Introduction to the STCF2011 Guests (Round 1)

When we announced that planning had commenced for the 2011 fest a few weeks back, we touched briefly on some of our confirmed guests and the work they are known for. As we continue to work on scheduling some wonderful comics creators, we thought it would be a good idea to give you a more formal introduction to those already confirmed for the Fest. This is just Round 1 of guest bios and we hope it gets you excited about Round 2!

Kurt Busiek came in to the world of comics at the age of 14 and has yet to leave it, working in the comics industry for almost 30 years. His skill at writing comics has earned him over two dozen industry awards, including multiple Eisner Awards and Harvey Awards. Kurt is best known for his work on the Marvels limited series, his own Astro City, and a four year run on Avengers. Learn more about him at www.busiek.com.

Molly Crabapple is an award- winning artist, author, and founder of Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School. Her illustration clients include many newspaper and magazine publications, as well as Marvel Comics and DC Comics. In 2009 her book Scarlett Takes Manhattan was published, and she is currently working on The Puppet Makers for DC Comics. Learn more about her at www.mollycrabapple.com.

Barry Deutsch is a cartoonist currently living and working here in Portland, Oregon. His webcomic Hereville will be published as a graphic novel in November 2010 by Abrams. Barry has also does commercial illustration as well as political cartoons for Dollars and Sense Magazine. Learn more about him at www.amptoons.com.

Larry Marder is the creator of acclaimed series Tales of the Beanworld, first published in 1985. His early career was focused on art-direction and advertising, with time spent as Executive Director of Image Comics in the 1990s and President of McFarlane Toys in the 2000s. He is now back to creating Beanworld full time. Learn more about him at larrymarder.blogspot.com.

Carla Speed McNeil is best known for her writing and illustration of her ongoing series Finder and her work on Oni Press' Queen & Country, in addition to contributions to a variety of anthologies and comics. She recently signed with Dark Horse Comics to reproduce Finder as well as other projects. Carla has received a variety of awards for her work in comics. Learn more about her at www.lightspeedpress.com.