Comic book art has evolved from disposable entertainment to a celebrated art form, and a new festival is set to honor that evolution. The inaugural ICON Festival, taking place November 7-8 at the historic Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, promises an intimate experience where fans can engage directly with some of the industry's most talented artists. Unlike typical conventions, this event focuses on one-on-one interactions and deep dives into the creative process.
Already announced guests include Nick Dragotta (Absolute Batman), Jim Cheung (Young Avengers), and Ryan Ottley (Invincible), among many others. Now, Collider is excited to exclusively reveal a special VIP event featuring three distinct legends: Bill Sienkiewicz, Glen David Gold, and Thomas Jane. The trio will participate in a moderated discussion hosted by The Hollywood Reporter's Borys Kit, offering attendees a rare opportunity to hear from these influential figures.
Who Are the New Guests of Honor?
Bill Sienkiewicz first made waves with his groundbreaking work on Marvel's Moon Knight in the early 1980s, before redefining the visual language of comics with his surreal and inventive run on New Mutants. His subsequent projects include Elektra: Assassin, Daredevil: Love and War, and Stray Toasters. More recently, he contributed as a concept artist to the animated hit Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
Glen David Gold is a celebrated novelist, known for Carter Beats the Devil and Sunnyside, but he's also a passionate comics collector and expert. His insights into the art form's history and value add a unique perspective to the panel.
Thomas Jane might be best recognized for portraying the Punisher on the big screen, but he's also a respected comics creator. He co-created The Lycan, a horror series that took home a Harvey Award this year, proving his talents extend beyond acting.
What Else Can Attendees Expect?
In addition to the star-studded panels, the ICON Festival will host The Art of Alex Ross, a traveling exhibition showcasing the painted masterpieces of the legendary Chicago-based artist. Ross is renowned for his work on Marvels, Kingdom Come, and countless iconic covers, including those for Immortal Hulk, Astro City, and Earth X. Over 100 pieces of his art will be displayed in Los Angeles for the first time, following its debut at the Dunn Museum in Chicago.
The festival's unique format allows attendees to spend quality time with artists, making it a must-attend event for comic enthusiasts. With such an impressive lineup, the ICON Festival is poised to become a highlight of the comics calendar.
For those interested in exploring more about the world of comics, check out our coverage of Deadpool joining X-Men '97 or the latest Marvel Legends figures. And if you're a fan of graphic novels, don't miss our preview of Legends & Lattes.
The ICON Festival runs November 7-8 at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates as the event approaches.
