'Kung-Fu Legume' in development as animated series and other Oklahoma comics updates
Michael Adams' comic-book bean with martial arts skills is underway as an animated property, according to a Deadline report
Oklahoma’s comic-book creators are staying busy, with lots of upcoming news, notes, and debuts. We start this week’s column with the announcement of an animated series for a property from an Oklahoma creator!
Kung-Fu Legume optioned for animation!
Oklahoma City comic creator Michael Adams, creator of “Kung-Fu Legume,” recently reported that his series from Keenspot is in development for an animated series.
The announcement comes via Deadline.
Emmy-nominated Richard Pursel from “SpongeBob SquarePants” is currently attached as showrunner for Keenspot’s animated series “Kung Fu Legume.”
The comic book asks, what happens when a can of beans is jettisoned into space, bombarded by TV transmissions from the Kung Fu Network, then struck by lightning while hurtling to Earth? It’s kung-fu action with a superpowered bean in this comedic adventure from Keenspot.
Oklahoma comic creators on TV
Oklahoma comic book creators including Jerry Bennett, Charles Martin and Breyden Boyd will be featured on Gallery America at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 6 on OETA, Oklahoma’s PBS station. It will also be live-streamed on the website at https://videos.oeta.tv/show/gallery-america/
According to the website, OETA’s Emmy award-winning “Gallery America” series brings you the best in the arts from Oklahoma and around the nation. The show is dedicated to showcasing Oklahoma’s visual and performing talents and culture.
Route 66 racers
Martin’s return to Kickstarter is imminent, working with artists Don Rosencrans and Rhiya Shepherd on “Bastard Children of Route 66.” The book is described as follows:
“When self-driving cars turn on humanity, a group of punk rock, hot rod heroes fight back.”
Find out more about the series on its Kickstarter page prior to its official crowdfunding launch.
OAFCon coming in September
OAFCon 2023 is coming September 16-17, 2023, at the Embassy Suites in Norman, Oklahoma. The hotel room block is open for reservations. Show director Peter Purin indicates via the OAF Facebook page that those wishing to reserve tables should contact him soon at oafcon@gmail.com.
A previous note on the OAFCon page indicates that the OAF organization, frequently called the Oklahoma Alliance of Fans, is returning to its original name, “Oklahoma Alliance of Fandoms.”
“The term has become much more widely used and allows us the opportunity to again allow OAF to expand to related fandoms such as vintage toys, movie posters, and other great collectibles. This being said, we have no intention of changing OAF to become a pop culture show, but will keep the vintage vibe we have become known for, while also trying to expand to a more national presence, particularly through advertising,” Purin wrote via the Facebook page.
More info: oafcon.net
Tulsa Comic Swap set for Father’s Day
Adams of “Kung-Fu Legume” is among the headliners of the first edition of the “Tulsa Comic Swap,” set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Father’s Day, June 18, at the Glenpool Conference Center Foyer, 12205 S Yukon Ave, Glenpool, Oklahoma.
Brad Ashworth and Jason Sears are also featured artists for the show.
The show’s focus is solely on comics and comic-book creators.
“Just to be clear, the tables are only for comics and artists,” organizer Nick Goltra said via Facebook. “We won't have toys, pops, cards, etc. Thank you for keeping it comics and artists.”
More info at the Facebook event page.
Are you a comic creator or show promoter with an upcoming story, project or event? Feel free to contact me with more information!
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.