That's Dan in the red shirt, at left, with fellow Oregon artist, Brett Weldele and, in a rare US appearance, comic book legend, Carlos Pacheco. We're at Wizard World's Portland Comic Con after my panel on The Artist's Life. It's hard to describe how amazing it was to be on stage with these three comic book legends but Dan isn't just a legendary comic book artist, he's also done animation and concept art for shows like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and of course, the new hit series, Grimm.

Dan Schaefer is a remarkably versatile artist. Painstakingly drawing stories frame-by-frame seems a singular talent. It's hard to imagine that Dan, having brought icons like Spider-Man and Batman to life, can use that same talent to create concepts for television and film. During his Q&A, Dan talked about the importance of being really good at drawing real people. That's the key to great comic book art, but it's also important for great art in general. And if you're a great artist, you can apply that talent to anything. Dan Schaefer has taken his talents and spun them into silver-screen gold...over and over again.

Dan has worked with movie-moguls like Gus Van Sant numerous times on projects like Paranoid Park and Milk, as well as Ellory Elkayam on Without a Paddle 2 and Guillermo Arriga on The Burning Plain. As if that's not impressive enough, Dan's also worked with Star Trek's Jonathan Frakes and Frank Oz on the hit-series, Leverage, and most recently, on Portland-based Grimm with Omar Madha and Peter Werner. Grimm's newest season premiere's on NBC tomorrow, Friday, March 8th; the show airs in more than 50 countries world-wide. Dan is also a producer, including Deep Winter with Twilight's Kellen Lutz and my very favorite Wizard World celebrity-guest to work with, Michael Madsen. Dan's film company, FilmbyFrame, has also produced four documentaries. And there's even more! Dan has used his talents for television commercials for companies like BMW, Intel, Nike, the NFL, and HP...there's no end to Dan Schaefer's plethora of talents!!!
 
Although Dan Schaefer has ever right to be inaccessible or too busy to talk to aspiring artists, he's one of the nicest, most genuine people you'll ever meet. He, Brett and Carlos sat with our exclusive group of 35 people and generously answered questions for close to an hour. Dan was great with fans and very encouraging to the aspiring artists in the audience who hope to have similar careers. I have to admit, meeting Dan after admiring his work for years was awe-inspiring. The cherry on top of the sundae? Dan loves Dr. Who and all-things British TV! As it happens, so do I. 

Dan Schaefer is definitely #PopCultureProfessor APPROVED!!! 

Thanks, Dan, for a great panel session! I look forward to working with you again soon. And hey, Portland 2014 is only ten months away.... ;)

Want more Dan? Follow him on Twitter: @dvschaefer

And to see when Dan will be at the next Wizard Con, check www.WizardWorld.com
  

Gail Simone, at left, is a real superhero. The tall red-head, contracted with DC to write storylines for classic comics like Batgirl and Birds of Prey (just to name a few), is gorgeous, smart and talented...and it all started in a hair salon.

Hard to believe? It's true. To pay the bills, Gail Simone was a hair stylist and to this day, her hair is pretty amazing. But her life path began in the theatre--that's what she studied in college. During her Creator Spotlight at the recent Wizard World Portland Comic Con to an intimate audience of 150 or so fans, Simone talked about how her need to be creative is what drew her to theatre, but not in terms of performance. She was always behind the scenes. 

Life sometimes takes interesting turns and at one point,  in response to friendly urgings, Simone began writing on comic book fan forums to express her creativity. And in classic Gail Simone style, she was fearless, funny, and noted with total candor how female characters would often end up dead, dying, sick, raped, or victimized (in other words, rendered powerless). The theme is pervasive in popular culture; it's actually where I began my career, too. Mothers seemed to die at an alarming rate in Hollywood film. From Bambi to Sleepless in Seattle, the absent mother was ever-present. Simone and other writers from the forums were feeling it in the comic book world as well. A small group got together and started a website in 1999 called Women in Refrigerators (WiR) after a scene in Green Lantern #54 featured the death of the male hero's girlfriend, whose body was brutally shoved in a refrigerator after her murder. The site featured a list of female superheroes who had been killed, victimized or otherwise stripped of independent agency. This is why X-Men has always been one of my favorite comics--a plethora of kick-ass women for more than fifty years!

Gail animatedly talked about how male comic book writers and editors who read her postings on WiR believed "Gail Simone" was a pseudonym for a disgruntled male comic book writer. That was interesting to me as a scholar who studies the socio-political in pop culture. Somehow, it was impossible for a woman to be as witty and clever as Simone. Besides, girls don't read comics! How pathetic. But it shows that, until relatively recently, the comic book industry has been a tight-knit boys club--and still is for the most part. I get to work with lots of comic book writers and artists and with the exception of less than handful of women, like Gail, everyone is male. And, point of context, women are more than half of the population, not just in the States, around the globe.

For the last twelve years or so, Gail Simone has been one of the few women writers in the male-dominated comic book industry. But Simone was quick to tell fans that it took years (about four) of writing at night and on weekends, and for free, before getting any paid gigs. Gail Simone constantly wrote in her spare time while working as a hair stylist during the day until the writing could replace her income from the salon.

Gail Simone is one of the hardest workers in the biz, and it's certainly paid off. If you follow Gail on Twitter, you know that there was a kerfuffle with DC in 2012. And thanks to her fans, Simone realized how important she was to the industry. It opened doors to creator-owned projects like The Movement and Leaving Megalopolis. And yes, there are some strong female characters in both. While Gail Simone was tight-lipped about the specific characters, she did give away that technology is going to be an important theme. That, and the abuse of power. Sensing a pattern? Good! Because strong female superheroes like Gail Simone are here to stay.

What's Gail working on next? Red Sonja! So stay tuned for more on Gail and all of her wonderful work, because yes, Gail Simone is #PopCultureProfessor APPROVED!

Follow Gail Simone on Twitter: @GailSimone

And, if you want to see Gail, and other talented comic book writers and artists like her, during the 2013-2014 Wizard World tour, check the website: www.WizardWorld.com

Or, follow WW on Twitter: @WizardWorld

Thanks to Gail Simone and her charming hubby (who live-tweeted our sessions--you ROCK)! I look forward to working with you both again soon.

James Hong sits next to me, at left, during his Q&A at the Wizard World Portland Comic Con. The 84-year old Hollywood icon has worked in television and film for more than fifty years, playing over 500 roles (!!!). Never, in my wildest dreams, did I imagine I'd have the honor of sharing a stage with him. To say the experience was inspiring would be an understatement. James Hong was insanely funny, as you might expect, but like his fatherly-character, Mr. Ping from Kung Fu Panda, there was heartfelt wisdom amidst the shared laughter.

When James Hong entered C124 at the Portland Convention Center, he was greeted with a standing ovation from the audience, along with a hearty, "Welcome!" Portland fans are incredibly wonderful people and exceptional students of popular culture. I started the session by asking James Hong about his transition from engineering to acting. That certainly opened the flood gates, because the questions kept coming from there. No one else knew that James Hong was a USC grad in engineering, so it was a great place to begin. Mr. Hong talked about how he'd always wanted to be in film--at the time, television was relatively new and did not share the same exposure (or prestige) that 21st century TV currently enjoys. Growing up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, James Hong credits hard-working parents and a pervasive cultural attitude that pushed him even harder toward obtaining his goals. Though it doesn't translate as well in written-English, Mr. Hong referred to the common Chinese refrain, "Ni zhen mei yong," meaning, "You're useless," as having fueled his desire to be anything but.

For seven years, James Hong worked as an engineer in LA by day, while using nights and weekends to pursue acting. What was very refreshing was how passionate James Hong was about education. And his message was clear: Without study, in any field, it's impossible to be the best. As a college professor for more than 18 years, I tend to agree. The young actors in the audience certainly benefited from this counsel, as one young woman attested to later in our session.

At some point, Mr. Hong had used all of his sick days and vacation time doing acting jobs when he realized acting was no longer a part-time gig. Though he quit his engineering job, now being paid regularly as an actor, James Hong was honest with the audience about the unpredictable nature of landing jobs in Hollywood. He even mentioned a brief return to engineering just to pay the bills.

His career began with redubbing Asian films in the 1950's, including Godzilla, King of the Monsters in 1956. This lead to several other roles, including playing a prince in Walt Disney's Zorro. James Hong also began making guest appearances on Perry Mason as well as The Bob Newhart Show, and the cult classic, Kung Fu. I fondly remember watching those original episodes of Kung Fu on the little black-and-white television my parents proudly had in our living room. James Hong has remained a role model ever since. His eyes somehow translate his quick wit, no matter what character he plays. Even Lo Pan from John Carpenter's Big Trouble in Little China had that flash. You can see that James Hong loves what he's doing, and really has fun doing it, too.

James Hong is known for his role in Bladerunner, as well as his famous scene in Seinfeld's episode, "The Chinese Restaurant," which he joyfully repeated for an appreciative audience. Mr. Hong also did some of his lines from Kung Fu Panda and Big Trouble in Little China, a thrill for everyone in the room. After which, I made sure to point out the green in my  own eyes. ;)

Mr. Hong enjoyed working on shows like Friends and Charmed, and talked about how making guest appearances on a show with a recurring cast does change the dynamic in terms of the role, but that on both shows, he was made to feel very welcome. His work in comedy, including Wayne's World 2 and Balls of Fury, was also fun for James Hong. He particularly enjoyed working with Tia Carrere, who played his daughter in the Mike Myers SNL-skit-turned-big-screen-franchise. His role as Master Wong, the blind ping-pong teacher in Balls of Fury, is a personal favorite. James Hong's comedic timing made that film funny. Dan Fogler and George Lopez were good, but only because of the backdrop provided by James Hong.

James Hong spoke at length about the hurdles he faced in Hollywood as an Asian American when most male roles were written for non-Asian actors. His efforts to bring change in the industry included  being a founding member of the East West Players in 1965, one of the first Asian American theater organizations, as well as helping to found the Association of Asian/Pacific American Artists (AAPAA), later serving as President.

Part of what is so remarkable about James Hong is his versatility--he didn't balk at being comic relief in shows like King of Queens or working as a voice actor for video games like Diablo III or animated series like Chowder. Study. And practice. Even when you're the incomparable James Hong. And it doesn't hurt that he has a flawless sense of humor. 

Before his Q&A ended, James Hong suddenly became serious and reflected for a moment. After the span of mere seconds, he said, "Just once, I would have liked to have been cast in a main role as a doctor, or maybe a lawyer...." His haunting words still sit with me; I would have liked to have seen that, too. But James Hong says he's not going anywhere. And we're all a little better because of it.

As we wrapped the Q&A session, the audience, once again, gave James Hong a standing ovation. After a moment or two, we began singing "Happy Birthday" to the man we all admire, the man who has brought us laughter and tears for more than fifty years: The Incomparable James Hong. 
 
Thank you, Mr. Hong! It was a rare pleasure to work with you. I look forward to seeing you again in St. Louis this month.

If you would like to see James Hong on the Wizard World 2013-2014 tour, please visit: www.WizardWorld.com

James Hong also teaches acting workshops in LA; please visit his website for details: http://www.jameshong.com/

And, yes, James Hong is #PopCultureProfessor APPROVED, not that he needs my approval, or anyone else's for that matter. I mean, he's James Hong!
 

James and I, left, are laughing as he talks to the audience at the Wizard World Portland Comic Con about how much he loved working with Sarah Michelle Gellar on Joss Whedon's cult classic, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Because she was so petite, door frames on the set had to be adjusted to Gellar's height. Marsters is saying (in the picture, left), with finger pointed in the air, that he looked like he was 6' 4" tall next to Gellar because of it. And he loved every second of it!

What wasn't so fun for Marsters while playing the punk-vamp, Spike, was the constant hair-bleaching necessary for his character--you see, vampires don't have hair re-growth (being dead and all) so roots were not an option. Marsters said that the chemical process would cause painful skin irritation on a regular basis. But the actor, who turns 51 in August, was happy to report that the harsh process did not damage his full head of thick wavy hair. Good genes! And the audience got to see those genes in action.

One of the first questions was from a rather good looking young man with an equally full head of thick wavy hair. Yes, it was Marsters' son, Sullivan, who attended the Wizard World Portland Comic Con with his dad as a member of Ghost of the Robot. Ghost of the Robot had performed the night before in Portland and many of Marsters' super-fans, also Wizard World VIPs, were sitting in the front rows of C124 at the Portland Convention Center donning Ghost of the Robot T-shirts. Marsters has had quite a successful musical career, including solo tours in Europe, particularly the UK, where Marsters is pretty much a rock star. Prior to forming Ghost of the Robot in 2003, Marsters sang solo gigs all over LA, often performing covers of such icons as James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, and Neil Young. And yes, Marsters was actually singing in the musical Buffy episode, "Once More, with Feeling."

I love working with James Marsters because he's so great with his fans; he's very genuine and down-to-earth, which makes him even more accessible. The last time we worked together in Philly, James invited the audience to try to embarass him. He did the same thing in Portland but luckily, it did not invite questions about things like when James had his last threesome...and yes,  that was a real question from the Philly Comic Con. So when an audience member stepped up to the mike and said, "I have an embarrassing question to ask," James looked at me with the biggest grin on his face. He loves to see me blush. And of course, I did. But the question itself wasn't really embarrassing. Though I suppose with anyone other than James Marsters, it could be: What on-screen kiss was the most fun?

Fans in the know love Marsters' work in not just Buffy and Angel, or his stint as Brainiac in the long-running series, Smallville, or his numerous movie roles including PS I Love You with Hilary Swank, his long musical career or voice acting jobs for videogames and audio books like The Dresden Files, or even for his work on the comic spin-off Spike & Dru, but for James' role as the omni-sexual Captain John Hart on Torchwood. Wow, that was exhausting. My friend James has had an incredible career! And even more incredible, his role as Captain John Hart included one of the first male-on-male on-screen kisses with co-star, John Barrowman. James said that, though it's not exactly initimate or sexy to be directed through something like a kiss, working with Barrowman on the scene made it comfortable. Except for the facial stubble. James declared to all male audience members how very unpleasant it is to kiss someone with five o'clock shadow, and to please shave before doing so. His wife was there the day of the shoot and was allowed to "direct" the scene. Typically, in television, there are very few takes because of time. To have three takes is quite a lot. But for the Torchwood kissing scene with Barrowman, everyone on set was so enthralled that there was a whopping five takes! And with each take, James' wife would say, "Oh, yeah...that was good. Now, let's do that again."

James Marsters' numerous roles in television include fan-thrilling moments with Buffy- and Angel-alum, Charisma Carpenter on the hit series, Supernatural, now in its final season. Marsters and Carpenter play a husband and wife who are both witches. The aptly named episode, "Shut up, Dr. Phil," required a close up of James at one point. And though James wouldn't say who, I strongly suspect it was Jensen Ackles who ran his hand up James' inner thigh, just outside of the shot, to get James to flinch during the close up. But of course, being the consummate Julliard-trained professional Marsters is, he didn't change his expression once. Though after the close up, everyone, including the full cast and crew, broke down in a tumult of belly-laughter. Hopefully, that shows up on an out-takes disc on DVD when the show wraps.  

As usual, time flew during James' Q&A; when I announced that we had but five minutes remaining, everyone, including James, was genuinely surprised. James tells a great story and the audience's attention was completely wrapt on his every word. But we had to end the session on time, even though there were more fans waiting in line to have their moment with James. James wanted to stay and talk to fans, but had to head right out to the airport from the Q&A to catch his next flight. 

James Marsters is truly remarkable. And as always, it's an honor and a pleasure to work with him. You can see James again on the Wizard World 2013-2014 tour. We will be in St. Louis this month from 3/22-3/25. Check out the programming schedule at www.WizardWorld.com

Follow James on Twitter: @JM_Live and for more James Marsters News, follow @jamie_marsters and @CivilizedJames!

Thank you, James! Hope to see you again soon; in the meantime, safe travels. 

And yes, James Marsters is 100% #PopCultureProfessor APPROVED! 

"It's MORPHIN time!!!" That's how the audience greeted Jason, with me at left, along with an enthusiastic front-to-back standing wave by the 400-person crowd. It was something to behold. And Frank was certainly thrilled with the effort, even recording it as he came in. 

Jason David Frank is, simply put, a force of positive energy. He didn't just play a superhero on TV, he's truly heroic in real life, too. And his fans LOVE him as much as he loves them. When he comes to Comic Con, he's not just passively waiting for fans to approach him in his booth. Jason David Frank holds exhibitions, where he teaches basic moves to anyone who wants to learn more about Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). He helps judge costume contests or cosplay competitions. He also engages fans through efforts like T-shirt giveaways and talking to each and every fan as if they are the only person in the room. Now that's what I call charisma! He even gave away a piece of one of his World Record pine boards (also called a makiwara), loaded with autographs, to participants during his Q&A. In case you didn't know, "Fearless" Frank broke the World Record while free-falling over his home-state of California, breaking a total of seven pine boards, smashing the previous record of five!  

I found Jason David Frank completely and utterly charming as fans asked questions and he answered with open candor, always saying how humbled and grateful he was to have been a part of their lives. Frank spoke well about his early life, growing up without much money, and how karate, from the age of four forward, changed his life for the better. Now a husband and father, Frank exudes the kind of positivity rarely seen from other Hollywood rolemodels. His continued theme throughout his Q&A was to not just pretend to be a superhero, but to live life heroically. And that is something Frank does exceptionally well.

Jason David Frank founded and owns Rising Sun Karate Academy, located in Stevenson Ranch, California. Kyoshi Frank, as he is called in his Dojo, encourages students to use what they learn to help themselves and others. The 7th degree black belt and MMA champion teaches the Toso Kune Do system or "Way of the Fighting Fists," that, despite its name, is part of a continuing quest for personal excellence for any student who undertakes it.

Jason David Frank is the real deal. He's a true Mixed Martial Arts Champion, earning titles and awards since 1994 for his efforts. His school is also an award winner. And the reason why is clear: Jason David Frank doesn't just talk the talk, he walks the walk. Every mile of it.

The young man who many knew as Tommy Oliver, the Green Ranger and White Ranger from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, is as earnest and good today as his television character of yesterday. Still acting amidst training for MMA competitions and teaching at his school, Jason David Frank's most recent role was in the 2011 film, The One Warrior.

I'd liken Jason to a 21st century Bruce Lee, but perhaps even better. After his Q&A ended, he swept me up in a legitimate hug that I happily returned. It was a true pleasure to work with such an exceptional human being. And I look forward to working with Jason David Frank again during his 2013-2014 Wizard World tour.

To learn more about Jason's school, please check the website: http://www.risingsunkaratewest.com/dojoFounder.html

Follow Jason David Frank on Twitter: www.twitter.com/@JDFMMA

His official Facebook page says it all: "If it wasn't for you (the fans), I wouldn't be here." Even nicer, Frank manages his own Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/#!/jasondfrank?fref=ts

For more on Frank's filmography, check his IMDB page: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0290969/

Thank you, Jason! Looking forward to working with you again soon!!! And yes, JASON DAVID FRANK is most certainly #PopCultureProfessor APPROVED!!!!

If you want to know when Jason will be in a city near you, check Wizard World's website for upcoming appearances all across the country! www.WizardWorld.com

Morena Baccarin is a graceful, gracious and generous human being...and she loves dogs, too! That's us, left, at the Wizard World Portland Comic Con. Morena rescued her Lowchen (German for "little lion") from a pound in Santa Monica a few years ago; his name is Rudy and he doesn't bark. At all. Rudy was standing in the crowded room of no less than 470 people with Morena's hunky husband, Austin Chick, and never let out a single peep. The Lowchen were once the rarest breed of dog in the world, bred to be lap dogs for royalty. And this little guy sure looked like he gets the royal treatment everyday! 

Morena married director, Austin Chick, in 2011; the two just celebrated their one-year anniversary in November 2012. Austin, who turns 42 in July, is a New England native. The Sundance Film Festival vet is a very lucky man, and not just because he's a Leo who can drop his R's. His gorgeous wife was recently nominated for a SAG for her work in Showtime's hit series, Homeland. The nomination came in January 2013 for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. Baccarin's performance prowess has been recognized in the past as well, earning her multiple Saturn nods for her work in V.

The 5' 7" 33-year old Brazilian-born actress moved to the States as a child where she attended the New York City Lab School for Collaborative Studies. For those who don't know, admission to  the specialized public school requires passing a rigorous entrance exam. Several thousand students apply each year for less than 200 openings. It's not surprising that this stunning and talented beauty also has brains, following up her time at the competitive NYC Lab School, where she and Homeland co-star, Clare Danes, were classmates, with the prestigious LaGuardia Arts High School (the hit series Fame was based on students at LaGuardia). Morena then accepted an admissions offer to Julliard, the renowned performance college in New York that boasts notable alums like Laura Linney, Viola Davis, Robin Williams, Yo Yo Ma, and Henry Mancini...just to name a few.

The audience was totally enamored with Baccarin, and not just because of her impressive academic pedegree; prior to heading in to host Morena's Q&A, I had opportunity to talk to enthusiastic fans waiting in two very long lines before the doors opened. Most fans love Morena for her roles in V, Stargate, Firefly, and Serenity, but there were quite a few die-hards who even tracked down the unaired pilot of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, where Morena plays a male-to-female transsexual. Morena Baccarin has major chops. And her adoring fans certainly appreciate it as one audience member stated, "I only watch shows with Morena; if she's in it, I know it's good."

Amongst the many fan questions, like what superhero would Morena want to play (the answer, if not Catwoman, was Wonder Woman), Baccarin was asked about her favorite hobbies (cooking), as well as her favorite causes. Because Morena Baccarin's beauty is so much more than skin-deep, she eloquently spoke about her love of The International Rescue Committee (IRC). The organization responds to the worst humanitarian crises around the globe. Baccarin's passion for the cause, as someone who had to leave a country in political unrest herself, translated to the audience as she gave out the website and explained how individuals can give while also getting something in return.

If you're interested in learning more about the IRC, please visit their website at http://www.rescue.org or follow them on Twitter: @theIRC

Many celebs have to rush out of their Q&A to sign autographs or take pictures, and though Morena and Chick were leaving at 3pm (and it was 1:45 when her Q&A ended), the charming couple took the time to chat with me, and perhaps more importantly, let me meet the precious Rudy, who eagerly greeted me as I bent low, presenting the back of my hand. As many of you know, I am  inextricably attached at the soul to my own little one, a 13-lb bit of white and black fluff who accompanies me on interviews, book tours, and pretty much everywhere--except Portland Comic Con. My sensitive girl is quite an anxious traveler. So naturally, when I met the handsome Rudy, my heart leapt with joyful delight.

The talented, strong, smart, and poised Morena Baccarin is, without a doubt, #PopCultureProfessor APPROVED! And so is her lovely and supportive husband.

To learn more about Austin Chick's work, check out his IMDB page: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0157222/

Want more Morena? Follow her on Twitter: @missmorenab

Thank you both! And I look forward to working with you again soon!!! 

If you missed Morena in Portland, check www.WizardWorld.com for Morena's next appearance. I guarantee that we'll be coming to a city near YOU soon!