COMIC CON INTERNATIONAL - SAT. JULY 28, 2007
“Bionic Woman” exclusive pilot screening - Screening and hosted panel of the reworked TV series “The Bionic Woman.” Honestly, this didn't look overly promising. I don't remember even how long the original series lasted, but I'm sure it was less than the male counterpart.
“Meet The Press” - panel about writing about comics. A course on comic book journalism. We thought about going, but then remembered that we already know everything. <snicker>
“Animation Writers Caucus: Censorship In Animation” - An enlightening panel about censorship in animation. What can be said, can't be said, and why. Of course, I couldn't help a schoolboy snicker in thinking about the word “CAUCus” used in a panel about censorship. But, that's just immature me.
“Spirituality In Comics” - an interesting opposite side of comics from the previous panel (held at the same time) concerning spiritual themes in comic books.
“Comic Con Film School 103: Working With Actors And Crew” - As a filmmaker myself, my first thought was “Good luck!” Then the panel got informative.
“Cartoon Voices I” - Although not the voice-over seminar that was audience participation in training, this did provide an interesting look into the talent involved in doing voice talent. This featured such talents as Neil Ross, Wally Wingert, Kathy Garver, Will Ryan, Chris Edgerly, and Joe Alaskey.
Rogue/Focus Studios film previews - A great panel of actors and film, that was mostly humorous. (director) Robert Ben Garant, (writer/actor) Tom Lennon, and (actor) Dan Fogler talking about “Balls Of Fury.” Tom provided hilarity appearing in his (very gay, as the panel pointed out) outfit from the film (think biking shorts, German accent, and flamboyant mannerisms), while acting legend James Fong came out as well - going on about “Big Trouble In Little China.” James was quite amusing as well. What made the Q&A even funnier were the “plants” in the audience during the questions portion. The next film up was “The Strangers,” which featured a very popular Liv Tyler, along with Scott Speedman, and writer/director Bryan Bertino to discuss the film. The final film was “Doomsday,” which had director Neil Marshall, and actress Rhona Mitra onhand to talk about it. We left halfway through as it just felt way too much like “28 Days Later,” “Mad Max” and any of the more recent “... Of The Living Dead” films. Didn't catch the interest.
Noontime had the Comicbook Artists Guild open call for members. A panel discussed what the guild offers and how it can help talent, and bring everyone together. Depending on one’s views of unions, this was still something to consider.
“Heroes: Exclusive Vol. II” - A rather long roster of cast and creator chatting about the extremely popular “Heroes” TV series. A bit much to even go over, but quite interesting to hear about the show.
“Family Guy” panel - Creator Seth McFarlane and producer David A. Goodman spent an hour of fun with the audience discussing one of the most controversial animated TV shows out there.
“The Darkness Game” - A PS3/Xbox 360 title panel, about the game that is the first to be based on a Top Cow comic book, and is one of the only comic book game titles out today, without a related feature film crossover.
“Futurama” - Matt Groening announced the return of the animated Sci-Fi comedy TV series, and brought together the whole case to chat with the audience. Quite the fan favorite.
“Two Rays: Bradbury and Harryhausen” - Chats and reminiscing with author Ray Bradbury, and famed Sci-Fi filmmaking special effects king Ray Harryhausen.
Marvel Studios film previews - Robert Downey Jr. appears to talk about his upcoming “Iron Man” film, which looks very promising (in the snippets they showed). Also Edward Norton, Liv Tyler (again), Tim Roth, and William Hurt, along with the director and producers, were onhand to talk about the new “The Incredible Hulk” film - which has to be better than the last crap-fest film made on that title.
“Dark Horse Presents: Joss Whedon” - Nothing more to say other than Joss Whedon is a genius, that seems to be under-recognized by the industry, but definitely very noticed by the fans. He discussed future plans, and his projects so far.
“Ellen Forney: I Love Led Zeppelin” - A multimedia show featuring lesbian writer/artist Ellen Forney, narrating her own cartoon clips while giving amusing observations about life. An interesting show from an interesting and engaging artist.
“Too Much Coffee Man: The Opera” - A 45-minute foray into the world of comics, through opera. Creator Shannon Wheeler had put together this rather crafty opera after hearing that it was being done in Italy already (without his knowledge, apparently). The opera consisted of three main characters: TMCM himself played by Stacey Murdock , Too Much Espresso Guy played by Matt Dolphin, and the coffee barista girl, whom TMCM seems to be in love with (although I wasn’t sure if this was supposed to be Mystery Woman), played by Jasmine Presson. The opera was quite entertaining, and ended just when it should have. The songs were nicely performed, accompanied only by a lone piano in the back. Stacey Murdock, in the lead role, has a commanding presence, especially in a piece such as this. I would recommend it for viewing next year, when they will hopefully have a part two.
Comic Con International Masquerade / Party - the infamous Masquerade Ball, as only hosted by Comic Con. This show, although quite large in size, has its moments. Some years are better, some worse, as based on costumes and people involved. This year wasn't the most enticing, although some nice creativity did show through. Host Phil Foglio is always amusing to watch though.
The party that followed had quite the eclectic crowd, with this year’s “thing” being glow ropes that were being spun around in fevered frenzy during the rave-like dancing. Speaking of which, I'm always amused at how this party - being most “family friendly” - seems to attract younger people who act like they're at a real rave party. Kids, trust me, the sodas were not spiked with E. You didn't get any booze. You're not wasted. Stop hoping that you are. Aah, youthful folly. No, honestly, it's not that bad, but the sarcasm does take hold while watching the dancing.
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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