Support your local comic book shop during Free Comic Book Day 2016

The annual Free Comic Book Day, a program created to celebrate comic books and readers of comic books, is scheduled for Saturday, May 7, 2016. The comic book industry offers a select group of comics to independent comic book stores at low cost so the stores can give them away for free or as a charitable fundraiser. The organization behind the event states millions of books have been given away around the world since the event began in 2002.

Besides the free comic book distribution, many stores feature in-store guests—local cartoonists who are willing to come in and meet the fans (and make future fans) of their work, gamers or cosplayers. The interaction permits a greater experience than simply purchasing comic books. Better than a big box store or convenience shop, the indie comic book store connects buyers and artists as well as others in the creative community. Other events may include games or prizes for attendees or raffles. Special activities vary by store.

The regularly issued monthly version of a comic book was first released in 1922, although individual bound books had been released as early as 1837. The modern comic book grew out of these early volumes. The industry has grown to sales in the millions of dollars, according to Comichron with 2016 sales of comics and graphic novels through the end of March estimated at more than $129 million.

Find a participating comic book store through the Free Comic Book Day locator or call your local comic book store to determine if they will participate. One of the options for Gulf Coast comic lovers is Three Alarm Comics at 15210 Lemoyne Blvd., Biloxi, MS. The store will feature comic artists such as Andy Childress of BubbaWorldComix and Kevin Hayman of Everywhen Comics, Whovians of the Gulf Coast and many additional guests.

Roscoe (left) and Andy Childress at Three Alarm Comics

Originally appeared 05/05/2016 at http://www.examiner.com/article/support-your-local-comic-book-shop-during-free-comic-book-day-2016

Filmmaker Frank Ladner announces release of his latest feature, Max Peril

Tuesday, May 31, 2016 marks the long awaited release of Mississippi filmmaker Frank Ladner’s award winning feature Max Peril. The full length Southern comedy mockumentary has made the rounds of film festivals since its debut May 15 of last year and will finally be available for purchase.

Most recently, Max Peril served as the finale film for the 2016 Magnolia Independent Film Festival, where it won Best Homegrown. The Magnolia is Mississippi’s oldest film festival, founded in 1997 by the late filmmaker Ron Tibbett. It operates under the auspices of the Starkville Area Arts Council.

In October, 2015 the film won Best Feature at both the Sun and Sand Film Festival in Gulfport, MS and Rails to Reels in Meridian, MS. The film took Best Feature and Ladner won Best Actor at the 2015 (and inaugural) Festival South Film Expo in Hattiesburg, MS. Max Peril and his exploits earnedAudience Favorite honors at the Knoxville Film Festival, Knoxville, TN. Other awards include aDirector’s Award from North Carolina Film Award.

Other festivals which selected Max Peril to screen include Heart of the Pines, South Texas Underground Film, Lake Charles Film Festival, Big Muddy Film Festival, Y’Allywood Film Festival, Salt Lake International Film Festival, Virginia Film Festival, AMFM Fest and Boomtown Film and Music Festival. The film always ran as the finale breakout session for Southern GeekFest in April.

The release party takes place at Dimples Fried Chicken, 1113 S. Main St., Poplarville, MS, 5-8 p.m. The restaurant has a special connection for Ladner since it served as one of the locations for the film.

Following the release party, copies of the film may be ordered through Frank Ladner, as well as Amazon.com.

Originally appeared 05/12/2016 at http://www.examiner.com/article/filmmaker-frank-ladner-announces-release-of-his-latest-feature-max-peril

Galaxy Zento spreads the word for author Dave Wilde

For Dave Wilde, life is a journey, so he named his book line for the Japanese word for journey: zento. From his Facebook page, viewers can join him in the journey through those books. As a writer, he uses Galaxy Zento to show superheroes who are more than they appear.

His guest bio for Southern GeekFest describes him as a disability activist hero, a title which he says humbles him. Wilde is an advocate for autism education and other forms of disability, especially those which aren’t visible to a casual observer. As a high functioning autistic with a son who has the same diagnosis, he has felt the sting of discrimination. 

Additionally, he has multiple sclerosis, which has left him homebound for the most part.

“It’s important to me to use everything I can to show my son what you can do if you don’t give up,” he notes. His goal is to provide a positive role model for a non-stereotypical life and to ensure that no child has to go through what he went through as a child. While he notes many changes which have occurred, he realizes there is still a long way to go.

He plans to go in several directions with the Galaxy Zento world, including board games and graphic novels. Wilde even hopes to go into computer apps eventually.

Check out Dave Wilde’s books and the early edition of the board game at Southern GeekFest in Hattiesburg, April 2-3, 2016.

Originally appeared 04/01/2016 at http://www.examiner.com/article/galaxy-zento-spreads-the-word-for-author-dave-wilde

Cartoonist Andy Childress creates worlds of fun with BubbaWorld Comix

“Justice League. Aquaman speaking,” were the words coming through the telephone headset as Mississippi cartoonist Andy Childress of BubbaWorld Comix answered his phone for this interview, setting the offbeat tone for the conversation. Scheduled to appear at Southern GeekFest in Hattiesburg MS April 2-3, Childress brings a whimsical approach to the world.

He says he has been a cartoonist all of his life “whether I knew it or not.”

“I started drawing when I was one. I got interested in the Sunday funnies when I was three. When I was six, I realized ‘there’s words that go with this.’” He had a lot of fun imitating his favorite comic strips and comic books. Somewhere in the ninth grade, he says he “accidentally” created his first character in art class.

“…I couldn’t think of anything to do for Easter, so I drew the Easter bunny.” His teacher told him it looked like a chicken in a floppy eared hat. “Don’t tell him. He thinks he’s the Easter bunny,” Childress replied and Herman the psychotic chicken was born. Herman turns thirty-two this year, an enduring tribute to young imagination.

Childress has created a comic line about Redneck Time Lords, which pokes loving fun at the Dr. Who mystique. Other series titles include “Mississippi Swamp Dragons” and “Going Batty.” His cartoons show up on his website, BubbaWorld Comix, and in two books (to date) available through Lulu.

Roscoe P. Kramer (left) and Andy Childress share pizza

He conducts interviews for YouTube with a big monster puppet, Roscoe P. Kramer, “…because who’s gonna say ‘No’ to a puppet?” As he visits conventions, he records the cheery sessions to advertise both his favorite characters and himself.

At Southern Geekfest, Childress will have original artwork for sale at his artist’s table, as well as his books. Visitors who already have his books can bring them for autographs and doodles. Roscoe will be there, too, enchanting visitors with his toothy smile.

In addition to his original artwork and convention appearances, Childress is available to draw caricatures for events. He also can work from photos by email for caricatures.

Originally appeared 03/24/206 at http://www.examiner.com/article/cartoonist-andy-childress-creates-worlds-of-fun-with-bubbaworld-comix

Photo artist Ace Wheelie to appear at Southern GeekFest

 

Photo courtesy Ace Wheelie

As one of the artists who will make up the roster of the first ever Southern GeekFest in Hattiesburg, MS April 2-3, variant cosplay artist Ace Wheelie will appear on at least two of the panels there. His art will be available for sale on the convention floor, as well.

Don’t be put off by the title. Wheelie creates spectacular images resembling comic book covers using a basic image of a cosplayer. He photographs his subject against a gray, solid background with three lights. Digitally removing the background, he then composites the photo with a scene he creates using Photoshop. The end result is reminiscent of a classic comic book cover with a painting feel to it. The scene may include images from several sources, all blended to develop the imaginative final design.

Some of the scenes show breathtaking actions, while others depict stunning beauty, all touched with the magic of Wheelie’s skill. He describes variant cosplay art as suggestive of the old comic book covers that were not the main stream production line, but were more unique than those that were released.

Phantasm Magazine stocks his artwork, and he tours various conventions to meet cosplayers who would like to be subjects of his art. He sells the finished images with the subject’s permission as well as presenting the subject with a copy.

Wheelie started with band photos, but he laments the lack of control over the shoot environment. Later, he went into the modeling world, dealing with fashion and magazines and he brings the skills learned in those earlier endeavors into the cosplay world.

He remembers his first convention, the initial PensaCon, and the feeling of “home” and “family” he found there. He yielded to his “nerd” side and began working with cosplayers and the convention world. Now he will help get Southern GeekFest off the ground with his knowledge and experience.

Wheelie has been in a wheelchair since he was 3-1/2 years old. As a paraplegic, he appreciates the openness of the con community. He acknowledges that he is judged on his abilities rather than his disabilities at the cons and he wants to give back by sharing his skills with others.

He will talk about “overcoming the adversity” which circumstances may hand out. “Just because life has given you this doesn’t mean it’s over,” he says, discussing his desire to inspire others to see beyond their limitations.

For Ace Wheelie, the world of conventions has allowed him to share an amazing talent to a group of people who appreciate the result. The world is a more stunning place because of his art.

Originally appeared 03/24/52016 at http://www.examiner.com/article/photo-artist-ace-wheelie-to-appear-at-southern-geekfest

Astronaut Fred Haise aids Picayune Boy Scouts in fundraising effort

Mississippi Boy Scout Troop 2 in Picayune was chartered in 1919 and has been continuously chartered since then, the oldest troop in Pearl River County and nearly the state. The active troop takes its members on camping trips and field trips to assist them in learning more about the possibilities in the world. They are currently planning a trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico to benefit the Boy Scouts and Venture Scouts of the troop.

The group recently doubled in size when another troop in the area gave up its charter and the members moved over to Troop 2, leaving it the only troop in Picayune.

On Friday evening, February 19, the newly enlarged chapter hosted “A Night with Fred Haise” as a fundraiser toward the trip. The Apollo 13 astronaut, a Mississippian by birth, now lives on the Gulf Coast.

Displays of scouting activity surrounded the Pittman Family Life Center of Picayune First United Methodist Church, showing the many directions a Scout can travel on the road toward life choices.

The evening began with a welcome by Scoutmaster Keith Kingrey. He showed a video about scouting which included archival footage of Lieutenant General Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell, the British baron who founded The Boy Scouts Association. A second video included information on the benefits of the program, with statistical comparisons of increased life skills for Scouts versus non-Scouts.

Assistant Scoutmaster Lud Pierce described the Silent Auction process, an additional fundraising activity which offered more than thirty items. The auction included autographed photos of Fred Haise and other donated items.

Opening prayer was delivered by Rev. Harold Manning, pastor of Picayune FUMC, the sponsoring organization for Troop 2. He was assisted by Orion Cosme, the troop’s Chaplain Aide. Pastor Manning included an invitation to all of the attendees to visit FUMC on Sunday, February 21 for an observation of Scout Sunday.

BSA Executive Mr. Casey Norwood spoke on the Pine Burr Area Council which includes Troop 2. He spoke of the importance of volunteers in the program and related his own experiences as Cub Scout and Boy Scout.

Just before the meal, Kingrey introduced Cubmaster Eljie Bennett to discuss the Cub Scout program of the troop. Cubs range in age from seven to ten years old and work their way up through levels of Tiger, Wolf, Bear and Webelos, before moving up to the Boy Scout program.

Following the meal, John Wilson, Director of the Infinity Science Center in Pearlington, MS, took to the podium to introduce the evening’s main event, Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise. As Haise enthralled the audience with tales of his background as a test pilot, his adventures in NASA and his life after space travel, he proved himself a charming speaker and excellent instructor. He received a standing ovation at the end of his program.

Troop 2 presented Haise with a special poster, autographed by the members of the troop as a thank you for his contribution to the evening. More than 150 people attended the dinner program with the proceeds going to benefit Troop 2. The Silent Auction raised over $1400 to add to the total amount toward Philmont. Dinner proceeds are being tallied.

Originally appeared 02/20/2016 at http://www.examiner.com/article/astronaut-fred-haise-aids-picayune-boy-scouts-fundraising-effort

First ever convention in Hattiesburg brings the fantastic to town

For the first time ever, the Mississippi town of Hattiesburg will host a convention aimed at fans of science fiction, fantasy, horror, steampunk, comics and cosplay. Southern GeekFest, a production by Rafe White and Tim Nicholas, takes place April 2 and 3 at the Forrest County Multi Purpose Center, 962 Sullivan Drive.

White and Nicholas attended many conventions over the years, making notes of what they liked and didn’t like about each gathering, as part of their research for planning their own. Both have volunteered, working behind the scenes of other events, to learn to hold a successful con. Southern GeekFest marks their first outing at the helm and they haven’t held back.

The two men seek to bring the pop culture world to Hattiesburg in a prism-like display of the many aspects of the genre. The town has previously hosted role-play gaming conventions, but nothing on the level of variety offered by Southern GeekFest.

Headlining the event is an appearance on April 2 by Star Trek: Voyager’s Tim Russ. The mellow-voiced actor/singer/voice actor has also worked in Fallout4 and Live Free or Die Hard, among others.

A screening of Mississippian Frank Ladner’s indie Southern mock-umentary “Max Peril” takes place during the conference, adding a local flavor to the fantastic worlds offered throughout the event.

Others on the agenda include actor/writer/director Jessy Hughes; actor/producer/director/writer Jeremy London; artist/illustrator/graphic designer Gavin Michelli; actor/cosplayer/John R. Mangus; actor/director Scotty Whitehurst; actor Jerrad Vunovich; makeup/effects artists Dark Water FX. Authors include JL Mulvihill, KD Wood, Rob Cerio and more. John Dell of Marvel/DC Comic brings another aspect to the mix.

Non-human representatives at the convention include many of the iconic vehicles of the genre, including Bela, a Great Thief, the North American black Impala which appeared in Supernatural.

With many of the guest artists crossing categories, nearly every aspect of the convention world will be represented. The lineup goes beyond those mentioned and continues to expand. The latest additions can be found on the convention website.

Watch for more stories from Southern GeekFest in the coming weeks.

Originally appeared 03/01/2016 at http://www.examiner.com/article/first-ever-convention-hattiesburg-brings-the-fantastic-to-town

One-man show on C.S. Lewis transports audience to 1963 England

Entering the theater for the performance of An Evening with C.S. Lewis, the attendees found an empty arm chair next to an end table on the stage. On the table rested a cup and saucer and a glowing lamp. Other than those props, the stage at Pearl River Community College’s Ethel Holden Brownstone Center for the Arts was empty on February 11, 2016.

When British actor David Payne took the stage, the few props transformed into the living room of literary legend C.S. Lewis in 1963. The audience became a group of American writers visiting Lewis at The Kilns, his home outside Oxford. Payne began an extended monologue which entranced his listeners and carried them into the world of the man who brought Narnia to the world.

Lewis, known as Jack to his family and friends, led an amazing, often difficult life. Payne shared retrospective of that life as Lewis approaches the end of his road. The one-man play includes memories of Lewis’ childhood and young adulthood, his professional relationships, his marriage and his faith journey.

Early in the play, the viewers heard of the literary rivalry between Lewis and T.S. Eliot. Their friendship endured their mutual disdain for each other’s genre.

A passion for Norse mythology, ignited by a reading of a Longfellow poem, provided common ground for a friendship with J.R.R. Tolkien. Payne took the audience through their relationship, speaking of critique sessions and encouragement.

Tolkien and Hugo Dyson influenced Lewis in his decision to abandon his stand as an atheist and return to faith. Payne described the events with his well-modulated British cadence, showing the passion in his language rather than the volume of his voice.

The play included discussion of Lewis’ service in World War I and how it interrupted his college education.

Through the story of meeting of Joy Gresham, her move to England, their marriage of convenience followed by a true marriage, to her death just eight years after their first meeting, Payne displayed a depth of emotion tempered with hope. Lewis based his book The Shadowlands on his relationship with Gresham.

Payne auditioned for a bit part in the play based on The Shadowlands in 1996. He won the lead, which began his deep affection for the author’s work and led to his writing of this play and other works based on the life and works of C.S. Lewis.

With his measured British accent and liberal use of wit, Payne enthralled the audience at the Brownstone. A brief question-and-answer session following the play allowed them to get to know him better. He spoke of how much he enjoyed the theater in the small Mississippi town. Payne joked about Poplarville’s single traffic signal.

Any fan of C.S. Lewis’ writings will find the evening well spent. Students of twentieth century history will enjoy the insights into the period. Theater fans in general can lose themselves in the magic of an arm chair, a table, a lamp and a talented British actor recreating a bygone author’s twilight. Look for An Evening with C.S. Lewis.

Originally appeared 02/12/2016 at http://www.examiner.com/article/one-man-show-on-c-s-lewis-transports-audience-to-1963-england