TULSA — A former “Uncanny X-Men” artist and the writer of “Supergirl” are among the scheduled guests at this weekend’s Tulsa Anime & Comic Expo.

Whilce Portacio, who drew “Uncanny X-Men” during the comics boom and was the creator of “Wetworks,” is among the show’s guests. Portacio is currently the artist of Todd McFarlane’s “Spawn.” He was the plotter and penciller of “Uncanny X-Men” following Chris Claremont’s exodus from the books in the late 1990s, and introduced the Bishop character in “Uncanny X-Men” No. 282.

Tulsa native Sterling Gates plans to return to his hometown, celebrating this week’s release of “Action Comics” No. 881, part one of a four-part crossover Gates is writing with Greg Rucka. Gates said he was looking forward to returning to his former stomping grounds.

“I always look forward to any time I get to spend in Tulsa, but what really excites me is to be a part of Wizard’s Asylum’s convention,” said Gates, current writer of DC Comics’ “Supergirl.”

“I always really miss Oklahoma’s beautiful fall weather, so it’ll be great to see Tulsa in the full fall swing.”

Gates’ next major project is “World’s Finest,” a crossover between characters from the “Superman” and “Batman” families of books.

“Each issue focuses on a different Batman-Universe hero and villain teaming up with a different Superman-Universe hero and villain,” Gates said. “So, you’re getting four great characters coming into conflict, and you just have to sit back and watch the fireworks.”

Gates said “World’s Finest,” which kicks off Oct. 28, also has some of his “all-time favorite villains.”

“Catwoman’s in there, Mr. Freeze, Penguin, Kryptonite Man, Toyman,” he said. “It’s gonna take all of these heroes working together to rein these supervillains in!”

“Dragon Ball” voice actor Sonny Strait also is scheduled to appear at the convention.

Comic-book artists scheduled to appear include Michael Lark (”Daredevil”), Tommy Castillo (”Detective Comics”), Josh Howard (”Dead@17”), Brian Denham (”Violator vs. Badrock”), John Lucas (”Deadpool”), Ben Dunn (”Ninja High School”) and Jeremy Haun (”Berserker”). Writer Gary Friedrich, the creator of “Ghost Rider,” is also a guest of the convention.

The dealer’s room of the show will be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Evening events will run 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday. The event will be in Tulsa Convention Center, 100 Civic Center.

- by Matthew Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

RICHARDSON, Texas – Yancy Butler, who starred as NYPD detective Sara Pezzini on the TNT drama “Witchblade,” will take on another comic-book role, in an upcoming film based on a comic book by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.

Butler appeared at the Dallas Comic-Con in Richardson, Texas, last weekend, and appeared on a panel hosted by Devin Pike of redcarpetcrash.com. She talked about her career and current projects with the gathered fans.

“I was asked to do a small cameo in a Nicolas Cage film called ‘Kick-Ass,’ that a lot of you might know.” Butler said. “It’s based on a comic book, at the time we did it there were only four of those comics … the nemesis to Nicolas Cage is a gangster, and I played the moll, his wife.”

The movie features children who want to become superheroes, even though they have no superpowers. It’s a dark comedy which is extremely violent.

The film was directed by Matthew Vaughn and was picked up this week for distribution by Lionsgate. Butler described a scene shown to her by Vaughn while she was working on the film.

“Nicolas Cage’s daughter (in the film), who wants to be a superhero basically, climbs up this gangster’s back … shoots him from below, and it turns into a comic book, where you see this blood splat like you would, but in pink,” Butler said. “And you could see through the hole in his head. It’s completely fascinating.”

Also upcoming for Butler is a Syfy channel film currently titled “Wolvesbayne.” She plays Lilith, who according to some legends was the first wife of Adam.

“They got rid of her, because she was just horrible and really corrupt,” Butler said. “And (in this film) they made Lilith the queen vampire.”

Butler compared working in film and television, as she has experience with both.

“You have a lot more time to prepare everything for a film. The role, the script, the costumes,” she said. “In television, I liken it to the ‘I Love Lucy’ episode with the chocolate conveyor belt, and they’re shoving chocolate in their mouth as quickly as they can … that’s television. It can’t go fast enough, it’s just this beast that goes so quickly because if you don’t have something you can put on the air, you’re looking at dead air space.”

“Witchblade” was originally planned to be a TV movie, but it was so successful, that it was expanded to a series, which ran for two seasons. The entire series is now available on DVD. Butler said she was aware of trying to keep two different fan bases entertained with the property.

“It was hard to straddle that line making sure we were making fans of the comic book happy … and also establishing a fanbase of people who were unfamiliar with the comic book,” she said.

Butler said she enjoyed her time as Sara Pezzini, and would enjoy a return to the character if such a project came together.

“I had a blast. It was a character that I really felt like the writers and producers and I were all collaborating,” she said.

By Matthew Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

Man of Rock, by Bill Schelly

The show will feature comics, pulps, Big Little Books, movie posters, toys, artwork and more.
Dealers from across the USA are attending this show bringing lots of affordable comics and collectibles!
Among the events and guests planned for the show:

* The Big Little Book Collectors Club Meeting

* Art display from fantasy artist Kenneth Smith

* Writer Bill Schelly will have on hand his book on the life of comic-book artist Joe Kubert, “Man of Rock.”

The show is hosted by the Oklahoma Alliance of Fans.

For more info, see http://oafcon2009.blogspot.com/.

Kevin Eastman signs during Preview Night at Comic-Con International

SAN DIEGO — I didn’t schedule anything major for tonight, so I could wander the floor and check in with people.   While traffic is lighter than it’ll be during the full days, it still felt pretty full once the show got in full swing.

Among things seen at Preview Night:

* Saw Mark Waid signing at Boom! Studios and thanked him for giving me an interview back in the mid-1990s when I was starting my own comics zine.   He was friendly and gracious about it.   I encourage everybody to check out his Irredeemable, which is a dark and intense comic.

* Saw Alex Ross artwork that costs more than my car.  By quite a bit, actually.

* Saw some Heritage auctions items that also were quite pricey – a 9.8 Incredible Hulk 181 had an estimate of $17,000.

* Lots of new toys in the Mattel booth – Captain Marvel has a figure upcoming in the “Brave and Bold” line, so I hope that means we’ll see him on the show.

* Got a “Nexus Army” T-shirt from the Rude Dude booth.  They were going fast, according to Rude Dude’s Jaynelle Rude, so if you want one, get over there quick!

* Also purchased a new “Scott Pilgrim” shirt from the Oni booth – really getting excited for that movie, and of course the comic remains among my favorites.

* Kevin Eastman was drawing a large line with his new “TMNT” book – congrats on the 25th anniversary of that indie hit!

* Dan Parent, “Archie” writer/artist, was doing a commission of Archie marrying Betty – giving the Betty fans some retailiation for the upcoming Archie/Veronica wedding, it seems!

- Matt Price

Peter Jackson will attend Comic-Con International in San Diego, according to a release. He’ll be there in support of the film “District 9,” which he produced.   Full release follows:

CULVER CITY, Calif., June 8, 2009 – Peter Jackson, the visionary filmmaker behind The Lord of the Rings, King Kong, and other films, will attend Comic-Con International: San Diego for the first time to support TriStar Pictures’ District 9, which Jackson produced, it was announced today. The District 9 panel discussion will be in the San Diego Convention Center’s Hall H on Friday, July 24. Jackson will be on the panel with the film’s director, Neill Blomkamp, and star, Sharlto Copley.

Commenting on the announcement, Jackson said, “After all these years, I’m thrilled that I finally have the opportunity to visit San Diego for Comic-Con. I am especially excited that I am attending to support District 9. Neill is a tremendously talented young director and he’s made an extraordinary film, so it was important to me to come to San Diego to spread the word. I look forward to attending my first ever Comic-Con and I know that those who visit us on July 24th in Hall H will be in for quite a ride.”

District 9 will be released in theaters nationwide on August 14, 2009.

THE NEXT LEVEL

Meet writers and artists of popular science fiction and fantasy at the 2009 SoonerCon expo this weekend at the Biltmore Hotel, 401 S Meridian.

Writer Dave Wolverton, aka David Farland, is the guest of honor. Wolverton is the author of the “Star Wars” novel “The Courtship of Princess Leia.” As Farland, he has written the “The Runelords” series, including the New York Times best-seller “Wizardborn.” Wolverton is a Guinness World Record holder for the largest single-author book signing, signing 1,845 copies of the science-fiction novel “A Very Strange Trip.”

Wolverton designed and scripted video games at Saffire studios. According to his Web site at www.davidfarland.net, he helped design the storyline, monsters, and weapons for “StarCraft’s Broodwar,” and wrote the story and script for “Xena: the Talisman of Fate.”

The artist guest of honor is Brad Foster, whose art has been published in more than 3,000 publications, including Amazing Stories and Highlights for Children.

Film fans can view selections from the International BareBones Film Festival, held each April in Muskogee. The Best of BareBones will screen films at SoonerCon today and Saturday, hosted by ShIronbutterfly Ray. Several filmmakers will be available for questions about their films.

This year’s theme is “Slideways in Time” and focuses on time travel and alternate histories. Tickets are $20 per day or $40 for the entire weekend. SoonerCon runs today through Sunday.

“It’s going to be high-energy,” said Leonard Bishop, executive director of SoonerCon 2009. “We’ve got 60-plus professional writers and artists; there will be multiple tracks of panel discussions and demos going on.”

Among the demos will be stage combat, belly dance, and performance art. There will also be charity auctions and evening activities.

For more information about SoonerCon, call (405) 694-1555 or visit www.soonercon.com.

- Matthew Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

SoonerCon returns to Oklahoma City this weekend at the Biltmore Hotel, 401 S Meridian.

Guests include writer Dave Wolverton, aka David Farland; artist Brad Foster; Selina Rosen; Dirk Hooper; Mario Wytch and more.   Also going on at SoonerCon is the “Best of BareBones” film screening.

This year’s theme is “Slideways in Time” and focuses on time travel and alternate histories. Tickets are $20 per day or $40 for the entire weekend. SoonerCon runs today through Sunday.

Read more about SoonerCon in Friday’s Weekend LOOK section of The Oklahoman.

For more information about SoonerCon, call (405) 694-1555 or visit www.soonercon.com.

– Matthew Price

The show runs Saturday and Sunday at the Overland Park International Trade Center at 115th and Metcalf in Overland Park.

Jason Aaron, Matt Fraction, Joe Jusko and Michael Golden will be on hand – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
You can see the considerable guest list at planetcomicon.com.

I’ve been to this show several times, and it’s one of my favorites.  It’s very much a comic-book heavy show, though there are also very good media guests.  This year, I’ll instead be attending the AP-ONE journalism awards in Norman – which should also be outstanding – but those of you going to Kansas City, have some comic-book fun for me.

– Matt Price

 ”Torchwood” fans can see star Eve Myles and director Euros Lyn at the New York ComicCon.   Lyn is the director of the entire third series of Torchwood, an adult-oriented spinoff of “Doctor Who.”

The BBC America program ” Torchwood” follows the adventures of the Torchwood Institute, the beyond-the-government secret organization formed by Queen Victoria that deals with supernatural and alien threats.

” Torchwood” stars John Barrowman as Capt. Jack Harkness and Myles as Gwen Cooper.  NYCC con-goers will also get a sneak peek at the third series. See the full release after the break.

BBC AMERICA’s highest rated series, Torchwood, is coming to New York ComicCon 2009 with a sneak peek of the highly anticipated third season, Torchwood: Children of Earth, and a panel session with actor Eve Myles and director Euros Lyn. The Javits Center, location of New York ComicCon, will feature a massive billboard with all-new imagery from the upcoming U.S. premiere season, as well as a teaser running on a jumbotron and monitors inside the building.

On Saturday, February 7, 4:15pm Myles and Lyn make their first U.S. panel appearance.  Myles plays police officer turned alien fighter Gwen Cooper and Lyn is the director of the entire third season of Torchwood.  He’s previously directed Doctor Who and will direct David Tennant’s final two episodes as the current Doctor.

From creator Russell T Davies (Doctor Who, Queer as Folk), Torchwood: Children of Earth is the new five-part television event to air later this year on BBC AMERICA.  It finds the Torchwood team embarking on a single action-packed adventure as they fight for the future of the human race against the fiercest force they have yet encountered.

“Torchwood face their toughest battle to date in this new series,” says Russell T Davies.  “This latest threat causes global shockwaves and the team has to fight with everything they’ve got to survive. Viewers are in for a real treat.”

Torchwood has garnered media acclaim including USA Today dubbing it “one of TV’s most entertaining sci-fi romps,” Los Angeles Times  calling it “grown-up, dark, energetic” and TV Guide proclaiming, “If John Barrowman’s Capt. Jack Harkness is the head of Torchwood, then Eve Myles’ Gwen Cooper is the heart.”

Fans can catch up on the previous two seasons with BBC Video’s Torchwood: The Complete First Season (Blu-ray/DVD) and Torchwood: The Complete Second Season (DVD) plus both seasons are available for download from iTunes.

Torchwood is part of BBC AMERICA’s Supernatural Saturdays also the home to the hit series  Doctor Who, Primeval, Robin Hood and Ashes to Ashes which premieres Saturday, March 7, 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Official BBC AMERICA New York ComicCon Panel and Signing Schedule

Saturday, February 7

4:15 – 5:15pm Torchwood: Actress Eve Myles (Merlin, Doctor Who) and director Euros Lyn (Doctor Who) to present a sneak peak of Torchwood: Children of Earth and discuss their creative process and experience working on BBC AMERICA’s highest rated series.  Followed by a Q&A session. 

6:00 – 7:00pm, Table 1, Autograph Area: Eve Myles and Euros Lyn will participate in an official New York ComicCon signing.

Biographies

Eve Myles

Eve won the Welsh Bafta for Best Actress for her role as Gwen in Torchwood, season one.  She has appeared in numerous television programs including Merlin, Doctor Who, Tales of Pleasure Beach and  Soundproof.  Her most recent work was in the BBC’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’s Little Dorrit, as Maggy.

Eve was also a winner of an Ian Charleson Award for her work in The Taming of the Shrew and Titus Andronicus for the Royal Shakespeare Company and performed at The National Theatre playing Doll Tearsheet in Henry IV: Part I and Lady Mortimer in Henry IV: Part II alongside Michael Gambon and directed by Nicholas Hytner.

Director Euros Lyn

Euros Lyn was born in Cardiff and raised in Swansea, Wales.  After studying Drama at Manchester University he returned to Cardiff where he first worked as an assistant director before directing shows for S4C, BBC and ITV including Casualty, Cutting It and Belonging.  In 2007, he directed Jamie Hewlett’s Phoo Action for the BBC which won a Scottish Bafta for Best Drama.  Since 2005 he has been a regular director of Doctor Who, including the Hugo Award winning episode The Girl In The Fireplace.  In 2009, he will direct all five episodes of Torchwood: Children of Earth and the two-part finale of the upcoming Doctor Who specials.

In spring of 2004, I attended Planet Comicon in Overland Park, Kan., and heard two of the most successful comic-book creators of the 1970s and 1980s: Marv Wolfman and Len Wein.   Julius Schwartz, longtime DC editor, had recently died, and so he was on the minds of both creators.   A few things discussed at the show four years ago that still haven’t come to fruition: Wein was working on a “Swamp Thing” movie script, and Wolfman was hopeful his long-delayed “Teen Titans: Games” graphic novel would be finished by George Perez.   As of 2005, the “Games” graphic novel was on indefinite hiatus.   I haven’t heard any updates recently about a “Swamp Thing” film.  The following article was originally published April 9, 2004.

—–

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Two former editors in chief of Marvel Comics talked about their work in comics and other media adaptations of some of their most famous creations at the recent Planet Comicon. Marv Wolfman created many of the New Teen Titans for DC with artist George Perez. He’s written episodes of the “Teen Titans” series for the Cartoon Network based on his comic and has more episodes in the pipeline.

Wolfman also created Blade, the vampire hunter who will be featured in a third motion picture this year, and Bullseye, a villain in the recent “Daredevil” film.

Len Wein is working on a screenplay for “Swamp Thing,” which he co-created with artist Berni Wrightson.

Wein said the new “Swamp Thing” would be a true horror movie, with the creature done in CGI rather than a “guy in a rubber suit.”

Wolfman and Wein both had hits in the 1970s horror resurgence in comics, following the relaxation of the comics code to allow more horror elements. Wolfman’s “Tomb of Dracula,” with Gene Colan, introduced “Blade,” and Wein’s “Swamp Thing” brought a philosophical slant to a horror staple.

Wein and Wolfman broke into DC in the late 1960s, when Julius Schwartz was one of the top editors at the company.

Wein and Wolfman paid tribute to Schwartz, who died Feb. 8.

Wein told how he received his first assignment from “Julie.” He was waiting in the DC offices to pitch a story for “Superman’s Girlfriend, Lois Lane,” when Schwartz barreled into the office.

“What are you doing here?” Schwartz said.

Wein responded, saying he was pitching a “Lois Lane” story.

“No, you’re not,” Schwartz said, grabbing Wein by the collar.

Schwartz sat Wein down in his office and said, “You’re writing the Flash.”

When Wein protested that he hadn’t prepared anything for the Flash, Schwartz said, “You couldn’t be any worse than that S.O.B. I just fired!”

While Schwartz could be gruff, he also was very influential.

“It’s astonishing when you look at one man’s impact,” Wein said, noting that Schwartz’s revival of Flash, Green Lantern and the Justice League motivated Marvel’s 1960s output.

Wolfman and Wein, who each briefly served as editor in chief of Marvel in the 1970s, trail only Marvel’s Stan Lee in the number of characters they have created or co-created that have been adapted into film or television. Besides Swamp Thing, Wein also co-created Wolverine, Nightcrawler, Storm and Colossus of the X-Men.

Though these creators appreciate the opportunity to bring these characters to a larger audience, they feel some in comics are trying too hard for movie success without noting what makes a good comic.

“Comics used to be ahead of the curve; now we’re following the curve,” Wolfman said.

Wolfman also wrote the hit series “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” of which Wein served as a consulting editor. The artist was Perez. The landmark miniseries aimed to clear the barnacles off DC Comics’ continuity, which at the time included multiple universes and versions of main characters. The series, released in 1985-1986, will reach its 20th anniversary next year.

“Crisis on Infinite Earths” was targeted at hard-core Marvel fans, who at that time didn’t follow DC Comics.

“And wouldn’t,” Wolfman said, “because it was too confusing to them.

“We needed to do something incredibly large and incredibly loud to say to these people, ‘Come on over and take a look. DC has great characters.’”

“Crisis” merged all the continuities into one Earth. In the process, Flash and Supergirl were killed, and the multiple Earths were destroyed.

Wolfman said despite its sales and critical success, “Crisis” didn’t clear up continuity problems as much as he would have liked.

Characters weren’t supposed to remember the Crisis, and all the books were supposed to start new with No. 1 issues, with no recollection of what had gone before, Wolfman said.

“It failed only because the people (in charge) in 1986 and on decided to go in a different direction,” Wolfman said.

However, the books made a mark in sales and in readers’ minds. “The ‘Crisis’ was a way of getting (Marvel) fans over. … We actually succeeded and got them to come over … we were 100 percent successful in that,” Wolfman said.

To commemorate the series, still popular in trade paperback, Wolfman is writing a “Crisis” novel.

Another series still with a strong fan following is the Wolfman-Perez issues of “New Teen Titans,” which DC will release in trade paperback. Also expected late thisyear or next year is the long-awaited “Titans: Games” graphic novel reuniting Wolfman with Perez.

The release date isn’t set yet, as Perez is still recovering from a wrist injury he suffered drawing “JLA-Avengers.”

“Games” was originally set for a 1989 release, but stalled after Perez was “burned out” on drawing the Titans. Now, Wolfman said, the project is back on track.

While DC would like the graphic novel out for Christmas, Wolfman said, he’d prefer it to come out in 2005 for the 25th anniversary of the first Perez-Wolfman issue of “New Teen Titans” in 1980.

ARLINGTON, Texas – The economic downturn will force comic book companies to focus even more on great stories, story editor Ian Sattler said at the DC Nation panel at Wizard World Texas last weekend.

“It’s something we take into consideration, that we’re aware of,” he said. “It motivates us to tell the best stories possible in 2009, so that if you’re spending your money on comics that it’s worth it for you.”

DC Comics is kicking off 2009 with an event focused on the bad guys of their fictional universe.

Sattler promoted DC Comics’ “Faces of Evil” as a tour of the DC Universe from the villains’ perspective, shipping in January.

Writer Sean McKeever said classic “Teen Titans” villain Brother Blood would return as part of the event, which will also feature Deathstroke and Catwoman. University of Oklahoma graduate Sterling Gates will write the “Prometheus” one-shot as part of this event.

“DC Comics is doing a company-wide event … really trying to pump up the villains of the DC Universe,” Gates said in a recent e-mail. “Prometheus (is) kind of this ‘anti-Batman’ character – his criminal parents were gunned down by policemen when he was a kid, so he swore to take down all law-enforcement agencies, starting with the Justice League.”

But DC isn’t leaving its heroes behind. Artist Ethan Van Sciver was also on hand at the panel, promoting his upcoming revival of the Flash in “Flash: Rebirth” with writer Geoff Johns. He previously worked with Johns on “Green Lantern: Rebirth.” Asked what he might tackle next, he suggested Aquaman.

“The original Aquaman, the one where he first appeared,” he said. “With the orange shirt, maybe with green gloves. Keep it as classic as possible. Like ‘Super Friends’ Aquaman, but cool.”

WORD BALLOONS
by Matthew Price
Assistant Features Editor
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

Check out some video highlights from Wizard World Texas.  In the video are Scott Chitwood from Red 5 Comics, Robert Luedke of Head Press Publishing, “Love and Capes” creator Thom Zahler, as well as a spokesman for the Heroes 4 Heroes charity.

- Matt Price

Some highlights from Saturday’s Wizard World Texas:

* Talked to Thom Zahler about his superhero romantic comedy “Love and Capes.”  He shared with me that “Lois and Clark” was an influence on “Love and Capes,” and we talked about how much we liked the Dean Cain-Teri Hatcher chemistry.

* Listened to former WWE wrestlers Honky Tonk Man, Greg the Hammer Valentine and Virgil talk about the glory days of professional wrestling.   Valentine talked about his father, wrestler Johnny Valentine, learning the business at Stu Hart’s wrestling dungeon, and his classic matches with Tito Santana.

* Good crowd on hand getting autographs from Arkansas artist Mitch Breitweiser, the artist of “Captain America Theater of War: Operation Zero Point.”

* Heroes for Heroes were on hand fundraising as part of their mission to send comic books and other entertainments to troops.  The Hero Initiative, the group that raises funds for older comic-book creators facing financial or medical needs, was also on hand at Wizard World Texas.

- Matt Price

I’ll hit a lot of this stuff more in-depth later, but here’s a few quick hits from Wizard World Texas, going on this weekend in Arlington.

* Ethan Van Sciver was pumped about his new Batman action figure that he designed from the DC Direct Superman/Batman series 6 “Enemies Among Us” line.  Van Sciver said the Hal Jordan from the line was already sold out at the booth he visited.

* Van Sciver also said he’d have an interest in an “Aquaman” series with writer and frequent collaborator Geoff Johns.

* DC Story Editor Ian Sattler told attendees at the DC Nation panel to look for a lot more Deathstroke, Lobo and Animal Man in 2009.

* Crowd seemed decent for a Friday.

* Saw some neat DC Treasury editions, including the somewhat hard to find and not-available-in-trade-paperback Superman vs. Muhammad Ali.

* Sattler encouraged everybody in the crowd to pick up “Supergirl,” by OU graduate Sterling Gates.

* Sattler insisted that “Final Crisis” would make sense once the final issue came out, and said readers should consider “Superman Beyond” to be the closest of the tie-in miniseries.  Sattler said that “Legion of 3 Worlds” would be extremely important to DC Comics in the coming years.

* Writer-artist Billy Tucci talked about the Japanese-American soldiers who served in World War II, who were the real-life inspiration behind “Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion.”

More later!

- Matt Price

The guest of honor at Wizard World Texas is artist John Cassaday, known for his collaboration with writer Joss Whedon on “Astonishing X-Men.” Cassaday, born in Fort Worth, Texas, returns for the three-day show at the Arlington Convention Center.

Frank Cho (”Liberty Meadows,” “Mighty Avengers”) is also a scheduled guest.

Movie and TV personalities scheduled to attend include Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca from “Star Wars”), Corey Feldman (”Lost Boys”), Lou Ferrigno (”The Incredible Hulk”) and wrestler Greg “The Hammer” Valentine.

Other writers attending the show are Christos Gage (”Avengers: The Initiative”), Marc Guggenheim (”Amazing Spider-Man”), writer and artist Phil Hester (”The Darkness”) and Max Brooks (”World War Z”). Lee Bermejo, artist of “The Joker” graphic novel, is also scheduled to be at the show, along with the writer Brian Azzarello.

Arkansas-based artist Mitch Breitweiser (”Captain America: The Chosen”) is scheduled to attend, as is Ethan Van Sciver, the artist of the upcoming “Flash: Rebirth.”

Also set to attend are:

→ Terry Moore: creator of “Strangers in Paradise” “Echo” writer-artist.

→Billy Tucci: “Shi” creator and “Sgt. Rock: Lost Battalion” writer-artist.

→Sean McKeever: writer of “Teen Titans.”

For more information go online to www.wizardworld.com.

-  by Matthew Price
Assistant Features Editor
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

Wizard World has confirmed three new guests for the Wizard Word Texas convention, to be held from Nov. 7-9 at the Arlington Convention Center:

Terry Moore: Creator of “Strangers in Paradise” and writer-artist of “Echo.”

Billy Tucci: Creator of “Shi” and writer-artist of the upcoming “Sgt. Rock: Lost Battalion.”

Sean McKeever: writer of “Teen Titans” and former writer of “Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane” (now written by Terry Moore.)

– Matt Price

Congers, NY (September 26, 2008) – Wizard World Texas just got even bigger with the announcement today that the pop culture extravaganza will host the hottest horror show in Texas, Texas Fear Fest, as part of the festivities November 7-9 at the Arlington Convention Center.

Wizard World, the largest family-friendly comics and pop culture convention in the United States, returns to Texas November 7-9 at the Arlington Convention Center.

– Matt Price 

Full press release is after the break.

Press release:

n the 1960s, comic book collectors were viewed as misfits and were frequently the object of ridicule.  Today, of course, they are viewed more like shrewd investors.

 In 1967 in Oklahoma City, a small group of misfits – but otherwise shrewd investors – met for the first time to share their passion for comics, classic movies, big little books, pulp magazines, science fiction, vintage toys, old time radio shows, and other rare relics from the golden age of childhood.

On October 3 and 4 from 10am to 7pm daily, the oldest club of its kind in Oklahoma will host its 41st Anniversary Vintage Comics & Collectibles Show at the Biltmore Hotel, 401 S.  Meridian in Oklahoma City.  Public admission is a nostalgic $5 for both days.

“More than 50 dealer’s tables piled high with comic collectibles and other childhood treasures will be for sale. Dealers coming from coast-to-coast will be mainly offering comic books and collectibles made before 1980.  If you enjoy vintage  items like movie posters, paperbacks, series books, sheet music, this show is for you.   Former club members and long-time fans from across the country will be in attendance,” said show organizer Bart Bush of Norman.

“Many club members and our closest collecting associates have gone on to write and publish the definitive histories of America’s golden era of popular culture and will be at the show to share their vast knowledge with other fans,” Bush said.

Prominent collectors and fans who are expected to attend the show include:

Bill Schelly – author of “The Golden Age of Comic Fandom”, “Sense of Wonder: Life in Comic Fandom”, “Words of Wonder: The Life of Otto Binder” and the biography of silent film comedian Harry Langdon.

Craig Yoe – former Jim Henson Productions art director and current CEO of Yoe! Studios, the premier art design house for hundreds of children’s premiums and product packaging.  Yoe is also the author of the acclaimed “ARF” comic art book series, “The Art of Mickey Mouse”, “Weird But True Toon Factoids” and much more.

Jerry Weist – former director of comic auctions at Southeby’s Auction House, author of “Ray Bradbury: An Illustrated Life” and numerous other writings on science fiction and comic book history.

Russ Cochran –  Original Comic & Fantasy Art collector since 1966. Publisher of  the E.C. Comics  of the 1950’s in hardback  editions, and many other books, portfolios, and comics.  Russ will be offering his new book., Hopalong Cassidy : An American Legend by Grace Boyd and Michael Cochran and his new Comic Art catalog.

Richard D. Olsen and Bob Beerbohm – leading experts on the early history of the comics, as well as regular Victorian & Platinum Age writers for the Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide.

Michelle Nolan author of “Love on the Racks: A History of American Romance Comics”.

Michael Vance – author of “Forbidden Adventures: The History of the American Comics Group” and director of the Oklahoma Cartoonist Collection.  His comic book writing credits include:  Straw Men, Angel of Death, Adventures of Captain Nemo and more.

R. A. Jones – comic book writer including Scimidar, Protectors, Dark Wolf and others.

Larry Latham – former animator on Disney’s “Talespin” series and long-time cartoon director at Hanna Barbera Productions.

John Wooley – horror genre and comic book author, as well as “Fangoria” magazine columnist and pulp historian.  Not to mention founding member of the Oklahoma club.

Brett Weiss – author of “Classic Home Video Games 1972-84″.

Rick Kelsey – Full time freelance writer of popular culture features.

Steven Fears – DC war comics historian.

The Oklahoma Alliance of Fans (also known as OAF) was formed in 1967 and sponsored dozens of collector’s conventions and comic-related events in the 1970s and 80s.  The 41st Anniversary Vintage Comics & Collectibles Show is their first formal convention in more than 20 years.

“This is not your typical modern day comic book convention,” Bush said.  “Rather, it is a unique throwback to the early era of comic book and nostalgia shows where fans and collectors got together in the spirit of friendship to share their love of collecting.”

A “good girl” artist and a hard boiled writer are among the scheduled guests for the year’s last big convention.

Wizard World Texas has announced an initial lineup of guests for this fall’s convention, held Nov. 7-9 at the Arlington Convention Center. 

As previously announced, the guest of honor of the show is John Cassaday, artist of “Planetary” and “Astonishing X-Men.”  Joining Cassaday will be writer Brian Azzarello, of the crime drama “100 Bullets,” and artist Frank Cho (”Liberty Meadows,” “Mighty Avengers”), known particularly for his drawings of women.

Other writers attending the show include Christos Gage (”Avengers: The Initiative”), Marc Guggenheim (”Amazing Spider-Man”), writer and artist Phil Hester (”The Darkness”) and Max Brooks (”World War Z”). 

On the artist side, Mitch Breitweiser (”Captain America: The Chosen”), who followed something of a Cassaday style in his Captain America miniseries, is scheduled to attend.   Lee Bermejo, artist of the upcoming “The Joker” graphic novel, will also be on hand.  Also attending: Jacen Burrows (”Crossed”), Shane Davis (”Final Crisis: Rage of the Red Lanterns”), Paul Duffield (”FreakAngels”), Marko Djurdjevic (”Mighty Avengers”) and Ben Templesmith (”30 Days of Night”).
 
More information is available at www.wizardworld.com.

– Matt Price

Photos and artwork after the cut.

Brian Azzarello (provided by Wizard Entertainment)

Frank Cho (provided by Wizard Entertainment)

Max Brooks (provided by Wizard Entertainment)

Shane Davis (provided by Wizard Entertainment)

Marc Guggenheim (provided by Wizard Entertainment)

Liberty Meadows #5, by Frank Cho

Liberty Meadows 24, by Frank Cho

Superman-Batman 48 by Shane Davis

Press release:

Congers, NY (August 27, 2008) - Wizard World has been home to movie premieres, costume contests, A-List creators and big time Hollywood talent. Now the convention tour is adding an academic track to it’s growing list of crowd-pleasing events. The newly created Wizard World University academic track of programming at Wizard World conventions was created alongside the Institute for Comics Studies (ICS) and will allow fans to view their favorite stories in a new light, with help from academics and comic professionals alike.
 
November’s Wizard World Texas (November 7-9) will be the inaugural stop on this tour promoting comics as an art form. The Institute for Comics Studies is currently accepting proposals for presentations, book talks, side talks, roundtables, professional-focus discussion panels, workshops and other panels for the newly created Wizard World academic track, Wizard World University, by September 22nd. Do you have an idea for a study of the mythos behind “The Dark Knight” or the political commentaries in The Watchmen? Think you can deconstruct the Joker as a villain or explain the literary influences of Wolverine in an hour using a nifty PowerPoint? Wizard World University: Texas could be your classroom! Panels that include participation by comics industry professionals are especially encouraged and the ICS will provide assistance with recruiting professionals for participation.
 
If you want to be a part of this bold new frontier in education, please contact Dr. Travis Langley (Texas Local Chair) or Dr. Peter Coogan at the information below by the September 22nd deadline.
 
Submission Form: http://www.hsu.edu/form.aspx?ekfrm=40054

Dr. Travis Langley
WWU-T Provost (Submissions Chair)
Address: Henderson State University, 1100 Henderson St. #7604, Arkadelphia, AR  71999
E-Mail: langlet@hsu.edu
Website: www.workdaycomic.com/ERIICA/

Dr. Peter Coogan
Director, Institute for Comics Studies
Address: 719 Fairview Ave, St. Louis, MO 63119
Phone Number: 314-962-7939
E-Mail: Comicsstudies@gmail.com
Website: www.instituteforcomicsstudies.org

Be sure to go to www.wizardworld.com for updates about guests and programming and to purchase tickets. Wizard World, the largest family-friendly comics and pop culture convention in the central US, returns to Texas November 7-9 at the Arlington Convention Center near Dallas/Ft. Worth.

Press release:  

Congers, NY (August 26, 2008) – When it comes to cinematic storytelling and masterfully rendered characters, no other artist comes close to comic icon John Cassaday. Now, the Lone Ranger, Planetary and Astonishing X-Men artist is coming to his first Wizard World convention in over a year, and his first ever as Guest of Honor!
 
With his current work on Dynamite Entertainments ongoing series, The Lone Ranger, Cassaday is bringing his trademark realistic style to the hero, who celebrates his 75th anniversary this year. His covers and artistic direction have breathed new life into the Lone Ranger and provided the series with a look that grabs readers’ attention every month. Cassaday will also be tackling the equally legendary Buck Rogers on the upcoming series with Dynamite Entertainment.
 
Prior to his involvement with The Lone Ranger, Cassaday collaborated with hotshot television guru Joss Whedon on Marvel’s critically-acclaimed and award-winning series Astonishing X-Men. During his 24 issues and one giant-size special, Cassaday did everything from resurrect Colossus to pit the X-Men against the combined might of an entire race of aliens bent on putting a bullet through the earth. Because of Cassaday’s epic artwork, Marvel’s mutants looked more compelling than they had in decades.
 
Through his work with Warren Ellis on WildStorm’s Planetary, Cassaday showed the comic buying population his wide range. Chilling horror, campy sci-fi, thrilling espionage and daring super-heroics were all depicted and conquered by Cassaday’s pencil-clutching hand. His work on Planetary has earned him numerous awards and unparalleled respect from his peers.
 
During Wizard World Texas, Cassaday will be meeting and greeting his devoted fans and will be involved in various signings and programming events throughout the weekend. Be sure to go to www.wizardworld.com for updates about guests and programming and to save 20 percent off the price of tickets by ordering now. Wizard World, the largest family-friendly comics and pop culture convention in the United States, returns to Texas November 7-9 at the Arlington Convention Center. More Information and exclusives to be announced!
 

Mark Texiera is among the guests at Defcon.

From Friday’s The Oklahoman: 

By Matthew Price

Assistant Features Editor

Tulsa’s Defcon brings an assortment of comic-book creators, actors and comic-book dealers to the Tulsa Convention Center, 100 Civic Center, starting today at noon. The convention runs until 5 p.m. Sunday with events running 24 hours a day. It’s the first 24-hour convention the organizers have attempted.

“Trying to stay up for most of it will be the most challenging thing,” said Defcon chairman Jimmy Jarman.

Jarman said the convention had run 24-hour movie rooms before, but this year, raves, bands, films and other events run deep into the night and early morning hours.

Jarman said this will make the convention easier to enjoy for those who have to work on one of the days of the convention.

“This way they can come out in the evening, and still have plenty of events to do throughout the night,” he said.

In addition to late-night activities, there are plenty of dealers and guests.

“Star Wars” fans can meet the actor who portrayed Chewbacca, Peter Mayhew.

The creator of “The Crow,” writer-artist James O’Barr, is scheduled to appear at Defcon. Lady Death’s creator, Brian Pulido, was recently added to the guest list, Jarman said.

Michael Golden, who came to prominence in the 1980s as the artist of the “Micronauts” series, will be in attendance.

A “40 Years of Ghost Rider” panel is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday, with current writer Jason Aaron, 1990s and 2000s artists Mark Texeira and Javier Saltares, and co-creator Gary Friedrich.

For the full event schedule, visit www.myspace.com/tulsadefcon.

While usually the throng of people and the lines and the lack of sleep eventually cause me to hit the “con fatigue” wall sometime on Saturday of Comic-Con International, today it set in early. 

Arriving two hours early, I walked around the building — and around — and around — seeking the end of the line for Hall H, which is hosting the “Heroes” and “Lost” panels this morning.   The hall seats 6,500.   There were possibly twice that in line.  After walking for maybe 30 minutes just trying to locate the end of the line, I decided “Heroes” and “Lost” weren’t in the cards.

I thought it’d be a good plan to work on the blog, so I walked up toward the retailer lounge in room 21, where I’ve been able to do some work the last two days.  A security guard stopped me two yards from the door, and said I couldn’t proceed any further.  He said I could, however, walk around the building and come to the room from the other side.

“You need me to walk a mile to go two feet?” I asked.

“Yes,” he replied.

So, I walked around the building again, and came to room 21 from the other side. (Along the way I bypassed the official press lounge, 28.  I was involved in retailer programming this year, so I got my pass as a retailer.  I’ve never found that getting a press pass at Comic-Con gets you anything; you have to wait in line like everyone else.)

I pulled on the door to finally get to work — and the door is locked.  Several security guards couldn’t tell me why the door is locked, and their best solution was to scurry around the building several more times asking for someone to open the door for me.  Instead, I am sitting on the floor across from room 21, trying to recharge.

On the positive side, I’ve seen a ton of cool stuff, much of which I haven’t been able to type up yet. (Last night was a late one, and the internet where  I’m staying has been spotty.)

I hope to get more reports up today from the convention.  Overall, Comic-Con is still a lot of fun — but man, it is a madhouse.  And a little humanity and compassion instead of strict rule-following would go a long way to soothe the long line-waiting and mile-walking.

– Matt Price

The comic book, limited to 10,000 copies, will be distributed at FEARNet’s booth #4313 during Comic-Con. 

Part 1 of the Web series “30 Days of Night: Dust to Dust” is available now on FEARNet.com.

– Matt Price

I’ve arrived in San Diego for Comic-Con International!  Preview night begins tonight, so there’s not a crazy amount of hustle and bustle as yet, but it’s just a matter of time.  Comic-Con sold out completely — there will be no on-site registration, according to the official site — and more than 125,000 fans are expected, as well as a healthy smattering of comics’ finest creators and Hollywood actors, directors and more.  Tonight I’m scheduled to get a sneak peek into the DC Comics MMORPG that artist Jim Lee has been working on — I’m looking forward to it!  And, of course, a lot more, as the news is soon to come fast and furious throughout the end of the week and the weekend.

– Matt Price

From Virgin Comics:

Kicking off the Con on Thursday morning (July 24) is our first panel, Stan Lee and Grant Morrison talk Virgin Comics, at 10:45-11:45am in Ballroom 20. Two of the most important comics creators team up to discuss the bold new frontiers being explored in the art of storytelling. Stan Lee shares his insights on the world of comics, and presents never-before-revealed hints about his new superhero universe with Virgin Comics, while the brilliant and prolific Grant Morrison discusses and debuts footage from his new animated project MBX from Virgin Comics and Perspective Studios. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event!

And after an exhausting Con, end the weekend by kicking back on Sunday afternoon (July 27) with Grant Morrison and Deepak Chopra discuss Science, Soul and Superheroes, at 2:45-3:45pm in Ballroom 20. Grant joins Virgin Comics co-founder Deepak Chopra to talk… superheroes! We’re talking social theory with sound effects, four colors fused with existentialism. Two of the greatest minds of comics and culture talking… this is not to be missed!

Make sure you swing by tables AA1-AA2 in the Sails Pavilion before the panel from 1:30-2:15pm for a signing session with Grant and Deepak! Please note, Grant Morrison’s MBX Sketchbook (read below for more info on this Con exclusive!) serves as the ticket for Grant’s signing.

At our booth, we’ll have special SDCC ‘08 variants and exclusive Virgin Comics swag, including two limited edition variants of Dan Dare #7 featuring a gorgeous wrap-around cover by Dave Gibbons (Watchmen). There’s an ink variant (limited to 500) and a pencil sketch variant (limited to 250), so act fast because once they’re gone they’re gone forever! We’ll also have a very limited number of Dan Dare #1 Bryan Talbot ink variants signed by Garth Ennis.

Also on tap is the debut of the SDCC exclusive Grant Morrison’s MBX Sketchbook (limited to 1,000), featuring mind-bending insight from Grant Morrison, beautiful concept art from superstar Mukesh Singh (Jenna Jameson’s Shadow Hunter, Guy Ritchie’s Gamekeeper), script excerpts and more.

To celebrate the release of this fall’s new sci-fi/action series Nowhere Man, we’ve got our Be A Real Nowhere Man contest where we’re giving five lucky winners the chance to be a real Nowhere Man and get drawn into an issue!! Not only will you get yourself immortalized in comic book history, but creators Hugh Jackman, Marc Guggenheim and Paul Gulacy will sign the issue in which you appear. Ten runners-up will receive a copy of Nowhere Man #1 signed by Hugh Jackman. If you aren’t going to be out at

And lest we forget our inaugural Portfolio Reviews, when aspiring artists can meet our editors Charlie Beckerman and Sana Amanat for one-on-one portfolio review sessions. And who knows… if they’re really blown away by an artist’s work, they might just walk away with a gig. We’re ready to hire the best artist we meet with to do an upcoming cover, so bring your A-game! We’ll be hosting reviews in the Virgin booth on both Friday and Saturday from 10:00-11:30am and 5:30-7:00pm. Go here for all the details.

So that’s an overview of everything we have going on. We’ll also have all sorts of additional goodies for sale at our booth, including lenticulars, Jenna Jameson and Garth Ennis autographed lithographs, iPod skins, limited edition hardcover books, and plenty more.

TWOMORROWS PUBLISHING MAKES 14TH APPEARANCE AT COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL

TwoMorrows Publishing, publisher of an Eisner Award-winning line of books and magazines about comics history and appreciation, returns to Comic-Con International for its 14th consecutive year with a slate of panels and signings. The company will be located in Booth #1215, directly across from the Golden & Silver Age Pavilion.

Panels include:

Modern Masters: LIVE panel (Thursday, July 24, 1:00-2:00pm, Room 5AB)

Modern Masters editor Eric Nolen-Weathington brings together three of the greatest artists in comics – Frank Cho (Liberty Meadows, Mighty Avengers), Michael Golden (Micronauts, The ‘Nam), and Mark Schultz (Xenozoic Tales, Superman: Man of Steel) – for a conversation about art, comics, and beyond!

TwoMorrows Publishing Today panel (Thursday, JULY 24, 3:00-4:00pm, Room 10)

Join the crew from TwoMorrows Publishing for a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating all their fan-favorite books and magazines

on the art and history of comics! On hand will be publisher John Morrow, Modern Masters’ Eric Nolen-Weathington, Write Now!’s Danny

Fingeroth, BrickJournal’s Joe Meno, and Keith Dallas, author of TwoMorrows’ new Flash Companion book, as they unveil new products and offer exclusive previews of upcoming items!

LEGO and BrickJournal: Brave New World panel (Friday, JULY 25, 11:00-12:00pm, Room 4)

Come see what grown-ups and “big kids” are doing with LEGO today, and what fuels them to never put the brick down! With notable guests including Joe Meno, editor & creator of BrickJournal, the magazine for adult fans of LEGO; expert builders Bryce McGlone and Brandon Griffith; and female builder Jessi Pastor; this panel showcases amazing examples of how they put their LEGO building talents to use! So dust off those old bricks in your basement and join the brave new world of LEGO builders!

COMICS ARTS CONFERENCE SESSION #9: TWOMORROWS PUBLISHING AND THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY (Saturday, JULY 26, 1:00-2:00pm, Room 30AB)

TwoMorrows Publishing is known for celebrating the art and history of comics, and the company has been making inroads into the academic community with its line of “how-to” books, magazines, and DVDs. Now, you can have your chance to hear, and to participate in, a dialogue with TwoMorrows to find out how to strengthen the relationship between the publisher and the academic community. What TM publications do you feel speak to you and your students, and what educational niches do you see that TwoMorrows can fill for the academic world? Publisher John Morrow, Danny Fingeroth (Write Now!) represent Twomorrows in this freewheeling exchange of ideas. Peter Coogan (institute for comics studies) speaks from the academic viewpoint. And Durwin Talon (Panel Discussions, Savannah College of Art and Design), and John Lowe (Working Methods, Savannah College of Art and Design) have a foot in both worlds. Q&A to follow.

Also, TwoMorrows will have the following people signing at Booth #1215 at Comic-Con International:

MIKE W. BARR (author of numerous comics, including Camelot 3000 and Batman and the Outsiders, plus TwoMorrows’ Silver Age Sci-Fi Companion):

Thursday, 6-7pm (right after his Spotlight panel in Room 10)

Friday, 2-3pm (right after his ’70s Comics Panel in Room 8 )

Saturday, 4:30-5:30pm (right after he moderates a Spotlight on Joe Staton panel in Room 4)

KEITH DALLAS (comics journalist, and author of TwoMorrows’ new Flash Companion book, which debuts at Comic-Con)

Thursday, 4-5pm (right after the TwoMorrows Publishing Panel in Room 10)

Friday, 3-4pm

Saturday, 11-12pm

JOE MENO (LEGO builder, and editor of TwoMorrows’ new BrickJournal magazine for LEGO enthusiasts)

Thursday, 2-3pm

Friday, Noon-1pm (right after the LEGO/BrickJournal Panel in Room 4)

Saturday, Noon-1pm

BENJAMIN HOLCOMB (author of TwoMorrows’ acclaimed book Mego 8″ Superheroes: World’s Greatest Toys!)

Thursday, Noon-1pm

Friday, 1-2pm

Saturday, 3-4pm

DANNY FINGEROTH (Spider-Man writer/editor, and editor of TwoMorrows’ Write Now! magazine)

Thursday, 5-6pm

Friday, 5-6pm

Saturday, 2-3pm (right after the TwoMorrows Academic Panel in Room 30AB)

In addition, Modern Masters editor Eric Nolen-Weathington and publisher John Morrow will be at the booth non-stop for most of the convention, and Rand Hoppe of the Jack Kirby Museum will be there scanning Kirby art for the Museum’s archives.

Since 1994, TwoMorrows has been celebrating the art and history of comics through their magazine and book publications.

Programming for Booth #2429—The Marvel Booth.

THURSDAY

11:00   Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2: Fusion Video Game Interview

Two years ago, Activision rocked the gaming world with the original Marvel Ultimate Alliance video game and now they are ready to do it again with its much anticipated follow-up, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2: Fusion! Come listen as the game’s developers sit down and discuss just how cool round 2 is going to be.

12:00   Peter David Answers You

He reinvented X-Factor. He holds the record for the longest-run on The Hulk.  He knows things. And now he wants to share them with you. Come join Peter David, the writer of X-Factor and She-Hulk as he answers questions that you the fans submitted specifically for him through Marvel.com. We’d invite you to come but Layla already told us you’d be there.

3:30     Brian Reed Answers You

The Skrulls have invaded Earth and only one man is standing on the frontline documenting how their infiltration is affecting you, me, and your next door neighbor. Come join Brian Reed, the writer of Secret Invasion: Frontline and Ms. Marvel as he answers the questions that you the fans submitted specifically for him through Marvel.com. And if you’re not there, then we know you’re a Skrull.

6:00     MyCup o’ Joe Video Questions

Joe’s got answers, now all he needs is some questions. If you have a query that you’ve just been dying to ask the Editor-In-Chief himself, then comb your hair, tuck in your shirt, and get up on stage to have yourself recorded asking Joe Quesada a question. Then keep an eye out for upcoming MyCup o’ Joe articles every Friday on MySpace as you may just see yourself in living color getting the answer you desired by the man himself.

FRIDAY

11:00   Spider-Man: Web of Shadows Video Game Interview

Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man will be swinging back into video game action this fall courtesy of Activision and if you want all of the insider information, you better be at the Marvel Booth. Come join us as developers from Spider-Man: Web of Shadows get up on stage and discuss the game that everyone is talking about!

12:00   So You Think You Can Answer Marvel Trivia: Step Up Against Nick Lowe

Want to win some cool Marvel swag? Well you don’t need to know everything about Marvel…you just need to know more than Nick Lowe. Stop by the Marvel Booth for a chance to play a game of Marvel trivia and claim victory over X-Office editor Nick Lowe. If you beat him, you’ll walk away with some cool prizes. If you lose, you’ll just walk away.

1:00     Greg Pak Answers You

The man who brought you Planet Hulk, World War Hulk and most recently, Skaar, Son of Hulk smashes the stage…we mean sits down on stage to answer the questions that you the fans submitted specifically for him through Marvel.com. If I were you, I’d be there, or a certain jade giant may come knocking on your door demanding a reason for your absence.

2:00     Marvel/Disguise Fashion Show

This year, the sidewalk won’t be the hottest place in San Diego– it will be in the Marvel Booth as Marvel Entertainment and Disguise are proud to present their first ever fashion show.  This is no cosplay; these are seriously fierce costumes worn by incredible models, strutting their stuff down the catwalk, for the debut of the sexiest line of costumes ever created and inspired by Marvel super heroes. Come see Black Cat, Emma Frost, Spider-Woman, and more as you’ve never seen them- on the runway

3:30     Jeph Loeb Answers You

He knows who the Red Hulk is. He knows who killed the Scarlet Witch in the Ultimate Universe. He knows you want answers. Join Heroes Executive Producer Jeph Loeb, who also happens to be the writer of Hulk, Ultimates III and the upcoming epic Ultimatum as he replies to the questions that you the fans submitted specifically for him through Marvel.com. The man is pretty busy, so who knows, he may just slip and tell you about the return of…

4:00   So You Think You Can Answer Marvel Trivia: Step Up Against C.B. Cebulski

We want to give you some cool stuff. But the only way we can do that is if you can take down Loners and Avengers Fairy Tales writer C.B. Cebulski in a game of Marvel trivia. Think you’re up to the challenge? Then be there as we randomly choose people from the audience to test their wits against the CBC! 

5:00     The Marvel Your Universe Game Show featuring Paul Jenkins & Brian Reed

Always wanted to be on a game show but never got the call? Well now’s your chance. Stop by the Marvel booth as we randomly select people from the audience to partner up with writers Paul Jenkins and Brian Reed as contestants on a live on-stage game show.

6:00     Super Happy Fun Marvel Giveaway Hour

You Make Yours Marvel every day and we appreciate it! And we’d like to show our appreciation by giving you some cool prizes like variant comic books, trade paperbacks, and hard-to-get autographed items. So stop by with your fellow Marvel Zombies (not the ones that enjoy brains) and you may be lucky enough to hop, skip and jump away with some gifts that will make you the envy of your family, friends, coworkers and pets.

SATURDAY

10:30   Marc Guggenheim Answers You

Part of the Spider-Man Brain Trust? Check. Writer of Young X-Men? Check. Creator of the popular television show Eli Stone? Check. Ready to answer questions that you the fans submitted specifically for him through Marvel.com. Check.

1:30     The Marvel Your Universe Game Show featuring Christina Strain & Nelson DeCastro

Always wanted to be on a game show but never got the call? Well now’s your chance. Stop by the Marvel booth as we randomly select people from the audience to partner up with colorist Christina Strain and artist Nelson DeCastro as contestants on a live on-stage game show.

2:15     John Romita Jr. Answers You

He’s drawn just about every character in the Marvel Universe except for Doop and Armadillo. That’s beyond impressive, that’s legendary. Therefore like E.F. Hutton, you should listen when he talks. So come join artist extraordinaire John Romita Jr. as he answers questions that you the fans submitted specifically for him through Marvel.com. He may have a special announcement about his upcoming Marvel Team-Up issue featuring Doop and Armadillo.

3:00     Marvel Costume Contest

Are you dressed as your favorite Marvel character? Then get your friendly neighborhood, star-spangled, best-at-what-you-do self down to the Marvel Booth at Comic-Con for The Marvel Costume Contest! The Grand Prize: a Marvel Omnibus signed by Stan Lee! All entrants may also be featured in a gallery on Marvel.Com! The winner will be determined by you, the fans, as you vote on who you want to be crowned this year’s winner!

5:00     So You Think You Can Answer Marvel Trivia: Step Up Against Jen Grunwald

When it comes to knowledge about the Marvel Universe, you may be the man but Special Projects Editor Jen Grunwald is the Woman and she ain’t afraid of you or no ghosts. So if you think you got what it takes to go up against Jen and her ever-adorable Molly hat, make like the movie and Bring It On!

6:00     Super Happy Fun Marvel Giveaway Hour

You Make Yours Marvel every day and we appreciate it! And we’d like to show our appreciation by giving you some cool prizes like variant comic books, trade paperbacks, and hard-to-get autographed items. So stop by with your fellow Marvel Zombies (not the ones that enjoy brains) and you may be lucky enough to hop, skip and jump away with some gifts that will make you the envy of your family, friends, coworkers and pets.

SUNDAY

11:00   Paul Jenkins Answers You

He told you the true origin of Wolverine. He told you the true origin of the Sentry…eventually. Now he wants to tell you whatever else you want to know. Come join Paul Jenkins, the writer of Origins and Sentry as he answers questions that you the fans submitted specifically for him through Marvel.com. Heck, he may even tell you, your true origin!

1:30     Matt Fraction Answers You

He brought the X-Men to San Francisco and now he brings the knowledge to San Diego. Come join Matt Fraction, the writer of Uncanny X-Men and Invincible Iron Man as he answers…seriously you have to know how this sentence ends by now…the questions that you the fans submitted specifically for him through Marvel.com.

2:15     MyCup o’ Joe Video Questions

Joe’s got answers, now all he needs is some questions. If you have a query that you’ve just been dying to ask the Editor-In-Chief himself, then comb your hair, tuck in your shirt, and get up on stage to have yourself recorded asking Joe Quesada a question. Then keep an eye out for upcoming MyCup o’ Joe articles every Friday on MySpace as you may just see yourself in living color getting the answer you desired by the man himself.

3:00     The Marvel Your Universe Game Show featuring Marc Guggenheim & C.B. Cebulski

Always wanted to be on a game show but never got the call? Well now’s your chance. Stop by the Marvel booth as we randomly select people from the audience to partner up with writers Marc Guggenheim and C.B. Cebulski as contestants on a live on-stage game show.

4:00     Super Happy Fun Marvel Giveaway Hour

You Make Yours Marvel every day and we appreciate it! And we’d like to show our appreciation by giving you some cool prizes like variant comic books, trade paperbacks, and hard-to-get autographed items. So stop by with your fellow Marvel Zombies (not the ones that enjoy brains) and you may be lucky enough to hop, skip and jump away with some gifts that will make you the envy of your family, friends, coworkers and pets.

This is an expanded version of the article from today’s The Oklahoman: 

Comic-Con International, the largest comic book and popular arts event in the United States, has announced that Archie Goodwin will receive the 2008 Bill Finger Award for Excellence in Comic Book Writing. The choice was made unanimously by a committee chaired by writer and historian Mark Evanier.

Goodwin attended Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, and considered himself a Tulsan, though he was born in Kansas City, Missouri.  Goodwin was an influential  comic-book writer and editor. He was briefly Marvel Comics’ editor-in-chief in 1976. As an editor at DC Comics, he shepherded James Robinson’s acclaimed “Starman” and the award-winning “Batman: The Long Halloween.” As a writer, he created the Paul Kirk “Manhunter” character with artist Walter Simonson. He was named best writer (dramatic division) in the industry in 1973 and 1974 by the Academy of Comic Book Arts. Goodwin died in 1998. 

Tulsa writer R.A. Jones, who also attended Will Rogers High School, shared some thoughts about Goodwin with The Oklahoman:

 ”I was delighted to hear about the award Archie will be receiving.  One of the great things about working in comics today is that the creators receive at least a portion of the credit they are due for their work — something that, as I’m sure you well know, was not the case in poor Bill Finger’s day,” he said.

 ”I first discovered Archie’s writing in the 1960s, first in such magazines as Creepy and Eerie, where he helped keep alive the tradition of the venerable EC style of storytelling, and later in the pages of such Marvel comics as Iron Man. Professionally, I never knew Archie to deliver anything less than stellar scripting.  Personally, he was always friendly and a true gentleman, a pleasure to sit and have a chat with.”

The Bill Finger Award was instituted in 2005 under the supervision of comic book legend Jerry Robinson. The awards committee is charged each year with selecting two recipients, one living and one deceased. 

“With all the writers who seem worthy of this award, you’d think it would be an impossible decision,” Evanier said in a release. “But this year, two names just jumped off the list of candidates. Much like the late Bill Finger, Larry Lieber and Archie Goodwin did important, groundbreaking work in our field that has not received the recognition it deserves. We’re hoping to rectify that a little with these awards.”

Archie Goodwin began in comics in the late 1950s, writing mystery comics for Harvey and assisting Leonard Starr on the newspaper strip “On Stage.”   Later, he was the writer/editor of “Creepy” and “Eerie,” and is credited with creating the backstory for Vampirella.

In addition to Evanier, the selection committee consists of Charles Kochman (executive editor at Harry N. Abrams), comics and animation writer Paul Dini, writer Tony Isabella, and writer/editor Marv Wolfman.

The Bill Finger Award will be presented during the 2008 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards ceremony at this summer’s Comic-Con International on Friday, July 25.

For more information on the Finger Award, visit www.comic-con.org/cci/cci_finger.shtml.

– Matt Price