In the 1960s, comic book collectors were viewed as misfits and were frequently the object of ridicule. Today, of course, they are viewed more like shrewd investors.

In 1967 in Oklahoma City, a small group of misfits – but otherwise shrewd investors – met for the first time to share their passion for comics, classic movies, big little books, pulp magazines, science fiction, vintage toys, old time radio shows, and other rare relics from the golden age of childhood.

On October 3 and 4 from 10am to 7pm daily, the oldest club of its kind in Oklahoma will host its 41st Anniversary Vintage Comics & Collectibles Show at the Biltmore Hotel, 401 S. Meridian in Oklahoma City. Public admission is a nostalgic $5 for both days.

“More than 50 dealer’s tables piled high with comic collectibles and other childhood treasures will be for sale. Dealers coming from coast-to-coast will be mainly offering comic books and collectibles made before 1980. If you enjoy vintage items like movie posters, paperbacks, series books, sheet music, this show is for you. Former club members and long-time fans from across the country will be in attendance,” said show organizer Bart Bush of Norman.

“Many club members and our closest collecting associates have gone on to write and publish the definitive histories of America’s golden era of popular culture and will be at the show to share their vast knowledge with other fans,” Bush said.

Prominent collectors and fans who are expected to attend the show include:

Bill Schelly – author of “The Golden Age of Comic Fandom”, “Sense of Wonder: Life in Comic Fandom”, “Words of Wonder: The Life of Otto Binder” and the biography of silent film comedian Harry Langdon.

Craig Yoe – former Jim Henson Productions art director and current CEO of Yoe! Studios, the premier art design house for hundreds of children’s premiums and product packaging. Yoe is also the author of the acclaimed “ARF” comic art book series, “The Art of Mickey Mouse”, “Weird But True Toon Factoids” and much more.

Jerry Weist – former director of comic auctions at Southeby’s Auction House, author of “Ray Bradbury: An Illustrated Life” and numerous other writings on science fiction and comic book history.

Russ Cochran – Original Comic & Fantasy Art collector since 1966. Publisher of the E.C. Comics of the 1950’s in hardback editions, and many other books, portfolios, and comics. Russ will be offering his new book., Hopalong Cassidy : An American Legend by Grace Boyd and Michael Cochran and his new Comic Art catalog.

Richard D. Olsen and Bob Beerbohm – leading experts on the early history of the comics, as well as regular Victorian & Platinum Age writers for the Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide.

Michelle Nolan author of “Love on the Racks: A History of American Romance Comics”.

Michael Vance – author of “Forbidden Adventures: The History of the American Comics Group” and director of the Oklahoma Cartoonist Collection. His comic book writing credits include: Straw Men, Angel of Death, Adventures of Captain Nemo and more.
R. A. Jones – comic book writer including Scimidar, Protectors, Dark Wolf and others.

Larry Latham – former animator on Disney's “Talespin” series and long-time cartoon director at Hanna Barbera Productions.

John Wooley – horror genre and comic book author, as well as “Fangoria” magazine columnist and pulp historian. Not to mention founding member of the Oklahoma club.

Brett Weiss – author of “Classic Home Video Games 1972-84".

Rick Kelsey – Full time freelance writer of popular culture features.

Steven Fears – DC war comics historian.

The Oklahoma Alliance of Fans (also known as OAF) was formed in 1967 and sponsored dozens of collector’s conventions and comic-related events in the 1970s and 80s. The 41st Anniversary Vintage Comics & Collectibles Show is their first formal convention in more than 20 years.

“This is not your typical modern day comic book convention,” Bush said. “Rather, it is a unique throwback to the early era of comic book and nostalgia shows where fans and collectors got together in the spirit of friendship to share their love of collecting.