-The Staff

AJ Herrera: Founder, Podcast Host, Writer.  In 2005 AJ took his love of writing and creating to a whole new level and founded Forbidden Panel. Since then he has managed to surround himself with some of the best artists and creative minded people in the world. He is the creator of the books ZKS: Zombie Kill Squad, Forbidden Tales, Subject 242, as well as the mastermind behind The IE Comic Expo, and the IE Zombie Beauty Pageant. He is currently writing the web comic “Lunch Break” with Jimmy Purcell and his weird meta web comic, “I Can’t Draw”.

Justin White: Art Director, Chief Creative Officer, Artist. JJustin White is an artist/writer, born and raised in Southern California. In the early 2000’s he started his own illustration and graphic design company, Necro-Sapien Press. His first published work was a comic strip called “The Graves” that he co-created. Justin has traveled throughout California and Nevada working conventions while selling prints and merchandise based on his artwork. It was at one such convention in Los Angeles where he first met writer, AJ Herrera. After a short conversation, they realized they had much in common. Not just in regards to art and comics, but also with movies, music and most other areas of pop culture. They decided they would work together on a comic idea that AJ had entitled ZKS: Zombie Kill Squad. After an initial 10 page book that introduced the reader to the dystopian world of ZKS, Justin and AJ realized that they enjoyed working together. Justin officially joined AJ’s publishing company, Forbidden Panel. Since then, Justin has been the primary artist on the ZKS comics, as well as providing the artwork for posters, prints, t-shirts and other merchandise. Justin also wrote, penciled, and inked a story called “The Mask of Devouring” for the Forbidden Panel horror anthology, Forbidden Tales.

Janelle is a writer, homeschool mom and small business owner of Breakthrough Vocals, a holistic vocal performance, music and communication studio. She spends her days helping people enrich their lives through open-hearted communication and authentic vocal expression both on and off stage. She holds her degrees and certifications in Psychology and Empathy Coaching and music, has over 20 years of corporate customer service and leadership experience, spent a decade as a “mom blogger” and manages a mother/baby wellness group. Having worn many hats since she began with Forbidden Panel in 2007, Janelle currently serves the company as Website Content Manager, Copy Editor/Proofreader, creating policy and managing employee relations. Janelle has been grateful to Forbidden Panel for providing a creative outlet for her love of sci-fi, fantasy, horror, comics and the paranormal, while also allowing her to help others grow within a company she can believe in.

Joey LaBartunek Is a cartoonist, writer, filmmaker, and animator.

Collaborating with Sean Belcher, he co-created the noir, sci-fi webcomic Tom Sparks, Atomic Detective and fantasy, horror graphic novel A Man Called Kraken. You’ll also find his work in the terrifying Forbidden Tales horror  anthology comic series by Forbidden Panel.  Born and raised all over Southern California, Joey now calls Los Angeles home, where he continues to explore his love for comics, film, motion graphics, and animation. He spends his daytime hours working in TV, film trailers, music videos, documentaries such as You Don’t Nomi and From the Ground Up, a slew of commercials, storyboards, and just about everything in between.

Danny Graham is an illustration artist from Apple Valley, CA who specializes in retro-styled horror and fantasy themed work. For the past ten years he has been creating gig posters, album covers, logos and shirt designs for bands around the world, but has recently stepped into the world of comic art with Forbidden Panel. Danny is also the singer / lead guitarist of the rock & roll band Fever Dog who have toured internationally and released multiple albums since their start in 2012.

Website: https://www.dannygrahamart.com

Email: info@dannygrahamart.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dannygrahamart/

Han Jan Trotter‘s contribution as a writer stems from decades of writing short stories, screenplays, unpublished science fiction novels, formal essays, and historical papers on 3rd-century martyrs. With his short stories at Forbidden Panel, his goal is to provide a momentary escape from everyday life.

Andrea Broehl: Press and Media Relations. Andrea comes to Forbidden Panel with a wealth of information in comics, business and the geek culture. She creates our t-shirts and other swag, while also managing all marketing, media and promotions for the company. She can often be found managing our booths at conventions and other events, speaking with industry professionals, press and fans. For any and all marketing, press and calendar questions, she is the one to contact.

Katie is Forbidden Panel’s Brand Ambassador. She supports, promotes and lends a hand wherever needed but does most of her work as the embodiment of Forbidden Panel’s mascot, “The Witch”. Katie is a life-long lover of comics, movies and anime, she gets to share her love of the culture while promoting Forbidden Panel as a booth promoter. A fierce mom with a killer instinct, Katie knows what it takes to command and dominate a crowd! She is thrilled to be with a company that allows her to dive into the subcultures she loves while helping to grow the Forbidden Panel community through her work as model and in booth promotions. Look for her at our next event, but be warned; she will definitely put a spell on you!

Cameron S. Dortch: Artist/Writer/Special Effects Makeup Artist. Cameron has enjoyed comics and has been insanely obsessed with horror films all his life. Drawing and experimenting with makeup since the first monster movie he ever saw.  He was also the main makeup artist for Forbidden Panel’s annual Inland Empire Zombie Beauty Pageant and the film Night of the Living Deb.  Cameron’s exceptional skill has helped both the 2011 and 2013 IE Zombie Beauty Queens to win their crown.

Anthony White: Panelcast Co-Host. Into all manner of things across geekdom: Tech, Science, Manga, Anime, Video games (PS3, PS4 and PC), Movies of all kinds, Music across all genres, and, of course, Comic Books. Also a Browncoat at heart, despite his all black wardrobe. And last, but not least, a writer trying to get his ideas down on paper and make something of all the stories in his head.