Alex Simmons is an award-winning freelance writer, comic book creator, playwright, teaching artist, and educational consultant. He's written for Disney Books, Penguin Press, Simon and Schuster, DC Comics, and Archie Comics. Simmons is the creator of the acclaimed adventure comic book series, Blackjack. As a teaching artist Simmons has created and taught creative arts workshops for students and educators in the US, West Indies, and Africa. Simmons has served on panels, and delivered lectures on children's entertainment mediums, as well as empowering young people through the arts. Simmons founded the annual family event, Kids Comic Con, as well as three comic arts exhibits, which have traveled abroad. He is currently developing a comics and creative arts program for children in the U.S., Europe, and Africa.For over 30 years, Simmons has been a member of arts and education boards for the New York State Alliance for Arts Education, the Department for Cultural Affairs, and the Museum for Comics & Cartoon Art. He has been a panelist at many literacy and arts events, and he has been a guest speaker at numerous colleges and educational institutions here and abroad.For more information visit:Alex@SimmonsHereAndNow.com / www.SimmonsHereAndNow.comwww.KidsComicCon.comwww.BlackjackAdventures.com / @BlackjackAD