Let's talk with The Baboon's Creator Jamie Jones

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Nothing but fun waiting for you this week! Here's the lineup.



SUN | 12:00 PM | Mar. 10, 2019
Heroes Fan Experience Ticket Sales

Get your tickets for the Hardly Heroes Fan Experience for the Avengers: Endgame movie--and make sure you don’t miss out on in-theater festivities! With Hardly Heroes you'll even get your seats before the general public! The two movie events will be April 25 at 6pm and April 27 at 10:30am. (Add to FB calendar)

TUE | 6:00 PM | Mar. 12, 2019
Jamie Jones Interview--LIVE Online

Jamie Jones is a comics creator with an exciting new, all-ages, project in the works, called "The Baboon." We're excited to talk to him about this new project. Find the campaign on Kickstarter. (Add to FB calendar)


THU | 6:30 PM | Mar. 14, 2019
Graphic Novel Discussion: DeptH

From master storyteller Matt Kindt comes a tale of underwater intrigue. Let's talk about it. (Add to FB calendar)



FRI | 7:00 PM | Mar. 15, 2019
Movie Night at Empire's Comics Vault

We have another classic movie headed your way and more popcorn too. Come out for a good time. We have couches. (Add to FB calendar)




SAT | 11:00 AM | Mar. 16, 2019
Sac BrickBuilders Meetup

It's been a little while since our last movie crew--and now it's time! Marvelous things are in store. Hope we'll see you there. (Add to FB calendar)




SAT | 2:00 PM | Mar. 16, 2019
Card Game BETA-Play! 

In Alchemental, there can be only one Keeper of the Celestial Sphere. Do you have what it takes to forge the Philosopher's Stone and take the Celestial Throne? Whoever forges the Philosopher's Stone first WINS! (Add to FB calendar) This new game comes from the mind of talented artist, writer, professor, art historian Kristine Balog!


SUN | 1:00 PM | Mar. 17, 2019
Carrie Alskar Art Reception


Come out and meet the artist behind the art! Illustrator/painter Carrie Alskar brings amazing creations to life. Carrie is our artist of the month for March. (Add to FB calendar)


COMING SOON

Support Literacy in Sacramento - Walk with us

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Let's Walk for Literacy

Saturday, October 20, 2018

Join Our Team

We're looking for 50 walkers to help raise money to support literacy. PLUS, when we reach 50, you'll be the reason why our PUG logo is on the back of the event shirt!

HOW TO REGISTER

Visit 

walk4literacy.org

, select "

register

", then "

join a team

", complete the online sign-up form, and be sure to 

select "Empires Comics Vault" in the field called, "Team you want to join."

Creative Women Mini-Con 2018 Complete Exhibitor List

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Creative Women Mini-Con returns for its 6th year--and we have some exciting exhibitors for you to meet. We've assembled eighteen of the region's most talented creative women. And of course, we’re celebrating with a storewide sale (details below).

Date: Saturday, September 29, 2018

Time: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Location: Empire's Comics Vault

Click here to add the event to your FB calendar.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CREATIVE WOMEN MINI-CON 2018

In this post, we'll share:

  • A complete list of this year's creative women -- all interview and social media links

  • Sale details

  • What to expect at the mini-con

Sale Details

  • 50% off Back Issues

  • 25% off Toys

  • 15% off Trades

  • Members: check your email for October's benefit so that you can level up your sale discounts!

What to expect at Creative Women Mini-Con

  • Admission is free.

  • When you support an artist by making a purchase at their table, they keep 100% of the earnings. Pay the artist directly, not the store at the counter.

  • Art purchased from theArt Gallery wall should be purchased from the store counter, not the artist's table.

  • The event starts at 11 am and goes until 5 pm.

  • Need food? Visit one of the restaurants in the shopping center and bring it back to the shop if you'd like. Feel free to sit at the couches to take a break.

2018 Creative Women Mini-Con Exhibitors

Take a moment to enjoy the interviews (coming soon) we did with each exhibitor. Also, below you'll find a little about each creative woman, a link to their most recent interview, and links to some of their online profiles.

Mariko Tamaki:

 "Mariko Tamaki is the author of the YA novel Saving Montgomery Sole and the co-creator of award winning comics This One Summer and Skim (with Jillian Tamaki), and Emiko Superstar (Steve Rolston). In 2015, This One Summer received Printz and Caldecott Honors, the Eisner for Best Graphic Album–New, and Canada’s Governor General’s award. Mariko maintains a solid fascination with the complex process by which teenagers become, or try to become, grown ups. She has also written for BOOM! Studios, Marvel, and DC Comics, working with She-Hulk and Supergirl. Mariko Tamaki began her career as a playwright and performance artist in Toronto, Ontario, working with fat activists Pretty, Porky and Pissed Off and performing and writing plays for Buddies in Bad Times Theater, a world leader in developing queer voices for the stage. Her first film, “Happy 16th Birthday, Kevin,” premiered at the Inside Out Festival in 2013. In addition to her literary work, Mariko holds a Master’s in Women’s Studies and worked for two years on a doctorate in Linguistic Anthropology. Her academic research focused on accents used in drag cabaret performances. Her research inspired an ongoing obsession with the way people talk." (Source: macmillanspeakers.com)

Mariko is currently writing X-23 and Hunt For Wolverine Claws Of A Killer for Marvel Comics. You will know her from She-Hulk, Supergirl Being Super, New Super-Man, and her creator-owned books, This One Summer, Skim, among others.

Website | Twitter: @MarikoTamaki | Instagram: @MarikoTamaki

Amber Rankin: Amber is a graphic artist and animator living in Sacramento, CA. For over five years she has worked to create maps & illustrate artifacts at a small environmental planning and archaeology company in Sacramento. She received her Bachelors in Art Studio and Sociology from the University of California, Davis and MFA in 2D Animation from the Academy of Art University. When not at her animation desk, Amber can be found drinking way too much coffee, trying to learn Irish Dance, or dreaming about life in another time period.

www.ambermations.com | @Ambermations | Tumblr | Instagram: @Ambermations

Bianca Kim: Bianca creates embroidered fabric pinback buttons with short sayings that can be worn on backpacks, purses and jacket collars. She shows at the Stockmarket craft fair in Stockton, CA. She started 2017 by showing her work in Empire's Comic Vault's art gallery in January and then offered a beginner course for embroidery in her booth at the Stockmarket craft fair in Stockton.

Interview (2017) | Etsy | Twitter: @FreshBiscuitsBK | Facebook | Instagram: @FreshBiscuits

Brittainy Barnes: Brittainy Barnes (Indie Artful) is a self-taught artist, primarily working in watercolor and ink. When not working full-time and completing her Master’s program, she watches Star Wars and paints her favorite Characters. She first realized she could go "semi-pro" when a painting of K2-S0 gained Reddit “Front Page” Status, with ready buyers of Star Wars art prints. Lately she’s started to specialize in tattoo-style “flash”, and hopes to create and sell custom nerdy tattoo designs.  

Twitter: @IndieArtful | Instagram: @Indie.Artful | Etsy: IndieArtful

Carrie Alskar: Hi, my name is Carrie. Originally from Missouri I moved to California on a whim. My art style currently seems to revolve around hair that defies gravity, "stained glass patterns" as others call it, and eyes in more places than where your two are. I am also currently open for commissions I work with acrylics sometimes but most of my time on art is filled with ink lines and markers for coloring.

Patreon: AlskarBear | Twitch: @AlskarBear | Instagram: @CarrieAlskar

Crystaline Owen: Crystaline Owen is a California raised artist who works mostly in watercolors and inks. She has a degree in art education and now enjoys teaching art to small children. She's been using watercolors for 10 years and finds most of her inspiration in nature.

Etsy: HiraethStudios | Instagram: @Hiraeth_Studios

Elizabeth Merrifield: Elizabeth Merrifield is a 15 year old artist (Who will turn 16 on the day of CWMC), and has been really working in her art for about 5 years. She was accepted into the Sheldon High School Artworks Academy in 2016. she draws inspiration from her friends, Pinterest, Anime and High School Life, as well as the world at large. She enjoys experimenting with all kinds of media, including charcoal, pastels, markers, pencil, watercolor and acrylics. She hopes to eventually sell her art and possibly work as a graphic designer or animator.

| Facebook

Heather Merrifield: Heather Merrifield is a photographer and graphic artist, who enjoys taking photos to show how beautiful the mundane can be; capturing everyday moments in an unusual way. Recently she has been working more with photo manipulation, trying her hand at more fanciful creations, straying toward the fantasy realm. Fantasy and reality often combine to give the same photograph several different incarnations. Every aspect of photography fascinates her, and she can’t get enough of the medium.

Twitter: @HeatherLeeArtPh | Facebook | Instagram: @HeatherLeeArtPhotography

Helen Lam: Helen is an artist from Sacramento temporarily transplanted in Santa Clara. She graduated from Sacramento State where her instructors pushed her to paint her feelings but she mostly just draws what she feels like while taking on occasional commissions. Though she loves working in many different mediums, she feels that digitally painting in Photoshop gives her the most flexibility. Her main love is portraiture whether it be people or animals.

| Instagram: @PrinnyBat

Jen Monson: Jen is constantly delighted by new ideas. She uses trial and error to explore new approaches to her art. Her ultimate goal is to help others feel a sense of peace and joy. A smile on someone's face is the ultimate final touch. Jen draws, paints, sculpts, and crafts in multiple media. Currently she is fascinated by koi fish and has created a great variety of art featuring koi, working with paints, cardboard, and other fascinating media. Jen painted a pond of koi on the walls of Empire's bathroom. Currently, she helps novices explore painting at her monthly evening of painting at Empire's Comics Vault. At that event, students receive everything they need, including instruction, to complete a painting in one night.

Interview (2017) | Twitter: @JenMonson | Facebook | Instagram: @jenuoneart | Etsy

Julie Okahara: Julie Okahara was born in Osaka, Japan. After graduating from Osaka Industrial Arts High School, she started her career as a graphic designer. Wanting to further her studies in studio art, Okahara came to California in 2005. Since then her mediums have expanded into acrylic painting, ink drawing, sewing, and plaster, wood, and clay sculpture. She still likes to claim herself as a self-taught artist, since she didn’t take any painting classes in college, yet most of her works are mixed media paintings. Her style is influenced by both Japanese and American pop art culture. She likes putting different everyday life items together to create her own world. Her first solo show took place in Midtown Sacramento in 2010 where she won acclaim and a following for her signature use of bright colors and mixed media. She has since put on more solo shows and has been in multiple group exhibitions in Bay Area and Sacramento. Her artwork was featured at Empire's Comics Vault in March.

julieokahara.com | Twitter: @JulieOkahara | Facebook | Instagram: @JulieOkahara | Twitch: Julieee22

Kassandra Gamez: Kassandra is a comics creating artist. She's worked at some cool companies, but maybe not in the art department, for example, dA and Disney Interactive. Kassandra is a huge fan of comics, zines, and Corgis. This will be her second time exhibiting at CWMC. 

Tumblr | Twitter: @Kozispoon | Instagram: @kozispoon | DeviantArt

Kelly Van Gaasbeck: Kelly's focus is storytelling and whimsical thoughts. She works mostly with ink, metallic and monoprints. She spent 2 years in Japan, teaching and learning and wandering across the country, where she came to love telling stories in small spaces.

Interview (2017) | Facebook | Instagram: @Fireflirt

Kristine Balog: Kristine is an Art Historian, oil painter, and author who has dedicated her life to the Italian Baroque painter Caravaggio. She is both an academic and creative, teaching Art History as a profession and channeling her passion into creating comic books and authoring novels. She has authored numerous academic articles and has been teaching at the collegiate level for five years.

Interview (2017) | KristineBalog.com | Twitter: @KristineArt | Facebook | Instagram: @KristineArt | Article by K. Balog: "Caravaggio’s Darkness: A Sinner’s Reputation with a Saint’s Heart" - ElectrumMagazine.com

Maia & Kaimani: Maia and Kaimani are 9 and 8 years old, respectively. Both Maia and Kaimani are enthusiastic artists who enjoy making comics, drawing, painting, jewelry making and pretty much flexing their imaginations in any creative capacity. Growing up with empowering and inspiring storytelling such as the films of Hayao Miyazaki and shows like Steven Universe, they are also equally influenced by their comics-making dad, their jewelry-making mom, and Sacramento's thriving comics and art scenes.

Interview (2017)

Rachel Ann Millar: Rachel Ann Millar is a San Francisco native now residing in the Concord, California with her new husband, two cats, and the best small dog ever. She spends her time working on comics or doodling about video games and her D&D characters. Her favorite genre of entertainment is horror and she fills the silence of drawing with youtube videos of grown men screaming in terror and true crime podcasts. Her bookshelves are an artbook and comic library that she happily shares with anyone who would care. Her collections of zines and art unify around the theme of education, such as Some Girls Are Fat and What Did You Call Me?

RachelAnnMillar.com | Twitter: @RachelAnnMillar | Instagram: @RachelAnnMillar

Rachel Strum: Local wand-maker Rachel Strum handcrafts fantasy wands. With a background ranging from illustration to stained glass, Rachel’s experience in mixed media has inspired wands unlike any others. Beginning by hand selecting quality supplies, pairing gems individually with wood bases, and then intensively layering mixed media, her wands capture the imagination and inspire a sense of beauty. The delicate balance between beauty and practicality within all her whimsical creations has sprouted from the needs in her life, be it simple toys or giant strawberry pillows. Transforming common materials into playful creations is a labor of love inspired by Rachel’s belief that everyday should come with a touch of magic.

Interview (2017) | Etsy | Facebook

Sarah René Kraft: Sarah is a Sacramento-based illustrator, colorist, storyteller, and all around sketchy lady. Experience her work in the illustrated comic world of the Greek mythology-inspired “Blind Follies,” and her upcoming artbook in progress "Lemiscus," among other various arts and projects.

Currently, she is working on a 78-card tarot deck evolved from the imagery and symbolism already established in the original ribbon series. Look out for news regarding a Patreon campaign, soon to be announced!

SketchyKraft.com | Interview (2017) | Instagram: @SketchyKraft | Twitter: @SketchyKraft | Facebook

How To Feed Your Parents - Release Party

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It's a special week for us! 

Sacramento local author Ryan Miller will release his new book, "How To Feed Your Parents." And we have him in the shop for it this Wednesday. 

Ryan is also a member of our official podcast, Cracking the Vault Podcast, and was recently interviewed about his new release. Check out the interview here.




Wednesday, August 8 @ 5 PM
Release Party with Ryan Miller

Meet author Ryan Miller and pick up a copy of his new book, "How To Feed Your Parents."

About the book:
Matilda's parents are freaked out about eating anything outside of chicken nuggets, mac & cheese, and four other foods. Join the fun as Matilda tries to help her parents break out of their food rut. 


Thursday, August 9 @ 6:30 PM
Graphic Novel Discussion

Every month, we have a graphic novel discussion. Show and let's talk comics. This week we're discussing Kelly Sue DeConnick's "Bitch Planet." 






Friday, August 10 @ 6:30 PM
You too can paint at
"Happy Paint Evening"

For $40, we'll provide you everything needed -- including the instructor -- to paint a masterpiece! NO prior art experience needed. Limited to 15 seats only.

 


August's Featured Artist



Explore the pop-culture-themed art of Josh Barker. From Jurassic Park to an Incredibles/Fantastic Four mashup, you don't want to miss Josh's one of a kind art. See his works in the shop all month long. Then join us for Josh's Art Reception on August 18.
 
COMING SOON


Have you seen our weekly comics show? Watch it here.

Laugh it up, puggy

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Come out and sketch this month's cosplay model. Then, later that week, join us for after-hours comedy. 






























Wednesday, July 25 - 6:00 PM
LIVE MODEL SKETCH: NOVEMBER COSPLAY

Inspiration to create awaits you. Cosplay model November Cosplay will be in the shop. $10. 



















Friday, July 27 - 8:00 PM
COMEDY NIGHT

Adults-only, standup comedy awaits you. Get your laughter engine revved up. Lights go off and then the laughter starts. Free admission. Tip the funny people. 

COMING SOON


Have you seen our weekly comics show? Watch it here.

This Week: Pretty Deadly meets Pee-Wee Herman

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It's a rare week at Empire's when there's nothing going on, and this week is no different. Join us for deep, intellectual conversation and hilarious stupidity both!




































Thursday, June 14 - 6:30 PM

GRAPHIC NOVEL DISCUSSION

This book will blow your mind or confuse your mind. Either way, it's worthy of consideration *and* discussion. Join us, and let's get into what in the world this book is all about. Come ready to listen and share. View the Facebook calendar event.

























Friday, June 15 - 7:00 PM
FREE MOVIE NIGHT AT EMPIRE'S

Please tell us you've seen this movie, haha. Either way, come watch it with us. View the Facebook calendar event.

Synopsis: Pee-wee Herman loves his red bike. Someone wants to buy it. Pee-wee won't sell. The bike is stolen. Thinking his bike is at the Alamo, Pee-wee sets off on a trip, where he meets many remarkable people, including waitress Simone and a motorcycle gang. Eventually, Pee-wee discovers that his bike is being used in a movie and tries to recover it. 


NEW HOT SAUCES IN STORE NOW

























Hot Sauce Videos Coming Soon




COMING SOON



Have you seen our weekly comics show? Watch it here.

You CAN Paint and Build LEGO Masterpieces

/ Empire's Comics Vault/
Ready to try something new? How about painting? Or LEGO building?












Friday, June 8 - 6:30 PM

HAPPY PAINT EVENING

Create a work of art, while having fun with old friends, and new. We provide everything you'll need to make a work of art you'll be excited to show off! NO prior art experience needed. Each month debuts a new painting for you to try out. Introductory $30 Entry Fee.


Tickets: Reserve Your Spot
Available seats: 15
Supplies and Guidance Provided, including:
11"x14" canvas, acrylic paints, brushes, aprons.






Saturday, June 9 - 11:00 AM
SAC BRICK BUILDERS MEETUP

 Join us at Empire's Comics Vault to see what we've been building and talk with LEGO fanatics just like you! Feel free to bring something you've been working on too! 





NEW HOT SAUCES IN STORE NOW


















Things are heating up at Empire's. Ok, they're mostly mild, but there will be some HOT ones soon. In the meantime, check out these great flavors.


COMING SOON



Have you seen our weekly comics show? Watch it here.

Free Comic Book Day Festival 2018 Guide

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Photo by J Ravensong Productions
We're giving away 20,000 free comic books on Saturday, May 5, 2018, at our annual Free Comic Book Day Festival that includes a charity raffle, live wrestling, roller derby athletes, West Coast Avengers cosplayers, Stormtroopers, face painting, balloon art, food trucks and more! 

Free Comic Book Day Festival 2018

DATE: May 5, 2018

Doors open at:
  • 8 a.m. for Savings Club Members
  • 9 a.m. for Guests

STOREWIDE SALE

  • 25% OFF Graphic novels, collected editions, toys, variant wall (variants and back issues on the wall), and variants in the boxes behind the counter. 
  • NOTE: art on the art wall is not on sale, but is available as priced. 
Back issues
(not including back issues on the Variant Wall) 
  • IF COVER PRICE is $15.01+ = SALE is 75% OFF cover price 
  • COVER PRICE $1-5 = ON SALE FOR .50c 
  • COVER PRICE $5.01-10 = ON SALE FOR $1 
  • COVER PRICE $10.01-15 = ON SALE FOR $2 


PARKING + FESTIVAL LAYOUT

Parking is available on Larkspur. It's the street next to the shop.


(Click to expand)

GUEST (NON-MEMBER) BENEFITS

As one of our Guests enjoy:
1. The wrestling, 
2. Cosplay,
3. Free face painting and balloon art for the kids,
4. The sale,
5. Local creatives,  
6. Games, 
7. Charity Raffle, and
8. Select up to 10 Free Comic Book Day titles! 
Be sure to check out the full list of exhibitors below.

Photo by J Ravensong Productions


MEMBERS ONLY FESTIVAL BENEFITS


(If you're not a Member, you can skip this section. Or maybe read it. Sign up by 12/31/2018 to receive these benefits in 2019.)

Members, this year you may choose between the following two options:
(1) pre-select 10 FCBD titles as part of their May benefit (Must have signed up by 12/31/17) or 
(2) get in line on Free Comic Book Day and take up to 1 of each title. If you choose option 2, then come at your leisure and go straight to the Members' Only VIP Line, a.k.a., the short line. 

Also come at 8 a.m. for one hour of private, early access to free comics, and to take advantage of the sale. 

After the FCBD Festival ends, we began celebrating Free Comic Book MONTH every Saturday in May. It features FCBMonth-exclusive comic books, collected editions, and posters -- for FREE. Members can come any Saturday they want or every Saturday. NOTE: Only Savings Club Members who enrolled by December 31, 2017, are eligible for this benefit.


Photo by J Ravensong Productions

FCBD FESTIVAL FEATURES AND GUESTS


Here's a complete list of participants at this year's festival.

Food
  • Wandering Boba: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Filipino / Asian cuisine.  Serving delicious Filipino dishes, Milk Teas and Fruit Infused Teas.  Wandering the Sacramento and Northern California region.
  • What's Happenin' Italian Ice: Facebook
Artists and Writers
  • Bianca Kim: Bianca is the owner of FRESHbiscuits and the maker of illustrative prints/paper goods, handmade accessories, gifts and home décor. Past creations have ranged from soy candles made from diamond-cut and polished glass bottles, chokers made from vintage velvet ribbon and a removable charm, aprons made from vintage sheets, and any number of imaginative, but useful items. Bianca creates in small batches in order to limit excessive waste. Find her online at: Etsy | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
  • Chris Cinder: Instagram | Chris is a true-born doodler/dreamer turned artist/gamer/storyteller, raised and educated in Sacramento around a robust and diverse arts community. His influences run the range of pop music and comics thru hobby/video gaming and adventure films. His work focuses on story and characters. Many of his pieces will follow a character through its adventures and discoveries. His ongoing art effort, the Hakobots, tell the stories of heroes and villains in the world of Hakotown.  
  • Crystaline Owen: Etsy | Crystaline is a California raised artist who works mostly in watercolors and inks. She graduated from SacState with a BA in art education and now enjoys teaching art classes to small children. She has been using watercolors for 10 years and finds most of her inspiration in nature. Crystaline prefers watercolor because it enables her to both paint in great detail as well as explore the freedom of letting the paint do it’s own thing.
  • Dan Bethel: D. Bethel has been writing and drawing comics since 2007. Simultaneously a comicker, a podcaster, and a professor of Composition and Rhetoric at CSU, Sacramento, he co-created, co-wrote, and illustrated his first webcomic, Eben07, for six years from 2007 to 2013, publishing over 200 pages and seven books. In 2014, he started his second webcomic, Long John, an introspective western about a famous gunslinger faced with betrayal when he is left for dead in the middle of nowhere with no guns, no friends, and no clothes. With the first two chapters published to critical acclaim, the third chapter makes its print debut at Empire’s Comics Vault’s FCBD 2018. You can find his work at LongJohnComic.com
  • danieL tuUCaaN sTaRfLowER: danieL is the creator and publisher of the Underwater Crystal Zone line of comics, which includes a series of minicomics and the kickstarted webcomic Escape from Cubicleland. dan’s comics have appeared in indie anthologies and zines, including: Suspect Device 2, Catch-Up 3, SHAQZINE, and Memory. danieL lives in West Sacramento with his wife and a small tribe of children and animals. | Underwater Crystal Zone's Online Store
  • Eben E. B. Burgoon: Eben has been writing comics independently for more than a decade. Coming from a background in short fiction and sketch comedy, Eben's first foray into comics was with Eben07: Covert Custodian -- a webcomic about spies and their janitorial staff. Currently, Eben is working on new episodes of B-Squad: Soldiers of Misfortune while collaborating on various projects with Starburns Industries startup imprint, SBI PRESS, and their project "The Book of Nightmares" and working closely with artist Danny Scheible on international Tapigami exhibitions and creating how-to books and kits. In addition to writing, Eben's been out in Sacramento advocating for the use of comics in schools as literature and arts. He can frequently be found in the world teaching kids and adults how to bring their stories to life. Eben is based in Sacramento, CA with two cats, two dachshunds, and one very special lady. His beard is as big as your head. 
  • Ghost Thunder Collective: GhostThunder is a Sacramento-based collective comprised of writer David Andry and artists Christopher Alvarez and Hannah Moore. Together they create comics, prints, t-shirts and other cool things. 
  • Heather Merrifield: Facebook | Instagram | Heather is a photographer and graphic artist who enjoys taking photos to show how beautiful the mundane can be. She captures everyday moments in an unusual way. Recently she has been working more with photo manipulation, trying her hand at more fanciful creations, straying toward the fantasy realm. Fantasy and reality often combine to give the same photograph several different incarnations. Every aspect of photography fascinates her, and she can’t get enough of the medium.
  • Jared Konopitski: JaredKonopitski.com | Facebook | Instagram. Jared Konopitski is an artist living and working in Sacramento, California. His work has been exhibited at galleries, festivals, and museums internationally and across the US, including The Smithsonian, Washington D.C., The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, CA, and The Mutter Museum, Philadelphia, PA. Jared has had his work featured in The New Yorker (2014), Color Ink Book (2013), Papercut Magazine (2013), Arcana’s Steampunk Originals (2013), Heavy Metal Magazine (2012), Catapult Magazine (2012), DisColouring Book (2012), Penumbra eZine (2012), and Wow!cool! Psycho Nurse Calendar (2011). Jared has worked with many clients such as Universal Studios, Showtime, Art O Mat, Turning Art, PBS the offices of MAD magazine and more. In addition, Jared has curated numerous gallery shows and corporate art seminars. In his spare time, he enjoys facilitating art workshops, with focus on early art education. His art has been compared to a rush of sugar, appealing to children and wonderfully strange to adults. 
  • Jen Monson: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Web | Jen works in a variety of media and is always pushing the bounds of her creativity. No one media can contain her, and she continually searches for other surfaces to create upon. 
  • Julie Okahara: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram - Julie was born in Osaka, Japan. After graduating from Osaka Industrial Arts High School, she started her career as a graphic designer. Wanting to further her studies in studio art, Okahara came to California in 2005. Since then her mediums have expanded into acrylic painting, ink drawing, sewing, and plaster, wood, and clay sculpture. She still likes to claim herself as a self-taught artist, since she didn’t take any painting classes in college, yet most of her works are mixed media paintings. Her style is influenced by both Japanese and American pop art culture. She likes putting different everyday life items together to create her own world. Her first solo show took place in Midtown Sacramento in 2010 where she won acclaim and a following for her signature use of bright colors and mixed media. She has since put on more solo shows and has been in multiple group exhibitions in Bay Area and Sacramento. Julie's artwork was featured at Empire's Comics Vault in March.

  • Justin Orr: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Justin is an illustrator, concept artist and animator from Northern California.  He has worked in numerous artistic fields including animation, gaming, and commercial advertising. His work has encompassed time with companies such as Nickelodeon, MTV, Picture Plane Illustration, Wild Brain Animation and Leap Frog. He has contributed artwork to various popular properties such as SpongeBob Square Pants, Star Wars, Super Mario Bros and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He has created artwork for clientele as far away as Australia and his concept design work has even taken him overseas to work in Japan for a stint. Additionally, he has done work for clientele, which also includes TBS and VIZ Media, all while running his own independent art studio in Oakland, California.
  • Kristine Balog: Kristine is a Sacramento based artist, scholar, and author. She is an Associate Professor of Art History and a freelance illustrator. She's the creator of Caravaggio’s Darkness, a comic book series based on the life of Baroque painter Caravaggio, in development for a two-volume graphic novel edition. Kristine is the creator of a series of adult coloring books titled Coloring with the Masters. She has had both academic nonfiction and historical fiction works published and has been making appearances giving lectures on both her research and her books. Her first novel, "Caravaggio: Of Oil and Blood" debuted in May of 2017 and her second, "Caravaggio: Of Iron and Steel" was published in February 2018. Book three, "The Colonna Conspiracy" is slated for publication in the fall of 2018, with book four, "The Dark of Knight," and book five, "Whispering Blade" projected for early 2019 release. As an Art Historian, Kristine blended history with fantasy and released never-before-considered theories about Caravaggio in the timeless tradition of novel form. Kristine is an oil painter, with her focus rooted in sixteenth-century classical traditions, but she also works in silverpoint, pen and ink, charcoal, pastel, and watercolor. At this year's Free Comic Book Day Festival, Kristine is elated to launch her new project, "Alchemental: Rise of the Celestial Sphere," a fantasy trading card game where Dungeons and Dragons meets Final Fantasy meets Magic. Find Kristine online at: KristineBalog.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
  • Kyrun Silva: After launching and running his first comic publishing company, Kyrun decided it was time to start his second company, Taurus Comics. The first book from Taurus Comics is Shaman's Destiny; a six issue mini-series, written and drawn by Kyrun. The book follows a neophyte shaman who must stop a madman from stealing the source of all the shamans powers. Along with Shaman's Destiny,  Kyrun will be launching Xob the Lightning Wielder, written by Kyrun and featuring the artwork of David Jaxon and Federico Sioc Jr. Xob follows a young woman who must balance her duties of being a college student along with being a superhero. Connect with Taurus Comics at: TaurusComics.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
  • Lee Nordling: Lee is an Eisner-nominated and award-winning writer, editor, designer, book packager, and creative director. He worked on staff at the Los Angeles Times Syndicate, Disney Publishing, DC Comics, Nickelodeon Magazine, and Platinum Studios. His sequential art book, “The Bramble,” won the 2013 Moonbeam Gold Medal for Picture Books (ages 4-8), and “BirdCatDog,” a 2015 Eisner Awards nominee, received the 2015 Moonbeam Spirit Award Gold Medal for “Imagination,” and was chosen by “Kirkus Reviews” as one of the best children’s books of 2014. “SheHeWe,” the third book in his “3-Story Books” series, was a 2016 Eisner Award nominee for Best Publication for Early Readers (up to age 8). His current young-reader comics series, “Game For Adventure,” with Scott Roberts and Flavío Silva, is being published by Graphic Universe. Lee is the author of “Your Career In the Comics” and “Comics Creator Prep,” and he lives in Sacramento, California with his wife, Cheri, and numerous pets that earn their kibble by offering inspiration. Connect with Lee online at: LinkedIn | Facebook 
  • Matt Marchetti and Cory Patten: After being the first person to ski down an erupting volcano with sharks tied to his feet and then using said sharks to surf on a tidal wave to safety, Matt was not heard from for many years.  He later resurfaced being lured out of hiding by PEZ and comic books.   After traveling the world as a motivational speaker for ducks and mentoring the first duck to run a fortune 500 company,  he was abducted by ninjas hired by a mad scientist.  He later became the ninjas’ leader and mastered many forms of martial arts.  After his world tour to reform people who drive too slow and leave the toilet seat up (mostly by ninja-kicking these offenders into submission), Mr. Marchetti began writing and illustrating The Slightly Insane Spontaneously Combusting Frothing Mutant Ninja Blackbelt Samurai RABBIT-WALRUS from Hell comic books, loosely based on his many adventures.
    Cory is a co-creator of the Plotless Comics universe and the artist/writer of Sadocat. Sadocat follows the hilarious adventures of a super-powered cat and his electric-tongued sidekick, Flatline Frog, as they battle unlikely villains in an attempt to be superheroes. When Cory’s not drawing the hijinks and shenanigans of crazy super-powered animals, he enjoys laughing at his own jokes, procrastinating, and falling off of surfboards.     https://www.facebook.com/sadocat/


Bookends/art by Nooligan. Photo by J Ravensong Productions.

  • Hainanu "Nooligan" Saulque: HaiNaNu “Nooligan" Saulque is an artist, comic creator and graphic designer based in Sacramento, CA. An old soul in a young body, HaiNaNu finds inspiration in times past. His style is contemporary with a flare of nostalgia. From the cartoons of his youth to films he missed by decades, from golden age comics to classic newspaper strips, you will find a creator who has immersed himself in what he loves. Nooligan.com | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram. 
  • Rachel Strum: Local wand-maker Rachel Strum handcrafts fantasy wands. With a background ranging from illustration to stained glass, Rachel’s experience in mixed media has inspired wands, unlike any others. Beginning by hand selecting quality supplies, pairing gems individually with wood bases, and then intensively layering mixed media, her wands capture the imagination and inspire a sense of beauty. The delicate balance between beauty and practicality within all her whimsical creations has sprouted from the needs in her life, be it simple toys or giant strawberry pillows. Transforming common materials into playful creations is a labor of love inspired by Rachel’s belief that every day should come with a touch of magic. Connect with Rachel online at: Etsy | Facebook | Twitter
Community Groups
  • Supreme Pro Wrestling: enjoy live wrestling. Supreme Pro Wrestling was founded in 2000 and has run monthly shows ever since.  Members of the SPW Roster have gone on to work for every major company in the world, including WWE, Impact, New Japan Pro Wrestling, and Lucha Underground.  Each year SPW does charity shows to benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand (a children’s cancer charity), Sacramento Food Bank, and the Children’s Receiving Home. SPW prides it’s self on being family friendly and being a positive in the community.
  • The 501st Legion: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Mingle with the Empire's baddest troopers. The 501st Legion is an all-volunteer organization formed for the express purpose of bringing together costume enthusiasts from around the world under a collective identity within which to operate.
  • West Coast Avengers: Facebook | Cozy up to Northern California's coolest cosplayers. The West Coast Avengers was founded to provide a collective identity for costuming fans in California with similar interests and promotes creating, owning, and wearing the costumes from the Marvel Universe featured in films, comics, and television. We are proud to put its resources to good use through charity work and volunteerism.  We regularly make appearances at hospitals, children's charities, and community events.
  • Sacramento Roller Derby: Website | Have wheels, will fly! But they're always happy to stop for a photo. Created from the unification of Sac City Rollers and Sacred City Derby Girls, Sacramento Roller Derby combines the best skaters in the greater Sacramento region. Both teams operated in Sacramento for over ten years and have been leaders in northern California and have represented Sacramento at national and international tournaments within the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA). 
    Black Panther Booth: Marvel Studios will be setting up a booth to give away Black Panther mini one sheets and have a way to enter for a chance to win a FREE digital copy.
Photo by J Ravensong Productions




FCBD Festival Map 2018

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We're about a month out from Free Comic Comic Book Festival. As usual, we're taking over the parking lot for all of our festival activities: live Supreme Pro Wrestling, West Coast Avengers cosplayer, Vader's 501st troopers, face painting, balloon sculptures, games, and more. 

Plus, this year, we're planning to have our exhibitors out-of-doors! It's going to be an amazing comic book festival. Coming soon, we'll post complete festival details. 



Sketch model "November Cosplay"

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We're gearing up for Free Comic Book Day on the first Saturday of May. Until then, here are three in-store events just for you.













































03/28 Wednesday at 6:00 PM

Live Model Sketch

Bring your easel and paints, or your sculpy and stand, or you sketchpad and pens! Model "November Cosplay" will pose while you create your art. Click image to view the Facebook calendar event.























03/29 Thursday at 5:00 PM

Writing at Empire's

Sharpen that pencil. And let's get the lead out, so to speak. It's writing time at Empire's. Click to view the Facebook calendar event.























03/30 Saturday at 8:00 PM

Comedy Night

Laugh it up. Adults only. After hours with Empire's. Click to view the Facebook calendar event.



COMING SOON
4/01 - FCBD Guests Art Gallery - April
4/26 - Avengers Infinity War Movie Crew
5/05 - Free Comic Book Day Festival 2018

VIEW ALL OUR UPCOMING EVENTS


Special Interview Video with
Sacramento Artist Nooligan: