Occasionally I post info about comic book industry artists and writers, usually tied in with movie news or some big company event. As many of you who read the site may already be aware of, I manage the Dallas Comic Con and Sci-Fi Expo events in Dallas, and from time to time we get some pretty amazing people on the guest roster. In about a week or so, we’ll be having our 10th Anniversary show, and the guest list for this one is pretty spectacular. It occurs to me that making a post about some of the more notable names doesn’t have to be looked at as a vain or self-serving thing… it’s informative, and that’s what we’re about here. And with that, I turn today’s focus on Neal Adams.
This May 19-20 sees the return of the Dallas Comic Con celebrating its 10th Anniversary, officially titled ‘Stan Lee presents Dallas Comic Con.’ Among the incredible guests attending is a very special creator – the one and only Neal Adams. When it comes to comic book artists, there are well-known names, and then there’s “legendary” status. Adams continually redefines the genre with innovative ideas and dramatic character interpretations. His takes on popular heroes like Batman, Green Lantern, Green Arrow and Superman have wowed readers and heavily influences multiple generations of illustrators. Some of earliest days found him turning in comic strips for BEN CASEY, based on the popular ABC series. But it would be his work at DC Comics that defined his fan base, beginning in the Silver Age with covers for titles like ACTION COMICS and SUPERMAN’S GIRLFRIEND LOIS LANE. His work on Deadman in STRANGE ADVENTURES became award-winning, and with good reason. Neal moved into Marvel work with X-MEN and THE AVENGERS. But some of his most treasured stories were found in BATMAN and DETECTIVE COMICS, as well as GREEN LANTERN/GREEN ARROW in the Bronze Age. Adams also became a strong advocate for creator rights, even helping SUPERMAN creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster receive long-overdue credit, and getting original pages returned to artist Jack Kirby. Neal even formed his own comic book imprint with Continuity Comics, and continues to inspire and influence artists and readers to this day.
It’s hard to believe an industry legend like Neal Adams has never appeared in a popular city like Dallas before, but thankfully this May 19-20 that will change. We’re incredibly honored to have Mr. Adams join us as a special guest for the 10-year Anniversary of the Dallas Comic Con… like many others would claim, he’s one of my heroes.
Neal is appearing both days of the show, which also features guests like Stan Lee, Patrick Stewart, George Perez, Laura Vandervoort, Len Wein, James Marsters, Arthur Suydam, John de Lancie, Doug Sneyd, and Adam West and Burt Ward… to name but a few. Also check out his Vanguard Publishing book ‘The Art of Neal Adams’ which will be available at the show. VIP and 2-day priority passes are sold out, but General Admission tickets will be available at the show. You can find more information on the Dallas Comic Con HERE or follow the show Twitter HERE.
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
