THE ART OF THE COMIC OPENS
TONIGHT AT ISTVAN GALLERY 
WITH ARTISTS' RECEPTION

Image provided TONIGHT! "The Art of the Comic Book" Opening and Artists Reception at Istvan Gallery 1218 N. Western Friday October 11, 2013 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Istvan Gallery celebrates an installation based on Comic Books and Graphic Novels - COSTUMES/COSPLY ENCOURAGED! Illustrated storytelling stretches back in history far beyond the printing press as artists spun yarns about super humans, heroism, love, and everyday life. Though comics might still be associated with pulp fiction and silliness like Tin Tin and Archie or superheroes like Batman and the Shadow, the art form dates back as early as Rome in 113 AD. This exhibit promotes a deeper understanding and appreciation of the art and culture of comic books that morphed from cheap, newsstand “funny books” to a driving force behind a multibillion dollar industry spanning the entire entertainment industry from critically heralded graphic novels to video games and blockbuster summer movies. Artists of varying mediums and styles have been invited by Istvan Gallery owner Stephen Kovash as well as comic creator Charles Martin to participate in The Art of the Comic Book, a celebration of the comic book style as well as the genre’s rich variety of heroes and villains. Image provided In addition to the art, the opening will feature costumed superheroes as well as members of the Oklahoma Comic Creators (OCC). Oklahomans play a huge role in the international comic book world and many will be represented at the opening which will feature work from traditional fine artists as well as illustrated storytellers. Some work will be inspired by comic book icons and imagery and other work will be actual pages from original comic books. Featured artists include: Eli Casiano, Clint Stone, Eric Gorman, Jerry Bennet, Jack Fowler, Trent Lawson, Dustin Oswald, Nathan Lee, Suzanne Thomas, Marilyn Artus, Michael Adams, Nathan Evans, Zachary Presley, Kevin Stark, Michael Wilson and M. Paul Kirby. Writers Charles Martin, Don Rosencrans, and Jackson Compton will be among the comic book creators in attendance.  Artists will also be on hand to do caricatures of attendees.  “Comics possess accessibility for both the audience and the creator that you don’t get with any other storytelling device,” said Charles Martin, member of OCC and founder of Literati Press. “They are an active art from, like a novel. You have to put in some work to consume a comic book, but they are much more immediate and approachable. Unlike a movie or a play, the creator is unrestrained by budget. Whatever the artist can draw, can exist. Hollywood is just now approaching the visual scale that comic book artists have been working with for decades.” As always, Gallery Owner and Curator Stephen Kovash is delighted to use innovative formats to showcase the incredible talent offered by Oklahoma artists.  “I am always excited to work with Oklahoma artists and being able to curate work you might not see in another commercial gallery. The gallery’s comic book show will continue through Oct. 27. From the mailer