Omaha's Capes Comic Book Lounge
Guest Artists Mark First-Year Anniversary
Capes Comic Book Lounge owners Sean and Therese Creswell were busy greeting the meandering lines of drawing-seekers, as the costumed Storm Troopers and Jedi warriors etched between the tight walkways. What began as a steady stream of comic book fans continued throughout the Saturday, as anxious customers waited to greet comic artists Robb Blum, Fredd Gorham, Jeremy Haun, Gary Lister, Tracie Mauk and Kevin Mellon.
These long lines and enthusiastic visitors were proof that comic books are still relevant. At least they are in Omaha, Nebr., and neighboring states.
“It’s nice to be to showcase regional artists and they are willing to come and support a shop outsides their city,” Sean Creswell said. “You don’t realize how many fans specifically come to see a particular artist. They want a sketch by them – a personalized sketch.”
Robb Blum
Omaha artist Blum has been a student of art and comics his entire life. He noted in the Capes Anniversary Program “I used to (and still do) save every penny I had to hit the comic store once a week and get my funny page fix.”
Blum’s career choice didn’t land him in the pages of Marvel or DC, but as a full-time graphic designer and artist, his job has allowed him the freedom to mark the walls of Capes Comic Book Lounge in various Superman themes. Blum’s also the designer behind Capes’ weekly electronic newsletter.
“It’s not my dream to break into comics,” Blum, 34, said. “It’s my dream to be an artist.”
The Bellevue East High School graduate earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree from University of Nebraska Lincoln. A turning point for Blum occurred during a figure-drawing course.
“There was a pile of boxes with sheets covering portions of the boxes,” he said. “The teacher tapped me on the shoulder and said ‘you were meant to be an artist.’ The best part about drawing is once it starts to come together, and looks right, you don’t have a pile of eraser in your lap from messing up.”
Fredd Gorham
Gorham was not available for an interview, but his bio sheet in the Capes program exhibits his love for comics; his passion for his art and story telling. Gorham, along with Phil Hester and Paul Tobin, started SHOCKTRAUMA STUDIOS, a Midwestern comics studio.
Gorham is known for his work with Caliber Press' The Fringe, as well as a contributor to Disney Afternoon, Swamp Thing, Green Arrow and Deadworld. He also currently hosts a monthly artist jam in Omaha.
Jeremy Haun
Gracious and witty, Haun gladly accepted an opportunity for an interview. The Joplin, Missouri native and resident drove to Capes with fellow-artist Mellon, and looked completely at home drawing zombies and Batman villains for customers.
Haun, the artist behind such works as Captain America/Iron Man Civil War, Chuck, Berserker and many others, insists comics are still relevant even in today’s multi-media explosion.
“Comics are the perfect combination of literature and visual,” Haun said. “You can read 10 comics in a day, or you could read one page in a day. It’s a medium that you can get into any aspect. The positives outweigh the negatives. “
Haun said his background in comics began at the age of five, after having hand surgery. His grandmother brought him comics and his love for art and creating his own worlds succeeded with the help of art teachers and encouragement. He also “helped the comics work for him.”
“When you’re five-years-old you can do whatever you want,” Haun said. “The rest of our lives we spend tearing that down. I remember having a friend in junior high, he had to practice basketball every day. It got to the point where I couldn’t keep up with him. There’s that guy that keeps playing the guitar—I was the guy that never stopped drawing funny books.”
Gary Lister
Lister is also on the list of artists not available for an interview. He snuck out just as the customer lines dwindled. In his program biography, Lister is yet another Missouri native and resident making an impact in the world of comics. The Jefferson City resident has been published in Wizard: A Guide to Comics and Digital Webbing Presents. He has a weekly sci-fi adventure series, Morganna of the Borg.
Tracie Mauk
Mauk was unavailable for an interview, but her reputation as Norfolk, Nebraska’s artist is growing. Her work has been published in Image Comics and Wildguard Insider. She’s also a pop-culture enthusiast and the puppet master behind Capes’ Twitter account.
Kevin Mellon
The refreshingly sarcastic Mellon hails from Kansas City, Missouri. He’s a graduate of the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Arts and surprisingly champion to strong, female leads.
Mellon patiently granted an interview and stoically told his story of how a guy from KC can make it in the comic world. Forgoing traditional college, he took a year off of high school His 2007 debut Gearhead led to HACK/SLASH, THIRTEEN STEPS and his own creative endeavor SUICIDE SISTERS.
“I have been drawing comics in some form since I was a kid,” Mellon, 30, said. “When I got accepted (to Joe Kubert School) I started just drawing pages and pages because I thought I was going to be the worst one there.”
Midwest Comic Book Scene Alive and Well
Omaha’s Capes Comic Book Lounge is doing its part to further the comic conversation. Its friends in the comic book industry are proud supporters and collaborators with some of the Midwest’s most enthusiastic comic book readers.
Jeremy Haun & Robb Blum at Capes Comic Book Lounge
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Norfolk, Nebr, comic book artist Tracie Mauk
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