Superheroes welcome
During the day, Rich Woodall is a mild-mannered graphic designer at PixelMEDIA in Portsmouth, N.H.
"I'm a comic book artist by night," said Woodall, creator and illustrator of the comic book "Johnny Raygun."
"We pretty much devoted the entire third floor of our new house to comic books," said Woodall, who is also the father of two children. "I've accumulated thousands upon thousands of comics over the years. It's like comic-topia up there."
Woodall's alter-ego will flourish at this weekend's Comic Book Show in Nashua, where he'll join dozens of vendors, dealers, and fellow artists participating in the convention.
"We've really formed a family," said Woodall. "I've been doing comic book conventions since I was 16, and this is one of the best around. It's a great way to highlight local talent and meet my fans."
Woodall created his comic book series in 2003 and has published eight issues and two special editions with JetPack Press. Woodall plots, scripts, then draws the story in pencil; his partner, Matt Talbot, inks and letters the book.
"Johnny Raygun" is the story of John Kurtzberg, who works for an intergalactic law enforcement organization in a futuristic universe.
"I've always been interested in B-movies and science fiction books ever since I was a little kid," said Woodall. "Johnny is a retro superhero with no real powers. He has to rely on his wits, and maybe a raygun sometimes to get him out of sticky situations."
The Comic Book Show is one of several Woodall attends each year, where he signs comic books, chats with fans, and provides free sketches along what comic book zealots refer to as "Artist's Alley."
The convention, as organizer Christian Miller explained, is somewhat like a junket where attendees come to see comics old and new, collectibles, toys, and the artists themselves.
"There's something for everybody here, adults and kids alike," said Miller. "We're not nearly as big as the New York or California shows, but our community is devout and loyal."
The show was the result of Miller's dissatisfaction with the local scene and what he called "glorified flea markets."
" There was no excitement, no draw. I had some experience with smaller shows, but I wanted to make a bigger, more exciting and engaging atmosphere," he said.
The show has been held for the past three years, and drew 400 to 500 in each of the past two years. But this year, for the first time, the show will attract nationally knows figures in the industry.
The guest of honor will be David Finch, creator of Marvel's "Moon Knight" series. He will offer a limited-edition sketchbook and prints.
Also featured will be upcoming "World War Hulk:
"People need to realize comic books are not just a silly cartoon, they are a graphic novel," said Miller, who owns the complete Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle collection. "They can be very intelligent and make you think, like any other artistic medium."
