Image Comics has announced its own branded 3-day convention coming in February, describing it as "a three-day celebration of creator-owned comics." Scheduled to run from February 24-26 at the Oakland Convention Center in downtown Oakland, Ca., Image Expo also coincides with the publisher's 20th year in business. Image partners Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino will all be on hand, with two of the company's co-founders Rob Liefeld and Whilce Portacio attending as guests of honor. The Image Expo press release also lists Joe Casey, Jay Faerber, Jonathan Hickman, Ryan Ottley, Richard Starkings, Fiona Staples and Brian K. Vaughan as guests.

From the official Image Expo press release:

IMAGE EXPO isn't just about Image Comics, it's a celebration of independent creativity in comics. The exhibit floor is open to anyone who makes creator-owned comics. We're also going to be hosting unique programming for fans, aspiring creators, and library professionals. We'll be continuing our tradition of supporting the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's important work to protect creators and retailers by hosting special events including a massive benefit auction.

For his part, Liefeld might be the most vocal supporter of the upcoming show on social media, promoting it to fans on Twitter and reminding readers of the company's impact on the industry:


Given the relatively small window of time between now and the show, there's not a lot of info about vendor info or who will fill the tables at the show's artist alley. Image Expo's official press release even solicits interested parties to contact organizers to participate. Given the show's robust guest list and proximity to Los Angeles, however, many more details are likely forthcoming.