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This has been a hectic weekend! On Saturday yours truly made the trek to Wizard World Philadelphia. This multi-media convention boasted such stars as Bruce Campbell, Billy Dee Williams, Adam West, Burt Ward, Richard Roundtree, Peter Jurasik and a host of others. And there were comic artists galore among the likes of which were Jim Chueng, Bob Wiacek and Bill Sienkiewicz. I got so many interviews with indie comic creators that I decided to have an entire episode devoted to indie comics. (I know, I know, I should have decided on that theme anyway!) But I had a great time. I connected with “The Next Issue” podcasters and cosplayers Harry Cee and Wendell Smith and met some top notch creators whose projects you’ll be hearing of very soon. I also made inroads with cosplayers David Santiago, Rosemary Ward, and Shemika Berry for an upcoming feature on the wonderful world of cosplay that you’ll see later this season. And I huddled up briefly with cosplayers and fan filmmakers Eric “The Smoke” Moran and Brian Gregory about their latest film project that is soon to debut. Look for a feature on fan films this season, too. Kudos to Eric and Brian for organizing a cosplayers photo shoot that was a big hit! While I was at the con I also ran into another great TV show about comics, Comic Vibe! Producer Stephanie Cristancho was taping a scene from the convention floor with program host James Flames. It was highly gratifying to see another show on comics working to bring news and information about the industry home to the fans. As one of the goals of FF is to promote media covering the comics industry I was delighted.
On Sunday I was surprised to receive an invitation from the producer of another terrific show on comics. Larry Reclusado of The NOVA Comic Book Show needed a fill-in on his show after the last minute cancellation of another panelist. Although it’s actually damsels in distress that are my specialty (and Larry hardly qualifies) I answered the call. Seems I’m always willing to make a TV appearance. Must be the ham in me coming out! Anyway, I had an absolute blast! Engaged in a thought-provoking discussion and met Jeff Daugherty who runs the Capicons Comics & Pop Culture convention. You can see this episode of The NOVA Comic Book Show in Fairfax county, VA on FPA-TV Cox cable channel 10 in August.
Whew! What a weekend. I’m pooped out. Now gotta jump back into editing episode #27 next week. And I’ve got another road trip coming up possibly as soon as next weekend. Mark Racop of Fiberglass Freaks put me in touch with a purchaser of one of his Batmobiles. Mr. Anthony Taffuri has agreed to admit our cameras to see his fabulous auto and memorabilia collection which, in addition to the iconic Batmobile, includes the Green Hornet’s Black Beauty and the Lost in Space Robot! You won’t want to miss that!
