Oklahoma comic creators shine in show's fifth year
The fifth year of the New World Comic Con showed a growing appetite for comics in the Sooner State, and showcased the continued success of many creators with Oklahoma connections, as well.
Writer/artist Natasha Alterici debuted “Heathen” #8 from Vault Comics at the show, held Saturday at the Oklahoma Expo Hall, 3213 Wichita Walk, at State Fair Park. She discussed with fans upcoming plans for the comic and the recent announcement that Catherine Hardwicke (“Twilight”) is set to direct the film based on the comic book.
“Heathen” follows a young Viking woman on a mission to take down the Norse gods. Aydis' story is expected
to continue through issue #12, Alterici said. Ashley A. Woods (“Tomb Raider”) has joined the creative team as the artist to complete Alterici's story, which she continues to write.
“Heathen” was selected as an American Library Association YALSA 2018 Great Graphic Novel For Teens, and according to publisher Vault, the collection has seen more than 15 printings and is available in 36 countries around the world.
Artist Jerry Bennett debuted “Glamorella's Daughter,” from Literati Press. Bennett, the current Artist in Residence at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City, is the artist for the comic, written by Charles Martin. The superheroic Glamorella has a daughter, Comet, who has Asperger's, and the comic looks at their relationship.
Writer James Hostler showcased the Caliber Comics collection of his series “The Bobcat,” about a Native American superhero operating in 1898 Indian Territory. The series is written by Hostler and drawn by Jim Mehsling.
These are just a handful of those engaged in actively making comics in Oklahoma. In addition, former Oklahomans Jordan Boyd and Robert Wilson IV, currently Texas residents, returned to their former stomping grounds to show off their success on multiple projects.
With about 3,000 in attendance, organizer Brian “Buck” Berlin said the show, which features comics headliner Sam de La Rosa (“Venom”), was the biggest for New World yet.
“Fans had a good time, vendors had a good time, and we beat last year's attendance by 3 p.m.,” Berlin said.