We hear that Brian K. Vaughan is poised to be the Next Comics Superstar — at New York, you had to have a ticket just to get an autograph with the guy. So take advantage of his availability at this weekend’s WonderCon — there’s even a contest to win a lunch date with the happily-wed Vaughan, so it’s all ILLICIT.

Well, not a “date” exactly, but to support the excellent HERO INITIATIVE, the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need, you can bid on the thrilling opportunity to have a fun-filled lunch with yours truly this Saturday: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300086004504

My wife is convinced that the meal will cost more than the price of the winning bid, so help prove her wrong, won’t you?

Anyway, the big lunch will take place at this weekend’s SAN FRANCISCO WONDERCON, where I’ll be appearing with fellow guests Pia Guerra and Tony Harris. Here’s my action-packed schedule:


***FRIDAY, MARCH 2***

5:00-6:00 – Spotlight on Brian K. Vaughan— One of the most exciting and topical writers working in comics today, WonderCon special guest Brian K. Vaughan’s work includes Ex Machina, Y: The Last Man, and Runaways. His recent graphic novel with artist with artist Niko Henrichon, Pride of Baghdad, garnered praise from both the mainstream and comics press. Brian talks about his work in this special spotlight panel. Room 200

6:00-7:00 – Signing at the DC Booth.

***SATURDAY, MARCH 3***

10:30-11:30 – Signing copies of THE ESCAPISTS with Pulitzer Prize-winning author MICHAEL CHABON at the Dark Horse Comics Booth! Holy crap!

12:00 – Moderately awkward lunch with the “lucky winner” of the Hero Initiative auction.

4:00-5:00 Vertigo: Looking Ahead— With Pride of Baghdad, Fables, the V for Vendetta movie and continued, critical acclaim of monthly books, Vertigo had a 2006 to remember! Come see how 2007 is poised for success with new projects that will amaze you! DC’s John Cunningham, VP—Marketing, and Jonathan Vankin, Editor—Vertigo, talks with Brian K. Vaughan (Y: The Last Man, Ex Machina), Pia Guerra (Y: The Last Man), and others for this look at the world of Vertigo. Room 200

6:00-7:00 – Vaughan, Harris, and Guerra— The American comic book is a collaborative art form, and these three WonderCon special guests exemplify that. Writer Brian K. Vaughan and artist Tony Harris bring us the super-hero political saga, Ex Machina, featuring Mitchell Hundred, formerly known as “The Great Machine,” as the Mayor of New York City. In a world just as startling, but completely different, Brian collaborates with artist Pia Guerra to tell the tale of Y: The Last Man, currently hurtling towards its conclusion. Brian, Pia and Tony talk about their work together in this very special collaborative effort. Room 200

***SUNDAY, MARCH 4***

12:00-1:00 – Signing at the DC Booth

1:00-2:00 – WildStorm/CMX: The Best Is Yet to Come— Join Bob Wayne, VP—Sales, and Ben Abernathy, Editor—WildStorm, to get the inside scoop on what’s upcoming from DC’s wildest imprints. Brian K. Vaughan (Y: The Last Man, Ex Machina), Tony Harris (Ex Machina), Darick Robertson (Texas Chainsaw Massacre) and others share secrets you won’t hear anywhere else! Also, the ever-popular CMX line of manga books, including Gon, Megatokyo, and more is spotlighted here for your pleasure. Room 200