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There’s a handful of comic book artists you just don’t see very often, for one reason or another. Several of the artists based in the UK and overseas rarely make trips to the U.S., unless it’s a big event like San Diego Comic-Con, at which you’ll be lucky to get even a brief glimpse at them. Charlie Adlard isn’t new to the industry by any means, but definitely rose in popularity after taking over art chores on the wildly popular Image Comics series THE WALKING DEAD, written by Robert Kirkman. If you know the title, then you most definitely know it’s also become a hit series on AMC, and the second season is currently filming for the long-awaited fall 2011 airing. Charlie made a rare signing appearance at Comic Asylum in Richardson, TX – June 29, 2011. Doesn’t hurt that the store’s owner, Mark Hay, is also Adlard’s art dealer, and head of Splash Page Art sales. For the better part of four hours, Charlie signed tons of books and did a sketch for every fan who waited in the seemingly never-ending line. Not once did he complain or lose his warm and friendly smile. When it was all over, I got a chance to sit down and ask the man a few questions. Nothing earth-shattering here, just a fun and casual conversation with one of the hottest talents in comics, and one not often seen around these parts. Fans of the comic series should appreciate the rarity of this interview. Check it out below and let us know if you’re a fan of THE WALKING DEAD. Bigfanboy.com will once again be hosting watch parties on the big screen at the Angelika Theater Dallas this fall, so stay tuned for details on that.
Our thanks to Charlie Adlard and Mark Hay for making this possible.
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. 
