Tim at Comic-Con

Sunday, nearing the end

2009-07-26T15:31:00.000-07:00

There were really no panels I was dying to see Sunday. I was going to try to get into the "Smallville" panel, but the line was beyond insane (people must have gotten up really early, not "Twilight" early though...).

So I started the day with sitting in on the panel for the cartoon "The Spectacular Spiderman" and ran into actress Kelly Hu. She is beyond gorgeous in person.

I haven't really seen much of the cartoon, but the crowd seemed to be really into the clips shown and the answers given about future content. Most of the questions asked were if a certain character was ever going to appear on the show. Lots of "maybe" and "hopefully" answers. Did find out that Hu likes voice acting because she can go to work in her pajamas and she would like to do that for the rest of her career.

Later I walked by Ballroom 20 and saw they were letting anyone walk right in for the "American Dad" panel. I passed. Have you seen the show?

Most of the rest of the day was spent walking around the show floor, just chilling. Truth be told I was tired and really ready to leave, but I wanted to finish out the con.

I ended the week with a panel called "Sunday Conversations" with the Dan Didio from DC Comics. What the panel ended up being was Didio walking through the crowd just talking about comics. He told the crowd that his mother died that week, but he wanted to be here today JUST for this panel. And he was right, it was great. Everyone was laughing so hard there were tears as the crowd and Didio talked about great moments in comics to the most ridiculous moments ever. It was great to be in there with so many people that just love comics.

A great way to end a five day adventure marathon.

Ugh, not the best day ever

2009-07-25T20:17:00.000-07:00

After being grumpy with the "Lost" panel I was hoping to cheer myself up with a few different things.

I was set to interview the cast of "Fringe," then I was going to try to get into the panel then finish the night off with a "City of Heroes" game panel.

Right after the "Lost" panel I headed for the press room to type everything up. I noticed that I had a little bit of time before the interviews were set to start so I headed over to the DC Comics "Blackest Night" panel.

The panel started late, of course. By the time they really started going, and talking about the different philosophies of the different corps I had to run to the interviews. OK, it's cool, I am leaving something cool to do something cooler.

But, "Fringe" wasn't in the press room that they told us. "The Cleveland Show" was. And there were a bunch of journalists sitting around wondering what was going on. After a good while someone told us that the "Fringe" interviews were moved to another room... halfway across the convention center.

Walking fast I take off toward the room, by the time I got there 15 minutes had already passed and the room was PACKED. Not a seat to be had. And if you didn't have a seat, no interviews. Plus, half of the interviews were already over. I was beyond mad. I just walked out.

Add to that the line for the "Fringe" panel was insane and obvious I wouldn't get in. Plus, the "Iron Man 2" panel was at the same time and I knew I couldn't get into that either.

OK, that's cool, I'll just head to the show floor. BIG, big mistake. Words can't describe the sheer amount of people on the floor. It was worse than the worst traffic on a freeway. There were points where I was standing still for minutes trying to get through.

The "City of Heroes" panel wasn't for another hour, but I thought I would just sit in on whatever panel was happening before and just get a good seat.

Enter Jeff Katz and his company "American Original" or as I like to call it "Ow my head hurts."

Katz is a comic book writer and movie producer and if you didn't know that he'd tell you over and over. It was one hour of patting themselves on the back with news of what their company was going to do. I think they are a comics company, but also a PR business, but it was hard to figure out. "Hey, we're cool! I know movie people!" He also called Blair Butler from G4 one of the leading women in the comics movement. I wanted to throw my phone. Really painful.

Thankfully the "City of Heroes" panel was good, so not a complete waste of a day.

Mixed feeling for 'Lost' panel

2009-07-25T13:02:00.000-07:00

Remembering how early I got in line Friday for the Warner Bros. panel, I got up just as early for what is called the last "Lost" panel at Comic-Con.

I rushed to get to the line about 7:15 a.m. and there were already about a hundred more people in line than yesterday. But, in my rush to get out I left all reading material.

And the panel didn't start until 11 a.m.

So I literally just sat there for three hours. Doing nothing. It was almost unbearable. Thankfully the weather was great, because if it was sunny and hot I might have just got up and left. By the time they started letting us in I was a little on the grumpy side. Sitting there bored for three hours will do that to anyone.

As we entered they handed out materials for something called "Lost University," http://lostuniversity.org/, which looks to be another of ABC yearly internet related promotions of the show.

Onto the panel itself. People went crazy when Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof came out and they did a little skit about taking the final pages of the series finale and locking them in a box, only to reveal what's inside on Jimmy Kimmel the night of the finale.

This started something that annoyed me. Lots of skits, all while dozens and dozens of people waited in line to ask questions. They had comedian Paul Sheer "ask" a question, which turned out to be a horrible, horrible skit that went on about five minutes too long.

Then Jorge Garcia appeared to ask a question that lead into a long skit between him and Michael Emerson. While funny, still wasted a lot of time.

There were a few news bits to come out; Juliet and Farrady will be back, Dharma won't have much of a presence this season and there won't be any more time travel or flash forwards.

They also showed a few clips that really hint toward what this season will be about: Oceanic Airlines saying they haven't had a crash in 30 years, Hurley owning a chicken place with a new special he got while vacationing in Australia and an "America's Most Wanted" clip where Kate Austin is wanted for killing her step-father's co-worker and escaping from a federal marshal.

That prompted Lindelof to say "Interesting, I thought Kate DID kill her step-father."

To me, it looks like Jack's plan DID work and they never crashed on the island.

The panel was only one hour and could have, and probably should have, been two. Everyone left happy, but me. I was still a little grumpy.

Meeting Geoff Johns

2009-07-24T20:00:00.000-07:00

As I talked about in the first Comic-Con post:

I was just walking around the convention floor Wednesday night, not really looking for anything.

It was packed and I really just wanted to get a few topics for some blogs and get out of there. I walked past the DC Comics booth and glanced over at some people gathered around a table. I did a quick double take as I saw "Green Lantern" writer Geoff Johns signing autographs.

Now, I came to Comic-Con to cover it not geek out all week. But, I told myself I could geek out a couple of times as long as I got a lot of work done too.

I geeked out as I jumped into the line. You see I foresaw that this exact thing might happen and brought my hardcover copy of "The Sinestro Corps War" with me... just in case.

Everyone else in line just had Johns sign the free copies of "Blackest Night" No. 0 they had sitting out.

Johns was very cool, shaking everyone's hand and greeting them warmly. I handed him my book and he smiled, opened it up and did this:

Yes, I got a special drawing to go along with my autograph.

The people behind me were jealous.

Warner Bros. rocks Comic-Con pt. 2

2009-07-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

Continuing with the two and a half hour Warner Bros. movie panel was Richard Kelly's ("Donnie Darko") new film "The Box."

Now, I had been excited about this film when I first saw the trailer a few weeks ago. It is about a couple who receives a strange box, then an offer. If they push the button two things will happen. One, someone in the world who they don't know will die. Second, they will get $1 million dollars in cash. The movie then turns into some weird, crazy sci-fi thriller. Both cool and kind of scary.

Cameron Diaz and James Marsden both were on hand for the panel. They talked about why the film is set in the 70s. The reason made sense. If the film was set in current times, everyone is connected with Facebook etc. Plus the couple could just Google things to get answers, which is one scene Kelly said he didn't want to film.

Another interesting point is Kelly said there is not one single swear word in the film. Diaz was asked about the film's look and said it has a very "Kubrick/Hitchcock feel" which is really evident from the trailer.

The next film was "Jonah Hex" and the row of teenage girls behind us were already starting to scream for the thought of Megan Fox coming out. Shouldn't the guys be screaming for her? Strange.

Well, she did come out... and everyone freaked. I don't get it, but to each their own. Star Josh Brolin also showed up and both seemed very excited for the film. The trailer was pretty cool with the western backdrop to the film surrounded with a supernatural feel.

One part saw a crow climbing out of Brolin's mouth. Very disturbing, but slightly interesting as well. They talked about how the budget was very small, but you really couldn't tell from the trailer. Something I would agree with. They really stretched each dollar it seems.

I really can't quote a lot of the panel since they were all cussing up a storm. Like sailors I tell ya.

Another bad thing, at one point a guy with a camera asked Fox if she would make a sex tape with him. He got in big trouble (and boo'ed). Turns out he sat behind me. Security came over and grabbed him. Turns out he was wearing his mother's Comic-Con badge. Imagine having to explain why you got in trouble to your mom for that...

As Fox was posing for photos after that Robert Downey Jr. appeared on stage and the crowd exploded! You have thought he was giving away money to everyone.

A giant standing ovation and people screaming like crazy.

And I thought Bruce Campbell was the king of Comic-Con.

Sorry Bruce, you just got dethroned.

Downey was there to show clips of his new film "Sherlock Holmes." Most of the clips were the same as the trailer released a while ago, but with new shots added in. There looks to be a big fight taking place on a bridge being constructed and a good amount of CGI.

The film looks to have a good mixture of action and comedy. It comes out Christmas day.

Warner Bros. rocks Comic-Con pt. 1

2009-07-24T14:53:00.000-07:00

Corrine and I got up early to get in line for the big Warner Bros. movie panel happening in Hall H Friday. Hall H is huge and holds around 6,700 people.

We got to the line, which was outside, about 7:30 a.m. for the 10 a.m. panel. There were already a few hundred people in line. I didn't see a need to either camp out or get up earlier. We waited in line for about two hours before they started letting people in. The time went by fast as we were still talking about what to see and do for the rest of the convention.

The first movie that Warner Bros. presented was "Where the Wild Things Are," and the star Max Records was on hand to introduce some clips. The coolest part of watching the clips was how dead silent the crowd was. These clips had everyone just staring at the screen in awe.

We got to see the monsters and Max playing around and joking. It's not everyday that you get to see such a beloved children's book adapted so well to the big screen.

I told Stephanie that by just what we saw I can see an Academy Award in this movie's future. It gave me goosebumps.

The second film was "The Book of Eli" which had a rough start as they showed a motion graphic novel first without any explanation. I looked at Corinne a few times as I was confused a bit. From what I gathered it seemed to be a prequel of the film's villain and his back story. Then they showed the trailer (which I didn't know was also showing today during showings of "The Orphan").

It stars Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman and takes place 30 years in the future with Washington's character walking around a post apocalyptic future with the key to saving humanity, the book it's assumed.

Washington was the best part of the trailer. He was in full on action hero mode, kicking butt and taking names. I was really impressed with it. They then introduced Oldman and Washington to the crowd, who came out to wild, crazy applause.

Like with Dule Hill and James Roday from "Psych," Washington and Oldman had a great chemistry together. Both said the main reason for doing this film was to work together. They both were gracious and funny. They should make an excellent team when the film is released.

The third film that was given the spotlight was "A Nightmare on Elm Street" and based on the crowd reaction, the one everyone was waiting for. The trailer was shown, the first time an audience had seen it and it was amazing.

I am an semi-old school horror guy. I liked the original "Nightmare" series, the early "Friday the 13th" films etc. I didn't like the remake of "Friday the 13th" this year. At all.

And the same guys are making this one. But, I think, based on the trailer that they got this one right. The back story of the parents killing Freddy by setting him on fire is the same, as well as him coming back for revenge against the children is the same. One thing I think they did great was not give us a clear full on look at Freddy. Perfect.

He needs to be hidden in the shadows and that's what makes him scary. I beg them to not show him at all in trailers, posters, photos etc. Let that surprise be when we sit down to watch the film. Back to the trailer which is full of scares and teenagers about to die, just what every "Nightmare" film is all about. The filmmakers talked about how this Freddy is more scary and terrifying, than the later versions of Freddy who was more joking around and having fun.

I'm fine with that. They also said that original Freddy, Robert Englund, was not going to have a cameo in the film, which was met with some boos from the crowd.

They explained that Englund, though, has been supportive of the new Freddy, "Watchmen" and Academy Award nominated Jackie Earle Haley.

The film comes out April 30.

How disappointment turned to excitement

2009-07-23T17:50:00.000-07:00

So, Thursday was our big day. Two panels Stephanie and I both wanted to see and two sets of interviews to be conducted.

We had the chance to interview the casts of "Psych" and "Burn Notice." But, the scheduling was a complete nightmare.

First was the "Psych" interviews, but they were going on at the same time as the "Burn Notice" panel. Right after that was the "Burn Notice" interviews, but they were going on at the same time as the"Psych" panel. Gotta love great planning.

Stephanie and I worked it out that I would handle "Psych" and she would take "Burn Notice," although I'm not sure if Michael Shanks being at the "Burn Notice" stuff helped her choice or not.
So, Stephanie got into Ballroom 20 for the "Burn Notice" panel and I went to interview the cast of "Psych." I had a blast. Everyone was so funny and nice.

Finally got what they think of "The Mentalist," which is basically a dramatic version of "Psych." Steve Franks, creator and producer of the show, basically called "The Mentalist" a generic version of "Psych," which I kind of agree with. Sorry Simon Baker.

Dule Hill and James Roday are probably the best duo on television today and sitting down to talk with them only proved that fact. They seem to have that friendship and chemistry like they do on the show. They played off each other during the interview so well.

And don't get me started on how beautiful Maggie Lawson is in person...

I asked the network people if there was a way for me to get into the "Psych" panel that was happening in just a few minutes, since a huge line had formed while I was interviewing the cast. "Run really fast," she told me. Lovely.

I get out of the interviews and the sheer amount of people in line tell me there is no way I'm getting in there. I call Stephanie and we work out that she'll just stay in the Ballroom while I do the "Burn Notice" interviews too. I felt bad, I did. This was supposed to be a two person job, but there were really no other options.

Of course it's common knowledge that Bruce Campbell rocks. I got breaking news from Campbell and creator Matt Nix that they are working on a television prequel movie about Campbell's character on the show Sam Axe. That was cool.

Campbell was also asked what part he would play in Sam Raimi's "World of Warcraft" movie that was just announced.

"Probably a garbage man," he said.

It was a great few hours to be had and Stephanie even enjoyed the panels. I wouldn't say we both won, but the best was made out of a crappy situation.

First panel of Comic-Con

2009-07-23T12:48:00.000-07:00

I was going to have my first panel of Comic-Con be the Entertainment Weekly's Wonder Women one, but saw that Ballroom 20 was near empty for the panel right before that one with "Quantum Quest."

I thought "Well, at least I'll be able to sit down..."

"Quantum Quest" is a CGI animated film that is based around real scientific space data about surfing protons. Yes, surfing space protons. With dreadlocks.

From what Stephanie tells me, almost the same exact panel was shown last year, with the same special video clips by Neil Armstrong and Chris Pine being shown at last year's Comic-Con too.

Three things that stood out during this panel:

1. The filmmakers are really pushing that they want this film to not just entertain, but educate children about science. I have an 8-year-old niece, she won't want to see this movie. I can guarantee that.

2. The movie does have one thing going for it, it has voice work by two Darth Vaders (Hayden Christensen and James Earl Jones) and two Capt. Kirks (Pine and William Shatner). Which, no matter what I think of the film, is still pretty freaking cool.

3. Actors Doug Jones ("Hellboy") and Robert Picardo ("Star Trek: Voyager") both are really funny men and should do a buddy movie together. I would pay good money to see that.

I think if they were not on the panel it would have been very, very boring.

Comic-Con: Day one or Tim LOVES crowds

2009-07-22T22:44:00.000-07:00

So, preview night of Comic-Con has come and gone.

And I survived... barely.

The convention opened up from 6-9 p.m. to gives attendees a sneak peek of what the week's events. And a crap load of people came out.

I'm not kidding, there were thousands and thousands of people waiting in line and milling around when I showed up at 4 p.m. to check in.

The checking in process was painless and I spent the remaining waiting time in the press room.

Some highlights of "Preview Night:"

I met "Green Lantern" writer Geoff Johns and had him sign my copy of "The Sinestro Corps War" TPB. Also got my hands on a Black Lantern ring.

The photo is blurry because the guy taking the photo was very nervous to meet Johns. You could see his hands shaking like crazy.

Couldn't get a "Green Lantern" action figure because the line was already full, three minutes after the door opening. INSANE.

Also met "Wonder Woman" writer Gail Simone. She was awesome and very nice. She signed my copy of "Villains United."

More to come...

What not to see at Comic-Con

2009-07-17T16:42:00.000-07:00

Next week this blog will be taken over by a massive wave of Comic-Con goodness. Seriously, I am thinking about my total lack of sleep next week and it's scary. But, hey, I'm a committed journalist. And maybe after all the madness I will be a journalist who is committed. Over the past week Stephanie and I have been pouring over each day's schedule and making plans (and plan b's). Trust me when I say there is a TON of things to see and do there.

I could just sit through panels alone and be busy the whole time, not counting the show floor and any hands on demonstrations. There is, though, a few things that I do not want to see. Things I couldn't get paid enough to see. One show that I used to love, "Heroes," is going to have a panel afterall, but it is offsite at a nearby hotel. Now I wouldn't have walked a few feet to see a "Heroes" panel, so I am not going out in the hot sun to hike over and see one.

Once you lost Bryan Fuller, you lost me. Apparently Stephanie's friend IS going to the panel. I wonder how much I can offer her to ask Tim Kring why he still has a job after running the show into the ground. Scratch that, running the show underneath the ground.

For my next choice, I'll just paste what is in the schedule and let it speak for itself:

12:00-1:00 The Middle Special Pilot Screening— Emmy winner Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond) makes her Comic-Con debut to introduce a special screening of The Middle, a new comedy about raising a family and lowering your expectations. Frankie Heck (Heaton) is a superhero. Well, no, not an actual superhero—but sometimes it seems as though getting her kids out the door for school every morning is a superheroic act. Middle aged, middle class, and living in the middle of the country, this harried wife and working mother of three uses her wry wit and sense of humor to try to get her family through each day intact. The Middle will air Wednesdays at 8:30 PM ET/PT on the ABC Television Network this fall, premiering September 30.

Yeah... how does this appeal to any demographic at Comic-Con? Seriously. Be on the lookout over the next week for more prelim Comic-Con stuff.