Behind the Artists of Artists’ Alley
January 20, 2026
Get to know some of the artists joining us in Artists’ Alley.
These interviews with Jimmy Palmiotti, Joe Wos, Billy Tucci, Megan Hutchison, Sanford Greene, and Sarah Myer gave us insight into their work, their favorite fandoms, and what you can expect from each of them on board.
What are you most looking forward to about Comic-Con: The Cruise?
Jimmy Palmiotti: After being part of the very first cruise last year, I feel like I’ve got a secret insider’s sense of what’s ahead, and trust me, it’s something special. What excites me most isn’t just the panels or Artists’ Alley (though that’s always a blast), but the one-of-a-kind way I get to connect with fans in this unique 24/7 setting on this beautiful ship. There’s nothing quite like hanging out after hours, swapping stories, and diving into the nonstop events happening all across the ship. Amanda and I especially loved ending our nights on the dance floor, sometimes with a live band, other nights with a DJ, something we never get to do at a regular convention. It felt less like work and more like a celebration of the things we all love, and I can’t wait to do it all again.
Billy Tucci: Deborah and I have been exhibiting and or guests at Comic-Con annually since 1994. It is hands down, the mecca of comic book conventions and the industry’s most important experience and it is huge. What I’m looking forward to for Comic-Con: The Cruise is an intimately rare setting that is more of a friends’ gathering and hangout than a con. I’m loving the idea of spending several days (and nights!) around such an eclectic group of creators and more importantly, fans.
Megan Hutchison: I’m looking forward to spending time with all the fans! We get to all hang out together in the tropical sun, on the pristine water being the nerds we are. Who can ask for more! I’m looking forward to people teaching me new things to geek out about.
Sarah Myer: I’m looking forward to the setting and the food, being onboard a cruise ship and sailing to a beautiful place like Nassau. And I can’t wait to talk with cruise guests in Artists’ Alley and share my work with them. If I have time, I hope I’ll get to meet some of the actor guests!
Sanford Greene: Seeing the fans.
What can folks expect to see at your table in Artists’ Alley?
Jimmy Palmiotti: Amanda and I bring some of our work to display, some of the special editions of projects that are hard to find and an array of prints we can sign, but I think the most fun is getting to chat in relaxed surroundings and to dig in and be able to spend time on commission sketches for the fans. We plan on bringing something for everyone and more importantly, our time to get to know all of the people we meet.
Billy Tucci: We’ve got several extremely limited-edition books exclusive for Comic-Con: The Cruise, beginning with our cruise-themed, Shi: Gatecrasher specials featuring my characters Shi and Ran lounging on the pool deck in both their costumes and swimsuits. We’ll also have collected editions, omnibus books, original artwork, prints, and more!
Megan Hutchison: I’ll have all kinds of fun and weird things. I’m known as a cover artist, so I’ll have some rare incentive covers that you can only get from me for the collectors out there. I’ll also have original art of covers and interior pages, commissions, stickers, t-shirts and prints. Oh, and I also read tarot cards so maybe you want a quick check in to see what the universe has to tell you!
Sarah Myer: At my table in Artists’ Alley, you can get signed copies of comics I’ve illustrated, including plenty of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles SMA issues featuring the 1987 cartoon Turtles, exclusive Darkwing Duck comic covers, my graphic memoir Monstrous, Green Archer comics, and more! You can also get something fun to decorate your walls with, like my original art pieces and art prints, including watercolor paintings, sketches, and ink drawings. Ahead of the convention, keep checking my online shop at https://shop.sarahmyer.net/ to purchase an advance custom art commission from me, and pick it up at my table during the cruise! I’m also happy to geek out with you about cartoons and animation, especially Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Darkwing Duck, Anime, and Disney!
Sanford Greene: Tons of signed books!
You’ve worked on comics featuring some beloved and iconic characters as well as your own original characters–which are the most fun for you to talk about with fans?
Jimmy Palmiotti: I have worked on creator-owned characters like Painkiller Jane, characters at DC Comics like Jonah Hex, Harley Quinn, and Powergirl, and currently writing Deadly Tales Of The Gunslinger Spawn, Daredevil, and Punisher–so whatever the fans know me for and follow I am always ready to dig in and answer questions and discuss what I have in store next for the characters. For me, each has a life of their own, so I’m always ready to dig in and discuss them all.
Billy Tucci: It’s interesting because growing I was all about Sgt. Rock, The Rocketeer, and Werewolf by Night and have been incredibly fortunate to work on many of comics most established characters with the most brilliant creators. I’ve also read some of the greatest comics that sadly will never see the light of day due to editorial/publisher decisions. Many of these pitches or shelved projects could have been industry-changing, so those are fun to talk about “what might have been.”
Deborah and I share a wonderful bond with our “Tucci Troopers” so really, the most enjoyable conversations for sure will be talking up the history of our characters and what the future holds for them in regard to publishing and entertainment. I can’t wait to share all the amazing insight Crusade Comics has in the queue for 2026 and 2027.
Megan Hutchison: I have some fun new books coming out with Jimmy Palmiotti and Joe Schmalke that you should come by and chat about. I also just worked on a series for Archie called Archie: Judgement Day where Archie is a demon slayer and let’s just say, it gets pretty gory. I also LOVE horror so I’m down for any and all things horror and horror related. Let’s get spooky!
Sarah Myer: Both types of comics are super fun to talk about! I’m a major fan of the properties I’ve been fortunate to work with (TMNT, Usagi Yojimbo, Darkwing Duck, etc.). I’m especially enthused to discuss the characters’ personalities with my fellow fans, which is something I really try to capture in any IP work I do with those characters. Chat with me about the Turtles’ facial expressions in the 1987 cartoon, 90s anime, and cosplay, or the history of Mickey and Walt Disney’s career, and I may talk with you all day! When it comes to the original characters, I absolutely love the chance to express something that readers can relate to with the narrative through the gestures and staging of the comics. A lot of my decisions in conveying emotions within Monstrous and Helen Stephens comic pages (both are nonfiction) come from my experience as a theater kid.
Sanford Greene: I love talking about them all! They each have a special place to me!
What fandom are you looking forward to celebrating onboard?
Jimmy Palmiotti: Looking at the amount of amazing guests put together this year, I personally look forward to attending some of the panels and the game shows that are put on as well as the screenings and late-night meet ups all over the ship. Each night there are different themes and we plan on digging into them and having a blast. I am a big fan of the themes this year–so many with Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, the King Features characters, and so much more that the only issue I see coming is having enough time for them all.
Billy Tucci: I’ve never been interested in going on a cruise before in my life, but this will be a true fan and creator celebration of the medium. A lot of people we’ve met in my 30+ years as a comics professional have become more like family than fans and I cannot wait to kick back and enjoy the whole experience with them. Comic-Con: The Cruise is going to be epic and we are honored to attend.
Megan Hutchison: I love all nerd fandoms! Although I’m definitely a horror nerd, I also love DnD, fantasy, Metal music, and comics. I’ll have my Magic the Gathering cards on me if anyone wants to play a round!
Sarah Myer: I’m always excited to meet fellow TMNT fans, of course! But I am also looking forward to celebrating LOTR and Bret Iwan’s role in continuing the legacy of Mickey Mouse.
Sanford Greene: The cosplay for sure!
Joe Wos also has a message to send to you and wanted to give you a preview what you can expect from him onboard Comic-Con: The Cruise!
This is your final chance to set sail on Comic-Con: The Cruise–so make sure you’re onboard at the lowest price.
With only one week left until we set sail, time is running out to book The Ultimate Fan Adventure™. Use codeFINALand book today to get $400 off per person!