FarleyCon Pop Culture & Comic Book Expo 2026

BJ Ward is a powerhouse of voice acting whose career spans across some of the most beloved franchises in animation, television, and beyond. Best known to G.I. Joe fans as the voice of Scarlett in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, Ward brought to life one of the most iconic female heroes of the 1980s, leaving a lasting mark on pop culture. She is also celebrated for voicing Princess Allura and the sinister Witch Haggar in Voltron: Defender of the Universe, and Velma Dinkley in multiple Scooby-Doo films. Ward gave life to Wonder Woman in the Super Friends franchise, joining the ranks of DC’s greatest heroes with her commanding and heroic voice. Her list of credits continues with Betty Rubble , roles in DuckTales and TaleSpin, North Star and Surprise in My Little Pony, and characters in The Snorks, Darkwing Duck, and many more. Beyond television, Ward’s voice has been immortalized at Disney theme parks, where guests have heard her on attractions such as Carousel of Progress, It’s a Small World, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Splash Mountain. With a career spanning decades, BJ Ward has voiced heroes, villains, sidekicks, and icons—her versatility and impact cementing her as one of the true legends of voice acting.

Mark Spears is a professional comic artist whose bold, haunting style has made waves across the industry. He’s worked with major publishers including Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Image Comics, Warner Bros., and Corgi Inc., and his current series MONSTERS is one of the most talked-about titles in comics today. His stunning cover work includes fan-favorite titles like Spawn, Gunslinger Spawn, King Spawn, Scorched, Vampirella, and Red Sonja. He’s also contributed art to powerhouse franchises such as Star Trek, Harry Potter, and Universal Monsters. In addition, Mark’s portfolio features exciting work on Absolute Batman, G.I. Joe, Youngblood, and his series Mark Spears Monsters: The Monster and The Wolf—all showcasing the incredible imagination and energy he brings to every project.

Neil Ross is a British-born actor known for his incredible career spanning animation, video games, and film. Fans know him best as the voices of Shipwreck, Dusty, Heavy Metal, Buzzer, and Monkeywrench in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, as well as Springer, Hook, Bonecrusher, Slag, and more in Transformers! He also brought life to Keith and Pidge in Voltron, and delivered an unforgettable performance as Norman Osborn / Green Goblin in Spider-Man: The Animated Series. His credits include Rambo: The Force of Freedom (John J. Rambo), Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light (Leoric), Spiral Zone (Overlord, Wolfgang “Tank” Schmidt), My Life as a Teenage Robot, and many more. Beyond animation, Ross has voiced radio announcers and characters in feature films such as Back to the Future Part II (Biff Tannen Museum Narrator), Babe, and Quiz Show. He later became announcer for ABC’s revival of Press Your Luck — and gave voice to its villain, The Whammy!

Michael Golden is an American comics artist and writer best known for his late-1970s work on Marvel Comics’ The Micronauts and The ‘Nam, as well as his co-creation of fan-favorite characters Rogue (Avengers Annual #10) and Bucky O’Hare (Echo of Futurepast #1 with Larry Hama). In 1978, Golden collaborated with Bill Mantlo to launch The Micronauts, illustrating the series’ first 12 groundbreaking issues. He went on to work on Doctor Strange, Howard the Duck, and Marvel Fanfare. His striking covers defined classics like G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, Rom, U.S. 1, and The Saga of Crystar. Golden also served behind the scenes, working as an editor for DC Comics in the early 1990s and later as Senior Art Director for Marvel Comics. In the 2000s, he continued to influence the industry with covers for Nightwing, Superman: The Man of Steel, and Vigilante.

Renée Witterstaetter is an American comic book colorist, editor, producer, and writer whose career spans some of the biggest titles in comics. She began her career at DC Comics as an assistant editor working on Superman, before moving to Marvel Comics, where she worked on Silver Surfer and Conan. As a colorist, Renée contributed her talents to fan-favorite series including The Avengers, Spider-Man, Captain America, and G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #139. She is also widely recognized for her work as an editor with John Byrne on The Sensational She-Hulk, where she even appeared as a fourth-wall-breaking character within the series itself! Beyond her work at Marvel and DC, Renée has expanded her creative reach as a producer and writer, bringing stories to life across multiple mediums. Her influence on comics and pop culture continues to inspire fans and creators alike.

Steve Leialoha is a legendary comic book artist and inker, known for his outstanding work on titles like Fables, Spider-Woman, Howard the Duck, The New Mutants, Secret Wars II, and many more. With a career spanning decades, Steve's contributions to the comic book world are nothing short of iconic. His notable work also includes G.I. Joe #21: Silent Interlude and Star Wars #2. Silent Interlude is one of the most celebrated issues in comics history, famous for its groundbreaking dialogue-free storytelling and the unforgettable introduction of the dynamic between Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow. Fun fact: Writer Larry Hama named the G.I. Joe character Edward Leialoha (codename Torpedo) after Steve Leialoha himself!

Michael Watkins is the CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Highburn Studios and has worked professionally in comics and illustration for over 20 years. As the creator of the series GUARDIANS and a contributor to titles like Sonic the Hedgehog, Transformers, Iron Man, and Avengers Assemble, his impressive portfolio spans powerhouse publishers including Marvel, DC, Image, and Dark Horse. Beyond comics, Michael is also a talented voice actor, known for portraying iconic characters such as Venom, Scorpion, and Magneto in various Marvel and Disney projects. A true Renaissance man, he’s also a master martial artist with 38 years of training. As owner and master instructor at the American College of Martial Arts SC, he holds multiple high-degree black belts across several disciplines.

Brian Shearer is a professional comic book artist and illustrator based in the United States. He has worked on a variety of high-profile comic book titles, including Transformers, G.I. Joe, and Doctor Who, among others. He also writes and illustrates his creator-owned graphic novels, Gunship Thunderpunch and William the Last . Shearer is known for his dynamic and expressive style, as well as his ability to bring characters to life with his art. In addition to his work in comics, he is also a talented illustrator, creating art for book covers, RPG art, album covers, and more.

Please welcome Zack Hoffman to FarleyCon Pop Culture & Comic Book Expo presents JoeNooga! In 1982 Hasbro and Sunbow Productions debuted GI Joe the Real American Hero in syndication. Zack Hoffman provided the voice of Zartan, the evil mercenary who worked for gold and all things that glittered. A master of disguise Zartan eluded GI Joe at every turn. Zartan became a fan favorite, as he and his gang, The Dreadnocks, rode into the night to do Cobra Commander’s bidding. Zack started out dubbing Spanish Soap Operas into English for Telemundo. At the same time he was working with the Improv troupe “The LA Connection” and joined the Screen Actors Guild when Ingrid Bergman used his voice for a few characters in the English looping of the Oscar winning “Fanny and Alexander”. Occasionally Zack will step out in front of the camera as he did in films like “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure” and “Untraceable”, or television show like “Highway to Heaven” and “The Fugitive”. He also got the privilege of being part of the Encarta Learning Language program for Microsoft creating the character Jack Butterfield. The interactive program was a big success in China and Japan. On the Stage Zack has created a critically acclaimed one man show called “Tuxedo Man” which he performed to audiences across the country. He is also remember as Father Mark in the long running Seattle production of “Tony and Tina’s Wedding”. Zack Hoffman has spent the last 30 years acting in the Pacific Northwest. His voice has been heard by everyone as he has worked in front of the microphone for companies such as; Microsoft, Tulalip Casino, Seattle Seahawks and Mariners, Lazy Boy Furniture, the Washington State Lottery and many more.

Dan Gilvezan is beloved by fans around the world for bringing some of pop culture’s most iconic characters to life. He’s the voice of Bumblebee in the original Transformers animated series, Spider-Man/Peter Parker in Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends, and Slip-Stream in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero! That’s just the beginning. Dan’s voice can also be heard across countless classics including Jem and the Holograms, Rugrats, Scooby-Doo, The Real Ghostbusters, Fantastic Four, The Tick, Pound Puppies, Talespin, and many more. He reprised Bumblebee in Transformers: Devastation and voiced Spider-Man 2099 in Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions. On camera, Dan has guest-starred or recurred in shows such as Bones, Boston Legal, Third Rock from the Sun, NYPD Blue, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Murphy Brown, Desperate Housewives, Feud, and Baskets. He’s also an accomplished author, with titles like Bumblebee & Me: Life as a G1 Transformer and three novels: Drowned in the Grenadine, Soul, and Dead Money.

François Chau has played a number of diverse roles in both movies and on TV, most notably as Quick Kick in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, The Shredder in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze, and Dr. Pierre Chang in 17 episodes of ABC’s Lost. His incredible career spans film, television, animation, and video games. He has appeared as Koo Yin, a Chinese consul in the drama 24, and a Chinese diplomat in Stargate SG-1. Gamers know him as Dr. Shen in XCOM: Enemy Unknown and Lieutenant Winston “Vagabond” Chang in Wing Commander III and IV. Chau’s guest roles include appearances in Alias, Criminal Minds, Grey’s Anatomy, JAG, Medium, The X-Files, and as Dr. Martin Ng in the sci-fi series Gemini Division. His more recent projects include starring as Jules-Pierre Mao in The Expanse, a recurring role as Walter, Arthur’s stepfather, in The Tick, and the villainous Zane in Disney Channel’s K.C. Undercover. Most recently, Chau portrayed mob boss Mr. Keo in Birds of Prey, starring Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn.

Keone Young’s career has spanned decades across film, television, animation, and video games. G.I. Joe fans know him best as the voice of Storm Shadow in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, but his work stretches far beyond the Arashikage Clan. On screen, he has delivered unforgettable performances as Mr. Wu in Deadwood, Bohai Lin in Sons of Anarchy, and Buck Bokai in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He also appeared in Men in Black 3 as Mr. Wu, portrayed Hoshi Sato’s father in Star Trek: Enterprise, and played Don Kim in the action hit Crank. In animation and voice work, Keone has given life to countless fan-favorite characters. He voiced Commander Jun Sato in Star Wars Rebels, Chen Stormstout in World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria, Jeong Jeong in Avatar: The Last Airbender, Grandpa in American Dragon: Jake Long, Disonasu in Naruto Shippuden, and Kojiro Sasaki in Record of Ragnarok. He reprised his ties to G.I. Joe as the Hard Master in G.I. Joe: Renegades and most recently voiced Dr. Onda in Netflix’s Ultraman: Rising, with a role as well in Marvel’s Eyes of Wakanda. He has also appeared as Silas Sinister in Return to Halloweentown and Dr. Hido Takahashi in True Blood. From Star Wars to Star Trek, Marvel to Ultraman, Avatar to World of Warcraft, Keone Young is a true pop culture icon whose work has left a lasting mark on fans across generations.

Brian Cummings is a legendary American voice actor whose career has spanned decades across television, animation, and video games. His voice has brought to life beloved characters such as Doofus Drake in DuckTales, Papa Q. Bear in The Berenstain Bears, Dimmy in The Snorks, Mr. Hollywood in 2 Stupid Dogs, and Professor Funt and Morton Fizzback in Denver, the Last Dinosaur. He was also the announcer for The All-New Let’s Make a Deal and voiced Dr. Sokolov in the Metal Gear video game series.

JoeNooga presented by FarleyCon Pop Culture & Comic Book Expo is excited to welcome the legendary Gregg Berger, one of the most versatile and recognizable voices in animation and gaming. Fans know him as Grimlock in Transformers—as well as Long Haul and Skyfire—but his impact stretches across the entire franchise. In the world of G.I. Joe, Gregg brought multiple characters to life, including Spirit, Firefly, Sparks, Cutter, and Ripcord, helping define the sound and personality of the classic animated series. He’s also beloved for his long-running work in the Garfield universe as Odie, along with Squeak, Harry, Herman, and more. Gregg’s voice has been featured in countless favorites such as Spider-Man , Duckman , U.S. Acres, Men in Black, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, Metal Gear Solid 3, Halo Wars, and many others.

FarleyCon Pop Culture & Comic Book Expo is proud to welcome Daniel “The Beast” Severn — UFC Hall of Famer, NWA World Heavyweight Champion, and one of the true pioneers of mixed martial arts! Dan Severn is an American retired professional wrestler, mixed martial artist, and amateur wrestler whose legendary career helped shape both MMA and professional wrestling. A UFC Hall of Fame inductee, Severn became the first true world-class wrestler to compete in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, earning the title of UFC Triple Crown Champion by winning the UFC 5 Tournament, Ultimate Ultimate 1995, and the UFC Superfight Championship. With a professional record of 101–19–7, he remains one of the most accomplished fighters in MMA history. In the world of professional wrestling, Severn is a two-time NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion, holding his first reign for over four years, and an NWA Hall of Fame member. He made history as the first man to compete in both the UFC and WWF simultaneously, holding the NWA and UFC Championships at the same time — a feat unmatched in combat sports. Before his professional career, Severn was a two-time All-American wrestler at Arizona State University and a U.S. Olympic Team alternate, cementing his legacy as a true champion across every level of competition.

Billy Martinez is an American visual artist and author best known for his work in the comic book industry and his high-energy live art performances, and we’re excited to welcome him to FarleyCon. Originally from San Diego and now based in Nashville, Tennessee, Martinez brings a bold, instantly recognizable style that fuses pop art, realism, and cartooning. In 1999, he founded Neko Press Comics and Publishing, creating a platform for his own projects and for emerging artists. His body of work includes flagship comic series like Wildflower and Kickass Girl, the critically acclaimed graphic novel The Deepest Dark, and popular instructional books such as In Your Face and Body Movin’. A defining part of his career is live painting—often creating multiple images at once alongside DJs and live bands—and he’s a regular performer in Nashville’s historic Printers Alley and venues throughout Music City. In addition to performing, Martinez teaches art classes ranging from sequential comics to fine art painting, and his work has been featured by Starbucks Coffee Company and in galleries across the United States. Fans can learn more by visiting his official site, The Art of Billy Martinez, or following him on Instagram.

Ron Rudat is a legend when it comes to GI Joe. He began working for Hasbro in 1971 but It was 1980 when Ron and a very small group were responsible for the rebirth of G.I. Joe. Ron was charged with designing the new 3 and 3/4” Joes and he produced every figure from 1982 through 1987. Ron created over 120 characters during that time as well as several vehicles and logos. Possibly his most recognizable contribution is the iconic symbol for GI Joe’s nemesis: Cobra. This logo, with its striking red cobra emblem, became an iconic representation of the Cobra organization and remains one of the most recognizable symbols in pop culture. Several documentaries and web series have featured Ron Rudat’s story and in 2015 he was inducted into the Toy Collector’s Hall of Fame. Meet Ron in our special JoeNooga section celebrating all things G.I. Joe! Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the creative minds behind the figures and designs that sparked imaginations around the globe.

We are thrilled to announce that the legendary Jesse Leon McCann will be joining us at FarleyCon Pop Culture & Comic Book Expo 2026! Jesse is an Eisner Award Co-Winner and a New York Times Top Ten Bestselling Children’s Author, whose storytelling magic has captivated audiences for over 25 years. His incredible career spans comic books, children’s literature, and even adult-themed narratives, making him one of the most versatile writers in the industry. At DC Comics, Jesse brought iconic characters like Krypto the Superdog to life, delighting fans with unforgettable adventures. He also wrote beloved stories featuring Scooby-Doo, Pinky & The Brain, Johnny Bravo, Cow & Chicken, and many more. Jesse’s remarkable portfolio doesn’t stop there. He contributed to The Simpsons comics at Bongo Comics, which won the prestigious Eisner Award for Best Comic for Children. With his work on Futurama, Bartman, and even the Radioactive Man series, he’s solidified himself as a creative force in the comic book world. From children’s books featuring Batman and Tweety to edgier tales for Chaos Comics like Lady Death and Purgatori, Jesse has done it all. Don’t miss your chance to meet Jesse Leon McCann at FarleyCon! Whether you’re a fan of Krypto, The Simpsons, or his countless other works, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to meet one of the most talented and celebrated writers in the industry.

We’re thrilled to welcome Lisa Raggio, the voice behind Zarana from G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, to the FarleyCon Pop Culture & Comic Book Expo! Zarana, the cunning and ruthless sister of Zartan, is known for causing trouble for the Joes, and Lisa brought her to life with unforgettable energy. Don’t miss your chance to meet this incredible talent at FarleyCon on August 1-2, 2026! But her talents go far beyond the world of Cobra—Lisa has appeared in some of the most iconic shows and films, including NYPD Blue, ER, Married with Children, The Fabulous Baker Boys, Murphy Brown, Perfect Strangers, and even Monsters, Inc.! She’s also lent her voice to An American Tail: Fievel Goes West and as Betty Rizzo in Grease Live On Broadway! Get ready for an epic G.I. Joe reunion and join us in welcoming Lisa Raggio!

Bill Ratner is a renowned voice actor and storyteller, best known for his iconic role as Flint in G.I. Joe. His dynamic voice and versatile performances have made him a beloved figure in the world of animation and beyond. Career Highlights Bill’s impressive career includes roles in: G.I. Joe (as Flint) The Real Ghostbusters Robot Chicken Transformers Mass Effect (as Donnel Udina) Grand Theft Auto V Family Guy Beyond Animation In addition to his work in animation, Bill Ratner is an accomplished storyteller, author, and voice coach. His storytelling has won multiple award. He is also the author of the book Parenting for the Digital Age.

Mary McDonald-Lewis is a highly accomplished voice actress, dialect coach, and director. Best known for her role as Lady Jaye in G.I. Joe, Mary has made significant contributions to the world of animation and beyond with her versatile voice and talent. Career Highlights Mary’s notable roles include: G.I. Joe (as Lady Jaye) Lightyear (as I.V.A.N.) Voltron (as Dayak) Batman: The Animated Series (as Maven) Superman (as Wonder Woman) Grimm (as Frau Pech) Archer (as Veronica Deane) Beyond Animation In addition to her work in animation, Mary McDonald-Lewis is an esteemed dialect coach, having worked on numerous high-profile television shows and films, including: Twilight Falling Skies Grimm She is also the voice of General Motors’ “OnStar” service, providing assistance and navigation to millions of drivers.

John Anderson is an actor, comedian, and self-proclaimed professional “Trick Talking Meat” from Birmingham, Alabama. He landed his first major motion picture role as a Hurctarian Ravager in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and has since built an impressive resume with appearances in Black Panther, Stranger Things, Sleepy Hollow, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Logan Lucky, Pitch Perfect 3, I, Tonya, Jumanji, and many more! John was given his first speaking role by Oprah Winfrey in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks and was one of 10 Ravagers personally selected by James Gunn to attend a surprise Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 celebration at Comic-Con in 2016, which was filmed and is now airing on CONtv. His likeness is even featured in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: The Art of the Movie! When he’s not on screen, John keeps busy as the host of the Trick Talking Meat Podcast on Spotify.

Bob Carter is an internationally recognized Voice Actor, Creative Director, Indie Filmmaker, Voice Coach, & Media Advisor known for voicing characters such as Deadzone Rogue Fire Emblem Heroes- Laeradr & Jarod, Monster Hunter: Wilds, That Time I got reincarnated as a Slime, Rise of the Shield Hero, Ptah & Set in Asgard’s Wrath 2, Black Adam in Multiversus, Odin, Olorun, & Atlas in SMITE, Balrog in the Street Fighter series, Shao Khan & Baraka in Mortal Kombat 9, Bojack & Syn Shenron in Dragonball, Lifeless Planet, Arcadegeddon, Saga of Sins, and many other popular characters across a wide range of video games. Carter also has voiced many anime projects such as One Piece, Rise of the Shield Hero, Lycoris Recoil, Misfit of Demon King Academy, Gundam Build Divers, Mashle, Tokyo 24th Ward, Odd Taxi, Housing Complex C, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Fairy Tail, My Hero Academia, Dragonball Z, Full Metal Alchemist, Samurai 7, Blassreiter, and many other cartoons, anime series, audio books, and audio dramas. He’s an avid TTRPGer & DM who also owns the Neighborhood Studio– a Teaching & Production Studio in Atlanta where he helps Aspiring Creatives become Working Creatives.

D-Von Dudley is coming to FarleyCon 2026! One half of the legendary Dudley Boyz, D-Von is a multi-time tag team champion and WWE Hall of Famer, known for being part of some of the most unforgettable moments in wrestling history.

Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake is coming to FarleyCon 2026! A WWE Hall of Famer and one of the most iconic personalities of the 80s and 90s, Beefcake is bringing something special with him… ✂️ The Barber Shop is coming to FarleyCon ✂️ Photo ops will take place in front of the Barber Shop backdrop, complete with a salon chair and official barber cape — giving you the chance to get a one-of-a-kind photo of Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake giving you a haircut. This appearance is proudly sponsored by Alyssa at DNA Hair Structure — making this the perfect match.

Bryan SilverbaX is a Georgia-based comic book artist and storyteller known for his bold line work, dynamic compositions, and high-impact cover art. With published work spanning independent and nationally recognized titles, Bryan brings a cinematic energy to every page—blending grit, motion, and character-driven intensity into visuals that feel larger than life. His art reflects a deep love of comics, pop culture, and the craft of visual storytelling. Beyond the page, Bryan’s creativity stretches into film, television, design, and live appearances—always finding new ways to tell stories and connect with audiences. Whether he’s illustrating powerful covers, developing original characters, or stepping in front of the camera, Bryan is driven by one goal: to create work that hits hard, feels real, and leaves a lasting impression.

Tony Kordos is an award-winning comic book inker and illustrator whose work spans some of the biggest names in comics. A 2025 Inkwell Award Winner (Best Small Press & Mainstream Independent), Tony has built an impressive career bringing depth, detail, and energy to the pages fans love. His credits include work with DC Comics on Justice League, Batman and Robin Eternal, Cyborg, and Aquaman, as well as contributions to G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, where he currently works on the series through Image Comics. He’s also worked with Marvel/Upper Deck on the Legendary Card Game, Dark Horse on Predators, and created artwork for EPCOT/Disney attraction posters. From dynamic interiors to stunning covers, Tony’s work has been featured across titles like Geiger, Fathom, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles anniversary variants. Whether you’re a G.I. Joe fan, a DC Comics reader, or just love incredible comic art, you won’t want to miss meeting Tony Kordos.

Born in New York City in the 1970s, Hotep represents a powerful blend of cultural evolution—shaped by the civil rights movement, the rise of Hip-Hop, and the growth of Black culture in America. After graduating from Morehouse College, he went on to become one of the few Black male kindergarten teachers in his district, where he discovered firsthand just how impactful media can be on young minds. Today, Hotep is a creative force and educator—consulting with schools across the country while producing a wide range of media including books, cartoons, films, music, and video games. His work has earned national recognition, including nominations for the Presidential Citizen’s Award and as a CNN Hero. His latest project, Black Lion & Cubs, is a family-friendly, retro-inspired anime brand that blends the spirit of Dragon Ball Z and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Spanning cartoons, comics, and games, the story follows a retired Nubian general and his two sons as they navigate a future where AI is outlawed—learning life lessons, facing powerful enemies, and working to resolve conflict between rival Egyptian rulers.