Tom Richmond at C2E2 2019

I meet a lot of creators of all sorts at comic cons. Tom Richmond is one I followed long before meeting him for the first time.

Tom's work with Mad Magazine is legendary. I can't say I grew up enjoying Tom's work, as he is only a tad older than me, but I have loved his work in my adult years.

I met Tom more than a decade ago and always stop by his booth at any comic con where he appears. I could sit there for hours watching him draw, although that wouldn't be good for his business. That talent amazes me.

After a few years, I finally realized I could have Tom do his version of the Johngy character. What took me so long? In any case, I loved his version. How cool is it to have a drawing from the man who has created so much fun stuff for Mad and elsewhere.

That artwork is now available on a Johngy's Beat shirt at rpowrestlingtees.com. Thank you to Tracey at Global Traveler for facilitating this.

On top of all of that, Tom is super nice and very friendly with booth visitors. He doesn't even get annoyed when I ask for a picture every time. Hey, if I am promoting a convention, who better to pick from Artist Alley? The man is a legend.

Go to TomRichmond.com for more info on and scheduling on where Tom will be. If you get the chance, I highly recommend getting a commission drawing from him at a convention.

Tom Richmond and me in Chicago, IL-March 2019.

Danielle Fishel C2E2 2023

Who didn't love Topanga, the popular character on television's Boy Meets World? I am happy to report Danielle Fishel, Topanga's portrayer, is just as awesome.

I have met Fishel several times and she somehow seems t get nicer each time. The first time I met her, she had no handler. I wasn't as skilled with selfies then, but nobody was around to help. Undaunted, Fishel didn't skip a beat in offering her selfie skills and she did a great job. The next day, as I walked through the con, Fishel waved me over to her booth. For whatever reason, she said we should take another selfie. Like I would decline?

Last year, at C2E2, I told Tony how nice she was and asked him if he wanted to join me in seeing her again. Never one to pass on a good offer, Tony agreed. She was just as awesome as the other times. I think I took this selfie though (my skills have improved a bit).

People ask me why I would meet a celebrity more than once. Fishel is the perfect answer. It's such a pleasant experience. When the celeb is that nice, it makes me want to see them again. Granted, I won't see her at every convention, that would be cost-prohibitive. Fishel doesn't really charge that much for pictures or autographs, but with so many celebs at these conventions, budgets dictate choices be made. Still, I will go back to Fishel often.

While C2E2 already took place, New York Comic Con (run by the same folks who run C2E2) is coming October 14-17. Go to NewYorkComicCon.com for more info. I hope to see you there, but honestly, I hope to see Fishel there more!

Danielle Fishel, Tony Feddeler and me in Chicago, IL-April 2023.

Monique Dupree at C2E2 2020

Today, I feature one of the last pictures I took before the pandemic hit and the world shut down. Coincidentally, it features Monique Dupree, one of the first celebs I met at a comic con.

Nicknamed "Tha True Original GATA, Dupree has had a long and varied career. One of 10 children, including brother actor Tony Todd, Dupree appeared in 1989's Lean On Me. Since then, she has had many acting roles, along with being a model, burlesque performer and more.

Along the way, she also got involved in wrestling. She filled a lot of roles for Tommy Dreamer's House of Hardcore and also spent time in Impact Wrestling.

I have met Dupree a few times over the many years, but I was still surprised when she recognized me at C2E2 2020. I was walking by her booth and she called me over to chat a bit. No, it wasn't just to get my cash for a photo, because she didn't even charge me for this pic. She was as sweet as could be.

Go to MoniqueDupree.com to learn more about all of her work. If you go to any comic con, keep an eye out for her, because she also likes to be in costume at or away from her booth.

C2E2 returns April 26-28. Go to C2E2.com for all the info. I hope to see you there.

Monique Dupree and me in Chicago, IL-March 2020.

CM Punk at C2E2 2019

New York Comic Con returns to the Big Apple October 17-20. From ReedPop, the same folks who run C2E2 in Chicago, NYCC is one of the major comic cons in the world.

I have attended NYCC the last two years, but will miss it this year. It's not because I don't want to go. I loved NYCC. I just have other commitments, but my mind will be at NYCC.

I was amazed at how big it was when I first saw it in 2021. With all due respect to comic cons in Chicago, NYCC was bigger and bolder. I quickly realized I needed to make a logistical plan to minimize walking back and forth across the huge Javits Center, but every step was worth it. It was awesome.

NYCC will probably have several wrestlers on their guest list. I have met a bunch there either as part of the NYCC lineup or brought in by specific vendors. Either way, there was a solid wrestling presence.

While he probably won't be at NYCC, CM Punk is a popular guest at C2E2. The Chicago-area native is also back in the ring with the WWE.

Punk can be a polarizing figure, but I have had nothing but pleasant experiences with him. I've talked to him at length at various comic cons and a couple shows. Maybe it is the right time and place for him, but no matter, he was still very friendly.

For more info on Punk, go to WWE.com. Also, check NYCC.com and C2E2.com for more info and scheduling on these two great events.

Troy Babbs, CM Punk and me in Chicago, IL-March 2019.

Nick Hausman and Haus of Wrestling

I met Nick Hausman more than a decade ago. Since then, he has been all over the wrestling scene.

If you saw the legendary AEW scrum with CM Punk, you saw Nick involved. That is vintage Nick. Somehow, he is always in the thick of things.

It's not by luck though. Nick is a hustler in the very best way. He works hard at what he does and the results are proof. He's been a manager, broadcaster, interviewer, podcaster, reporter and more.

Nick's latest project is Haus of Wrestling. The website features articles, videos, interviews and more. Like Nick, it is all over the wrestling scene and full of great info. I highly recommend it for wrestling fans. I also congratulate Nick on another excellent piece of work.

For more info on Nick go to HausofWrestling.com. Also, follow Haus of Wrestling on Facebook.

Nick Hausman and me in Chicago, IL-March 2020.

Ali Cantarella at C2E2 2020

I have written many times about the talented creator Ali Cantarella. I will keep writing about her, because she is just that good. I want all to know about her.

I first met Ali many years ago at a comic con. Since she is a Chicagoan, I assume it was a Chicago comic con, but she does do cons in other cities. I was first captured by her cool pet portraits. You can see some of the pet portraits behind me in the picture. She did such fun versions of pets, I recommended her to several friends who got commissions.

A few years later, I got her to do a version of my Johngy character, which became my first alternate version shirt. I loved it.

Since then, I have seen her do all sorts of work. She brightens up Chicago with awesome wall murals inside and outdoors. CantarellaMania is spreading in Chicago and rightly so.

She is also a blast on social media. Whether posting her latest projects, playing with her pup Topo or any of her other activities, Ali is always entertaining.

Go to Cantarella.ink for more info on Ali and her art and follow her on social media for even more fun. Lastly, go to the Johngy's Beat store at ProWrestlingTees.com to get the Cantarella edition of the Johngy's Beat shot.

Ali Cantarella and me in Chicago, IL-March 2020.

CM Punk at C2E2

Running March 31-April 2, C2E2 2023 is right around the corner. Of course, I will be there "On the Beat" all weekend..

One regular stop of mine at C2E2 is the Pro Wrestling Tees booth. PWT has hundreds of wrestling for purchase online, including my Johngy's Beat shirts.

PWT brings in a few wrestlers to appear at their booth. One of the usual wrestlers is Chicago's own CM Punk. While Punk has a bit of a gruff personality at times, he has always been great at C2E2. Actually, I have met him several times elsewhere, too, and never had a bad experience with him.

When he joined All Elite Wrestling, Punk returned to wrestling after many years away. I was at his return, which happened at the United Center in Chicago. The crowd pop was insane.

After a few good matches and storylines, Punk's return hit the rocks. A backstage skirmish and a wild press conference have left fans wondering if he will ever return to AEW or wrestling anywhere.

I hope Punk does return. I enjoy his wrestling and his promos. Unfortunately, I don't see it happening.

I do think there is a good chance he will be at C2E2 again this year. If he's not at appearing as a wrestler, I am pretty sure he will be somewhere in the crowd, but I wouldn't bother him if I see him just meandering.

Go to C2E2.com for info, updates and schedules. Also, check ProWrestlingTees.com for all their cool merch, including Johngy's Beat tshirts.

CM Punk, Jim Strong and me in Chicago, IL-March 2020.

Ant Lucia at C2E2 2023

C2E2 2024 returns April 26-28. I meet a lot of great celebrities at C2E2, but I also meet awesome creators, like Ant Lucia.

Ant went to school for fine arts and design. After doing small jobs, he started an internship at a state revitalization program. Then he landed a job in design. Around 2008, he developed Spookshow Pinups, his own brand of illustration. He creates all illustrations in Adobe Illustrator.

His love of vintage pin-ups is evident in his work. Some of his works that I liked best are when he combines pin-ups with pop culture items, like Count Chocula cereal. He has also done some superhero crossovers, like Batwoman, but I sadly do not see anything with Aquaman in it. That'd be a great pairing (but maybe my Aquaman bias shows again).

Ant is also engaging at comic cons. He's a great guy for a quick chat. I never want to take too much of his time, because time is money at those cons.

Go to C2E2.com for more info and scheduling. Also, go to AntLucia.com to learn more about Ant. Check back here for my coverage.

Ant Lucia and me in Chicago, IL-April 2023.

MJF and Wardlow in Character Always

The picture below was not poorly timed, nor was it a mistake. It is classic MJF.

Currently a top star with All Elite Wrestling, Maxwell Jacob Friedman made his pro wrestling debut in 2015. He made his way to AEW in early 2019 and has come into his own ever since. Back when this picture was taken, he was a rising star, but nowhere near the status he has now. Still, he completely stayed in character.

His character is unique. He is an obnoxious jerk. He is known for signing and then tossing away items fan brings. He is famous for barely posing in pictures (as ween below). Promoters usually warn everyone ahead of time that MJF is MJF 100%. If you're easily offended or think he will change for you or even kids, you are wrong and should stay away.

Even as part of the press, I got nothing different from MJF. I expected nothing different.

While a case can be made he could be slightly more engaging with fans, I have to give him credit for staying in character (keeping kayfabe) as old school wrestlers would do.

I have since met MJF a few times and he is always the same. I do wonder though if things will be different for now, as he turned into a good guy (for now), although I think and hope he will soon turn back, as he is a much better heel, even if he stays in character out of the ring.

MJF was one of the most popular guests when he appeared at Squared Circle Expo. He will not be at this year's event, but plenty of other great wrestlers of the past and present will be there March 29-30. Of course, I'll be there, too. I'm always fan-friendly, but I don't get many (any?) fans wanting my autograph or picture.

Go to C2E2.com for more info and scheduling. Check back here for my updates.

MJF, Wardlow and me in Chicago, IL-March 2020.

Jason Metcalf at C2E2 2017

C2E2 returns to Chicago April 26-28. Hundreds of celebrities and creators will be meeting fans, including me.

Illustrator Jason Metcalf is a freelance artist, who has focused on cover art. He states he has a "soft spot for high fantasy projects, especially with a spiritual undertone." Of course, he has done other work, including commissions. 

I met Jason at C2E2 several years ago. His superhero pinups caught my eye. Even though I did not see an Aquaman, I still enjoyed his beautiful work. As I always say, if an artist stands out in Artist Alley, he must be doing something really cool. Jason's work stood out and the more I saw, the more I liked.

Jason is not listed among the creators at C2E2 so far, but there is still plenty of time. Even if he isn't returning, there are many other awesome creators there.

Go to C2E2.com for more info. Also, go to JasonMetcalf-Art.com for more about Jason. Lastly, check here for my recurring coverage.

Jason Metcalf and me in Chicago, IL-April 2017.

Noelle Foley at C2E2 2020

Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo returns April 26-28. Run by ReedPop, C2E2 is one of the biggest and best comic cons.

Noelle Foley was one of the last celebrities I met right before the pandemic shutdown the world. Noelle would be memorable even without that distinction.

Noelle is the daughter of wrestling legend Mick Foley. I remember meeting Mick many years ago and hearing of his young daughter. Fast forward to more recent years and Noelle was all grown and forging her own career in wrestling.

Unfortunately for Noelle, she encountered head injuries, causing her to end her wrestling career. Noelle is doing fine, but she does have some lingering concussion issues. In talking with her significant other Frank the Clown, Noelle is happy and healthy, but the effects of the concussion affect some of her activities, like wrestling and even conventions with the noise, lights and bustle.

I habe met Noelle several times and she is sweet as can be. It is clear the Foley family is tight. It warms my heart hearing each talk about the others. Who would have thought the hardcore legensd would be such a softie?

Noelle won't be at C2E2 2024, but I am sure there will be a solid list of celebrities. As always, I will be "On the Beat" all weekend.

Go to C2E2.com for more info and updates. Check here for my recurring coverage.

Noelle Foley and me in Chicago, IL-February 2020.

Paul Erickson at C2E2 2019

Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo returns April 26-28, just four months from now. Run by ReedPop, C2E2 is one of the best and biggest cons.

Paul Erickson was one of my favorite guests at C2E2. I always loved walking to his booth (usually shared with fellow author James Finn Garner) and seeing him dressed in full Hobbit gear.

Erickson is a self-described "nerd-parodist.' Translated, that means he writes parodies of such franchises as Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. Although I am not a huge fan of either of those movie series, my friends who are totally love his work, as do I. My point is, his work stands alone as very funny an witty. The movies behind them are merely context. The material stands by itself.

I haven't seen Erickson in a few years. I hope to see him at C2E2 or elsewhere sometime soon. It's been too long.

Go to C2E2.com for more info and updates. Check here for my recurring coverage.

Paul Erickson and me in Chicago, IL-March 2019.

Ali Cantarella at C2E2 2019

Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2) returns April 24-26 at McCormick Place. I'll be there "On the Beat" all weekend.

One of the artists I'll be seeking out is Ali Cantarella. I have followed Ali's work for many years. She definitely is one of my favorite artists. She even designed a Johngy shirt for me and I loved it.

Her art isn't limited to my silly requests though. It also isn't limited to pet portraits (although she is awesome at those, too). Lately, she has been working all over Chicago, making the city more beautiful one wall or one building at a time with her murals.

It's pretty cool watching Ali create her murals on her social media videos. Then seeing them in person is even better. I have sought out many to see, but a  few times, I accidentally found myself right by one. I think those times are actually more fun. "Hey that's Ali's work!"

She really is as cool as her art and I encourage everyone to check her work and see for themseles. I also encourage all to come to C2E2 2024 and fins both of us.

Go to Cantarella.ink for more info on Ali. Also follow her on social media. She is a blast there. Go to C2E2.com for all the info and updates on C2E2 2024.

Ali Cantarella and me in Chicago, IL-March 2019.

Chrissie Zullo at C2E2

C2E2 returns to Chicago's McCormick Place April 26-28, 2024. While it is still a long way away, it is not too early to plan for the weekend.

Over the years, my focus has moved a bit from the celebrities to the artists. Chrissie Zullo is one of the artists I have followed the longest.

An editor recognized Chrissie at a talent search at the 2008 San Diego Comic Con. Soon, she was illustrating covers of the Cinderella: From Fabletown with Love series. From there, she just kept getting more gigs and more popular. She is easily one of the busiest artists at any comic con. Sometimes I don't even get a chance to catch up with her. She is very nice though, usually at least taking a second for a picture.

The guest list and creators have not yet been announced for C2E2 2024. Of course, I hope Chrissie will be there. I know I will be there, "On the Beat" as always.

Go to ChrissieZullo.com for more info on Chrissie and her work. Also, check C2E2.com for news and scheduling.

Chrissie Zullo and me in Chicago, IL-March 2020.

Scott Beaderstadt at C2E2 2021

How have I gone to comic cons for 15 years, yet never gotten a picture with creator Scott Beaderstadt? Fortunately, at C2E2 2021, I finally corrected that situation.

It really speaks of the craziness of comic cons. Artist Alley has hundreds of creators, including artists, authors and other talented folks. I try not to bother any when they are conducting business with other attendees. Sometimes, I don't have the opportunity to circle back enough times to catch an artist in a quiet moment.

Chicago area guy Beaderstadt has done work for Marvel, DC And Archie Comics. He might be best known for his self-published Trollords. Beaderstadt also creates his own art, as well as commissions. One of my favorite pieces of his is his Bona Lisa, but he has a lot of other cool stuff, too.

Now that I finally really met him, the next step is an interview. Hopefully, that will happen soon, possibly even at C2E2 2022.

Go to ScottyB.site for more info. Also, check C2E2.com for updates and news on C2E2 2022 which runs August 5-7.

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Scott Beaderstadt and me in Chicago, IL-December 2021.

Arn Anderson and Brock Anderson at C2E2

Arn Anderson had an interesting wrestling career. He is considered one of the best to never win a major World Title. He won many tag team titles and midcard titles, but he never won the major belt in a big company. He was also in the Four Horsemen, a stable many view as the best faction ever.

Anderson is now in All Elite Wrestling as a manager onscreen and probably much more backstage. He has a tremendous mind for the business, on the mic, in the ring and on booking. His son Brock is a young talent in AEW, too.

Last year, my comic creator friend Dirk Manning announced he would be producing a graphic novel of Anderson's career. This is big news in the wrestling and comic worlds. Manning had tremendous success with Butts in Seats: The Tony Schiavone Story and I am sure Anderson's book will be just as successful and probably even better.

I met the Andersons at C2E2 last year, along with catching up with Mnning and Schiavone. I am betting the Andersons will be doing more signings as the book nears release.

For more info on the book, go to DirkManning.com. Also, go to C2E2.com for more info on C2E2 2022, running August 5-7. 

Arn Anderson, Brock Anderson and me in Chicago, IL-December 2021.

Princess Etch at C2E2 2020

With C2E2 starts today and runs all weekend, I am recalling some of the interesting folks I met at previous C2E2 events. Princess Etch is one of the most unique artists.

Princess Etch (aka Jane Labowitch) creates her art using Etch-A-Sketch. When I first saw she would be at C2E2 several years ago, I immediately requested an interview. Since then, I have gotten a couple updates over the years. The last time we spoke was in 2020, when Johngy's Beat Contributor Joey Roth handled the interview duties masterfully. Watch our interview at On the Beat With Princess Etch.

She talked about starting her specialized art, the challenges, time and cost of using Etch A Sketch and much more, including giving a few helpful hints to others who might want to try it.

Because Jane moved away since then, I don't expect to see her at C2E2 2023. She's still active and producing her cool art though.

Plenty of other fantastically talented creative folks will be there, along with all sorts of celebrities. It promises to be another great event and I will be "On the Beat" as usual/

Check out her work at PrincessEtch.com. Also, check C2E2.com for info and updates and back here for my recurring coverage.

Princess Etch and me in Chicago, IL-March 2020.

On the Beat With Kayden Phoenix

Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo starts Friday and runs through Sunday. It will be loaded with celebrities and creators of all sorts. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kayden Phoenix, one of the creators I most want to meet. That interview is on the Johngy's Beat YouTube channel at On the Beat With Kayden Phoenix.

Kayden discussed her start in the entertainment business. Seeing a need, Kayden created the first Latina SuperHeroes team, sending her career into another direction. It takes a strong and talented person to see a void and fill it. Talking to Kayden, it quickly becomes apparent how creative and stong-willed she is.

The Latina SuperHeroes team consists fo five characters, each having distint origins and abilities. Kayden discusses each with such passion. You can tell this isn't just a business endeavor. This is something with deep meaning for Kayden.

Kayden talks about all of this and more. She discusses her current and future projects, creating characters not seen in the comic books, carrying the banner for empowerment and of course, her upcoming appearance at C2E2.

My biggest takeaway was her passion, commitment and drive. I was so impressed with her spirit. Obviously, she is a talented person, but it is awesome to see her put her talents into such a unique direction. It might have been easier to take a more common route. I am sure Kayden would have success with whatever she created. Kayden took the unpaved road and created SuperHeroes for young Latinas. 

Although they are Latina SuperHeroes, their appeal goes beyond just young Latinas. The stories are well-written and beautifully drawn. Kayden tackles serious issues with humor and heart. There are life lessons and good versus evil stories. All are entertaining no matter the age, gender or nationality of the reader.

Kayden will be at C2E2, meeting fans and promoting her projects. For more info on C2E2, go to C2E2.com​. If you can't make it there or juts to learn more about Kayden, go to LatinaSuperHeroes.com.

Mike Pankow at C2E2 2020

I have known Mike Pankow for many years. Our paths crossed at comic cons and wrestling events.

Right before the pandemic, our paths merged at C2E2, when I assisted Mike with a few interviews he conducted with wrestlers. I was glad to help him and it was interesting to work video while someone else did the interview for another site.

Mike's site is Windy City Slam. He focuses on the Chicago wrestling scene, but also covers all wrestling. Ever versatile, Mike sometimes serves as a photog for various wrestling companies. In short, he is a fixture around wrestling rings in Chicago.

Mike does great work and works hard at it. He's a great guy, too. I applaud his success and always like seeing him at events.

Check WindyCitySlam.com to see all of his work and to keep updated on wrestling news. Also, check C2E2.com for all the info.

Mike Pankow and me in Chicago, IL-March 2020

Alex Campbell at C2E2 2017

Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo is coming March 31-April 2. As always, I will be "On the Beat" meeting celebs and creators of all sorts.

One of the things I really love is seeing an artist for the first time, even if they have previously been in Artist Alley. There are so many creators in Artist Alley, it is easy to miss a few.

In any case, I was happy to meet Alex Campbell at C2E2 2017. Alex creates digital illustration, comics, prints, and original art. Based "somewhere in Iowa," Alex graduated from Iowa State University before embarking on his career.

Like a lot of artists, Alex did some drawing right at his booth at C2E2. I could watch that stuff for hours. I find it fascinating to see the process and the final awesome product. Alex illusrated sketch covers while there.

Check his work at Alex Campbell Illustration on Facebook. Also, go to C2E2.com for updates and schedules.

Alex Campbell and me in Chicago, IL-April 2017.