May 23, 2015

‘Superheroes’ at Omaha baseball; next flight to O Comic Con May 29-31

What’s that stirring up the night? Is it a plane? Is it a bird? Is it Superman? Nope, it’s the Omaha Storm Chasers. The Chasers teamed with Omaha Comic con for “Superheroes Night” at Werner Ballpark.

The AAA minor league affiliate of the Kansas City Royals – and the two-time national champion – hosted the Reno Aces in a Pacific Coast League game Friday.

O Comic Con — Omaha Storm Chasers mascots as super heroes

Omaha Comic Con sponsored the evening’s events, which featured people dressed as super heroes. Fans could get pictures taken with them.

Omaha Comic Con’s sponsorship was a preview of the 2015 Omaha Comic Con festival May 29-31 at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs. The three-day event will host autograph sessions, star-hosted panels and people in costume among the many vendors scheduled to participate.

Maybe you’ve heard of the San Diego Comic Con? This is Omaha’s version. Omaha Comic Con has attracted several celebrities and artists to attend.

The headliner – to us, anyway – is Walter Koenig. He played Chekov on the TV and movie series of “Star Trek.” He will headline a Question and Answer panel at 1:30 p.m. Sunday (May 31).

Other celebrities planning to attend include Tara Buck, who portrayed Ginger in HBO’s “True Blood.” She has also appeared in TNT’s “Southland” and FX’s “Justified.” She will headline a Q&A panel at noon Saturday (May 30).

Jamie Bamber has starred in “Battlestar Gallactica” and “Law and Order: UK.” He has also appeared in “NCIS” and “Razzoli and Isles.” He will host a Q&A panel Saturday at 1:30 p.m. (May 30).

Samm Levine, whose filmography includes “NCIS, “”Necessary Roughness” and “Selfie,” will host a Q&A panel at 7 p.m. Friday (May 29).

Comic Con isn’t restricted to actors. Artists will be front and center.

Greg Smallwood was the creator of Marvel’s “Moonlight.”

DC Comics’ artist Phil Hester will attend the festival. He is known for “The Green Arrow.” He will host a Q-and –A session Friday at 1 p.m. (May 29).

Comic Con attendees can take part in a voice acting panel, hosted by Maurice LaMarche and Billy West, both of “Futurama” fame. West voiced the lead “Fry.” LaMarche portrayed “Morbo.” They’ve both done more voice acting, as well.

Cosplay should play a large role during the festival. Fans dress in costumes and portray characters. There are various panels for the cosplay roles, and a contest May 30th, which will judged by some of the best Cosplay performers in the United States.

Omaha native Mike Halac will be on hand. Halac – a former professional wrestler known as Mantaur – has acted in movies, such as “Toxic Tutu” and “Family Property 2: More Blood.”