Comic Indie

HOUSTON'S INDIE COMICS COMMUNITY

Comic Indie

HOUSTON'S INDIE COMICS COMMUNITY

PROFILE

PROFILE
8 - MechaMythic Studios 9 - Mcandzely Anime & More 11 - Mental Diversions 12 - Alyssum Gallery 18 - A. L. Peterson 21 - The Art of Ian D. Walker 22 - OK Just Add Milk 23 - Summer Damsel Studio 27 - Paul Deeter 29 - Kill My TV 31 - Toy Traficantes 32 - Smiley Face Corp 38 43 44 46 47 51 52 53 54 56 57 58 59 60 61

What's better that enjoying the crafts of the indie arts? Enjoying it what a cold glass of craft mead. Come on by and get a glass poured, or get a sample of all four of our meads right off the tap. At the moment you can't get this mead anywhere else in Houston, so its a rare opportunity. Sure you might have had mead, but have you ever had CRAFT MEAD? THIS IS THE SPOT to see what you've been missing out on.

For coffee to be considered Specialty Coffee, it must obtain 80 points or more according to SCAA standards. This is determined by tasting, uniformity and consistency. ​To accomplish this, we take an artisanal approach to every step, from sowing the seed to roasting. We start with the best cherries which are harvested at their perfect ripeness.

Then they are artisanally processed, fermented and dried to render a unique, single origin, specialty coffee. Roasting in itself is a work of art used to bring out the best aroma and flavor.

Charge your batteries, and grab of cup of some of the best coffee that Houston has to offer!

We didn't just pick any food vendor to be at our location, we chose one of the best! Enjoy some of the best homemade Mexican food this city has to offer! With handmade tacos, and north Mexican style burgers and hotdogs you are definitely in for a treat!

Our guest of honor this year is Scott Chitwood with Red 5 Comics. Red 5 creates and produces cinematic-style comic book entertainment. It earned the 2007 Gem Award for Best New Publisher and its titles have been nominated for four Eisner Awards and two Harvey Awards. Red 5 Comics was founded by Paul Ens, former Director of Lucasfilm’s Lucas Online, and Scott Chitwood, co-founder of TheForce.net and writer for Superherohype.com and ComingSoon.Net. Red 5 Comics is published by Scott Chitwood.

Richard M Hicks is an artist, and indie comic creator for his works,"Raze The Gods", a five-issue miniseries of Sci-fi stories based around Mayan Mythology. It has a mild story arc from beginning to end so that each issue is a standalone that is essentially an origin story of a major deity. Each issue also has its own unique narrative style. His work can be found here: Vermillion Root

A group of arts and crafts-making goblins, at your goblinny service.

Some time ago, amidst their cavernous abode, the smell of roasted insects and beds of cob-webby sticks, a small group of goblins saw the light. It was a lava pit and they promptly tumbled over the edge to their demise.

Fortunately, another group of goblins saw a much more figurative light. They stole pencils, knitting needles, measuring tape, fancy textiles and annual subscriptions to Photoshop from passing merchant caravans and began to make art. They called themselves The Goblin Collective. Don’t let your precognition of goblin goods fool you, for they are quite good at what they do - making goblinny art and goblinny crafts for anyone to get their goblinny fingers on.

Each goblin brings a unique set of arts and crafts skills to the group and offers all types of items for you to enjoy - from art prints, stickers, photography, knitting and so much more.

As always, The Goblin Collective reminds you to forever keep an eye out for lava pits.

Jeremiah Espinoza is a Latino storyteller from Houston, Texas. He is the creator of the comic series Hallowed North and his work has been featured in collections such as Fairytales from Mars and The Pub Crawl Anthology. He is currently working on a high fantasy comic titled ONE-SHOT.

Mark Nasso is an illustrator from Houston, Texas. While not drawing sketch cards or other sci-fi and fantasy art he is busy promoting his self-published graphic novel series, Land of the Rats which explores his interests in mythology, history, and the supernatural. “Land of the Rats” tells the story of Jack Natari, a hybrid rat-human from the nation of Raelak and his adventures after being exiled from Rat City. Wandering deep into the desolate Vastness of Blask, Jack meets many friends and foes, encounters strange beings, and befriends the dragon Mephiliaxus who may hold the secret to Jack’s quest.

Anton W. Blake is a multimedia cartoonist, illustrator, and ttrpg designer living in Austin TX. He is the creator of the science-fantasy comic series Zethia Space Witch, published by Cosmic Lion Productions. His work can also be seen in the comics GHOST Agents, WIZERD: the Comics Megazine, and Image Grand Design, as well as illustrations for third party supplements for the ttrpg Pirate Borg. As a game designer, Anton has created a bestiary for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, numerous system-agnostic zines, as well as EAT THE LICH: a rules-light, one-shot focused game of uprising against the magocracy.

Duane Moore, the brainchild of his own tabletop games "Surviving the G.A.M.E." and his own comics "Brand X", "Power Corps", "Baptist" and "Old Glory", which all take place in a world filled with secret socites and an underground war fought between the Elys and the Nastrond. Within this world heroes must arise. Welcome to the DMD Universe!

8 - MechaMythic Studios

9 - Mcandzely Anime & More

The Colored Pencil is a Houston-based, Black, multi-media artist, cartoonist, and illustrator. She is a two-dimensional artist with heavy influences from animation, illustration, cinematography, and graphic design. This year, her work was featured in Hardy and Nance Studio's Black and While at Show 7.0 and the Operation: Get Lit (living in Time) Educational Scholarship Benefit.

The Colored Pencil started publishing her work online on October 31, 2020. In 2022, she created the publishing company "Colored Pencil Comics Ltd.", where she continues to publish comics and other associated works. Most of the comics are made using a hybrid method of traditional hand-inking and digital illustration.

The Colored Pencil uses her art as an exercise in self-expression. Much of her work is based on personal experience and her love of pop culture, horror, sci-fi, and fantasy. Most importantly, it is a way to engage in a sense of play with herself and the audience.

11 - Mental Diversions

12 - Alyssum Gallery

Tell Diam is a talented comic book artist, family man, and passionate advocate for independent creators. Before discovering his love for art, Tell worked as a steel worker for many years. Despite the physically demanding work and long hours, he never lost sight of his dream to become an artist. Eventually, Tell began pursuing his passion for art part-time, while still working in the steel industry. He honed his skills through countless hours of practice, studying the works of great artists and experimenting with different mediums and techniques. His work is known for its intricate details, dynamic action, and emotional depth, and he is respected by fans and fellow artists alike for his skill and dedication. Through hard work, determination, and a passion for his craft, Tell has proven that anything is possible if you believe in yourself and never give up on your dreams. Follow him on his artistic journey and discover the magic of his unique comic book art.

Miki Ramirez is a self taught Animator, storyboard artist and comic illustrator/writer. Ever since high school Miki has been working hard to develop/help others create the most amazing independent stories ever seen. He is the lead artist for class act comics and the co-creator of furious five and will be debuting his first solo act during comic indie! get ready for his own original monster comic: Gargoyle!

Writer/Co-creator/Letterer: Ben Collins is based in the Ozarks of Northwest Arkansas. Ben graduated from the University of Arkansas studying media communications and journalism. Seinfeld aficionado and a drinker of black coffee, Ben is a proud ambassador for the under-appreciated medium of comics. He is a writer, a letterer, a pet-father of four and a longtime beard bearer. As of this writing, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) logs in, possibly, as Ben’s favorite movie of all time. Ninja, vanish.

Writer/Co-creator: Eric Allred is an introvert by nature, a Sagittarius by birth, a husband by marriage and a watch wearer by choice. Currently residing in Austin, TX, Eric is a Filmmaker, Writer, Procrastinator, and proud father of a beagle and a Buffalo rat. A lover of nature, caffeine and carrier of a crippling fear of the future. Born a Midwesterner, he is an avid Chicago sports fan, a firm believer of Aliens & lover of sourdough bread (both baking and consuming).

Roberto Rivera Padro is a writer, illustrator, animator and comic book artist. His inspiration has been to create the characters and stories that he's always wanted to see with his co-writer and brother. Their first creation "Carlos the Kaiju Killer", has become the top-selling indie comic in Austin. It merges Taino folklore with eastern, and Caribbean cultures. Carlos, a seemingly average man who comes to the heroic rescue of his city, only to learn he isn’t average at all. Roberto has been featured as one of the top 2 artists for Godzilla at Giganticon 2023. His latest addition "Gold Dragón", features a retired luchador, who now works as a private detective. He returns home to investigate the mysterious deaths of multiple fighters, but could never predict what he would encounter.
Come by our table and see us, we’d love to meet you!

Mena Baldwin is an indie comicbook artist living and working in Houston, Texas. Her current comic, RE: WitchBlade is a fantasy/drama tale, that is an adaption of a story written as a teen. When she is not working on comics, she is the resident frog lady; ready to grace you with a frog charm!

18 - A. L. Peterson

Welcome to Silver Sparrow Comics, a self-publisher offering our debut graphic novel, original art, and merchandise. I want to provide readers with engaging stories and memorable characters. We believe that comics are not just a form of entertainment but a powerful medium for storytelling and encouragement. Dragon Slayers welcome!

The story of 50*Fifty Comix began as the story of the two founding brothers of the company, Lee Johnson and Leonce Hall, III. The brothers were not raised together, but their love for meaningful storytelling and creative expressions were undeniable even at an early age. The two would finally meet and merge their skill sets: Leonce, the wordsmith and poet, and Lee, his illustrative counterpart. ​The duo would expand into a trio, with Lynnesha Hamilton as the company's COO. Lynnesha, a fan girl herself, loved talking comics from day one.

21 - The Art of Ian D. Walker

22 - OK Just Add Milk

23 - Summer Damsel Studio

Ben Humeniuk is a Texas-based cartoonist and educator, writing and illustrating graphic novels and novellas like Waking Life, the STEM-focused The Magnificent Makers series, or BRO-D CAN’T BE BROKEN. When he’s not teaching or drawing, he’s hanging out with his wife and three kids, volunteering with his campus comics club, or God help him, watching Star Trek. Lots of Star Trek. (And probably reading wiki articles on really obscure starships.)

You can find him at BenHumeniuk.com, Ben.Humeniuk on Instagram, or @BenHumeniuk on Twitter.

Isaiah Broussard is a Houston born independent cartoonist based in Austin, Texas. His work, “Crackers & White Wine” was named Houston’s best political webcomic by Houston Press. He also creates the all-ages comedy/horror comic “Transyltown” and is the illustrator of the wacky superhero/adventure comic “Help Wanted!”

A former reporter at ABC news stations across the south, Fobbs grew tired of forumlatic stories that bosses demanded come with a selected slant. So like a good writer, the Houston native took his talents to the people, choosing to create stories and tales that all ages would love. He is now the author of several titles from history, to thriller, to fantasy. He believes everyone deserves to tell their story and will even help you do it!

27 - Paul Deeter

It was only after graduating from the Air Force Academy in 2008 that E.M. Rensing discovered that the U.S. Air Force does not, in fact, have aliens hidden at any of their bases.

Despite this disappointment, she enjoyed a thirteen year career as a Cyber Operations Officer, traveling all over the world, working everywhere from Space Command Headquarters to the Texas Air National Guard. Now, E.M. Rensing writes what she loves; hidden realities, future possibilities, and of course, the military.

29 - Kill My TV

Pizo Meyer is the creator of Ink The Bink Publishing and its subsidiary PJ Press. Under Ink The Bink Publishing, he’s released “Seed”, “The Signal”, “Monday Equals Murder” and has just releaesd the first ITB Anthology magazine series. He collaborates with writer James Roberts on two graphic novels, “Domine” and “While You Were Out,” under PJ Press. “Domine” is available to read for free on Comic Indie’s website and comic gallery.

31 - Toy Traficantes

32 - Smiley Face Corp

Jeoffrey Cotton is a Comic Book Writer, Digital Artist & Graphic Designer. His current works include: Roseville, Awful Thoughts, End of Man, Cosa Nostra's Comrade & Razorwire McGuire. Roseville is an Award nominated series about a man who incurs the wrath of a cult living in a remote, ghost town.

Awful Thoughts is a disturbing anthology consisting of 5 short stories; all of which are set-in modern-day suburbia.
End of Man is a sci-fi story about a girl who encounters a meteorite & is forever changed by her experience.
Cosa Nostra's Comrade focuses on a former Russian special forces operative who relocates to 1980's Brooklyn and lands a job with the mob.
Razorwire McGuire centers on a heavyweight champ of a small, pro wrestling organization has started to realize his bloody vision for the future

My name is Skylar Newton! I am a University of Texas AET alumni with a passion for creating comics, cups, shirts, small pillows. My current comic Foxy and Teddy is about two brothers tasked with the responsibility of finding and healing the heart of the forest surrounding their tiny town. It won’t be easy, but with Teddy’s common sense and Foxy’s upbeat attitude, the probability of the ten and eleven year old saving their beloved forest is at least 0.01%. Follow them along as they meet a wide cast of strange and loveable characters that any age can enjoy- now on Season 2!

Billy Dixon the indie comic creator for "the Mugen Man". The Mugen Man is a 148 page sci-fi/dream-punk about a lucid dreamer who seeks out training from the most prolific dreamer of all: the Mugen Man. The story them centers on the power and destructive nature of grief.

Lesly Julien is an independent comic writer. A husband. A former stay-at-home dad. A collection of positive nouns
and adjectives, carbon, and so much pizza. Lesly is a proud Marylander who moved across the country to San Diego, California for a short time, then Omaha, Nebraska because kids are expensive and now San Antonio Texas because winter is awful.

His work has been included in the Big Hype volumes 1&2 anthologies, he's written short comics such as Ghost Gauntlet, Little Dragon Rider, Kurdish Delight. Most recently he's written Savage Wizard and Headcases #1, with issue 2s to follow in 2024. He's currently working on a one-shot graphic novella.

Romo Sagan's artistic journey encapsulates a profound intersection of nostalgia, ambition, and technological innovation, deeply resonating with fans of both cyberpunk aesthetics and nerd culture. His ambitious project titled "Multiverse of Awesomeness" epitomizes Sagan's vision of a holistic artistic experience. By merging the immersive worlds of graphic storytelling and interactive gameplay, he aims to blur the lines between reader and player, inviting deeper engagement with the narrative. The integration of a carefully crafted soundtrack further enhances this experience, ensuring that the emotional undercurrents of his story are felt on multiple levels. Collaborating with indie talent allows him to draw on a wide array of perspectives and artistic styles, resulting in a richly woven tapestry that mirrors the diverse landscape of contemporary creative expression.

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Darius is an Artist & Writer of Fictional, Comicbook, Poetry, Educational Works and Board Game Designer. Darius is currently the creator for Mr. Sidequest & Hos Joinery Across Reality. Mr. Side Quest ventures through the untamed comical realms of reality in search of his purpose and the lessons that his liberator has scattered across each comic book! This satirical, yet action pack comic adventure will bring laughs, fun discoveries and mind-boggling moments could only be imagined through Mr. Side Quest.

Sophia Hanson is an autistic Houston based Author/Illustrator with a love for all things cartoony. She is a Savannah College of Art and Design alumni and an avid nerd. She has a special love for detective mysteries, Texas, Dungeons and Dragons, and kaiju. Sophia's work has been featured in multiple indie publications, such as the illustrated cookbook anthology, COMICS FROM THE KITCHEN, and the middle grade Sherlock Holmes adaptation LOCK AND DOC. She is currently on the art teams for an all-ages Action/Fantasy webcomic, TALES OF GREGARIA, and a YA indie horror comic, ARCANE. Sophia enjoys working on humorous and character driven stories most of all, lovingly filling every panel she draws with passion and heart. She sees every page as a new challenge to improve her craft… and to draw the silliest faces possible. She is currently working on the pitch for her first graphic novel project, LIKE, COMMENT, SOLVE CRIME!

In addition to comics, Sophia also makes stickers, keychains and lanyards featuring fandoms and funny quotes that will make you laugh!

She is currently looking for representation, and is open for commissions and comic work!

J.R. Machado-Bernal is the creator for "Houston Fighter", a Manga-inspired comic series about a group of feisty kids in Houston. Jova, new to Houston, arrives to find answers about his powers, and meets Ninja Girl Lex.C & Street Fighter Renzo along the way. As the three eventually form a team to train for the upcoming Houston Rodeo Fighting Tournament, a turn of events unfolds.

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Jarrod Perez has been creating and self publishing his own comics for 22 years. Chock full of satire, humor, a little bit of sci-fi and a lot of action and adventure, his comics continue the legacy underground comix started decades ago.

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Tristen Rodriguez is a 29 year old Mexican-Italian American from San Antonio, Texas. Known as “Diverse Deity” for her love of all things pop culture. Anything ranging from cartoons, anime, movies, tv shows, mashups & parodies. This self taught illustrator has always been passionate about the animation genre & has a goal of creating unique masterpieces for a new generation.

Kevin Garcia is a certified educator and professional writer whose work has appeared in the Associated Press and Marvel Comics. He gives a variety of workshops, moderates panels, and teaches journalism and graphic design at the Liberal Arts and Science Academy in Austin. His work can be found at www.KevinGarcia.com or www.Monomythic.com.

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Hailing from Austin Texas, artist/writer David Luján has been working in the comic book world since 2022 when he released his first book Uriko about a Korean vampire in 1900 Seoul. Since then Luján has worked on several titles including Big Game Saga, Dusk Witch, La Osa, Something Beyond the Petrichor, Blues and Breastmilk and Nerida, penned by Luján about a young mermaid trapped on land.
Luján has also contributed to several anthologies including Cyber Sync (2023), And Out Come the Comics (2022), LKC Ash Can #4 (2024), Drinking and Fighting Make for Fireworks (2024) and Public Defender The T-Shirt Decapitator (2024).
Beyond his work in comics, Luján plays music in the bands "Born Twins", "Yard Work", "Peering Posture" and "If Not This Then What".

Maurice Terry Jr. is a talented graphic designer and illustrator with a strong educational background, having graduated from Prairie View A&M University and the Art Institute of Houston. Originally from Lovelady, Texas, and a proud native Houstonian, Maurice is the founder of Moe Art Studio, a freelance venture dedicated to providing high-quality design services. In April 2011, Maurice joined Bad Cog Studio, where he has contributed significantly to various projects. His career in comics began in 1996 with the creator-owned comic *CYBERCITY*, published under the Space City Comics umbrella in Clearlake, Texas. Over the years, he has amassed a diverse portfolio of freelance work, including logo designs, T-shirt graphics, concept art, commissions, and cover illustrations. Maurice made a notable return to comics in May 2011 when he provided pencil and ink work for "Las Locas". In 2019, he co-created and co-wrote *GRAFFITI #1* for Poatik Hood Entertainment, published under Ultraline Press. Currently, Maurice is focused on several highly anticipated projects at Bad Cog Studio and Coywolf Comics.

Root Bradford is a life-long Houston resident and permanent member of the self-publishing and DIY scenes. When he's not laboring over abstract renderings of psychic landscapes he's hard at work producing comics about dumb things happening to stupid people.

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The Entertainment Law Clinic is an advanced entertainment law course for students seeking practical experience in transactional and administrative aspects of the entertainment industry. Students will represent creators, businesses, and non-profits in the music, film and television, dance, and art businesses with a focus on trademark and copyright prosecution and counseling, contract drafting and negotiation, and royalty stream creation and retention.

Justen S. Barks, Entertainment Law Clinic Director

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Jay is the founder of Dimension Comics and has been the owner-creator of an indie comic original, "Severed Souls". The story revolves around a paranormal battle between good and evil, and the powers certain individuals possess come from their ancient souls. Jay shows a type of dedication to his work that is on par with any creator at Marvel or DC, pumping out quality indie comics one after another and is already currently working on his second title, "Meanstreak". Come by the booth, admire the all the artwork and flip through some of his comics! You won't be disappointed.

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