Comic book artists meet with fans

Comic book writers and artists had a chance to meet with fans and promote their latest work at a book signing.

Cartoon Kingdom celebrated its fifteenth anniversary Feb. 20. The event featured Johnny Desjardins, Jason Fabok, David Finch, Tony Gray, Jeff Lemire and upcoming comic book artist April Fawler.  The signing attracted a large crowd and gave fans a chance to talk with the artists.

Fabok is the artist for DC Comics ongoing series Detective Comics and was one of the featured guests at the signing.

“These signings really show that Windsor has a strong art presence,” said Fabok. “There are five of us working professionally in comics and there are probably going to be a lot more of us in the future.”

Fabok started working on the art for Detective Comics #13 and has been with the series since then. Fabok also said that growing up as a kid he always wanted to work on Batman and that it was his goal in life.

“I’ve only been working in the industry for a couple of years and to get it this early in my career, I’m just really thankful and blessed,” said Fabok.

Lemire, who grew up in Windsor, was also one of the featured guests at the signing and was promoting his new book Green Arrow #17 which released on Feb 6.

“It’s great to be back where I grew up, meet people and connect with the fans,” said Lemire. “Especially with the new book Green Arrow just starting it’s great to see people’s reactions.”

Before working on Green Arrow, Lemire worked on Sweet Tooth, Justice League Dark and Animal Man. Lemire also said that he’s currently written eight issues for Green Arrow and said he has two years of stories planned.

“I really want to explore his origin and his time on the island, sort of build a big mythology around him,” said Lemire.

Desjardins was at the event talking with fans and signing copies of his new series Vampirella Strikes!

“I really look forward to doing it again, Arlen (Mifflin) always does a great job and it was promoted really well,” said Desjardins. “It’s a lot of fun in Cartoon Kingdom.”

Gray co-owner of Legacy Comics Publishing and creator of The Incredible Conduit was signing copies of his latest book The Incredible Conduit #3.

“When I got here it was a good line up and the people were really friendly,” said Gray.

Gray said one of the benefits of this type of event is being able to hang out and talk with his fellow friends and colleagues.

“Attendance was extremely heavy, especially the first few hours,” said Gray.

Gray was also joined by the newest member of the Legacy Comics team, April Fawler, who was signing covers for her upcoming book Apes in the Woods #1.

“This is my first time promoting my book and it’s exciting,” said Fawler.

Fawler said that it’s exciting to hear from strangers on what they think about the idea of her book.  Fawler also said that it feels like she has someone looking out for her since she’s working with a professional and someone who knows the business.

“I see working with Tony as really fun but it’s also a huge advantage professionally,” said Fawler.