Emerald City Comic Con (ECCC) has long been one of the most anticipated events for comic book fans, creators, and pop culture enthusiasts, and this year is no exception. One of the most exciting announcements for me at ECCC 2025 was the appearance of legendary comic book artist Darick Robertson. Known for his stunning artwork and contributions to some of the most iconic and edgy comics of the 21st century.
Darick Robertson has solidified himself as a powerhouse in the comic book industry, with a career spanning over three decades. His artistic style, which combines dynamic action sequences with hyper-detailed characters, has made him a fan favorite and an integral part of the comic world.
He is best known for his work on The Boys, a series created by Garth Ennis, which has exploded in popularity due to its hit adaptation on Amazon Prime. The series, known for its sharp social commentary and dark humor, features Robertson’s gritty and often brutal art style that perfectly complements the story’s satirical tone. His work on The Boys has earned him critical acclaim, making it one of the most talked-about comic books of the 21st century.
In addition to The Boys, Robertson has also worked on several other major titles, including Transmetropolitan, Wolverine, Punisher War Journal, and Astonishing X-Men. His ability to bring complex characters and stories to life through his pencil and ink has made him one of the most respected artists in the industry.
Darick Robertson is the co-creator of my favorite fandom in The Boys. I was excited to meet him in person as we have been mutuals on social for a few years. He is someone with morals I respect and was looking forward to having a conversation with. I was able to engage with Robertson at his table and dive deep into his creative process and hear stories about his time working on The Boys. He was so generous with his time.
He signed my hand. If you are a fan of The Boys then you understand the significance of this. I asked Darick how much involvement does he have with The Boys tv series. Surprisingly he said series show runner Erik Kripke came to he and Garth Ennis to ask what he needed to include in the series. Darick said the scene where A-Train runs through Robin, killing her must be included. Not only was this included but it served as the origin on the tv series. In that scene Hughie was left holding Robin’s hands which is why I had them signed. That scene which occurred early in the pilot episode is the moment I decided to cosplay A-Train. I know how that sounds. He not only signed my hand but also drew an image of A-Train on my Turbo Rush can.
Next we talked about Darick’s relationship with Simon Pegg who portrays Hughie’s father on The Boys. The Boys artist Darick Robertson used Simon Pegg’s likeness for Hughie in the original graphic novels. Robertson chose Pegg after seeing him in UK comedy Spaced, never expecting he’d become such a big star. For the record he said he used Simon’s likeness without his approval and does not recommend doing this for other artists as he did think there was a possibility he could get sued.
The Origins of Simon Pegg’s and Darick Robertson’s Connection
The relationship between Darick Robertson and Simon Pegg began with The Boys, a dark and satirical comic series co-created by writer Garth Ennis and artist Darick Robertson. The comic series, which debuted in 2006, focuses on a group of ordinary individuals tasked with keeping superhero behavior in check—an ironic commentary on the corrupt nature of power, fame, and the superhero genre itself.
Simon Pegg’s involvement with The Boys series is particularly fascinating because of his connection to the characters in the comic. In the original comic, the character of Hughie Campbell is depicted as a young, earnest, and somewhat naïve man, someone who feels out of place in the violent and corrupt world of superheroes. This character was originally drawn by Robertson to bear a striking resemblance to Simon Pegg. The image of Hughie, with his scruffy, boyish appearance, was a deliberate nod to Pegg, who was well known for his roles in films like Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz—films that were also laced with sharp humor and wit.
Pegg’s resemblance to Hughie sparked a conversation among fans and creators alike, with many wondering if Pegg would ever have a role in the graphic novel’s adaptation, especially as the graphic novels continued to grow in popularity.
From Graphic Novels to Television: Simon Pegg’s Role in The Boys TV Adaptation
The dream of Pegg playing Hughie on screen came to life when The Boys was adapted into a hit television series by Amazon Prime Video. By the time the show was in production, Pegg had aged significantly from the time the comic was first published, and he was no longer a match for the character’s age. However, rather than completely abandoning the connection, Pegg was instead cast as Hughie’s father in the series, a role that paid tribute to the comic’s original inspiration.
In doing so, Simon Pegg’s involvement in the show cemented the ongoing collaboration between him and Darick Robertson. His inclusion as a key character in the series, though in a different role than originally envisioned, was a fitting acknowledgment of the bond between Pegg and the character he helped bring to life on the page. Pegg’s connection to The Boys not only reflects his iconic status in pop culture but also underscores the impact of Robertson’s character design in shaping the visual identity of the comic.
The Evolution of Darick Robertson’s Art
Robertson stated that his inspiration for creating Hughie was influenced by the classic “everyman” archetype, but there was an extra layer of realism that he wanted to add. By drawing Hughie to look like Simon Pegg, Robertson not only gave a visual representation of a beloved actor but also grounded the character in a sense of humanity that would resonate with fans. The more down-to-earth, relatable characters in The Boys serve as a stark contrast to the overpowered, morally corrupt superheroes they face, and Robertson’s art brings this dichotomy to life in a visceral way.
The Lasting Impact of Their Collaboration
While The Boys comic has long been considered a masterwork in the genre, its success in television and film adaptations further solidified Darick Robertson’s place as one of the preeminent comic book artists of his time. In turn, Simon Pegg’s presence in the franchise—both as the original inspiration for a beloved character and as a part of the TV series—helped tie the two creators’ worlds together in a way that bridged the gap between the medium of comics and live-action entertainment.
The relationship between Darick Robertson and Simon Pegg is an excellent example of how a comic book’s visual elements can profoundly influence the world of film and television. Through their collaboration, fans of both the comic and the series have had the opportunity to see how the worlds of comics, acting, and television can intertwine and elevate each other. It’s an ongoing testament to the power of creative synergy, one that will undoubtedly continue to influence future adaptations and creative projects in both comics and film.
In the end, the bond between Darick Robertson and Simon Pegg represents more than just a passing collaboration—it’s a perfect example of how art and storytelling can connect across mediums, creating something greater than the sum of its parts.
Emerald City was first west coast convention I attended back in 2022 and I’ve been coming back since. It never disappoints. The people make ECCC what it is. It was cool because it was as laid back as you wanted it to be or as up-tempo as you wanted. This convention gave me the opportunity to meet so many cosplayers that I normally don’t see because I don’t travel to many west coast conventions. This year’s ECCC was amazing and I was able to reconnect with old friends and meet a ton of new friends. I definitely will be back next year. Last year I moved to Seattle. I am happy that Emerald City Comic Con is my home convention.
About Emerald City Comic Con
Emerald City Comic Con is one of the largest and most exciting pop culture conventions in the Pacific Northwest, drawing fans, artists, and creators from all over the world. Every year, ECCC celebrates the best in comics, TV, movies, video games, and more. The convention offers fans the opportunity to meet their favorite creators, discover new artists, and immerse themselves in a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for all things geek culture. If you are planning to attend in 2026 be sure to grab your tickets early!