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Eerie Finds at at Emerald City Comicon

ECCC

I recently visited Emerald City Comicon, one of the largest cons out there, and spent a full day (open to close, 11am to 8pm) just going through artist alley. This con has gotten BIG. There is something for every taste. With that in mind, I’ve pulled out just a few of my finds, in the hopes of finding something of interest for every Midnighter out there.

I’m going to start off with one of my favorite artist finds, Gillian Newland. Her booth was constantly swarmed and I had to try three times to get up there. One of the great stuff about her work is that while it’s often inspired by particular stories, you don’t have to be a fan of those to love the work as her interpretations are heavily weighted in her own style. For a good Midnight Society piece, and a perfect example of what I’m saying, check out this BioShock inspired piece. Fantastically creepy.

In a completely different style, what I would call adorably creepy, there is Jessica Grundy, who is going to be at a lot of conventions all over this year, so check out her schedule if you like her work. While not all of it is on the dark side, I’m a particular fan of Elphaba, Dr. Franken Stein, and Yesterday (bat wings!).

steamcrowlogoSteam Crow is delightfully full of strange things. You can sort their work by Villains, Halloween, or Monsters. I really love these “You’re invited to a monster party!” invites, and this Happy Day! poisoner card. And you can’t forget the Less Talk More Villainy! shirt.

If you’re an Edgar Allan Poe fan (aren’t we all?) they have a lot of fun stuff in there. Check it out!

 

The next fun find is really not much for the internet viewer, but if you’re ever in Portland, Oregon, you should check out the FreakyButTrue Peculiarium, a store dedicated to “a store dedicated to learning and terror”. Actually, I spotted so many events going in the PNW, I wonder how you people ever sleep–what with BigFoot and sparkly vampires and Vampire Masquerade Balls to attend and what have you.

Alex Pardee

ZeroFriends is the work of two artists in San Franciso, and man are they creepy. I just can’t get over their work. I’m obsessed.

What drew me to their table was the print featured on the left here for an Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Scott Pilgrim, Hot Fuzz) movie night, which I actually attended in SF. It was a one time event where we watched all of the movies at the famed Castro Theatre with the awesome director answering questions and telling us about life behind the scenes. It was an amazing experience, so when I saw the poster I made my way straight to their table, and I’m glad I did! If you’re in SF, you have to check out the shop they run there.

It was hard to pick out just a few pieces for you, but my favorites are probably The Hidden, Snake Eyes (creepy & playful!), and ZFF Hand Held.

An-Aurora-Grimeon-Story-Will-o-the-Wisp

And last, but definitely not least, is a graphic novel recently released, which the artist at the table pitched to me as a southern gothic Nancy Drew, so you know I had to check it out. Will O’ The Wisp (an Aurora Grimeon Story) is an original graphic novel full of wicked delights and dark things. Comics Alliance says, “Should appeal to the fans of Locke & Key, Courtney Crummin, the films of Tim Burton, the stories of Neil Gaiman.” If that doesn’t grab your interest I don’t know what will.

It’s a graphic novel for teens written by Tom Hammock and illustrated by Megan Hutchison, and it is so much prettier than I have pictures for. It comes in an absolutely gorgeously put together book, with a metal clasp and raised cover that lets you know you’re about to open something special. It’s got mystery and southern swamps and a raccoon best friend, so you know it’s awesome.  Here’s the blurb, and a trailer for a closer look at the story and artwork!

After her parents’ accidental death by mushroom poisoning, young Aurora Grimeon is sent to live with her estranged grandfather on Ossuary Isle, deep in the southern swamps. Joined by her grandfather’s pet raccoon Missy, Aurora explores the fog-covered island of graves. Along the way she meets its sinister residents who care for the tombstones and mausoleums, living out their lives by the strange rules of Hoodoo magic. When ghostly things start happening out in the swamp and island residents start disappearing, Aurora thrusts herself into the middle of the mystery, uncovering secrets that might be better left buried.

 

 

And that’s all I have for you today! I hope you’ve found something new to inspire and excite you, Midnighters!

Faith - Midnight Society Signatures

  • Kathy Palm
    April 10, 2014

    What great art you found! I’m a little jealous. Thanks for sharing.

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