If you don't live in Albuquerque then it's probably a little difficult to understand why we here at DisFanReview are so excited about this event. The last comic book convention in Albuquerque was in the 90's and it was nothing like this. Currently, the film industry is a major staple in the state and the comic book industry is bigger than ever. So, taking a note from the world famous San Diego Comic Con, AbqCC organizer and owner of comic book retailer Tall Tale Comics, Jim Burleson decided to create an event that wasn't just about comic books, but a broader event that covers comics, film, and popular culture as a whole. While furiously preparing for the event Jim was able to take some time answer our seven questions.
DFR - Its been over a decade since there has been a comic book convention in Albuquerque, and there has never been an event like this. Why is now the time for Albuquerque Comic Con?
J.B. - Well in 1996-1997 comics were just being introduced to the mainstream with the massive growth of the industry inside itself. Companies like Image and Valiant and Dark Horse started to sell record number of books throughout the comic world. For years that popularity began to grow even beyond itself with films like spiderman, batman, hulk and others. It was felt that the industry was outgrowing itself and leaving it's fans behind. Only when people realized the loyalty the industry had for it's fans, did the industry embrace growth. Stan Lee, Jim Lee, and countless others who could have left the fans behind instead gathered them up in thier arms and carried them into the world of $300 million in box office success and film after film of such detail paid to the desires of the fans that the industry, through it's strengthened foundation, has grown to be able support shows the size of Albuquerque comic con in every major city in the US. However what wouldn't have succeeded is a much smaller event trying to draw on the industry success without putting in the energy and momentum of such a major promotion. I think Albuquerque was ready and I lucked into having passion for an industry and experience in event promotion that all the pieces fit together to bring Albuquerque a real and great Comic Con.
DFR - The Comics In Film Festival seems like a very exciting prospect given New Mexico's blossoming Film Industry. How did that come about?
J.B. - Well as you said, new mexico's film industry has grown to such a high level, inside our talent base exists creators and crew able to bring us films like No Country For Old Men, Transformers, True Grit, Thor, and even Avengers. How exciting is it to think we may have the next block buster creator in our city through either comic creator or film maker. So many films have been made and became huge successes from the creative juices of comic creators. We want to explore that in this first ever Comics In Film Festival.
DFR - Having numerous actors from the Star Wars films all together in one panel discussion seems like a tall order, especially with the eclectic group coming to ACC. How did that come together?
J.B. - Believe it or not the film industry is a small world, and after working on films with several of our scheduled guests it wasn't hard to get the one and two degrees of separation to all the stars in Hollywood. Dickey Beer was the stunt coordinator on a film I worked on who was great friends with deep Roy from indiana jones and all from star wars in some episode. Daniel logan and deep have the same booking agent and dickey played the same character. Peter Mathew is such a huge supporter of his fans he sought us out to appear. The star wars artists who have agreed to come all stepped up to support the show after seeing the other confirmed guests. I was just really lucky they saw the quality of show we were trying to put on.
DFR - AMC's Walking Dead is one of the best received television shows in years, and with it's very limited run has already made it something of cult hit. How on earth were you able to put together the Walking Dead panel?
J.B. - Well Sean Patrick flanery and I worked on a film together and I helped him at his first couple of conventions so when I asked him 8 months ago to come to a show I was planning and to bring his buddy norm along to promote the boondock comic. I again lucked into the amazing success of the walking dead and having already booked Norm. Even after his invitation to attend the golden globes on sunday night he adjusted his schedule to keep his committment to the Albuquerque comic fans. The other 2 actors James and Anthony reached out to us, again to support a great event.
DFR - What are your biggest hopes for ACC?
J.B. - I just want to do the best I can for the charities we are servicing with this event and bring awareness to the support of our military, our police, and our fire fighters. I want everyone to have a good time and come back next year.
DFR - Do you think the recent announcement of The Avengers being filmed in New Mexico will generate interest for ACC?
J.B. - I promised not to discuss the Avengers or any of the films we have spoken to about thier New Mexico plans. The film industry is a bit volitile now with a new administration so I will keep those talks under wraps till we know more about the future of film in New Mexico. I can tell you though I am pleased with the direction the current governor is taking. Well informed and capable.
DFR - Any chance we will see any Avengers movie related surprises at ACC?
J.B. - Hmmmm.....
- Admiral Duke
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