Comic Book Writer Russell Lissau Visits Vegas Aug. 15 to Discuss the Art and Craft of Creating Comics
He’s written the adventures of Batman, the escapades of Strawberry Shortcake, and created his own pulpy universe in the comic Old Wounds. Now Russell Lissau will share his expertise from a decade in the comics field with a day of workshops and appearances in Las Vegas on Saturday, Aug. 15.
The Chicago-based writer, who by day is a reporter for the Daily Herald, will lead back-to-back, free programs at the Clark County Library (1401 E. Flamingo Road), beginning with “Making Comics” at 11 a.m. and followed by “Ready…Set…Draw!” at 1 p.m.
“The ‘Making Comics’ workshop is for teens and adults—people who are serious about the craft of making comics and who want to learn more about it,” Lissau says. “The ‘Ready…Set…Draw!’ event is for kids and teens, mostly. It’s like Pictionary, but with comics, science-fiction and fantasy as themes for the things to be drawn.”
After the library workshops, Lissau will then head across the street to Alternate Reality Comics (4110 S. Maryland Parkway, Suite 8)—recently named “Best Comic Book Institution” by the Las Vegas Weekly—for a meet-and-greet from 3 to 5 p.m. celebrating the conclusion of his acclaimed, creator-owned miniseries Old Wounds.
Drawn by fellow Midwesterner John Bivens, Old Wounds tells the story of a retired superhero and the ghosts from his past who’ve come back to haunt him. All four issues will be available at the comic store appearance for purchase and for Lissau to sign.
Although he calls Chicagoland home, Lissau is no stranger to Las Vegas. He was a guest at the 2014 Vegas Valley Comic Book Festival (where his “Making Comics” workshop was standing-room-only) and makes frequent recreational visits to partake in the city’s myriad diversions. He particularly enjoys the “great restaurants, fantastic hotels and swimming pools.”
“I gamble a bit as well when I’m here, typically craps and blackjack,” says Lissau. “Although my poker skills are improving and I may sit down for a game. Most importantly, however? My publisher is in town!”
Lissau’s next project for Pop! Goes the Icon is the one-shot story “Stranger” with artist Dirk Tiede, which will be released as a digital-first comic later this year. He also has several self-published comics in the works, including Rubicon with Danielle Alexis St. Pierre and Dinner at Dante’s with Mark Stegbauer.
Launched in 2009, Pop! Goes the Icon (PGTI) is a Las Vegas-based boutique print and online publishing house, specializing in comic books, graphic novels and webcomics, known for such titles as The Utopian, San Hannibal and Old Wounds. More information can be found at popgoestheicon.com.