Legendary Underdogs

Marie P. Croall lives in Cary, North Carolina. She has written for Marvel, DC Comics, Moonstone Books, Devils Due, and Harris Comics, and has completed a self-published graphic novel and a short film. Marie has spent much of her life reading fables and legends, and enjoys discovering new things about different cultures.

Justine Fontes was born in New York City. She grew up on Long Island and later graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. in English Liternature from New York University. Justine found her first job in publishing while she was a Freshman. She worked at various publishing houses before becoming a freelance writer. At Little Golden Books, Justine met her future husband, Ron Fontes. They started writing together and have written over 500 children’s books. Justine and Ron moved to Maine in 1988.

Ron Fontes was born in Los Angeles. He grew up in Clarksville, Tennessee, where his mother taught him to read at age 4. By 16, Ron had a science fiction comic strip in the local newspaper. He was a theater major at Austin Peay State University, where he costumed and performed in many shows while working at a printing company to pay for school. Ron went on to act in film before becoming an advertising executive, and he then moved to New York City and worked for Whitman Comics and Marvel. Ron is a prolific artist and co-author of over 500 children’s books with his wife, Justine.

Sandy Carruthers was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia. His family moved to Prince Edward Island when he was five. Sandy grew up there and attended Holland College, where he trained as a graphic artist. After a few years in the field, Sandy attended Sheridan College in Ontario studying Illustration. After that, he moved back to PEI in 1989 and illustrated comics for Malibu Graphics in California. In 1992, he began teaching Graphic Design full time at the very college he trained at. He continues to do comic projects on the side. Between his full time work and comic art, Sandy is kept pretty busy! He currently lives in Mount Albion with his partner Holly and three cats. Their home is an 80 year old story-and-a-half country home, with a separate studio on a half acre of land.

Clint Hilinski grew up in Esko, Minnesota, where he became interested in art at an early age. He continued studying art at the University of Wisconsin, Superior, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in fine art. Hilinski’s influences include Jim Lee, Alan Davis, and Adam Hughes. He has worked as an illustrator for DC, Image, Dark Horse, and many other companies.