City of Oaks Comicbook Odyssey

A journey through panels, pages, and pop culture

Celebrity & Guest Artists

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Teddy Sears

Teddy Sears is a dynamic actor known to comic book and TV fans for his unforgettable roles in some of the most iconic series of the last decade. In The Flash, Sears thrilled audiences with his dual portrayal of the heroic Jay Garrick and the terrifying villain Zoom—making a lasting mark on the Arrowverse.

His genre credits also include American Horror Stories, American Horror Story, and American Crime Story: Impeachment, showcasing his impressive range across dark and dramatic storytelling. He’s also appeared in The Night Agent (Netflix), Chicago Fire (NBC), and 24: Legacy (FOX), as well as fan favorites like Masters of Sex, The Politician, and Law & Order: SVU. His voice work includes the DC animated feature Justice League: Warworld.

A Virginia alum and Maryland native, Sears began his career in New York under the guidance of renowned acting coach William Esper—and he’s been captivating audiences ever since.
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Ciara Renée

Ciara Renée is a versatile performer celebrated by comic book and theatre fans alike for her commanding presence on both stage and screen. In the DC Arrowverse, she brought depth and power to Kendra Saunders / Hawkgirl, the fierce winged hero whose journey through time and destiny became a cornerstone of DC’s Legends of Tomorrow and The Flash.

Her extensive stage résumé includes standout turns in Pippin, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Big Fish, and Disney’s Frozen on Broadway, where her dynamic vocals and emotional range have captivated audiences nationwide. Beyond the DC universe, Ciara has appeared in acclaimed television projects such as The Big Bang Theory and continues to build a career that spans acting, singing, and directing.

A graduate of Baldwin Wallace University’s Musical Theatre Program, the Pennsylvania native channels authenticity and strength into every role—earning recognition as one of today’s most engaging and multidimensional creative talents.
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Andy Smith

Andy Smith is a veteran comic book artist whose bold storytelling and energetic linework have captivated readers since 1991. Over his career, he has worked with nearly every major publisher—including Marvel, DC, Image, Acclaim, and CrossGen Entertainment—bringing his signature touch to titles such as Green Lantern, Hawkman, Thanos vs. Hulk, and Silver Surfer.

An accomplished author and educator, Andy has written two instructional books, Drawing Dynamic Comics (2000) and Drawing American Manga Super-Heroes (2007), which have inspired artists around the world.

Today, he continues to expand his creative vision through his own imprint, Astonishing Comics, home to original series such as 1stMAN and Kor-Drath: The Reckoning. With more than three decades in the industry, Andy Smith remains one of comics’ most versatile and passionate creators.
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Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod, a legendary comic book artist and inker best known as the co-creator of The New Mutants for Marvel Comics. Since beginning his career in the 1970s, McLeod has worked on some of the industry’s most iconic titles, including Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, X-Men, and Superman.

Celebrated for his clean line work and expressive characters, he has contributed to both Marvel and DC Comics as a penciller and inker. In addition to his superhero work, McLeod authored and illustrated Superhero ABC, a children’s book published by HarperCollins. Today, he continues to appear at conventions, create commissioned art, and inspire fans and future creators through his decades of contributions to the comic book world.
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Bill Maus

Bill Maus is a 90s indie comic book veteran best known for Zen: Intergalactic Ninja and Nira-X: Cyberangel. With a dynamic art style and imaginative storytelling, he became a defining voice of the independent comic books boom.

As co-founder of Parody Press and Entity Comics, Bill helped lead a wave of creator-driven titles that captured the energy, humor, and bold creativity of the era. His work continues to inspire both longtime fans and new generations of indie creators.

Today, Bill shares his passion and perspective on his weekly podcast, The Weekly Maus, where he reflects on decades in comic books through stories, insights, and conversations with fellow artists. Still creating and connecting with fans, he remains dedicated to celebrating—and advancing—the spirit of independent comic books.
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Joe Rubinstein

Joe Rubinstein is a legendary comic book artist and inker, celebrated for his work on The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe and classic runs on Wolverine, Infinity Gauntlet, and Captain America. Over the course of a remarkable career spanning more than four decades, Rubinstein has brought clarity, texture, and emotion to the art of storytelling through ink. His unmatched precision and adaptability have made him one of the most respected inkers in the comic book industry.

With over 2,500 titles to his credit, Rubinstein has collaborated with nearly every major artist in comic books, enhancing and defining the visual style of countless creators and characters. His work has graced the pages of both Marvel and DC, influencing the look of heroes who have inspired generations of readers. Widely regarded as a master of his craft, Rubinstein’s legacy continues to shape how comic book art is seen, studied, and celebrated today.
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Jamal Igle

Jamal Igle is an award-winning writer, artist, and educator whose career spans more than three decades in comic books and animation. Recipient of the 2011 Inkpot Award for Outstanding Achievement in Comic Art, Jamal is the creator of Molly Danger (Action Lab), co-creator of Venture with Jay Faerber, The Wrong Earth with Tom Peyer (Ahoy Comics), and Dudley Datson and the Forever Machine with Scott Snyder (Comixology/Dark Horse).

His detailed pencils have defined beloved series including Firestorm the Nuclear Man, Supergirl, Nightwing, Zatanna, Noble Causes, and New Warriors, as well as titles for G.I. Joe, Iron Man, Spider-Man, and Green Lantern. Jamal’s work also extends to television and film storyboarding.

Recent credits include Dark Honor (Image Comics), Toxie Team-Up (Ahoy Comics), and WHITE from Black Mask Studios. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at The School of Visual Arts in New York City, shaping the next generation of comic book creators.

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