ABOUT US
KRISTEN SIMON is originally from Chicago, where she was the editor for Shadowline Comics, a partner studio for independent powerhouse Image Comics. Since leaving Shadowline in 2010, she worked as a Program Manager with Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles, creating arts and culture events and implementing them for thousands of girls until 2016. She was also the Director of Programming for the Long Beach Comic-Con, the Long Beach Comic Expo, the Anime Fan Fest New Jersey, the New Jersey Comic Expo, Comic Excitement Con, Cuba Comic Expo, and the Comic Creator Conference from 2014-2017. In 2018, she was the Events Manager for Skybound Entertainment, and from 2019-2021 she was the Managing Editor for Gamevil Com2uS's mobile video game called Summoners War, developing the IP into a comics series in partnership with Skybound, a novel and motion comics. From 2021 to 2022 she was the Editor in Chief for Netmarble F&C, overseeing the US development of their webtoons, comics and novels, based on their mobile video game IPs. Currently, she is at IDW Publishing, as Group Editor for Graphic Novels, Collections and New Initiatives. Kris has strong relationships with leading comics and pop culture companies, and has encyclopedic knowledge on comics, movies and gaming.
RUTHANN THOMPSON grew up as an Anime-addict in Vermont before moving to New York City to study set design, lighting design, and stage management. When not in school, she earned her bartending license and went to work at the Red Rock Saloon (the real life inspiration for Coyote Ugly) while doing freelance lighting for major events like Fall Fashion Week. Since moving to L.A., she has continued working live events, lighting everything from Maroon 5‘s annual Halloween parties to Dita Von Teese’s Burlesque shows. RuthAnn is also an actress who has been featured on such shows as, “True Blood,” “New Girl,” “2 Broke Girls,” and many more. From 2019 to 2022, she was the Senior Retailer Relations Manager and Communications Specialist for AfterShock Comics, and currently she is the Brand Manager for Studio De Sade. She is a huge fan of Star Trek and Dr. Who, and she's no stranger to AD&D, Battle Tech, Vampire Masquerade, and a whole lot more.
