RIP Russi Taylor

So sorry to hear about the unexpected passing of Russi Taylor. She was a tremendous talent and, based on my own experience with her, a wonderful giving person. I had the privilege of interviewing her when I was writing a book on 1980s television animation, and she was gracious enough to write the introduction for that book upon its publication in 2017.

Most of her stories about DuckTales and Muppet Babies made it into the book, but there really wasn’t anyplace to include one of the best stories that she told me, about her late husband, Wayne Allwine, who was the official voice of Mickey Mouse; Russi was, of course, the official voice of Minnie. Here’s a transcript from our interview:

Thanks for everything, Russi.

 

 

 

 

Batman at Comic-Con!

Had a great time at the 50th San Diego Comic-Con! I spent most of my time at the Cartoon Art Museum‘s booth, raising funds and awareness about the museum, but also talked a lot about Batman, as we’re gearing up for the release of Batman: The Definitive History of The Dark Knight from Insight Editions this fall.

Photo #1 is me at the Cartoon Art Museum‘s booth at Comic-Con, photo #2 is me at the DC Comics booth, where they had a preview copy of the book on prominent display. Really pleased with all the effort that DC and Insight have put into promoting the book.

 

I also spent some time at the Comic-Con Museum’s Batman exhibit, and gave a slideshow presentation on Batman’s 80-year history, followed by a quick tour of the museum.

A whirlwind, as Comic-Con always is, but lots of fun. I’m hoping to have a full slate of convention appearances this fall, so if you’re a convention organizer, bookstore manager, librarian, educator, or have any other reason to bring a Batman historian to town, please drop me a line!

 

 

 

Comic-Con 50!

 

See you at the San Diego Comic-Con!

My home base is booth #1930, representing the Cartoon Art Museum! That’s the best place to catch up with me throughout the convention. We’re hosting our annual Sketch-A-Thon fundraiser, where a $10 donation gets you a custom commission sketch from one of the talented artists helping out at our booth.

In addition to that, I’m giving a talk on Batman’s 80th anniversary at the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park on Thursday, July 18 from 11am-12pm.

Thursday afternoon, 4-5pm, I’m moderating Batman and The Secret Origin of Bill Finger,, room 23ABC.

On Saturday, I’ll be at the Insight Editions booth, #3721, from 2-3pm, signing free promotional posters for Batman: The Definitive History of The Dark Knight from Comics, Film, and Beyond.

And on Sunday, I’m moderating the Spotlight on Jae Lee, 12-1pm, Room 4.

See you soon!