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WORLAND – Actor and comedian K. Harrison Sweeney, a 1996 graduate and valedictorian of Worland High School (then known as Kevin Schneider), will provide the keynote address at the opening night ceremony for Wyoming's first ever comic book convention, Cheyenne Comic Con, on May 13 in Cheyenne.

Sweeney, fresh from the Austin, Texas, premiere of his latest movie, "In a Valley of Violence," with costars Ethan Hawke and John Travolta, looks forward to returning to Wyoming for the event. "I'm forgoing my usual speaking fees to do the convention," noted Sweeney, "there was no way I was going to miss the state's first Comic Con, so I'm happy to do anything I can to help out."

For Sweeney, the chance to come back to Wyoming and interact with fans (Sweeney is the voice of the character "Irish" in the popular video game "Red Dead Redemption") is also a much needed break from the fast pace of Hollywood. "Man, I love to come back to Wyoming, 'cause I can leave the dark side behind me in LA," said Sweeney. "It gives me a chance to be myself and relax."

Popular in larger cities like Denver, Salt Lake City and Los Angeles, comic book conventions (or "cons") usually feature comic book artists, animators, actors and actresses, and personalities famous in the video game industry. For Phil Mitotes, owner of The Loft Collectibles in Cheyenne and the founder of the state's first Comic Con, Wyoming offers some unique opportunities.

"There has been a real flood of interest in this being held in Wyoming," said Mitotes, "the artists and talent are envisioning it turning into kind of the Sundance of comic cons, it's a bit more intimate than the usual, really big conventions, and offers the stars more time to meet their fans."

For the first year, Mitotes has managed to attract a broad variety of special guests for the convention, from Sweeney and actors Virginia Madsen, Ernie Hudson, Tony Todd and Ryan Hurst, to comic book icons Brent Fairchild, JonBoy Myers, Scott Shaw, and Torrington native John Eaves, now an animator for Marvel comics.

"Our vision was to make this a smaller attraction, so fans can interact with the artists on a smaller level," said Mitotes. "At most of these conventions it's a real cattle-call, where you stand in line forever, get a photo and autograph, and never really get to visit with the celebrities."

The first of its kind for the state, the Cheyenne Comic Con will be held May 13-15 at the Little America Resort in Cheyenne. The convention will feature over two dozen celebrities and vendors from all across the country, plus live entertainment, pro wrestling exhibitions, and panel speakers from the video game and comic industry. Tickets and more information can be found at cheyennecomiccon.com.

"They whole world will be watching this convention," said Sweeney. "It's really going to be a great thing for Wyoming."