SupermanHawaii.com

by Lawrence E. Pacheco

My father had always told me about Buck Rogers when I was a child and had even shown me the serials with Buster Crabbe. I didn't really "get it"; back then and continued with my interests in superheroes and other sci fi characters of the time. Suddenly, in 1979, my dad took me to see an all new Buck Rogers in the 25th Century movie, starring Gil Gerard, at a local theater. From the opening credits down to the final scene, I was captured by it all. Sure it was different than the Buck Rogers of my dad's time, but I loved it. So much so, that I watched the subsequent NBC television series habitually and picked up historical knowledge about the character's roots along the way.

At the 2009 San Diego Comic Con, Gil Gerard (Buck Rogers), Erin Gray (Wilma Deering), and a host of others appeared at a special panel to celebrate character's 80th birthday. It was filled with information, tons of laughs, and interesting stories about the character's history and future.

Nick Barrucci of Dynamite was on-hand to promote the great new Buck Rogers in the 25th Century comicbook series. With an all-star comic industry line-up including writer Scott Beatty, artist Carlos Rafael, colorist Carlos Lopez, and amazing cover artist John Cassaday, this series is sure to please any Buck Rogers fan.

Gil Gerard announced his involvement with the upcoming online Buck Rogers live-action series produced by Cawley Entertainment, Gerard will play the father of the current Buck actor Bobby Quinn Rice. An uproarious applause rose up from the crowd when Erin Gray announced that her very own daughter, Samantha Gray Hissong, will be playing the new Wilma Deering.

When the panel ended, I left reluctantly but had a feeling of warmth come over me. I was thrilled at having met both Gil Gerard and Erin Gray earlier (and having them sign my comic adaption from 1979). I was also proud that not only is Buck Rogers continuing to inspire fans of a new generation, but that veteran actors are asked to still be a part of its legacy the way Buster Crabbe was in the 1979 television series. Buck Rogers became a part of me years ago... and will be a part of me for a long time to come.

Thanks Dad.

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