PRESS RELEASE
Jack Kirby wasn’t an ordinary comic-book creator, and it’s perhaps only the occasion of The King of Comics’ 100th birthday celebration this year that could get John Byrne to rescind his retirement from comic conventions to make a special appearance at NYCC 2017 in October.
John Byrne did appear at two Star Trek 50th anniversary conventions in 2016 but had retired from comic cons following the Mid-Ohio Con in 2004. But Byrne agreed to attend the New York Comic Con for the chance to sit alongside fellow Eisner Hall of Fame creator Walter Simonson on a special panel discussing the enduring legacy of Jack Kirby.
IDW’s President Greg Goldstein and CCO Chris Ryall will host the panel, as a dynamic slideshow of more than 1,300 pieces of original Kirby art plays in the background — the largest public showing of Kirby originals ever. The special draw, however, is the two titanic creators who have both put together sustained and acclaimed runs of comics created or co-created by Jack Kirby.
“I know John [Byrne] forever swore off comic cons, but let’s not remind him of that!” said Ryall, IDW’s Chief Creative Officer and Byrne’s editor for the last twelve years. “Really, though, the chance to publicly talk up the impact Kirby’s work had on his own career was the lure for John, and being able to do so alongside his close friend and fellow legend Walter Simonson only helped seal the deal.”
The panel will take place on Friday, October 6 from 1:45pm-2:45pm in Room 1A21 and all in attendance will walk away with a Jack Kirby-related giveaway.
“The Kirby 100 panel that we presented at SDCC this past July was completely standing room only, with many people unable to fit in the room,” said Goldstein. “So I’d recommend getting to this one early to ensure you get a seat.”
Following the panel, Byrne will make his way to the IDW Booth #1844 for a special two-hour signing, from 3:30pm-5:30pm.
Byrne’s signing will be a ticketed event. Tickets will be distributed on Friday morning to the first 100 fans to purchase a special con-exclusive version of his long-running series of Star Trek photoplays, Star Trek: New Visions 18: “What a Pain it is to Drown.” This convention-exclusive item will feature a special Byrne-themed photo cover! (And if you aren’t one of the first 100 people, don’t completely fret, because Byrne will accommodate as many standbys as time allows, too.)
Because Byrne’s signings are a very rare thing now, IDW will make every effort to accommodate as many fans as possible while maintaining an orderly and professional experience. To that end, Byrne will be unable to sketch in anyone’s books. And each attendee of the signing will be limited to a maximum of three items; the first two must be IDW books or comics and the third item can be a non-IDW item.
Walter Simonson will also be appearing at IDW’s booth throughout the convention, with signing times and dates to follow shortly.
About IDW
IDW Media Holdings, Inc. (OCTQX: IDWM) is a fully integrated media company, which includes publishing, games, entertainment, and the San Diego Comic Art Gallery.
IDW Publishing’s comic book and graphic novel catalog includes some of the world’s most popular entertainment brands, including Transformers, My Little Pony, Star Trek, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ghostbusters, and Disney’s classic characters. At IDW’s core is its commitment to creator-owned comics including 30 Days of Night, Locke & Key, Wormwood, Ragnarök, V-Wars, and Archangel by bestselling sci-fi author William Gibson.
IDW Publishing is also home to the acclaimed and award-winning imprints; Top Shelf, The Library of American Comics, Yoe! Books, and Artist Editions, showcasing the greatest original art ever published in American comic books.
IDW Games’ diverse line-up includes the international phenomenon Machi Koro, as well as hit licensed games such as X-Files, Back to the Future, The Godfather, and TMNT.
IDW Entertainment serves as the worldwide distributor of Wynonna Earp airing on the Syfy Channel in the U.S. and is producing BBC America’s Dirk Gently, based on the bestseller by Douglas Adams starring Elijah Wood and Samuel Barnett.
