Friend Encounters: Nic Nemeth and Michael Kingston

What do you get when you combine a wrestling fan with a lot of creativity and talent? One correct answer is Michael Kingston of Headlocked Comics.

I have known Michael for many years now, having first seen him at a comic con about 10 years ago. I have seen him many times since, but more important are the hundreds of other cons he has worked. The man is one of the hardest working folks on the comic con scene and it is paying off for him.

Years ago, Michael was frustrated with wrestling comics. They were unrealistic to him. Instead of griping, Michael was proactive and created his own. It was so well-done and well-received by fans and wrestlers, he quickly gained a following. He also gained contributors, but not just any folks. Wrestlers came to him to be part of this. Talented artist-wrestlers like Jerry "The King" Lawler started doing artwork for the comics. Lawler was followed by dozens of others. Such was the case when Nic Nemeth joined Michael in Richmond, Virginia in 2024. If you look at Michael's FB page, you will see him with all the big names in wrestling.

I couldn't be happier for him. Michael has worked very hard and earned every bit of success. He has also been very kind with his time for me.

When Michael does comic cons, he usually is not alone. Many times, wrestlers will appear with him. 

Go to headlockedcomic.com for more info on all od Micgael's work. Look for Headlocked Comics and Michael at a comic con near you.

Nic Nemeth and Michael Kingston in Richmond, VA-March 2024.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #781 Ozzy Osbourne & Melissa Reese

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing jerseys. Today is a musical tribute to the Super Bowl teams.

Ozzy Osbourne was a musical legend. Born in England, he performed for more than 55 years until his death last year. His Crazy Train has been used for two decades as the into for the New England Patiots. That explains the Patriots jersey. The #1 might be for a player, but I'll bet it is a tribute to Ozzy. In either case, he gets an old school Celebrity Jersey Card.

Born in Seattle, Washington, Melissa Reese has been performing since she was a todler. She started writing music when she was 12 and is currently with Guns N' Roses. Reese earned her Celebrity Jersey Card while singing the anthem at a Seahawks game. She has been known to dye her hair and obviously here she matches the Seahawks colors.

Cards That Never Were: Walter Payton Topps 1988

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

With the Super Bowl tomorrow, I am honoring the player who helped bring the only Chicago Bears Super Bowl win in my life. On a team of legends and characters, he was one of a kind.

The Bears selected Walter Payton with the fourth pick in the 1975 NFL draft. He went on to a Hall of Fame career. He is arguably one of the greatest Bears, but also one fo the best in the NFL, certainly among running backs. Water could do it all. In addition to rushing for 16,726 yards (then a record), he had 4,538 receiving yards and threw for eight TDs, going 11-34 passing. He also punted once for 39 yards. For his efforts, Topps gave Sweetness cards 1976-87, leaving him without a career-capper card. He did have a special Record Breaker card in the '88 set, but especially players like Payton deserve a final card.

That led me to create one for Payton. I am surprised i haven't seen others, since so many talented folks are so productive. In any case, here is a final card for the greatest!

Rachael Adams at Motor City Comic Con 2013

Rachael Adams was one of my first interviews at Motor City Comic Con. A model, actress, spokesperson and more, Rachael was Ms. Michigan America 2015.

Full of positive energy and very engaging Rachael was a great comic con guest and perfect for an interview. I was a bit green, but Rachael was smooth and carried it. 

I saw Rachael a couple more times, but that has been it. I probably haven't seen her since 2015 or so. I have looked for her online. I don't see much. Maybe she opted for a quieter life outside the spotlight.

To me though, Rachael is one of the cool memories, especially from my early days of covering events. She easily could have snubbed me, but she gave me plenty of her time. As a local celebrity, Rachael was very popular at MCCC.

Experiences like those with Rachael gave me the confidence to keep going. Those interviews, although shaky on my part, allowed me to gat comfortable and learn. I will always be grateful to Rachael for her kindness and patience.

Wherever she is, I hope she is doing well. If Rachael happens to see this or if anyone knows of her, please send an update. I would love to know what she is doing these days.

The next MCCC is May 15-17. Go to MotorCityComicCon.com for more info and follow MCCC on Facebook for more frequent updates.

Rachael Adams and me in Novi, MI-May 2013.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #780 Chelsea Green & Jackie Redmond

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create digital cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys. In honor of the Winter Olympics, I feature two ladies repping their country.

Born in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Chelsea Green rose to fame in pro wrestling. Currently in the WWE, she won titles wherever she has gone. A noted sports fan, she often wears jerseys or jersey-like outfits. I was surprised to see her sporting a Team USA jersey instead of the Canada one, but I'll take it for a Celebrity Jersey Card. Green only needs a football jersey pic to complete her grand slam of Celebrity Jersey Cards.

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, Jackie Redmond is a broadcaster currently with the WWE. She also covers the NHL. She is a big fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and I'll be looking for a pic of her in a Leafs sweater to give her a Celebrity Jersey Card. For now, shhe gets a special edition Olympics Celebrity Jersey Card.

Moses the Black

At the invite of Pickwick Theater owner and longtime friend Dino Vlahakis, I met my pals, Chuck and Cuzz to attend opening night of Moses the Black. It seemed especially fitting since February is Black History Month. My full recap is at Moses the Black on Global Traveler.

Moses the Black is the story of a modern-day Chicago gangster who begins to have visions of fourth century Saint Moses the Black. The rest of the movie is his inner battle.

It is a dark movie in tone and production. It is not always an easy movie to watch. None of that is meant as a negative. It is extremely well done from every aspect. It is a very powerful film. While most of us have not done gangster acts, nor do we see visions of saints, we all have doubts and struggles with our actions.

Chuck, Cuzz and me in Park Ridge, IL-January 2026.

Happy Anniversary Global Traveler

In February 2004, Global Traveler published its first issue. As it enters its 23rd year, GT is as strong as ever.

The picture below was taken at last year's GT Tested Readers Survey awards. It's one of GTs annual events and also serves as a bit of an anniversary party. While there are several longtime GT folks, Publisher Fran Gallagher and I are the only originals. Actually, I am a bit surprised at the longevity of several folks. At least four others have been at GT for at least 15 years. That speaks of their commitment and also of the working environment.

It all started and stays with Fran. In 1984m when I met the then-goofball, little did I realize we would still be friends 42 years later, while working for him for the last 22.

It's been a fun ride. I have gone to places, met people and experienced things I never would have with Fran and GT. The few bumps along the way are minimal and far outweighed by the good times.

Happy anniversary GT, Fran and the whole staff. Thank you for so much fun..

The GT Team in Coral Gables, FL-December 2025.

Friend Encounters: Patricia Kara and Tony

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

My pal Tony has heard me talk of Patricia Kara on many occasions. He has heard the stories of my interviews and seeing her at a book signing. When I saw she was doing another book stop, I asked for his interest and of course, he was up for the experience. Little did we know how surreal the night would be.

After we made the trek to Homer Glen, we entered the room filled with Patricia's family, friends and fans. Patricia greeted us and I introduced her to Tony. Then the show was on. Tony and Patricia discovered they grew up near each other and had several mutual friends, despite Patricia being several years younger than us.

As always, Patricia couldn't have been nicer. Despite being surrounded by many folks, she talked to us for a long while and then again as we departed.

Patricia's book Dream On...Now Deliver is billed as a guide to show business, but I maintain it has many lessons and much info on life outside of that field. I recommend it for all.

Tony and Patricia Kara in Homer Glen, IL-June 2025.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #779 Caleb Williams & Jill Pizzotti

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create digital trading cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys. Today, I celebrate the Chicago Bears, who are out of the playoffs, but had an unbelievable season.

The Bears success started with two men. In addition to new head coach Ben Johnson, quarterback Caleb Williams led the team to an amazing season. In his rookie season, Williams showed flashes of brilliance, but suffered through a 4-13 season. Williams wasn't helped by bad coaching and a thin roster. That changed this season, as Johnson brought a new attitude and new players bolstered the team. Williams set the club's passing yards record and looks to be the star of the future. Williams earned his Celebrity Jersey Card at a Chicago Blackhawks game he attended with Cubs star Pete Crow Armstrong.

Born in Lombard, Illinois, Jill Pizzotti played basketball at Southeast Missouri State. She started her coaching career there upon graduation. Pizzotti had several coaching jobs, including as an assistant at DePaul, before being named women's basketball head coach last season. Coach Pizzotti supported the Chicago Bears during their playoff run by donning a jersey during a Blue Demons game.

Introducing Gwyneth Philips of the PWHL

Late last year, I got my first live taste of women's pro hockey, courtesy of the Professional Women's Hockey League. The Minnesota Frost played the Ottawa Charge in Rosemont (Chicago) as part of the Takeover Tour, designed to test markets and gain exposure.

On Saturday, I got to chat with Charge player Gwyneth Philips. A goalie, Philips starred at Northeastern University in Massachusetts. She compiled a record of 70-15 with 4 overtime losses. Philips earned several awards and accolades, including WHCA National Goalie of the Year in 2023.

With the Charge last season, she went 8-5-1.This season, the Charge are struggling in last place. In nine games, she has a solid 2.32 goals against average. That's third best for regular goalies.

Just finished with an exhausting practice, Philips was in great spirits. It probably helped to see so many fans wanting to meet the players, although it meant more time. Still, these are the folks who support PWHL and the players could not have been nicer.

The PWHL has eight teams. Fans filled the arena for the Rosemont games. I think Chicago will eventually get a team. I am hoping for next season though.

Go to thepwhl.com for more info on the league. Check back here for my recurring coverage, which will increase when the league expands to Chicago.

Gwyneth Philips and me in Rosemont, IL-December 2025.