Gumby, the little green slab of clay, is now taking a stab at yet another comeback – and it starts at 6 p.m. in Room 2 with a panel on his current projects by the folks who put together Gumby Comics.
Artist Rick Geary, colorist Steve Oliff, editor Mel Smith are among those who will be discussing the new series of comic books as well as sneak peeks at his plans for 2007 (which may include a run at the presidency).
The first 50 fans who show up dressed as Gumby will get a special gift but here’s a warning: Make sure your cowlick is on the proper side of the head.
That was the problem with the costume worn by Eddie Murphy, and that (along with the foul language) is what caused Gumby creator Art Clokey and his staff to dub Murphy the “Anti-Gumby.”
Meanwhile, tomorrow (July 22) at 11:30 a.m. in Room 5AB, Clokey and his son, Joe Clokey, will be the stars of their own seminar celebrating Gumby’s 50th anniversary and promise a special announcement for fans.
In the meantime, I did some poking around and found some factoids about Gumby and his pony pal Pokey too.
- Clokey based his character’s trademark cowlick, in part, from a high school photograph of his father.
- The cartoon’s classic theme song was written by Sneaky Pete Kleinow, who later joined the pioneering country rock band The Flying Burrito Brothers, whose other members included Gram Parsons and former Byrds bassist (and San Dieguito High alum) Chris Hillman.
- Clokey has long provided the voice of Pokey but Gumby’s voice has been provided by Dal McKennon (who also did the non-singing voice for Archie Andrews on the cartoon show) and Dick Beals, an Escondido resident who is best known as the voice for Davey on Davey and Goliath, and Speedy Alka Seltzer.
Want more? Go to www.gumby.com.
– DAVID MOYE