All Things Graphic

Art Pop Comic Expo comes to Northwest Arkansas

Jon and Jackie Woodard — the husband-and-wife team behind the Art Pop Comic Expo at The Jones Center today and Saturday — are no strangers to comics conventions. As the authors of the comic book series “Social Hound” and “Get to the Con,” they’re used to traveling the country and have attended expos in Boston, Chicago and Las Vegas, just to name a few. But, says Jon, it’s high time that local enthusiasts, authors and artists have one that’s much closer to home.

“The ‘nerd culture’ is kind of underrepresented in Arkansas,” says Jon. “And instead of waiting for someone else to plan an event, we decided that we would just do it ourselves.”

Now in their third year — the first two expos were held in northeastern Arkansas — the couple feel like they have a good handle on what the public is looking for, and they have plans to deliver.

“It’s not a huge show,” says Jackie. “It can grow to be, but for right now, it’s at a size where people get to actually interact with the artists and the guests.” The Woodards expect around 15 artists (including creators from Marvel, DC, Dark Horse Comics and IDW) and 13 vendors to be in attendance. This year’s special guest artist is actor Vernon Wells, whose film credits include “Commando,” “Weird Science,” “Power Rangers” and “Inner Space.”

“We try to bring in older actors who bring you back to your youth,” says Jackie. For those that hold VIP tickets, Wells will be available for autographs and selfies and will also offer a free Q and A session on Saturday.

Other guests include comic book artist Tom Nguyen, who will present a workshop on how to draw comics; makeup artist Keaghlan Ashley of the SyFy show “Face Off,” who will field questions about her line of work; and comic author Daniel Woolley, who will answer questions about how to break into the comic book industry. All workshops will be presented on Saturday and are free with the price of a ticket.

Ticket prices range from $10 to $25, with free admittance to kids 6 and younger — pricing that is well below the average cost of the average comic convention, says Jackie.

“We want people to feel like they’re getting their money’s worth and have a great time.”

COURTESY PHOTO SyFy’s “Face Off” makeup artist Keaghlan Ashley will present a workshop about special effects makeup on Saturday at the Art Pop Comic Expo in Springdale.