Alan Tudyk may be one of the nicest guys in movies and television. He’s moving in on that title for comics with the release of Spectrum, the new comic he co-wrote with Con Man executive producer PJ Haarsma. Together with Spectrum editor Shannon Eric Denton, they flew up for a three hour signing event at Illusive Comics and Games in Santa Clara, with proceeds from ticket sales going to benefit the non-profit Parents Helping Parents.
Though Illusive has plenty of Firefly memorabilia, the team were on hand to sign both the Free Comic Book Day edition of Spectrum #0 and blu-ray/DVD copies of [amazon text=Con Man&asin=B01BXA3VWO], the web series created, written, and directed by Tudyk. The dark comedy centers on Tudyk as Wray Nerely, the co-star of a cult science fiction TV series who would like to leave that past behind him. But there’s good money in being beloved on the convention circuit…
That TV series is Spectrum, of which the fabled “lost episode” underpins the last two episodes of Con Man, and sparks the just announced second season, which will be streamed on Comic-Con HQ later this year. In addition, August will see a Con Man game for iOS and Android, and Haarsma promises that eventually, he will be writing novels for Spectrum. But you know, PJ, the comic is doing a pretty good job out of the gate.
Approximately 140 people attended the event, making donations to Parents Helping Parents in exchange for signatures and photos with Tudyk. All told over $1100 were raised for the group, which empowers parents of children with disabilities to secure needed supports and services. (If you’re interested in supporting PHP and having a fun night out, they do have their Mad Hatter Ball coming up on May 21st.)
