City of Oaks Comicbook Odyssey

A journey through panels, pages, and pop culture

 




Special Guest, Guest Artists & Fandom Legend


 


 
A Curated Showcase of Storytelling Craft
City of Oaks Comicbook Odyssey welcomes a curated roster of influential creators whose work has shaped how we experience comic books and visual narratives. Our lineup spans artists, writers, storytellers, and performers, each contributing their unique voice to the medium through craft, character, and world-building. Collectors, readers, and emerging creators are invited to connect with the professionals who bring these stories to life and continue to influence the comic-book community.

Signed editions, original artwork, and guest commissions may be available throughout the event, depending on each creator’s offerings and availability.
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Ciara Renée

Ciara Renée is a versatile performer celebrated by comic book and theatre fans alike for her commanding presence onstage and onscreen. In the DC Arrowverse, she brought depth and power to Kendra Saunders / Hawkgirl, the fierce winged hero whose journey through time and destiny became a standout part of DC’s Legends of Tomorrow and The Flash.

Her extensive stage résumé includes standout turns in Pippin, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Big Fish, and Broadway’s Frozen, where her dynamic vocals and emotional range captivated audiences nationwide. Beyond the DC universe, Ciara has appeared in television projects such as The Big Bang Theory and continues to build a career that spans acting, singing, and directing.

A graduate of Baldwin Wallace University’s Musical Theatre Program, the Pennsylvania native brings authenticity and strength to every role—solidifying her as one of today’s most engaging creative talents.  At City of Oaks Comicbook Odyssey, she brings character performance to comic-book culture, showing how storytelling moves beyond the page.

Learn more about Ciara Renée and her journey to COCO—watch her interview on The Essential Review Podcast.
Watch Ciara's Interview
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Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod, a legendary comic book artist and inker best known as the co-creator of The New Mutants for Marvel Comics. Since beginning his career in the 1970s, McLeod has worked on some of the industry’s most iconic titles, including Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, X-Men, and Superman.

Celebrated for his clean line work and expressive characters, he has contributed to both Marvel and DC Comics as a penciller and inker. In addition to his superhero work, McLeod authored and illustrated Superhero ABC, a children’s book published by HarperCollins. Today, he continues to appear at conventions, create commissioned art, and inspire fans and future creators through his decades of contributions to the comic book world.  He brings the legacy and craftsmanship of classic comic-book storytelling, embodying the foundational work that modern comic books continue to build on.

 

Interested in a Commission?

Bob McLeod is collecting advance commission requests to be started at COCO.
Final availability will be confirmed by Bob based on time and schedule.
Details on commission sizes and pricing are listed below.
To be added to the list, please contact Bob using the email address provided.

Head shots - $150, Half figure - $280, Full figure - $400.
All in ink on 9” x 12” paper, Same prices for sketch covers. Small remarques are $80

📩 Commission inquiries:
Send requests to this email address, mcleod.bob@gmail.com

 
Watch Bob's Interview
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Joe Rubinstein

Joe Rubinstein is a legendary comic book artist and inker, celebrated for his work on The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe and classic runs on Wolverine, Infinity Gauntlet, and Captain America. Over the course of a remarkable career spanning more than four decades, Rubinstein has brought clarity, texture, and emotion to the art of storytelling through ink. His unmatched precision and adaptability have made him one of the most respected inkers in the comic book industry.

With over 2,500 titles to his credit, Rubinstein has collaborated with nearly every major artist in comic books, enhancing and defining the visual style of countless creators and characters. His work has graced the pages of both Marvel and DC, influencing the look of heroes who have inspired generations of readers. Widely regarded as a master of his craft, Rubinstein’s legacy continues to shape how comic book art is seen, studied, and celebrated today.  He brings a legacy of expressive inking that helped define iconic characters and preserve the craft behind classic comic-book art.

Commission Pre-Orders
This guest artist is accepting pre-orders for commissions ahead of COCO.
To request a commission or ask about availability, please contact the artist using the email address below.

📩 Commission inquiries:
Joe Rubinstein — joe@joerubinsteinart.com
Watch Joe's Interview
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Jamal Igle

Jamal Igle is an award-winning writer, artist, and educator whose career spans more than three decades in comic books and animation. Recipient of the 2011 Inkpot Award for Outstanding Achievement in Comic Art, Jamal is the creator of Molly Danger (Action Lab), co-creator of Venture with Jay Faerber, The Wrong Earth with Tom Peyer (Ahoy Comics), and Dudley Datson and the Forever Machine with Scott Snyder (Comixology/Dark Horse).

His detailed pencils have defined beloved series including Firestorm the Nuclear Man, Supergirl, Nightwing, Zatanna, Noble Causes, and New Warriors, as well as titles for G.I. Joe, Iron Man, Spider-Man, and Green Lantern. Jamal’s work also extends to television and film storyboarding.

Recent credits include Dark Honor (Image Comics), Toxie Team-Up (Ahoy Comics), and WHITE from Black Mask Studios. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at The School of Visual Arts in New York City, shaping the next generation of comic book creators.  He brings emotionally driven storytelling that reflects how character and identity shape the heart of modern comics.
Watch Jamal's Interview
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Andy Smith

Andy Smith is a veteran comic book artist whose bold storytelling and energetic linework have captivated readers since 1991. Over his career, he has worked with nearly every major publisher—including Marvel, DC, Image, Acclaim, and CrossGen Entertainment—bringing his signature touch to titles such as Green Lantern, Hawkman, Thanos vs. Hulk, and Silver Surfer.

An accomplished author and educator, Andy has written two instructional books, Drawing Dynamic Comics (2000) and Drawing American Manga Super-Heroes (2007), which have inspired artists around the world.

Today, he continues to expand his creative vision through his own imprint, Astonishing Comics, home to original series such as 1stMAN and Kor-Drath: The Reckoning. With more than three decades in the industry, Andy Smith remains one of comics’ most versatile and passionate creators.  He brings dynamic superhero craftsmanship rooted in strong anatomy and bold action, celebrating the energy of classic comic-book art.

Commission Pre-Orders
This guest artist is accepting pre-orders for commissions ahead of COCO.
To request a commission or ask about availability, please contact the artist using the email address below.

9”x12” headshot is $50, 9”x12” 3/4 bust is $125, 9”x12” full figure is $250

📩 Commission inquiries:
Andy Smith —  andysmithart@yahoo.com
Watch Andy's Interview
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Bo Hampton

Bo Hampton is an acclaimed comic-book artist and illustrator whose painterly, atmospheric style has made him one of the most distinctive storytellers in the medium. A longtime NC resident, Bo studied at the School of Visual Arts in NYC under legendary creators including Will Eisner and Al Williamson, later serving as Eisner’s assistant. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he has brought expressive visual storytelling to major publishers such as DC Comics, Marvel, Dark Horse, Image, and NBM.

Bo is best known for celebrated works including Batman: Castle of the Bat, Viking Glory, Moon Knight, Verdilak, and numerous other titles that showcase his blend of realism, mood, and dramatic composition. In addition to comic books, he has contributed to storyboarding and visual development for animation and commercial production.  He brings atmospheric, painterly storytelling that merges mood, motion, and fantasy, offering a cinematic approach that blurs illustration and film.
Meet Bo at COCO!
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Pierre-Alexandre Comtois

Pierre-Alexandre Comtois is a 20-plus-year veteran of the animation industry whose storytelling artistry has shaped projects for leading studios including Disney, Warner Bros., DreamWorks, and Netflix. Over his distinguished career, he has served as a story artist on acclaimed productions such as The Addams Family (1 & 2), Extinct, Ballerina, Fireheart, Sausage Party: Foodtopia, Sonic Prime, and numerous Peanuts specials.

Now bringing decades of visual expertise full circle, Pierre is channeling his experience into the world of comic books with his creator-owned graphic-novel series Sunder, published by Mad Cave Studios. The series reflects his signature cinematic style — bold, emotional, and deeply human.  He brings cinematic visual storytelling shaped by animation, layering emotion, world-building, and movement into the language of comic-book art.

Commission Pre-Orders
This guest artist is accepting pre-orders for commissions ahead of COCO.
To request a commission or ask about availability, please contact the artist using the email address below.

📩 Commission inquiries:
5 spots available for: -9x12 (inks and inkwash) $150
                                      -10x15 (ink and inkwashes) $250
 Character of your choice, extra for additional character ($75/9x12, $100/10x15)

Send requests to sundercomics@gmail.com
Watch Pierre's Interview
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Bill Maus

Bill Maus is a 90s indie comic book veteran best known for Zen: Intergalactic Ninja and Nira-X: Cyberangel. With a dynamic art style and imaginative storytelling, he became a defining voice of the independent comic books boom.

As co-founder of Parody Press and Entity Comics, Bill helped lead a wave of creator-driven titles that captured the energy, humor, and bold creativity of the era. His work continues to inspire both longtime fans and new generations of indie creators.

Today, Bill shares his passion and perspective on his weekly podcast, The Weekly Maus, where he reflects on decades in comic books through stories, insights, and conversations with fellow artists. Still creating and connecting with fans, he remains dedicated to celebrating—and advancing—the spirit of independent comic books.  He brings a playful, high-impact style that blends humor and action, highlighting the fun and intensity of comic-book storytelling.
Watch Bill's Interview
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Lexx Truss

Lexx Truss is an LA-based writer, director, and producer from Greensboro, North Carolina, whose work spans short films, branded pieces, and visual storytelling across genres.

In 2019, he was named Grand Prize Winner of the Emerge! Filmmaking Lab through Little Ugly, Ghetto Film School, Vimeo, and Dolby for his psychological thriller Zarina.  Since then, Lexx has created short-form documentary and branded content for companies including ATTN:, Red Bull, and Rescue. His projects have reached the Cannes Short Film Corner, Fox Soul’s Screening Room hosted by Vivica A. Fox, and earned an NAACP Award nomination.

While establishing his production company, Truss Films, he continues to champion authenticity, legacy, and purpose-driven artistry. Regardless of format or genre, his unconventional directorial style aims to challenge societal norms while diving into intimate depths of the human condition. He offers insight into how film and comic books share a visual language of storytelling.
Watch Lexx's Interview
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Karen Whitfield

Karen Whitfield is DC Comic's Bronze Age Batgirl. She toured with Adam West, Burt Ward, and the Caped Crusaders from 1978 to 1984. They performed live on stage, followed by a meet-and-greet with fans of The Batman66 TV series and The 1977 New Adventures of Batman Animated Series.

Karen is the author of "Batdriven West" which chronicles the never before told story of what it was like to get to know the Dynamic Duo in and out of their Superhero identities. She also tells her story of what it was like to become the Bronze Age Batgirl and to be the second Super Heroine to wear the Bat Mantle.

Karen looks forward in meeting all the fans and cosplayers that follow DC Comics, Superheroes, Supervillains, especially Batman, Robin, and Batgirl!
Watch Karen's Interview
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D.R. 'SOLO' GAYLESON

D.R. “Solo” Gayleson is a self-taught comic-book artist, animator, educator, and industry mentor whose creative journey began on the South Side of Chicago. He entered the professional art world at age fourteen and later served honorably in the U.S. Army before working as a Chicago police officer. Throughout every chapter of life, Solo’s passion for comic books and visual storytelling remained central to his purpose.

Solo gained industry experience interning at an animation studio on projects including Animaniacs and Batman: The Animated Series, and later completed freelance work for Marvel, Upper Deck, and video game developers. He has taught comic arts at the International School of Comics: Chicago and instructed Google’s global staff in comic-book storytelling.

He is the founder of Ka-Pow!! The Comic Arts Academy, created to provide accessible, structured, and affordable education for aspiring comic-book artists at every skill level. At City of Oaks Comicbook Odyssey, Solo appears as an Industry Education Guest, Panel Host, and exhibitor representing Ka-Pow!!.
Watch Solo's Interview

🔔 Stay in the Loop

Love our guest line-up? There’s more to come!
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