FreeState Comicon 2014

Wes always does an amazing job with the artwork for the show, and this was the second shirt I'd gotten with the Freestate Comicon comic book on it. Yes that is indeed Rob Riggle standing next to me in that photo.

It’s that time of year when Craig Klotz’s FreeState Comic and Toy convention showcases in Lawrence, Kansas. FreeState. For those of you who may not have attended or heard of it, it’s a show that features a great mix of veterans and newcomers to the comic scene, with a lot of independent and self-publication/small press efforts, as well as a nice edge of artists and writers that have worked on titles for the big three (Marvel, DC, Image). It’s a unique show that I am proud to have been a part of for some years now.

(Left) This show's run of SketchBoxes: Optimus Prime, Spawn, Batman, Power Girl, Emmet, Link, Rogue, Thor, Deadpool, and the Joker (Right) A fantastic take on Shredder from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

I got messaged an odd assortment of choices for this show’s comic box artworks that I provide. The only two I did of my own accord were Spawn and Optimus Prime. The pleasant surprise was that this was the first show we opened it up to other artists being able to create Sketchboxes at FreeState, and there seemed to be a large amount of takers that created some. The only one I got to see was the one of Brock Samson (Venture Bros) that was drawn by Chris Yarbrough (a very funny and super talented artist) and if his art is any indication of what many of the others looked like, I seriously have to up my drawing game.

I actually kind of look like I might be half way professional in this shot. Much appreciation to Joel Sanderson for getting my good side.

I was actually pretty excited, as I look forward to this show every year. It’s not only a fantastic show find great comics and art from an ever growing spectrum of vendors and creators, it’s a wonderful paced show that allows everyone there to slow down a bit and socialize, trade stories about everything from current movies, games, you name it.

I mean I talked to people that weekend about everything from D&D, Greyhawk, chainmail and armouring, art markers, Guardians of the Galaxy, long road trips, other conventions, Anime, Super Mario Bros, voice acting, cartoons… the whole gauntlet. I love that.

Couple of views of the show room.

I get a big kick out of people wanting to stop by and talk. That makes my day as I really love understanding and knowing what other kinds of interests, hobbies, and diversions others are up to.

A while back, as an in joke to my name being Mario, if people wore a t-shirt or had a tattoo of Mario I used to give out some free show swag. I might start that up again.

(Upper Left) C.W. Cooke, writer extraordinaire, laying down the charisma and wit. (Upper Right) The best tip I got at a convention yet. 😀 (Lower Images) A cosplay of Deadpool that was utterly hilarious and kept dancing to the beats from his personal boom box.

A baby Groot commission I did. I really really love this particular one.

I know that many of you asked about Issue 4 of Pagan Zoetrope, and I can say that you all can expect some new artwork to be showing up very soon. I had been refining and redeveloping the character designs, including this character above whose look I finally nailed at the show.

(Left) Josh Cotter is not only a huge inspiration to me, former schoolmate, and friend, but also a quiet powerhouse of talent and heart in the indie comics movement (awarded the Isotope Award for Excellence in Mini-Comics, and nominated for an Eisner award to boot.) That was certainly one of the highlights for me was being able to catch up after having last seen each other over fifteen years ago. (Right) A wicked art reproduction done by Chris Yarbrough.

Optimus Prime art repro by Den, Tales of Amnesia comic by Mike S., and Hero Complex Kid art repro by D. Olson.

Chris Yarbrough, whom I had the pleasure of meeting for the first time at this show, is just a killer artist. I've been a bit behind on projects, so I've not had a chance to read his book yet, which I picked up along with a second art reproduction.

I’ll have another update very soon about Halloween, but all I can say is that if you’ve not gone to FreeState, or Craig Klotz’s other shows (FreeCon), then what are you waiting for? The show keeps growing, the fun is there to be had, and there are always new creators, vendors, and things to discover at this gem of a show in Lawrence.

Until next time, enjoy the autumn season, I hope you all had a fun and safe Halloween! Thanks to all of you that came out and participated and visited us all at FreeState this year.

Until next time, remember to support artists and local businesses. Be kind to your fellow beings and always take the path less traveled. We all may live in times uncertain, but kindness, understanding, and believing in the good that is in most each and every one of us is what can bring about better days!

- Mario, the Artisan Rogue
Illustrator, Voice Actor, Writer, Animal Rights Activist

www.theartisanrogue.com