Geeks Preprare to Descend on Homegrown Hamilton

Mike Gagnon calls Hamilton, Ontario, Canda his home. He's also apparently a big fan of buying local, especially when people are buying local from him. Win win all around. To that end, Gagnon's opened a new comic art studio and shop in Skydragon Centre and, to celebrate, will be hosting a grand opening event on June 16 featuring comic artists, live music and prizes. Some of those guests will include Kurt Lehner, designer of Disney's Gargoyles, Alex James, Tom Kelly and Kevin Mackay.

“It’s going to be a great event to bring your family, kids and friends.” said Lehner “Mike’s a great guy and I’m happy to help with the launch of his new venture.”

The event will be held in the popular Homegrown Hamilton Cafe’ and Pub, which Hammer Comics is located below.

“Homegrown is such an active and supportive part of the arts community in downtown Hamilton, that when the opportunity to open a studio and shop came up, it was a no-brainer.” said Gagnon

More details can be found at www.hammercomics.com. Full press release below.

Geeks Prepare to Descend on Homegrown Hamilton

Thursday, June 7^th 2012, Hamilton, Ontario – Hamilton area comic creator Mike Gagnon has opened a new comic art studio and shop in the Skydragon Centre, located at 27 King William Street in Hamilton. To celebrate there will be a grand opening event held on June 16^th featuring a host of popular comic book artists, live music and prizes.

The event will feature Gagnon as well as a number of other comic artists who will be there to meet and greet fans, sign comics, and create one of a kind sketches for fans.

The event is also host to featured guest Kurt Lehner, designer of Disney’s popular Gargoyles animated series and Canada’s internationally famous cartoon,  Franklin the Turtle. Lehner has also done extensive work for companies like Marvel Comics, Warner Brothers and Dreamworks. The artist will be offering limited edition lithographs of his work at a special price to support the event.

“It’s going to be a great event to bring your family, kids and friends.” said Lehner “Mike’s a great guy and I’m happy to help with the launch of his new venture.”

The event will be held in the popular Homegrown Hamilton Cafe’ and Pub, which Hammer Comics is located below.

“Homegrown is such an active and supportive part of the arts community in downtown Hamilton, that when the opportunity to open a studio and shop came up, it was a no-brainer.” said Gagnon

Gagnon himself has over a decade of experience working in the comic book industry for such companies as Marvel Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Classics Illustrated, and more.

The grand opening event will feature a performance by popular geek themed band, Nerds with Guitars on the evening of June 15^th at Homegrown Hamilton.  The following day of Saturday, June 16^th will feature an afternoon of fun and excitement as Homegrown is taken over by Lehner, Gagnon and the rest of their fellow comic artists along with local comic book fans, eager to meet their favorite artists. The event will extend into the evening with raffles, prizes and trivia games that are fun for all ages, leading into a fun night of dancing and live music with local artists such as DJ Reservoir Dalek, Andrew Spicer, and more surprise acts to be announced leading up to the event.

Additional guests and events will also be released on a regular basis leading up to June 16^th.  For more details look up Mike Gagnon on facebook or visit www.hammercomics.com.