David Collier Appearing at Homegrown Hamilton

Homegrown Hamilton wants to add more talent to the show, bringing in the likes of David Collier, a critically acclaimed graphic novelist. He joins Mike Gagnon and others at the event taking place Saturday, June 16, as part of the Hammer Comics Launch party.

"It's an honour and a privilege to be included in this event," said Collier. "Anything that promotes the sharing of artistic and literary ideas, while inspiring a new generation of creators is certainly something with which I am thrilled to be associated." said Kirshenblatt regarding the new studio, which will also be offering mentoring to artists and writers of all ages.


Collier has created a number of critically acclaimed graphic novels on subjects like Canadian history and autobiography, including famous works like Portraits from Life and Hamilton Sketchbook. His appearance is to help support the launch of Hammer Comics, a new comic studio and shop launched by local comic creator Gagnon.

“Mike’s a really professionally guy...” said Collier “…This guy really knows a lot about comic books.”

The event will also play host to number of live bands and fun events on the evening of June 15th and 16th. For more details look for Hammer Comics on facebook or visit http://www.hammercomics.com/.

Full press release below.

Acclaimed Graphic Novelist David Collier to Appear at Homegrown Hamilton

Wednesday, June 13^th 2012, Hamilton, Ontario – Critically acclaimed graphic novelist David Collier will be making a rare public appearance at Homegrown Hamilton, located at 27 King William St., Saturday June 16^th, as a part of the Hammer Comics launch party.

Collier has created a number of critically acclaimed graphic novels on subjects like Canadian history and autobiography, including famous works like Portraits from Life and Hamilton Sketchbook. His appearance is to help support the launch of Hammer Comics, a new comic studio and shop launched by local comic creator Mike Gagnon.

Collier will be offering sketches for fans, who are also encouraged to bring copies of his books to be signed.

“Mike’s a really professionally guy...” said Collier “…This guy really knows a lot about comic books.”

Collier is one of at least a half dozen famous artists that will be spending the afternoon at Homegrown Hamilton for the event.

The event will also be attended by Shane Kirshenblatt, creator of the Dorothy Gale series of graphic novels, a dark, modern retelling of the OZ stories.

"It's an honour and a privilege to be included in this event. Anything that promotes the sharing of artistic and literary ideas, while inspiring a new generation of creators is certainly something with which I am thrilled to be associated." said Kirshenblatt regarding the new studio, which will also be offering mentoring to artists and writers of all ages.

Kirshenblatt is also the editor of and a contributor to a new graphic novel anthology called Anything Ghost, slated for release this fall, just in time for Halloween. Each story is based on a person’s real paranormal experience as heard on the popular Anything Ghost podcast, hosted by Lex Wahl.

Collier and Kirshenblatt will be joined by studio founder Mike Gagnon who has worked for large publishers such as Marvel Comics and Dark Horse Comics, Kurt Lehner, designer of Disney’s Gargoyles, Kris Johnson and The Dick, creators of Spy Guy, and Jim Felker, Canada’s official Kermit the Frog.

The event will also play host to number of live bands and fun events on the evening of June 15^th and 16th.  For more details look for Hammer Comics on facebook or visit www.hammercomics.com.