image_expo_482_295Image Expo, the “Apple announcements” of comics is returning for a fourth outing in January on January 8th, once again at the Yerba Buena the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. The creator line-up includes Brian K. Vaughan (SAGA, Y: The Last Man), Todd McFarlane (SPAWN), Scott Snyder (WYTCHES, Batman), Emi Lenox (EMITOWN), Jeff Lemire (Green Arrow, Trillium), and Marjorie Liu(Astonishing X-Men) but SPECIAL GUESTS are promised. It would not be a stretch to guess that the above named creators will be announcing new projects from Image.

The event is open to the public, retailers and press. Tickets are are $20, Premium tickets —which include preferre seating and exclusive IMage merch—are $50. Retailer info is here. Press should contact Kat Salazar at Image.

I attended my first Image Expo that was held the Wednesday of this year’s San Diego Comic-Con and was very impressed with the presentation and how it puts comics into the news narrative for a few moments at least. The announcement format—reminiscent of how Apple rolls out its products on a modest comics scale, of course—created genuine excitement. I’m genuinely surprised that more comics publishers don’t do this kind of stand alone event to make their announcement stand out more, but for now Image is the only one doing it.