Special Guests – 2026
Scheduled to appear – subject to change without notice
We are proud to announce the following special guests
Brian Anderson |
Bee and Ari Cosplay |
Falstaff Books |
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Josiah Cameron |
Klingon Assault Group |
Mark Hayes |
Matthew Manning |
Mike Mez Phillips |
Ray Kryssing |
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Brian AndersonTable G-06 Brian Anderson is the creator of “Sophie”, a graphic novel series based on his nationally-syndicated comic strip “Dog eat Doug”. He lives in North Carolina with his family, which includes a herd of rescued dogs and cats. dogeatdoug.com |
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Ari & Bee CosplayTable J-02 Ari & Bee Cosplay is an award-winning Raleigh-based cosplay duo. They have been cosplaying and competing as a duo since 2023, and have won awards at Cosplay America, Animazement, Triad Anime Con and IbashoCon. They are finicky, unhinged little craftsmanship gremlins that get more excited over perfect double-welt pockets, neat satin stitching, and tasty little mitered corners than should be deemed normal. Ari & Bee are, first and foremost, sewists, but they collect hobbies and skills like dragons, including but not limited to: fiber craft, jewelry making, pattern drafting, embroidery, prop construction, and leather working. They both strongly believe in constant learning, growth, inclusivity, and above all—fun. They love to see costumes of all stripes, with lots of love for creativity, storytelling, and commitment to the bit. |
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Falstaff BooksTable H-06 Falstaff Books is a digital and print publishing company based in Charlotte, NC dedicated to bringing to life the best in fantasy, science fiction, horror, mystery, and dramatic literature. We love bringing amazing stories to light and giving incredible writers a voice. The battered, ignored, rejected “misfit toys” of fiction are all welcome at Falstaff Books, where we understand that every scar is a story and only with different voices can harmony be created. Founded in January 2016 by three experienced professionals in the publishing field, self-publisher and small press author John G. Hartness, editor and anthologist Jaym Gates, and author and editor Jay Requard, Falstaff quickly became known for its activism and support of writers, readers, and the greater creative community publishing three anthologies, including the WeAreNotThis – Carolina Writers for Equality, and a number of wide-ranging genre novels in its first year. Since 2017, the publisher continued to grow, releasing over 40 stories annually in a variety of formats including electronic, trade paperback, and audio. In February 2018, Falstaff added a romance line: Falstaff Crush. In October 2022, Falstaff added a horror line: Falstaff Dread. John G. Hartness is an author, publisher, and editor from Charlotte, NC. He is the author of multiple series, including the award-winning Quincy Harker, Demon Hunter series. He is also the publisher of Falstaff Books, and founder of the SAGA Genre Fiction Writers’ Conference. Find him online at www.falstaffbooks.com. Facebook: FalstaffRises |
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Josiah CameronTable H-04 Josiah Cameron is an artist and illustrator living and working in Boone, NC. He has painted for Magic the Gathering, Dungeon & Dragons, Hitpoint Press, and Ghostfire Games. He graduated with a BFA in Drawing and Painting from Appalachian State University. josiahcameronart.com |
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Klingon Assault GroupBooth A-16 The Klingon Assault Group is a not-for-profit fan organization. The IKV Executioner, a chapter of KAG, supports Kwanzaa Family Inn women’s shelter. Look for their table of Klingon and Star Trek Alien memorabilia and recruitment information for the Klingon Assault Group. Facebook: Link Info |
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Mark HayesTable I-08 Mark Hayes was an original proprietor of the Dragon’s Den and an advocate for inclusivity within the gaming community. The current Dragon’s Den wouldn’t exist without his influence and positive attitude. He has served as a positive role model for all of the hobby enthusiasts in the community. Mark is well known for his love of performance, love of comics, and love of art; as well as his sense of imagination and sense of creativity. As a community, we are proud to host Mark as our Guest at the Boone Comic Con. Please take a moment and stop by his table to visit and share stories during your visit. |
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Matthew ManningTable G-05 Matthew K. Manning is the author of over 100 comic books and equally as many prose books. He has written for DC, Marvel, IDW, Storm King, Skybound, Mad Cave, Abrams, Scholastic, Disney, DK Publishing, Insight Editions, Capstone, Andrews/McMeel, Running Press, and several other publishers. Some of his favorite projects include his creator-owned series John Carpenter’s Tales of Science Fiction: Pause, the mini-series Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures, the kids’ science adventure The Spark Experiment, the hardcover The Batman Files, the twelve-issue comic series Marvel Action: Avengers, and his multiple stints on the Dick Tracy comic strip. He lives in Asheville, North Carolina with his wife Dorothy and his two goofball kids, Lee and Gwen. |
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Mike Mez PhillipsTable H-05 A freelance artist having artistic credits with Highburn Studios, Philbo Publishing, and Blue Shack Comics. Creator, penciler, writer, and inker for the Highburn Studios book No More! |
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Ray KryssingTable I-06 and I-07 Ray Kryssing is a 30+ year comic veteran, as both an artist and inker. His career has included working at both Marvel (Daredevil, Star Wars) and DC Comics (Doom Patrol, Robin, Hawkman, JLA, JSA). Facebook: ray.kryssing |
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