(Author: Poovan, written with ai assistance)
On 27 June 2026, I had the awesome opportunity to attend Smallville Comics’ Artist Alley Day in Alberton — and honestly, what a day it turned out to be.
Smallville Comics announced the event earlier in June, and as soon as I saw what was planned, I knew I had to be there. The big draw for me was the opportunity to be part of a real comic book community experience — to engage with artists, collectors, vendors, and fans, while also hopefully picking up some awesome artwork and maybe even one or two unique, one-of-a-kind items for my collection.
Of course, a major highlight was also the chance to get commissioned pieces done by Sean Izaakse and Jason Masters — two incredible South African-born international comic book artists who have worked on titles for Marvel, DC, and independent comics.
For any comic art fan, that is already exciting. But to have access to them locally, through a well-organised event, made it feel even more special.
Booking the Commissions
The booking process was very simple and smooth.
Smallville Comics made the announcement, the options went live online, and I placed my order for the blank comic covers and the commission slots. The blank comic covers were around R250 each, and the commissioned artwork by the artists was priced separately, depending on the type of sketch.
Initially, I bought blank covers for Green Arrow and Spectacular Spider-Man, with the plan to get two full commissions done. I later added more books, including two Absolute Catwoman books, bringing the total to four books.
When placing the order, you simply added notes about what you wanted drawn on the comic book. I gave a little direction for the characters and mood — for example, I wanted a sultry Catwoman and a darker, more intense Absolute Green Arrow concept.
That was one of the cool things about the process: it gave you just enough room to guide the artist, while still leaving space for their own creativity and interpretation.
Preparing for the Day
The night before the event, I was honestly very excited.
I did a little bit of preparation, especially because I wanted to make sure the commissioned books would be protected once I collected them. I packed some top loaders so the sketches would not get damaged.
I also think it is very important to do some mental budgeting before an event like this. There were going to be artists, vendors, comics, original pieces, prints, and collectibles — so it was the kind of event where you could easily get carried away. I had to decide how much I wanted to spend and then try my best to stick to that.
Another important thing was getting there early. I always worry that if I arrive too late, the coolest items will already be gone. So the plan was to get there early, walk around, see everything, collect my commissions, and enjoy the experience.
One thing I did forget was to fuel my car beforehand, which made me slightly later than I wanted to be — but thankfully, it all worked out fine.
I also made sure I had all my receipts and invoices ready. For events like this, I like having everything on hand so I know exactly what I paid for and so the collection process can go smoothly.
And yes, I tried to dress as nicely as possible and not look too scary!
Arriving at Smallville Comics
The event took place on a beautiful Saturday morning in Alberton.
I arrived at around 9:15am, and the day already had such a good energy to it. My original plan was to stay for a short while because I had another appointment at 12. Unfortunately — or maybe fortunately — the event was so good that I ended up staying much longer than planned and had to cancel one or two appointments.
But honestly, it was worth it.
Smallville Comics had set aside and cordoned off a section of the parking area near the shop. The vendors were already set up, the artists were getting ready, and the Smallville Comics team was there helping, greeting people, and making everyone feel welcome.
(ABOVE PICTURE COURTESY OF THE FABULOUS JAMES (JAY) PRICE, THE PRINCE, FROM SMALLVILLE COMICS. THANK YOU JAMES!)
I cannot say enough good things about the staff.
They were friendly, helpful, relaxed, and welcoming. They made you feel comfortable from the moment you arrived. There was no pressure, no confusion, and no awkwardness. It felt like they genuinely wanted everyone to relax, walk around, enjoy the art, talk comics, and have a great experience.
Everything was neat, clean, and well arranged. They had tents and shelters set up, which showed excellent planning. The space felt safe, organised, and comfortable. Because the area was cordoned off, no cars could move through the event space, which made it feel secure and easy to walk around.
It was public enough to feel like a proper community event, but private enough to feel comfortable and controlled.
Another thing worth mentioning is that there was absolutely no entry fee. Zero rand.
If you were in the area and curious, you could simply walk in, browse, meet artists, look at the tables, and experience the event. That is a really cool way to make comic culture feel accessible.
A Small Space Packed With So Much to See
The event area itself was not massive, but it was packed with things to see.
There were artists, prints, original art, comics, collectibles, and different styles of creative work on display. It had that great Artist Alley feeling where every table had its own personality.
I want to mention that the order I talk about people and tables is simply the order in which I walked through the event. It is not a ranking or preference. Everyone brought something different and valuable to the day.
There were one or two tables I passed where the artwork was really impressive, especially some fantasy-style pieces. They were not necessarily what I was there to buy on the day, but the quality was definitely there. If my budget had been bigger, I probably would have picked up even more.
And that is one of the best things about an event like this: even when you are not buying from every table, you get to see other people’s creativity up close.
For anyone thinking about creating art, comics, media, or illustration, this kind of event is incredibly encouraging. You can speak to artists, see their work, understand a little of their journey, and get a real sense of what goes into creating these pieces.
First Stop: Zaid Motala
My first proper stop was at Zaid Motala’s table.
I have known Zaid for a few years now, and it is always comforting to see a friendly face at an event like this. I am quite introverted, so when you see someone you know — especially someone with a warm smile and that positive, happy energy — it immediately makes the whole experience feel easier.
Zaid is one of those people who brings a good atmosphere with him. There is a genuine friendliness there, and it makes you feel more relaxed.
At his table, he showed me some of his artwork on comic books. These were not just prints — these were hand-drawn, hand-coloured, detailed pieces done directly on comic books. There were so many beautiful things on display, and the prices were phenomenally good, especially when you consider the amount of time, care, and skill that goes into original artwork.
I ended up getting a lovely Captain Jack Sparrow piece drawn on an Aquamen #1 comic book. It was such a cool and unexpected combination, and it immediately stood out to me.
What made the moment even better was the conversation.
Zaid and I spoke about art, learning, experimenting, and the journey of improving yourself creatively. Zaid is a wealth of information, and what I really appreciate is how freely and kindly he shares what he knows.
He told me about that specific piece and explained part of his process. He spoke about how he experimented with alcohol-based markers and discovered that they allowed him to create a more convenient way of blending. That was not something he simply read from a manual — it was something he picked up by experimenting, figuring things out, and making mistakes along the way.
That conversation really stuck with me.
Sometimes, when we make mistakes, we feel like that is the end of it. We think we have messed something up. But often, those mistakes become part of the learning process. They can lead to growth. They can help you discover a new technique. They can push you into developing a better skill set — not only in art, but in life as well.
In that sense, your mistakes can actually propel you forward.
That was such a wonderful conversation to have at a comic event. It reminded me that behind every finished piece of art, there is a journey of practice, experimentation, failure, improvement, and passion.
Zaid also had books for sale, Funko Pops, original artwork, and a variety of cool items on his table. It was really good to spend time there, and honestly, it was just awesome being in his presence.
(ABOVE PICTURE COURTESY OF THE MAGNIF-ZAID MOTALA. THANK YOU ZAID!)
Mr. and Mrs. Pencils
The next stop was at Mr. and Mrs. Pencils.
I follow Anton Rouziev also known as Mr Pencils and Rachel Rouziev also known as Mrs Pencils on Instagram and have seen them at a few conventions and community events. The first piece I ever bought from them was a Spock print, and it was awesome. So, going into this event, I had already budgeted to pick up something else from them.
And they did not disappoint.
This time, I got a Jean Grey print — and you really have to see it to appreciate it properly. It is phenomenally awesome. The quality is high, the artwork is brilliant, and it has that special presence that makes you want to stop and look at it properly.
Mr. Pencils, signed it and customised it to me upon request, which made it even more special. And that is worth mentioning: if you ever want something signed or personalised, just ask them. They are incredibly kind, friendly, and approachable.
The only thing that can possibly match the quality of their artwork is the amount of energy they bring!
If you are ever feeling down or not quite yourself, just being around them gives you a boost. Their positivity is contagious. There is so much energy between these two artists, and it rubs off on you in the best possible way.
I also think it is important to say how much they participate in the community. They show up. They commit. They give their time. They help elevate the art space and the comic book community, and they are there for the fans.
That matters.
As someone who sometimes feels like I am getting a bit older and running on less energy than I used to, I really appreciate when people bring that kind of energy and give it out so freely.
So to Mr. and Mrs. Pencils: thank you. The artwork was brilliant, but the energy was just as memorable.
Comic Lore: Beyond the Panels
The next stop was Comic Lore: Beyond the Panels.
At the table were Chad, Dolan, Gavin, and Jeffrey and I must say, they are some of the nicest people you will find in the comic book community.
They were always helpful, smiling, cheerful, and ready to give great advice. It was also great to hear their perspectives on a lot of things. There is something very special about speaking to people who do not just sell comics or artwork, but who really understand and appreciate the deeper value behind the medium.
The artwork they had for sale was phenomenal.
They made it very convenient for visitors to page through a list of cool original artwork and associated pieces for sale. And let me say that again properly: original artwork — with prices that were very reasonable.
I definitely walked away thinking that I need to start saving up some money to get some high-quality original artwork and comic book panels for my collection.
What made it even more exciting was that this was not only artwork of single characters or standalone drawings. They also had original artwork from actual comic book panels for viewing. That is something very rare to see, to be honest!
There will only ever be one original artwork piece for a drawn comic book panel. It is the actual art connected to the comic book itself. So, when you own something like that, you are not just owning a picture. You are owning a unique part of the comic book creation process. That is incredibly cool to have as part of a collection.
One of the really helpful things Comic Lore encouraged was negotiating. The prices on original artwork are there as a guideline, but if you really like something, it is worth having a respectful conversation with them. They are very helpful in explaining where the pricing benchmarks are and what makes certain pieces valuable.
You might be surprised — sometimes you can get something for a very good bargain.
That is another reason I appreciated the Comic Lore table so much. It was not just about selling art. It was about helping collectors understand the value, the history, the rarity, and the process behind original comic book artwork.
Dolan was very insightful and brought a lot of perspective to many things. If you want a deeper understanding of comic book philosophy, the persona of comics, and the ideas behind the medium, then Dolan is your guy. He really gives you things to think about.
Gavin is also a really nice guy — always willing to help, always willing to give good and sincere advice, and very generous with information. I got a lot of helpful advice from him about certificates of authenticity and comic related questions. I love that he has a sincere and humble drive to help all of us to develop this hobby into something more noble and bigger than what it is.
Comic Lore were also the providers of the certificates of authenticity for the sketches by Sean Izaakse and Jason Masters, and the certificates looked absolutely great.
You could see that time and effort went into creating something professional and meaningful. The certificate clearly shows where the artwork came from and authenticates that the accompanying book has been sketched and signed by either Sean Izaakse or Jason Masters.
There was also a thoughtful note about how to care for your collectible and keep the original sketch in excellent condition, including avoiding exposure to fluorescent lighting and direct sunlight.
The certificate was issued in association with Smallville Comics and Comic Lore, and they also provided a wonderful sticker, making everything look professional, neat, and complete.
It really added to the pride of owning the sketch. It made the whole item feel more validated, more professional, and even more special.
Comic Lore: Beyond the Panels really lived up to the name. Brilliant people, brilliant advice, brilliant artwork, and a brilliant contribution to the day.
Bradley Griffiths
After Comic Lore, one of the artists I was very excited to visit was Bradley Griffiths.
Bradley is an artist I have been following for a while, and I really enjoy his work. He has produced his own comic book, which I find phenomenal and genuinely inspiring. There is something very motivating about seeing a creator put in the work, develop their own comic, and bring their own creative vision to life.
His comic book style of artwork is awesome.
Bradley is also a really friendly guy with a lot of energy. I enjoy passing by his stall just to see what cool stuff he has available, because there is always something interesting to look at.
This time, I managed to grab a really good original sketch of Sue Storm, also known as Invisible Woman from the Fantastic Four. The artwork is phenomenal, and it is definitely something I am happy to add to my collection.
Another cool thing was that Bradley offered a free poster when buying an original artwork. That was a really nice bonus.
I managed to get Hellsing and Spider-Man prints, and the colours were awesome — vibrant, bold, and brilliant all round. The prints were high quality, and they immediately felt like the kind of pieces I would love having in my collection and on display.
Before moving on, I also had a really good chat with Bradley about his new ventures and his store.
It is always awesome to hear some of the behind-the-scenes stories — how things happen, how projects grow, and what goes into building something creative. Those kinds of conversations are very encouraging, especially when you realise how much effort, passion, and persistence goes into creating and sharing artwork.
Bradley also has comic books that he has created himself, notably SKAR, and I really think that if you ever see him at an event, you should pick one up and get him to sign it. It is always special to support an artist directly, especially when they are building their own creative work.
I believe he also does commissions, which is really cool.
I now have a growing collection of Bradley’s artwork, and I like the idea of getting pieces from him whenever I see him at an event. It has become something quite special for me as a collector.
I am genuinely grateful that he continues to create, attend these events, and make his artwork available. It allows fans like me to slowly grow our collections with pieces that actually mean something.
Bradley’s table had that perfect mix of original art, strong comic book energy, and exciting collectibles. It was another excellent stop on an already amazing day.
Jason Masters
After Bradley, I headed over to Jason Masters.
Jason Masters is an international comic book artist who has done work for DC, Marvel, and independent comics. I have bought a print and an art proof from him before, and he was one of the main artists I had booked commissions with for the event.
From Jason, I collected two pieces of artwork.
The first was Absolute Catwoman, and it was absolutely stunning.
This was a head sketch, and the head sketches were priced at R750, which I thought was a really good deal for original artwork from an artist of his calibre. The piece was still in pencil, which made it even more special because you are looking at the actual pencil work — the raw, original lines of the artist.
Of course, pencil artwork comes with a bit of risk because it could potentially smudge or be erased if handled carelessly. My kid even had a look at it and wanted to colour it in, but I quickly said no!
The piece itself is beautiful.
The amount of detail is incredible. The lines are elegant, the hair is brilliant, and the eyes are mesmerising and mysterious. There is also a small smile that gives the character so much personality. The collar detail elevates the whole head sketch and gives it that extra Catwoman presence.
It is such a classy, elegant piece.
The second commission I collected from Jason was on a Spider-Man: Brand New Day blank cover.
With a new Spider-Man movie coming out, I wanted something that could represent that excitement, and I have always liked the character Black Cat. So, I asked for a sultry Black Cat sketch.
Jason absolutely delivered.
The pose was awesome, and his inks were phenomenal. Just looking at how he sculpted the page with ink was amazing. The anatomy, the linework, the details in the hair — everything came together beautifully.
It is one of those sketches where the more you look at it, the more you appreciate the skill behind it.
Both of these books came with certificates of authenticity from Comic Lore.
The process was great. You take the books to Comic Lore, they write out the certificates on the spot, and then everything gets presented properly. This was completely free, which is honestly phenomenal, especially when you see the quality of these certificates, it makes it even more amazing that they were included at no extra cost.
The certificates looked professional, neat, and meaningful. They authenticated that the book had been sketched and signed by either Jason Masters or Sean Izaakse, and they also included a care note explaining how to protect the original sketch — including avoiding fluorescent lighting and direct sunlight.
It made the whole item feel even more special.
While I was at Jason’s table, I also had a wonderful chat with him about different things. I was very glad I got there early, because that gave me a chance to have a slightly longer conversation before the crowd built up. Once more fans arrive, you obviously have to share the artists with everyone else — and rightly so.
But that quiet early moment was awesome.
One thing I really want to mention is that Jason Masters had unexpected personal commitments on the day. Even with that happening, he still made the choice to be at the event and not cancel.
That really says something about the kind of person he is.
It might not always come across from the outside, but I truly appreciate when someone honours their commitment to fans and makes the effort to be present, even when it is not easy. It is inspiring, and I want to sincerely thank him for being there under those circumstances.
I wish him all the best, and I am genuinely grateful that he was part of the day.
The Avengers Original Art Page
One of the biggest highlights for me came while I was still at Jason Masters’ table.
He had one of his original art pieces on display, and it immediately caught my eye. It was done in pencil, which made it even more exciting. There is something very special about seeing original pencil work — it feels close to the source of the creative process.
Jason explained very casually that it was one of the pages he had done for Avengers #21.
I later researched it a little bit and found that it was from the 2018 Avengers series, Volume 6. The page was labelled as page 8, but in the actual comic book it appears as page 10.
That was an amazing discovery.
To have original pencilled comic book panels in your collection is something special. These are not prints. They are not reproductions. They are pieces of the actual process that helped create the comic book.
There was a little bit of negotiation, and I am doubly grateful that I managed to get the piece at a discounted price.
That, to me, is part of the awesomeness of events like this. Fans and artists get to interact directly. Sometimes there is room for a conversation, a negotiation, and a shared appreciation of the artwork. It feels like the artist is placing a piece of their creative soul into your hands, at a price you can actually afford.
I am extremely grateful for that.
This Avengers page is definitely one of the most meaningful pieces I have now added to my collection.
Sean Izaakse
After Jason Masters, I headed over to our next international artist Sean Izaakse, with work across DC, Marvel and Independent Comic books publishers.
By that stage, visitors had already started gathering at his table, which was completely understandable. Sean is an incredible artist, and a lot of people were excited to meet him, chat to him, and collect their artwork 🙂 Wait long enough and you could hear some interesting stories from the comic book industry 🙂
The first commissioned piece I collected from Sean was Absolute Green Arrow.
It looks phenomenal.
I have really been enjoying the Absolute Universe, so getting Green Arrow in that style felt very exciting. The piece had blood splatter, intensity, and a strong sense of action. It had that darker edge I was hoping for, and it looked amazing in person.
The amount of detail immediately stood out, especially the cross-hatching and the intensity of the linework. You could see how much effort and control went into the piece. It had that strong, dramatic energy I was hoping for, and it really suited the darker Absolute Green Arrow concept I had in mind.
Mr. Izaakse also signed the piece for me at the table, which made it even more special.
He then presented me with the Absolute Catwoman commission, and that piece was brilliant as well.
It was sultry, but also focused and ready for street-level action. It had that perfect Catwoman energy — elegant, confident, sharp, and dangerous. The shades and Copic colouring were awesome, and the greys brought out the form of the character beautifully.
The hair, the face, and the small details were all amazing.
We also went with a lighter-coloured signature so that it would not distract from the artwork itself, which I thought was a really thoughtful touch. It shows how much care goes into not only creating the artwork, but also presenting it properly.
Both sketches came with certificates of authenticity from Comic Lore, as mentioned earlier. The certificates were done on the spot, and they also provided a new sticker to seal the sleeve. Everything looked professional, neat, and complete.
And again, I have to mention this because I think it is amazing: the certification was absolutely free.
For original commissioned artwork from artists like Sean Izaakse and Jason Masters, having a professional certificate included at no extra cost is a huge bonus. It adds to the pride of owning the piece and makes the whole collecting experience feel even more special.
Again, thank you Sean Izaakse – truely a wonderful individual. I am grateful that he makes time for us fans to ‘girl fan’ him 🙂
A Strong Line-Up of Artists and Creators
One of the things that made the day so special was the variety of artists and creators involved.
Alongside Sean Izaakse and Jason Masters, the event also included names such as Andre Olivier, Chyavan Reddy, Dean Brorson, Nikki Boyle, Zaid Motala, Bradley Griffiths, Rachel and Anton Rouziev of Mr and Mrs. Pencils.
That is a strong creative line-up, and it really showed the depth of talent we have in and around the comic book community.
Events like this are not only about buying things. They are about seeing artists at work, discovering new creators, reconnecting with familiar faces, and being reminded that the South African comic and art community has so much passion, skill, and personality.
More Than Just Purchases
As amazing as the purchases and commissions were, they were only part of the event.
The other half of the experience was the conversations.
There were so many interactions over and above buying artwork. That is what made the day feel truly memorable. Everyone made you feel comfortable. Some collectors were introverted, some were extroverted, but once you were in the zone of familiar conversations, shared interests, and comic book excitement, it became such a natural place to express yourself.
I met and chatted to people I had never seen in person before, even though we were part of the same WhatsApp groups. It was great to hear their points of view, how they started collecting, where they are in their journey, what they enjoy, what they look for, and what the hobby means to them.
To be honest, not everything will always match your own philosophy of collecting. Different people collect for different reasons. Some people love keys. Some people love covers. Some people love original art. Some people collect characters, creators, story arcs, signatures, sketches, nostalgia, or investing.
And that is what makes it amazing.
Everyone had their own way of expressing what they believe in, but there was a huge amount of respect between people. There was also a huge amount of fun in discussing, debating, objecting, agreeing, disagreeing, and arguing about all the wonderful things that happen in the comic book universe.
There is so much information in this hobby that it proves one simple point: no one person knows everything.
In fact, it is probably impossible to even get to even a small fraction of all the knowledge in comics. There are too many characters, creators, publishers, eras, variants, covers, stories, and collecting angles. That is why events like this are so valuable. They bring creators, collectors, fans, and community members together in one space.
People are at different parts of the journey, and everyone has something to share.
Why Events Like This Matter
Smallville Comics’ Artist Alley Day was not just a shopping day. It was a celebration of comic books, local talent, international talent, collectors, artists, and fans.
Events like this matter because they help build the comic book community in South Africa. They give fans a chance to meet creators. They give artists a platform. They give collectors something exciting to look forward to. And they remind us that comics are not just products — they are stories, art, passion, effort, and community.
I also loved that the event felt welcoming to different kinds of people. Whether you were a serious collector, a casual fan, an aspiring artist, or just someone curious walking past, there was something to enjoy.
That is the kind of environment that grows the hobby.
A Huge Thank You to Smallville Comics
I also want to give a huge thank you to Murray and the entire Smallville Comics team — including James, Cole, and everyone who worked so hard to make the day happen.
The staff are amazing!!!
You could see that a huge amount of effort went into coordinating with the guest artists, setting everything up, getting the message out, arranging the shop side of things, allocating the event zones, putting up the tents, and making sure the day ran smoothly.
From a fan point of view, everything felt convenient, safe, organised, and welcoming.
I genuinely felt at home.
In fact, I stayed about two and a half hours longer than I was supposed to. That probably says everything. I arrived planning to stay for a short while, and instead I found myself enjoying the conversations, the artwork, the people, and the atmosphere so much that I did not want to leave.
My conversation with Murray was also awesome. It sounds like there are some great things planned, and I really hope there are more events like this in future to support the fan community.
I am very lucky and very grateful to have Smallville Comics here, putting together events of this quality. Unfortunately, not every part of the country has access to this kind of comic book event, so having something like this in Gauteng is something I really appreciate.
Smallville Comics also made the process smooth even before the event. There was a lot of information shared ahead of time, and the assistance from the store, especially from James, was friendly and helpful. From ordering the commissions to arriving on the day, everything felt clear and well handled.
Final Thoughts
Smallville Comics’ Artist Alley Day on 27 June 2026 was honestly amazing.
The artists were incredible. The vendors were friendly. The original artwork was phenomenal. The commissions were beautiful. The certificates of authenticity added a professional touch. The staff were helpful and welcoming. The collectors were passionate and respectful. The whole event had a warm, exciting community feeling.
I went there to collect artwork, but I left with much more than that.
I left with conversations, encouragement, new insights, and a deeper appreciation for the comic book community.
A massive thank you to Smallville Comics, Sean Izaakse, Jason Masters, Comic Lore: Beyond the Panels, Zaid Motala, Mr. and Mrs. Pencils, Bradley Griffiths, and every artist, vendor, staff member, and fan who helped make the day special.
I highly recommend attending the next event if you can.
And for anyone who cannot make it in person, it may be worth chatting to the store about possible out-of-towner options for future events.
Thank you for reading, and I hope this encourages you to visit the next Smallville Comics event.
I know I will definitely be looking forward to the next one.
And yes — I am very glad I packed those top loaders.
Thank you so much for reading this blog – Poovan