Sometimes it’s hard to see the forest for the trees. When one of the trees announces that it’s not going to be in the forest this year, deciding instead to be on their own, it can cause a panic. It makes you wonder how many other trees might bow out. Will there still be shade? Will the critters still have a place to go? What happens if you don’t think the forest is as fun as it was before? The tree is making so much noise as it leaves, and some of what it’s saying isn’t very complimentary towards the rest of the forest! WHAT DO WE DO?!?!

Let’s start with a deep breath. *inhale……exhale*

It’s all going to be ok. The forest will still be there, full of amazing surprises and plenty of shade for everyone. The space where the tree once stood will soon be full of other, smaller trees. They will be happy to be there and we should make them feel welcome.

Now let’s take a look at the rest of the news you might have missed:

• This week, all over social media, comic creators and publishers were celebrating the Eisner Award nominations, including on Twitter where writer Jeff McClelland announced that he’ll be attending the ceremony, which likely means the convention as well. McClelland was nominated as part of the team involved in Z2’s The Illustrated Al: The Songs of “Weird Al” Yankovic.

• Colleen Doran has also been nominated for her work in Neil Gaiman’s Chivalry, which she adapted and illustrated for Dark Horse Comics. Additionally, Doran also provided the cover art for another nominated book, Tori Amos: Little Earthquakes from Z2. In a follow-up tweet, Doran indicates that she will be attending the convention. We can’t wait to see what the multi-award nominee has in store for attendees.

• The perpetually morose girl who rocks the best bangs in the universe, Emily the Strange will be at San Diego Comic-Con and as revealed one very cool lanyard that will be available during the event. The Bad Kitten Club lanyard will include a metal charm and a collectible sticker. We will keep you posted about where to find this and all other Emily the Strange SDCC goods.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Emily the Strange (@emilythestrange_official)

• Her Universe Fashion Show participants are still leaking out. Lady Ava has over two decades of cosplay and costume experience under her belt and will be on the runway July 20th to show off her new creation.

• Storm King Productions has announced via a press release that they will be celebrating 10 years of unique and spine-tingling comic books with the release of Usher Down, the latest volume in the popular anthology series John Carpenter’s Night Terrors.  You can expect panels, signings and more excitement at their booth.

• Artist and co-creator of the Image series Bitter Root, Sanford Greene always knocks it outta the park with commissions, like the Jane Foster one below. It’s not confirmed if Greene will have enough time to offer any commissions for SDCC, but if he does, we’ll add him to our List of Open Commissions. Keep your fingers crossed!

• Speaking of our Commission List, newly added Henry Liao recently posted this amazing Cyclops postcard print that he will have at San Diego Comic-Con. Henry may not be satisfied with it, but we think it’s “X-ceptional.”

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Henry Liao (@_artbyhenry_)

• Sometimes friends, sometimes foes, but always heroes. The Geeky Hooker will be dropping these crocheted Batman and Superman dolls somewhere near and sometime during San Diego Comic-Con. Finders, keepers. You can learn all about it on their website.

• What’s your holy grail of comic books? Well, Reece’s Rare Comics might just have it. They will be exhibiting at Comic-Con and invite attendees to contact them with any special requests. 
• Find me a better Transformers artist than Marcelo Matere, go head I’ll wait. Lucky for us, Matere is offering 10 lucky fans commission slots this year, and will also have a table in Artist’s Alley. 

• Me-WOW! Olivia DeBerardinis is still making pin-up blank covers and we are still loving them. For more information about how you can participate in the auction that will include this Bettie Page Catwoman original piece, plus all the others, check out De Berardinis’ web site (link is NSFW, just so you know!)

• One of the best cover artists working right now is David Nakayama (check out that Maleficient cover!) and recently on Facebook Nakayama announced his plans for San Diego Comic-Con which include signatures, remarks and if time allows, some sketches.

• One of the best things about “exclusives” is when they are actually EXCLUSIVE. And Valor and Vellum’s Priscilla Wilson always gives us just that, exclusives that even include the coveted SDCC stickers to go along with them. It’s great to hear they will be back again this year.

• Are you a Bluey fan? What about a Chewie fan? If you answered “yes” to both of those questions, then this is for you! Paul Draper posted this tease on Twitter of a “Chewy” figure that will make it’s debut at San Diego Comic-Con. 

• Surprise! Artist Tyler Walpole is exhibiting at Comic-Con. No, really, it was actually a surprise to him as well. Sounds like maybe Walpole got called off the waitlist to join the big event. Never give up on your dreams, kids. We’ll be watching for what Walpole will be bringing with him, but whatever it is, it will be boss.

• If you have read this far, you’re probably wondering where are Patrick Ballesteros info is. Rarely does a UTT go by without a tease from Ballesteros, and this UTT is no different. Looks like someone has a room with a view. Hopefully we don’t have to wait long to get a view at the finished piece.

Anything we missed? Let us know by dropping us a line, or tweet us at @SD_Comic_Con.

If you missed our previous Under the Tents 2023 posts, you can find them HERE