Ande Parks talks graphic novels at the Kansas City Public Library

Ande Parks
Ande Parks is a comic book writer and inker.

Local comics creator Ande Parks will discuss his graphic novels and other comics work at the Kansas City Public Library’s Central Library next week. Parks’ presentation, “Graphic Novels as Art and Literature” covers how a graphic novel takes shape, from research to script, from artwork to final product. In addition, he will dissect a sequence from Union Station, explaining his writing approach and how he coordinated with the artist to tell the story.

Parks will have copies of his graphic novels for sale and will be signing copies. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, June 9, at 6:30 p.m. at the Central Library, 14 W. 10th St. Admission is free. A 6 p.m. reception precedes the event. For more information and to reserve your seat, call 816-701-3407 or visit the library website.

Video of Helen Slater panel from Planet Comicon

Helen Slater as Supergirl
Helen Slater got her big break as Supergirl in the 1984 film.

Jason P. Hunt of SciFi4Me.com has posted a video of the Helen Slater panel from April’s Planet Comicon. I moderated this panel, but don’t let that stop you from watching it.

Helen tells about her education at the “Fame” High School for the Performing Arts, her big break in Supergirl, and other films including The Legend of Billie Jean, Ruthless People, and Secret of My Success. She also talks about her television work on Smallville, Seinfeld, Dream On, and Gigantic.

Free State FreeCon 2010 video

The 2010 Free State FreeCon was held in Lawrence KS on Saturday, May 22nd. Bethany Leslie (www.bethanysewandsew.com) shot and edited a terrific video of the event that I’ve embedded below. You can find out about other shows promoted by Craig Klotz and the fine folks at Kansas City Fan Conventions at www.kcfancon.com or follow them on Twitter or Facebook.

You’ll see a lot of people in this energetic video. Some of the familiar faces I spotted include Kevin Mellon, Kyle Strahm, Steven Sanders, Travis Fox, and Steve Daniels. You won’t find me in the video, but my daughter and her boyfriend will wave at you at the 2:58 mark.