Topper Helmers returning to Joliet expo Galaxy Comic Book & Fantasy Art Expo
Galaxy Comic Book & Fantasy Art Expo has expanded to include more space to meet artists, take in panels, do a scavenger hunt and engage in other activities.
The expo returns to Joliet Area Historical Museum where the original Catmobile, Catwoman’s car from the 1966 “Batman” TV show, makes a rare appearance and special guests include themed entertainment industry professional Topper Helmers.
“It was a good group of people,” said Helmers via phone from his home in northern Illinois about his first appearance at last year’s Galaxy Comic Book & Fantasy Art Expo.
“This feels the way it was in the beginning when conventions were first starting. It’s still small enough but large enough that you really get a chance to talk to people and hopefully make a difference to somebody,” he said.
Helmers, a senior concept artist for design firm Rethink Leisure & Entertainment, has worked on projects such as Warner Bros. Studio Tour London — The Making of Harry Potter.
“I was working for a company called Thinkwell Group. That was in conjunction with Warner Bros. We were asked to design the entire studio tour and I did maybe 25 to 30 pieces of art for that,” he said.
“Especially when you’re designing off somebody else’s intellectual property, I like the reach and history. When I had access to a lot of behind-the-scenes photography that I got to incorporate into drawings, that’s fun to me.
“It’s one thing to get swept up in the magic of film or books, but when you’re getting to see the actual props and set design and costume design, that’s where it’s magical to me, and not everybody gets to see that.”
Helmer’s many other projects include DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, several attractions at Disney California Adventure Park, and Indiana Jones Adventure: The Legend of the Temple of the Forbidden Eye at Disneyland for Walt Disney Imagineering.
“Every single theme park is different. Every theme park has its own challenges. The landscape is different for every single park. I’ve probably done a half-dozen theme parks on dinosaurs, which I absolutely love drawing,” he said.
Helmers also has published the books “In the Trenches — The Theme Park Art of Topper Helmers” in 2017 and “Conte — tome 1 — The Figure Art Work of Topper Helmers” in 2018, and plans to release a 66-page graphic novel titled “Cloud Raiders” in 2019.
He will offer an exclusive concept art print at Galaxy Comic Book & Fantasy Art Expo. Only 30 prints are being made and they will be numbered, dated and signed by Helmers at the event.
“When I get asked how to draw and what’s the secret, all I can tell them is it’s mileage,” said Helmers, who has worked on comic books for companies including DC Comics and Marvel Comics.
“Draw as much as you can as often as you can. As much as the computer is a wonderful tool, without those drawing chops behind it, it doesn’t really make a difference. I know people who can do amazing things on computers but can’t draw a stick figure. If you can draw, you can do anything.”
Access to Joliet Area Historical Museum’s display galleries is included with Galaxy Comic Book & Fantasy Art Expo tickets. Attendees can view exhibits including “Last Call for Alcohol! The History of Joliet’s Breweries,” which is on display to Oct. 31.