COMIC CON INTERNATIONAL - SAT. JULY 28, 2007
In the morning, we had a meet ‘n’ greet with the cast and producers of “The 4400,” one of the more captivating shows on TV lately. It was an interesting batch of chats as we learned about the show, and the people involved.
“Jack Kirby Tribute” - Several comic industry luminaries discussed the life and works of the late, great Jack Kirby, one of the main names in comic book history.
“The Graphic Novel Explosion” - A panel that focused on the boom in graphic novels lately, as opposed to just comic books. Graphic novels seem to appeal more to an older crowd, which is always nice to get a hold of as well (bigger wallets). Discussions ranged from why the boom is happening, to what kind of stories the publishers are looking for, to what’s in store later.
“Kids’ Day Special: San Diego International Children’s Film Festival” - Although we did not attend this, it was worth mentioning for any parents reading this. Comic Con International has done great things in family entertainment by offering activities for kids all through the day, each day. This particular festival was an all-day event where children could watch (approved) films from 10:30 am until 5 pm - and basically stay out of mommy and daddy’s hair. It is good to know that, unlike many other conventions, festivals, and shows, CCI dedicates a considerably portion of their time to help, and entertain kids. This went along with -
“Kid’s Drawing Day Workshop: Basic Skills” - An hour long, but a worthwhile activity seminar for children who would like to learn to draw. This was specially tailored for kids.
“TV Guide: Super(Natural) Women” - An interesting panel that focused on women’s empowerment in current entertainment. The topics covered basically go over how we've switched from being a man’s world of superheroes, to women becoming respected. On the panel were Jenni Baird (“4400”), Lisa Klink (“Painkiller Jane”), Lucy Lawless (“Xena”), and Allison DuBois, the real life inspiration for “Medium,” amongst others.
“Nicolas And Weston Cage Talk Comics” - Yes, it's true, Nicolas Cage, one of filmdoms biggest current icons, is now also working to get into the comic book industry. He loves them. Him, and Rosario Dawson, apparently. There is a trend going on. Nick and his son Weston (with quite the goth look), were onhand to talk about their new comic book line, starting with “Voodoo Child,” published by Virgin Comics.
“The 4400” - This panel focused on what’s been happening in the “4400” universe, and what we could look out for in the future. When asked if the series was still going on, the producers seemed a bit ambivalent and described the production as “day to day, you never know.” Fans got to ask questions of their favorite stars of the show who appeared on the panel - Megalyn Echikunwoke, Conchita Campbell, Jenni Baird, Jeffrey Combs - along with producers Ira Behr, and Craig Sweeny. Jeffrey Combs provided a considerably amount of his own brand of dry wit.
Following that, we took our last - long - tour through the Exhibit Hall to make those final purchases and say our goodbyes to our friends, new and old.
Many people cannot wait to get out of town immediately after the Con, which causes a big backup of traffic on the highways, and at the airport, which is why we always have opted to stay that extra night. Rest, relaxation, and mosey on home during the following day after breakfast. No need to run and panic in haste. So we took off with a group of folks to hit the local Mexican restaurant outside of the Gaslamp District and took our strolls around downtown, as everything was winding down around us. Being hectic every day at a convention is one thing, but after that four-day adrenaline rush, it’s a bit depressing to see everything go back to “normal” peace and quiet. But it was needed.
The next day, we were off to the famous San Diego Zoo. Why leave town without doing the tourist thing?
What it all came down to is that this year, like all the years before it, Comic Con International outshone the previous year and offered a sensory overload of fun, entertainment, education, and most importantly, the arts.
I can't wait to see what next year brings.
Written by Philip Anderson with contributions by Keith Denison / Perlito Godoy |
|
- 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")
-
|
