This will be the first time Johns has come to Norman. In fact, it's the first time he's stopped in Oklahoma for anything other than a quick bite.

"I've been through Oklahoma before, but never to Oklahoma," Johns said. "I think I had lunch in Oklahoma City when I was on my way out to L.A. the first time. I really look forward to seeing town and seeing a lot of the people out there, and seeing Tulsa, too."

Johns also will participate in a charity dinner for the Christopher Reeve Foundation Saturday from 8 to 10 p.m. There are 10 seats at the dinner, with six remaining as of press time, for a $200 donation to the foundation. All money raised will be given to the charity, one Johns strongly believes in.

"We wanted to do something special and important while we were in town," Johns said. "We're working with Dick (Donner) right now, and the Christopher Reeve Foundation is great because it means a lot to Dick, as did Chris.

"I had the pleasure of having lunch with (Reeve) at one point with Dick up in Santa Barbara about six months before he died. It was great, and anything we can do to help out a good cause is great."

For a town Norman's size, having three successful comic shops is a bit of an aberration. But it shows the popularity of the medium here. With OU in the middle of town, Johns' visit is sure to be a packed event.

And if fans don't have anything to sign, don't worry. Speeding Bullet ordered 400 copies of the Johns-Donner "Action Comics."

"It's going to be fun," Johns said. "I'm excited about seeing OU. I've never seen OU, and I get to on this trip."

Jeff Johncox 366-3528 jeff.johncox@gmail.com