Update: At the panel, producer/writer Michael Uslan announced that he has entered a deal with Huayi Brothers Media in China for T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents film and television productions. The first film aims for a 2018 release, currently scripted by Ben Lustig and Jake Thornton.
This week New York Comic Con gets underway, and though we can’t be there, that won’t stop us from highlighting interesting activities. And this is a big one. On Saturday, October 10, luminaries gather to honor the 50th Anniversary of T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents. Looking at what organizations will be sending panelists, and it’s not your ordinary convention panel. My first assumption was “oh, they’re going to announce a movie” (PURE SPECULATION ON MY PART), but with people from UNICEF and the U.N. also appearing — it’s something bigger than that, and charitable as well. Still, a movie would be cool, but it looks like this panel just might be about (say it with me) using your powers only for good.
T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents, the landmark comic featuring the first truly international super hero group, celebrates its 50th Anniversary with a series of special announcements and groundbreaking news from respected Batman franchise Executive Producer Michael Uslan, Huayi Brothers Media Corporation, CEA Group, IDW, UNICEF and the United Nations during a Saturday, October 10 panel at New York Comic Con.
After 50 years of protecting the globe, The Higher United Nations Defense Enforcement Reserves (aka T.H.U.N.D.E.R.) Agents still stands as the first and only truly international comic book super hero group set up to work for the United Nations. Brought to life in 1965 by comic book legend Wally Wood, T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents has been blessed throughout its first half-century with some of the finest artists in the industry, including Steve Ditko, Gil Kane, Mike Sekowsky and Dave Cockrum. T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents’ message of global peace, teamwork and unity has even greater significance in today’s international climate.
Panelists for the T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents celebration – which will be held in Room 1A24 of the Javits Center from 1:45-2:45pm – include Michael Uslan and fellow producer David Uslan; Olav Kjørven, Director of Public Partnerships, UNICEF; Maher Nasser, Director of the Outreach Division, United Nations; Sean Southey, CEO, PCI Media Impact; IDW President Greg Goldstein; renowned comic artist Bob Layton; screenwriters Ben Lustig & Jake Thornton; and surprise appearances by notable luminaries from the realms of comics and world relations.
The panel will spotlight the history of T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents, and some exciting special announcements regarding the ever-expanding future of the franchise. In addition, the panelists will unveil new details of the benevolent United Nations/UNICEF initiative, “Comics Uniting Nations,” a partnership with non-profit organization Reading With Pictures to develop comics that illustrate the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, and includes IDW Publishing’s participation throughout the world.
All fans attending the panel will receive exclusive T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents gifts.
