Creativity shines at Comic-Con 2017

Iconic “Kapow!” “Blam!” and “Kaboom!” graphics, along with some of the most memorable characters in movie history (hello, Batman and Superman), came from one place: comic art. Long the red-headed stepchild of fine art, comic art has risen in stature with its accessible, global appeal, unstoppable popularity, and its exciting, colorful imagery.

During the 2017 Comic-Con from July 19-23, art shows and galleries are displaying a variety of works for your collections and admiration. Here are some must-see shows this year.

Comic-Con Art Show

Free and open to the public (no Comic-Con badge needed), this official show for the festival has an array of original paintings, drawings, sculpture, and jewelry by professional artists and amateurs. On display are this year’s Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards-nominated comics and books along with a tribute exhibit to members of the Will Eisner Hall of Fame. Works for purchase will be labeled quick sale, silent, or voice auction.

11a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. Manchester Grand Hyatt, 1 Market Pl., Grand Ballroom C (lobby level), downtown. comic-con.org/cci/art-show

Comic-Con 2017 Souvenir Book

Get in line early for this full-color book chock full of art, bios and photos (only available while supplies last). Included in the collector’s item are the 100th birthday celebrations of Will Eisner, Jack Kirby, the 50th anniversaries of Batgirl and Marvel Comic’s Captain Marvel, and the 25th anniversary of Batman: The Animated Series, complete with illustrations. For more information, visit comic-con.org/cci/souvenir-book.

Chuck Jones Gallery

Celebrating its 40th year, this Gaslamp gallery unleashes an exhibition of comic legends including Marvel, Star Wars, and Looney Tunes. Running July 19-23, all events are free, but reservations are recommended for the following artist appearances:

Wednesday, July 19

7-10 p.m.: Artist James C. Mulligan from Marvel

Thursday, July 20

7-10 p.m.: The Chuck Jones Gallery 40^th anniversary celebration, with games, prizes and raffles, plus, meet Chuck Jones’s grandson

Friday, July 21

3-6 p.m.: Art deco artist Mike Kungl with “Where’s It @, POP!”

7-10 p.m.: Marcenivo creator Fabio Napoleonion

Saturday, July 22

7-10 p.m.: Artists James Coleman, Rodel Gonzalez, and Rob Kaz, official artists of Star Wars

Fine art editions and new paintings from the latest Star Wars episode will be featured. Also on exhibition is the latest works from Pixar artists Pete Doctor, Bob Pauley, Tia Kratter, Randy Barrett, and Ralph Eggleston, and a POP display with Chuck Jones’s grandson, Craig Kausen, complete with games and prizes.

Chuck Jones Gallery, 232 Fifth Ave., downtown. 619.294.9880, ChuckJones.com

San Diego Comic Art Gallery

Don’t miss the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund’s annual live art auction on Saturday, July 22. Original art up for bidding and purchase includes works by Frank Miller, Charlie Adlard, Jock, Duncan Fegredo, Sebastian Fiumara, Sean Phillips, and Paolo Rivera, with others. To view the item list and register to bid, visit https://cbldfauction.eventbrite.com. For more information on the auction, or to join CBLDF, visit https://cbldf.org/2017/07/cbldf-sdcc-2017-live-art-auction-presented-by-idw-publishing-splash-page-comic-art-and-the-san-diego-comic-art-gallery-featuring-live-art-by-jeff-smith/

Hilton San Diego Bayfront, 1 Park Blvd., downtown

Laurie Delk is an avid art historian, holding a master’s degree in Art History, with concentrations in the Modern and Postmodern movements. She has taught classes at Tulane University, and has been published with several art publications including Sculpture Magazine and New Orleans Art Review. Send ideas for art stories to lauriedelk101@gmail.com.