Q&A With Marvel Jessica Jones and CW's Arrow Actor, Wil Traval

photo credit: Brianna Alysse

I'm really excited to have been able to get connected with this next interview guest. Though it's a brief Q&A, it's a nice introduction to an actor who I believe will be a household name, before you know it. Enjoy this nice little Q&A with Wil Traval. Mr. Traval stars as Officer Simpson on the hit Marvel Netflix series, Jessica Jones. He's also appeared recently on Arrow and will have a role in the final season of NBC's Grimm. Those are three of my favorite shows, so I was pretty stoked about this one. Enjoy.

TheSteveStrout: Congrats on being one of the few actors to appear on DC and Marvel shows, having played Officer Simpson on Jessica Jones and Human Target on Arrow. How's it feel to be on that short list of talented actors?

Wil Traval: I am honored to be one of very few.

Jet City Comic Show Recap

Due to real life circumstances, this show recap took me a lot longer to post than normal, which is a bummer because this convention, the Jet City Comic Show, get bigger and better every year. If you're not a regular attendee at this comic and pop culture convention, then you're missing out. Jet City Comic Show isn't the biggest con in the Northwest U.S., but is is growing in popularity and becoming a yearly nerd reunion for the area fanboy/fangirl crowd! 

When checking out this photo gallery you'll find many familiar faces from prior posts here and on this regions convention circuit. Maybe your face shows up in one of these pictures (more incentive to share the article)! Hope you enjoy! 

Don't forget, we're always looking for contributors, so if you want to recap cons, review media (comics, tv, movies, books, etc..) or anything else suitable, get in touch!!! We'd love to have ya. Can't pay, but I always make it a point to share geeky goodies I might collect in our work here. 

Jet City Comic Show Preview: Q&A With Actor Robert Lasardo

courtesy of Robert Lasardo Facebook

Here's my second Jet City Comic Show preview piece/interview. This latest conversation is with one of the hardest working dude's in entertainment, Robert Lasardo. The name might not totally ring a bell, but with over 100 acting credit, I promise you recognize his face (and tattoo collection) from a tv show or movies. Though he's notorious for playing gangters and badasses, he is one of the nicest guys I've had the chance to interview. This was a really fun and inspirational conversation.

I was honestly nervous to talk to Robert, but after chatting for a few, you feel like your talking to an old friend. We even chatted for a few minutes after the interview about tattoos, and life. Be sure to swing by his table at Jet City Comic Show and say hi and show him your tattoos! I'm sure he'd love to see them....Enjoy the interview...Share the interview...Enjoy Jet City Comic Show...

TheSteveStrout: Lets start by talking about some of your favorite roles you've played.

Jet City Comic Show Preview: Q&A With Guest Comic Artist, Jeremy Colwell

One of the fastest growing comic con's in the Northwest, the Jet City Comic Show, is a couple weeks away, and we managed to get this great preview interview in with comic artist, Jeremy Colwell. Jeremy is best known for his work on the Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover series earlier this year. Hope you guys make it to Jet City comic Show on November 5th and 6th. Enjoy this introduction to featured show guest Jeremy Colwell!

TheSteveStrout: First off, congrats on the Thundercats/Masters of the Universe gig with Freddie Williams. Sample pages online look amazing. When is the release date for the series, and is it a short run or are their plans for ongoing?

Jeremy Colwell: Thank you! I’m very happy to be teaming up with Freddie again. The series is six issues coming out monthly starting October 5th. So issue one is out now—go get it! J

Film Review: Doomed: The Untold Story Of Roger Corman's "The Fantastic Four"

About 10 years ago, I was at a convention dealers booth checking out his "bootleg" dvd collection, checking out all the cult classics and movies that never really saw the light of day. One movie I came across really intrigued me was Roger Corman's unreleased Fantastic Four film, which I'd only heard about.

Needless to say, the movie sat in my collection and remained unwatched, like it was apparently meant to be until a couple years ago when I heard about the latest Fantastic Four reboot (which definitely shouldn't have been released). Well, I finally got around to watching Corman's FF movie, and other than the low budget quality, I really didn't mind the movie. I honestly found it entertaining.

Rose City Comic Con Recap

The last couple weeks since RCCC have been really hectic, therefore the delay on this post. Time was really tight, and I'm lucky enough to have had time enough to get these pictures posted. Thanks for always supporting and I hope you enjoy the pictorial. We want to see more from your weekend at RCCC so send us links on twitter: @thestevestrout and in the Comic Book Swap Meet group on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/groups/comicbookswapmeet/ Be sure to follow and join both too! We're doing a giveaway with this post, with details later in the article. Thanks to Haylee Troncone for awesome contributions to the site! Welcome aboard!

Rose City Comic Con Preview: Q&A With International Cosplay Star, Ani-Mia

As promised, another great Rose City Comic Con preview Q&A with international cosplay star, Ani-Mia! I couldn't be more excited to share this little chat with Ani-Mia, and hope you enjoy it too! If you attend RCCC this weekend, Sept 10-11, be sure to stop by her table and say hi, take a photo, and maybe buy a signed photo of her in one of here amazing cosplays!!

photo by www.facebook.com/RonGejonPhotography

TheSteveStrout: How do you keep inspired to constantly be putting out great new cosplays?

Ani-Mia: I'm always inspired by the movies and shows that I watch, games I play... There's honestly too much inspiration.

Rose City Comic Con Preview: Q&A with Christopher Sebela

Rose City Comic Con goes down this weekend, and like we always do, here's the first of our Rose City Comic Con (RCCC) preview Q&A's. This first one features one of the most prolific comic book writers on the scene, Chris Sebela. Mr. Sebela is one of the busiest writers, usually having no less than a handful of projects going on at any given time. We were lucky enough to have him spare a few minutes for us and this Q&A. Be sure to check out more of his stuff at www.christophersebela.com, and be sure to swing by his table at RCCC! For more RCCC info go to www.rosecitycomiccon.com

Q&A With Blackholers Creator, Ben Templesmith

I had the pleasure of meeting my next interviewee at Emerald City Comic Con earlier this year. I'd been a fan of this guy's art since I first seen 30 Days Of Night, and have loved his stuff ever since. If you aren't familiar with Ben Templesmith, enjoy this little intro, then go out and check out as much of his stuff as possible. Enjoy my Q&A with Ben Templesmith!

Clallam Bay Comic Con recap links from Donna Barr and Dara Korra'ti

Though thestevestrout.com couldn't attend the Clallam Bay Comic Con, we'd appreciate if you would take a few minutes to check out CBCC recaps from our friends, Donna Barr and Dara Korra'ti.

Donna Barr is the host of the Clallam Bay Comic Con and a veteran in the comic book world, being known for such acclaimed titles as  Stinz and The Desert Peach. More info on Donna can be found on her site at www.donnabarr.blogspot.com/. Donna's Clallam Bay Comic Con report can be found here: Clallam Bay Comic Con Report

Pretty Good Week

Before this next round of ramblings, I'd like to, unfortunately, mention the passing of Noel Neill. Noel Neill was known for her role as the original Lois Lane from the 50's era Adventures of Superman, alongside George Reeves. Some of my earliest television memories were of old re-runs of The Adventures of Superman. She'd make appearances in other incarnations of the Superman franchise, but will always be remembered for her role as Lois Lane. R.I.P. Noel Neill

Haylee Troncone's 'Soon To Be Named' Cosplay Column

Why do I cosplay? I get this question a lot. I've always been the quiet artsy nerd that everyone thought would go to an art college and become a famous painter, but that didn't happen. I never went to college. I started drawing less and cosplaying more.

Pretty Good Week: With A Sad Ending

I've spent the last couple weeks geeking out over some movies and a fantastic show, but before I touch on the good, let me mention the sad.

I'm sure most of you have heard by now about Anton Yelchin's untimely passing. Unfortunately this is the news I woke to. I really love the work Anton has done as Chekov on the Star Trek movie reboot series, and am deeply saddened by the loss. The kid was far too young and talented. Who knows what the future held for him. This is reason to never take life for granted, because it can all be taken at any time. In this case, it was far too early. May his great work stay in our memories. LLAP, friends...

Guest Post: Haylee Troncone and A-Baby Cosplay's Colossalcon Photo Gallery

Once again we have a guest post from our friend Haylee Troncone, this time from Colossalcon 15 in Ohio. She was joined by A-Baby Cosplay on this trip, and they sent us back this fun photo gallery from the convention! Be sure to click on their names and follow their work! Enjoy their photos, and if you ever want to share a convention experience here, get in touch!!

More From Crypticon...Alec Gillis' Harbinger Down Screening Review

We talked about Crypticon, and the Aliens cast "reunion". I also mentioned the screening of cast member, Alec Gillis' film, Harbinger Down. Here's some thoughts.

Crypticon Recap

Another year at Crypticon has come and gone, and I gotta tell ya, I love this convention more every year. Amazing guests, awesome vendors, and a brilliant artist alley are just a few reasons why I love this show. It feels like a family reunion every year seeing old friends and making so many new ones, including the wonderful celebrities. You wont find a con with more accessible celebrity guests than Crypticon, which you'll see in the photo gallery below...

Crypticon Preview Q&A w/ C.D. Poe

Crypticon is right around the corner, so lets preview Seattle's horror convention with a Q&A with one of the awesome artists at this year's show, C.D. Poe! To be honest, this was one of my favorite interviews, not only because C.D. Poe is a good friend and one of our favorite artists at the #ComicBookSwapMeet every year, but because his art is so unique and creepily beautiful! He also gave some really great enthusiastic responses! Check it out. Share it. Come say hi at Crypticon, and go show C.D. Poe some love on his social media outlets at www.cdpoe.com and www.facebook.com/cdpoe1031 You can also buy art from his shop at cdpoe.storenvy.com.

TheSteveStrout: For those unfamiliar with your art, how would you best describe your style?

C.D. Poe: It's hard to describe my style. I hear from folks repeatedly that it’s "unique". I assume that's a good thing. I can tell you what things I dig and, as a result, influence me. I love myths and legends, epic fantasy stories, comics and anime, and horror movies. I’m also a big fan of both classic and contemporary pin-up artwork. The likes of Gil Elvgren, Earl Moran, Olivia, and Luis Royo, to name a few, leave their mark on my work. I like to think all of those things churn around in the dark recesses of my cranium and help shape what you see.

Comic Book Swap Meet Recap

The Comic Book Swap Meet, our mini con here on the Olympic Peninsula, has come and gone. We did some good things and had a lot of fun. Gathered up a bunch of food for the food bank. Raised some money for the Humane Society too. I would have liked to had seen more cosplayers, but overall, it was an absolute success! Thanks for all the support, and I look forward to doing it again, hopefully in the fall.

Pretty Good Week: Civil War and more...

I just got in this evening after a pro wrestling event, and got to thinking how busy I've been and how I missed you all. I figured I better post and say hello.

Not a bad week. The dust has cleared from the Comic Book Swap Meet last week. We raised some money for the local Humane Society, and filled a couple boxes of food for the food bank! I'd call that a success. 

I was also honored to be interviewed by Chuck Anderson from the Sci Fi Monkeys website (and writer at Alucard Press). It was kind of cool to be on the interviewee for once. That should be live soon, hopefully. You know I'm gonna share it here.

Comic Book Swap Meet Info...

With the Comic Book Swap Meet right around the corner, I figured it's probably a great idea to share some info about the show!

The Comic Book Swap meet (#ComicBookSwapMeet ) is our local "Mini Comic Con" we produce here on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State with the help of our team at www.pnwsfx.com, and sponsors Anime Kat, Whistle Stop Toys, and DiGee Ink Tattoo Shop, all great local businesses on the peninsula.

Emerald City Comic Con Recap

This took a little longer than planned, but I was down for a couple days. I'd been feeling under the weather all weekend at ECCC, but I toughed it out, followed by an immediate trip to the ER when I got back home. As much as I love Emerald City Comic Con, and consider it my local convention, I swear it's bad luck for me. A few years ago, I got robbed immediately before (If ya dont remember that lovely story, check it out HERE). Another year, I had heart issues. This year, more medical stuff. But enough about me!!

Emerald City Comic Con Preview: Q&A with Greg Smith

Hope you've enjoyed the Emerald City comic Con preview Q&A's. This last one before ECCC is a good one. We got in a chat with Greg Smith, the writer of one of the hottest graphic novels on the market today, Junior Braves Of The Apocalypse (Oni Press) Be sure to stop by the Oni booth at ECCC if you're attending and grab a copy to get signed, as this will be a rare occurrence that all the creators of Junior Braves will be in the same place at the same time. I'm bringing my copy. Enjoy the interview and learning more about the book!

TheSteveStrout: Let's get right to it and have you tell us about Junior Braves. Can you summarize what it's about?

Greg Smith: Short  - The Goonies meet The Walking Dead.

Long - Junior Braves of the Apocalypse Book 1: A Brave is Brave, by writers Greg Smith and Michael Tanner, and artist Zach Lehner is brought to you by Oni Press, Portland’s premier independent comic book publisher.

Pretty Good Week: Why so much Batman v Superman Hate?

Hopefully you all checked out the Emerald City Comic Con (ECCC) preview interviews with the legendary Tim Sale and fantastic indie creator, Ryan Fisher...if not, you know where to find them. Who is going to be at ECCC? Let us know on Twitter @thestevestrout or on Facebook in the Comic Book Swap Meet group..

Emerald City Comic Con Preview: Q&A with Ryan Fisher

Hope you enjoyed the Tim Sale Q&A, and if you missed it, check it out HERE. It was quite an honor that a legend like Mr. Sale took the time for a quick chat. I'm pretty sure you'll like this next Q&A in the ECCC preview series. We had a nice little chat about Seattle artist Ryan Fisher, about his newly released graphic novel, Torchlight Lullaby. This book was more than deserving of the highly successful boost it recieved from its crowdfunding campaign. Read on and if you're at Emerald City Comic Con this year, stop by Ryan's table (M-08) and take a look. These words do it no justice.

Guest Post: Haylee Troncone's Sakura Con 2016 Photo Gallery

Our friend Haylee Troncone, a great cosplayer in her own right, shared a gallery of some awesome cosplays from last weekends Sakura Con in Seattle! Have a look, share, and be sure to follow Haylee Troncone Cosplay to see all her latest cosplay and geekiness! Thanks, Haylee!

Emerald City Comic Con Preview: Q&A with Tim Sale

We're doing a series of Q&A's with some Emeralc City Comic Con guest creators, and we're honored to kick it off with this quick interview with legendary artist of acclaimed titles such as Batman: The Long Halloween, The Dark Victory, and Daredevil, Yellow, the award winning Tim Sale...enjoy and share! See you at ECCC!

TheSteveStrout: What are you currently working on, and what will you be promoting this year at Emerald City Comic Con?

Tim Sale:  I'm in the early stages of a creator owned series, too early to say more about it, other than I am really jazzed. Doing covers here and there, and soon to be drawing some Batman ones (yay!), and working away at my commission list, which always gives me much pleasure.

Update time...

We've been kinda quiet here at www.thestevestrout.com, but all for good reason. It's convention season!! We're getting prepared to cover a few conventions, and setting up our own little con. 

This weekend I will be hitting Creation Entertainment's Supernatural convention in Seattle, so you can expect a report on that, and I will also be tweeting all weekend from the show, so make sure to be following @thestevestrout on Twitter.

We will also be doing a series of Q&A's with some of the guest comic creators for Emerald City Comic Con over the coming weeks leading up to ECCC, so stay tuned!

I mentioned our own con, here's some details on that. If your in the area, we'd love to see ya there! We have some great guests and vendors lined up, and if we have enough interest, we'll do a cosplay contest too!

Guest Post: Gallifrey One recap with Jen Irwin aka Lady Scarlett

I attended my very first Gallifrey One (a HUGE fan run Doctor Who convention) this month, and it was an amazing experience.

Thursday for what everyone was calling “Lobbycon” I wandered around and traded ribbons (my first time at a convention that had ribbon trading) which was a lot of fun. Then we all walked/drove over to In-N-Out Burger for the In-N-Out run, that was just insane, so many people but was also really fun (and good food!).

Cool Projects #5

Sorry it's been a bit quiet here. We're gearing up for convention season, while producing our own little con here in Western Washington, the Comic Book Swap Meet. The Comic Book Swap Meet takes place April 30th in Chimacum, Wa. Check it out and spread the word about the Comic Book Swap Meet and tag it with " #ComicBookSwapMeet ".

Pretty Good Week

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, away from all media and internet, you've been subjected to all the hype for the Deadpool movie. I try not to buy in to that stuff, and not being overly familiar with the character, I didn't set high expectations. Well, 3 Deadpool screenings later, I'm a fan.

Comic Book Swap Meet Announcements!!!

It's official! The date for the next Comic Book Swap Meet mini-con will be April 30th in Chimacum, Wa! We already announced our first comic guest in the creator of Sukotto, Scott Adams. Check out www.sukottostudios.com for more info on the series, and be on the lookout for a fun announcement from Sukotto and thestevestrout.com about a special show promotion!

Ready for our next guest anouncement?

We welcome Ryan Fisher to the Comic Book Swap Meet on April 30th. Our second guest, is another amazing indie creator whose series Torchlight Lullaby has been getting rave reviews with us (HERE) and abroad. He recently ran one of the most successful crowd funding campaigns to publish the entire collected series.

Q&A With Robin: Son of Batman artist, Mick Gray

Hanging with Mick Gray at Bellingham
Comicon. Gonna be giving away signed
copies of that Batman and Robin book!

We caught up with Mick Gray, inker on Robin; Son of Batman recently for this Q&A. We are doing a giveaway along with this interview, so share and read on for details!

TheSteveStrout: You've been been working on Batman "family" titles quite extensively throughout your career. How do you feel this latest title, Robin: Son Of Batman measures up to the other Batman series' you'be worked on?

Mick Gray: Well, it’s definitely much more all ages oriented in the subject matter, the way Pat is writing it. DC is trying to attract a younger audience in general. I think this book is terrific in the way we got to continue the story we started way back before the New 52. If you look at it overall as one big story we have been following Damian for approximately 50 issues now. Pretty impressive, I must say!

Pretty Good Week...Sad, Not The Best, But Still Pretty Good

First and foremost, I say maybe it wasn't such a good week because, if you hadn't noticed, we've lost some beloved pop culture icons in the recent days in David Bowie and Alan Rickman.

Cool Projects #4

One awesome idea that came to our attention is for you retro-gaming geeks. Who remembers the game Dino Eggs from the early 80's on Apple and Commodore platforms where you travel through time to rescue dino eggs and hatchlings from hazards like snakes, spiders, and fire? Well dude to demand by fan emails, the creator David Schroeder developed a revamped revision of the game, featuring all new hazards, puzzles, and characters in the game!  Score one for the retro gamers! Check out the game site and this video clip www.dinoeggsrebirth.com I love the idea, and plan to check out the new game asap!!

Guest Post: SacAnime recap with Jen Irwin aka Lady Scarlett

SacAnime Winter 2016

This was my second SacAnime experience and it was even better than the last.
This year they had organized the free autograph sessions FAR better than they did for the September 2015 con. Which made it a lot easier for those of us who wanted autographs to traverse.

Shannara review...

Though I haven't read any of the books in the Shannara series yet, I've been really looking forward to the tv series based on legendary fantasy/sci-fi author Terry Brooks' novels. Here's my thoughts without spoiling and giving away very much plot.