Mike Grell discusses breaking into comics, origin of Warlord
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
Batman, Bionic Woman a hit at Austin Comic-Con
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
Austin Comic-Con wraps up successful 3-day show
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 to speak at noon Sunday at Austin Comic-Con
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, The Crow Author’s edition in the works, more The Walking Dead coming and Batman takes a European vacation
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 Comic-Con off to successful start
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
Austin to declare Saturday “Batman and Robin Day”
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
“The Crow” creator James O’Barr to appear at Austin Comic-Con
Get the latest on “The Crow” straight from the creator of the character, James O’Barr, at this weekend’s Wizard World Austin Comic-Con.
After a year away, the Wizard World brand of comic conventions returns to Texas. Described as part of North America’s largest pop-culture tour, the Texas Wizard show has generally been the largest comics and pop culture show in the Southwest.
The show runs today through Sunday at the Austin Convention Center, 500 E Cesar Chavez St.
James O’Barr, creator of “The Crow,” will speak at 6 p.m. today about his creation. O’Barr’s website announced plans in January for an “Author’s Edition” of “The Crow” that would contain 60 pages of new material. In “The Crow,” Eric Draven and his fiancee, Shelly, are murdered by a street gang. Eric returns from the dead as a dark avenger, seeking revenge on those who caused his death.
The comic book series “The Crow” was written and drawn by O’Barr as a way of dealing with his grief at the death of his fiancee by a drunken driver.
“Initially, when I did it 20 years ago, the violent scenes came really easy to me, and the romantic flashback sequences were the most difficult to do,” O’Barr told SciFiMafia.com. “I think part of that is because the event in my life that triggered the whole book (was) still really close to me, and I still hadn’t dealt with it at that point, and I was angry at the world. So, the violence came really easily, and I’m finding the exact opposite this time where I have to struggle to do the violent stuff, and the romantic sequences that I wasn’t capable of doing back then are coming really easily to me now. I guess I’ve dealt with my traumas. I’m endeavoring to be a happy man at this point.”
O’Barr was heavily involved with the 1994 film adaptation of “The Crow,” which starred Brandon Lee. Lee was accidentally killed during the filming of “The Crow” when a prop gun was accidentally loaded with a live round. Director Alex Proyas finished the film with the support of Lee’s family.
O’Barr hasn’t had involvement with the “Crow” sequels or television series and told SciFiMafia he wasn’t sure about the planned remake.
“I do give them credit for not using the Eric and Shelly characters, because people are very affectionate towards Brandon and protective, as well.”
Also set to appear at Wizard World Austin are television’s original Batman and Robin, Adam West and Burt Ward.
Other television and media guests include Billy Dee Williams (“The Empire Strikes Back,” “Batman”), Lee Majors (“The Six Million Dollar Man,” “The Fall Guy”), Lindsay Wagner (“The Bionic Woman”), Claudia Christian (“Babylon 5”) and three actors from “Buffy: The Vampire Slayer”: Nicholas Brendon, Clare Kramer and James Charles Leary.
“We are pleased to return to Texas with Wizard World Austin Comic-Con,” Wizard World CEO Gareb Shamus said in a news release. “Austin is a vibrant, growing city, and our show appeals to fans of all aspects of pop culture, from comics to television to movies to music to toys to video games and more.”
While Wizard World conventions attract many media guests, comic book creators will also make a strong appearance at the Austin show.
Mike Grell (“Green Arrow”), Joe Madureira (“Uncanny X-Men”), Bill Sienkiewicz (“Moon Knight”), Matthew Sturges (“Jack of Fables”) and Michael Golden (“Micronauts”) are among the writers and artists set to appear at the convention.
More than 150 writers and artists are scheduled to appear.
For more information, go to www.wizardworld.com/austin.html.
Jamie Marchi of “Witchblade” among guests at Midwest City’s Izumicon
Jamie Marchi
University of Oklahoma graduate Jamie Marchi highlights the Izumicon guest list. The anime convention is being held this weekend in Midwest City’s Reed Center.
Voice actress Marchi is best known for roles in the anime series “Witchblade” (Masane Amaha), “Soul Eater” (Liz Thompson) and “Sgt. Frog” (Aki Hinata). She’s also appeared in “Yu Yu Hakasho,” “Fruits Basket” and dozens more.
Other guests include Troy Baker, Trina Nishimura, Todd Haberkorn, Samantha Inoue Harte and David Williams.
For more information, visit www.izumicon.com.
- Matt Price
Austin Comic Con panel and programming information announced
From Wizard Entertainment:
NEW YORK and AUSTIN, Texas, November 9, 2010 – A variety of entertaining and informative panels and comic industry sessions are among the programming offerings scheduled at Wizard World Austin Comic Con, Friday through Sunday at the Austin Convention Center.
Day programming begins on Friday with the popular “Wizard Art School,” as noted Marvel and DC artist Greg Horn leads a discussion on digital art, beginning at 2 p.m. in Room 9. Indy art sensations Rob Guillory (Chew) and Kody Chamberlain (Sweets) discuss their breakout Image hits in “The Art of Chew and Sweets” at 3 p.m. in the same room. Also at 3, in Room 8, “The Incredible Hulk,” Lou Ferrigno, sits down for an exclusive Q&A about the classic show and his status as a pop culture icon. At 4, the Women of Wrestling take the stage, as Torrie Wilson, Amy Dumas, Lisa Marie Varon, Christy Hemme and Jackie Haas discuss their special role in the sport of wrestling, in Room 8. The art theme continues in Room 9 at 4 p.m., as fan favorite artist Alé Garza takes fans on an artistic tour of his style and storytelling. At 5, get ready for “Bionic Buddies,” Lindsay Wagner and Richard Anderson as they discuss the huge phenomenon that has remained popular with fans across the world, in Room 8. Wizard School remains in session in Room 9 at 5 p.m. with “How to Sculpt with the Shiflett Brothers,” a look at the creative process with these talented sculptors. James O’Barr concludes day programming on a busy Friday as “The Crow” creator talks about the dark franchise and plans for a new movie home for the series, in Room 8 at 6 p.m.
Friday night includes a free screening of THE MATRIX at 7:30 p.m. in Room 9. And just a few short blocks from the Convention Center is the new “Drink & Draw” event at Club Deville (900 Red River St.). Join “Uncle Staple” of STAPLE! Independent Media Expo and comic legends who will be on hand to contribute sketches on a unique original piece that will be auctioned off for charity.
Day programming begins on Saturday at noon with a Q&A with Ray Park, the X-MEN and STAR WARS: EPISODE I star in Room 9. Staying in the Star Wars theme, that is followed in the same room at 1 p.m. by a discussion with legendary star Billy Dee Williams. Then at 2, it’s a Star of a different kind as Walter Koenig, “Pavel Chekov” in the original “Star Trek” series, sits with fans in Room 8 for a rare Q&A session on all things Trek. Also at 2, in Room 9, comic book and video game legend Joe Madureira discusses his career and new video game plans. Then at 3 in Room 9, two of the most beloved “Buffy: The Vampire Slayer” actors, Clare Kramer (“Glory”) and Nicholas Brendon (“Xander”) discuss the behind-the-scenes fun on one of pop culture’s greatest hits. Also at 3, in Room 8, Wizard Art School returns with award-winning artist Bill Sienkiewicz talking technique in the interactive Q&A and demonstration.
The Caped Crusader and Boy Wonder, Adam West and Burt Ward, turn Room 9 into the Batcave at 4 p.m. for a “Bat-Panel” on the iconic 60′s TV series. Moving from bats to monsters at 5 p.m., “Famous Monsters of Filmland Returns!” gives Harry Knowles, new editor of the greatest monster movie magazine of all time, a forum to share his plans. Also at 5, Avengers Academy and former Amazing Spider-Man artist Mike McKone concludes the day’s Wizard Art School lessons.
At 6 p.m. are a pair of interesting panels, including the unique Austin Film Festival Screenwriters Panel, featuring Tim McCanlies (Alabama Moon, Secondhand Lions, The Iron Giant) and Alvaro Rodriguez (Machete, Shorts, From Dusk Till Dawn: The Hangman’s Daughter) in Room 8. At the same time, in Room 9, is a preview of AMC’s ambitious new horror series “Walking Dead,” based on Robert Kirkman’s zombie series.
Saturday night opens with the Costume Parade featuring the Minor Mishap Marching Band, an “absurd expression of boisterous pandemonium and washboard-tuba-punk-rock ridiculousness,” or so they say, at 7 p.m. beginning on the Convention floor. That leads nicely into the 8 p.m. Costume Contest, at The Art Department (503 Neches), with crazy outfits the rule.
Saturday is also Movie Night at Austin Comic Con. At 9 p.m., fans will be calling GHOSTBUSTERS at a free screening of the 1984 classic film, introduced by the one and only Ernie Hudson, in Room 9. Over at the Alamo Drafthouse Ritz (320 E. 6th St.) beginning at 10, fans can join THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE stars Ashley C. Williams, Ashlynn Yennie and Akihiro Kitamura for a special reunion screening and Q&A. That’s followed by a midnight regional premiere screening of the fun sci-fi action and Tokyo gore mashup ALIEN VS NINJA.
Also at 10, a Comic Con tradition, the Masquerade Ball is a fun-filled party for costumed fans and celebs, at the Gypsy Lounge (1504 E. 6th St.).
Sunday is far from a day of rest, as fans who didn’t finish their popcorn the night before can check out the MY SUCKY TEEN ROMANCE panel with Austin’s own filmmaker Emily Haggins with exclusive preview footage from the upcoming movie, at 11 a.m. in Room 9. The “Writing Comics with Matthew Sturges” panel, in which the “House of Mystery” scribe and “Fables” co-writer Sturges discusses professional comic writing, how to stay on deadline and his upcoming plans is also set for 11 a.m., in Room 8. Wizard Art School gets back in session there at noon with legendary comic icon Mike Grell discussing his unique style.
Also at noon, in Room 9, fans can talk to “Babylon 5” beauty Claudia Christian as she shares some secrets of her multi-faceted success and previews a sneak peek at her new Showtime series “Look.” That’s followed in the same room at 1 by the popular “Trailer Park,” a look at trailers for the hottest upcoming films. Also at 1, in Room 8, The Superstars of Wrestling, hosted by Kevin Nash and Jackie Haas, give the low-down on all things in and out of the ring.
Wizard School remains in session at 2 p.m. in Room 8, as comic book luminary Michael Golden takes fans through his career and shares his knowledge with aspiring artists. Movie buffs may want to catch a free screening of the Japanese sci-fi action film ROBOGEISHA in Room 9 at 2 p.m. The day then concludes at 3 with the always adorable Kids’ Costume Contest, where kids 10 and under show off their costumes and win fun prizes.
The Austin Convention Center is located at 500 East Cesar Chavez Street. Austin Comic Con is the seventh stop on Wizard’s eight-city 2010 North American tour. Hours are Friday, Nov. 12, noon – 8 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (all times Central). Tickets are available in advance or by calling 1-866-882-5860 and online at www.wizardworld.com/austin.html at up to a 15% savings over tickets purchased at the door. Advance adult single-day tickets are $25; three-day weekend tickets are $45, and tickets are free for children age 10 and under when accompanied by a paid adult (limit two children per adult). VIP packages with special entry and exclusive items are also available.
