Denver Comic Con 2017: Scotty's Artist Checklist

Written by Scott Edwards

There is one thing that I always look forward to doing when Denver Comic Con comes around, mill around Artist Valley.  And this year will be no different from any other with the con bringing in some of the best of the best when it comes to artists that have brought our favorite characters to life. It always amazes me to see the work that comic book artists are able to achieve when bringing a story to life with their artwork. Then when they take it a step further by showcasing their own artwork and creations, it is nothing short of breath taking.  So here are the artists that are a must to visit this year.
​
Allen Bellman is always a staple to visit at DCC, his work over the years of bringing our favorite character, Captain America, to life should never be forgotten. With new artwork in the works for Cap, it is hard to deny that what he has been able to do has changed people’s lives. I am always reminded of one conversation that I overheard during the first year of DCC when a guest made sure to tell his story about how he and his father were able to bond over the Captain America comic book and nothing would ever break that bond, even when things seemed to be getting out of reach for them.

---

​One of my favorite dark artists will be coming back this year, Ben Templesmith. The first time I saw his artwork, I was blown away, not because of the darkness, but because of the story that goes along with it. If there is not a long line, he is more than willing to give you the stories behind his work and it is just amazing to hear what he was thinking when he created it. He was also the main artist in the 30 Days of Night series, which is still just some amazing work and I hope he brings a couple copies of it this year, because I missed out on it the last time he was in Denver.

---

​Chad Harden will be in attendance once again and if you are a comic book fan, especially a DC fan, you will need to stop by and check out his Harley Quinn artwork. With all of the variations that he has brought to life, it is something that any fan would love to have in their collection. I am also pretty sure that he will be taking commissions during the con so you can get your very own one of a kind Harley, or anything else that your heart desires.

---

Actionline Studios – The artistic team of Matt Campbell and Ron Root will be showing off their skills this year.

Felipe Echevarria – Huge fan of Felipe’s work and thank you to my buddy Todd Jones for turning me on to his work.

Jay Peteranetz – Known Jay for a few years now and I love his Magicians Must Die card sets and he will also be promoting his new project Broderick.

Jeff Herndon Illustration – Huge fan of Jeff’s work, since every character he draws looks like they are in a photo and not a drawing.  He will be showing off his Massive Indiana Jones movie poster as well, it is going to be epic.

Lewis Brown Hornet – I met Lewis Brown last year and was blown away with his stories. Taking a look at his new comic, Brown Hornet Omniverse, I was utterly amazed. He should have some copies this year, so if you have not ordered a copy yet, make sure to pick one up.

Meents Illustrated – Jason is really the Tykes master and has made even more than you can shake a stick at.

---

Patrick Canter – Meeting Patrick last year, I was surprised to see the different styles his work took. He has a good booth that is great for browsing and picking up some of your favorite characters.

Philip Spaulding – Excited to see Phil this year as he has packed up all of his old work and has put his focus on surrealism. Can’t wait to see what he brings to the table.

Pink Havok – Blake Henriksen always has something new and mind blowing at his table, just need to wait and see what it is this year.

Red Team Go – Talk about a group that has their stuff together. With team members Colton Muheim, Joe Becker, Oi Bob Parks, Cachet Whitman, Saro Hang, Guy Davis, JohnnyShin and Roberto Martinez, this is a powerhouse of talent in one small place.

Sal Galindo – While Sal has an awesome collection of Stitch variants, I have fallen in love with his Day of the Dead princess series and I cannot wait to see what he puts on the table this year.

Serna Illustration – I love stopping by and checking out Frankie Serna’s work. I cannot wait to see what he has on the table this year and chatting with him, because he is always smiling and willing to chat. 

---

She Paints with Blood – Don’t let the name scare you away, Aria Fawn’s artwork is mind blowing. It is definitely a booth to stop by and take a look.

Shelby Robertson – Finally Shelby is coming to DCC and I could not be happier. Seeing his work over the years, I have several pieces, but my main collection is of his Joker prints, since he draws the villain the way he should look.

Skello Art – Zac and Mindy Conley make this show so much fun. As they will probably be accompanied by their kids, I cannot wait to see them and see what their new projects have yielded.

Skylar Patridge – What can I say about Skylar that has not already been said. Following her over Inktober last year, I saw a side of her that has left me speechless. Really awesome stuff and I cannot wait to see what new treasures she has brought along with her this year.

The Art of Steven Pulawa – Steven is an awesome artist and has really been able to capture plenty of people’s attention while they pass by his table. Keep an eye out for him, he has been known to #STEVED many people on the con floor.

Todd Jones and Lee Oaks – While last year I was giving Todd a hard time for not being an artist (all in good fun of course), he has devised a great series featuring Classic Movie Monster Sharks and we had a great time talking about how to do them. I also cannot wait to see when Lee gets his own table, since that seems to happen very quickly so I can find out how his Thunder Monkey series is going.

Once again, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to artists coming to Denver Comic Con this year and I cannot be more excited. If you are looking for me, I will be back in Artist Valley, not just because I love the artwork, but I also love the people. There is something to be said about artists that really love what they do and you can see it in their eyes when they make a sale. Then the excitement that the fans get in meeting their idols, well, there is nothing like it. Sooooo, get your list together, because I can guarantee you that you will be lost in this sea of awesomeness, which overall, might not be a bad thing. Happy Conning!

---