Vertical Inc. News

When Felipe Smith left the U.S., he was already an accomplished comic artist. Having won numerous awards for his work before landing in Tokyo, the man had nothing to prove. But after taking on the extremely competitive and demanding Japanese comic industry, Mr. Smith has proven that he is just beginning to grow as an artist and storyteller.

His Japanese debut Peepo Choo made a big splash when it launched back in 2008, rocking the manga scene with his original designs and his bigger-than-life characters. While his tale of culture clash challenged even veteran comic critics, there was no doubt in their minds that Felipe had mastered the art of manga presentation. Now Peepo Choo stands alongside works from such luminaries as Moyoco Anno, Takehiko Inoue, and Naoki Urasawa, published in Japan’s premiere seinen (men’s) comic anthology Morning.

As Felipe is developing his latest series for Japan’s largest publisher Kodansha, his Peepo Choo is ready to take on American readers. And to celebrate the occasion, Felipe will be joining Vertical at San Diego Comic Con and Otakon as a guest this summer, with book signings at both shows. Felipe will also be going back home to LA between cons for a special event at Hollywood’s Meltdown Comics. So don’t miss out on your chance to meet a comics legend before he once again departs for the Far East.

Book Signing @ Comic Con International (limited to 100 ticketed guests)
July 24, 2010 (Saturday) 2:00pm-3:00pm
Location: San Diego Comic Con – San Diego Convention Center, 111 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA

Peepo Choo Launch Party @ Meltdown Comics
July 26, 2010 (Monday) 7:00pm-
Location: Meltdown Comics – Meltdown Comics, 7522 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA

Book Signing @ Otakon
July 31, 2010 (Saturday) TBA
Location: Otakon – Baltimore Convention Center, 1 West Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD

Tags: comic-con, felipe smith, otakon, peepo choo