April 17 - 18, 2027 / The Oregon Expo - Jackman-Long Building / Salem, OR
Johnny Whitaker
Dale “The Captain” Kelly
Johnny Whitaker
Johnny (John) has been on screen, stage or in front of an audience since the age of “3 ½ ” and at “65” hasn’t stopped. He starred in the classic feature film, “Tom Sawyer” the musical, wherein he gave the then 10-year-old Jodie Foster, her first on-screen kiss. He had completed four Walt Disney films and was the male half of the television twin sensation “Buffy & Jody” who had become world-wide super stars from the CBS series, "Family Affair" 1966-1971. He was a frequent guest-star in roles on other series including, "The Virginian", "Bonanza", “Lancer” and 3 "Gunsmoke" episodes playing the ever-present orphan waif. He also guest-starred on "Bewitched", "Marcus Welby M.D.", "Adam 12" and two episodes of "Green Acres". Johnny went on to be the associate producer and star of his own Saturday Morning television series for Sid and Marty Krofft Television in “Sigmund and the Sea Monsters” (NBC 1973-75).
In the summer of 1976, he received the news of his television sister, Mary Anissa Jones “BUFFY’s” passing from a Drug Overdose. Johnny went back to high school, graduated, went on to college and then served a mission for the LDS Church to Portugal. Upon his return, Johnny had grown up and Hollywood wasn’t looking for a Grownup Child Star. Johnny, however, continued to study and pursue T.V. Film production and other avenues for employment. Currently, he is working on many different projects and works as a Substance Abuse Professional and Advocate while writing, directing, teaching and acting. John is a Certified Addiction Counselor and Advocate.
http://www.johnnywhitaker.com/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Johnny-Whitaker/100067371607500/
Randy Emberlin
Dale “The Captain” Kelly
Johnny Whitaker
Randy is a comic book artist/inker and animator who has spent the past 30 years working in a variety of creative fields.
Over the last 30 years Randy is best known for his work as an inker on over 4000 pages of comic art, with a resume that includes long runs for Marvel on Amazing Spider-Man #339- 410, (Co-Creator of Carnage, Maximum Carnage etc.) Web of Spider-Man #117-129, (the Clone Saga), GI Joe #65-126, (5 years) Doctor Strange/Strange Tales #76-81 & #1-19, (3years) and Alien Legion #8-20 (2 years), plus additional work on the X-men, Avengers, Punisher, Silver Surfer, She Hulk, the Defenders, Quicksilver, Captain America and Conan. For Dark Horse he had long runs on Ghost #12-36, Star Wars: Crimson Empire II #1-6, Aliens and Predator, plus the R.I.P.D. graphic novel the movie is based on!
https://www.instagram.com/randyemberlin/
Dale “The Captain” Kelly
Dale “The Captain” Kelly
Dale “The Captain” Kelly
Dale has enjoyed decades of success in the entertainment field. Starting as a radio air talent at KOZZ in his hometown of Reno, NV, he has gone on to be a voice actor, producer, engineer, cameraman, nightclub owner, writer, director and game inventor.
Though well known in several radio markets as a radio personality and station programmer, he is best known internationally as the OG voice of “The Narrator”, “Captain Ginyu” and “Porunga” from the long running anime show “Dragon Ball Z”. Dale was chosen to be “The Narrator” (episodes 68-194) and “Captain Ginyu” for the show. He also voiced the Doctor of Planet Frieza 79 and Porunga the Dragon.
Dale became the music supervisor and producer/writer of the soundtracks to the “HISTORY OF TRUNKS” and “BARDOCK THE FATHER OF GOKU”. Both videos were the highest selling DBZ videos of that time.
In recent years, Dale has focused on developing his “Cycles of War” gaming universe. The first installment is a combat trading card game. This will expand into a board game featuring multiple game boards. Look for this game and the short stories from the universe to be available soon.
https://www.instagram.com/realcaptainginyu/
Dave Warren
Stephen Costantino
Dale “The Captain” Kelly
Dave is a renowned Emmy-winning animation artist and creative director best known for
his work on The Simpsons, Pinky and The Brain, and Sons of Anarchy.
Over his decades-long career, Dave has been a driving force behind some of the most iconic characters and stories in animation and television.
His creative projects include designing attractions for Universal Studios, such as “Krustyland” in Los Angeles and Orlando along with “The Minions” in China.
In 2024, Dave launched "El Arto" a unique line of fan-inspired art that fuses his iconic influences with
his signature style.
He continues to channel his passion into creating custom character portraits and collectible merchandise, sharing his journey with fans at conventions and online.
https://www.instagram.com/iamdavewarren
https://www.facebook.com/dave.warren.1044/
Stephen Costantino
Stephen Costantino
Stephen Costantino
Stephen is a native of Hoboken, New Jersey. He developed a passion for music at a young age when he drew notice for playing guitar, singing and songwriting. It’s a pattern that has continued to this day.
Soon after moving to California in 1978, Stephen began studying martial arts in Los Angeles with Hugh Van Patten who introduced him to another young musician in one of his classes, Corey Dee Williams, son of the actor and painter Billy Dee Williams. They hit it off immediately and started a band they called Incognito.
Later it would reincarnate as Atmosphere. When Billy Dee was readying his character Lando Calrissian for movie “Return of the Jedi,” he asked Corey to be his stand-in when the film company went on location in Yuma, AZ.
Stephen was invited to come along so that he and Corey could continue to play and write music. Before long, Stephen was recruited for a part in the film; he was to portray a Gamorrean Guard in service to Jabba the Hut fighting Luke Skywalker in defense of his despicable master and the rest is history.
For his music, Stephen played guitar on sessions with Crazy Town, New Edition, Bel Biv Devoe, and Black Eyed Peas working with resident music producer Brett “Epic” Mazur at Scotti Brothers Records. Recently, he started a label and recording studio called Gamorrean Sound and He has been producing, mixing and mastering all styles of music and artists with legendary engineer Paul Ericksen.
https://stephencostantino.org/
Keith Tucker
Stephen Costantino
Stephen Costantino
Keith is a veteran animation, storyboard illustrator and comics art professional. He is a top animation storyboard artist for studios including Warner Brothers, Disney, Universal, and Marvel.
Keith is best known for his storyboard work for cartoon shows of the eighties and nineties such as Animaniacs, Pinky & The Brain, Tiny Tunes, He-Man, Rescue Rangers, Duck Tails, GI Joe, Transformers, Spiderman, GhostBusters and many others.
Keith’s comic book work includes two years as a cover artist for Disney Comics and he penciled Roger Rabbit, Rescue Rangers, Goofy, etc.
His film credits include creating animated sequences for “John Carpenter’s The Thing”, “Robo Cop 3”, “Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan” and additional films.
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0875913/
Caitlin Yarsky
Floydman Sumner
Caitlin Yarsky
Caitlin is a comic book artist and writer from New York. Past work includes art for Coyotes and Bliss at Image Comics, as well as Black Hammer Reborn at Dark Horse, and work for various titles at DC, IDW, 3W3M and BOOM! Studios.
She just published her first solo series called Living Hell for Dark Horse. Her inspiration comes from fantasy/sci-fi books and film, animation and concept art.
When not making comics, she's busy playing music, stress-baking or petting other people's dogs.
https://www.caitlinyarsky.com/
https://www.instagram.com/caitlinyarsky/
Patricia Patts
Floydman Sumner
Caitlin Yarsky
Patricia was born and mostly raised in California. She started as a child actor in the early 1970’s performing in local theatre companies. At six she got her first commercial for Mama Celeste Pizza.
In 1978, Patricia auditioned, along with 2000 other girls, for the Los Angeles touring production of Annie. She won the coveted title role and went on to play the part in both San Francisco and Los Angles in 1978-1979. At the same time, Patricia was also the voice of Peppermint Patty for the Peanuts cartoons. She was in two specials, You’re the Greatest Charlie Brown and She’s a Good Skate Charlie Brown. She’s a Good Skate is notable for being the first time an “adult” voice was heard other than the Wah wah, that is typical for adults in the animated series. She also voiced the character in the feature film, Bon Voyage Charlie Brown (and Don’t Come Back), where the gang goes to Paris.
She would go on to work on a number of television shows including Archie Bunkers Place, TV 101, Student Exchange (TV movie) The Judge, and A Place to Call Home (TV movie) with Linda Lavin of Alice fame. She can also be seen in the films Party Line and For Keeps?
She currently lives outside of Nashville TN with her two dogs, Sammy and CharLeigh! She loves traveling the country doing comic cons, and is having fun with her Podcast, The Peanuts Gallery www.the-peanuts-gallery.com where she and her co-host Carrie discuss the psychological issues of the Peanuts characters!
https://www.instagram.com/patriciapeppermintpattypatts/
Floydman Sumner
Floydman Sumner
Floydman Sumner
Floydman is the mind and creative force behind Planet F Studios. He began drawing at a young age. After realizing the working world just wasn’t cut out for him, Floydman decided to pursue his own path in the field of graphic design and illustration. Eventually, he ended up in the sketch card world working on such properties as Garbage Pail Kids and Wacky Packages for Topps as well as contributing for other licenses such as MST3k, TMNT, Red Sonja and Ultraman.
Floydman has most recently finished his first full color comic project SWELL COMICS that premiered at the Mid Valley Comic Art Expo 2024 and he is working on the second issue. He will have a good stack of original art, stickers, prints and will be doing sketches on site. Come by the table and check out all that Floydman has to offer!
https://www.facebook.com/Floydman0922
https://www.instagram.com/therealfloydman/
Chris Warner
William “Bill” Langley
Floydman Sumner
Chris has worked in the comics industry as artist, writer, and editor for over thirty-five years. His first professional comics assignment was illustrating a 1984 Alien Legion story for Marvel Comics, where Chris went on to pencil Alien Legion, Moon Knight, and Doctor Strange. In 1986, he began a long relationship with Dark Horse Comics as artist and writer.
His creation Black Cross was the inaugural feature in the first Dark Horse Comics publication, Dark Horse Presents #1, and Chris went on to contribute to many Dark Horse titles, including Predator, The American, The Terminator, Star Wars, Barb Wire, Ghost, and many others. He joined the Dark Horse editorial staff full-time in 1998 and has since edited countless books and comics.
Chris has reviewed thousands of portfolios over the years. He is known for his incisive and supportive work with developing creators.
https://www.instagram.com/chriswarner84/
Jason W. Christman
William “Bill” Langley
William “Bill” Langley
Jason is an Oregon artist known for his licensed limited edition prints for Star Wars with Lucasfilm.
He has also worked on many official projects with Firefly, Star Trek and other sci-fi and pop-culture icons.
He has been praised for his ability to convey complex themes and characters through minimal and recognizable imagery that captures the essence of each universe.
He is also a member of the PNW Droid Builders and will have his R2 unit at the show as well.
https://www.jasonwchristman.com/
William “Bill” Langley
William “Bill” Langley
William “Bill” Langley
William has spent the last 45 years working as an illustrator in addition to being a staff artist at Walt Disney Studios from 1979 to 1989 until he become head of Disney’s comic art department from 1987 to 1989 while also overseeing Disney Studios International Comic Companies in Japan, Asia, Europe and South America.
After 1989 he opened William Langley Studios, Inc. and contracted with five major publishers of Disney Studios children’s books.
He has illustrated 200+ children’s books and stories, designed 400+ licensed products including figurines, 80+ licensed t-shirt designs and worked on many pre-production movie projects.
https://www.facebook.com/watercolorist7/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-langley-b3b18a4a
Nate Quarry
Josh Navarrete
Nate Quarry
Nate is a life-long consumer and collector of Comic Books. He appeared and was a fan favorite on SPIKE TV's The Ultimate Fighter season 1.
His fighting career spanned over 13 years. During those years he got a shot at the UFC's world title, fighting in front of thousands at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. One of the many notable moments of his career was his highly publicized 'Comeback Fight', bringing him back into the ring just 15 months after an innovative spinal fusion back-surgery.
Nate lives in Portland, OR with his wife. They stay busy with their 3 kiddos, exploring the outdoors and local comic book shops.
Zombie Cage Fighter is an Autobiographical Horror story based on the creator Nate “Rock” Quarry’s life. After many requests to write an autobiography, Nate decided to do just that, though he did not want it to be “just another fighter’s story”.
Nate went on to create the Zombie Cage Fighter brand in 2010.
https://www.zombiecagefighter.com/
https://www.instagram.com/zombiecagefighter/
Yuki Saeki
Josh Navarrete
Nate Quarry
Yuki is a freelance artist based in Oregon. She has taught herself through years of creating comics, using traditional and digital media to produce a wide range of art styles.
Her newest work is the Webtoon original series, “Gates of Hell”, co-created with Dennis Culver.
Yuki’s previous work includes “Golgotha” (Image/Top Cow), “GameSpace” (Phoenix Dreams Publishing), along with several self-published mini-comics and books such as “Illustrated Moments of the Lewis and Clark Expedition”.
She loves tea, donuts, and collecting cute things.
https://yukisaeki.myportfolio.com/
https://www.instagram.com/yukiciel/
Josh Navarrete
Josh Navarrete
Josh Navarrete
Josh is a Forged in Fire Champion, contestant of Forged in Fire "Beat the Judges" and he a dedicated blacksmith with 16 years of experience.
His work has been showcased in several national and local publications, such as Knives Illustrated, Knife Magazine, Statesman Journal and several online articles.
Josh is currently the owner and operator of NK Forge Metalworks and Navarrete Knives. He is also serving as Executive Director for I.A.C.T., a non-profit organization that provides recreational therapy to veterans and former first responders with PTSD through blacksmith classes and mentorship opportunities.
https://nkforgeandmetalworks.com/
https://www.facebook.com/navarreteknives
https://www.instagram.com/navarreteknives/
Mark Arnold
Caesar the No Drama Llama
Josh Navarrete
Mark Arnold is a Pop Culture Historian. He continues his weekly Fun Ideas Podcast featuring guests who are professionals or fans or authors in the world of comic books, animation, movies, TV and music.
In the past year alone, Arnold has issued four books: a 2-volume set on the history of MAD called Unconditionally MAD, Part 1 and Part B, a book on The Turtles music group called Not Just Happy Together: The Turtles from A to Z (AM Radio to Zappa) and Crazy: The Magazine That Dared to be Dumb.
He has authored over 15 books about Harvey Comics, Underdog, Pink Panther, The Beatles, The Monkees, Dennis the Menace, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Disney, Cracked magazine and more.
This will be Mark's third appearance at the Mid-Valley Comic Art Expo.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Caesar the No Drama Llama
Caesar the No Drama Llama
Caesar the No Drama Llama
Caesar the No Drama Llama is many things to many people. He is a therapy llama, a llama-activist, a school educator, and an internet celebrity.
Juggling all these roles keeps Caesar and his human team busy.
Caesar’s human counterpart, farmer and activist Larry McCool owns the Mystic Llama Farm in Jefferson, Oregon.
Larry is a Hewlett-Packard retiree with an impressive resume including previous work with Greenpeace in Salem and as a founding member of the Llama Fiber Cooperative of North America.
https://www.facebook.com/people/Caesar-the-No-Drama-Llama-Needs-New-Wheels/61556984242495/?_rdr
https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000201109094/Bee-Dugan-Caesar-the-No-Drama-Llama
Shannon McFly
Caesar the No Drama Llama
Caesar the No Drama Llama
Shannon has become recognized for their Marty McFly cosplay here in the Pacific Northwest, since their start in 2013. Appeared in various Back to the Future documentaries over the years,
Shannon has had the privilege of meeting the cast and crew of Back to the Future, along with visiting numerous filming locations used in the movies.
Since 2016, Shannon has traveled across the United States to conventions and events raising funds and awareness for Parkinson's research through Team Fox, the grassroots community fundraising division of The Michael J. Fox Foundation. With thousands of dollars raised to date, Shannon has proved to be an exemplary advocate for utilizing cosplay for volunteer work and giving back to the community.
https://shannonmcfly.carrd.co/
Consul of Cosplay
Consul of Cosplay
Consul of Cosplay
Consul of Cosplay has been cosplaying since 2009 and cosplay has been such a huge part of their life. They have actively incorporated many of their other hobbies into cosplay as well such as dance, color guard, juggling, crafting, performing, and so much more.
Consul of Cosplay has a competitive spirit, and they have won several awards for both craftsmanship and performance within the cosplay space. They always aspire to improve their skills and work towards excellence as often as they can.
They have worked with everything to hone their skills to include armor building, lights, sewing, embroidery, props and anything you can think of.
Consul of Cosplay loves to build larger than life cosplays and push the boundaries of what they can make and do. If they can find a way to bring it to life, they will do anything in their power to make it happen.
“I am so excited to be at Mid Valley Comic Art Expo as a cosplay judge and I hope to see some amazing cosplays there!”
https://www.instagram.com/consul.of.cosplay/
Eli Ebberts
Consul of Cosplay
Consul of Cosplay
Eli is a cosplayer from the Pacific Northwest with over 10 years of experience and a degree in Theater Arts. She has a passion for dazzling performances and sparkling fabrics.
When she is not at conventions Eli is reading YA Fantasy, creating tutorials for her YouTube channel, or dancing with her idol group “Project Constellation”. Eli loves all things sparkly, pink and cute!
Eli is so excited to be at our event on Saturday as an open cosplay contest judge at our 2025 Mid Valley Comic Art Expo, so she cannot wait to see everyone's incredible costumes.
In the meantime she wants to remind you all to Keep Sewing, Stay Positive, and Have Fun!
https://www.instagram.com/eliebberts/
https://www.youtube.com/@EliEbberts/videos
Star Wars Oregon
Venator, A Supernatural Impala
Venator, A Supernatural Impala
The bad guys of the 501st Legion and the good guys of the Rebel Legion work together in Oregon and SW Washington to bring Star Wars joy to children and adults at hundreds of local events each year.
Their members have costumes in Cloud City Garrison (501st Legion), Kashyyyk Base (Rebel Legion), or both groups (double agents).
They will have fun activities and photo ops for fans at our event!!!
https://www.starwarsoregon.com/
https://www.facebook.com/StarWarsOregon
Venator, A Supernatural Impala
Venator, A Supernatural Impala
Venator, A Supernatural Impala
Venator is a Seattle based screen correct build of Baby from the long running CW series "Supernatural". This iconic and fan favorite car appears with many screen-used props and set decorations.
This replica is a true 4 door 1967 Impala hardtop. Just like the Winchester boys- this packs a SBC and TH350 perfect for coast to coast hunting. This Supernatural Replica has a complete screen accurate weapons trunk with a few signed by the cast of the show. Venator is Latin for "Hunter". A tribute to the series "Supernatural" and the Latin incantations.
Immerse yourself in the "Supernatural" world with 'Baby' photo ops and check out your favorite props from the show.
https://www.facebook.com/venatorimpala
https://www.instagram.com/venatorimpala/
405th Halo®
Venator, A Supernatural Impala
Portland Ghostbusters
The 405th Halo® Pacific Regiment promotes the development of artistic skill and the honing of artistic talent through the creation of Halo® costumes and props. They accomplish this by providing makers and cosplayers a global community in which they can share their knowledge and experience, which in turn nurtures and sustains their passion for the Halo® universe.
The 405th Pacific Regiment is a Halo® costuming group that seeks to bring together Halo® costumers and builders from California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii. They support local charitable causes through fundraising at various event throughout the pacific region.
https://www.facebook.com/405thPacific/
Portland Ghostbusters
Portland Ghostbusters
Portland Ghostbusters
The Portland Ghostbusters is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit cosplay group founded in 2012 by James Nelson and Boone Langston. Since its inception, the team has grown from 5 to 40 active members and rookies (as of 2024). We are thrilled to participate in community events throughout the Northwest United States and support local charitable causes through fundraising, activities, and appearances.
They will have fun activities and photo ops for fans at our event!!!
https://portlandghostbusters.org/
https://www.facebook.com/portlandghostbusters/
https://www.instagram.com/portlandghostbusters/
Saber Guild Felucia
Portland Ghostbusters
Z Fighters Worldwide
Two Sides, One Force! Saber Guild is an organization that volunteers using costumed, choreographed lightsaber performances.
Felucia Temple is the Oregon Temple of Saber Guild is a not-for-profit Lucas Film-recognized Star Wars lightsaber choreography and costuming group.
Each local chapter supports charities and local community events using the highest quality representation of costumed characters from the light and dark side of the Star Wars Universe. The local chapter for Oregon is Felucia Temple, whose members never underestimate the Power of The Force.
Check out their fun activities and photo ops for fans at our event!!!
Z Fighters Worldwide
Portland Ghostbusters
Z Fighters Worldwide
They are a charity base "Dragon Ball Z" themed cosplay group dedicated to helping their communities by doing charitable causes to help out those in need and to bring smiles to fans of all ages. This cosplay group was founded in the Pacific Northwest of the United States and it is open to anyone anywhere in the United States or around the world.
They will have fun activities and photo ops for fans at our event!!!
https://www.facebook.com/ZFightersWorldwide
https://www.facebook.com/groups/zfightersworldwide
Neontendo
Neontendo
Neontendo
The Original Neontendo, “fan favorite” attraction, is returning to our 2025 Mid Valley Art Comic Expo!
Are you ready for an action-packed excitement for the entire family, well the Original Neontendo car is making an appearance at Mid Valley Comic Expo! Here is your chance to stop by and check out this amazing Nintendo themed car.
It is fully equipped with retro Nintendo video game systems letting people enjoy hands-on interactive gaming which includes playing the Original Classic Nintendo NES video games, so definitely check out this car as you will enjoy your retro game experience as the entire family can get in on the action!
Warren Montgomery
Warren Montgomery
Warren Montgomery
Warren is a freelance artist with 36 years of comic book experience. He has provided lettering and coloring for many publishers.
Publishers include Dark Horse Comics, Random House, Scholastic, Insight Edition, Boom! Studios, Pilot Studios, Albatross Funnybooks and many more. Titles include: Sweet Valley Twins, First Test: Protector of the Small, Wonder City, Adventure Time, Toil and Trouble, Over The Garden Wall, Jim Henson's The Storyteller, Lumberjanes/Gotham Academy, 'Namwolf, Galaktikon, Hillbilly and more.
As a writer and artist, Warren currently self-publishes under the Will Lill Comics banner with titles like: John Kirby: Firefox and Lightning Marval.
Jessica Court
Warren Montgomery
Warren Montgomery
Jessica is an artist from Southern Oregon and sole proprietor of Murderface ink. She is currently working as an artist for Dynamite comics. As well as Dynamic Forces and Apex comics.
Jessica is the inker for the new and on-going series by the best-selling author S.G. Blaise called “Mythical Hunters” that premiered at the 2024 San Diego Comic Con.
She continues to have ongoing projects with Hasbro’s Transformers Cards and Cardsmiths with past work on sketch cards for Red Sonja and Puppet Master. Jessica is currently working on a mural for her home city.
https://www.instagram.com/murderfaceinc.68/
Zach Woolsey
Jennifer DeRoss
Jennifer DeRoss
Zach is an artist whose recent art credits include work for Topps Card company (Star Wars, TMNT, The Walking Dead, Major League Baseball). He also works as a sketch artist for Dynamite Entertainment (KISS, Vampirella, Red Sonja) and Cryptozoic (What we do in the Shadows).
Zach has been featured in “Printed in Blood” art books for Hannibal TV series and “I Spit On Your Grave” with several new releases coming soon. You can also find his work in the music industry in addition to working with Strange Music and Tech N9ne as well as many others.
Be sure to follow his Instagram @zachwoolseyartwerx for up-to-date projects and product releases. Take a minute to stop by his booth and check out his amazing art in person!
https://www.instagram.com/zachwoolseyartwerx/
Jennifer DeRoss
Jennifer DeRoss
Jennifer DeRoss
Having grown up with a love of comics, Jennifer DeRoss earned a master's degree at the University of Oregon, where JD's focus remained on the modern American superhero.
This work culminated in Forgotten All-Star: A Biography of Gardner Fox and continues in JD's next big project, a biography of the father of comic fandom, Jerry Bails.
JD is also a STEP College and Career Coach, helping people rise out of poverty through short-term training.
https://bsky.app/profile/jenniferdeross.bsky.social
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52042674-forgotten-all-star
https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.deross