Heather Antos at Fan Expo 2024

Fan Expo returns to Chicago this Friday through Sunday. As always, I will be "On the Beat" meeting all sorts of celebrities and interesting folks.

After researching the creators in Artist Alley in 2024, I was impressed with the work of Heather Antos. A former assistant editor at Marvel, Heather has done a lot of work on the Star Wars franchise. That alone makes her extremely popular at any convention. I am not a huge Star Wars fan, but I appreciate the legacy it has and Heather is a big part of the comic side of it. She also has worked with Disney, Deadpool and more. Heather is currently Senior Group Editor at IDW Publishing. 

For more info on Fan Expo go to fanexpohq.com. Follow Heather on X to learn more about her and her work. Also, check here for my recurring coverage. 

Heather and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2024.

Friend Encounters: DIBS and Tony

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

I freely admit I am fascinated by mascots. If there is a mascot in my vicinity, I am going to try to get a picture and I usually succeed.

My buddy Tony is different though. Or maybe he isn't. 

Tony jabs me about my obsession with the furry creatures, yet one of his all-time favorite pictures is one I took of him with Squeeze, mascot of the Chicago Dogs minor league baseball team. That's not an exaggeration. If you ever see him, just ask and he will admit it.

Even recently at a DePaul softball game, he saw DePaul mascot DIBS before I did. Pointing him out, he knew I would get a picture with him and I did. Then, Tony asked for one. Aha! Tony doesn't have a website nor a blog. He isn't using this for content. He just wanted a picture with DIBS. I think he is warming up to the costumed critters.

The other funny part is before we started doing a lot of stuff together, Tony probably wouldn't have asked for a picture. He's not timid, but he wasn't very bold in that respect. Now however, I have witnessed Tony asking for pictures of folks on several occasions before I could ask.

So this has been the evolution of Tony. There's also one more part. In the last year or so, he has dropped more than 80 pounds. Some might say I run him ragged, but I can't take credit for this. He did it by himself.

DIBS and Tony in Chicago, IL-April 2026.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #815: Jason Terry & Laurie Hernandez

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys. Today, I continue my season-long alphabetical journey through all Major League Baseball teams.

Born in Seattle, Washington, Jason Terry went on to have an excellent 19-year career in the NBA. After starring at the University of Arizona, he was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks. Five seasons with the Hawks were followed by eight with the Dallas Mavericks. He finished his career with stints with Boston, Brooklyn, Houston and Milwaukee. He was an NBA champ with Dallas and also won the Sixth Man award that season. For his Celebrity Jersey Card, Terry threw out a ceremonial pitch for the Texas Rangers.

A native of Brunswick, New Jersey, Laurie Hernandez is a retired artistic gymnast. She was a member of the U.S. women's gymnastics team that won the team gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics and individually, Hernandez earned the silver medal on the balance beam. Hernandez also won season 23 of Dancing with the Stars in 2016. Hernandez shared her Celebrity Jersey Card with Texas Rangers mascot Captain.

Cards That Never Were: Chuck Hockenbery Topps 1976

Cards That Never Were is a recurring series in which I create virtual trading cards for players missed in various sets. It is a concept I borrowed from far to many folks to list, but I appreciate all of their efforts.

Prior to the 1969 season, pitcher Chuck Hockenbery was signed by the California Angels as an amateur free agent. He made it to the MLB in 1975, which would be his only season in the bigs. He retired after the 1978 season in the California organization. For his lone season, Hockenbery appeared in 16 games, going 0-5 with a 5.27 ERA.

Topps did not give Hockenbery any cards, but Gio of When Topps Had (Base)Balls did. Gio usually beats me to card creations and this was one of the thousands of awesome creations on his site. I chose to feature his instead of trying to duplicate his effort.

Sheryl Steines at Fan Expo 2024

Fan Expo Chicago returns August 14-16. As usual, I will be "On the Beat" all weekend meeting all sorts of interesting folks.

One of the most interesting creators I have met is Sheryl Steines.I interviewed Sheryl one of the first times I met her. That was a typical coverage interview for Wizard World. Since then though, i really became a fan of her work.

At some point I learned her love of writing started with reading Nancy Drew mysteries. As a big fan of The Hardy Boys books (counterparts to Nancy Drew), I certainly could appreciate that.

Sheryl bills her work as urban fantasy and mystery. Her stories are very character-driven. It is easy to get drawn into the characters once we get to know them. Sheryl does a great job with character development. She also tends to focus on strong women characters, but not at the expense of male ones or stories. Again, Sheryl does a wonderful job with balancing all. That is what makes her a fantastic writer.

She is also a very nice person. She always has time to chat with me. I enjoy seeing her at conventions and checking out what is new with her and her work.

One additional impressive part of Sheryl is she is active on social media and is not afraid to express frustration during dry writing spells. Sheryl shows it isn't always easy, but she shows her talent wins in the end.

I don't know if Sheryl will be at Fan Expo this year, but Artist Alley is filled with dozens of creative folks. You can get more info on Fan Expo and fanexpohq.com. Also, check out Sheryl at sherylsteines.com.

Sheryl and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2024.

Ron Kittle at AUSL

At a recent Chicago Bandits softball game, Tony and I were hanging out on the concourse prior to the game, when I saw a familiar face. I don't usually recognize celebrities, but I was pretty sure I saw former Chicago White Sox Rookie of the Year Ron Kittle. Tony looked over and confirmed my belief.

We went over to him and asked for a picture. He could not have been nicer. We ended up talking to him for several minutes. Kittle asked us a few questions about this incarnation of the Bandits, after telling us he was involved in the beginning stages of the original Bandits. 

It turns out it was White Sox Day at the ballpark, although it wasn't really promoted well. Kittle was there to toss a first pitch. He was accompanied by White Sox mascot Southpaw (and you know I got a picture with him, too). The team gave Kittle a jersey. Although it was a legit jersey, much like the ones they sell in the merch shop, the letters and number on the back are funky. I don't know why those aren;t the same as actual player jerseys. I might even buy one if they backs weren't so funny.

Anyway, Kittle threw overhand, but he landed a perfect strike. He also was interviewed between innings.

Meeting Kittle was a pleasant surprise. I actually met him about 30 years ago. In the era before selfies and digital cameras, the guy taking my picture had his thumb blocking most of the image. At least now, I have a great picture with Kittle.

Tony, Ron Kittle and me in Rosemont, IL-July 2026.

Missa Kate "AKA Missa"

I was a big fan of the wrestler Missa Kate. I am an even bigger fan of the person Melissa.

Missa Kate retired from in-ring action much to the disappointment of all of her fans, including me. Missa had no weakness as a wrestler. She was great as a good or bad guy. She was excellent on the mic. She could brawl or mat wrestler.

As she neared 30 years old, Missa decided to walk away from wrestling and move on with her life. Since then, she has popped up online for various social media posts, but nothing major until last week.

Missa posted an incredible video on her YouTube channel. Missa was open, honest and vulnerable as she discussed her recent battles, including depression, a concussion, drinking and more. She also announced she will be working forward on speaking out and helping others. She doesn't exactly know where all of this is going, but she is determined to make a difference. You can watch the video on the Missa Kate YouTube channel.

I already really liked Missa, but I gained a whole new level of respect for her. I really just wanted to give her a big hug or at least a high-five.

Like Melissa, I don't know where this will all go. I know with her, it will go some place positive. I support her efforts and will update all on her future projects.

Missa Kate and me in Indianapolis, IN-March 2026.

Dan Parent at Wizard World 2021

Fan Expo returns to Chicago August 14-16. Of course, I will be "On the Beat" all weekend meeting all sorts of celebrities and interesting creators.

Dan Parent is an artist and writer I met many years ago. Known for his work on the Archie franchise, Dan has done plenty of other work, too. He has done so much great work with Archie that other work gets overshadowed.

With Archie, he introduced Kevin Keller, the first openly gay character in the series. He also has done crossovers with Sharknado and Batman.

With a lot fewer comics in my youth, Archie was one of the most popular. It seems the series got left behind for a while when flashier, more action-packed comics flooded the market. Thanks to folks like Dan though, Archie has regained some steam. At Fan Expo, it is always good to see the attention Dan gets for Archie. This just proves good stories written by talented writers are timeless.

For more info on Fan Expo go to fanexpohq.com. Also, check here for my recurring coverage. Also, follow Dan on Instagram to see his great work.

Dan Parent and me in Rosemont, IL-October 2021.

Friend Encounters: Frankie Torres and Jonathan

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

I met Jonathan many years ago at a Chicago Bandits game. A sports fan in general, he is a big grapher (aka someone who pursues autographs). I can't even guess how many autographs he has. I have seen him post about getting dozens in just one weekend. I don't know if he got an autograph from musician Frankie Torres, but he did finally meet her.

Jonathan moved from the Chicago are to Minnesota a few years ago. After I interviewed Frankie (a musician from Minnesota), I messaged him asking if her heard of her. Coincidentally, he just saw her singing the National Anthem at a sports event. He still had not met her though.

That changed at Frankie's recent performance. No doubt Jonathan dropped my name to get celebrity access (or maybe not lol). Either way, he met the talented Frankie and sent me the picture.

My interview with Frankie is at Talking Travel with Frankie Torres on Global Traveler. While you are there, please subscribe to the channel. Every subscription helps keep the channel growing (and me employed). Also, be sure to go to frankietorresmusic.com for more info on the awesome musician!

Jonathan and Frankie in Minnesota-June 2026.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #814: Zach Banner & Hines Ward

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys. Today, I continue my season-long alphabetical journey through all Major League Baseball teams.

Born in Washington, Zach Banner played for USC before being selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL draft. The offensive lineman was released by the Colts, but signed by the Cleveland Browns for the 2017 season. After one season, the Browns released him, he was claimed and cut by the Carolina Panthers before signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played four seasons with the Steelers and is currently a free agent. He was the first Chamorro (the indigenous people of the Mariana Islands) ever drafted in the NFL. Banner's B3 Foundation supports Black and Brown youth in Tacoma, Los Angeles, and Guam. Banner earned a Celebrity Jersey Card tossing a pitch for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He wore #13, most recently worn by Ke'Bryan Hayes.

Hines Ward was born in Seoul, South Korea, but went on to star at the University of Georgia. He was selected by the Steelers in the third round of the 1988 NFL draft. He made the Pro Bowl four times, was a Super Bowl champ twice and a Super Bowl MVP once in his stellar 14 seasons with the Steelers. He wore his usual #86 when he tossed a first pitch to land on a Celebrity Jersey Card. That number was never worn by any Pirate.