I’m pleased to announce our official moderator for the guest panels at this year’s Christmas Comic Con 2 – a true gentlemen, scholar, illustrator, painter, published poet/ writer and dyed-in-the-wool comic book fan.

A graduate of the University of Windsor with a B.A. in Fine Arts and a Master of Education, this man taught locally at the elementary and secondary school level for 41 years, including 16 as head consultant for a math and science curriculum department.

In addition, he was also one of the founders and first president of the Windsor Essex County Comic Collectors Club (WECCCC, est.1985) where, as a volunteer, he served as instructor and mentor to attendees of all ages at the Windsor Public Library by presenting segments on the history of the medium; examinations of the themes held within; and the publication of a newsletter made-up entirely of club member contributions (including those of a young Mike Michalski). In addition, the club also organized trips to various animation festivals and area comic book conventions.

His painted works have exhibited locally, he is a member of several poetry groups, and has also published Zapped by Design, Zithered by Wit – a collection of 160 poems that likewise includes 60 of his own illustrations.

A confirmed bibliophile and pop-culture buff, ladies and gentlemen, with great pleasure, I announce as our moderator, Mr. Roy James.