How sweet is to be back at Rhode Island Comic-Con!

Well, the title says it all! On Nov. 5 and 6 I had the chance to reunite with the convention community at one of my favorite events—Rhode Island Comic-Con. I checked out the amazing cosplays, met cool creatives and bought some great merch over the weekend. And of course, many interviews were done.

To start, I met up with Author Coral Isabella Aurora to learn about her new book and the messages about bullying and treating others fairly.

Next, the writers from the comic Starside catch me up on a series I got into two years ago and give a few hints about the story's future.

Cosplayer Stevie Oaks shares his dead-on impersonation of Peter Griffin and what it's been like being at a convention for the first time as one of the guests.

On the convention's second day, I chatted with Wayward Raven founder Mark Frankel about the diverse stories they publish, a special request for submissions, and why in their comics, dead is dead.

Bringing this episode to a close is Khepera Cosplay, who shares how it feels to be back after two years and the various villains she's cosplayed as.

The secret origin of Dragonflyman Day

I go live on the Citywide Blackout Instagram page with Tom Peyer, Editor-in-Chief of Ahoy Comics, to talk about the unprecedented announcement that June 16 will be hereafter known as Dragonflyman Day. This is in recognition of the bookstore publication date of the upcoming trade paperback release of DRAGONFLY & DRAGONFLYMAN—the prequel to THE WRONG EARTH—by writer Tom Peyer, artist Peter Krause, colorist Andy Troy, and letterer Rob Steen.

Along with this, we see how Ahoy has weathered the pandemic, which along with most other businesses, shuttered countless comic book stores. We also look at the numerous cancellations of comic-cons across the country this year.

SuperMegaFest: Cosplay, haunted houses, and the danger of typos

Ben and I with the cast of Typo Squad 

In this episode, Ben Chou and I enjoy a day at the great local con, SuperMegaFest. There's some amazing creatives here and we showcase a sampling of them on the show. First up, authors Killarney and Margaret Traynor tells about their Encounter Series, a collection of stories that begin with the phrase “what if?” This includes haunted houses and alien invasions, but more is coming.

Next, Stephen Lomer debuts the short film adaptation of his book series, “Typo Squad.” Stephen talks about the transition from book to film and how the story changed to fit the medium. We also look at the stellar cast of this film and the different qualities they bring to the show.

Cosplay artist Chelsea Von Chastity closes out the day by telling us about the Princess Ariel costume she wore for SuperMegaFest as well as the many other ones she has created over the years. She's been to a number of other cons over the years and shares a few stories about those great times.

Rhode Island Comic-Con, Part 2

In the second installment of our Rhode Island Comic-Con coverage, I speak with cosplayer Zabracus about joining the vast community of convention-goers, some of her more challenging costumes, and being on the East Coast for the first time.

Writer Jenn Dugan and artist Ryan Butt share their comic series “Gnaw” and “Circadia”, stories of rodent apocalypses and love across worlds. We dive deep into the concepts and the work done to bring them to life.

Author Debra Zannelli has some great tales to talk about! Her books, “Dark Night of the Soul” and “Sister World I: The Arrival” offer deep, introspective characters, some amazing alternate histories, and ominous backdrops, and tells us all about them.

Cosplay Dad has been to a number of the conventions in New England, whether it's as Bruce Wayne from Batman Beyond or Mr. Rogers. He tells us about what got him into cosplay, experiences with the RICC, and what he has planned for future costumes.

Rhode Island Comic-Con, Episode 1

In the first episode of Citywide's coverage of Rhode Island Comic-Con, I open the show with Jane Lei, creator of the popular webcomics Pigeon Gazette and Genji Cat. Jane talks about how these comics came to be, where the inspiration comes from, and how she powers through events like the RICC.

Cosplayer Dezcreepcore and I spoke at last fall's Keystone Comic-Con, and this weekend we got to catch up on what she's been up to, new cosplays that she's done, and the work it takes to make it into a career.

Michael Terracciano, the writer behind the Star Power comic series, is another familiar face, whom I spoke to in January. He and I talk about the upcoming volume five of the series, as well as some of the conventions he and artist Garth Graham will be appearing at.

The character of Vortex Man has become something of a staple at conventions in the New England area, with that larger than life green statue and a booth that commands attention. We take a deep dive into the character's history, the series' immense cast, and the goal of encouraging a positive change in people's environmental actions.

It wouldn't be a comic-con without some gaming, and so this episode is closing with Clark Huggins, co-creator of the Reckless Deck card game. In this game, you make the hero—literally. By choosing a combination of characteristics, including weapons, items, and abilities, you craft a unique individual that is brought to life through your story.


 

Boston singer-songwriter shares her gig stories, plus an in-depth look at Keystone Comic-Con

 Boston-based singer-songwriter Maddy Roop chats with me at the Real School of Music about her debut album, “Rings,” which spanned a three-year period. She also talks about some of the many shows she's played in the Boston area and how it felt to go from weekday to weekend gigs, as well as the big Halloween one she has planned. 

Keystone Comic-Con Event Director MK Goodwin and I talk about this event's second year and what fans can look forward to. We look at the big names who will be making an appearance, changes from last year, and the planning that goes into making this amazing convention happen.

And following this, it's “Can't Get Over You,” from Jennifer Mlott, a past guest of the show. This new song has a beautiful opening and the vocals are amazing.

Jan. 11, 2019: Star Power Comic

On this episode I sat down with Michael Terracciano, writer of the Star Power comic series. We talk about the characters and world of Star Power, plus the changes in the web comic world. 

Stick around after the interview for new music from the Terry Douglas Band, “The Devil That You Don't Know,” plus, from Liz Fawcett's new album “Start Again,” “New Times” and “Crazy Land.”

Rhode Island Comic-Con, Part 2: Genevieve Marie/The Runners/Christa Carmen

Author Christa Carmen

Here's Round 2 of Max and Ben's coverage of the Rhode Island Comic-Con! 

Cosplayer Genevieve Marie talks about turning cosplay into a career and how internet has changed the old methods and given new options. She also shares a few icebreakers for meeting people at comic-cons. She was at RICC in part to represent Geekfest, a traveling geek show which recently completed its 2018 season.

Sean Wang, creator of The Runners comic series, shares the story behind this mix of comedy and action that brings some character drama and great banter together. Sean also talks about the characters that make up the series and how he balances his career in comics with the rest of his life.

Author Christa Carmen, in the guise of Lydia Deetz for this convention, walks us through the anthology collections that she's been a part of. Subjects include gothic horror, psychological and many others. She talks about how she became involved in the anthologies she's worked on and how folks can work with others.


 

Rhode Island Comic-Con Part 1

Max with Cares O-Lot Cosplay

Welcome to the first episode of Citywide Blackout's podcast series from the Rhode Island Comic-Con. In these interviews Max and Ben talk to the cosplayers, writers, and other creatives that attend this convention to share their art with the public. 

In this episode, Max talks to the cosplay couple Hybrid Brieze (Briezerker and Hybrid Spyder) and learn about some of the duos they've portrayed over the years and some potential future ideas. Later on, Cares O-Lot Cosplay dons her Robin suit and talks about how she got her start in the cosplay world, how she learned to make her costumes, and the wide array of characters she's taken on.

Author Andi O'Connor walks us through the epic fantasy Dragonath Chronicles and other books she's written and talks about her “pantser” style of writing. She's got a new book coming out soon and has an online launch party planned for that.

Keystone Comic-Con, Part Two: Black Sands Entertainment and Dezcreepcore

Max with cosplayer Dezcreepcore

Manuel Godoy, president and author of Black Sands Entertainment, talks about the growth of the comic company, the history intertwined with the story, and how he finds the many talented people that he's worked with on the titles.

Later on, I talk to cosplayer Dexcreepcore about her latest costumes and the work that goes into them. She also goes into how one turns being a cosplayer into a full-time job and the many conventions she's appeared at.

Dec. 21, 2017: Underdog Comics/Talli Clemons

Tessa and Zack of Underdog Comics 

Opening the show we have Tessa and Zack from Underdog Comics. Seeing a lack of diversity in the media and in the world of comics, this group of young artists has produced a number of titles that feature women, ethnic minorities, the LGBT+ community, people from different religions, and much more. We talk about their creative process, how the titles have developed, and the message behind the stories.

Actor Talli Clemons got into the movie world six years ago, and since then, he's been hard at work in feature films, shorts, and music videos. He talks about what got him into acting, the reactions from his friends, and the different roles that he's taken on over the years.

Blackout Bootleg: Rhode Island Comic-Con

Max and Ben spent the weekend of Nov. 10 hanging with the stellar artists of the Rhode Island Comic-Con. In this podcast we talk to authors L.L. Craft, Stephanie Deschenes, Heather Dunn, Tom Davis, and cartoonist Tim Jones.