After having had to pass on Chicago Comics and Entertainment Expo (C2E2) this year because of scheduling, the pandemic saw the cancellation of my usual cycle of conventions: Emerald City Comic Con, MCBA SpringCon, CONvergence, and now New York Comic Con. I’ve been working away as part of the crew of Season 4 of Young Justice from my apartment in Studio City, CA. I’m doing fine, but definitely missing my usual convention rounds. I’ve missed the time with friends, the travel, meeting fans, and the whole convention experience. So I jumped at the chance to take part in the Metaverse event put on my Reedpop, the people behind NYCC.
What is Metaverse? Here’s how they describe themselves:
New York Comic Con x MCM Comic Con’s Metaverse is a virtual realm that is the sum of all fandoms, taking place on October 8-11.
You’ll encounter FREE panels streamed to YouTube, experience one-of-a-kind interactions with your favorite celebs and creators, discover new releases, explore a rich exhibitor marketplace and our famous Artist Alley, get access to exclusive merchandise, and connect with other fans from across the globe to celebrate all things pop culture.
And for the rest of October, if you use the Coupon Code “METAVERSE” you can get 33% off any order of $50 or more. Which means you can get any 11″x17″ color print that normally sells online for $30 for the convention price of $20 if you buy 2 or more.
I am delighted to be returning as a guest to the Gallifrey One convention, February 14-16 at the Marriott Los Angeles Airport Hotel. I have a great time every year at Gallifrey One, and this is the first time I’ll be attending as a local, since moving to Los Angeles in December!
This year I will NOT have a table in the Dealers Room, but there will still be plenty of opportunities to see me and (if you are so inclined) buy my art!
Here’s my schedule:
Friday, February 14
1:00pm – Autographs
I’ll be signing autographs and selling prints in the Autograph area for two hours each day of the convention. Autographs are always free and I’m happy to sign items you already own. Stop by and say hello!
6:00pm – The Game of Rassilon
Christopher Jones • Dan Peck • Michael Nixon • Ben Paddon • Riley Silverman
Once more, we play our dangerous game, a game of chess against our old adversaries… wait. That’s Hunt for Red October. Sorry. This is silly Doctor Who speed role-playing in front of an audience. Come see the fun!
Saturday, February 15
1:00pm – Autographs
It’s the second daily autographic block. I should be there until 3pm. Come see me!
4:00pm – Taking Your Love of Doctor Who to the Next Level
Christopher Jones • Lauren Bancroft • Abie Ekenezar • Andy Hicks • Jennifer Picker • Brian Uiga • Kevin Wilcox
I started as a Doctor Who fan and now I draw Doctor Who comics! Crazy, right? Come here about the individual journeys of the panelists from Who fandom to something… more!
8:00pm – The Masquerade of Mandragora 2020, Featuring “The Time of the Comedy”
Christopher Jones • Tony Lee • Lauren Bancroft • Abie Ekenezar • Joseph Scrimshaw • Riley Silverman
Something funny will happen to fill time during the Masquerade judging. We hope.
Sunday, February 16
11:00am – Christopher Jones: Illustrating the Future
If I had titled this I would have called it Doctor Who: Heralds of Destruction – Live commentary. I see actors do live commentary on their TV episodes all the time at these conventions. Why can’t I do the same for my comic book work? I’ll be talking about my creative process and sharing some behind-the-scenes stories and easter eggs from the Third Doctor mini-series I drew, based on a story by Paul Cornell!
12:00pm – Autographs
Last chance of the weekend to come get something signed or buy one of my prints. Don’t miss out! (I’ll have to leave a bit before 2pm to get to my next panel…
2:00pm – Current Star Trek Comics
Paul Cornell • Jody Houser • Christopher Jones • Collin Kelly • Jackson Lanzing • Denton Tipton Paul and I will be talking about our brand-new Star Trek: Year Five Valentine’s Day special as part of a presentation on what’s happening with IDW’s Star Trek comics.
Again, I’m always happy to talk to fans and make new friends, so please come say hello. Autographs and photos are always free!
I am delighted to be returning again this year to New York Comic Con, October 3-6 at the Javits Center in the heart of Manhattan. This year, NYCC Artist Alley will be returning to Hall 1B on the 1st Floor of the building, and I’ll at Artist Alley tableB-10 all four days. Artist Alley hours are as follows:
I was too busy to other deadlines to solicit commission sketches in advance of the con, but will ABSOLUTELY be doing sketches there. My sketch list fills up FAST, so if you want a sketch from me during the convention, I recommend seeking me out and getting in my list as early as possible!
And in case you don’t read all the way to the end of this long post, remember: I love chatting with fans, and autographs and photos are always free!
Svengoolie Meets the DC Universe
Have you heard about Svengoolie Meets the DC Universe? The 8-page epic has the Me-TV horror host meeting the Justice League and a certain Clown Prince of Crime, and will be serialized in 2-page chapters inserted into DC Comics starting October 16, with a the whole thing collected into a comic that Svengoolie will have at signings and appearances as he celebrates his 40th Anniversary. And I drew it!I’ll be doing a signing with Svengoolie himself at the DC Comics Booth on Friday from 12:30pm – 1:30pm, just before the DC Presents Svengoolie panel from 2:45pm – 3:45pm, in room 1A06.
I will NOT have my Svengoolie print (as seen on the set of Sven’s TV show) for sale at the signing, but I *will* have it available at my Artist Alley table, so pick one up beforehand if you’re hoping to get one signed by Sven!
Books for Sale
At my Artist Alley table I’ll be selling and signing (while supplies last) of Young Justice Book 1: The Early Missions, collecting of issues 0-13 of the tie-in comic to the Young Justice animated TV series, and Marvel Action Spider-man: Spider Chase, collecting issues 4-6 of Marvel Action Spider-man. Both feature artwork by myself I’m delighted to have these collected into book form. I’ll also have copies of my Doctor Who mini-series, The Third Doctor: Heralds of Destruction and The Seventh Doctor: Operation Volcano. Stop by early before they’re gone.
Art Prints
I’ll have my usual selection of prints for sale. The making their debut at NYCC 2019 are two Young Justice prints: “Recognized” featuring the original team as they appear in Season 3, and “Bowhunter Security,” from the fan-favorite episode of Young Justice Outsiders. Also making it’s debut as a print is “Fam,” featuring the 13th Doctor and her companions. This artwork was originally a variant cover for the Doctor Who comic from Titan Comics.
I’ll also have other favorites from Young Justice, Doctor Who and other series. My prints are all available from my Etsy store., where 11″x17″ prints go for $30, but they’re only $20 at NYCC, and on top of that I’m be offering a 3-for-$50 deal.
I also have a selection of other prints in color and black and white at a smaller 8.5″x11″ size for $5 and $10 including this popular item.
Commission Sketches
All of my convention sketches are black ink on 9×12″ bristol. I will also draw on comic book sketch covers and in sketchbooks if you provide them. I expect demand to exceed my available time, so come see me early to get on my list so you don’t miss out!
Here are my sketch rates. Samples of different varieties of sketches are below!
Single Character – Full Figure:$100
Two Characters – Full Figure:$180
Head Sketch or Head-and-Shoulder:$60
Three or more characters, or 11×17 sketches: ($200+ – Will negotiate price based on request)
Headshot or Head-and-Shoulder Sketches ($60)
Single-Character Sketches ($100)
Two-Character Sketches ($180)
(Note that an elaborate object like the TARDIS counts as a second character)
Three-Character or Negotiated Flat-Rate Sketches ($200+)
More Sketch Covers
(More samples of sketch covers I’ve done at various rates.)
And finally…
Stop by to show me you follow me on ANY of my Social Media platforms and get a free 4″x6″ mini-print! This year’s design features the Captains Marvel!
This is my SEVENTH year at New York Comic Con and I couldn’t be more excited. This year Artist Alley will be in Hall 1B on the 1st Floor of the Javits Center and I will be at Booth B11 all 4 days!
Click here to add me to your My Show favorites so you remember to stop by!
FREE Convention Exclusive Mini-Print!
I have a new FREE convention exclusive mini-print for Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Facebook followers! It’s Squirrel Girl. With the Infinity Gauntlet. Because reasons. And it can be yours free.
Just show me that you follow me on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, or like my Facebook page to claim one! And I’ll still have a limited supply of the ever popular Squirrel Girl with the Infinity Gauntlet, Millennial Falcon, and Wonder Woman in the Invisible Jet mini-prints, and Batman buttons free for followers if you would rather pick up one of those. Remember, these are convention-exclusive freebies. The only way to get one of these items to find me at a convention!
I will be doing commission sketches during New York Comic Con, but I expect my sketch list to fill up FAST, so if you’re hoping to get a sketch from me, try to stop by my Artist Alley table as early as possible.
Here are my sketch rates. Samples of different varieties of sketches are below!
Single Character – Full Figure:$100
Two Characters – Full Figure:$180
Head Sketch or Head-and-Shoulder:$60
Three or more characters, or 11×17 sketches: ($200+ – Will negotiate price based on request)
I expect demand to exceed my available time, so I will commit to commissions on a first-come, first-served basis. Place your order early so you don’t miss out!
3-Character or Negotiated Flat-Rate Sketches ($200+)
More Sketch Covers (More samples of sketch covers I’ve done at various rates.)
Mister J!!
Joining me once again at the con will be booth babecosplay personalityMr. J! He’s generally happy to take photos with anybody and may even have something special for kids – what a clown!
My trip to the United Kingdom for London Film and Comic Con was (not surprisingly) one of the most amazing convention trips I’ve ever had. Some of the content of this post already appeared in bits and pieces in my Facebook and Twitter feed, but I wanted to add a few things and gather it all in one place.
Thanks again to Tony Lee and London Film & Comic Con for bringing me to London, and for allowing me to push my return back by a week allowing my friend and convention-helper Tim Fox and I time to enjoy London and other parts of the UK after the LFCC weekend.
Christopher Jones and traveling companion Tim Fox who doesn’t like flying…
London Film and Comic Con
The convention itself was a great experience, greatly thanks to Tony Lee and his LFCC Comic Zone Team.
The LFCC Comic Zone Team: Antony McGarry-Thickitt, Amy-Jayne McGarry-Thickitt, Tony Lee, Michael Mastakin, and Dan Hart.
I got to meet lots of British fans and connect with other creators from the worlds of comics and Doctor Who, including (but by no means limited to) Rachel Stott, Dan Slott, Sara Pichelli, Mike Collins, Jeff Cummins, Steve Niles, Jorge Jiminez, James Peaty, Chris Thompson, Alisa Stern and Scott Ampleford of Puppet Who, and Stephen Saleh.
Normally at conventions I’m busy working my table and I never get to see any of the “celebrity” guests, but thanks to Tony I was able to find time to get photos with Doctors Tom Baker, David Bradley, Paul McGann, Colin Baker, Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant, Matt Smith, and Peter Capaldi!
Paul McGann, Christopher Jones, Colin Baker, and David Bradley
Christopher Jones and Christopher Eccleston
Christopher Jones and a very tan David Tennant
Matt Smith and Christopher Jones
Peter Capaldi and Christopher Jones
I did a few sketches over the weekend, this one was probably my personal favorite.
Sylvester McCoy as the Doctor on a sketch cover variant of the Doctor Who: The Seventh Doctor comic.
This gets an honorable mention because it amused me so much. When you are at a London comic book convention with EIGHT Doctor Who’s in attendance and you’ve just drawn a 7th Doctor mini-series and a fan asks for a sketch of “Ace,” you could be forgiven for not immediately realizing they wanted a sketch of Ace the Bat Hound!
Four Days in London
The London House Hotel and it’s cool (creepy?) automatic door.
Tim and I had arrived in London on Thursday morning and had already visited the Tower of London so we didn’t have to wait until after LFCC was over to feel we’d seem something of the UK beyond the Olympia convention venue, our hotel, and the daily coach rides in between. (And by coach I mean bus, not a horse and carriage.)
The Monday after the convention, Tim and I checked out of the hotel where we’d been put up by the convention and moved to a little hotel in Kensington. The door to the London House Hotel opens automatically as you approach, and every time it did I thought of The Prisoner.
Once checked in we were now in the “touristy” part of the trip. We did a double-decker bus tour of London that ended with a fancy tea at Harrods. We visited the Camden Town shopping district. We met up with Dutch, a friend of Tim’s he’d known for years but only online and all had dinner together. We met up with Chris Thompson (Brand Manager for Titan Comics) who I’d seen briefly at LFCC and had a much more leisurely conversation, talking all things Doctor Who and comics. I did a quick signing at London’s legendary Forbidden Planet comic book store on the day the final issue of my Doctor Who: The Seventh Doctor “Operation Volcano” mini-series was released.
Thursday afternoon we met up with Tony Lee for better “quality time” then we’d snagged with him during the busy convention weekend. Together we visited The British Library,and half the fun was seeing Tony’s obvious joy in sharing one of his favorite places. The building itself is beautiful, but we saw bibles transcribed by monks, handwritten lyrics to Beatles songs, original manuscript pages from Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein (on display side-by-side with a copy of Bernie Wrightson‘s illustrated edition of the book, to my delight), and the Magna Carta. Amazing place.
We grabbed a quick bite to eat and I took the opportunity to give Tony the sketch I had done of him on the scooter he’d been using to whiz around LFCC all weekend. I’d left the hair “open for color” rather than filling it in black, but Tony thought it made him look white-haired and accused me of drawing his father. The sketch is presented here with the hair colored brown in deference to Tony.
Tony Lee on his LFCC scooter.
It was around this time that Tony learned that Frazer Hines (2nd Doctor companion Jamie from Doctor Who) was nearby, so he was invited to join us, and we all moved to another nearby pub for some good conversation and a low-light-level selfie.
Christopher Jones, Tony Lee, Frazer Hines, Tim Fox
Dinner with Dan Slott, and the Paul Cornell tour or Fairford
Thurdsay evening we met Dan Slott and Paul Cornell for a lovely Indian dinner, and afterwards Tim and I took the train with Paul to Swindon and then drove the rest of the way back to his home in Fairford, Gloucestershire which was a setting in our #DoctorWho The Third Doctor comic series “Heralds of Destruction.” We got in late enough that Paul’s wife Caroline Symcox and their son were asleep so we crept in quietly to get some sleep ourselves and be social the following day.
Friday began with some conversation at Paul and Caroline’s lovely home, which is the Vicarage for St. Mary’s Church. Caroline is the Vicar of the church, which was a featured location as UNIT’s temporary base-of-operations when they were in Fairford in our Doctor Who story! Caroline was good enough to give us a personalized tour of the church, which is a beautiful building with amazing history, especially it’s stained glass windows. I’d wanted to get a photo with both Paul and Caroline in front of the church, but Paul had already ducked away when I wasn’t looking to do some childcare while Caroline gave us the tour, and then Caroline got busy with some unexpected church business, leaving Tim and I to walk back to the Vicarage to meet up with Paul and await Caroline and the babysitter so Tim, Paul, Caroline and I could head off to Avebury!
St. Mary’s Church as seen in Doctor Who: The Third Doctor “Heralds of Destruction”
Chris standing in front of the real thing.
“Vicar: The Rev’d Caroline Symcox”
Avebury is an amazing place, home to a Neolithic henge monument containing three stone circles, around the village. One of the best known prehistoric sites in Britain, it contains the largest megalithic stone circle in the world.
Christopher Jones, Paul Cornell, & Caroline Symcox at the Avebury Stone Circle.
After Avebury it was back to Fairford. Paul and I did some plotting and planning that will hopefully lead to another collaboration in the coming months (we’ll see), and then we all had a quick dinner at the pub before Paul gave Tim and I a ride back to the Swindon train station.
Cardiff (AKA Doctor Who Mecca)
Tim and I took the train from Swindon to Cardiff, which has been the base of production for Doctor Who since 2005. We didn’t get to our hotel until around 11pm, so we didn’t do much other than get some sleep before doing a tour the following day. The tour started from Wales Millennium Centre in Roald Dahl Plass, and we spent the afternoon travelling by coach (no double-decker this time) to various Doctor Who filming locations, occasionally stopping to walk about. It seemed that fully half the locations we visited were from either Father’s Day or the Human Nature / Family of Blood 2-parter, both written by Paul Cornell. This amused Tim and I greatly given where we’d spend the previous day. Arriving back at Roald Dahl Plass the tour guide pointed out Eddie’s Diner, the shooting location for the 50’s Diner (supposedly in Utah) seen in two different Doctor Who stories, so it was obvious where Tim and I were going to have dinner before catching the train back to London.
Looking for Patient Zero on the Doctor Who filming locations tour.
Tried to talk to Torchwood. Nobody Home.
Poor Ianto.
Eddies Diner, found in Cardiff Bay, not Utah.
Back in London
At this point we were running out of steam, so our last day in London consisted of a quick return trip to Camden so Tim could pick up a pair of boots he wanted, and then repacking our luggage for the return trip home. It was an exhausting, but amazing trip, and I can’t thank everyone enough for the hospitality we were shown while there. I’m hoping we can make it back very soon. If only I could figure out a more convenient way of getting back and forth…
Christopher Jones is a comic book artist who has worked on DC's Young Justice, The Batman Strikes!, Batman '66, Justice League Adventures; Marvel's Superhero Squad, Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes; Titan's Doctor Who; Re-Animator, Dr. Blink: Superhero Shrink & more!
Conventions, Doctor Who, Young Justice | Christopher Jones | 
October 8, 2020 3:25 am | 
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