Nov. 7 sees the second annual Comic Con. We caught up with director Mike Oliveras, and he told us about his own comic book obsession, what artists will be at this year’s event and why he started the Con in the first place.

One of the best things about Tucson is the creative community and, within that community, the more outsider artists. They do art just to do art, and you’ll find nary a kokopelli, unless it’s ironic. Though at this point…not sure if the kokopelli can be read straight, can it?

Ah, we digress. The reason for this post is to get on our soapbox about the Robot Exchange, which happens Sept. 11 at Club Congress. Metromix interviewed the two women behind the art exhibit/dance party/concert/costume-off, and Janessa Bates and Kristina Whitsell have that great, Old Puebloan mix of super casual and super driven. This is their sixth annual Exchange, and, with two stages (one with some robot burlesque), a dance competition and people wandering around in robot costumes, it’s like Christmas (Halloween?) came early this year.

Who knew there would be so much ado about the Fourth Ave. underpass reopening? Granted, it is pretty excited to have Fourth Ave. and downtown reunited once again. We’re sick of having to take the long trek when you can throw a rock and hit your destination but can’t walk or drive it with ease. So, let’s celebrate. Head to Metromix for a roundup of underpass opening events. The festivities span two days, and we’re particularly curious about how the Tucson Tweet Crawl will go; it’s a great, interactive idea, where participants walk from one venue to the next, doing various activities and tweeting about them along the way.

Any group filled with people who work hard to contribute to Tucson culture, we can get behind. The latest to put stars in our eyes are the Arizona Voodoo Kittens. Metromix sat down with two of them—the lovely Karole Anne and Blonde Dynamite!—to chat about their sixth event, Tiki Exotika, at Kon Tiki Aug. 22. Read about the Voodoo Kittens, a group of 36 (and counting) models who love rockabilly and putting on a good party complete with bands and contests. Meet Karole Anne:

The Arizona Voodoo Kitten, as shot by As You Wish Photography

And while that event features two Phoenix bands, the entire week is filled with great touring music. As always, our weekly Tucson concerts feature culls our picks for the week in rock. Or rockabilly. Or hip hop. Or, whatever.

Tucson doesn’t tend to go terribly nuts for Fourth of July. Maybe it’s because we unsure if we’re going to set “A” Mountain on fire, maybe it’s just to damn hot, but there are never so many options that it gets confusing. Still, decisions have to be made, from watching fireworks to watching bands. Head to Metromix, where you can find our roundup of Fourth of July events in Tucson. You’ll also find options for Independence Day dining, from special meals to good deals. And, if you’re making the trek north for the weekend, we’ve included a host of fireworks displays in Phoenix.

Back to the topic of the heat, maybe sinking into one of those recliners at an ice-cold movie theater sounds more enticing? The big film, of course, is “Public Enemies,” which has us reflecting, via photos, about the career paths of co-stars Christian Bale and Johnny Depp and our top 10 favorite movie gangsters. We also have photos from the “Public Enemies” premiere.

It’s hard to believe but, yes, there are other films in theaters now, too. We have quick reviews of “Ice Age,” “Away We Go,” “My Sister’s Keeper” and that robot movie.

As always, the Weekend Hit List corrals a host of fun options. We’ll see you at the Loft’s annual “Team America: World Police” singalong/curse-along.