Now accepting artist submissions for opportunities for collaboration and mentorship with international talent
ABU DHABI, UAE, August 31, 2023–Sandstorm Comics, a soon-to-be unveiled new regional comics studio was first teased at the tenth annual Middle East Film and Comic Con in 2022. This revolutionary new organization made its first American appearance at Comic Con International in San Diego last month, where they began recruiting talent for their first-ever event in Abu Dhabi later this year.
Led by Mo Abedin, an Emirati industry leader and lifelong comic book creator himself, Sandstorm aims to put Abu Dhabi on the map of the global entertainment industry, by building the region’s comics ecosystem right from the heart of the UAE, to elevate local talent through unique opportunities not only in the region, but the world at large. The studio kicks off these efforts today with the announcement of their inaugural comics and pop culture industry event, Storm the Block, scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi in early December.
Abedin says, “When we set out to create our own event, we knew it had to be something that represented not only the vibrance of the region today, but an early look into the convergence of culture and art as we see it tomorrow, through the lens of our aspirations for Sandstorm. We believe that Storm the Block will be something that is not only unlike anything people have seen before here in Abu Dhabi, but the world at large; a true cross-section of the greatest talent in comics, influencers of global culture, and art from anywhere and everywhere.”
Those who wish to submit a comic book project for consideration for development in partnership with Sandstorm’s international pool of talent can apply by visiting https://sandstormcomics.com/submissions/.
The inaugural Storm the Block will take place on December 8-10 in Abu Dhabi, with comics talent, animators, influencers and creatives from around the world to be announced in the months leading up to the event. The first names from this prestigious guest list of international talent are announced alongside the event today, with the appearance of multiple artists from Superani, the world-renowned artist studio and collective. Other guests include Saroush Barazesh (Kings of Nowhere), Marvel and DC artist Bernard Chang, artist and director Chase Conley (The Boondocks, X-Men 97), Riccardo Federici, Sean “Cheeks” Galloway, Coran Kizer Stone (Kizerilla) Ron Marz (Green Lantern), Belén Ortega (Batman, The Joker), Gabriel Picolo (Teen Titans: Beast Boy), and Whyt Manga (Apple Black). US based publishers attending include Cryptozoic, DSTLRY, Mad Cave, Massive Publishing, Top Cow, and Webtoon. World-renowned Japanese retailer Kinokuniya will be offering a specially curated selection of books, stationary, and more.
Sandstorm will also be releasing preview issues of their first 13 comic books created with local authors and renowned international artists. Storm the Block promises to be a unique experience for a global audience pairing the best in comic fandom with the vibrant city of Abu Dhabi.
For more information on this groundbreaking event and the future of Sandstorm, visit https://stormtheblock.com/ and join the communities on Instagram and Facebook, and follow along on Twitter for updates! Guest announcements to be made weekly going forward!
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