Tucson Comic-Con is once again bringing the heat to the desert this year, with the exciting announcement that two of the comic book industry’s most influential creators—Whilce Portacio and Brian Haberlin—will be joining the celebration!
Fans of classic and modern comics alike won’t want to miss the chance to meet these two trailblazers, whose work has shaped some of the most iconic characters and stories in comic book history.
Whilce Portacio: Co-Founder of Image Comics and Creator of Bishop
Whilce Portacio’s legendary career began in the mid-1980s when he broke into the industry as an inker on Marvel’s Longshot. Just a few years later, he was making waves as a penciler on The Punisher, before leaving an even bigger mark with his work on X-Factor. His dynamic art style helped define the look of Marvel’s mutants during a pivotal era, culminating in the creation of Bishop—a fan-favorite X-Men character who has since become a staple of the franchise in comics, animation, and live-action.
Portacio was also one of the original seven founders of Image Comics, the groundbreaking independent publisher that changed the comic book landscape forever. Through Image, he was able to bring creator-owned projects to life, including the critically acclaimed Stone, co-created with fellow Tucson guest Brian Haberlin.
Even today, Portacio continues to make his mark across Marvel and DC titles. His recent work includes X-Men Legends (written by Haberlin), Deadpool: Seven Slaughters, Iron Fist, and Iron Man—a testament to his lasting influence and unmatched artistic talent.
Brian Haberlin: The Visionary Behind Witchblade, Aria, and Generator Rex
Joining Portacio is long-time collaborator and creative powerhouse Brian Haberlin. An award-winning artist, writer, editor, and producer, Haberlin has left his fingerprints on some of the most successful comic franchises of the last three decades.
He gained prominence at Top Cow Productions, where he rose to Vice President of Creative Affairs and co-created the massively popular series Witchblade. His work continued to span across Marvel, DC, and Image, where he brought to life fantasy and sci-fi titles such as Aria, Area 52, and M-Rex—the latter of which became the basis for Cartoon Network’s hit show Generator Rex.
Haberlin’s commitment to pushing boundaries doesn’t end on the page. As the founder of Avalon Publishing, he has continued to innovate within the comic world, combining storytelling with cutting-edge art and even integrating AR (augmented reality) into his books. He also served as Editor-in-Chief at Todd McFarlane Productions, penciling Spawn during writer David Hine’s era—cementing his reputation as a creative force in dark, imaginative storytelling.
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Whether you're a lifelong collector or a new fan discovering the magic of comics, Tucson Comic-Con 2025 offers an incredible opportunity to connect with two of the industry’s most influential creators. Portacio and Haberlin's combined resumes read like a timeline of modern comic book evolution—from Marvel and DC icons to groundbreaking indie work and beyond.
Stop by their panels, bring your favorite issues to be signed, and hear firsthand how some of your favorite characters and stories came to life.
Tucson Comic-Con is shaping up to be one of the must-attend fan events of the year—and the chance to meet Whilce Portacio and Brian Haberlin is just one reason why.
For updates, tickets, and guest schedules, visit Tucson Comic-Con's official site. https://tucsoncomic-con.com/
Follow us here at Following Films for more announcements and exclusive interviews leading up to the convention!
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