'Antarctica' expands to ongoing; new silent auction at Speeding Bullet

Midweek update: Image series expands and more comic-book notes

The sci-fi adventure series Antarctica is expanding to an ongoing series, according to a news release from Image Comics. 

The Top Cow Productions series is written by Simon Birks and drawn by Willi Roberts. The letterer is Lyndon White.  The series, originally scheduled for five issues, has been expanded to an ongoing series.

Image Comics’ description of the first issue of the series follows: 

Hannah's life imploded the day her father failed to return from the secretive Smith-Petersen Research Station in Antarctica. Alone and on the street she's at her lowest ebb when a friend offers help. Retrained as an engineer Hannah secures a job at the same Antarctic station to search for her father and stumbles headfirst into a conspiracy that threatens everything she's ever believed.

“From the beginning, Top Cow has been known to be a boutique art shop, and Antarctica certainly fits what Marc Silvestri intended back in the '90s…to support creators who take a gamble on their own creations and make comics that take readers to a place that they never knew that they wanted to go," said Matt Hawkins, President at Top Cow, in the release. "Simon Birks, Willi Roberts, and Lyndon White are shining examples, and no wonder the fans and critics responded.” 

The first two issues are available now. Issue #3 is set for Sept. 20 release, with #4 and #5 set for October and November.  

Antarctica #6 Cover A by Willi Roberts and Antarctica #6 Cover B by Lyndon White is set for a Dec. 13 release. 

Silent auction kicking off at Speeding Bullet 

Many of you loved the silent auctions we ran when Annette campaigned for the Norman School Board. So we are bringing one back this week!

Rachel is organizing the auction, and some proceeds will go to Rachel's educational expenses as she studies to be a social worker! Come by the store at 614 N. Porter Ave. in Norman, Oklahoma, and bid in the "Expanse" area near the Marvel Comics shelf! Bids begin at 10 a.m. Sept. 6 and end at 7 p.m. Sept. 13!

Save the date for Batman Day!

Batman Day returns on Saturday, September 16, and Speeding Bullet Comics will celebrate with promotional comics, exclusive items for sale, the high-profile debut of a hotly anticipated DC Black Label series, and special giveaways! We also expect a special edition of the "Batman '89" hardcover.

Following the Bat-sales at Speeding Bullet, head to the after-Bat-party hosted by Christophe at NCom Cyberhall, 914 W Main here in Norman, Oklahoma!

OAFCon returning to Norman

The nostalgia-styled OAFCon, one of the oldest comic conventions in the United States, makes its 2023 return to Norman.

The show will be held 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 17 at the Embassy Suites in Norman, Oklahoma.

OAFCon features comic books, fantasy art, toys, movie posters, old-time radio memorabilia, and more. The show is known for its focus on vintage collectibles and is often a place where comic fans can see rare and expensive comics and related items in person.

Admission is $10; $5 for members of the Oklahoma Alliance of Fans. 

 Kids 10 and under are free.

Matthew Price, matthew@matthewlprice.com, has written about the comics industry for more than two decades. He is the co-owner of Speeding Bullet Comics in Norman, Oklahoma.