Planet Comicon producer Christopher Jackson discusses his love of space missions, scuba diving and more in The Pitch questionnaire

Name: Christopher Jackson

Occupation: Pop-culture and comic-book convention producer and organizer, including Kansas City’s Planet Comicon, the biggest and best pop-culture extravaganza in Kansas City. Also, a comic-book and related–pop culture collectibles dealer.

Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa

Current neighborhood: Johnson County

What I do: Longtime comics collector. Made my hobby my business, dealing in comics and collectibles, and creating an event where like-minded fans can enjoy these shared interests.

What’s your addiction? Scuba diving in the warm waters of the Caribbean. I first took up scuba diving in the 1980s and found it to be the closest that one can get to flying. It is so peaceful, and there is such beauty in the reefs of the world.

What’s your game? No-limit Texas hold ’em poker, the 1-2 no-limit game. I have not progressed to higher stakes.

What’s your drink? Skim milk. I am usually the designated driver.

Where’s dinner? Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue! Their crown prime beef ribs are amazing, and did I hear someone mention “cheesy corn”?

What’s on your KC postcard? The view of downtown KC glowing at night with the Bartle Hall pylons, Union Station, and an underrated skyline.

Finish this sentence: “Kansas City got it right when …” It started supporting activities such as First Friday and the various arts festivals. The arts scene in Kansas City is truly special.

“Kansas City screwed up when …” It engaged in the “economic border war,” which pulled companies back and forth across the state line at the cost of millions of taxpayer dollars in tax incentives, often without really bringing new jobs to the area.

“Kansas City needs …” To continue to spread the word about its great attractions and what an appealing place it is to visit. This is an all-star city, and more people need to know about it.

“In five years, I’ll be …” Scuba diving on wrecks off Pulau.

“I always laugh at …” Two and a Half Men. It’s a guilty pleasure.

“I’ve been known to binge-watch …” Homeland. There is always a surprising plot twist that grabs my attention.

“I can’t stop listening to …” Recordings of old radio dramas, such as The Shadow, Superman, Flash Gordon, Batman, X Minus One and so many others. There are a lot of fun, gripping and sometmes campy stories.

“I just read …” Apollo 12: On the Ocean of Storms, by David M. Harland, a detailed history of the flight of Apollo 12, the second lunar-landing mission. I am a bit of a manned-space-flight enthusiast, particularly the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs.

The best advice I ever got: My mother told me to do what I enjoy in life. It goes so quickly.

Worst advice: “When choosing a career, be sure it is one that will provide big dollars.” I was given that advice years ago. I’ve found it more important to take something you enjoy and find a way for that to provide a living. Planet Comicon is a labor of love, but it’s truly a special event.

My sidekick: My friend John, in Burbank, California, whom I have known for 30 years.

My dating triumph/tragedy: Meeting my girlfriend, Sidne, at a comic-book/pop-culture convention in Los Angeles in 1990 — and we are still together. Not every comic-book enthusiast is lucky enough to find his or her significant other who shares the same interests.

My brush with fame: Having the privilege to have met eight of the 12 Apollo astronauts who walked on the moon.

My 140-character soapbox: Planet Comicon isn’t just nerds. The entertainment is endless. It’s a real world, full of the characters and scenes we’ve grown up loving. Superheroes, comics, props, storytellers, movies, TV shows. It really is for everyone.

What was the last thing you had to apologize for? To my girlfriend when I had to spend all of Valentine’s Day 2015 working to get ready for Planet Comicon.

Who’s sorry now? Everyone who has not made plans to attend Planet Comicon 2015!

My recent triumph: Reaching the 25th anniversary with my lady in 2015. We are almost there, just another few months!

Planet Comicon is March 13-15 at Bartle Hall. Featured guests include Cary Elwes, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Scott Wilson and many more.