Mikey Babinski, who has inked for Marvel and DC comics, and Topper Helmers, a former Walt Disney Imagineering senior concept designer, are among the artists booked for an event in Joliet.
Galaxy Comic Book & Fantasy Art Expo set for Sept. 23 at Joliet Area Historical Museum in Joliet features comics, collectibles, games and more than 40 artists.
“Most of the big conventions are about the new movie coming out or TV show or series on cable. The comic book artists and creators seem to be forgotten about in today’s big mega conventions,” said Jody McQuarters, creator of Galaxy Comic Book and Fantasy Art Expo.
“I wanted to create a convention like when I was younger. It’s focused on the artists, dealers, traders, storywriters and comic book stores. People that have gone to it the last several years sit and talk with the authors and artists.”
Special appearances at Galaxy Comic Book & Fantasy Art Expo include Doug Klauba, who will be doing an art demonstration; Rafael Nieves; Steve Palenica, of Worth; and Wesley Wong.
“The talent level is amazing. It goes from the very beginning-level artists that are coming out of the International School of Comics and younger college kids trying to find their way into the comic book illustration business all the way up to master-level artists,” McQuarters said.
“The artists like smaller shows, too, because they get a chance to talk to fans that want to come up to them. They’re so nice and laid-back. It’s really nice to be part of something like that. That’s why I enjoy it. It brings families together.”
The event at Joliet Area Historical Museum includes panels such as “Jack Kirby’s 100th Birthday Celebration” honoring the comic book legend and “Elvira in the Comics” with comic historian and reviewer Doc Schaefer, former Elvira writer Janet Hetherington and former Elvira artist Ronn Sutton.
“Most of the other conventions are held in the typical banquet hall like you have at the Holiday Inn or Westin hotels. It’s one floor with four or five aisles and there’s no adventure. I wanted something a little more,” said McQuarters, of Plainfield.
“There’s so much to see in the museum. It’s full of color. The artists are split up on four levels. It’s a great venue to hold a convention like this. They have access to the galleries and museum all day long. There’s more to see and do than at a regular comic book show.”
A game to find 12 Bill Madia mini paintings throughout the museum offers the chance to choose something from the prize table if one’s raffle ticket is drawn during the event.
Those who spot all the paintings in the glass display cases and turn in the game card get a raffle ticket while those who name the movie of each painting get a second raffle ticket. Extra tickets can be purchased for $1 each.
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“I created the scavenger hunt,” said McQuarters, who cites dragons, the work of the late illustrator Frank Frazetta, Heavy Metal magazine and Batman comic books as among his favorites.
“It’s a nice family show. There’s something there for everyone. There’s a little bit of everything.”
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
Galaxy Comic Book & Fantasy Art Expo
When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 23
Where: Joliet Area Historical Museum, 204 N. Ottawa St., Joliet
Tickets: $10 ages 13 or older; free ages 12 and younger
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