COMIC CON INTERNATIONAL - FRI. JULY 27, 2007
“The Art Of Adapting Comics To The Screen” - was a great panel considering the amount of comic book stories now making it onto theatre screens everywhere. We had “Superman” in the late 1970s, and the “Batman” franchise in the 1990s as well (with the better franchise reworked in the 2000s), but now with Marvel in the game, along with some independents, comic book filmmaking is bigger and better than ever. A great panel on what is hopefully going to be a long and prosperous franchise.
Pixar Animation Short Films Collection - A panel hosted by three of Disney/Pixar’s most talented filmmakers - Ralph Eggleston, Andrew Jiminez, and Katherine Sarafian, discussing their most popular short films.
Comic Book Law School 101 - A great introduction to the legalities associated with creative arts and intellectual property (a term heard a lot lately). This is a fantastic series of seminars that teach up and coming creative types how to best protect their interests in this new, faster-paced world. Very informative and a definite “do not miss!”.
Warner Bros. previews - Ed Burns and Shannyn Sossamon hosted a screening of their latest film “One Missed Call.” Kate Beckinsale chatted about her film “Whiteout.” A peek at Steve Carrell’s remake of “Get Smart.” And lastly a look at the new film “Watchmen,” created from the comic book series of the same name.
“She/He Who Understands History Gets To Rewrite It” - an informative panel, featuring several writers, discussing how an appreciation for history and modern events adds and colors such genres as fantasy, Sci-Fi, and alternate realities.
“Stargate SG-1: The Movie” - Sci-Fi Channel’s biggest fan-favorite TV show was already canceled by the time this panel happened, but actors Ben Browder, Amanda Tapping, Michael Shanks, and Christopher Judge appeared to talk about the new film “Ark Of Truth.”
Shortly after was the “Stargate: Atlantis” panel, featuring Amanda once again, along with David Hewlett and the producers of the show.
Joel Silver hosted a panel featuring two of his latest projects, the film “Return To House On Haunted Hill,” and the new TV series, “Moonlight.” Actor Jeffrey Combs, who also appeared later in the weekend, chatted along with actress Cerina Vincent for “Return...”, along with Jason Dohring, Sophia Myles, and Shannyn Sossamon (again) talking about “Moonlight.”
“Spotlight On Neil Gaiman” - One of the most popular writers in both novels and graphic works, Neil chats about his latest projects, including the films, “Beowulf,” “Stardust,” and “Coroline.” And a bit more chat about the making of “Death.” Will that be seen? Who knows.
“Spotlight On Dave Stevens” - The ever-popular artist Dave Stevens talks about his career, and more influentially the 25th anniversary of “The Rocketeer” - the film and comic book series that is still being talked about, and is credited for resurging public interest in 50s pinup icon Bettie Page.
“Doctor Strange” premiere - The premiere screening of the latest Marvel animated film, “Doctor Strange.”
The 19th Annual Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards - What was once an industry-only affair has become a public interest in seeing who won in the comic books industry.
“El Muerto: The Dead One” screening - Infamous black and white indie comic, “El Muerto” finally makes its film presence - featuring “The 70s Show” star Vilmer Valderrama in the lead role. Onhand for the Q&A were creator Javier Hernandez, along with actor Tony Plana, and producer Larry Rattner. I was a bit surprised when Javier stated that “this is perhaps the first black and white indie comic book film made.” (Or he said “best” instead of first.) My comment could only be, apparently he had long forgotten about “The Crow” - which, oddly, also features a regular guy in love, getting killed, and coming back from the dead, in death make-up, to kill the bad guys. But you know, it could be viewed differently. This was based on Mexican culture. Which, to bring up racism in the film industry, is exactly why the studio heads said, “El Muerto” as a title was “too ethnic” and had to be changed to “appeal to a more American audience” (read: white). Oh yes, perhaps there are some bigger issues to tackle during future panels at Comic Con. But we wouldn't want to be unpleasant, would we.
“Spike & Mike” The Gauntlet” - The annual tradition - watching sick and twisted animation short films during Spike & Mike’s special late night showings. This used to be a “must see,” but in recent years has become a “find something else to do” showing. With the exception of a very small amount of cartoons, the majority of the latest offerings in the past couple of years has been, well, pure crap (to put it very kindly). Apparently no one with talent wants to submit crass, humorous short animations anymore. Bring back “No Neck Joe,” “Hut Sluts,” and “Grandpa.” That was humor!
Written by Philip Anderson with contributions by Keith Denison / Perlito Godoy |
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- Stories / Events
- Thurs. July 24
- Fri. July 25
- Sat. July 26
- Sun. July 27
- Comic Con 2008
- Photos
- Interviews:
- Conchita Campbell ("4400")
- Megalyn Echikunwoke ("4400")
- Ira Behr / Craig Sweeney ("4400")
- Jeffrey Combs ("4400" / "Reanimator")
- Rafael Navarro (Artist "Scooby Doo" / "Sonambulo")
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