Newton Ewell
Filk Guests of Honor: Bedlam Bards
Fan Guests of Honor: Anne and Dr. Bob Passovoy
Klingon Guest of Honor: Keith R.A. DeCandido
Science Guest of Honor: Todd Johnson

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PROJECT:Comic Con
Jun 9-10, 2012
Saint Louis, MO
www.projectcomiccon.com

“PROJECT:Comic Con is the largest All Comic Convention in St. Louis, MO. It’s a show put on by comic fans, for comic fans. It’s meant to be a show that lets the fans meet the creators of the comics they love. The only media guests you will find are ones that have worked in something related to comics, anime, or manga.”

Guests include Denny O’Neil, Jim Valentino, Kenneth Rocafort, Mike Mckone, Clayton Henry, Angel Medina, Eric Basaldua, Pop Mhan, Chris Giarrusso, Angus Oblong, Don Kramer, Joshua Dysart, Javier Saltares, Robert Atkins, Cullen Bunn, Jeremy Haun, Rick Burchett, Steve Lightle, Cory Hamscher, Dennis Hopeless, B. Clay Moore, Joe Dodd, Jai Nitz, Jeff Balke, Kyle Strahm, David Faught, Jeffrey Edwards, Will Rodriguez and Anthony Spay.

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Albany Comic Con
June 10, 2012
Albany, NY
www.albanycomicbookshow.com

“The Albany Comic Con is the premiere comic book, and collectibles show in the Capital district of upstate New York. Now in it’s 5th year, and growing every year. The show features comic books for collectors of all ages.”

Guests include Paul Abrams, Bill Anderson, Richard Clark, Keith Dallas, Todd Dezago, Dave Elliott, Randy Elliott, Steve Ellis, Dave Gallaher, Dan Green, Fred Hembeck, John Hebert, Paul Harding, Ron Marz, Jennifer Meyer, Lee Moder, Tom Peyer, Christian St. Pierre, Patrick Piggott, Joe Sinnott, Matthew Dow Smith, Ian Struckhoff, Jim Starlin, Joe Staton, Bobby Timony, Peter Timony, Jesse Wichmann and Jim Zubkavich.

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Texas Comicon
June 22-24, 2012
San Antonio, TX
www.texascomicon.com

“Texas Comicon is the State’s Premier Pop Culture Event.”

Celebrity guests include Lou Ferrigno (The Incredible Hulk, King of Queens), Jim Beaver (Supernatural), Dee Wallace (ET, Cujo, Frighteners), Jake Busey (Starship Troopers, Frighteners) and Morgan Lofting (G.I.Joe, Spider-Man, Transformers)

Creator guests include Larry Hama, Herb Trimpe, Howard Mackie, Matthew Clark, Tom Feister, Angus Oblong, Mike McKone, Josh Howard, Matt Frank, Andrew Anderson, Eric Matos, Andrew Mangum, Chris Foreman, Gary Jaramillo, Jerry Rascoe, Jose Esquivel, Jose Soto, Ju Gomez, Fabian Rangel, Frank Vollaro, Trent Westbrook, Tyler Richlen, Will Terrell, Alex Riegel, Austin Rogers, Mark Nasso, Tommy Philips, Mike Fisher, Viper Comics, Antarctic Press, Chris Sweet, Dani Jimenez, Robert Luedke, Terry Parr, Halo Seraphim, NAS Studios, Al Molina, Chris Summers, Zip Alegria, Michael Champion, NPW, Old School, Stratum Comics, Scooter Harris, Scott Zirkel, Francisco Salinas, Cody Schibi, Alfredo Lopez Jr, Paulo Hernandez, Mitch Clem, Nation of Amanda and Chris Holm.

…or, at least, Long Beach. In a journey that will surely take it’s toll in lives and sanity, this weekend sees our own Grand Poobah, Dino Andrade, attending the world-famous Long Beach Comic Con. And barring the unforeseen alien invasion or zombie apocalypse, he’s bringing some friends – such luminaries as Gregg Berger, Alexis Cruz, Richard Epcar and Walter Jones (see below for some of their voluminous  credits) will be sharing the titanic SoulGeek Booth with Dino, imbibing SoulGeek bottled water and munching on SoulGeek powerbars while cheerfully signing autographs (for a nominal fee of course).

Long Beach Comic Con
Oct 29-30, 2011
Long Beach, CA
www.longbeachcomiccon.com

“LBCC is an experience unlike other comic conventions. Developed by some of the industry’s most ardent supporters, it’s a gathering of professionals, fans, artists, celebrities (and possibly my mother) to enjoy all aspects of comic books and pop culture. Along with all the typical convention fare (screenings, panels, autograph sessions, artists and writers, costumes) we plan a few surprises. Like a Madonna concert. (Okay, that’s a complete lie – maybe next year).”

Guests include Dino Andrade (Batman: Arkham Asylum, World of Warcraft, Brutal Legend), BATT (Superman/Batman, New Avengers, Thor), Sean Becker (The Guild, My Gimpy Life), Joe Benitez (Aspen Comics; Lady Mechanika, Souldfire, Detective Comics), Gregg Berger (Halo Wars, Transformers, Batman: The Brave and the Bold), Blond (Superman, Supergirl, War of the Supermen, Adventure Comics), Tim Bradstreet (Punisher, Hellblazer, Vertigo), Amanda Conner (Power Girl, The Pro, Two-Step, DC Comics Cover Artist), Darwyn Cooke (DC: The New Frontier, The Spirit, Catwoman), Alexis Cruz (Stargate, Stargate SG-1 & Shark), Felicia Day (Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, The Guild), Richard Epcar (Ghost in the Shell, Kingdom Hearts & MK vs. DC), David Finch (Batman: The Dark Knight, Ultimatum, Moon Knight), Hart D. Fisher (Boneyard Press, American Horrors), Richard Friend (Madame Xanadu, Steampunk, Wildcats), Joel Gomez (Authority, The Lost Boys, Wetworks), Ray-Anthony Height (Marvel Spider-Man: Back in Quack, Ape Entertainment’s R.P.M. Rapid Performance Machines), Rebecca Hicks (Little Vampires books & webcomic), Tom Hodges (Star Wars The Clone Wars web comic, MidKnight), Walter Jones (Power Rangers: Mighty Morphin’, Wild Force & Lost Galaxy), Drew Johnson (The Authority, Wonder Woman), Barbara Kesel (Aliens vs Predator: Booty, Legends of the Dark Crystal, Ghost Whisperer: The Muse), JJ Kirby (Backlash, The New Dynamix, X-Babies), JT Krul (Soulfire, Fathom, Mindfield, Green Arrow), Scott Lobdell (Teen Titans, Superboy, Red Hood & The Outlaws, X-Men, Generation X), Joseph Maddrey (Nightmares in Red, White and Blue, Not Bad for a Human), Mark McHaley (Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Batman Archives, Women Of Marvel), Mike McKone (X-Men, Fantastic Four, Exiles), Digger Mesch (founder of Art Asylum), Todd Nauck (Wildguard, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Young Justice), Dustin Nguyen (Streets of Gotham, Detective Comics, Batman, Wildcats), Peter Nguyen (Bruce Wayne Road Home: Catwoman, Gotham City Sirens), Steve Niles (Mystery Society, 30 Days of Night, Criminal Macabre), Angus Oblong (Creepy Susie and 13 Other Tragic Tales for Troubled Children, The Oblongs), Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex, Power Girl), Wendy Pini (Elfquest, Masque of the Red Death), Whilce Portacio (Uncanny X-Men, Heroic Age, Spawn, Batman Confidential), Livio Ramondelli (DC Universe Online MMORPG), Nei Ruffino (Birds of Prey, First Wave, Green Lantern Corps), Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo), Alex Sinclair (Batman: Hush, Blackest Night, Astro City, Wonder Woman), Beth Sotelo (Fathom Vol. 4, Soulfire Vol. 2, Shrugged), Cat Staggs (Star Wars artist), Richard Starkings (Elephantmen, Hip Flask, owner of ComicCraft), Mark Waid (Incorruptible, Irredeemable, Kingdom Come, The Flash), Joe Weems (Darkness, Artifacts, Hex: the Lost Tribe) and many more!

For those of you looking for the Conventions List, scroll on down, not even pausing to check out the article about ComicCon I’ve poured my blood sweat and tears into… (well at least sweat and tears). Nope. Don’t pay any attention to me. Nada. Zip. Zero.

It’s Back!! The Convention to end all conventions is back and bigger than ever. The San Diego Convention Center will be literally full to the brim with booth babes, swag and sweaty geeks. The streets of  San Diego will run green with alien blood July 21-24 (20-24 if you count preview day).

And our own Head Honcho, Grand Poobah, Mr. Wonka if you will, Dino Andrade will be there and this year he’s bringing some friends.

When he’s not running SG, Dino’s a voice actor with an impressive list of stuff: He’s the voice of the Scarecrow in Batman: Arkham Asylum; Mimiron, Mekkatorque and Professor Putricide (among others) in World of Warcraft, plus The Reaper in Brutal Legend.  His work can also be heard in Hellsing III, Call of Duty, Wolf’s Rain,  Guitar Hero, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Nerf N-Strike Elite, Revisioned Tomb Raider and much more.

And this year, joining Dino in SoulGeek’s booth will be such luminaries of the voice community as Phil LaMarr (Futurama, Samurai Jack),  Jennifer Hale (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Mass Effect 3) Phil Proctor (Toy Story 1 & 2, Final Fantasy XIII), Gregg Berger (The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, Halo Wars) and Rikki Simons (Invader Zim, NieA under 7).

The schedule is as follows:

Wednesday (Preview Night): Dino Andrade
Thursday: Dino Andrade, Phil Proctor, Rikki Simons
Friday: Dino Andrade, Phil LaMarr, Phil Proctor, Jennifer Hale, Rikki Simons
Saturday: Dino Andrade, Phil LaMarr, Jennifer Hale, Gregg Berger
Sunday: Dino Andrade, Phil LaMarr, Rikki Simons

So join us at Booth 5619! Get an autograph. Talk one of  the uninitiated into joining SoulGeek and bask in the radiance of our undying gratitude (for legal reasons I have to emphasize we can’t actually give you anything but they will get the first month free) Enjoy all the sights, sounds (and especially the smells) of the greatest Con the world (if not the universe as a whole) has ever seen.

Comic-Con International
July 21-24, 2011
San Diego, CA
www.comic-con.org/cci

Guests include Gerry Alanguilan (writer/artist – Elmer; inker – Ultimate Avengers), Sergio Aragonés (cartoonist, Groo, MAD magazine), Jean Bails (widow of Dr. Jerry Bails, the “Father of Comic Book Fandom”), Ed Benes (artist – Justice League of America, Birds of Prey), Anina Bennett (writer/editor – Heartbreakers, Boilerplate), Jordi Bernet (cartoonist – Torpedo 1936, Jonah Hex), Yves “Balak” Bigerel (writer/artist – Lord of Burger), Joyce Brabner (writer – Real War Stories, Our Cancer Year), Patricia Briggs (author – Mercy Thompson series), Chester Brown (writer/artist – Yummy Fur, Louis Riel, Paying for It), Ernie Chan (artist – Conan, Batman, Jonah Hex), Jo Chen (artist – Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Runaways, Xbox Fable), Seymour Chwast (co-founder of Push Pin Studios), Alan Davis (writer/artist – X-Men, ClanDestine, Avengers Prime), Dick DeBartolo (writer – MAD magazine), Tony DeZuniga (artist, Jonah Hex, Conan the Barbarian), Eric Drooker (painter, graphic novelist – Flood, Blood Song, Howl), Garth Ennis (writer/creator, Preacher, Crossed, The Boys), Mark Evanier (writer, comics historian – Kirby: King of Comics), Joyce Farmer (cartoonist – Wimmen’s Comix, Special Exits), David Finch (artist – Ultimate X-Men, New Avengers, Batman: Dark Knight), Dave Gibbons (artist – Watchmen, Give Me Liberty), Tsuneo Goda (director/animator/creator – Domo), Paul Guinan (artist – Heartbreakers, Boilerplate), Kim Harrison (author – The Hollows series), Jonathan Hickman (writer – Fantastic Four, The Nightly News), John Higgins (writer/artist/colorist – Razorjack; colorist – Watchmen), Charlie Huston (author – Hank Thompson series, Joe Pitt Casebooks), Jamal Igle (artist – Supergirl, Tangent: Superman’s Reign), Joëlle Jones (artist – You Have Killed Me, Troublemaker), Sherrilyn Kenyon (author – Dark-Hunter series, Lords of Avalon series), Peter Kuper (cartoonist/illustrator – Spy vs. Spy, World War 3 Illustrated), Richard Kyle (publisher – Comics Fandom Pioneer), Mell Lazarus (syndicated cartoonist – Miss Peach, Momma), Jim Lee (artist/co-publisher – DC Comics), Paul Levitz (former president and publisher – DC Comics; writer – Legion of Super-Heroes), David Lloyd (writer/artist – V for Vendetta, Kickback), Richard A. and Patricia Lupoff (writers, fanzine pioneers), Patrick McDonnell (cartoonist – Mutts), Rebecca Moesta (author – Buffy and Jedi Knight novels), Christopher Moore (author – A Dirty Job, You Suck), Grant Morrison (writer – All Star Superman, Batman Incorporated), Alex Niño (artist – Conan, Heavy Metal, God the Dyslexic Dog), Ethan and Malachai Nicolle (artist and writer – Axe Cop), Anders Nilsen (writer/artist – Big Questions), Jerry Robinson (cartoonist/author/historian – Batman, Jet Scott), Bill Schelly (comics fandom historian), Scott Shaw! (cartoonist/writer/historian – Oddball Comics, Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew!), Louise Simonson (writer/editor – Power Pack, Superman: Man of Steel), Walter Simonson (writer/artist – Thor, Manhunter), Jeff Smith (cartoonist – Bone, RASL), Frank Stack (underground cartoonist – New Adventures of Jesus, Harvey Pekar’s American Splendor, Our Cancer Year), Jim Steranko (writer/artist/publisher – Nick Fury Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., Prevue), Cameron Stewart (artist – Seaguy, Seven Soldiers; writer/artist – Sin Titulo), Dave Stewart (colorist – Hellboy, BPRD, Baltimore, Lobster Johnson, Conan, Batwoman, Goon, Witch Finder), J. Michael Straczynski (writer – Superman: Earth One; creator – Babylon 5), Mark Tatulli (cartoonist – Lio, Heart of the City), Roy Thomas (writer, editor – Alter Ego), Maggie Thompson (fanzine pioneer; editor – Comics Buyers Guide), Peter J. Tomasi (writer – Green Lantern Emerald Warriors, Batman and Robin), Scott Westerfeld (author - The Uglies series, Midnighters trilogy), Ashley Wood (artist/designer – Popbot, World War Robot) and more to come!

(There’s also a rumor that Steven Spielberg will be attending for the very first time but it’s unsubstantiated.)

About Comic-Con International:
Comic-Con International is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to creating awareness of, and appreciation for, comics and related popular art forms, primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture. In addition to its San Diego convention each summer, Comic-Con International organizes the San Francisco-based WonderCon each spring and the Alternative Press Expo each fall.

Yes, it’s the most wonderful time of the year again!! “But Christmas isn’t for another six months” I hear you exclaim – What’re you, dense? It’s ComicCon! The time when all good FanBoys and FanGirls are getting-thee-hence to San Diego with all haste for four days of fandom and debauchery.

And our own Head Honcho, Grand Poobah, 800 Pound Gorilla, if you will (he’s actually quite trim), Dino Andrade will be in the thick of it all, signing autographs (SoulGeek’s just his day job) and generally making nice with the great unwashed masses (really folks, it gets packed and hot on the convention floor and too many of you haven’t discovered deodorant yet).

When he’s not running SG or performing husbandly duties (get your mind out of the gutter – I mean taking care of the kid) Dino’s a voice actor with an impressive list of stuff: He’s the voice of Skull the Troll for PVP The Series; The Scarecrow in Batman: Arkham Asylum; The Reaper in Brutal Legend; the Patrolbots in Nerf N-Strike Elite; soldiers in Call of Duty: Roads To Victory; a whole bunch’a characters in World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King…why he’s even the current “Pop” for Rice Crispies!

So get over to Booth #5619 and get yourself an autograph or just tell him how great you think SoulGeek is (he likes that) or tell him how great you think he is (he really likes that).

And for you webcomic fans, joining Dino in the SoulGeek booth will be J.E. DRAFT signing his new book, THE CHALLENGES OF ZONA VOLUME ONE.

Comic-Con 2010
July 22-25, 2010
San Diego, CA
www.comic-con.org/cci/

It’s Comic-Con. ‘Nuff said.

Special Guests include (expect this list to change) Neal Adams (artist, publisher, Batman, X-Men, Ms Mystic), Jason Spyda Adams (sculptor, DC Direct, Toy Biz), Joel Adams (artist/designer, Ms Mystic, King of the Hill), Josh Adams (artist/designer, House of Mystery), Sergio Aragonès (cartoonist, Groo, MAD Magazine), Peter Bagge (writer/artist, Buddy Bradley stories, Hate, Other Lives), Gabrielle Bell (writer/artist, Lucky, Cecil and Jordan in New York), Brian Michael Bendis (writer, Ultimate Spider-Man, Dark Avengers, Powers), Ray Bradbury (author, screenwriter, Fahrenheit 451, The Martian Chronicles), Émile Bravo (writer/artist, My Mommy Is in America and She Met Buffalo Bill), Berkeley Breathed (syndicated cartoonist, Bloom County, Opus), Kurt Busiek (writer, Marvels, Astro City), Chris Claremont (writer, Uncanny X-Men, X-Men Forever), Howard Cruse (writer/artist, Stuck Rubber Baby, Wendel), Vanessa Davis (writer/cartoonist, Spaniel Rage, Make Me a Woman), Felicia Day (Dr. Horrible, The Guild, Buffy, Dollhouse), Dave Dorman (illustrator, Star Wars, Rail), Mark Evanier (writer, comics historian, Groo the Wanderer, Kirby: King of Comics), Matt Fraction (writer, Invincible Iron Man, Uncanny X-Men), Hunter Freberg (humorist, entertainer, media personality), Stan Freberg (author, humorist, satirist, voice-over actor), Nicholas Gurewitch (cartoonist, The Perry Bible Fellowship), Moto Hagio (manga artist, The Poe Clan, Mesh), Charlaine Harris (author, Sookie Stackhouse novels; creator, True Blood), Dusty Higgins (artist, Pinocchio, Vampire Slayer), Tanya Huff (author, Blood series, The Truth of Valor), Kathryn Immonen (writer, Runaways, Patsy Walker: Hellcat), Stuart Immonen (artist, New Avengers, Ultimate Spider-Man, Moving Pictures), Van Jensen (writer, Pinocchio, Vampire Slayer), Phil Jimenez (writer/artist, Wonder Woman; artist, New X-Men), Jenette Kahn (president/editor-in-chief, DC Comics, 1976-1993), Keith Knight (syndicated cartoonist, The Knight Life, the K Chronicles, (th)ink), Jim Lee (artist, All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder), Stan Lee (writer, editor, co-creator, Fantastic Four, Amazing Spider-Man, Incredible Hulk, et al), Paul Levitz (writer, editor, publisher, Legion of Super-Heroes), Milo Manara (artist, Click, Indian Summer, X-Women), Larry Marder (writer/artist, Beanworld), Carla Speed McNeil (writer/artist, Finder; artist, Queen & Country, Bad Houses), China Mièville (author, The City & the City, Perdido Steet Station), Dennis O’Neil (writer/editor, Batman, Green Lantern/Green Arrow), Robert M. Overstreet (author, comics historian, The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide), Tom Palmer (inker, Kick-Ass, The Avengers, Tomb of Dracula, Star Wars), Sean Phillips (artist, Criminal, Sleeper, Incognito), Ivan Reis (artist, Green Lantern, Blackest Night, Brightest Day), Douglas E. Richards (author, The Prometheus Project series), Rick Riordan (author, Percy Jackson & the Olympians series), Jerry Robinson (artist, Batman; syndicated cartoonist, comics historian), Steve Rude (artist, Nexus, World’s Finest), Jeannie Schulz (founding board president, Charles M. Schulz Museum), J. Michael Straczynski (writer, Superman, Wonder Woman), Drew Struzan (artist/illustrator, Back to the Future, Indiana Jones movie posters), James Sturm (cartoonist/educator, James Sturm’s America), Jillian Tamaki (artist, Skim, Indoor Voice), Doug TenNapel (writer/artist Earthworm Jim, Creature Tech, Catscratch), C. Tyler (artist/writer, You’ll Never Know: A Good & Decent Man), Ann VanderMeer (editor, Weird Tales), Jeff VanderMeer (author, City of Saints & Madmen, Finch), Gerard Way (writer, The Umbrella Academy), Al Wiesner (writer/artist/creator, Shaloman), Michael Zulli (artist, The Sandman, The Fracture of the Universal Boy)

About Comic-Con International:
Comic-Con International is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to creating awareness of, and appreciation for, comics and related popular art forms, primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture. In addition to its San Diego convention each summer, Comic-Con International organizes the San Francisco-based WonderCon each spring and the Alternative Press Expo each fall.

Not much this week, just the return of FAMOUS MONSTER OF FILMLAND MAGAZINE AND A HUGE CON TO CELEBRATE THE RE-LAUNCH!!!...oh, sorry for shouting BUT IT’S KIND OF A BIG DEAL AROUND HERE!!…sorry again.

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FEATURED CONVENTIONS

CONvergence 2010: Bring on the Bad Guys
July 1-4, 2010
Bloomington, MN
www.convergence-con.org

CONvergence is a science fiction and fantasy convention held annually at the Sheraton South Hotel in Bloomington, Minnesota. The convention features an Art Show, multiple discussion panels, guests of honor, a masquerade ball, free food and drink for attendees, and dozens of room parties. The convention is held the first full weekend in July.

Guests include L.A.Banks (author – Vampire Huntress Legend, Crimson Moon, Dark Avengers and Soul Food series), Jeremy Bulloch (actor – Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi), Paul Cornell – (writer – Doctor Who (television, novels, audio), Marvel Comics (Captain Britain and MI-13)), Bridget Landry (Jet Propulsion Laboratory engineer (Hubble, Mars Pathfinder and Cassini missions)), Chuck McCann (veteran comedian, actor, and cartoon voiceover artist, voice of Sonny the Cuckoo Bird), Wally Wingert (voice actor – Invader Zim, Bleach, The Garfield Show).

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Famous Monsters Convention
July 9-11, 2010
Indianapolis, IN
www.famousmonstersconvention.com

Famous Monsters of Filmland, the original sci-fi/horror/fantasy-genre magazine that captured over three decades of imagination, announces its foray into the horror convention circuit. The weekend-long convention will be packed with special screenings, monstrous parties, exciting music acts, panels, a costume contest and lots more.

“We are so happy to invite you to the first in a series of horrific gatherings hosted by your friends at FM,” said Philip Kim, Senior Manger. The event will be held at the Wyndham Indianapolis West, located at 2544 Executive Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Guests include Thomas Jane (The Mist, Punisher), Billy Drago (The Untouchables, Hills Have Eyes (2006), Downstream), Basil Gogos (FM cover artist), William Stout (production designer – The Mist, Pan’s Labyrinth, Return of the Living Dead), William Forsythe (Devil’s Rejects, Halloween (2007), Raising Arazona, Dick Tracy), Mick Garris (The Stand, Sleepwalkers, Bag of Bones), Tony Todd (Candyman, Final Destination, Star Trek: NG & DS9, Platoon), Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters 1 & 2, The Crow, Oz), Kristina Klebe (Halloween (2007), Zone of the Dead), Danielle Harris (Halloween 4, 5 & Halloween (2007), Hatchet II), Miko Hughes (Pet Cemetery, Wes Craven’s New Nightmare, Full House), Charles Band (writer/director/producer – Puppet Master, Trancers Subspecies series), Beverly Randolph (Return of the Living Dead, Quincy M.E.), Thom Mathews (Return of the Living Dead 1 & 2, Friday the 13th 6 & 7, The Peacemaker), Allan Trautman (Return of the Living Dead, Intolerable Cruelty), Don Calfa (Return of the Living Dead, 1941, Bugsy, Twin Peaks), Jewel Shepard (Return of the Living Dead, Party Camp, Zapped), Brian Peck (Return of the Living Dead 1-3, X-Men 1 & 2, Man on the Moon), John Philbin (Return of the Living Dead, Children of the Corn, Point Break), Judith O’Dea (Night of the Living Dead, Claustrophobia, Evil Deeds), Kyra Schon (Night of the Living Dead), Bill Hinzman (Night of the Living Dead, Legion of the Night, Santa Claws), George Kosana (Night of the Living Dead, There’s Always Vanilla, The Booby Hatch), Russell Streiner (Night of the Living Dead, There’s Always Vanilla), John Russo (Night of the Living Dead, Midnight, Santa Claws), Charles Craig (Night of the Living Dead, Chasing Dreams, Born to Race), Gary Streiner (sound design – Night of the Living Dead, There’s Always Vanilla), Joe Unitas (lighting supervisor – Night of the Living Dead), Herbert Summer (Night of the Living Dead), Rick Catizone (animator/ title designer Night of the Living Dead, Creepshow 1 & 2, Evil Dead 2), Tom Savini (Dawn/Day of the Dead, director – Night of the Living Dead (1990), actor – From Dusk Till Dawn, Land of the Dead), Leonard A. Lies (Dawn of the Dead), Jim Krut (Dawn of the Dead, The Guatemalan, Zombthology), Sharon Ceccatti (Dawn of the Dead, Knightriders, Hellraiser 3), Mike Christopher (Dawn of the Dead, Indiscretions, The Coffin), Joe Pilato (Dawn/Day of the Dead, Pulp Fiction, Night of the Living Dead: Origins), Terry Alexander (Day of the Dead, Law & Order, Conspiracy Theory), Anthony Dileo (Day of the Dead, Bob Roberts, Lorenzo’s Oil), Gary Klar (Day of the Dead, Legal Eagles, Big, Hackers), Michael Gornick (cinematographer – Day of the Dead, Knightriders, Creepshow), John Migliore (Survival of the Dead), Jamison Newlander (The Lost Boys 1, 2 & 3), Gerard McMann (singer/songwriter – The Lost Boys 1, 2 & 3, Vampirella, Chasing Amy), Chance Michael Corbitt (The Lost Boys, Pumpkinhead, The Rocketeer), Brooke McCarter (The Lost Boys, Wired, Me, Myself and I), Billy Wirth (The Lost Boys, Boys on the Side, Duress), Ed Gale (Howard the Duck, Child’s Play, Spaceballs), Alex Vincent (Child’s Play 1 & 2, Bandini, Dead Country), Ken Sagoes (Nightmare on Elm Street 3, Project X, Intolerable Cruelty), Mark Patton (Nightmare on Elm Street 2, Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean), Kim Myers (Nightmare on Elm Street 2, Hellraiser: Bloodline, The Closer), Warrington Gillette (Friday the 13th 2), Vinny Guastaferro (Friday the 13th 6, Shocker, Redbelt), Damian Maffei (The Oferring, Ghost Lake, Closed for the Season), Joe Unger (Nightmare on Elm Street, Mask, Total Recall), Terrance Zdunich (actor/writer/composer – Repo!: The Genetic Opera), Cerina Vincent (Cabin Fever, Not Another Teen Movie, Return to House on Haunted Hill), Jonathon Trent (Transformers 2, Downstream, Woke), Amelia Kinkade (Night of the Demons 1-3, Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo), Denise Nickerson (Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Dark Shadows, The Electric Company), Paris Themmen (Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory), Brian Joseph Harnois (Ghost Hunters, Ghost Hunters International), Shannon Sylvia (Ghost Hunters International, Paranormal State), Michael Nicolosi (Spawn (HBO), Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead), Kevin Burns (producer Alien Nation movies, Poseidon, Biography, founder Prometheus Entertainment), Bridget Marquardt (Girls Next Door, The Telling), Nicholas Carpenter (Girls Next Door, The Telling), Bela Lugosi Jr. (son of Dracula), Thomas Churchill (writer/producer/director – Church Hill Productions), George Demick (Dead Start, Demon Sight, Asylum of Terror), Joe Moe (Ackermansion caretaker), Mark Redfield (Chainsaw Sally, Despiser, Armed Robbery Orgasm), Jessie Lilley (editor – FM, publisher/co-creator Scarlet Street, editor-in-chief Mondo Cult), Tim Bradstreet (comic illustrator – Hellblazer, The Punisher), J. David Spurlock (publisher – Vanguard Press), Kerry Gammil (comic artist – Powerman and Iron Fist, Marvel Team-up, Superman), Len Barnhart (author – Reign of the Dead, Apocalypse End), Jim O’Rear (Day of the Dead, Star Trek 4, Lethal Weapon 3), Cortlandt Hull (founder/curator Witch’s Dungeon Classic Movie Museum), Bill Diamond (puppeteer – Dark Crystal, creator – Monster TV), John Everson (author – Covenant, Sacrifice, The 13th, Siren), Billy Gram (documentarian – ONE for the Fire), Rupert Boneham (Survivor), Sal Lizard (I Am Legend, The Box)

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Westercon 63: Confirmation
July 1-4, 2010
Pasadena CA
www.westercon63.org

“Westercon is the West Coast Science Fantasy Conference. It has been held annually since 1948 in the Western half of North America. From Hawaii in the West to El Paso in the East, to Vancouver in the North and San Diego in the South, Westercon has travelled far in the region. It is a general interest science fiction/fantasy convention covering literature, art, science, costuming, gaming, music, television, movies, comics, anime, politics, and any other topic of interest to fans.”

Pro Guest of Honor: Rudy Rucker
Fan Guest of Honor: John D. Berry
Artist Guest of Honor: Marc Schirmeister
Conchord Music Guest of Honor: Seanan McGuire
Conchord Toastmaster: Paul Kwinn
Interfilk Guests of Honor: Stone Dragons

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InConJunction 30
July 2-4, 2010
Indianapolis, IN
www.inconjunction.org

“InConJunction 30 — Where Quarks and Orcs Collide! Come celebrate with us on our 30th anniversary. Old friends in a new location with great fun.”

Author Guest of Honor: Keith R.A. DeCandido (novelizations for Star Trek, Doctor Who, Buffy, Farscape, Supernatural and much more)
Artist Guest of Honor: Ed Beard, Jr. (Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, Lord of the Rings)
Gaming Guests of Honor: Andrew & Kristin Looney (founders of Looney Labs Games (Fluxx, Treehouse, Icehouse)
Music Guest of Honor: Wild Mercy (filk band)

Featured guests include Ben Avery (comic book writer (The Oz/Wonderland Chronicles, ArmorQuest, TimeFlyz), co-founder of Community Comics), Destini Hope Beard (vocalist – The Dark Masquerade), Samuel Travis Clemmons (author, lecturer, philosopher), TammyJo Eckhart (author – Mistress Loves Me, This I Know, Servants of Destiny), Joe Greene (costumer, robotics and LEGO® enthusiast), Marc Gunn (musician), Lou Harry (The Superman Guide to Life: Living the Superhero Lifestyle), MagicHouse Productions, Steven Marsh (editor of Pyramid magazine), Dr. Karen Nagel (associate professor at Midwestern University), Robert Pyatt, Ph.D. (mad scientist and pseudo super villain), Tom Smith (“The World’s Fastest Filker”), Michael Z. Williamson (author – Freehold, The Weapon) and The Incredible Two-Headed Toastmaster (master of ceremonies and grotesque accident of science).

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Readercon 21
July 8-11, 2010
Burlington, MA
readercon.org

“Readercon is an annual conference or convention devoted to ‘imaginative literature’ — literary science fiction, fantasy, horror, and the unclassifiable works often called ‘slipstream.’

A typical Readercon features over 150 writers, editors, publishers, and critics, attracting prominent figures from across the U.S., and from Canada, the U.K., and occasionally even Australia and Japan. They are joined by some 500 of their most passionate and articulate readers for a long weekend of intense conversation.”

Guests of Honor: Nalo Hopkinson & Charles Stross

Memorial Guest of Honor: Olaf Stapledon

Program participants include John Joseph Adams, Mike Allen, Athena Andreadis, Nick Antosca, Inanna Arthen, Ellen Asher, Nathan Ballingrud, Amelia Beamer, Elizabeth Bear, John Benson, Judith Berman, Steve Berman, Beth Bernobich, Jedediah Berry, Leah Bobet, K. Tempest Bradford, Ellen Brody, Lauren Burka, James L. Cambias, Jeffrey A. Carver, Jeanne Cavelos, Christopher M. Cevasco, Blake Charlton, Suzy McKee Charnas, Matthew Cheney, Michael Cisco, Neil Clarke, John Clute, Helen Collins, F. Brett Cox, John G. Cramer, Kathryn Cramer, John Crowley, Shira Daemon, Don D’Ammassa, Ellen Datlow, Samuel R. Delany, Alan DeNiro, Daniel P. Dern, Paul Di Filippo, Rachel Elizabeth Dillon, Michael Dirda, Amanda Downum, Debra Doyle, Ron Drummond, David Anthony Durham, Thomas A. Easton, Scott Edelman, Alan Elms, Gemma Files, Jeffrey Ford, Francesca Forrest, Rose Fox, Jim Freund, Craig Shaw Gardner, Lila Garrott, Felix Gilman, Greer Gilman, Adam Golaski, Liz Gorinsky, Theodora Goss, Gavin J. Grant, Glenn Grant, Geary Gravel, Daryl Gregory, Andrea Hairston, Marty Halpern, Elizabeth Hand, Jack Haringa, David G. Hartwell, Jeff Hecht, Cecelia Holland, Walter H. Hunt, Elaine Isaak, Alexander Jablokov, Victoria Janssen, N.K. Jemisin, Alaya Dawn Johnson, Sandra Kasturi, John Kessel, Caitlín R. Kiernan, Robert Killheffer, Rosemary Kirstein, Erin Kissane, Nicole Kornher-Stace, Mary Robinette Kowal, Barbara Krasnoff, Matthew Kressel, K.A. Laity, John Langan, Sarah Langan, Fred Lerner, Paul Levinson, Shariann Lewitt, Ernest Lilley, Barry B. Longyear, James D. Macdonald, Barry N. Malzberg, Louise Marley, Marilyn Mattie, Jack McDevitt, Anil Menon, Yves Meynard, Sarah Micklem, Eugene Mirabelli, Pan Morigan, James Morrow, Kathryn Morrow, Jaime Moyer, Chris Nakashima-Brown, Jamil Nasir, Resa Nelson, Deborah Noyes, Patrick O’Leary, Paul Park, Jennifer Pelland, Cassandra Phillips-Sears, Charles Platt, Steven Popkes, Cat Rambo, Robert V. S. Redick, Kit Reed, Paul T. Riddell, Faye Ringel, Margaret Ronald, Benjamin Rosenbaum, Robert J. Sawyer, Kenneth Schneyer, Darrell Schweitzer, David G. Shaw, Robert Shearman, John Shirley, Alison Sinclair, Brian Francis Slattery, Graham Sleight, Joan Slonczewski, Sarah Smith, Allen Steele, Peter Straub, Noël Sturgeon, Susanna J. Sturgis, Gayle Surrette, Michael Swanwick, Sonya Taaffe, Cecilia Tan, Paul Tremblay, Liza Groen Trombi, Alice K. Turner, Catherynne M. Valente, Eric M. Van, Gordon Van Gelder, Kestrell Verlager, Howard Waldrop, Konrad Walewski, Sean Wallace, Diane Weinstein, Jacob Weisman, Robert Freeman Wexler, Rick Wilber, Gregory A. Wilson, Paul Witcover and Gary K. Wolfe.

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G-FEST
July 9-11, 2010
Rosemont, IL
www.g-fan.com

G-FEST is the largest regular gathering of Godzilla and Japanese monster fans in the world. Held each summer, G-FEST typically attracts about 1000 attendees. In 2005, more than 1300 attended.

G-FEST is a family-oriented convention which caters to a wide variety of interests within the kaiju genre. G-FEST features presentations and Q & A sessions by actors and crew from the Japanese Godzilla films, fan presentations on topics of interest, contests and gaming, new and classic kaiju movies, the western world’s largest kaiju-oriented dealers room, and lots of fun and camaraderie.

Guest of Honor: Akira Takarada (actor – Gojira, Godzilla vs. the Thing, Monster Zero, Godzilla Versus the Sea Monster, King Kong Escapes, Godzilla and Mothra: The Battle for Earth, Godzilla: Final Wars)
Special Guest: Robert Scott Field (actor – Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah)
Special Presenter: Dr. William M. Tsutsui (author/editor Godzilla on My Mind: Fifty Years of the King of Monsters)
Special Presenter: David Kalat (author – A Critical History and Filmography of Toho’s Godzilla Series, J-Horror)
Special Guest Panelist: Bob Eggleton (cover artist – Random House’s Godzilla series, Dark Horse’s Godzilla King of the Monsters)
Special Guest: J.D. Lees (editor – G-FAN)

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Ancient City Con IV
July 10-11
Jacksonville, FL.
www.ancientcitycon.com

A Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Anime, Gaming & Fandom Convention

Media Guest of Honor: Rekha Sharma
Literary Guest of Honor: Richard Lee Byers
Cosplay Guest of Honor: Pika Belle Chu
Literary Guest: Kimberly Raiser

Media Guests include Kevin A. Ranson, Linda S. Cowden, Meredith Placko, Clutch, The Doctrine Film Experience
Literary Guests include Elissa Malcohn, T. S. Robinson, Gary S. Roen, K. L. Nappier, Steve Bunnel
Panel Guests include Jessica Wistoft
Musical Guests include Sci-Fried, Fields of Glass

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Journey To Where
July 16-18, 2010
Austin, TX.
www.journeytowherecon.com

You are cordially invited to join other fans of the classic television series Space: 1999 and celebrate the 35th anniversary of the show’s debut in 1975. JOURNEY TO WHERE, a relax-a-con, is to be held in Austin, Texas over the dates of July 16-18, 2010.

Featuring special guest Carolyn Seymour (Space: 1999: The Seance Spectre, The Ruling Class, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Voyager, Quantum Leap, Babylon 5), and live interactive conversations with Catherine Schell, Nick Tate and author Robert E. Wood.

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(See article above)

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Steel City Con
Aug 6-8, 2010
Monroeville, PA
www.steelcitycon.com

“The first 1,000 Attendees who buy a 3-Day Pass will receive a GOODIE BAG filled with toys and comics valued at more than the price of the Pass. That’s almost like getting in for FREE!”

Celebrity Guests (so far) include Jake Lloyd (Phantom Menace), Micky Dolenz (The Monkees, The Tick), David Faustino (Married with Children), Daphne Duplaix (Angel, CSI, CSI: NY, Felicity) Lita (WWE diva & champion), Paris Themmen (Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory), Martin Klebba (Pirates of the Caribbean 1, 2 & 3, Feast 2 & 3, Scrubs) and more!

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SETIcon
Aug 13-15, 2010
Santa Clara, CA
www.seticon.com

“SETIcon is a science conference with a dash of sci-fi but not a traditional convention. It is the first science conference that is geared towards families and the general public. While there is no dealer or vendor room, the SETI Institute will be selling merchandise and we will have an auction with unique items. The panels and talks will be light hearted yet informative and educational.  It is for anyone that is fascinated by the idea of ‘are we alone’ and who loves Sci-Fi, who wants to talk to scientists, authors etc in an informal and fun setting.”

Guests include Rusty Schweickart (Apollo 9 astronaut), John Billingsley (Star Trek Enterprise, True Blood, 2012), Tim Russ (Star Trek Voyager, amateur astronomer), Andre Bormanis (writer, producer – Enterprise, Eleventh Hour, Legend of the Seeker), Mary Roach (author – Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers, Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife, Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex), Paul Duffield (comic artist – Freakangels, Manga Shakespeare’s The Tempest,  Anna Mercury, Absolution, Crossed), Robert J. Sawyer (writer – FlashForward), Robyn Asimov (daughter of Isaac Asimov), Alex Filippenko (professor of astronomy at UC Berkeley), Andrew Fraknoi (author or co-author of Voyages through the Universe, Disney’s Wonderful World of Space), Ben Shelef (co-founder of the Spaceward Foundation, member of the Space Elevator community), David Morrison (senior scientist at the NASA Astrobiology Institute), Debra Fischer (professor of astronomy at Yale University, first woman in history to discover new planets), Dr. Dana Backman (professor of physics and astronomy at Franklin and Marshall College, co-author of astronomy textbooks, Horizons, Foundations & Astro), Dr. Douglas Vakoch (director of interstellar message composition at the SETI Institute), Frank Drake (director of the Carl Sagan Center for the Study of Life in the Universe at the SETI Institute and chairman emeritus of the Institute’s Board of Trustees).

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Would you like to be a featured convention?  Send an email to Britt at: conventions@soulgeek.com and ask us how?

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OTHER CONVENTIONS

Gatecon 10
July 8-11, 2010
Vancouver, BC, Canada
www.gatecon.com

“Come celebrate a decade of Gatecon with us at our 10th birthday party at the Sheraton Wall Centre, Vancouver, Canada. We look forward to welcoming back Gatecon family members old and new along with newbies wanting to experience their first fantastic Gatecon. You’ve heard how much fun they are so now come see for yourself!”

Guests include Paul McGillion, Cliff Simon, JR Bourne, Colin Cunningham, Tony Amendola, Erick Avari, Corin Nemec, Bruce Woloshyn, Jerry Rector, Simon Ager, Steve Bacic, Andee Frizzell, John de Lancie, Musetta Vander, Dan Payne, Alex Zahara, Dylan Neal, Vanessa Angel, Barry Campbell, Dan Shea, David Nykl, Sabine Bauer and Martin Wood.

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Polaris
July 16-18, 2010
Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
www.tcon.ca/polaris/modules/tconguests

Special Guest – Robert J. Sawyer (author – FlashForward).
Author Guest of Honour – Kelley Armstrong (The Reckoning).
Actor Guests include Alaina Huffman (Stargate Universe), Lindsay Wagner (Bionic Woman), Kai Owen (Torchwood), Mark Sheppard (Battlestar Galactica).
Author Guests include John Robert Colombo (The Big Book of Canadian Hauntings), Julie E. Czerneda (Rift In The Sky), Dr. Robert Smith? (Time Unincorporated, The Doctor Who Fanzine Archives), Eric Choi (Footprints), Rob St.Martin (Princess Smith and the Clockwork), Alyxandra Harvey (Hearts at Stake, The Drake Chronicles), Derwin Mak (The Moon Under Her Feet), Karen Dales (The Chosen Chronicles), Michelle Rowen (The Demon in Me), Kenneth Tam (The Reprisal), Nikki Stafford (Finding Lost), Peter Watts (Blindsight), Violette Malan (The Soldier King), Stephanie Bedwell-Grime (Changeling), Gemma Files (A Book of Tongues), Douglas Smith (Chimerascope), Matthew LeDrew (Ghosts of the Past).

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Confluence 2010
July 23-25, 2010
Pittsburgh, PA
www.parsec-sff.org/confluence

“Confluence is a small, friendly conference focused on the literature and art of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Confluence is about programming that lets fans of science fiction and fantasy hear about the views and visions of some of the leading authors, editors, and critics in the genre.”

Guest of Honor: Wen Spencer
Featured Filk: Peter S. Beagle

With additional guests and program participants: Paul Anderson, Dejah and Thorus Biernesser, Gary A. Braunbeck, Ken Chiacchia, Lawrence C. Connolly, JoEllyn Davidoff, Eric Leif Davin, Susan Dexter, Tim Esaias, Joe Giacoio, Pete Grubbs, David Hartwell, Judith Hayman, Alan Irvine, Sean Johnson, Alan A. Katerinsky, Herb Kauderer, William H. Keith, Jr, Larry Kirby, Fruma Klass, Brian Koscienski, Geoffrey Landis, Gail Z. Martin, Bill Mayhew, Margaret Middleton, Phillip Mills, James Morrow, Kathy Morrow, Charles Oberndorf, Tamora Pierce, Chris Pisano, Thomas Seay, Bud Sparhawk, Karina Sumner-Smith, Lucy A. Snyder, S. Andrew Swann, John Alfred Taylor, Diane Turnshek, Mary Turzillo, Carla Ulbrich, Teri Wachowiak and Michelle Sagara West.

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SpoCon
July 30-Aug 1, 2010
Spokane, WA
www.spocon.org

“SpoCon is an all volunteer organization that plans and hosts an annual fan themed convention, along with supporting and promoting events during the year. We are dedicated to literacy and education through the promotion of visual and performing arts, literature, science, gaming, and imagination. This is accomplished via inspiring creativity, providing mentors, forming relationships, awakening career ideas, and charitable donations.”

Guest of Honor: Michael Whelan
Guest Author: Tanya Huff
Filk Guest: Seanan McGuire (aka Mira Grant)
Media Guest: Dead Gentlemen
Ghost of Honor: Sir Arthur C. Clarke

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ReConStruction
Aug 5-8, 2010
Raleigh, NC
www.reconstructionsf.org

Guest of Honor – Eric Flint
Artist Guest of Honor – Brad Foster
Fan Guest of Honor – Juanita Coulson
Toastmaster – Toni Weisskopf

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Star Wars Celebration V
Aug 12-15, 2010
Orlando, FL
www.starwarscelebration.com

“Star Wars Celebration is the official Lucasfilm event celebrating all things Star Wars, produced by fans for fans. Celebrations are the largest Star Wars parties, featuring cast and crew celebrities, fans, costumes, music, live entertainment, autographs, collectibles, and panels — but mainly friends who gather to have fun and celebrate their love for the saga. From fans who first experienced A New Hope in theaters to kids just discovering Star Wars through Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Celebration touches on anything and everything connected with that galaxy far, far away. The first such event took place in 1999, and we’re proud to host the fifth Celebration in 2010!”

Special Guest: George Lucas

Autograph Guests include Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett, Lt. Sheckil, Captain Colton), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Amy Allen (Aayla Secura), Dickey Beer (stunt performer and coordinator – Jedi), Paul Blake (Greedo), Caroline Blakiston (Mon Mothma), Richard Bonehill (Snowtrooper, Stormtrooper, Ree Yees, Rebel Soldier), John Coppinger (Senator Yarua, Jabba the Hutt’s eyes, Graxol Kelvyyn), Dermot Crowley (General Crix Madine), Nick Gillard (swordmaster and stunt coordinator), Julian Glover (General Veers), Frank Hensen (Stormtrooper, Rebel Guard, Skiff Guard), Jake Lloyd (young Anakin Skywalker), Ian Liston (Wes Janson), Daniel Logan (young Boba Fett), Jack McKenzie (Cal Alder), Christopher Muncke (Captain Khurgee), Ray Park (Darth Maul), Chris Parsons (4-LOM, K-3PO), Toby Philpott (Jabba puppeteer), Mike Quinn (Nien Nunb), Tim Rose (Admiral Ackbar), George Roubicek (Commander Praji), Orli Shoshan (Shaak Ti), Matt Wood (supervising sound editor – prequels).

Celebration Hosts include Jay Laga’aia (Captain Typho), David Collins (audio lead and voice director at LucasArts), Pablo Hidalgo (managing editor for StarWars.com)

October 23-25

Hyatt Regency Tech Center-Denver, 7800 E. Tufts Ave., Denver, CO 80237.
Convention website: http://www.milehicon.org/

Guests of Honor: Author Barbara Hambly; author Nancy Kress; artist John Picacio; musician Marc Gunn.  Author Brandon Sanderson is toastmaster.

Mischief Managed Entertainment will once again present its popular “Tales From Avistrum” in tandem with MileHiCon.  The top floor of the Hyatt Regency will be transformed into the wizarding school called ‘Avistrum Academy’ where students help solve a mystery and fight the villains.  The weekend is complete with The Sorting Ceremony, Start of Term Feast, the Quidditch Cup Tournament and a full schedule of classes, including Potions, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts and Transfiguration.

Greetings fellow geeks!  Below is a guest schedule and list of giveaways that you will see at the SoulGeek booth at the San Diego Comic-Con.  For those of you who will be attending stop by booth #2517.  For those of you who will NOT be attending – why the hell aren’t you?!?

WEDNESDAY 7/22 (PREVIEW NIGHT):

Guests:

• Richard Hatch signing 5:30 – 9pm
• Ben Paddon signing 5:30 – 9pm

Giveaways:

• Free 1 month SoulGeek.Com Premium Memberships (all night)

THURSDAY 7/23

Guests:

• Richard Hatch signing 1 – 7pm
• Ben Paddon signing 9am – 7pm

Giveaways:

• Battlestar Galactica Figurine Giveaway 3pm
• Free 1 month SoulGeek.Com Premium Memberships (all day)

FRIDAY 7/24:

Guests:

• Richard Hatch signing 1 – 7pm
• Stan Bush signing 1 – 3pm
• Ben Paddon signing 9am – 7pm

Giveaways:

• Star Trek Games Scene It Games Giveaways 11am
• Free 1 month SoulGeek.Com Premium Memberships (all day)

SATURDAY 7/25:

Guests:

• Richard Hatch signing 1 – 7pm
• Stan Bush signing 1 – 3pm
• Ben Paddon signing 9am – 7pm

Giveaways:

• Battlestar Galactica Figurine Giveaway 3pm
• Free 1 month SoulGeek.Com Premium Memberships (all day)

SUNDAY 7/26:

Guests:

• Richard Hatch signing 1 – 5pm
• Ben Paddon signing 9am – 5pm

Giveaways:

• Sci-Fi, Horror, Fantasy Book Giveaway 11am
• Free 1 month SoulGeek.Com Premium Memberships (all day)

SoulGeek is pleased to announce that we will be partnering with ENI in attendance of this year’s San Diego Comic-Con! You’ll be able to find us at booth #2517, next door to Bongo Comics and across the way from Alex Ross Art and Arcana. As well as being able to meet SoulGeek founder and voice actor Dino Andrade (whose credits include playing Skull in PvP: The Series and a dwarf in World of Warcraft, amongst other awesome projects), you’ll also be able to meet Richard Hatch, star of both the original 70s Battlestar Galactica and the reimagined series of recent years!

As if those two froods weren’t hoopy enough, we’ll also have Ben Paddon, writer and SoulGeek Webcomics Editor-in-Chief, who will be promoting the flagship SoulGeek Webcomic, Jump Leads.

As well as selling the first Jump Leads trade paperback, you’ll also be able to sign up for SoulGeek and get a month free! There is no reason not to stop by our booth, unless you have a potentially fatal allergy to awesome things. Find us using the map below!

Greetings, True Believers! Here’s this week’s Conventions Update courtesy of the fine people at… well, here! SoulGeek! Aren’t we wonderful?

Mythcon 40

July 17th-20th

UCLA – DeNeve Plaza, Los Angeles, California
Guests of Honour: James A. Owen; Diana Pavlac Glyer, Ph.D.

San Diego Comic-Con

Preview Night July 22nd, Con July 23rd-26th

111 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego, California
Special Guests: Bryan Lee O’Malley, Jerry Vanderstelt, Jim Lee, and others

Confluence

July 24th-26th

The 21st Annual Literary Sci-Fi Convention in Pittsburgh
Doubletree Hotel, Moon Township, Pennsylvania
Guests of Honour: John Scalzi, More Difficulties

Diversicon 17

July 31st – August 2nd

Saint Paul, MN
Guests of Honour: Michael Levy, Sandra Lindow

PulpFest 2009

July 31st – August 2nd

The Summer’s Leading Pulp Convention with thousands of your favorite Pulp Magazines
Ramada Plaza Hotel & Conference Center, Columbus, Ohio

Writercon 2009: Writing Between the Lines

July 31st – August 2nd

Writercon is a gathering of writers, poets, editors, and fans of writers, poets, and editors. A much-anticipated event, this assembly of writers and readers of fanfiction will gather to celebrate the power of telling stories. Through panel discussions, guest speakers, and hands-on workshops, we will explore the art of writing between the lines.
Radisson Plaza Hotel, Minneapolis, MN