SPACE Exhibitor Bios R to Z

 Lexi Ramos:
Lexi Ramos is a Columbus based comics artist who loves making action, adventure comics. Her current project is the webcomic The City Under Saturn, which is about a group of misfit criminals, their mysterious boss and their many misadventures.

Auj Ruffin:
AgoraphobicAlien is a black queer artist focused on creating stories that show the beauty and complexity of black, queer and neurodivergent lives through fiction.

Max Schaller:
Max Schaller is an independent artist in Columbus Ohio who creates wild sci-fi/fantasy and absurd humor comics. 

Gloria Ann Shows:
Espiritu, aka Gloria Ann Shows, is an artist working in printmaking and folded book forms to adapt personal narrative and shared histories. She reflects on Eastern and Western approaches in rendering landscape and shapes them into emotive spaces that hold memories. The personal narratives meander, shuffle, 

Natalie Stastny:
A comet is going to hit the earth causing the end of the world. Because of this Lee returns home in order to make amends with her ex Jessie, who she had left behind three years prior. 

Nick Stellanova:

Nick Stellanova is a trans cartoonist from Ohio whose work focuses on queer identity, dream-like visuals, and how the world around us interacts with our minds, bodies, and selves. He lives with his wife and his very old cat. Nick enjoys being outdoors, making comics, and brainstorming pickling strategies. 

Caleb Thusat:
Stay-at-home dad of two kids and two crazy cats, Caleb is also a writer and creator of comics and children's books. He strives to create stories readers will want to read over and over again. By creating unique stories with universal appeal, he hopes to draw new readers to the world of comic books and teach kids the joy of reading!
Writer and Creator of Nook (Source Point Press), Supercats (Scout Comics), Alter-Life, Flytrap, and ZED, Caleb is just getting started. Formerly an independent film producer in Chicago, he has spent the past 7 years writing, creating, and publishing numerous comics, graphic novels, and children’s books. All of these series started here on Kickstarter. After many successful kickstarter campaigns in the past years, he has proven time and time again that his creations are not to be missed. His passion to create high-quality books and stories audiences will want to experience over and over again rivals  even the most professional comic book publishers standards.

Unhinged Twins:
The Unhinged Twins are an artistic duo that love anime, video games, cartoons, and comics! We sell prints, keychains, stickers, and more! We’re known for our awkward charm, look-a-likeness, and at-con marker commissions!

Casey Van Heel:

Creator/Publisher of Person of Merit Comics and writer of Knights of the 5th Dimension (Blue Juice Comics) 

Anna "Junior" Vigorito:
Anna is a freelance illustrator and art teacher and works on the webcomic, Growing Up Gerudo. They're also an expert of the unexpectedly cute, specializing in cute monsters and beasts.

Ben Wright-Heuman:
Ben Wright-Heuman hails from Richmond, VA. A lifelong writer and doodler, he originally pursued screenwriting before realizing that comics were his true passion and calling.
​After receiving a BA in English Literature and Drama from Kenyon College and an MFA in Sequential Art from the Center for Cartoon Studies, he moved to Columbus, OH, where he works as a freelance cartoonist and illustrator. His comics span the genres of mystery, science fiction, horror, humor, and nonfiction.

Matt Wydick: 
Matt is a freelance illustrator and animator who channels the chaos around them and gives it tangible form.

Megan Zalenski:
Hello! I'm Megan and I am from Columbus Ohio. I grew up with a sketchbook to my side, with silly stories in my mind, and enjoy making comics! 

Art by ZEKM:
30something fan and creator of queer adult sci-fi comics

Zihua Art:
Digital illustrator and webtoon creator - part-time daydreamer, full-time artist!

SPACE Exhibitor Bios M to P

Michael Marcus:

The last living Hamtramck Idea Man, Michael makes comics, games, and all sorts of other art out of Hamtramck, Michigan

Kevin Marion:
Kevin has been documenting the adventures of CinciGnat, a human-sized bug do-gooder from Cincinnati, Ohio. As a special treat, the minicomic is all-ages and is easy for anyone to color. But the fun doesn’t stop just there. With the addition of Recycled Comics, Kevin has progressed into offering creative solutions for older comics in the form of repainted covers, pinback buttons and one-of-a-kind pop culture creations.

XAN MOF:
My name is Xan Mof! I’m a local comic book artist born & raised in Columbus,OH. I’m a former student from CCAD & have been self publishing my own comics since 2020. The main series I have been working on is “SECRET-O”! It’s about the ex-lead singer of a death metal band turned secret agent! And I’m looking to release the 4th issue this year at S.P.A.C.E. 2023. My first show was at CXC 2022 and I cant wait to get back out there to show more of the world what Secret-O is all about! My character has been featured in 2 issues of the Columbus Scribbler! I have a background in Illustration, writing, and fine art! 

Robert Monsarrat:
CCAD grad Robert Monsarrat has enjoyed drawing monsters and dinosaurs since he could first hold a pencil, and has been working on a comic about his lizard-man character, Rarraku, for about that long, too! Come to his table to discuss all the latest monster happenings!

Joseph Morris:

Joseph Morris is the owner and operator of TORC Press, a Small Press Comics Publisher based out of Central Illinois, and is in his 23rd year of making comics.  TORC Press most notably publishes the Quixote Coyote Daily Strip, as well as various Dolphin Bros comics, and the surrealist epic, Cozmic Taco.  Joseph has exhibited his work all over the US, and has been a regular at SPACE since it was in that one hotel that got demolished.  Not the second one.  The first one.

Jason Morrow:
Jason Morrow is a cartoonist from Philadelphia, PA who draws humorous comics, zines, and illustrations for his own amusement which will hopefully amuse others as well. 

Mullet Turtle Comics / Steve Steiner:

Mullet Turtle Comics showcases humorous comics, cartoons, and other assorted self-published zines and books, all written and illustrated by Steve Steiner. His current series is Odd Clods, strange graphic design comics printed in an oversized newspaper format. Special thanks to his loving wife, Jennifer who assists with editing, proofreading, and reigning in his more terrible ideas.

Michael Neno:

Michael Neno has been writing, drawing and publishing comics, zines, coloring books and more for 35 years. In addition to designing concert posters and album covers, he freelances penciling, inking, lettering and coloring comic books and has worked for Cracked Magazine,

Keith Newsome:
I have been drawing since before I can remember, illustrate dragons and creator of Godsent.

The Nice Place:
The Nice Place is a publisher of short form comics from emerging artists, based in Columbus, Ohio. The Nice Place aims to strengthen and encourage the Columbus, Ohio comics community through its efforts to highlight the constant stream of new talent coming from the city. We are passionate about our city’s history, diversity and culture of comics. We aspire to publish the creators whose art and storytelling is as rich as the medium of comics itself. 

Operation Comic Book:
Nonprofit 501c3 promoting literacy of all kind using comic books and the practice of sequential art storytelling. 

Maryanne Rose Papke:

Maryanne Rose Papke self-publishes comics online and in print. Her comics are usually weird, often silly, typically cute, sometimes sad, and occasionally epic.

   

SPACE Exhibitor Bios I to L

 Labishka Ink:
Jandro Gamboa (Labishka Ink) is a teacher and comic book writer from California.  He is married to a very patient woman and is the writer of "The Luchador" series.

Larned Justin:
Small press comics creator and co-host of "Talking Small Press Comics"

Abby Kacen:

Cartoonist & DIY organizer punk from Athens, GA who just happens to be living in Cincinnati now. Creator of Sid & the Sickos and Keep It Weird publications and free artist resources.

Steve Keeter:
Small press comics creator and co-host of "Talking Small Press Comics"

Ember Kessler:
Non-Binary comics artist from Louisville, KY with a weird obsession with horror, Halloween, folklore, and telling spooky scary stories.

Kez:

Kez couldn't decide what to do with her life so she just decided to do everything. She lives in Iowa with her husband, dog, cat, 3 birds, and indoor jungle. When she's not disappearing into the woods to get away from relentless meetings, she can be found in her other habitats, including the laboratory, the emergency department, or in a hammock, drawing. 

Matt Kish:
Matt Kish is a self-taught artist from Ohio where he still lives with his partner, their frog, and too many books.

Jordan Kirian:
Jordan Kirian is a cartoonist, writer, and Publisher of Hot Cakes Comics. He is located in Central Ohio where he works on comics, short stories, and books. 

Levi Lambright:

Levi Lambright was born and raised in Fostoria, Ohio. Levi received his fine arts degree from the University of Michigan and currently works as a freelance artist and owner of Malek Premium Headwear.
Levi’s creation of Legends of the Hole first started as an entry in the 24-hour comic challenge in 2020. Since then, Levi has devoted his time to fleshing out the story of Legends of the Hole and has big plans for the series going forward.
Levi has many influences which include the likes of Akira Toriyama, Stan Sakai, Genndy Tartakovsky,Bryan Lee O’ Malley, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird.
Levi’s works can be found online via Instagram @ll_tation and his brand Malek Premium can be found at www.malekpremium.com

Brian E Lau:

Brian E. Lau is the creator/writer/artist/letterer of Inferno City Firehouse, a 76-page, original graphic novel that takes you inside the lives of real Detroit firefighters - true stories fused together into a breathtaking narrative, and Staunch Ambition, a full-color, science-fiction graphic novel - what happens when human innovation transcends its physical limitations and enters the supernatural.
He’s an independent creator working hard to make sure the level of production is as good as any of the major publishers. Only possible due to the amazing talent he has collaborated with from Image, Marvel, DC, and Disney. Artists Clayton Crain, Freddie Williams II, Khoi Pham, Erwin J. Arroza, Neal Anderson, Hallea Jones, Jay David Ramos, and more.
Brian and his work have been featured on The Babylon Bee Podcast and in Panayioti Yannitsos’s short film for Florian's Knights the Movie - a documentary about firefighters who ride motorcycles to cope with PTSD.

Douglas Laubacher:
Douglas Laubacher is a cartoonist and art educator. He draws a comic strip called "Unbound" for library newsletters and a local paper, the Tuscarawas County Bargain Hunter. When he is not drawing, he can often be found traversing the land, teaching the mysterious craft of cartooning in various art centers and libraries. Douglas is a National Cartoonist Society member. He drinks a lot of coffee and collects old videogames.

Aaron Lindeman:
Aaron Lindeman is an artist living in Ohio. He works on comics, illustrations, and the occasional painting. He cannot cross running water, and is particularly susceptible to weapons made of silver. He loves sloths, and he will protect them until the very end. He's over 45% slime! Remarkable!

Craig Lindsley:
Craig Lindsley has had a love of comics since early in his childhood. In 1991, Craig earned his Associate Degree in Commercial Art. After gaining some experience in that field, Craig returned to school and attained a bachelor's degree in art with a minor in Education. He formally taught art to Middle Schoolers.  Craig has served as a member of the Parma Area Fine Arts Council, where he taught “How to Draw Superheroes.” He donates artwork to a near-by comic book shop that raffles the items to raise funds for a local foodbank.  Craig and his wife serve regularly at their church. When Craig isn’t creating, he is enjoying time with his wife, children and 2 cats.

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SPACE Exhibitors Bios D to H

 Connor Drescher:

CW Drescher is a science fiction and fantasy creator with a love of experimental story structures, strange and believable characters, and immersive settings.

Matt Feazell:

40+ years (1980–2023) of self-published minicomics including 4 paperback book collections. Contributing cartoonist to ZOT!, Munden's Bar, Gen 13, Disney Adventures, and Nickelodeon Magazine. Along with writer Jim Mackey, Feazell is the winner of the 2010 SPACE Prize for best minicomic ("Board of Superheros™"). He's currently promoting his latest project, SLAB #1, a minicomic for collectors that you can't read... because it comes sealed in a 4x6 mylar toploader!

Michael Fehskens:
Illustrator with an appreciation for nature that teeters into the supernatural. In the spirit of Richard Scarry;s Busy Town, if Bigfoot & the Loch Ness Monster came to town. Children's books with elements of comics, with educational fun for kids and psychedelic elements for adults.

Fieldmouse Press:
Fieldmouse Press is a nonprofit publisher of comics and literature, based in Grass Valley, California. Founded in 2019, Fieldmouse Press is committed to expanding the reach and appreciation of the comics arts.

Fieldmouse Press publishes the online literary magazine SOLRAD, and since 2021, has begun publishing international and American comics. We are passionate about comics and our goal is to advance the medium through the publication of new and underrepresented voices. We believe that comics should be a place for every story and every person.

Matthew Frey / Spaz Tastic Studios:
Small team of artists and storytellers looking to put interesting stories into the world while having fun and expressing our artistic visions. 

Tim Fuller:

Tim Fuller is a cartoonist living in Northern Kentucky and is active in the Cincinnati, Ohio comic scene. He writes and draws comics, mostly about talking animals and shares his studio space with several cats and dogs who give him plenty of feedback on his work. His Sham Comics series for Source Point Press takes public domain material from the 40s and 50s and rewrites them as social satires. Tim’s current projects also include "Cap'n Catnip & Womble the Wonder Gerbil." His work can be seen at www.hoohacomics.com

Steven Gamburd:

Guerrilla Publishing 

Guerrilla Publishing publishes books, comic books, and graphic novels.
Co-Founders

Julio A. Guerra

Julio Guerra is an artist and writer from East Chicago, Indiana.  Julio started out as a graffiti artist and then went on to study fine art in college.  His passion for comic books brought him back to medium as a creator.  He has created his own titles such as The Epic Misadventures of Deathbag, Tales from the Cryptic Closet, Super Deadbeat Dad, and Joo Bear.  Julio has used his artistic talents to work for other companies such as Aftershock, Marvel/Upper Deck, and Pro Wrestling Tees.  Julio’s desire to bring underground comics to the mainstream led him to join with Ben Miller & Adam Farster to found Guerrilla Publishing.

Ben Miller

Ben Miller is a writer and editor at Guerrilla Publishing.  Ben started out writing the miniseries Judges.  Since he has written the graphic novels Kaneesha and Gunwork.  He has written stories in Tales From the Cryptic Closet and The Epic Misadventures of Deathbag.  Also Ben  has worked as a writer for The Lab and Bluroos Comics.  As an adult Ben has worked in his Gary, Indiana community as a director of a program for at risk kids.  He brings the lessons and desires for justice from his work to his writing.  In hopes of bringing stories to comics that weren’t being told. Ben joined up with Julio Guerra & Adam Farster to found Guerrilla Publishing 

Adam Farster

Adam Farster is a writer/illustrator and a man of mystery.  Adam is the creator of the award winning comic book ‘Humalien’ and the children’s book ‘Skeleton Boy and the Moon Balloon’ and the cover artist for Julio Guerra’s ‘The Epic Misadventures of Deathbag’ Adam is currently working on the Fantasy/Sci-Fi tale ‘Dark Echo’ which will be released in 2021. Adam joined up with Julio Guerra & Ben Miller to found Guerrilla Publishing 

We are Guerrilla Publishing.  Read the Revolution. 

Dan Hair:

Married with kids. Love Kirby, Ditko, Don Heck, Gil Kane.  SunJay! Comic six years in the making, young SunJay escapes dictatorship world and becomes a hero in ours! Dear Mr Walters is our letter answerer.

 

Drew B. Hall:

I'm trying my best.

Han Hampy:

Han Hampy is a cartoonist in Columbus Ohio who works in horror and comedy.

Ron Hill:
Ron Hill has drawn for Dungeons & Dragons games, illuminated Presbyterian Publishing Company’s Armchair Theologian series, been sued (unsuccessfully) for defamation by a notoriously litigious coal magnate, and has been writing and drawing hundreds of thousands of editorial cartoons, comic strips, illustrations and caricatures since the late ’70s. In June of 2023, he completed the documentary film Go-kart Therapy, and is currently directing We Are Doc Savage: A Documentary on Fandom. Learn more at RonHillArtist.com.

Stephen Hines:

Stephen Hines was spawned and currently lives in Ohio. When he’s not infiltrating the system by teaching high school English he’s writing. So far he’s published one young adult novel (Hocus Focus), a one-shot surrealist horror comic (Icon-O-Plastic), a graphic novel called Zombie Fabulous, another trilogy entitled The Soccer Mom Killer, and his newest book is An Exile’s Epistle and Other Stories. He has also released a prose memoir (Rebirth Defect: My Journey From Catholic Altar Boy to Teen Atheist to Adult Christian Metal Evangelist and Back to Atheism).

Travis Horseman:

Travis was born in Springfield, Ohio, and discovered comic books at the age of six. Since then, the course of his life has been shaped by his love of comics, theater and classical history. In addition to being a writer, he has been an actor, a director, a produced playwright, and occasionally, all three at once. After writing the first draft of his ancient Roman epic "Amiculus: A Secret History" as a ten-page play in college, he began adapting it as a comic. Initially intending for it to be a short 32-page project, it took on a life of its own, expanding to a 200-page graphic novel. Travis partnered with veteran comic artist Giancarlo Caracuzzo (www.giancarlocaracuzzo.com) to bring the script to life panel-by-panel over three successful crowdfunding campaigns, releasing the final version in 2020.

Since "Amiculus", Travis has continued to write, crowdfund and publish comics under his label Amiculus Books, venturing into horror with "Sugar Creek" in 2019 and combining horror with ancient history in the vampire story "In Noctem" in 2021. Currently, he is hard at work on a mythological fantasy miniseries, "Pythia: the Last Oracle," with Roxy Comics artist Jessie Robinson.

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SPACE Exhibitor Bios - Zero to C

80 Proof Comix:

Mini comics since the mid 1980's crossing a variety of topics. Lately been focusing on love of low budget movie making with producer character. Completed a run of comics based on working as a house manager/QIDP for a group home. Also do one panel toons(generally at work).

Itzel Argil Aguilar:
Itzel Argil Aguilar (she/they) is a comics and illustrative artist with a range in high fantasy and realism. Their work is informed by her Mexican heritage and extensive media backlog

Richard Alexander:
Richard Alexander self publishes Richy Vegas Comics and Tales From the Richy Vegas Psychoverse. Both books offer autobiographical takes on Richard's struggles with mental illness and how these struggles play out in his life. 

Rachel Bard:
I create unusual mini-comics in a variety of formats and styles. I print and assemble all of them by hand. I like to experiment with unconventional book formats and materials that really add something to the content of the story. I write about monsters, robots, animals, and other strange creatures who are equal parts funny, sad, cute, and maybe secretly evil. My books are short, all-ages, and can usually fit in the palm of your hand.

John Boissy:
John Boissy is the author and illustrator of a weekly webcomic, Wee Freekz. When not making funny pictures, John is a Creative Lead at ProQuest, part of Clarivate, and a part-time instructor at Eastern Michigan University. He lives in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area and is married to Suzanne, a professor at Eastern Michigan University, and has three sons; Jay, Foxx, and Cosmo. And yes …John has a blue fez.

Charles Brubaker:
Charles Brubaker is a cartoonist and animator based in Martin. A graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin, Brubaker's works have appeared in publications such as MAD Magazine and SpongeBob Comics. He is the creator of the comics "Ask a Cat", "The Fuzzy Princess", and "Lauren Ipsum." In addition to his comics work, he has also worked as a storyboard artist and animator.

Suzanne Baumann:

I make comics in my attic. Or really, anywhere I can grab a drawing utensil and go, but I like the attic best. I draw and am drawn to all sorts of little everyday things that are typically overlooked and taken for granted, or outright rejected and discarded. Such items continually turn up as both subject matter my zines. Titles include the minicomic series As Eavesdropped (based on overheard conversations), Ball Point (doodles, tiny and free) and the webcomic Sucker Street (suckerstreet.com). I'm currently working on A is for Ambroseburg, an online alphabet book. Follow it at fridge-mag.com/ambroseburg.

Pam Bliss:
Pam Bliss has been making minicomics in the real Indiana since 1989 and she's not finished yet.  Her Kekionga universe, set in an Indiana of the mind, keeps on expanding.

David G Caldwell:

Cartoonist and illustrator from Tennessee who makes comics in many different genres. 

Brian Canini:

Brian Canini is a cartoonist that lives with his significantly better half, Amy, and his three amazing kiddos in Sunbury, Ohio. Through his efforts in self-publishing, he has created the award-winning autobio graphic novels Fear of Flying and The Big Year, the critically-acclaimed sci-fi comic Plastic People, and is part of the team that produces the Eisner nominated comics newspaper The Columbus Scribbler.

Michael Anthony Carroll:

Michael Anthony Carroll makes his home in Columbus, Ohio with several cats and Lego miniatures. He’s been making comics since he was ten and self publishing since his early 20s. He’s known for creating AsthmaAttack, R.A.In.B.o.W., The Kernal, The F’orcemen and RoboStick. Since 2010 he’s drawn a lot of ninjas. His current works include "The Cute Ninja Tarot Deck", "The Cute Ninja Coloring Book", "The Second Cute Ninja Coloring Book" “Pumpkin Spice Laddie”, “Fun with M.O.N.S.T.E.R.S.”, "Holiday Ninja Force: Roll Call", "Teamsgiving", "Ninja-Mental" and "Pun Ninja".
He is hard at work on a ninja graphic novel, compiling his pandemic ninja comics for a trade paperback and starting production on a new animated feature. You can follow him online at facebook.com/mackeral1964.

Artwhale_Chua:
Dark demented humor, fun and silly. Emphasis on caricature, parody, satire. Debuting my first self published book in 2023 called “Artwhale’s Spicy Spider” 170+pg graphic novel of controlled chaos humor insanity. 

Ryan Claytor:
Ryan Claytor is the Coordinator of the Comic Art and Graphic Novel Minor and Assistant Professor at Michigan State University where he teaches Comics Studio courses. Claytor’s achievements have included five S.P.A.C.E. (Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo) Prizes , including the top prize, 1st place in the Graphic Novel category, for his work in comics, a Cartoonist in Residence position at the Cartoon Art Museum, visiting lecturerships at the Dallas Museum of Art , The Center for Cartoon Studies, and The Savannah College of Art and Design, an internship with Marvel Comics, and judging the Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailing Award.  As a creator, Claytor is known for his award-winning, self-published, autobiographical, comic book series, "And Then One Day," as well as his collaborative work on "Coin-Op Carnival: Electrifying Tales of Mechanical Contraptions," which is illustrated by Claytor and co-written by Nick Baldridge and Ryan Claytor, "A Hunter's Tale," a collaborative comics poem between him and his grandfather.

Columbus Cartoon Coalition:
The goal of the Columbus Cartoon Coalition is to establish consistent programming for cartoonists and comic artists in, and around, Columbus, OH. Developing a space to commune and create, we host critique sessions, gallery hops, and other activities to bring local artists together. Gathering creatives from various scenes within the city, our events provide ample opportunities for networking, collaboration, and community building within the medium of cartoon arts.

Leighton Connor:
Leighton Connor is a writer, artist, cartoonist, and public school teacher. He lives in Cincinnati with his wife, two children, and a dog. He has illustrated a few books and has drawn numerous comics, including Lightning Man, Fuzzball & Scuzzball, and Laser Brigade. With his daughter Blu he is the co-creator of the comic book series The Electric Team. He is the co-founder of Hex Games and the author or co-author of numerous RPG books, including Akashic Titan, Laser Ponies, Hobomancer, Project 8Ball, Save Dave!, and Leopard Women of Venus. He enjoys BLTs.

Joel Cramer:

Joel Cramer was born and raised in the Columbus, Ohio area. He is a huge fan of all things fantasy and sci-fi but especially dragons, which reflects in every work he puts out. When not making comics he enjoys video games, movies and talking about anything considered geeky.

Kel Crum:

Kel Crum has been a long time writer for Cincinnati radio legend Gary Burbank as well as a radio announcer and occasional stand-up comic. He's been active in small press since 1989, starting with "Dangerous Birds". Cornelia Dodson was introduced the following year, followed by Ed Thud, Helen Boomer, Reba Moonves, Thighbone Jones and other curiosities. Cornelia can now be seen in a new live-action short film on Youtube. Just enter "Smart Phony A Cornelia Story" in the search engine. 

Miles Curtiss:

Miles Curtiss is a songwriter and comic book writer based in Columbus, Ohio. He is the frontman of the band Marvin The Robot, which has been active since 1999 and has developed a loyal following with their unique brand of indie rock. Curtiss' debut comic, The Editors, was released in 2021 and follows a pair of best friends who travel back in time to prevent slavery from coming to America. The series has been praised for its clever writing and engaging characters. His most recent comic, Neighborly Detective Co., follows the adventures of Agatha Neighborly. A young lady struggling to make it in New York City, all while discovering some amazing things about her own history. The series has been a hit with both fans of mystery comics and sci-fi enthusiasts. Curtiss is known for his eclectic interests and unique creative vision, which is evident in both his music and his comics.