Comic City, USA, at the Oregon Historical Society, South Park Blocks, downtown Portland. Total Fun!

Janessa and I rode separate 12 buses downtown Sunday to meet up at noon at the OHS for the public celebration of their new exhibit. Not only a new exhibit, but also costumed representatives from the Portland Superheroes Coalition were on site for photo ops. Sweet!



We hadn't made our way much past the first room of the exhibit when I looked back towards the lobby and saw Hellboy coming toward me. I said, "Janessa, look, it's Hellboy!" She started turning as I said look and got startled because he was so close before she heard Hellboy. (Turns out his stage name is Big Red.) Neat! I then decided to get this photo of Big Red and Metal Man enjoying part of the exhibit. I wanted to text Lamont and Leland so that they could see what cool fun we'd already found, five minutes into the exhibit! Both sons were suitably impressed.



Here we are, sort of in the Batmobile. Right? The Batmobile? Holding speech bubbles!



This was one of four identical yellow swivel chairs. Extremely comfortable, including a tiny headrest pillow. I'm holding my four-panel comic page that I made on a touch screen; it printed quickly, instantly dry. You get to select yourself--your person, your hair, skin, and eye color, some accessories like the eyeglasses. Then you select your story--mine is The Monster at Pittock Mansion. Before the exhibit closes, I want to go back to the exhibit, especially I'd like to do this again. I want to take my DSLR with me, too, so that I can take photos there with it. I'm hoping that Lamont and Leland will go with me. Too bad that they missed the members of the Portland Superheroes Coalition.



Hellboy II Big Baby Gun Movie Prop. What a whopper! And those shells!



Hellboy Right Hand of Doom, also a movie prop.



Read for info about the creator of the next image I photographed.



Since I work at the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, I couldn't resist taking a close up of this one.



When I go back, I'm going to spend some time at this section of the exhibit. I hope it won't be too crowded.



Seeing someone's idea gave me an idea of how to finish it. That's what I want to do when I go back.



Back in the lobby, it's photo op time! Wowza Woman, I cannot find His Stage Name, Me, Wonder Mom, Metal Man!



One more, with the addition of American Man kneeling on the floor, saluting us all! Lamont's response to this photo when I texted it: Oh my! A superhero among superheroes!!!! Isn't that sweet, y'all?



The final photo from Sunday, Janessa, Big Red, and me! He could talk! I have no idea how he made that move to talk! So cool!

From the Oregon Historical Society's Web site: Comic City, USA - August 12 – January 31, 2017

With recent blockbuster smashes featuring superhero legends, the comic book industry has experienced a surge of popular support. While there are many Oregonians picking up a comic book for their first time, the comic industry in Oregon has a long and influential history. Comic City, USA celebrates this history and profiles fifteen of the most iconic artists that have made the industry into the global powerhouse it is today.

Oregon is known globally for its impact on the comics industry, with many artists, writers, and designers living, working, and discovering their inspiration here. Portland and its comic publication industry remain at the forefront of innovation as a central location to several publishers including Dark Horse Comics, Oni Press, and Shadowline, the Image Comics partnering studio. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Oregon had notable comic artists in residence such as Homer Davenport, Carl Barks, and Basil Wolverton, establishing a rich foundation for future cartoon artists. With the founding of Dark Horse in the early 1980s, a new model of comic creativity began to attract additional artists and publishers to Oregon, quickly making it one of the largest centers of comic publication in the United States.

All are invited to a public celebration on Sunday, August 14 from 12pm – 5pm at the Oregon Historical Society. Admission to the exhibit is free, and costumed representatives from the Portland Superheroes Coalition will be on site for photo ops. Artists Anina Bennett and Paul Guinan will also be presenting a free public lecture at 2pm on the evolution of the comic industry from “geek to chic.” (Janessa and I didn't stay for the lecture--we headed for lunch! Then shopping a Finnegan's Toys, Powell's Books, and Storables. Such fine fun!)

With over $579 million in national comic sales in 2015, the popularity of what is known as “The Ninth Art” is only expanding and gaining more recognition. The power of the comic industry in Oregon is undeniable, evidenced in the range of mediums at play and the growing popularity of Rose City Comic Con, which celebrates its fifth anniversary next month.

Comic City, USA highlights fifteen Oregon comic artists, writers, and cartoonists:

Carl Barks John Callahan Homer Davenport Cat Farris Jack Ohman Basil Wolverton Mike Richardson Alex Schomburg Anina Bennett and Paul Guinan Colleen Coover Jan Eliot Dylan Meconis Bill Plympton Joe Sacco Basil Wolverton

In addition to displays on each artist, the exhibition will offer interactive experiences, from a comic book store style living room for flipping through comics, a station where people can design and print their own comic book, and a photo booth complete with superhero inspired props.

This exhibition is designed to share an important part of Oregon history, inspire people who wish to communicate through an artistic medium, and fascinate those who already have an appreciation of this continuously evolving art form. As editorial cartoonist Jack Ohman admitted in an interview, “I really feel like I am doing the work of my career, and I enjoy each day. I started winning awards when I stopped thinking about winning awards. I started liking my work when I listened to my own voice, and not feeling so constrained by the old model. When you like your work, others will probably like it too.”

Douglas Brinkley and "Cronkite"

Here's a photo that I took after the Oregon Historical Society sponsored event at First Congregational Church, downtown Portland. I got there early, bought my already-signed copy of the hefty book, found myself a seat in the beautiful sanctuary on the first non-reserved-seats-row. Turns out folks like former Governor Ted Kulongoski and his wife, President Nixon's brother Ed, and Senator Mark Hatfield's widow Antoinette were among those sitting in the reserved seats. The only one I actually recognized was Governor Kulongoski.

And it wasn't until I overheard Brinkley talking with someone as we walked after the event to the Oregon Historical Society building next door for the short reception and more book signing that I realized the former president's brother had been in the audience. So, when I got home, I Googled Ed Nixon and realized he had been in front of me! I had said, "Excuse me," to Mr. Ed. Nixon as I made my way to talk with Governor Kulongoski and his wife after a superb 90-minute-lecture in which Brinkley had the audience in the palm of his hand, as the saying goes.

Yes, I wanted to talk with the Governor and his wife because one day after he had left office last year, I found myself seated on the homeward bound bus, with him standing right in front of me, holding onto the strap as we turned onto NE 16th. I looked at him and realized I knew him from somewhere, but I couldn't place him. When a man a strap or two away called him Ted, it clicked. Former governor! On the bus! In front of me! Kulongoski explained to the man that he was on his way home, proving to his wife that he could get off at the right stop, chuckling all the way along with the man who knew him. In fact, he looked down and me and smiled as he said that last part. So I piped up, "Governor, I moved here from Mississippi in 2006 and ride the bus everyday. I don't think you're going to have any problems at all." Both of us chuckled and he stepped back as I stood up to get ready to get off at my stop. What a neat happening! Only in Portland, I remember thinking. And here he was again, this time with his lovely wife. I just had to share the neat happening with her, and him. We three enjoyed more chuckles and smiles as I told the tale. His wife said they'd been in Mississippi last year for the historic Freedom Summer events (she showed me the folded up program which was still in the bottom of her purse) and they both were interested in why I'd moved to Oregon, both happy that I had found their home state to be such a good place for Mama and me and my sons. 

 At the signing, I asked Mr. Brinkley if he could personalize my book, which he graciously agreed to do. As I stood there, I just had to mention Lemuria Books, the best independent bookstore if the whole world--to me and lots of other folks and not meaning to disparage Powell's which is grand in its own right but it's not in my birth-city-home-town! He smiled real big and we talked for a few moments about Lemuria and his visits there before I asked if he'd like me to give a message to John Evans and/or Joe Hickman. He smiled and said, "Yes, tell them I'd like to bring Cronkite there!" So I called John later in the week and e-mailed Joe, too. What fun!

What an evening! All thanks to Douglas Brinkley and the Oregon Historical Society and First Congregational Church. Next up, reading "Cronkite."

About the event: Acclaimed author and historian Douglas Brinkley will share a fascinating lecture surrounding the release of his latest book, "Cronkite." In "Cronkite," Brinkley presents the definitive, revealing biography of an American legend: renowned news anchor Walter Cronkite. Brinkley has drawn upon recently disclosed letters, diaries, and other artifacts at the recently opened Cronkite Archive to bring detail and depth to this deeply personal portrait. He also interviewed nearly two hundred of Cronkite's closest friends and colleagues, using their voices to instill dignity and humanity in this study of one of America's most beloved and trusted public figures. Douglas Brinkley is a professor of history at Rice University. Seven of Brinkley's books have been selected as New York Times Notable Books of the Year. One of his most recent books The Wilderness Warrior, became an instant New York Times best-seller. Brinkley is a contributing editor to Vanity Fair and The Los Angeles Times Book Review.

 About Brinkley from Harper Collins: Douglas Brinkley is a professor of history at Rice University and a contributing editor at Vanity Fair. The Chicago Tribune has dubbed him "America's new past master." Six of his books have been selected as New York Times Notable Books of the Year. His most recent book, The Great Deluge, won the Robert F. Kennedy Book Award. He lives in Texas with his wife and three children.

An Evening with The Schonz

Tuesday, June 5, after work I ate a quick burger and fries at McDonald's downtown, then headed on over to the Oregon Historical Society for a prime-time event. An Evening with The Schonz: As any true Oregonian knows, on June 5, 1977, the Portland Trailblazers won their first and only NBA Championship. On the 35th anniversary of that championship, Blazer broadcasting legend Bill Schonely--aka "The Schonz"--will share his memories of that championship year, and of a remarkable broadcasting career that earned him a place in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
 

Before the evening began, I took this photo. There in the distance, you see Dale Schlueter, 6'10" center on the team 1970-1972, the first two years of the team's existence; Mrs. Harry Glickman, wife of one of the founders of the team; Bill Schonely, first play-by-play announcer for the team and still with the team 42 years later; Bobby Gross, a 6'6" starting small forward for the team during the championship season; and around to the back of Chris Dudley, a 6'11" center who was a Trail Blazer from 1993-1997.
 

During the evening we went "live" to the local NBC affiliate, KGW, for a couple of spots on their week-nightly show, Live at 7. Here the reporter Joe gets everyone involved--that's him with the sheet of paper in his hand. Left to right, KGW cameraman, Mr. Schonely, Bobby Gross, Joe, Mr. Harry Glickman.
 

Something made Mr. Schonely and Bobby Gross smile, on live television!
 

The Schonz, beloved by all Portlanders and Oregonians, whether or not they are fans of NBA basketball. I took just a few photos because I wanted to concentrate on what was said, what Mr. Schonely shared with us. I think I grinned and/or smiled the entire time! What a treat!

And I got to talk to Mr. Schlueter again, for the third or fourth time starting last December, I've lost count. When I walked up to speak, he put his arm around my shoulder, drawing me in and following my, "Hi, Mr. Schlueter!" with "I saw you sitting over there!" Then we discussed the Trail Blazers' new general manager and our hopes for the upcoming season. Basketball heaven.