A new comic shop opens in Raleigh
Comic book fans in Raleigh now have a new option for getting their fanboy fix, Fight or Flight Comics, which just opened at 6675 Falls of Neuse Rd., Suite 015. Named for the classic human psychological response—as well as the action of many a superhero comic book—it was founded by former clerks from Hillsborough Street comics mainstay Foundation’s Edge.
Fight or Flight’s Daniel Foust says the store was placed in this part of Raleigh so as not to compete with existing shops, such as Foundation’s Edge or Capitol Comics II. It’s actually gotten support from his previous employer. Foundation’s Edge has distributed fliers and store information to its customers.
Opening day, delayed from Wednesday to today because of the weather, features comics and graphic novels at 20 percent off. For more information, call 919-242-0039 or visit the store’s Facebook page.
A convention of conventions
A new shop’s not the only way the comic book scene in the Triangle has been heating up during the winter months. Not one but two new comic book conventions are vying for fans’ attention and dollars.
In October, we wrote about how Wizard World, a popular chain of comic-book conventions, was launching a new show in Raleigh, to the consternation of NC Comicon (which last came to the Durham Convention Center in November), created by Durham’s Ultimate Comics. Ultimate Comics is responding with the one-day Oak City Comic and Toy Show (March 1, Raleigh Hilton), positioned as a local, less-expensive answer to Wizard World ($5 admission compared to Wizard World’s $75 three-day advance pass). They’re also leafleting in their store about the importance of supporting local comics businesses.
A number of the Oak City guests echo those at Wizard World—probably on purpose. Wizard has Rob Liefeld, co-creator of the popular Marvel Comics character Deadpool; Oak City has Daniel Way, a longtime writer of Deadpool’s solo comic. Wizard features several actors from TV’s The Walking Dead, including Sarah Wayne Callies, Sonequa Martin-Green and Seth Gilliam; Oak City spotlights local actors who’ve had roles on the same show, including Addy Miller, the first zombie to appear (also recently listed for Wizard ), and Amber Dawn Fox from the most recent season.
The Wizard World show runs March 13-15 at the Raleigh Convention Center, and features a number of comic book creators beyond Liefeld, including local creator Sandy Jarrell (Meteor Men), longtime Marvel Comics writer and editor Tom DeFalco (Spider-Girl), Emmy-winning cartoonist Dean Haspiel (the basis for Zach Galifianakis’ character on HBO’s Bored to Death) and artist Elia Bonetti of many recent Marvel books.
However, its focus is heavier on TV and movies, with a guest lineup of actors signing autographs and taking pictures with fans. It’s an eclectic assortment, from veteran actors (Incredible Hulk star Lou Ferrigno), genre-show veterans (longest-running Power Ranger Jason David Frank), werewolves (Teen Wolf co-star Tyler Hochelin), hobbits (Lord of the Rings Oscar nominee Sean Astin), wrestlers (WWE Diva Eva Marie) and even a Bundy (David Faustino from Married … With Children). Vampire fans have their pick of meeting Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer (James Marsters) or Damon from The Vampire Diaries (Ian Somerhalder). Sadly, there is no “Get your picture with two vampires” option for pathetic INDY writers with misguided ideas about what will make them look cool to girls on Instagram. There is also Daytime Emmy-winning soap actor Kyle Lowder, who we will always remember for the greatest soap clip on E!’s The Soup ever:
RICK!
Make your own
And finally, if you’re looking to create your own comic or graphic novel, the ArtsCenter in Carrboro offers a new adult course starting March 18. Led by local artist Rio Aubry Taylor, the course not only teaches some of the basic concepts of comic-book art and the types of graphic novels, but goes into such details as book-binding, color theory and online promotion. Each student will create a 12-page story for a class anthology to be distributed to family and friends. The course costs $110 for six weeks, and meets Wednesdays from 6:15–8:15 p.m.