Who’s Coming
QEW Publishing
Kevin McCoy, designer/illustrator
Cas Anvar, actor
Cas Anvar is a multitalented award-winning actor best know to COMICON audiences for his role as the legendary Assassin Altair from Assassins Creed Revelations as well as his roles in Call Of Duty:BO2, Halo4, Command & Conquer and Star Wars Clone Wars.
Anvar’s big break came with his role in the Cruise/Wagner film ‘Shattered Glass’, alongside an A-list cast including Hayden Christiansen, Peter Sarsgaard and Chloe Sevigny. The film went on to be nominated for four Spirit Awards and a Golden Globe. Anvar is no stranger to working with Hollywood elite, showing his versatility on the big screen with roles opposite Ben Affleck in the Oscar-winning Best Picture ‘Argo’, Naomi Watts in the Princess Diana biopic ‘Diana’ (starring as Dodi Fayed), with Jake Gyllenhaal in the sci-fi adventure ‘Source Code’, and John Cusak in the suspense thriller ‘The Factory’. His film credits also include Steven Spielberg’s ‘The Terminal’ (with Tom Hanks and Catherine Zeta Jones), the feature comedy ‘Miss India America’ (with Hannah Simone of “New Girl”), and the horror thriller ‘The Vatican Tapes’ (starring Dougray Scott and Michael Pena).
The actor has been nominated for two ACTRA awards and two Gemini awards, and won the SAG award for Best Ensemble Cast for his role in ‘Argo’
On the small screen, Anvar has appeared on CBS’s “NCIS:LA”, USA network’s “In Plain Sight”, ABC’s “Boston Legal”, ABC’s “Castle”, CBS’s “Intelligence”, and the hit series “24” (with Keifer Sutherland). Cas appeared opposite Naveen Andrews in the final season of ABC’s “Lost” playing Sayid’s brother as well as the SyFy mini series “The Phantom” playing the psychotic and nefarious Raahtib Singh. He starred alongside Rhys Ivans, Anna Friel, Bob Hoskins and Charles Dance in SyFy’s epic fantasy adventure event “Neverland”, playing the swashbuckling, hilariously nasty pirate foil to Hook, Gentleman Starkey.
When he’s not working, Anvar enjoys playing paintball with his team, The Suave Bastards, and buzzing around in their custom made tank called The Mighty Bastard.
For more information about Cas Anvar check out IMDb at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0031679/
Damon Runyan, actor
Damon Runyan was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. He is currently playing Ujilli, a Klingon leader of the House Mokai in Star Trek Discovery. Damon is best known for his portrayal of Charles Falco in the series Gangland Undercover. His TV credit include Suits, Haven, Nikita, Lost Girl, Degrassi: TNG and Covert Affairs. Recent stage credits include Mike Bartlett’s Canadian premiere of Bull, and Neil LaBute’s In a Forest Dark and Deep. Damon won the Best Actor Award for his film Cassidy in the 2013 National Film Challenge. He will appear alongside Amanda Seyfried and Clive Owen in Andrew Niccol’s film Anon. For more information about Damon Runyan check out his page on IMDB.
Jeremy Howard, actor
Jeremy Howard is perhaps best known for his roles in iconic films such as How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Galaxy Quest and Men in Black II. His other feature film credits include Accepted, Sydney White, Hotel for Dogs, and Catch Me If You Can among others.
With an elaborate career spanning so many genres of film it was only natural for his talent to take the next step and move into a hugely successful franchise. That step is now a reality with the success of Michael Bay’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in which Jeremy portrays Donatello, the bo staff wielding brother who dons the color purple, in the comic book foursome that became a world renowned property. The film has broken box office records and Paramount studios has plans for at least 2 more films with Jeremy on board to continue bringing Donatello to life!
A whole different demographic of kids can catch Jeremy on his recurring role for Disney’s television show Mighty Med which airs on Disney XD.
Jeremy’s other television credits include roles in Suburgatory, Grey’s Anatomy, House M.D., Monk, My Name is Earl, The Drew Carey Show, Entourage, Scrubs, and most notably, a recurring role on the hit series Breaking Bad!
Kat Cressida, voiceover actor
Kat graduated from UC Berkeley in Shakespeare (in her words “highly impractical”) and the American Conservatory Theater. She landed her first gigs on camera on several comedy shows and soap operas. But when she took her first voice-over workshops – she found her calling; the magic of animation plus storytelling at the microphone. Soon after she had her first voice-over gig as Dee Dee in the smash hit Dexter’s Laboratory for Cartoon Network. She was Jessie in Disney Infinity, Electra in Marvel Heroes, Madame Hydra in Marvel Heroes and Henchwoman in Gotham Stories.
Kat has also provided voice matches for several of Hollywood’s actors including Kim Basinger, Joan Cusack, Claire Danes, and Nicole Kidman. She is the current voice for the attic bride, Constance, in the Disneyland attraction The Haunted Mansion. For more information about Kat Cressida check this out: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0187570/
Suburban Vermin, kickoff band
Join Suburban Vermin at the WEN-CON Kick-Off Party at the Wenatchee Valley Museum on Friday, April 20th at 7:00 p.m. for music, fun and prizes! Then see them again at WEN-CON on Saturday, April 21 at booth #200.
Compared to the likes of the Ramones, The Clash and the Buzzcocks; Suburban Vermin are known for their raw punk music sound. This year marks the 11th year for the group to collaborate as a band. Last year, the group produced the album and accompanying comic book series “TV Head Nation.” The dystopian storyline told in the music and written narrative is chock full of science fiction, horror and timely political observations.
Stop by the Suburban Vermin booth, meet the band/heroes and find out what’s next!
Drah Hard, illustrator
Russ Richards, artist and illustrator
Russ Richards is a Washington based artist and illustrator. Russ sells framed, hand-painted animation cels. Over the years, Russ has done many projects for companies such as: Disney, Marvel, Hard Rock Café, NFL, MLB, NCAA, NHL, the National Parks, and the US Military, along with countless others. He enjoys spending time with his wife and dogs, going on hikes, and enjoying nature. You can view more of his work at www.russrichardsart.com as well as on social media @russrichardsart.
Chad Dulac, Illustrator/Video Game Designer
Chad Dulac was born in Farmington, Minnesota in 1973 and moved to Wenatchee, Washington with his family at the age of four. Growing up in the valley, he graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1992 and shortly after joined the United States Navy. Chad served for 23 years while in the Navy going from an enlisted Illustrator Draftsman to a Commissioned Public Affairs Officer before retiring at the rank of Lieutenant.
During his time in the Navy, Chad earned his Associate in Arts degree from the University of Phoenix as well as receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Game Art and Design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.
Chad got his start in the comic industry working with QEW Publishing on his original comic book title “The Gifted,” and has attended San Diego COMICON and Emerald City COMICON as an exhibitor and artist. In 2004 and 2005, he had 47 illustrations printed in Dungeon Magazine and Dragon Magazine as a commissioned freelance artist for Paizo Publishing.
In 2011, along with Aaron Victoria, Chad formed the Idaho based, independent video game development studio SilverHelm Studios, LLC. While the Chief Operations Officer for SilverHelm Studios, he is also the Content and Art Lead for the superhero MMORPG “Valiance Online,” as well as the 3rd Person/ tower-defense shooter “Outlasting the Dead.”
Chad currently works as an independent artist and video game developer for SilverHelm Studios living in Wenatchee, Washington with his wife of 25 years, Della Dulac, his daughter Elizabeth and his son Erik.
Katie Clark, freelance artist
John Riggs, video game hacker
Riggs by name and by nature, John Riggs’s YouTube channel features tutorials on how you can make and design your own video game hacks as well as how to put them on physical cartridges. He also hosts a series called “Open Cart Surgery” where he takes games that aren’t working anymore and cleans and/or replaces parts needed, in hopes to breath new life into them.
He’s a coin-carrying member of the Metal Jesus Crew, loves breakfast cereal more than grown-up should, and is looking forward to his first time attending WEN-CON.
Justin Hunt, illustrator
An illustrator and artist for more than 20 years Justin has worked in many different mediums and genres and his works have been published numerous times. He is a full-time freelance comic illustrator and cover artist working on sequential art, splashes, and covers. His clients include Marvel (he did work on Black Panther), the US Army, NFL, several individual NFL players, UpperDeck, No Gravity Studios, Pilot Studios, Coffin Comics, Disney, and others.
Turning his attention more to comic covers allows him to spend more time on each project. As an artist he has done pencils, inks, and colors for projects as independent aspects or sometimes all three on one piece. He is currently working on several new covers to come out later this year.
Justin lives in Puyallup with his wife, four dogs, and four rabbits. An avid Star Wars fan his studio (and other parts of his home) are decorated with everything from action figures to life size replicas of BB8 and Darth Vader. His work can be found on www.facebook.com/artofjustinhunt. He is always up to do commissions and loves to meet and chat with fans as he makes his rounds on the convention circuit.
Devri Walls, fantasy author
Devri Walls is a US and international bestselling author. Having released five novels to date, she specializes in all things fantasy and paranormal. She is best known for her uncanny worldbuilding skills and her intricate storylines, and her ability to present this all in an easy-to-digest voice.
Now gearing up for her first national release, Devri is excited to introduce her sixth novel, book one in the Venators series. She loves to engage with her loyal following through social media and online sessions she organizes for her readers.
Devri lives in Meridian, Idaho with her husband and two kids. When not writing she can be found teaching voice lessons, reading, cooking or binge watching whatever show catches her fancy. For more information about Devri and her books check out her website at http://www.devriwalls.com/books
Chuck Gevelshausen, media guest
Media Guest Chuck Geveshausen is the founder of Sasquatch Syndicate. Sasquatch Syndicate is a Washington State non-profit organization dedicated to the research and discovery of Sasquatch. Mr. Geveshausen has spent over 25+ years researching this phenomenon and is one of the nation’s leading resources on this subject. As an author, explorer, and researcher, Chuck has traveled the world to find the answers and provides valuable insight to his audience and guests around the world.
Sasquatch Syndicate will be exhibiting exciting evidence, as well as pop culture comics, novels, art, and merchandise. In addition, Sasquatch Syndicate will be hosting a special guest appearance by ChanelleCos, professional cosplay artist from Seattle, WA, as well as holding a worbla molding demonstration during the event.
Mr. Geveshausen is the Host of Sasquatch Syndicate – one of the nation’s leading podcast authorities on the subject of Bigfoot. So whether you believe Sasquatch is flesh and blood, supernatural, or an alien species, we have you covered. Chuck has appeared in a variety of Web, television, and radio events, and features a variety of guests such as Dr. Jeff Meldrum, Dr. John Bindernagel, Nick Pope, Stan Gordon, Les Stroud, local Wenatchee researcher Paul Graves and a variety of other authorities on the subject.
Learn more about Sasquatch Syndicate at: www.sasquatchsyndicate.com or on his podcast outlet: http://podcast.sasquatchsyndicate.com/sasquatchsyndicate
Aaron McConnell, illustrator
Aaron McConnell illustrated the New York Times Best Seller The Comic Book Story of Beer (Ten Speed Press, 2015), The Gettysburg Address: A Graphic Adaptation (William Morrow, 2013) and The U.S. Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation (Hill and Wang, 2008).
In addition to his nonfiction and historical fiction comics he is also recognized for his fantasy illustrations in such titles as 13th Age RPG Core Book (Pelgrane Press, 2013) and Elder Scrolls Online: Tales of Tamriel (Titan Books, 2015). Stop by and meet Aaron at the National Cartoonists Society Northwest booth.
John Dover, author and professional musician
As the creator and writer of “Johnny Scotch”, John Dover has built his Jazz Noir world from the music he is immersed in on a daily basis and from his travels across the US as a professional musician. John continues to build the “Johnny Scotch” library through short stories, and his comic book collaboration with Illustrator and story board artist Dan Schaefer. John’s musical world and his writing world also collide with the “Johnny Scotch Vignettes”, a series of musical pieces written by Thomas Barber, that incorporate high energy fusion with the spoken word.
John currently is working on the Johnny Scotch graphic novel and the second Johnny Scotch novella. John is a regular contributor to Mythmachine.com and his horror short stories can be read in “Tales From the Braided Pony”, “Monsters ‘N’ Things”, and 100 Word Horrors.
Herb Leonhard, professional illustrator and graphic designer
In a career spanning over thirty years as a professional illustrator and graphic designer, Herb has illustrated more than thirty books and has earned numerous awards and international acclaim. His clients have included musician Tori Amos, Pelican Publishing, Omnibus Press, Ashgate Publishing, Raven Publishing, Steiner Korea and D Magazine.
Through his own company The Prancing Pony he has published a series of popular fantasy coloring books, storybooks and various related products. The Prancing Pony Giftshop now on Etsy has been in business for over 20 years now. This shop is run by Herb and Allyson Leonhard and features the art of Herb Leonhard (who is the most prolific artist in the family by far) on many products and books. Allyson likes to make art, jewelry and craft items as well as being an amateur photographer.
Herb’s work can be seen at: www.herbleonhard.com
www.facebook.com/HerbLeonhardArt
Brian Dorsey, special guest author
He has three adult children and lives with his wife, Kira, near Seattle, Wa. When not spending time with his family, Brian enjoys reading and researching US and Native American history, watching good TV shows or films (anything by Joss Whedon), hunting, teaching the occasional history class, or working on his next writing project.
His series has been well reviewed and is frequently in the Amazon Top 100 for the Space Marine genre.
You can follow all of Brian’s creative endeavors, including films/scripts and comic books, at www.mountaineerwest.com.
Coming soon: Book of Luca’ comic series and Lions, a film co-written by Brian Dorsey & Justin Zimmerman. Based on a short story by Brian Dorsey.
Dan McConnell, artist/cartoonist
Well-known and widely published Cashmere artist Dan McConnell was born in Chelan WA “at an early age” and spent his school years in Quincy WA. He graduated from QHS then attended several Washington colleges until he ended up at CWU, Ellensburg with a BA degree in Broad Area Art.
He and his wife bought an orchard in 1974 and that is where he launched his comic strip “Apple Andy” in 1981. Since then his work, often political, has appeared in numerous regional and national publications, selling cartoons to syndicated cartoonists like Dan Piraro, British magazines, and American magazines, most notably Reader’s Digest.
Dan also does freelance art for Marvel Comics (It could be YOU!).
Joy Knight-Richards, cosplay performer
You can find her on Facebook at TheGirlNextDoorCosplay, GypsyRealmProductions or VisionsbyVictory.
Ryan Wells, professional cosplayer
Ryan Wells, Portland, OR, is a professional cosplayer prop builder and builder for Magic Wheelchair @ magicwheelchair.org Known for being a “Creature Cosplayer” building larger than life costumes and drawing inspiration from fantasy and science fiction, he has been featured on such sites as Stan Winston School for Character Art’s and Muppets Henson. Ryan is administrator for an online cosplay group and is a huge advocate for sharing ideas, community, and volunteering.
“Cosplay was a natural progression for me since there was simply not enough Halloween in my life. I love to learn new skills, trades, make challenges for myself, getting inspiration and ideas from friends (new and old) and making connections through this great community. I tend to draw inspiration mainly from film but I’m trying to branch out into other genres.”
David Goehner
Hey, did you hear the Batmobile will be at WEN-CON in April? Not only that but we will also have a special panel, “The Batman from Walla Walla: A 90th Birthday Remembrance of Adam West”. Join us for a look back at the life and career of the native Washingtonian who was TV’s original defender of Gotham City (and later the mayor of Quahog). This tribute to the iconic actor will include highlights from Walla Walla’s first annual “Adam West Day” celebration that took place on Sept. 19, 2017 during what would have been Adam West’s 89th birthday. This panel will be hosted by David Goehner, a Dryden native, former cartoonist for Comics Buyer’s Guide and local pop-culture extraordinaire.
1966 Batmobile
The only 1966 Batmobile in the world that has been ridden in and autographed by Adam West, Burt Ward (Robin) and Evel Knievel. Also jumped over and signed by Robbie Knievel, famous daredevil and son of Evel Knievel. Watch the video!
WEN-CON appearance sponsored by Numerica Credit Union
Artoo 1.5
Long ago in a galaxy far, far away….
(Well no, actually quite recently and close by), a retired television technician looked back on one of his favorite movies and decided to try to recreate some of the interest and excitement of the STAR WARS films by modeling one of their most endearing characters, R2D2.
Because a simple, remote controlled toy would just be not enough fun and hard to share, he decided to build a drivable, functional replica in 1.5=1 scale.
The results is a 60” tall motorized vehicle suitable for public exhibition and display.
Artoo 1.5 features authentic details, electric power, music and voice, and a rotating dome.
Preston Smith, Splotch Comics
Preston Smith is an independent comic creator based in Spokane Washington. Having just released his first book in October of 2016, he plans to build a new and exciting universe through collaboration and creativity. He has loved comic books since a young age and has created stories for most of his life and is incredibly excited to share them.
Splotch Comics and Preston Smith are returning to WEN-CON, bringing three times as much original material than last year! Catch up with the Crossfire team and introduce yourself to Lucky Shot in the exciting connected universe! As well as books they’ll have tee shirts, postcards, coloring books and more! See them at WEN-CON 2018! More can be found at www.splotchcomics.com.
Jason Sims, magician
Jason Sims is a local magician specializing in illusions, subterfuge, and astonishment! A Wenatchee local, Jason has been doing magic for several years. A six year veteran of the Army, he deployed to Iraq in 2007. There he entertained his fellow soldiers, local kids, and even coalition forces from around the world.
Jason does magic locally part time and he enjoys sharing his mystical gifts with everyone.
Check back to discover more special guests for WEN-CON 2018!
Please note: all guests subject to change.