Posts tagged: Cincinnati

5th Annual Cincinnati Comic Expo!!

This weekend I will be heading back to Cincinnati Comic Expo to see awesome comics fans hailing from Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana!

I’m really looking forward to it, as CCE is one of those conventions that you can tell is supported by a vibrant local fan community. Conventions are places where you can buy art and swag and find out about cool new things, but at the end of the day for a lot of people they are most notably about being among your own. Conventions like Cincinnati Comic Expo that celebrate that spirit of community as part of the overall con experience are a pleasure to participate in.

Anywho, the 5th Annual Cincinnati Comic Expo is 9/19 to 9/21/2014 at the Duke Energy Convention Center in downtown Cincinnati. I will be at Booth 228. Here’s a map where you can find me at the con!

Map to find Christopher Jones at CCE 2014 (Booth 228)

Sunday at 1:15pm to 2:00pm, I will be moderating a panel that fans of teen sidekicks and team books will not want to miss:

Comic Legends George Perez and Marv Wolfman
LAZER KRAZE Panel Room (Junior Ballroom C,D)
Moderated by Christopher Jones
Panelists: George Perez and Marv Wolfman

Additionally…

FREE STUFF! You heard me, Cincinnati! FREEEEEEE STUFF!

Who doesn’t like free stuff??? Just come find me at any point at Booth 228 to get yours!

I will have FREE mini-prints or buttons for Facebook & Twitter followers….

Get a free Disco Nightwing mini-print at Cincinnati Comic Expo!

Fastest Man Alive FREE MINI PRINT at Cincinnati Comic Expo

And FREE posters for my new comic series, Parallel Man! For everybody who wants one! You can even have one of each! And I’ll sign them free too!

C2E2-Parallel-Man-Water-Poster Parallel Man Mac Poster C2E2 C2E2-Parallel-Man-Chicago-Poster
Also… Art and Comics for sale! I will have a few Young Justice trade paperbacks with me and, as usual, I will have all of my prints available, which are $5 each for small black & white prints and $20 each for 11×17″ full color prints. This is a convention special and a significant discount from my Etsy store.

In particular I have quite a few Doctor Who and Superhero prints (including Young Justice!) Here’s a small selection:

Young-Justice-Framed-prev 32346_436201606417440_836745009_n Earths Mightiest Heroes - Framed prev
two face Batman 66 - Batman yjminiprint
1903554_10151871848276372_40915074_n TARDIS-on-Alien-World-Framed-Print-prev
Sonic-Envy-reframed-prev

And of course I will be doing sketches throughout the convention by request!

My Cincinnati Comic Expo 2014 sketch prices are:

  • $40 for a head shot
  • $60 for a full figure character + $30 for each additional character in the same sketch

Here are a few examples of convention sketches from previous cons…

Joker Sketch Cover for Strange Adventures CCE13 Sketch - Artemis sketch e
sketch d sketch g CCE13 Sketch - Huntress
 Whew! So I hope to see some of you this weekend at Cincinnati Comic Expo! Stop by, say hello, get some free stuff. :)

Cincinnati Comic Expo 2013 Hightlights

CCE13 FRI - Table Set-up
 

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to have been invited to be a guest at the Cincinnati Comic Expo. Hal and I arrived at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport which has the airport code CVG, the same abbreviation we use for our home convention CONvergence, which I suppose could be taken as a good omen for the weekend to come. We were met at the airport by Amanda Gilliam, which was the first time that I’ve ever had the driver-with-your-name-on-an-erasable-marker-board experience. Amanda wasn’t driving us though, she hooked us up with a pre-paid shuttle to our hotel in Cincinnati while she went back to wait for the next out-of-town guests due to arrive.

Friday afternoon was spent setting up my booth. We’re forever trying to find ways of streamlining my convention set-up, making it faster to put together and getting the most bang for the buck given the limitations of bulk and weight that is practical to bring to a convention by plane. This was the best iteration to date, but we’ve already got ideas of how to improve it for next time!

CCE13 SUN - Jim nate_the_robot fan art

Young Justice fan art from Jim Haas

The convention was open from 5:00-7:00pm for a “preview night” for Exhibitors and VIP Ticketholders. I didn’t do a lot of business, but there was a lot of browsing and it was a great chance to meet some of the other folks there for the show while traffic was light. The cosplayers were already out in force, and we started capturing photos. When I say we, I mean mostly Hal. She’s the reason you see as many photos in my social media on a convention weekend as you do, as she’s both taking the photos and posting them while I’m busy drawing and talking to fans. Hals are very useful, I highly recommend them.

We captured so many cosplay photos over the weekend I created a separate blog post for them, which you can see here.

CCE13 FRI - TMNT Balloons

TMNT Balloon Sculptures at Geek Prom

Friday Night was the Comic Expo’s Geek Prom, which had a Saturday Morning Cartoons theme,with many of the attendees in cosplay or pajamas.

CCE13 SAT - Art of War II

Art of War II at the Mainstay Rock Bar

Saturday Night featured an after party at the Mainstay Rock Bar including the second annual installment of an improv drawing event called Art of War. Artists went head-to-head in drawing challenges in an elimination structure. This year I was happy to just watch, but if I make it back next year, maybe I’ll participate!

I love meeting all fans, but I’m always especially amused by exchanges with costumed fans that revolve around their costumed personas. A Nightwing cosplayer asked if I would “sign his wing,” and then proceeded to lean over for me to sign the chest logo on his costume, playing it up like I was signing a female fan’s cleavage. (I never get asked to do THAT… maybe I should be grateful?) Judge Dredd and a colleague stopped by and were very concerned with whether the free candy being offered at my table met with regulations.

CCE13 SAT - Signing Nightwing

Signing Nightwing’s costume

CCE13 SAT - Judges

These Judges meant business


My favorite had to be when a Dalek glided to a stop in front of my booth. Its eyestalk examined my many Doctor Who prints and then informed me “YOU ARE CHAR-GING TOO MUCH FOR DE-PIC-TIONS OF A TIME-LORD.” I said there was a discount for Kaled Mutants. The eyestalk returned to the prints, then pointed back at me. “I WILL CON-SI-DER YOUR OFFER.” Then it glided away. I wish I had video.

I did a number of sketches while at the Expo, and you can see those below.

CCE13 Sketch - Ace the Bat Hound

Ace the Bat Hound

CCE13 Sketch - Zatanna

Zatanna

CCE13 Sketch - Vader

Darth Vader


The first sketch request of the weekend was for one of the Super Pets, and I opted for Ace the Bathound. I’ve always loved the inherent goofiness of a masked crime-fighting dog, and enjoyed doing a melodramatic take on the beloved Bat-pet. Next up was a Young Justice style Zatanna. I’m convinced that the only reason she didn’t have her trademark fishnets on the TV show was the limitations of animation, so she’s got them in this sketch. Finally, I was asked for a Darth Vader by Cincinnati Comic Expo founder and director Andrew Satterfield. I don’t often get asked for characters from outside of comics, so this was fun to do. Big thanks to Andrew for bringing me to the convention!

CCE13 Sketch - Huntress

JLU-style Huntress

CCE13 Sketch - Artemis

Artemis

CCE13 Sketch - Darkseid

Darkseid


One fan asked for a Justice League Unlimited style Huntress, which I was happy to provide. Next up was a quick head sketch of Young Justice’s Artemis which I did as gift for the daughter of Brian Tudor, who sent out a Tweet about wanting to see me in Cincinnati that got me on the radar of CCE Director Andrew Satterfield. The Darkseid sketch I did during some down time when I felt like drawing. I’ll have it for sale at my next convention for unless someone makes me a better offer first! :)

CCE13 Sketch - Tigra

Avengers sketch cover with Tigra

CCE13 Sketch - Etrigan Green Arrow

Green Arrow sketch cover with Arrow vs Etrigan


Two different fans asked for sketch covers. One had seen a Tigra sketch I’d done at another convention and liked that I emphasized her feral nature over her sex appeal, and asked for something in a similar vein. Another fan asked for Etrigan vs. Green Arrow.

CCE13 Sketch - Bowties are Cool

Madman without a Box

And finally, I did one more sketch just to be drawing during some down time. I started drawing the Joker, and had gotten as far as deciding what kind of tie to give him – bolo, straight necktie, or bow tie – when inspiration struck. Between the Joker drawing turning out pretty well and the Doctor Who reference, this seems to have gotten a pretty good reaction on social media. I may have to do another version of this as a print! I’ve still got this original art, so it also will be available at my next convention unless I get a better offer! ;)

CCE13 SUN - Posing at Hall of Justice

At the Hall of Justice – Cincinnati’s Union Terminal

Before leaving town I had to visit the great comic book geek landmark of Cincinnati, Union Terminal which these days is the Cincinnati Museum Center. Back in 1973 it served as inspiration for the Justice League’s Hall of Justice on The Superfriends!

My thanks again to everyone that stopped by my table at the Cincinnati Comic Expo, and all the great volunteers who made the event happen and made me feel so welcome there. You’ve got a great convention and I’d love to come back!

Cincinnati Comic Expo 2013 Cosplay Photos

Cincinnati Comic Expo logo
I had a great time at the Cincinnati Comic Expo this past weekend. I’ll have a write-up of the weekend shortly, but I got so many great cosplay photos, I decided to give them their own post. My thanks to all the great cosplayers who stopped to have their photo taken, and a big thanks to my web minion and booth helper Hal Bichel for taking most of these photos while I was busy drawing and talking to fans!

FRIDAY

CCE13 FRI - Velma

Velma Dinkley

CCE13 FRI - Green Army Guy

Green Army Man

CCE13 FRI - Joker

Joker


The show was only open on Friday night for two hours for Exhibitors and VIP ticket holders, but there were already some cosplayers about.

GEEK PROM

CCE13 FRI - Geek Prom

CCE13 Geek Prom

CCE13 FRI - TMNT Balloons

Ninja Turtle Balloons

CCE13 FRI - Geek Prom Batgirl & Robin

Me flanked by Batgirl & Robin


There was a Geek Prom event on Friday night, with a theme of Saturday Morning Cartoons. There were plenty of cosplayers, pajamas and breakfast cereal, as well as some Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle balloon sculptures as decoration!

CCE13 FRI - Geek Prom Leia Amanda

Amanda as Leia

CCE13 FRI - Geek Prom Morpheus & Death

Morpheus & Death

CCE13 FRI - Geek Prom Batman & Selina

“Lazy Batman” and Selina Kyle


Amanda was the con volunteer who met me at the Airport, and she’d changed into a Princess Leia cosplay for the Geek Prom. Loved “Lazy Batman” in his Bat-Robe.

CCE13 Geek Prom - Joker

Joker

CCE13 FRI - Geek Prom Henson & Kermit

Kermit & Jim Henson

CCE13 FRI - Geek Prom Prom King

Deadpool as Prom King


Check out Kermit‘s steampunk hat! Towards the end of the evening, Deadpool (and his companion Batgirl) were named King and Queen of the prom!

CCE13 SAT - Harley Quinn

Harley Quinn

CCE13 SAT - Enchantress Loki Riddler Thor

Enchantress, Loki, Riddler, & Thor


Riddle me this: Thy is The Riddler hanging out with the crew from Asgard? Anything goes in cosplay!

CCE13 SAT - Scarecrow

Scarecrow

CCE13 SAT - Fancy Solomon Grundy

“Fancy” Solomon Grundy

CCE13 SAT - Pair of Robins

A pair of Robins


When we saw that the nerdy looking zombie was “Fancy” Solomon Grundy we cracked up.

CCE13 SAT - Rose Jack Empty Child

Rose, Jack, and The Empty Child

CCE13 SAT - Pacific Rim

Pacific Rim


Great group cosplays at CCE13.

CCE13 SAT - Doctor Octopus

Dr. Octopus

CCE13 SAT - Robin

Robin

CCE13 SAT - Walt & Mickey

Walt Disney & Mickey


Loved the Doc Ock cosplay! Note the little Mickey Mouse in Walt Disney‘s pocket!

CCE13 SAT - 11 with Stetson

The 11th Doctor

CCE13 SAT - Me & Wonder Woman

Me with Wonder Woman


A great 11th Doctor with a to-scale sonic screwdriver! And a FANTASTIC Wonder Woman!

CCE13 SAT - Cap Spawn Bat

Cap, Spawn, & Batman

CCE13 SAT - Spawn Unmasked

Spawn – UNMASKED!


That may be the best Spawn costume I’ve ever seen!

CCE13 SAT - Flash

The Flash

CCE13 SAT - Beast

Beast

CCE13 SAT - Captain & Mary Marvel

Captain & Mary Marvel


I love me some Marvel Family!

CCE13 SAT - Disco Nightwing

Nightwing

CCE13 SAT - Black Lightning

Static

CCE13 SAT - Mortal Combat Jade

Mortal Combat’s Jade


Nightwing really got into the spirit of my Disco Wing mini-print!

CCE13 SAT - Mal & Kaylee

Mal & Kaylee

CCE13 SAT - Ms Marvel

Ms Marvel


This Ms. Marvel was one of my favorite cosplayers at CCE13!

CCE13 SAT - Brave Family

The Brave Family

CCE13 SUN - Fate & Zatanna

Dr Fate & Zatanna


Two family portraits (If you assume Young Justice continuity where Zatanna’s father Zatarra becomes a host for Doctor Fate!).

CCE13 SAT - 1st Doctors

1st Doctors

CCE13 SAT - Alan Scott Green Lantern

Alan Scott Green Lantern

CCE13 SAT - Judges

Judges


These judges inspected my booth for code violations. I was lucky enough to keep out of the iso-cubes.

CCE13 SAT - Ant-Man

Ant-Man

CCE13 SAT - Zatanna

Zatanna

CCE13 SAT - Gambit & Luke Cage

Gambit & Luke Cage


SUNDAY

CCE13 SUN - Doctor & TARDIS

4th Doctor & The TARDIS

CCE13 SUN - River and Amy

River Song & Amy Pond

CCE13 SUN - Slave Leia

Slave Leia


That River Song / Amy Pond pair really were mother and daughter – but you know – the other way around. And I spotted a Slave Leia, so it was officially a convention!

CCE13 SUN - Stormtrooper

Stormtrooper

CCE13 SUN - Thor

Thor


Welcome to the Asgardian gun show!

CCE13 SUN - 11th Doctor

11th Doctor

CCE13 SUN - Indiana Jones

Indiana Jones

CCE13 SUN - River Song

River Song


Who’d like to see a Team TARDIS consisting of the Doctor, Indiana Jones, and River Song?

CCE13 SUN - Batgirl & Batman

Batgirl & Batman

CCE13 SUN - Two-Face

Two-Face


Thankfully these three didn’t all stop by at the same time – there could have been trouble.

CCE13 SUN - Nightwing

Nightwing

CCE13 SUN - Me and Batman

Me with The Batman


Apparently the denizens of Gotham were out in force on Sunday…

CCE13 SUN - Chell

Chell

CCE13 SUN - Vocaloid

Vocaloid

CCE13 SUN - Poison Ivy

Poison Ivy


Love the Poison Ivy dress!

CCE13 SUN - Ensign Ro & Iron Man

Ensign Ro & Iron Man

CCE13 SUN - Ensign Ro vs Gorn

Ensign Ro vs The Gorn


And finally, here’s a pair of photos featuring Web Minion Hal in her Ensign Ro cosplay. My thanks to her again for taking most of these photos!

You can read all about the Cincinnati Comic Expo at their website!

This weekend I’m at CINCINNATI COMIC EXPO!

newheader copy

The Cincinnati Comic Expo is this weekend where I’ll be a Featured Guest. It’s at the Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St in Cincinnati, Ohio. Weekend Tickets are available at the door for $30.

SHOW HOURS:
Friday 9/13: 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Saturday 9/14: 10:00am to 7:00pm
Sunday 9/15: 10:00am to 5:00pm

2013 CCE Floorplan - 431 cropped

I’ll be there for the Preview Night on Friday and All Day Saturday and Sunday. I won’t be in Artists Alley, I’ll be in Booth 431 (next to Blue Line Pro and Illustrator David Michael Beck). I’ll have Young Justice trade paperbacks and Art Prints for sale, and I’ll be doing original commission sketches. I’ll have my usual convention exclusives like the ever-popular Disco Wing mini-print!

Disco Wing Mini-Print Ad

We’ll be doing a Young Justice Meet-up for Cosplayers and Fans at 7:00pm (show close) on Saturday. It’s a chance to gather everyone together to meet, get photos, and talk informally. See the graphic below for the meet-up location.

CCE 2013 Young Justice Meet-up

You can read all about the Cincinnati Comic Expo at their website!