Guests
2019
Special
Kauai Comic Convention is excited to announce the following lineup of special guests!
BAN DAISUKE
Actor
Ban’s acting career spans five decades, starring in scores of feature films, TV shows, and stage productions in Japan and the United States. He got his first big break in 1972 when he was cast in the lead role as Jiro/Kikaida in the Japan TV series Jinzo Ningen Kikaida. This landmark tokusatsu (live-action special effects) series, conceived by the world-renowned manga/anime artist Ishinomori Shotaro, achieved cult-like status in Hawaii when it was broadcast on KIKU-TV in 1974.
Subsequent TV roles in the genre include Kikaida 01, Inazuman, Ninja Captor, and
Battle Fever J which catapulted Ban to tokusatsu superhero status. A guest role in Ten Shimoyama’s feature film Kikaider Reboot (2014) introduced Ban to multi-national audiences.
Also appearing in the hit horror series Ringu, Ban’s versatility is apparent in Ringu (The Ring), Rasen (The Spiral), Ringu 2 (The Ring 2), and Ringu 0: Basudei (The Ring 0: Birthday).
But it is Ban’s beloved 1970s role as Jiro/Kikaida that has brought him to the Hawaiian Islands repeatedly since then. More than 36,000 enthusiastic fans turned out for a Kikaida live action show run in 1975 at the then Honolulu International Center. Appearances at the Hawaii State Farm Fair and Pearlridge Center thrilled thousands of island youngsters and their families. In the 2000s, Ban headlined community events at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii and Maui Matsuri, sparking interest in a new generation of fans. With the DVD releases of Kikaida, Kikaida 01, and Inazuman by Honolulu-based JN Productions/Generation Kikaida, Ban’s popularity reached new heights during the digital revolution. And with nearly annual meet-n-greet and autograph sessions with Ban at Oahu retail locations, most recently in 2018, the legacy of Jiro/Kikaida in Hawaii continues to grow among super fans of multiple generations.
On the US West Coast, Ban’s appearances include the preeminent otaku event, San Diego Comic Con (2004) and Big WOW! Comic Fest (2014) in San Jose, with throngs of fans excited to meet their tokusatsu hero.
Ban’s international resume was built on Kikaida’s success in Hawaii some thirty years prior, when he was tapped to star in the Hawaii productions of Aaron Yamasato’s Blood of the Samurai (2004) TV series and Stacey Hayashi’s feature film, Go For Broke-A 442 Origins Story (2017).
NICOLE LAENO
Dancer/Actress/YouTube
Instagram Superstar
Nicole is a dancer, actress, model, and blogger.
With over 900k followers and millions of views on YouTube.
Nicole is now signed with The Movement Talent Agency and has worked with Will.i.am, Black Eyed Peas, Us the Duo, Matt Steffania, Chris Brown, Meghan Trainor, Mariah Carey and more!
She has worked with companies such as H&M Clothing, Disney, YouTubeRED, ABC, FOX, DanceOn Network, LEGO, Nickelodeon, Nintendo Switch Just Dance and more.
When Nicole was 4 years old, her mom put her in dance classes and she cried almost every class so they took her out. After being in Soccer and Girl Scouts, they decided to put her in dance again when she was about to turn 7 years old. She cried again. Her mom told her to finish out the month and then she could stop. When the month was almost up, something sparked in Nicole and she fell in love with dance. Ever since then, she has become the youngest member of the Advanced Fusion Competition Dance Team to ever be accepted at the age of 9. She has won numerous scholarships and holds the Bravo overall solo championship and is Hollywood Vibe's Regional Dancer of the Year.
CARL POTTS
Comic Creator for Marvel/DC
For most of his 13 years at Marvel Entertainment, Carl Potts was an Executive Editor, overseeing 1/3 of Marvel's publications.
Carl discovered and mentored prodigious talents such as Jim Lee, Whilce Portacio, Scott Williams, Art Adams, Larry Stroman and Jon Bogdanov. His creative discoveries include June Brigman and Mike Mignola. When he should have been sleeping, Carl wrote and drew comic, covers, and posters for Marvel. Among Carl's projects was a celebrated run as writer/layout artist on Punisher War Journal and his writing on Venom, Prowler, and Shadow Masters. He created Alien Legion and was creator/artist on the Last of the Dragons graphic novel. The Alien Legion screenplay Carl wrote was bought by Jerry Bruckheimer Films.
Carl is currently developing his Last of the Dragons graphic novel as a TV series. Carl has given his seminar on sequential visual storytelling at Pixar, The Society of Illustrators, Blizzard, Blue Sky, LucasArts, Syracuse Univ., Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD), SUNY Purchase, NYU, FIT, Ogilvy & Mather and Psyop. He teaches in NYC at School of Visual Arts and online for Academy of Art University. In October 2013, Carl's book, The DC Comics Guide to Creating Comics: Inside the Art of Visual Storytelling was published by DC/Watson-Gupitill (Random House).
SIFU MIMI CHAN
Model Disney's Mulan
Mimi Chan began her martial arts training under her father, Grandmaster Chan Pui, at the age of 3. By the age of 5 she was already performing in exhibitions. Along with live performances she entered the movie world when she was chosen as the model and martial arts video reference for Disney’s animated feature, Mulan. She also briefly worked in Hollywood doing stunt work and making small television appearances.
Mimi has been featured in several martial arts magazines and entered the kung fu hall of fame when Inside Kung Magazine voted her as 2000 “Woman of the Year”. In 2012, she produced and directed the documentary: Pui Chan: Kung Fu Pioneer. The film won 10 awards at film festivals and screened throughout North America to sold out audiences.
In addition to her newfound passion for filmmaking, Mimi Chan will continue to strive to spread the spirit of martial arts and the Wah Lum System. She follows the footsteps of her father by dedicating her life to teaching at the Wah Lum Kung Fu Temple.
Mimi is also the host of Culture Chat Podcast, which explores a variety of topics including: social issues, film, comics, martial arts, traditions, food, pop culture, music, or anything inspiring and thought-provoking.
HIROSHI KANATANI
Artist
Hiroshi Kanatani raised in Kagawa, Japan on Shikoku Island is a comic artist whose works include Shonen Sunday. Working with pen, pencil, and water colors, his passion for monsters and heroes has taken him to Hong Kong, Taiwan, and America. He has done commissioned Godzilla illustrations for Toho Studios, contributed to Famous Monsters of Filmland, and Monster Attack Team. He released the 1st comic in the Gotouchi Kaiju series, illustrated his own kaiju comic IROS, and has collaborated with Clint Eastwood and the estate of Bruce Lee. Mr. Kanatani is a member of the Japan Manga Association and 2019 marks his 1st appearance as an artist in Kauai, Hawaii.
NIGHT DARLING
Hawaii Cosplay Princess
Night Darling was born and raised on the Island of Maui. She has been cosplaying for over 4 years. She has a love for all things Nerd/Pop culture, anime, comics to gaming; Night Darling enjoys it all! Working with some of Hawaiis top Photographers, Videographers, Makeup artists, and local artists Night Darling is taking Hawaii cosplay to a whole new level. She also plays a big part in the Cosplay Community by holding one of the biggest cosplay competitions in Hawaii at the Maui Comic Convention every year. Night Darling loves to give back to all of Hawaii and wants to put Hawaii Cosplayers on the map! Night Darling would like to congratulate the island of Kauai for their first ever Kauai Comic Convention, and is so honored to be apart of history in the making!
DERICK FABIAN
Artist
"Derick Fabian, [founder of 7Sketches], is a Hawai’i-based artist originally from Kauai known for his original sticker art, or “slaps”. Blending the spheres of cartoons, anime, comic books and manga, along with hip-hop and local culture, 7Sketches has created a world of mashup characters that are infiltrating [Hawai'i]" - Camille Wong, Digital Media Coordinator for 7-11
Derick has had the pleasure of sharing his art through projects and exhibitions with clients, galleries, and events that include POW! WOW! Hawai'i, 7-Eleven, Hawaiian Airlines, Bloomingdales x Nintendo, Lightsleepers, Ben Franklin Crafts, Thrilla Krew Gear, Red Label Clothing, Galerie F, Spoke Art, Martian Toys, Wasabi Magazine, Dada Salon, Quiccs, and Vampy Bit Me.
ALICE INOUE
Author
Alice Inoue has published eight national award-winning books: Be Happy! It’s Your Choice; A Loving Guide to These Shifting Times; Feng Shui Your Life!; Just Ask Alice; Destination Happiness; Mindful Moments, More Mindful Moments and most recently, Master Your Superpowers. All focus on life wisdom, self-growth and happiness. Alice writes weekly columns for Hawaii’s two largest publications, and is also the founder of Happiness U, a school in Honolulu devoted to personal growth and transformation. Alice’s Integrated Archetype, the Intuitive Luminary, has led her to inspire others and help them find their personal power.
JASON SUAPAIA
Illustrator
In a cosmic sense, Jason Suapaia has been working on this project since he was ten years old – which is when he first began sketching superheroes on paper bags and using them for his textbook covers. These paper bags were canvases for his imagination, where the characters he created took flight. Characters like Batman inspired him to create an array of his own cast of original characters. Jason’s Integrated Archetype, the Caring Perfectionist, has guided his pen, bringing to life Alice’s collection of superheroes, an ethereal yet earth-bound cast that we all have within us.
JON MURAKAMI
Comic Creator
Jon was born and raised in Hawaii. He graduated from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa with a bachelor's degree in fine arts, and is perhaps best known for his line of Local Kine Greeting Cards which depict humorous occasions and holidays in Hawaii.
His regular comic strips include Calabash with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser newspaper and Generation Gapwith the Hawaii Herald. Additionally Jon has illustrated several Hawaiian children’s picture and board books and self-publishes the comic books, Gordon Rider and The Ara-Rangers.
ART OF JEPROX
Artist
Art of Jeprox is a LA/Burbank based comic illustrator and graphic designer. He works for a top tier comic company by day and works on his own art by night. A fan of comics, movies, music, manga, anime, design & video games, you can see these influences in his art as he translates his own style into every piece.
SAM CAMPOS
Artist
Sam Campos was born and raised in Hawaii and is of Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino and Caucasian descent. He conceptualized Pineapple Man in 1984 and featured him in comic books ten years later. When Sam started self-publishing, he didn't own a computer or have access to things like a graphics tablet or Photoshop. But despite a slipper strap budget and high printing costs, his series garnered attention and a loyal fanbase developed.
Sam went on to teach graphic and sequential art for the University of Hawaii. He's also worked in television and film, doing fight choreography, costume & weapons design and storyboards. After working in Hollywood for a time, Sam returned home to develop Dragonfly, a supernatural martial arts series which takes place in Hawaii.
ROBERT GLUCKSON
Artist
Robert Gluckson discovered comics big time at the age of 12 when the classic silver age of Marvel comics began and he wanted to know everything about what had happened before: at Timely, at DC and at EC, and began his art history career digging through the back issue boxes at Cherokee bookstore in Hollywood, one of the first places to sell comic collectibles. He put out fanzines co-founded the Los Angeles Comic Book Club and attended the first San Diego Cons.
As a comic book dealer and fan he constantly had to explain what was so great about popular culture and this led him to a B.A. degree in Journalism journalism and a Masters in popular culture.
Remembering the thrill of putting out his own fan magazines as a teen, he began teaching cartooning and other art classes along with his career as a media studies adjunct professor in Seattle, Washington, and Ashland, Oregon.
In love with the nature of Kauai, today he grows food on an organic farm in Lawai.
RUSS OGI
Artist
Based in Hawaii, Russ Ogi is a mixed media artist. His background and passion is in photography and traditional sculpture.
With almost 20 years of experience in the high-tech industry, and his background in Additive Manufacturing, Russ has also served as a consultant for numerous financial, safety and product development organizations internationally.
Among some of his notable clients are the Hawaii State Department of Education, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) and the New York Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
He has been a sponsored or featured artist with companies such as Autodesk, imaterialise and 3D Fuel.
Chee Hoo Books
Comic Book Grading
Chee Hoo Books will be on site to provide CGC signature series witnessing services and blue label services at the Kauai Comic Convention. Chee Hoo is a local business that provides official CGC services, without having to send your valuable comics away from the island and wait for months for a response.
Founded in 2000, CGC is the first independent, impartial, third-party comic book grading service. A proven and respected commitment to integrity, accuracy, consistency and impartiality has made CGC the leader in its field. In fact, in 2007, CGC crossed the million-book mark and has now graded over 2 million comic books.
DJ Keawekane
Comic Creator
BIO: I was born on Oahu, but moved to Hilo very early on and graduated from Hilo High. Drawing began for me at age five. I was always drawing and getting into trouble because I was always drawing. In the early 90's, I fell in love with comics and was inspired by artists like Jim Lee, Joe Madureira, Marc Silvestri and many others.
I always wanted to go into comics, but never knew how. At 18 I stopped drawing and just went on with life. I was able to satisfy my artistic hunger by playing music, which I still do. So I let go of my dreams of being a comic book artist. Then in 2002 I got into a car accident that broke my spine in 3 places. I spent the next year in recovery. While in recovery my mom bought me a sketch book and the ideas for Exillion: Creed of the Knightenhawke came pouring out.
KACI HORIMOTO
Artist
Oahu born artist Kaci Horimoto has been working the convention scene and publishing comics and manga since the age of 13 and is now on her fourth issue of her ongoing series Bandit at the age of 20. With contributions in fanzines, art galleries, and other online collabs, she is establishing herself in the hopes of professionally working as a manga/comic artist. Her most recent publication “I hear your Heartbeat” is a manga both in English and Japanese set to make its official release at Kauai Comic Con.
SEAN RUSSELL
Sculpture Odyssey
I have been a sculptor for over 4 years now and will be releasing some of my best and latest works at the Kauai Comic Convention.
MICHAEL H. CANNON
Artist
Michael H. Cannon of Artildawn, LLC is a retired Navy Illustrator-Draftsman Chief, but he’s probably better known as that guy that helped start Comic Jam Hawaii. The four-years-old social group is mainstay in Oahu’s comic art scene.
Michael now works as a Visual Information Specialist for the military, and spends much of his off time drawing and painting comic, fantasy, and science fiction characters.
MOANA McADAMS
Editor-in-Chief Wildcard Chronicles
Moana McAdams is a Kaua’i born and raised local girl. She is the editor-in-chief for the Wildcard Chronicles - an independent and self-published comic series from Burning Spear Comix, a multi-passionate creator (Burning Spear Boutique), best-selling author (Set Apart and Chosen), and published photographer (Overstreet Guide to Cosplay) who advocates for diversity and positive authentic representation of indigenous peoples and cultures in comics and mainstream media. Moana has spoken on numerous creator panels at Awesome Con, Great Philly Con, Baltimore Comicon, HBOʻs Urban Action Showcase, and Blerdcon.
She holds a Bachelors of Business Administration in Management Information Systems with a minor in Computer Science, a Masters of Science in Information Technology, and a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Moana is a bookworm who enjoys capturing life’s precious memories through photography, traveling the world, and spending time with family.
TODD BERNARDY
Artist
Todd Bernardy graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2006, where he studied Fine art and literature. He is the creator of Kukui Project, Disco Thunder Groove Bone, and Hard Candy Aftermath. He lives in Haiku, Hawaii, with his wife and daughter.
You can find his books at Other Realms, Maui Comics & Collectibles (Maui), Enjoy Comics (Hilo), Isotope Comics (San Francisco), Floating World Comics (Portland), Zanadu Comics (Seattle), Velvet Underground (Las Vegas), Astro Zombies (New Mexico) and Amazon.
SWAN KAHOOKELE
Artist
Swan Kahookele is an up and coming artist who grew up with a deep love for cartoons and comics.Born and raised on Maui, Kauai Comic Convention will be his first solo foray as an artist at a convention.Swan is mostly known for his role as a member of the Maui Comics and Collectibles crew and former editor of the NERDWatch podcast.Swan is also a game master to the Maui Comics D&D community and has found a way to weave his art into his games, creating maps and other character art for his campaigns.Other than being a Game Master, Swan is also working on building up his own comic brand. Some of the titles he is working on are named Ecto Eliminators,The Nerd, Project A.R.C.A.D.E and many more.
JIMMY SPARROW
Artist/Cosplayer
James Ishizaki (AKA Jimmy Sparrow) is a freelance digital artist and cosplayer. Originally from Lanai City, now currently based in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Initially known for his cosplay in the “convention scene”, Jimmy has recently taken his life long artistic talent and gain success at conventions, selling and sharing his artwork as a tabling artist. His artwork is known to put either a personal, or a local culture twist on anime, comic and pop culture favorites.
Although he enjoys creating clever mashups and designs according to his personal preference, he has also gained quite a portfolio of commissioned work for various clients over the course of the past year. Clientele reaching as far as New York and even the UK, for pieces ranging from personal works to business logos, product concept artwork, and even music album covers.
Notable local clients that feature Jimmy’s artwork include rock group, Close the Distance (formerly known as EMKE), for their album Edit Undo.
Ben Franklin Crafts regularly features his painted window murals on several of their storefronts.
Snack Addicted Hawaii is a huge supporter of his work and prominently features his designs on their merchandise.
And most recently he has illustrated a children’s book, Soon Kitty, in collaboration with local Author, Grant Uchida.
This will be Jimmy’s second year attending conventions as an artist instead of an attendee. Traveling to attend more shows is an exciting aspect of the job, and is honored and excited to be apart of Kauai’s first Comic Con.
DIANE SATER
Artist
A self-taught artist, Diane grew up with art as part of daily life. Everything started with a box of glittery crayons and a stack of copier paper. Since then Diane has expanded into mediums such as acrylic paint, watercolor paint, and digital art with a Wacom Tablet. Born in California and raised in Hawaii, Diane enjoys observing the natural around her and apply elements of it to her artwork. She spends her leisure time drawing anime and playing video games which have greatly influenced her ar.. After recently delving into the world of Dungeons and Dragons her inspiration in art has shifted into the realms of fantasy and creating character art of other players from around the world. Known online as “Sorabito” Diane has expanded her hobby from online commissions to Kauai Comic Convention - her first ever comic con! Her future aspirations is to build a portfolio of fanart and travel the comic and anime conventions around the US.
DWAYNE A. ACOBA
Artist
Dwayne A. Acoba was born on Oahu, Hawaii. From a young age, he was a fan of cartoons, and established himself as a graffiti artist in the early 80's. After graduating from St. Louis High School with a scholarship in art, he attended The Art Institute of Seattle where he earned a degree in Illustration and Design.
Upon his return to Hawaii, Dwayne worked for graphic companies doing advertising and editorial work by hand as the industry was not yet digital. For the last seven years, he has attended Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle to help out his fellow art buddies who are in the comic and gaming industry and learning the ropes of doing Comic Cons.
In collaboration with Garma Graphic Design, Paua Haus Comics and Mahaloha, M is his first comic creation. You can find him at conventions and events in Hawaii under the name, Art Champloo.
PANCHO ABALOS
Artist
I am local oahu artist. I have been painting for more then 15 years. From painting live at clubs and events, from being a featured artist with ground up artist to doing solo shows and traveling the world. Currently i am now showcasing my art through conventions and shows and have been doing for the past two years hoping to spread my art to a larger audience.
@pabalos
KAMUELA CHANDLER
Artist
Kamuela Chandler is a native-Hawaiian freelance artist and writer from Kekaha, Kauaʻi and the co-owner of Manga Hawaii. Based in Hilo, his artwork is featured in several publications including the self-published digital comics “Sacred Space” and “The Legend of Pikoi”, the limited release artbook “Wahi Pana Kauaʻi”, the 2016 edition of Kanilehua Art and Literary Magazine, and the Hale Kuamoʻo publication “Ke Kaʻao Nō Kamiki” with Kuulei Kanahele.
His work has also been featured in the 2015 University of Hawaii at Hilo Student Art Exhibition, the 2017 University of Hawaii at Hilo Senior Art Exhibition, the 2017 University of Hawaii at Hilo Summer Art Institute of Hawaii Exhibition, and the Wailoa Center 2017 Artists Without Borders: A Tradigital Exhibition. He is a graduate of Hawaiʻi Community College with a degree in Hawaiian Studies and a graduate of the University of Hawaii at Hilo with a degree in Asia Pacific Cultures: Mythology and Folklore and a minor in Art.
Kamuela Chandler is a founding member of the art group Winchester-Soberman-Chandler with performing artist Vanessa Winchester of Hilo, Hawaii and freelance artist and painter Ember Soberman of New Orleans, Louisiana. Editions from their ongoing print series and Manga Hawaii crossover event “Abstract Verses” have been featured in the 2017 University of Hawaii at Hilo Summer Art Institute of Hawaii Exhibition in Hilo, Hawaii and in the 2018 ʻAimalama Lunar Conference on Climate Change Art Exhibition in Kahului, Maui.
Kamuela draws inspiration for his work from traditional Hawaiian cultural practices, mythology, and literature, Asia-Pacific folklore and mythology, Japanese manga, English literature, hardcore science fiction, music, film, and pop culture.
TRINIGRAFX
Artists
TRINIGRAFX is a DIY artist collective in Honolulu, Hawaii dedicated to self-published and hand-crafted owner created works—specializing in comic books, sock plush; and custom vinyl wrap/decal picture framing.
Our company can be found at the artist alleys of every major and community-organized comic/anime/cosplay event on Oahu: Amazing Comic Con Aloha, Comic Con Honolulu, Kawaii Kon, NEET Honolulu and SamCon; as well as neighbor island events Maui Comic Con and the upcoming Kauai Comic Convention.
HEAD SHOT HEROES
Artists
HeadShotHeroes is a Mix Media Artist that will take your picture and transform you into a Hero Or Villain. It's a Work of Art, so Cosplaying isn't necessary. Fan Art Prints, Fan Art Commissions, Stickers as well as Original Art will also be available for purchase.
MOJO TACTICAL
Patches
Mojo Tactical has been in business since 2011. We have been bringing the best in outdoor and tactical products as well as patches to the people of Hawaii. We have collaborated with local artists such as Free Isabelo, 7 sketches, and Woes.
STEWART KALUAHINE
Collectibles
C-n-T HOBBIES
Collectibles
