Acclaimed artist Steve Rude, co-creator of Nexus and illustrator of a whole slate of high profile comic book projects, will be a guest for the Virginia Comicon’s two-day show, Saturday and Sunday, November 22-23, 2014 at the Richmond International Raceway, 602 E Laburnum Ave, Richmond, VA 23222.

Steve “The Dude” Rude broke onto the comic book scene with the arrival of Capital Comics’ Nexus #1 in 1981. The black and white, magazine format publication introduced readers to Horatio Hellpop, also known as Nexus, the powerful, dream-plagued avenger for the victims of mass murderers. Nexus #1 also introduced fans to the artwork of the character’s co-creator, Steve Rude.

A dark-yet-optimistic space opera, Nexus was populated with humans and a vast array of alien races, including the Thunes, the Quattros, the Giz and many others. It was set in regions of space ranging from the foreboding to the highly humorous, and it seamlessly combined over-the-top action with nuanced personal interaction. All of this set the stage for Rude’s artwork to shine. He showcased not only his comic book influences such as Jack Kirby, Alex Toth and Russ Manning, but his fine art chops as well.

After three issues, the black and white magazine format Nexus was traded in for a full-color, standard size comic books, first from Capital Comics and then for a long run from First Comics, initially ending with Nexus #80. It was subsequently revived at Dark Horse Comics as a series of mini-series. After a brief stint in self-publishing, the character’s new adventures presently appear in Dark Horse Presents, with the original publications collected in archival hardcover editions (Nexus Archives) and soft covers (Nexus Omnibus).

“Whether you got to know Steve Rude’s work on Nexus, World’s Finest, Mister Miracle, Space Ghost, The Incredible Hulk vs. Superman or any of his other projects, you no doubt understand why he’s won multiple Eisner Awards, the 1984 Russ Manning Most Promising Newcomer Award, the Inkpot, the 1986 Jack Kirby Award (Best Artist for  Nexus), and the 1991 Harvey Award (Best Artist for World’s Finest),” said Virginia Comicon promoter Brett Carreras. “His work just rocks and we’re so pleased to finally have him onboard for our big two-day show!”

Rude joins a roster that includes Wolverine co-creator and veteran Incredible Hulk artist Herb Trimpe and longtime G.I. Joe writer-artist Larry Hama, as well as previously announced guests including (in alphabetical order) Steve Bird (Pacific Rim), Brian Clevinger (Atomic Robo), Sam Ellis (Archer), Dan Fogel (Fogel’s Underground Price Guide and Grading Guide), Danielle Frazetta (Frazetta Books and Prints), Jerry Gaylord (Fanboys vs. Zombies), Penelope “Peng-Peng” Gaylord (Fanboys vs. Zombies), Randy Green (Witchblade), Rick Ketcham (Amazing Spider-Man), Tom King (Grayson), Dan Nokes (Impossible Space Tales of The Last Pit Stop), Dan Parent (Archie), Alex Saviuk (Web of Spider-Man), Brian Shearer (GI Joe), Matt Slay (Time Travel Tales), Louis Small, Jr. (Vampirella), Rick Spears (The Auteur), Billy Tucci (Shi), Bryan “Flash” Turner (Fanboys vs. Zombies), J.C. Vaughn (The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide), and John “Waki” Wycough (Vitriol).

The show has a full slate of independent comic book creators, cosplay guests, horror TV legend Count Gore DeVol, film and TV replica cars, media guests, and much more. There will be panel discussions, a costume contest, and more.

Additional guests will be added soon. Please check the show’s site and Facebook page for regular updates.

Tickets are now available online. A list of show exclusive variant covers and other material will be announced shortly.