Mike Richardson of Dark Horse.

The sixth annual ComicsPRO Annual Membership Meeting is set for next week in Dallas, as comic-book specialty retailers from across the country congregate to meet with vendors and suppliers, and plan objectives for the upcoming year.

The 2012 keynote speaker is Mike Richardson, president of Dark Horse Comics, president of Dark Horse Entertainment and owner of the retail store chain Things From Another World.

Richardson has written comics including “The Secret” and “Living With the Dead,” and through Dark Horse Entertainment has developed and produced projects for TV and film.

Richardson was a producer on “The Mask” and “Hellboy,” among others, and is a producer on the upcoming “R.I.P.D.,” starring Ryan Reynolds. Those three properties were based on Dark Horse comic books.

“He’s worked in the comic-book industry from almost every angle, so we’re looking forward to his speech and his thoughts on the future of the industry,” said Amanda Emmert, ComicsPRO’s executive director.

Though show sponsorship is closed, comic-book retailers can register right up to the official start of the meeting at 9 a.m. Thursday. (A Wednesday night meet-and-greet is available for preregistered retailers.) For information on registration, retailers can visit www.comicspro.org.

Joe Field, president of ComicsPRO, said he expected some breaking news to come out of this year’s meeting.

Joe Field

“As is the custom for comic conventions, publishers will make announcements about upcoming projects,” he said. “Unique to retailer-centric events, though, and particular to ComicsPRO, suppliers will talk about things that directly impact the business side of the comics industry. Will there be surprises?”

Suppliers attending include DC Comics, Baker and Taylor, Boom! Studios, Dark Horse Comics, Diamond Comic Distributors, Dynamite Entertainment, IDW Publishing, Image Comics, Marvel Comics and Papercutz, among others.

Field said the wide range of retailers and suppliers makes the meeting a great place to get the pulse of the comics market.

“More so than at any consumer comics/pop culture convention, the ComicsPRO Annual Members Meeting gives a great sense of how healthy the comics specialty market is,” he said.

Also expected to be in attendance are Todd McFarlane (“Spawn”), Terry Moore (“Strangers in Paradise”), and DC Comics co-publishers Dan Didio and Jim Lee. Well-known retailer Brian Hibbs will step down from the board of directors of ComicsPRO, and a new board member will be elected.

The 2012 ComicsPRO Industry Appreciation Award will be presented at the meeting. This award honors those who work in comics, often behind the scenes, to smooth the process of moving comic books from creator to fan.

This year’s nominees are Cindy Fournier of Diamond Comic Distributors, David Gabriel of Marvel Comics, Robert Kirkman of Image Comics, Eric Stephenson of Image Comics and Bob Wayne of DC Comics.

The nominees for the 2012 ComicsPRO Industry Appreciation Memorial Award, to honor those who have passed away but whose work left a positive mark on the comics specialty retailing, are Julius Schwartz and Phil Seuling.

Those interested can follow daily updates from the meeting at comicspro.blogspot.com and blog.newsok.com/nerdage.

- Matthew Price
WORD BALLOONS
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

"Justice League" No. 1, drawn by Kevin Maguire

AUSTIN, Texas — While Wizard World’s Austin Comic Con featured an array of movie and television stars, comics also were a focus at last weekend’s show. In attendance were Nathan Edmondson (“Who Is Jake Ellis?,” “Grifter”), Greg Capullo (“Batman”), Robert Wilson (“Knuckleheads,”) Kevin Maguire (“Justice League”) and Freddie Williams II (“Captain Atom”).

Maguire and Williams entertained fans and would-be creators in a panel aimed at sharing tips on breaking in to comics. Maguire, who’s been professionally drawing since the mid-1980s, cracked up the crowd, saying he wasn’t sure how he got in and couldn’t really explain how he’d stayed in the industry so long.

“I haven’t broken in since 1986; it’s so different now,” he said. “I’m just here to provide color commentary.”

Tanga in "My Greatest Adventure."

Maguire sent in samples in the early 1980s to Marvel. That led to his becoming part of Romita’s Raiders, an internship-type program at Marvel doing corrections and working with art director John Romita. During that time, he also sent samples to editor Andy Helfer at DC, which led to Maguire’s being offered a comic book at DC Comics.

“I did a book for DC called ‘Wild Card’ that was never published,” Maguire said. “On the strength of that, I got offered ‘Silver Surfer’ at Marvel. And to counter that, DC offered me ‘Justice League.’”

“Justice League,” written by Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis, became a best-seller in the late 1980s, featuring more humor than was typical for a superhero book of the time. Maguire’s expressively drawn faces were part of that.

“I do improv and acting on the side, just for fun, so I’m always thinking about, ‘What is the character feeling? How are they reacting to what’s going on?’” Maguire said. “How does that reflect how they stand, how they gesture, what’s going on with their face? To me, it just seems like an essential part of storytelling.”

Maguire currently is writing and drawing a story starring Tanga, a charming superpowered alien, in the anthology series “My Greatest Adventure.”

“I love writing my own stuff,” Maguire said. “It’s so much more satisfying for me to be telling my own stories and having my own sense of humor out there.”

- By Matthew Price
WORD BALLOONS
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

Thor and friends at Austin Comic Con.

AUSTIN, Texas — Lines snaked through aisles as excited fans waited to meet stars of the TV show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” including James Marsters, Charisma Carpenter, Mercedes McNab, James Charles Leary and Juliet Landau.

James Marsters

Delighted fans interacted with Carpenter, who played Cordelia Chase on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and the spinoff “Angel.”

“I touched him, I touched him,” one fan cried in near-hysterics after meeting Marsters, who played “Spike” on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel.”

Adam Baldwin of another Joss Whedon show, “Serenity,” was also drawing attention from fans.  Alaina Huffman, of “Smallville” and “Stargate Universe,” made her second appearance at the Wizard World Austin Comic-Con.   Former “Heroes” star Hayden Panettiere also drew fans.

Comics were also a focus at the Austin Comic Con — in attendance were Nathan Edmondson (“Who Is Jake Ellis?,” “Grifter”), Greg Capullo (“Batman”), Robert Wilson (“Knuckleheads,”) Kevin Maguire (“Justice League”) and Freddie Williams II (“Captain Atom”).

Artist Robert Wilson at Austin Comic Con

Maguire and Williams entertained fans and would-be creators in a panel aimed at sharing tips on breaking in to comics.  Maguire, who’s been professionally drawing since the mid-1980s, cracked up the crowd, saying he wasn’t sure how he got in and couldn’t really explain how he’d stayed in the industry so long.

SCARE for a CURE, an Austin-based nonprofit organization that raises money for local cancer charities, offered a chance to “shoot a Stormtrooper” of the local 501st Star Wars legion for $2, with the proceeds going to cancer charities, including Breast Cancer Resource Centers of Texas.

Austin Books & Comics again exhibited at the show with a large booth featuring everything from high-end Golden Age

Austin Books & Comics booth at Austin Comic Con 2011.

Comics to props and glassware.   Owner Brad Bankston said his booth had been busy, with many buyers in search of particular hard-to-find items.  He noted that “Doctor Who” items were particularly popular at this year’s show.

Sunday featured a “Kids’ Day” program, with face painting, balloons, other activities specifically for children.  Kids could go to different booths with kid-friendly activities to win a prize.   The day also featured a “Fairy Godmother Academy” storytelling session by Jan Bozarth.

- Matt Price

Justice League #1 from 1987, drawn by Kevin Maguire.

Patrick Gleason (Batman & Robin; Green Lantern Corps), Kevin Maguire  (Justice League; Batman Confidential) and Freddie Williams (JSA  All-Stars; Batman) will be the special guests of a “Breaking into Comics” panel at 1 p.m. today at the Austin Comic Con,  500 E. Cesar Chavez in Austin.  The trio is expected to give out tips on refining art and pitching publishers. The panel will be held in Room B.

- Matt Price
Update: Patrick Gleason didn’t make it, but Maguire and Williams did. Very informative panel, which I hope to write up in more detail later!

Oafcon — or the 2011 Classic Comic Book and Nostalgia Convention — kicks off today and continues through Sunday at the Biltmore Hotel I-40 at Meridian Avenue, Oklahoma City.

Admission is just $5.  Local creators and classic comics will be on hand.  “Dick Tracy” writer Mike Curtis is also expected.

The show opens at 10 a.m. today (Saturday).   More info at : http://oafcon2011.blogspot.com/

Charisma Carpenter (AP)

Charisma Carpenter (Cordelia Chase), Mercedes McNab (Harmony) and James Charles Leary (Clem) will discuss their days on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” at 1 p.m. today at Austin Comic Con, 500 E Cesar Chavez in Austin.

This “Buffyfest Q&A” will be held in room A.

- Matt Price

“Teen Titans” and “Tomb of Dracula” writer Marv Wolfman will appear at noon today in Room B of the Austin Comic Con, Austin Convention Center, 500 E Cesar Chavez.

Wolfman will discuss characters he’s created that have been adapted into TV shows, movies and animated series, including “Teen Titans” and “Smallville.”

Wolfman created the character Blade in “Tomb of Dracula,” which has been adapted into three movies starring Wesley Snipes, and a television series.

Also, Wolfman and artist John Romita Sr. created the “Daredevil” villain Bullseye.

- Matt Price

The current writer of “Dick Tracy” will visit the home state of the strip’s creator, Chester Gould, this weekend as Mike Curtis attends Oklahoma City’s Oafcon.

Curtis, who works with artist Joe Staton on the strip, also plans to visit the Dick Tracy exhibit that’s part of the Oklahoma History Center’s “Uncanny Adventures of Okie Cartoonists.”

Gould is one of Oklahoma’s best-known cartoonists, and Curtis is visiting the state in the year of Tracy’s 80th anniversary. Curtis, also a noted “Superman” collector, has been a fan of Tracy since childhood.

“Being fans of Dick Tracy since the 1950s, we were so excited to have been approached by TMS to work on our comic hero,” Curtis said in a news release at the time of the announcement. He took over the Tribune Media Services strip beginning March 14.

The 2011 Classic Comic Book and Nostalgia Convention, hosted by the Oklahoma Alliance of Fans, will be Saturday and Sunday at the Biltmore Hotel, 401 S Meridian Ave. The show, called Oafcon for short, focuses on products and collectibles from 1900-1999.

“We call ourselves an ‘Old School’ type of convention,” organizer Bart Bush said via email. “All the activity takes place in the one ballroom where all the fans, dealers and collectors congregate. Most of our vendors carry older comic books, collectible toys, artwork, movie posters and other vintage and newer items. You’ll find ‘Star Wars’ and GI Joe toys as well as early issues of ‘Batman’ and ‘Spider-Man.’ Our dealers come from coast-to-coast, so you’ll see an incredible assortment of great stuff!”

This year, Oafcon has added a comic book creators’ area to highlight local and regional comic creators.

“They will be showing off their latest comics, doing sketches and visiting with fans,” Bush said. “Our conventions have a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere where the most fun is conversations and eyeballing the great old collectibles!”

OAF is one of the oldest fan organizations in the country, dating to the late 1960s.

“OAF (Oklahoma Alliance of Fans) was founded in Oklahoma City in 1967, and began holding conventions for fans of comics, movies, TV, science fiction, radio, pulps and similar areas,” Bush said. “MULTICON 70 had the first convention appearance of Buster Crabbe, SF author R.A. Lafferty, Jim Harmon and others.”

Other OAF conventions, called Multicon and Wintercon, featured comic book artists including Will Eisner, John Byrne, Alex Toth, Bernie Wrightson and more.

This year’s guests will include Jack and Carole Bender (“Alley Oop”), Larry Latham (“Lovecraft Is Missing”), Bill Schelly (“The Art of Joe Kubert”), John Wooley (“Wes Craven: The Man and His Nightmares”) and others.

Go to www.oafcon2011.blogspot.com for the complete list of guests.

By Matthew Price
WORD BALLOONS
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

Vic Mignogna

The anime convention Izumicon is set to take place in Midwest City this weekend. It will run Friday through Sunday at the Reed Convention Center, 5800 Will Rogers Road. Guests will include voice actors Vic Mignogna and Christine Auten. For more information, go to www.izumicon.com.

- Matt Price

Charisma Carpenter (AP)

If you’re heading to Texas this weekend, the largest show in the region happens this weekend in Austin, Texas.

The Wizard World Austin Comic Con features stars Hayden Panettiere, Adam Baldwin, James Marsters, Juliet Landau and Charisma Carpenter among dozens of celebrities and industry professionals celebrating movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, television and more.   The show will be held at the Austin Convention Center, 500 East Cesar Chavez Street, in Austin, TX.

The show hours are 4 to 7 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, go to www.wizardworldcomiccon.com/austin.html.

Click past the cut for more images of the stars.

- Matt Price

“Green Lantern: The Animated Series” will be among the properties promoted by Warner Bros. Television at New York Comic-Con next weekend.  Stars and producers of Nikita, Green Lantern: The Animated Series and MAD will appear on Saturday, October 15 and Sunday, October 16.

The world premiere of the first episode of “Green Lantern: The Animated Series” (coming soon to Cartoon Network) will be presented by Bruce Timm during the show’s panel session.

Click past the cut for the full Warner Bros. Television schedule at NYCC.

- Matt Price

Here is the complete WBTV and WBA New York Comic Con schedule:

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15

10:30–11:30 a.m. Green Lantern: The Animated Series World Premiere Screening and Conversation with Bruce Timm — World-renowned producer, artist, animator and Comic Con favorite Bruce Timm (Batman: The Animated Series) will be on hand to unveil Green Lantern: The Animated Series, his latest television project from Warner Bros. Animation, coming soon to Cartoon Network. New York Comic Con attendees will be treated to the world premiere screening of this all-new CG action-adventure animated series, and will take part in a moderated Q&A with an animation icon. Room 1A10

1:30–2:00 p.m. Green Lantern: The Animated Series Signing at the DC Comics booth #1254

2:45–3:45 p.m. Nikita Special Video Presentation and Q&A — Nikita returns to NYCC with series stars Maggie Q (Mission: Impossible 3), Shane West (ER) and Lyndsy Fonseca (Kick-Ass) joining producer Albert Kim to reveal classified video and information. The second season finds Nikita and Michael on the run with a black box containing the government’s darkest secrets. Leading the hunt for them is Alex … and she knows all of Nikita’s tricks. From Wonderland Sound and Vision in association with Warner Bros. Television, Nikita airs Fridays at 8/7c on The CW. Become a fan of the show on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nikita and follow The CW on Twitter @CW_network. IGN Theater

5:30–6:00 p.m. Nikita Signing at the DC Comics booth #1254

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. MAD Signing at the DC Comics booth #1254

12:15–1:15 p.m. MAD Special Video Presentation and Q&A — MAD is more than just the best-selling humor magazine in the nation — it’s also the inspiration for the hit animated series from Warner Bros. Animation, now in its second season on Cartoon Network. Find out what’s happening with the Usual Gang of Idiots in this panel featuring MAD Magazine editor John Ficarra, art director Sam Viviano and MAD series producer Kevin Shinick. MAD airs Mondays at 8:45/7:45c on Cartoon Network. Room 1A24

Bruce Campbell and Patrick Stewart are among the headliners at the Chicago Comic Con, which starts today in the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill.   The show continues through Sunday.

There’s also a great lineup of former “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” actors:  James Marsters, Julie Benz, Charisma Carpenter, Felicia Day, Nicholas Brendon, Kelly Donovan, Mercedes McNab & Clare Kramer are all scheduled to appear at the “BuffyFest Chicago.”

I’d also be excited to go see writer/artist Mike Grell, who is making an appearance at the convention.   Check out the full guest list and more info here.

- Matt Price

In retailer news from this year’s Comic-Con International in San Diego, direct-market retailer organization ComicsPRO has announced that its Annual Membership Meeting will be held February 9-11, 2012, in Dallas, Texas.

This is the second year for the meeting to be held in Dallas; previous locations include Las Vegas, Nev.  and Memphis, Tenn.   This will be the sixth Annual Membership Meeting of the organization.

ComicsPRO is the only trade organization for direct-market comic book retailers. ComicsPRO’s goals are to promote advocacy, education, and opportunity for its members.

ComicsPRO has a full line of retailer programs set for Friday at Comic-Con.  Click past the cut for the full schedule.

- Matt Price

9:30–10:20 Room 19
ComicsPRO “Fresh Start” – Your day at Comic-Con gets off to a friendly and professional start with ComicsPRO, the retailer trade association. Retailers, publishers and distributors are welcome to kick off their convention day with colleagues, coffee, bagels and conversation. Bring your business card!

10:30–11:20 Room 18
The State of the Industry – It’s the midway point of 2011. So what are the sales trends since we last met in San Diego? And more importantly, what’s the outlook near and long term for the business of comics? Join ComicsPRO President Joe Field and Executive Director Amanda Emmert as they discuss the state of comic book retail with the industry’s top publishing companies, including Bob Wayne (DC Comics Senior VP – Sales), David Gabriel (Marvel Comics Senior VP of Sales), Eric Stephenson (Publisher of Image Comics), Jeremy Atkins (Dark Horse Director of Public Relations), Ted Adams (CEO of IDW Publishing) and Roger Fletcher (Diamond Comic Distributors Vice President of Sales & Marketing).

11:30-12:15 Room 18
Direct Conversation — Join executives from DC Comics for a special chat and Q&A session on September’s The New 52 launch, spotlighting sales incentives, marketing and publicity push, and much more.

2:30–4:00 Room 18
Eisner Spirit Award Video Viewing — The Will Eisner “Spirit of Comics” Retailer Award is the industry’s “Hall of Fame” for progressive retailers, sort of a Legion of Super-Retailers. Spirit Award facilitator and award recipient Joe Ferrara (Atlantis Fantasyworld, Santa Cruz, CA) presents the videos for this year’s award finalists, with discussion about each nominated retailer, the store’s display techniques, and other unique features every attending retailer can learn from. Hey, retailers! This is a great place for getting new ideas!

4:00–5:30 Room 32AB
So You Want To Be a Comic Book Retailer? – Presented by ComicsPRO’s Retailer Mentoring Forum. This Comic-Con tradition is always a lively and fun discussion, where your dreams of owning your own comic book specialty store take flight! Your career in comics’ retail starts here! You have questions? Our panel of experienced retailers has answers! Hosted by Joe Field (ComicsPRO President, Flying Colors Comics, Concord CA) with Portyln Polston (Brave New World, Newhall CA), Jennifer Haines (The Dragon, Guelph ON), Chris Brady (4 Color Fantasies, Rancho Cucamonga CA) and Diamond Comic Distributors Outside Sales manager Dave Hawksworth.

Mill Creek has announced a special edition of the second season of “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe” will be available at Comic-Con International in San Diego.

It will be on sale at booth #4135, the FUNimation booth. This special Comic-Con release is available nearly two months before the regular edition release of the second season.

The complete 8-DVD, 65-episode second season, features exclusive artwork on collectible holographic foil packaging.  It will be on sale for $25, with bonus features including interviews, audio commentaries, character profiles and scripts.

The fantasy series features the hero, He-Man, who gets his powers from the mysterious Castle Grayskull.  He faces off against the evil Skeletor and protects the planet Eternia.    The cartoon series originally aired from 1983-1985.

The “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe” program was based on the Mattel toy line, first launched in 1982.

- Matt Price

Warner Bros. has announced that fans at Comic-Con can enter to win a replica of the Thundercats’ Sword of Omens at next week’s Comic-Con International in San Diego.

Here’s more info, from Warner Bros:

• Handcrafted by the artisan Dragon of Renegade Effects Group, this replica Sword of Omens is forged of aircraft aluminum (1/3 of what steel weighs – but just as tough!) and features a hand-carved eyepiece and ThunderCats logo.

• For a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the sword, click here:

www.thewb.com/comiccon/swordofomens

• Sword design taken directly from the drawings of the Warner Bros. Animation artists.

• Visit the Warner Bros. booth (#4545) to find out how you could win the Sword of Omens.

• In addition to this special prize, the Warner Bros. booth (#4545) will also be giving away free foam replicas of the Sword of Omens to fans on Friday, July 22, and Sunday, July 24.

• A world premiere screening of ThunderCats at Comic-Con will take place on Friday, July 22, at 3:30 p.m. in Room 6A. After the screening, join Larry Kenney (voice of Claudus, voice of Lion-O in the original series), Emmanuelle Chriqui (voice of Cheetara), producers Michael Jelenic and Ethan Spaulding, and art director Dan Norton will for a panel discussion on the series.

• ThunderCats roars onto TV screens with an hour-long special premiere event on Friday, July 29, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on Cartoon Network. Following the premiere, the show will air regularly on Cartoon Network Friday nights at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT, beginning August 5.

The official rules are available at TheWB.com.  You must be over 18 to enter.

Warner Bros. will update fans throughout Comic-Con at  www.thewb.com/comiccon and on Twitter @TheWBdotcom (hashtag #WBSDCC).

- Matt Price

Fans dressed as the Justice Society of America (Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Flash, Black Canary and Hourman) at Comic-Con International in 2009. Photo by Matthew Price, The Oklahoman

Movie studios may cut back a bit at this year’s Comic-Con International in San Diego, but more than 125,000 fans are still expected, as comic-book companies and retailers prepare for the second half of the year.

The New York Times reported that several movie studios may be dropping or lessening their presence at Comic-Con this year, noting that films including “Sucker Punch” and “Scott Pilgrim” made a splash at Comic-Con, but underperformed at the box office. Still, many studios like to play their plans close to the vest in order to make a big splash, so don’t be surprised to see lots of film news and star appearances at next week’s Comic-Con.

Movies or no, the enthusiasm for comic books hasn’t lessened at Comic-Con. In fact, ComicsPRO, the trade organization dedicated to the progress of direct market comic book retailers, anticipates a busy and successful show for its members.

“Comic-Con is another great opportunity for ComicsPRO members to meet with publishers and distributors and talk about the state of our industry,” said Amanda Emmert, executive director of ComicsPRO. “The convention also allows us to meet with potential new retailers who are interested in the Mentoring Program and fans who support comic book stores through the ComicsPRO Backer program. We appreciate Comic-Con’s support of ComicsPRO and of comic retailers!”

More information for stores and those who want to own comic-book stores can be found at www.comicspro.org and www.comicspro.org/mentoring.

Comic-book publishers will be out in full force.

DC Comics will feature “The New 52” at Comic-Con, the upcoming historic renumbering of the entire DC line of superhero comic books with 52 first issues. Marvel has panels on the comic-book series “Amazing Spider-Man” and “X-Men,” among others.

Publishers including Image, IDW, Dark Horse, Archaia, Abrams, Titan and more will have a presence at the convention.

And, despite the talk, some film events have already been announced, with others a strong possibility.

Sony, which is producing the new “Amazing Spider-Man” film, will have a panel in Hall H, the largest Comic-Con panel room, which seats more than 6,000. Chris Evans of “Captain America: The First Avenger” is also expected to be in San Diego for a promotional event tied to Comic-Con.

Television and Web series seem to find Comic-Con a great home for debuting and promoting new products. TV Guide will dedicate an issue to Comic-Con, with covers focusing on shows including “Chuck” and “Fringe.”

“Doctor Who” stars Matt Smith and Karen Gillan make their first Comic-Con appearance for a panel and Q&A with “Doctor Who” writer Toby Whithouse (“Being Human” creator) and executive producers Piers Wenger and Beth Willis. They’ll have exclusive footage in their Hall H panel at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, July 24.

Actress Tara Platt, who lived in Oklahoma from age 7 to 11, and Yuri Lowenthal will debut a trailer for the new live-action Web series “Shelf Life” at the convention. It features the irreverent antics of four action figures come to life.

“It’s a high-concept idea, and it was very important to us to have high production values and high quality scripts as well,” said Platt in a news release.

Comic-Con International will begin with a preview night on July 20, then run on July 21-24. More information and a full schedule is available at Comic-Con.org.

- By Matthew Price
WORD BALLOONS
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

Oklahoma City artist Eric Sandhop illustrated this page from "Popgun" Vol. 4.

Three comic-book creators with Oklahoma ties are among the nominees for the Harvey Awards, comic-book awards selected exclusively by comic-book creators.

The awards will be presented as part of the 2011 Baltimore Comic-Con on Aug. 20 in Baltimore, Md.

Named in honor of the late Harvey Kurtzman, the awards recognize outstanding work in comics and sequential art.

Brian Winkeler, of Yukon; Dave Curd, formerly of Edmond, and Eric Sandhop, of Oklahoma City, are part of the anthology “Popgun” Vol. 4, nominated in the best anthology category. They create the comic “Bastard Road,” about the postapocalyptic wanderings of an amnesiac warrior.

“We’re very excited about Popgun 4′s Harvey nominations, especially since this volume features the most Bastard Road ever: 28 pages of comics by me, co-creator Dave Curd and special guest artist Eric Sandhop,” Winkeler said. “We’ve got big plans in the works for Bastard Road, and these nominations are a great way to gear up for the fun stuff we’ve got coming up!”

“Popgun” Vol. 4, published by Image Comics, also is nominated in the best single issue or story category in the Harvey Awards.

Former Norman resident David Gallaher writes the comic “Box 13,” which received nominations for best inker, for Steve Ellis, and best letterer, for Scott Brown.

The nominees and winners are selected by working professionals in the comics industry. Final ballots are due by Aug. 6.

IDW led all nominees with 16 nominations, including three for “Dave Stevens’ The Rocketeer: Artist’s Edition,” a high-end reprinting of the late Stevens’ best-known work. “Parker: The Outfit,” an adaptation of the Richard Stark novel by Darwyn Cooke, received five nominations, also from IDW.

Marvel Comics and Image Comics each had 12 nominations. Five of Image’s nominations were for the Top Cow imprint of Marc Silvestri. DC Comics had 11 nominations, with seven of those coming for its Vertigo imprint. And Dark Horse had seven nominations.

More than 30 publishers were nominated for Harvey Awards.

- By Matthew Price
WORD BALLOONS
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

“On Stranger Tides” author Tim Powers will visit Oklahoma City this weekend as part of SoonerCon 20 at the Sheraton Hotel, 1 N Broadway Ave., from Friday through Sunday.

With the theme of “Heroes & Villains,” guests include Powers, local horror host John “Count Gregore” Ferguson, native Oklahoman and star of SyFy’s SFX series “Face Off” Tate Steinsiek and award-winning illustrator Darrell K. Sweet.

Powers’ novel “On Stranger Tides,” was optioned for film and became the basis of this summer’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.”

“My wife and I went to the premiere at Disneyland,” Powers said. “We got to walk up the ‘black carpet’ … and saw Johnny Depp, and Keith Richards, and Jodie Foster somehow.”

The movie features Blackbeard and the Fountain of Youth, which are featured in the “On Stranger Tides” novel, but Powers says much of the rest was changed for the “Pirates” film.

“Given that it was the fourth installment of a fairly complicated series, there was no way it could have a lot to do with my book, so I wasn’t expecting much overlap. But even when people make movies specifically of books, I don’t think they’re under any obligation to follow the book very closely. Whole different form and all.”

Fans of adventure fiction with a supernatural twist will find much to enjoy in Powers’ “On Stranger Tides,” which features a former puppeteer drawn into a world of the supernatural when he’s pressed into service on a pirate ship. Powers said he extensively researches the real world events and settings in his books so that when fantastic elements are introduced, they seem believable.

“I want it to be not too big of a speed bump when the supernatural stuff begins to intrude,” Powers said. “I really am always aware that the supernatural stuff is plain bogus, and we’ve moved from reality into just imaginary. And I don’t want that shift to jolt or jar the reader, I want them to sort of go along.”

He also said that real events often can provide an interesting backdrop for storytelling.

“You do the research not so much to avoid getting letters from experts correcting you, as to get really cool stuff that you never could have made up on your own,” Powers said. “I love working with real places and real history because all I have to do to get neat details is look them up.”

For “On Stranger Tides,” Powers researched the lands, languages and currency of the time, along with a lot about sailing.

“I think for a while I knew more about how to handle a sailboat than any living person who had not actually set foot in a sailboat,” he said.

Though based in California, Powers has positive feelings for Oklahoma, which he’s visited multiple times for conventions over the past 15 years.

“It’s a great state,” Powers said. “There are a whole lot of nice people there.”

Powers’ upcoming work includes a short story collection set for release in September, and a new novel in March.

SoonerCon runs all weekend and will raise money for Infant Crisis Services. Members of the armed services receive free admission Friday.

“SoonerCon is and always has been the result of thousands of volunteer hours throughout the year,” SoonerCon Chairman Jerry Wall said in a news release. “It’s a real labor of love — we all have day jobs, families, hobbies, responsibilities — but it’s an amazing way to enrich the community.”

For more information, visit www.soonercon.com.

- By Matthew Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

SoonerCon, Oklahoma’s longest running scifi/fantasy/pop culture event, will be held Friday through Sunday in the downtown Oklahoma City Sheraton, 1 North Broadway Ave.

This year’s convention will include a larger exhibit hall and more than 100 guests and performers. Headliners include Tim Powers, World Fantasy Award winning author of “On Stranger Tides,” which was the basis of the fourth “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie; science-fiction/fantasy cover artist for the Wheel of Time series Darrell K. Sweet; and Tate Steinsiek from the Syfy series “Faceoff.”

Other highlights include a zombie walk, costume contest, video game tournaments, the largest science fiction/fantasy themed art show in the region, a writers workshop, and the Saturday night zombie prom.

For more information, visit www.soonercon.com or call 310-9255.

- Matt Price

Author Tim Powers, who’s coming to Oklahoma City’s SoonerCon in June, said he enjoyed the fourth “Pirates of the Caribbean” film – but he admits to a bias.

“It looked good to me,” he said.  “You know, I’m partial.”

He’s the author of “On Stranger Tides,” the novel on which the film was loosely based.

“My wife and I went to the premiere at Disneyland,”  Powers said. “We got to walk up the ‘black carpet’ … and saw Johnny Depp, and Keith Richards, and Jodie Foster somehow.”

The movie features Blackbeard and the Fountain of Youth, which are featured in the “On Stranger Tides” novel, but Powers says much of the rest was changed for the “Pirates” film.

“Given that it was the fourth installment of a fairly complicated series, there was no way it could have a lot to do with my book, so I wasn’t expecting much overlap.  But even when people make movies specifically of books, I don’t think they’re under any obligation to follow the book very closely.  Whole different form and all.”

Fans of adventure fiction with a supernatural twist will find much to enjoy in Powers’ “On Stranger Tides,” which features a former puppeteer drawn into a world of the supernatural when he’s pressed into service on a pirate ship.  Powers said he extensively researches the real world events and settings in his books so that when fantastic elements are introduced, they seem believable.

“I want it to be not too big of a speed bump when the supernatural stuff begins to intrude,” Powers said.  “I really am always aware that the supernatural stuff is plain bogus, and we’ve moved from reality into just imaginary.  And I don’t want that shift to jolt or jar the reader, I want them to sort of go along.”

Powers says he never considers whether any of his books will be optioned or filmed.

“I think it would be a handicap, because you’d think, ‘Oh wait, this would be too expensive to film this scene.’  You’d be restricting yourself with the eventual thought of the movie in mind.”

Powers will appear at SoonerCon, June 3-5, 2011 in the downtown OKC Sheraton, 1 North Broadway Ave.  For more info or discounted pre-registrations, visit www.soonercon.com or call (405) 310-9255.

Look for a more extensive interview with Powers in an upcoming edition of the Oklahoman’s Weekend Look.

- Matt Price

Costumed attendees of Planet Comicon.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Bounty hunters, droids and space explorers descended on Planet Comicon last weekend for the annual comics and sci-fi show.

Thousands of fans attended the gathering, which headlined Jeremy Bulloch, the British actor who played bounty hunter Boba Fett in “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi.”

Alaina Huffman of “Stargate Universe” and “Smallville” appeared at the convention, and spoke to fans at a panel.

Huffman plays Tamara Johansen in the series, which is nearing its end, but says she didn’t get any souvenirs from the set.

Alaina Huffman in "Stargate Universe."

“They have not struck our set. They really would like to finish up with a movie, so all of our sets are still standing,” she said.

A fan asked if she would like the Stargate itself, which allows rapid transport to Stargates at distant locations.

“I want two of them,” she said, laughing. “You can’t go anywhere with one. … Our gate is really spectacular … it really lights up. It really makes that loud, obnoxious noise.”

The convention itself was filled with lights and noise, as fans dueled with light sabers and crowded dealer booths looking for bargains.

Writers and artists from Marvel Comics, DC Comics and other publishers converged, with more than 40 creators in attendance. Writer/artist Phil Hester (“Firebreather”), who writes “Wonder Woman” for DC Comics, said he’s been attending Planet Comicon for nearly two decades.

“This might be my 19th year at Planet Comicon,” Hester said at the “DC Unleashed” panel at the event.

“I started coming here when I was about four,” Hester joked. Hester took over the monthly title “Wonder Woman” this month, and is writing from a storyline by J. Michael Straczynski (“Superman: Earth One,” “Babylon 5”).

In an interview before the show, Hester talked about the rise of convention culture. Hester said in addition to the large shows including Comic-Con International in San Diego, he also attends several regional Midwestern shows.

“It’s really strange, it’s one of the real riddles of the comic-book market,” Hester said. “Readership is kind of diminishing, but convention attendance is exploding.”

Hester said Emerald City Comicon in Seattle, which he attended, has gone from about 3,000 attendees about five years ago to 25,000 this year. Comic-Con International attendance has grown from less than 50,000 in 2000 to more than 130,000 in 2010.

Diamond Comic Book Distributors, North America’s largest distributor of comic books, reported comic book sales to specialty shops were down 3.59 percent in 2010.

“I’m sure it has something to do with comic books making their way into television and movies, but it’s a weird conundrum to see sales drop off like they have, but comics enter the larger media more readily,” Hester said.

- Matthew Price
WORD BALLOONS
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

CRY HAVOK

The X-Men Movies facebook page recently revealed Lucas Till as Havok in the upcoming film “X-Men: First Class.”  Two promotional posters for X-Men: First Class, featuring Professor X and Magneto, were also recently released, and Matt and Kyle didn’t really like them. X-Men First Class comes out June 3.

MEET WILL SMITH

Will Smith will reprise his role as Agent J in the third in the blockbuster film series “Men in Black,” based on the comic-book series. Smith is teaming up with leading charity auction site charitybuzz.com for an exclusive Men in Black III Charity Auction.

Two fans will have the opportunity to hang out with Will Smith on the set of Men in Black III in New York City this spring and take pictures with Smith and director Barry Sonnenfeld.

Bidding is open through March 23rd at charitybuzz at http://www.charitybuzz.com/catalog_items/256619.

Proceeds from the auction benefit Telluride Academy.

Fans attending on Friday, April 1st, the first day of WonderCon in San Francisco, will be treated to a special “Green Lantern” talent signing and panel featuring the stars of the upcoming Warner Bros. Pictures feature film: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively and Peter Sarsgaard. The signing begins at 4 p.m., followed by the panel discussion at 5.

The highly anticipated “Green Lantern” movie, in theatres on June 17, 2011, will be the first live-action feature film to star the popular DC Comics character. The film relates the origin story of alter ego Hal Jordan (Reynolds), a test pilot and the first human chosen to wear the ring that provides him his superpowers.

Friday evening, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. will also premiere of the Blu-ray and DVD feature “Green Lantern: Emerald Knights” on Friday evening followed by a panel discussion featuring filmmakers and voice cast members. Panelists will also take part in an autograph session on Saturday. Also on Friday, DC Comics will host a panel about the Green Lantern comic books and the 2011 War of the Green Lanterns crossover event. The DC booth will host Green Lantern-themed signings and giveaways throughout the weekend.

WBIE and DCE will showcase “Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters,” an action-adventure videogame that will be available in conjunction with the theatrical release of “Green Lantern” throughout the Con. Fans will also be able to get an advance look at the Green Lantern toy line from Mattel, inspired by the upcoming film.

Review file includes Time Bomb TPB, (Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray, Paul Gulacy); JURASSIC PARK: THE DEVILS IN THE DESERT #3 (John Byrne, Ronda Pattison) VENOM #1 (Rick Remender, Tony Moore, Danny Miki) Grim Ghost #1
(Stephen Susco, Kelley Jones)  SIGIL #1 (Mike Carey, Leonard Kik, Ed Tadeo) and ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #155 (Brian Michael Bendis, Chris Samnee)

Comics read in 2011: 374. Still to go:  1637.

Alaina Huffman, who plays the Black Canary on “Smallville” and Lt. Tamara Johansen from “SGU Stargate Universe” will appear at Comic Cons hosted by Wizard World in Chicago and Philadelphia in 2011. Huffman is also the creator of the upcoming graphic novel “Agent Mom.”

The Philadelphia Comic Con is June 17-19, 2011 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Chicago Comic Con is Aug. 11-14 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont.

Click past the cut for more photos of Huffman.

- Matt Price

AUSTIN, Texas — Former “Green Arrow” writer and “Legion of Super-Heroes” artist Mike Grell discussed how he broke into the comic-book industry more than 35 years ago at the recent Austin Comic-Con.

Grell also recounted the birth of his sword-and-sorcery title “Warlord,” which ran for 133 issues from 1975 to 1989. He returned for 16 issues of “Warlord” in 2009-2010.

“I was going to be the next Frank Lloyd Wright and would have been if it wasn’t for the math,” he said about his original career plans, speaking to fans at Comic-Con. After four years in the Air Force as an illustrator, Grell became an assistant to Dale Messick of “Brenda Starr.”

Grell attended the New York Comic-Con in 1973 with the intention of selling an adventure comic strip called “The Savage Empire.” But adventure strips were no longer selling. On the advice of some cartoonists attending the conference, he pitched his artwork to DC Comics. On the strength of his samples, he received an assignment, and after that he was recommended as the new artist of “Legion of Super-Heroes.”

Grell said he was blessed with good timing. “I was walking in the door at DC when (former ‘Legion’ artist) Dave Cockrum was walking out,” he said.

“Savage Empire” had another shot at life a couple of years later, when Grell pitched the idea to new publisher Atlas/Seaboard. But Julie Schwartz at DC Comics got wind of Grell’s pitch and asked Grell to pitch DC instead. Since DC at that time didn’t have creator ownership of concepts, Grell tweaked his “Savage Empire” idea so that he could keep the rights to the original.

Grell came up with “Warlord,” the story of Travis Morgan, a former Air Force pilot and Vietnam veteran drawn into a fantastic world. Morgan falls through a hole in the Earth’s crust at the North Pole and finds himself in the underground world of Skartaris.

The first two years of “Warlord” stories are currently in print in DC Comics’ “Showcase Presents: Warlord” collection.

Grell also is known for his work on “Green Arrow,” “Jon Sable: Freelance” and “Starslayer.”

In the future, Grell plans more with his popular Jon Sable character and has hopes that “Starslayer” may make its way to the movies.

Grell is appearing this weekend at the Atlanta Comic-Con at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta.

- By Matthew Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

Lindsay Wagner at the Austin Comic Con (Wizard Entertainment photo)

WORD BALLOONS

AUSTIN, Texas — From Batman to the Bionic Woman, the first Austin Comic Con welcomed a host of superheroic characters.

The first Austin Comic Con, held last weekend at the Austin Convention Center, drew more than 20,000 fans to the Texas state capital.

Many fans and dealers indicated they planned on returning for the second Austin Comic-Con, currently scheduled for Nov. 11-13, 2011, also at the Austin Convention Center.

Adam West and Burt Ward maintain fierce fan followings decades after their “Batman” series roles. Saturday was declared “Batman and Robin Day” by Austin mayor Lee Leffingwell.

“All of us in Austin share Batman and Robin’s commitment to fighting crime and injustice — especially on the part of that repugnant villain Joker — so I think it’s only appropriate that we celebrate the original Caped Crusaders with an official proclamation,” Leffingwell said in a news release. “Plus, they drive (a) really, really cool car.”

The Austin Comic-Con also scored a coup with the reunion of “Six Million Dollar Man” stars Lee Majors and Richard Anderson with “Bionic Woman” Lindsay Wagner.

Wagner and Anderson (who played Oscar Goldman on both series) reminisced on the success of the “Bionic Woman” in a Friday panel appearance. Wagner said she was very aware of the influence her role as an action hero could have on younger viewers.

“I took it very seriously,” she said. “That was one of the things, when I accepted the role as an ongoing thing, I had to contractually be able to be involved in the development.”

Wagner said the Bionic Woman didn’t just win by being stronger — she had to think her way out of situations.

Richard Anderson with Lindsay Wagner (Wizard Entertainment photo)

“If you look at the time Jaime (Sommers, the Bionic Woman) hit somebody, it’s actually so small,” she said. “Have her use her head. Let someone knock themselves over with their own force.”

Jaime Sommers was first introduced in the two-part episode “The Bionic Woman” of “The Six Million Dollar Man.” Sommers, a professional tennis player, was a girlfriend of Steve Austin, and the two rekindle their relationship. But a skydiving accident leaves her near death. Oscar Goldman and Dr. Rudy Wells (Martin E. Brooks) are persuaded to rebuild her.

Wagner said her show wasn’t originally intended to be a spinoff, as her character dies during the two-parter. But that wouldn’t be the end of the Bionic Woman. Fan response resulted in the character’s returning in the “Six Million Dollar Man” episode “Welcome Back, Jaime.”

“That was just crisis control,” Wagner said.

She said the response to that episode led the board of directors of ABC to demand “The Bionic Woman” receive her own series. The show debuted in January 1976.

The series ran on ABC for two seasons and was picked up by NBC for its final season.

The character starred in her own comic book series and toy line during the run of the TV show.

Both Steve Austin and Jaime Sommers returned in three TV movies in the 1980s and 1990s. Those three movies, as well as the entire “Six Million Dollar Man” TV series, will be released on DVD by Time Life on Nov. 23. (More information is available at 6MDM.com.)

Wagner said making the movies was more fun than the series, because there is time to develop them, and rest in between, as opposed to the grueling pace of the TV series. But for the third one, she said she had one condition to return.

“The only way I’ll do it is if we get married,” she said. “People have waited long enough.”

An updated version of the character returned in 2007 for a short-lived TV series, and there remains a possibility the Bionic Woman could rise again, perhaps as a feature film.

- By Matthew Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

Batman faces off against a Christopher Reeve-style Clark Kent at Austin Comic-Con

AUSTIN, Texas — The first Austin Comic-Con wrapped up Sunday with strong results.   Dealers on the show floor reported strong traffic and sales throughout the weekend.  Crowds on Saturday were particularly strong, and many dealers indicated they planned on returning for the second Austin Comic-Con, currently scheduled for Nov. 11-13, 2011, also at the Austin Convention Center.

Sunday highlights included panels on “My Sucky Teen Romance,” and panels featuring writer/artist Mike Grell, wrestler Kevin Nash and actress Claudia Christian. Like Wizard World’s guest list, the programming is eclectic, but most will find something they’ll enjoy.

Adam West and Burt Ward maintain fierce fan followings decades after their “Batman” series roles, and the Austin Comic-Con also had something of a coup with the reunion of “Six Million Dollar Man” stars Lee Majors and Richard Anderson with “Bionic Woman” Lindsay Wagner.

One-time “Uncanny X-Men” artist Joe Madureira made an appearance, and talked to the Austin Chronicle about his work on the upcoming “Darksiders 2″ and the “Battle Chasers” hardcover.

Overall, the interesting mix of guests, the professionalism of the Wizard World staff, and the dealers, location and turnout made the first Austin Comic-Con a pleasant experience.  While everyone’s con can be a bit different, this overwhelmingly positive response bodes well.    The fact that Austin as  a city offers much in the way of entertainment, food and lodging certainly works in its favor, as well.

Did you attend the Austin Comic-Con? Feel free to share your experience in the comments!

- Matt Price

Mike Grell, the famed comic-book writer/artist, will speak at noon at Austin Comic-Con as part of the “Wizard Art School” series of panels.

According to a release from Wizard, Grell will discuss his art style as well as his take on the industry.

Grell is known for his independent comic hits “Jon Sable: Freelance” and “Starslayer,” as well as classic runs on DC Comics’ “Green Arrow” and “Legion of Super-Heroes.”  Grell created the hero “Warlord” for DC Comics, which ran for 13 years and inspired a toy line.

- Matt Price

DOCTOR WHO GIVEAWAY

As the 11th Doctor comes to DVD for the first time, we’re giving away a set of the fifth series!  Leave a comment on this post with your favorite Doctor to be entered for a chance to win.

The fifth series of “Doctor Who,” which stars Matt Smith as the eleventh Doctor, and Karen Gillan as his companion Amy Pond, is on sale now.    The DVD contains all 13 episodes of the fifth series, along with hours of extras.

WIZARD WORLD AUSTIN/THE CROW

Stephen Norrington (League of Extraordinary Gentlemen) is reportedly out as director of “The Crow” reboot. Mark Wahlberg is rumored for the lead. Creator James O’Barr hasn’t had much to do with the films after the original 1994 film starring Brandon Lee, but he is prepping a new, “Author’s Edition” of the graphic novel. He’ll be in Austin this weekend for the Wizard World Comics convention, along with Adam West, Burt Ward, Michael Golden and many more.

WALKING DEAD GETS SEASON TWO

The zombie horror survival series The Walking Dead, based on the comics by Robert Kirkman, is coming back for a second season.

“BATMAN LIVE” HEADING FOR EUROPE

It was announced today that the “Batman Live” world arena tour is kicking-off next summer.

It will tour the UK and Europe, beginning in summer 2011 and arriving in North America by summer 2012.

REVIEW FILE:

Matt and Kyle review Batman: Return of Bruce Wayne #6, Ant-Man and the Wasp #1, and Amazing Spider-Man #648, kicking off the “Big Time” storyline.

AUSTIN, Texas — The first Austin Comic-Con seems off to a rousing start, with an appearance by, appropriately enough, the former Steve Austin.  “Six Million Dollar Man” star Lee Majors is making a relatively rare con appearance, joined by “Six Million Dollar Man” co-star Richard Anderson and “Bionic Woman” Lindsay Wagner.

Adam West and Burt Ward of the 1960s “Batman” TV show were on hand and honored by the Austin mayor on Saturday.

Wizard World conventions had previously run a show in Arlington.  While Wizard World Texas was the biggest Southwest show, it was considered something of a weak sister among the Wizard conventions.

With the Wizard conventions expanding from a calendar of around four shows to a planned 15, with more expansions planned, the show was shifted to Austin.   It seems to be a good move for the convention.

In talking to fans, the show seems to have drawn an increased presence from Houston, San Antonio and Austin itself.  The show may not be drawing as many Oklahoma fans as the Arlington show did – or maybe I just haven’t seen them yet.  But if overall attendance increases, which seems to have happened, that’s a gain for the Wizard crew.

The media coverage has also increased – there was live coverage Friday from the CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox affiliates in Austin.

While there is a big focus on media guests, there’s still a strong comics presence at the show, as well.  Comic-book creators including Arthur Sudyam, Rob Guillory, Mike Grell and Greg Horn were drawing lines of comic-book fans.

While a lot of the comics sold at the show are being sold at large discounts — something also true at the former Arlington show — it appeared that more dealers were moving more product than at the final Arlington con.

Brad Bankston, of Austin Books and Comics, who is exhibiting at the show, attributed the seemingly increased attendance to the strength of the Austin artistic community.

Others appearing at the Austin Comic-Con include Ray Park, Nicholas Brennan, Clare Kramer, Lou Ferrigno, Kevin Nash, Kristanna Loken, Billy Dee Williams, Walter Koenig, Peter Mayhew, Gil Gerard, and Erin Gray.  (Gray, in particular, does not appear to have aged a day since “Buck Rogers” went off the air in 1981.)

- Matt Price

Adam West and Burt Ward as Batman and Robin

AUSTIN, Texas — Austin will honor Adam West and Burt Ward at noon Saturday by naming it “Batman and Robin Day” in the city.   This comes six months after Mayor Lee Leffingwell named the bat Austin’s “official animal” in celebration of the city’s urban bat colony.

Mayor Leffingwell will confer “Honorary Austin Citizenship” on West and Ward.   The pair played crime fighters Batman and Robin in the popular 1960s television series, and are appearing in Austin for the Austin Comic-Con.  At the actors’ appearance Friday night, lines to see the pair stretched across the convention floor, providing a hint to the pair’s continuing popularity.

“All of us in Austin share Batman and Robin’s commitment to fighting crime and injustice – especially on the part of that repugnant villain Joker – so I think it’s only appropriate that we celebrate the original Caped Crusaders with an official proclamation,” said Mayor Leffingwell in a news release. “Plus, they drive (a) really, really cool car.”

The dynamic duo will be honored at the Austin Convention Center, which is hosting the Austin Comic-Con, part of the Wizard World series of pop culture conventions.   Wizard World CEO Gareb Shamus will join Leffingwell, West and Ward at the ceremony.

- Matt Price