Ryan J. Downey is a longtime writer and journalist whose credits include work with Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, MSNBC, and Marvel. He has written books, graphic novels, and liner notes for Black Veil Brides, Falling In Reverse, Ice Nine Kills, Alice In Chains, and more. A former MTV News reporter, he hosts the MI Conversation Series at Hollywood's Musicians Institute. As the “Master Of Panels,” he’s led Q&As at San Diego Comic Con, WonderCon, Silver Scream Con, Astronomicon, and Kevin Smith’s Chronic Con. Marianna Pescosta is an Italian comic artist best known for her work illustrating and designing covers for the Twiztid: Haunted High-Ons series (The Darkness Rises and The Curse of the Green Book) published by Source Point Press, along with the upcoming addition to the series published by Z2 Comics. She’s also contributed to Tales of Mr. Rhee (Devil’s Due Publishing), bringing a dynamic and moody aesthetic to supernatural and horror-themed comics. Marianna’s style leans into atmospheric noir with expressive character work, blending traditional line techniques with modern comic sensibilities. In addition to her comic work, she participated in the collaborative “Creatures for a Cure” art print project alongside several notable illustrators. While details on her early career are limited online, her growing portfolio showcases a strong presence in genre-based storytelling through engaging, eerie visuals.Stan Yak is an independent comic book artist celebrated for his work on titles such as Monstrous: Witch Hunt and TMNT: The Last Ronin variants. Over nine years, Stan has built a diverse portfolio spanning horror, fantasy, and noir, including notable projects like Stray Dogs, The Surgeon and Elsewhere, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin art. His work was recently compiled into the Art of Stan?Yak artbook via an Unlikely Heroes Studios Kickstarter. With a bold, visceral style rooted in both traditional and digital techniques, he continues to push boundaries in genre comics.

Select Guide Rating