Guests
Creators
Al Milgrom - Having worked as an artist, writer, inker and editor for Archie Comics, Atlas/Seaboard, Dark Horse Comics, DC, Image, Marvel plus several more publishers, Al's list of achievements is long!
At Marvel Comics, Al is best known for his 10 year run on Marvel Fanfare and also spent a fair amount of time on Spectacular Spider-Man, West Coast Avengers, and X-Factor plus a staggering 100+ other titles, just at Marvel Comics!
Al will be offering signatures for $10/book, $15 for witnessed signatures (CBCS). Rumor has it that he may even throw in a free autograph if you ask him a great question! Al will also be offering sketches and remarks starting at $60.
Keith Williams - Keith started working for Marvel Comics in 1982 as a background inker and quickly became a significant team player as the first Romita Raider, working under the great John Romita Sr. He eventualy became an inker on Incredible Hulk, Alpha Flight, and also Superman and Action Comics for DC. Keith spent a number of years inking Web of Spider-man and also worked on Quasar, Silver Surfer, She-Hulk and Warlock.
Fred Stresing - Straight from the pages of Rick & Morty as well as Invader Zim and Adventure Time, artist Fred Stresing will be coming to the Empire Comic Fest on July 12th & 13th.
Meg Casey - We are excited to have artist/colorist/writer Meg Casey at this year's Empire Comic Fest! Best known for her comic book work on Invader Zim, Rick & Morty as well as Adventure Time, Meg's talent also spans the film, television and games realm.
Rick Arthur - A graduate from the Joe Kubert School of Art, Rick is known for his writing, artwork and film making. Some of his best known work has been on several Teaenage Mutant Ninja Turtles titles including Turtle Soup #1.
Nigel Carrington - Nigel is a self-taught artist and writer who has produced over 40 comic books and graphic novels. Nigel is also the owner of Starr Skills comics and will be premiering his latest creation, The Scarlet Ibis at the Empire Comic Fest.
David Ebeltoft - David has written for several movies including Here Alone, Blood For Dust and Alone Time, David is also a comic writer and will be showcasing his newest comic creation, The Cabinet at the Empire Comic Fest.
Sam Fratto - Sam is a local artist, animator and painter as well as the publisher of Golden Chode magazine.
Dan Fogel - Empire Comic Fest is pleased to welcome back writer, editor, and publisher Dan Fogel!
Beginning in the late '80s with creator Larry Welz's best-selling line of Adult comics starring CHERRY, Dan’s stories published by Last Gasp, Kitchen Sink Press, Tundra, and Slave Labor Graphics had multiple printings and foreign translations. As a publisher Dan’s produced dozens of books with scores of creators spanning Robert Crumb to Neil Gaiman.
A leading authority and historian of Underground, Alternative, and Independent comic books, Dan’s currently working on V.5 of FOGEL'S UNDERGROUND COMIX PRICE GUIDE, since 2006 the industry standard for retailers, collectors, and investors.
Beginning in the late '80s with creator Larry Welz's best-selling line of Adult comics starring CHERRY, Dan’s stories published by Last Gasp, Kitchen Sink Press, Tundra, and Slave Labor Graphics had multiple printings and foreign translations. As a publisher Dan’s produced dozens of books with scores of creators spanning Robert Crumb to Neil Gaiman.
A leading authority and historian of Underground, Alternative, and Independent comic books, Dan’s currently working on V.5 of FOGEL'S UNDERGROUND COMIX PRICE GUIDE, since 2006 the industry standard for retailers, collectors, and investors.
Joe Orsak - Joe started is carrer in comics in 1982 withy his original creation Captain 'Cuse. By the 1990's Joe started working for Magnum Comics alongside Joe Sinnott who inked his work. Over the next 20 years, Joe worked for Darkhorse Comics, Ahoy Comics and most recently has been doing art for Stellar Comics. Come check out Joe's 45+ years of work at the Empire Comic Fest.
Media Guests
Stephanie Hunter - A well-known sculptor by trade, Stephanie recently teamed up with a number of local creators to be the spokes model/narrator of a comic titled "Hell"oween. Known as Lucy in the comic, Stephanie accompanies the reader through an series of chilling short stories. Stephanie, aka "Lucy" will be appearing at the Empire Comic Fest to promote her new book and to also tease fans with upcoming projects.
Robert Smoth/Buffalo's Wolverine - A true-to-life Logan, Robert can be seen around the Buffalo area and often makes appearances at specials events and fund raisers. Robert is also a master prop builder and will bring something special for his fans to enjoy at this year's Empire Comic Fest.
Cancellations
Due to scheduling conflicts with one of Geof's upcoming projects, he will not be able to attend this year's Empire Comic Fest.