Memphis Comics Expo 9/24/2022 - Fozzie!

Celebrating Jim Henson's birthday on September 24, 2022, the same day as Memphis Comics Expo, I dressed in my green Jim Henson Boyhood Museum t-shirt, topped off by a Kermit cap, and my Kermit limited edition Reeboks.  But, I took my Fozzie Bear replica along with me who, in the spirit of cosplay, was dressed in a Superman t-shirt and cape!

Several folks who know him asked where Muley was (at home, by the way, doing some writing, or drawing).  Still, there were some great smiling faces when they saw Fozzie.

I went with Martheus and Anakin Wade, Janet Wade's sister Sharon Dumer and her two kids Mara and Aayla, and of course Fozzie.  See the episode of Wade's World below at the 16 minute mark for Martheus' interview with Fozzie.

Photo by Lin Workman

In the video, he also interviews cartoonists Greg Cravens and Mike Norton.

Photo by Nicki Workman

Upon entering we ran into Deadpool with photos taken by harvtography.

Over at the Cause-Play Memphis booth, we ran into our good friends Garrett and Nikkie Dunnewold

Photo by Garrett Dunnewold

And ran into our friend Derrick Patterson, pictured here with Kermit and Peter Prankster of Tik Tok.

Photo by Derrick Patterson

Click the following images to see the photo's owners:

MuleyVerse Exhibition: Muley Through The Years

In 2018, Muley the Mule and Friends hosted a show produced by Joel Chapman called "The Congo Cabaret: That's Entertainment!" to raise money for the Food Ministry of First Congo of Memphis.  As part of the show, there was a display of MuleyVerse stuff.  Here is a re-cap of that exhibit with the descriptions from the cards you see in front of the exhibited pieces in the photos.

MULEY: THROUGH THE AGES EXHIBIT

Please check out this display of somewhat rare Muley memorabilia.

Then, look around behind it to the Food Pantry, which your ticket helps support tonight!

Inspired by friends and church family, the live "Muley and Friends Show" from conventions in years' past made a debut on television.  "Millionaire Magazines" explained how to help properly, while "Easter Eggheads" explained why not to eat all your candy at once, and also about the resurrection.

After many years of appearing at the Superman Celebration in Metropolis, IL, a decision was made to create an alter-ego for Muley, that of SuperMule!  The "M" logo is based on the shape of Muley's ears, while the suit is the reverse colors of Superman.  To great audience glee, "SuperMule and the Cookie Caper" made it's debut in Metropolis!

Muley is seen flying high above the Food Pantry in his SuperMule uniform, which is based on his personality: blue briefs, blue towel cape, red pajamas, and blue canvas sneakers. The uniform of all great crime fighters.

Muley version 2.5, body constructed circa 2000, an upgrade around 2002.  This version of Muley went along on a Carnival Cruise, and participated in Guest Talent Night singing "Soul Mule."  Also shown is the award he won!

ORIGINAL MULEY CAST

To coincide with his original creation date, the first Muley puppet was constructed on January 1, 1990, followed soon by Missy Mule in the same year.

Buford the Dog was originally created for a church puppet team, but was purchased and added to the MuleyVerse.  Here, you see the original, and Buford version 2.0.

In late 1979, Kevin L. Williams created a character that, on January 1, 1980, would be named Muley the Mule.  This page is the earliest (third) drawing of Muley.  In front is a Sculpey Muley statue made in 1989.

Fan art happens to be one of our greatest treasures.

A Christmas Ball by Angela Williams.

A Pez Dispenser by Lin Workman.

And a Muley Sketch Card by Missy Mule's Assistant, Janet Wade, and her son, Anakin!

Muley's original life was in comics.  Here, you see the cover of 2007's collection of "Muley's Comix and Stories"  This full color comic book collected over 30 comic strips and 3 comic stories, including Muley's biography.

Muley's pet charity is The Ronald McDonald House of Memphis.  He has not only helped host many fund-raising events over the years, but was named the "Official Spokes-Mule."  His certificate and an award are on display here, along with a photo taken at a charity art show.

On display here are the front and back covers of a coloring book based on another highly acclaimed show, "Muley's Talent(less) Revue," which featured his friends and other characters from the MuleyVerse of puppets in their quest to win the talent revue.  Nobody won.  It was a draw.

Over the years, Muley has had the opportunity to meet some heroes.  In 2008, Muley was invited to speak at the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, CA where he was able to meet Jeannie Schulz, wife of "Peanuts" creator, Charles Schulz.  (Oh, yeah, Kevin was there, too.)

Meeting other great heroes have been a huge joy for Muley.  In this photo, from September 2015, Muley is pictured with Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch performer, Carrol Spinney, and his wife Debra.  There was a brief conversation between Muley and the spirit-voice of Big Bird.  (Oh, yeah, Kevin was there, too.)

(Will post this photo when/if we find it...)

The Moanful Missy

By Mulinardo di Pinchy

Prismacolor on Black Construction Paper.

c. 1989

On Loan from the Loo Museum

Loo Loo, Skip to the Loo, My Darling.

The Art of the Process

This display exhibits the work that is done in the sequence prior to the creation of the final comic strip. The original note pad notes of the comic strip idea.  Pencils to work out the comic strip idea, and a sketch of Muley and Calvin Cow from behind. 

Below, the finished comic strip, ink on bristol.