Get ready to party, East Bay comic book fans, because Oakland is set to welcome its first comic convention in more than a decade.<\/p>\n
Comic Con Oakland will draw super hero enthusiasts, graphic novel junkies and other interested parties from all over the Bay Area \u2014 and perhaps well beyond \u2014 for its inaugural two-day run, May 9-10, at the Oakland Convention Center.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are very excited to bring a comic book convention back to Oakland,\u201d says Convention Director George Demonakos. \u201cThere is such an incredibly diverse art scene here that we want to celebrate by featuring incredible local talent at the show, while also bringing in artists, writers and creators from around the country who work in the world of animation, comic books and cartooning. There\u2019s really something for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
That \u201csomething for everyone\u201d includes \u201ca wide variety of programming, including artist showcases, exhibitor booths, collectibles and opportunities to meet some of the industry\u2019s most talented voices,\u201d according to a news release.<\/p>\n
Attendees can stroll through a large exhibition floor filled with original art, collectibles and other merchandise. There will also be a number of acclaimed comic book artists and other creative types on site.<\/p>\n
Some of the more notable guests include Jorge Gutierrez (the award-winning animator of \u201cThe Book of Life\u201d and \u201cMaya and the Three\u201d); Kevin Altieri (who has directed \u201cBatman: The Animated Series\u201d); and voice actors Luci Christian and Faye Mata (from the \u201cOne Piece,\u201d \u201cMy Hero Academia,\u201d \u201cRick and Morty: The Anime,\u201d \u201cJojo\u2019s Bizarre Adventure,\u201d \u201cPok\u00e9mon\u201d).<\/p>\n
Other acclaimed guests include Justin Greenwood, Dave Johnson, David F. Walker, Steve Lieber, Andy Price, Joe Quinones and Tony Shasteen.<\/p>\n
And, of course, Bay Area local creators will most definitely be in the house \u2014 including Erik Larsen (\u201cSpider-Man,\u201d \u201cSavage Dragon\u201d), Bobby Podesta (\u201cNorth for the Winter\u201d), Thien Pham (\u201cFamily Style\u201d), Briana Loewinsohn (\u201cRaised by Ghosts\u201d), Scott Morse (\u201cSoulwind\u201d), David Brothers (\u201cTime Waits\u201d), Julia Wertz (\u201cBury Me Already\u201d) and John Giang (\u201cStar Wars\u201d).<\/p>\n