CON & ON #1 / Written by PAUL CORNELL/ Art by MARIKA CRESTA/ Colors by PAUL LITTLE/ Letters by ROB STEEN/ Published by AHOY COMICS

1992. Vista Al Mar. The comic convention held here annually has been a major event for those in the know for years, but the times they are a changing. Hollywood is starting to move in, the old guard are starting to check out ,and aspiring comic creators Deja and Eddie are trying to get their foot in the door to become professionals. The professionals, meanwhile, are trying to find a quiet place to get away from the fans and drink…

Con & On is reportedly planned to chronicle the history of a certain famous comic book convention, with the names changed and the serial numbers filed off to protect the guilty. Odds are that if you know anything about comic book history, you’ll recognize many of the characters in this first issue. And if you don’t, you can still enjoy Paul Cornell’s heartfelt story of Eddie and Deja’s quest for fame.

Regardless of how you enjoy the writing, the artwork of Marika Cresta is second to none. I greatly enjoyed her work on Captain Carter and was glad to see them tackle something a little more grounded in reality. The colors by Paul Little and the letters of Rob Steen are also amazing.

Con & On invites comparison to The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, which I believe it will someday stand alongside in the annals of stories about comics. History nerds will have a field day trying to figure out which disgraced legends and which hard-drinking British comic creators are depicted. Everyone else can enjoy a simple story about friends, art and the experience that is a comic book convention.

Con & On #1 arrives in comic shops everywhere on July 12, 2023!