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DALLAS COMIC CON 7

April 29-30, 2006

Press Info

(Photos at the bottom)

This April 29-30 sees the return of the Dallas Comic Con. The convention has become a favorite local event with fans of the comic book and movie realm. This next installment features a wide variety of amazing guests. Hollywood comes to Dallas when beloved actors and actresses from TV and film stop in for a few days to meet fans and sign autographs. The list for this show includes the following media guests:

Thomas Jane - one of the most widely respected and diversified actors working in Hollywood. In 1997 he won critical acclaim for his work as Neal Cassady in THE LAST TIME I COMMITTED SUICIDE, and his energetic performance as Todd Parker in Paul Thomas Anderson's BOOGIE NIGHTS. In 1999 Tom played the rugged action hero quite well in Renny Harlin's DEEP BLUE SEA, where he co-starred with Samuel L. Jackson. Perhaps one of his most impressive roles was that of baseball legend Mickey Mantle in 61*, which premiered on HBO in 2001. Since then he's starred in ORIGINAL SIN, THE SWEETEST THING, Stephen King's DREAMCATCHER, and the under-appreciated masterpiece STANDER. Comic book fans everywhere now know Tom as the classic skull shirt hero from his performance in THE PUNISHER in 2004. Right now he's working on several upcoming films, including KILLSHOT based on the Elmore Leonard novel, THE MUTANT CHRONICLES based on the popular game, and he'll be returning to the role of Frank Castle in THE PUNISHER 2. As if this guy doesn't have enough to do already, he also producing his creator-owned comic book BAD PLANET through Image Comics.

Karen Allen - There's only one actress tough enough to keep a guy like Indiana Jones in line, and yet pretty enough to capture hearts all over the world. Karen Allen became one of the most welcome faces on the silver screen after her debut in the smash hit ANIMAL HOUSE. Steven Spielberg saw the talent, and was quick to cast her as his feisty heroine in RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK. Shortly after her adventures with Indy she worked with director John Carpenter and actor Jeff Bridges in the cult favorite STARMAN. Karen has appeared in a wide variety of films over the years, including SCROOGED, THE SANDLOT, and THE PERFECT STORM. She was even chosen to portray teacher Christa McAuliffe in CHALLENGER. Allen also won the Saturn Award for Best Actress for her performance as Marion Ravenwood in RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK. Did you know she was one of the actresses originally considered to play Princess Leia Organa? Guess she was destined to work with Harrison Ford! SIDE NOTE: This year marks the 25th Anniversary of RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK. Along with Karen's appearance, the Dallas Comic Con will be offering a collectible program book featuring Indy-themed flip covers by Lucasfilm artist guests. More details at the show.

John Wesley Shipp - Soap Opera fans remember Shipp from his performances on shows like AS THE WORLD TURNS and ONE LIFE TO LIVE. But comic book fans worldwide grew to love this man after seeing his critically acclaimed portrayal of comic book hero Barry Allen in the CBS series THE FLASH. Though the show only lasted one season, many still consider it to be one of the best comic-to-TV efforts ever done. It was also the most expensive television show to produce for it's time, costing over $1 million per episode. John went on to star as James Van Der Beek's dad in the popular teen drama DAWSON'S CREEK, in which he played Mitch Leery. Since then he's appeared in a wide variety of TV shows and films. This is the first time Shipp has ever appeared at a convention, and this year also happens to be the 50th Anniversary of The Flash, which established it's current look when Showcase #4 came out in 1956, marking the beginning of the Silver Age of comics.

Gates McFadden - when STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION premiered in the late eighties, no one expected it to become such a smash hit, running seven seasons and spawning four theatrical films. Along for the ride was the lovely Gates McFadden, who portrayed Dr. Beverly Crusher. Fans quickly found her to be a favorite among the eclectic mix of characters. She had come a long way too, after starting her career in show business as a Muppeteer for Jim Henson. McFadden doesn't do many convention appearances, making this a rare opportunity for TREK fans to meet one of their favorite actors in person.

Alan Ruck - Cameron Frye from FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF and Stuart Bondek on SPIN CITY. Also performed in THE PRODUCERS play after Broderick and Lane stepped down.

Doug Jones - Abe Sapien in HELLBOY and the leader of the Gentlemen in BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER.

Dwight Schultz - Howling Mad Murdock from THE A-TEAM and Reginald Barclay on STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION.

Michael Gross - Steven Keaton on FAMILY TIES and Burt Gummer in all of the TREMORS films. First convention appearance ever.

Jeremy Bulloch - Portrayed the popular bounty hunter Boba Fett in STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK and RETURN OF THE JEDI.

Other media guest inlcude Sarah Douglas (Ursa from the SUPERMAN I and II), James Hampton (Trooper Dobbs from F-TROOP and The Caretaker in the original THE LONGEST YARD), and Burton Gilliam (Lyle in BLAZING SADDLES).

But that's certainly not all. The Dallas Comic Con features a wide variety of comic book creators including:

Bernie Wrightson - A true legend in the comic industry. Bernie made his comic debut with HOUSE OF MYSTERY for DC Comics. He created Swamp Thing with writer Len Wein, which first appeared in HOUSE OF SECRETS, and later received it's own title in 1972. Wrightson worked on the popular title for three years before joining Warren Publishing. He worked on magazines like HEAVY METAL, CREEPY, and EERIE. Bernie adapted stories from popular writers like H.P. Lovecraft, Edgar Allen Poe, Mary Shelley, and Stephen King. Many hardcore art enthusiasts consider his FRANKENSTEIN illustrations to be nothing short of perfection. He's also dabbled in the film industry doing creature designs for movies like GHOSTBUSTERS, THE FACULTY, and GALAXY QUEST. Some of Wrightson's recent comic work includes BATMAN: THE CULT, THE PUNISHER: POV, SPIDER-MAN: HOOKY, BATMAN/ALIENS, CAPTAIN STERNN, and covers for GEORGE ROMERO'S TOE TAGS.

Howard Chaykin - He's had an extremely impressive career both as a writer and an artist. After cutting his teeth doing art for books like MARVEL SPOTLIGHT and MARVEL PREMIERE, and writing memorable stories for HEAVY METAL, he won the hearts of comic fans with his impressive work in the STAR WARS comic books. You may remember seeing his Luke Skywalker poster for the 1977 film. In 1983 Chaykin created the popular comic series AMERICAN FLAGG at First Comics. Fans know him well for his work in books like THE SHADOW and BLACKHAWK for DC. Aside from his impressive comic work, Howard has also worked as a writer on TV shows like THE FLASH and EARTH: FINAL CONFLICT, and was the head writer for MUTANT X.

Tony Harris - first wowed the comic book scene in 1994 when he and James Robinson made a big splash at DC Comics with STARMAN. Their efforts even helped him win an well-deserved Eisner Award. Aside from an impressive run on that popular title, Harris has contributed work to several other memorable books. You can see his art in comics like DOCTOR STRANGE, BATMAN, SUPERMAN, THE HULK, SPIDER-MAN, DAREDEVIL, JSA, JLA, ROBIN, OBERGEIST, LAZARUS 5, SANDMAN, GREEN LANTERN, X-MEN, TRANSMETROPOLITAN, PLANETARY, and so much more. He's even done illustration for Cartoon Network, and Universal's THE MUMMY. Tony has been recently heralded for his stunning art in EX-MACHINA, and is currently providing amazing covers for CONAN at Dark Horse.

Dave Dorman - He has done artwork for comic, book, and game publishers, including BATMAN for DC Comics and the INDIANA JONES and STAR WARS series' for Dark Horse Comics.

Norm Breyfogle - In 1987 he began what would end up being a impressive six year run with the Dark Knight, working first on DETECTIVE COMICS, and eventually taking over as the regular artist on BATMAN. During that time he helped introduce a new Robin, and even kicked off a new title, BATMAN: SHADOW OF THE BAT. Breyfogle created his own comic series METAPHYSIQUE, which was released through Malibu Comics’ Bravura line in 1994. Norm has also illustrated several BATMAN graphic novels, and is still considered to be one of the quintessential artists of the Caped Crusader.

Tim Bradstreet - prolific cover artist for books like THE PUNISHER and HELLBLAZER. Tim also illustrated and did photo shoots for the theatrical posters to THE PUNISHER movie in 2004, and did concept art for BLADE II.

Steve Niles - critically acclaimed creator and writer of 30 DAYS OF NIGHT. Steve is currently writing BATMAN: GOTHAM COUNTY LINE for DC.

James O'Barr - creator and artist of THE CROW.

and many more at the show.

There will be guest Q&A panels on both days, plus movie-related freebies handed out at the BIGFANBOY.com booth. As a special treat Heritage Comic Galleries is going to be hosting a presentation of THE MYTH OF COMICS, where folks can learn everything they need to know about where the comic book industry began, and where it is today. This panel will feature guest speakers Thomas Jane, Bernie Wrightson, and Howard Chaykin, who will offer their professional insights as well. Plus attendees of the presentation will receive a Dallas Comic Con exclusive booklet produced by Heritage, highlighting the material that will be covered. This show truly offers something for everyone.

The show will be held at the Plano Centre, one mile East of 75 Central Expressway on Spring Creek Parkway. For all the details check out http://www.dallascomiccon.com or e-mail mark@scifiexpo.com

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