CCA | 26-29 SEPT | JHB EXPO CENTRE | JOHANNESBURG

Les Allen

Les Allen

Owner | Geekxp

Comic books, tabletop gaming, cosplay, and business development: Les Allen lives at the intersection of business and pop culture, using his extensive presenting and facilitating skills to bridge the gap for non-geeks into geek culture. When Les is not helping companies in the pop culture space develop their businesses, he's moderating panels in conventions around the world (ICON, Gen Con, Nairobi Comic Con, Fan Con, Comic Con Cape Town and Comic Con Africa), or helping South African cosplayers set up to the world stage by representing World Cosplay Summit as it's chosen South African organiser.

Les also hosts GeekXP's successful "Release The Geek" podcast - a conversation that asks the question "what do YOU geek out about?" Guests from across the pop culture space have included Raymond E. Feist (author of the bestselling Riftworld series), Kandyse McClure (Battlestar Galactica, Hemlock Grove), Dave Gibbons (artist on "Watchmen"), Jim Starlin, (creator of "Thanos", Dreadstar), and many more. Les has a talent for inquisitive and explorational questioning, ensuring the audience understands and connects to the guest and what's being said.

All Sessions by Les Allen

DAY TWO POP CULTURE CONTENT 27 Sep 2024
11:00 - 11:25

INTERNATIONAL COMIC ARTIST | GUILE SHARP

POP ART STAGE

Step into the world of internationally acclaimed comic artist Guile Sharp! Known for his sharp, dynamic style and bold storytelling, Guile has made his mark on the global stage with a portfolio that spans across some of the most iconic comic universes. In this session, Guile takes you behind the scenes of his creative process, from concept to final panel. Whether you're an aspiring artist or just a fan of stunning comic art, you'll get an exclusive look at what it takes to create visuals that leap off the page. Prepare to be inspired, entertained, and awed by one of the most exciting artists in the comic industry today!

DAY TWO MAINSTAGE 27 Sep 2024
16:00 - 16:30

THE WEIGHT OF LEGACY CHARACTERS | YANICK PAQUETTE | HUMBERTO RAMOS | KARL MOSTERT

MAIN STAGE

How do you take on the responsibility of drawing or writing a legacy character beloved by millions? In this insightful panel, comic book legends Yanick Paquette, Humberto Ramos, and Karl Mostert discuss the challenges, rewards, and creative process behind working with iconic characters. Join these artists as they explore how they balance staying true to the character’s history while bringing their own unique vision to the page. A must-attend for comic fans and aspiring artists alike!

16:30 - 17:00

UNCHARTERED WATERS GRAPHIC NOVEL KICKSTARTER ANNOUNCEMENT

MAIN STAGE

Join Moray Rhoda as he unveils an exciting new project—Unchartered Waters, a groundbreaking graphic novel launching soon on Kickstarter! In this session, Moray will provide an exclusive first look at the novel, share insights into the creative process, and discuss the challenges of independent comic publishing. Discover how you can get involved and support this ambitious project, and be among the first to hear about the rewards and perks for backers. If you're a fan of original stories and passionate about supporting indie creators, this is a session you don’t want to miss!

DAY ONE POP CULTURE CONTENT 26 Apr 2024
11:00 - 11:30

WHY YOUR ART STYLE IS YOUR SIGNATURE | MARK RAATS | TASIA M.S | CHRIS VALENTINE | GUILE SHARP

POP ART STAGE

Join us for an insightful panel discussion featuring renowned artists Mark Raats, Tasia M.S, Chris Valentine, and Guile Sharp as they explore the crucial role of personal art style in an artist's career. This engaging session will delve into how a unique artistic signature can set you apart in the competitive world of visual arts.

DAY ONE MAINSTAGE 26 Sep 2024
11:30 - 11:55

CELEBRITY SPOTLIGHT SESSION | LOU FERRIGNO

MAIN STAGE

Get ready to smash through an epic session with none other than THE HULK himself, Lou Ferrigno! Whether you know him as the legendary green powerhouse or as a bodybuilding icon, Ferrigno’s story is larger than life—just like his alter ego! Join us as he shares wild behind-the-scenes stories from his days as Marvel’s most incredible hero, plus his rise to fame as a fitness titan. Hosted by the electrifying DJ Elliot, this session will pump you up with inspiration, laughter, and some seriously "HULK-SIZED" fun. Don't miss your chance to meet the man who showed the world how to go BIG—both on screen and in life!