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Continuing to call this event “Comic-Con” is, in my opinion, an error. The annual convention, started in 1970, is about all different forms of media, and none of the press (non-storytelling media, allegedly) ever cover comics. In fact, unless a character comes “out of the closet”, a big name super hero dies (until he gets better), or a major city gets blown up (the news here in Connecticut covered Civil War, Marvel’s first major outbreak of Eventitis, mostly because they blew up Stamford–I guess Marvel was still bitter about the WWE winning the wrestling war due to their former ties with WCW), little is ever heard about any comic not about to be turned into a movie or TV show. Even then you only hear about the comic in passing, if at all.
Many fans feel that with Hollywood and now the video game industry taking a huge piece of the event, that it’s not really Comic-Con anymore since it’s not really about the comics. For them, I offer the revised logo.
Happy to help. At any rate, the four-day event offers a lot of interesting events and as a multimedia critique blog (despite the heavy load of comic-related articles) there are a number I’d like to attend, but I can’t afford to go to California. But if I could, here are the panels I would try to get into.
Wednesday: special preview night requiring probably more money or reserved for press or something
6:00-9:00 Special Sneak Peek Pilot Screenings— Comic-Con and Warner Bros. Television proudly present exclusive pilot premiere screenings of some of the most buzzed-about new TV series of the 2009–2010 season—Human Target, V, and The Vampire Diaries—as well as an exclusive preview trailer for additional upcoming shows.
Granted, I could care less about another vampire show, but I’d be curious to see the re-imaginings for The Human Target and V. The former is based on a DC comic I never read, but I did like the show featuring Rick Springfield as a man who takes on the appearance of a hit-man’s target in hoping of tracking down whomever wants his client dead. Sadly, it looks like the new version is just an undercover person from the previews I’ve seen and the sci-fi elements of the special make-up job and way cool flying safe-house for the intended target are gone. V was original two separate mini-series about lizard-like aliens who come to Earth disguised as friendly aliens in the hopes of turning us into slaves and food stock while stealing our water. I imagine the new version is going to be a lot darker, and thus less fun, even though the original was hardly Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
Thursday:
10:00-11:00 Heroes, Villains, and Dramatica Archetypes— Stories are populated with heroes, villains, sidekicks and more. Story development expert Chris Huntley (Dramatica Story Theory) discusses what makes them tick and how to use them in your stories. We’ll explore the basics then go beyond simple character archetypes and create far more interesting, complex characters!
As a would-be writer, this would be rather helpful. I wonder if anyone is going to record these and play them online? What I want to know, however, is why there are two other story writing panels taking place at the exact same time? Why not space them out a bit more?
10:30-11:30 DC Talent Search 1— Learn what DC Comics looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional! DC Representatives discuss the different needs of the DC Universe, Vertigo, WildStorm, MAD magazine, and Zuda. This informative orientation session explains how DC’s Talent Search works and provides numerous tips and tricks on how to improve your work and explore opportunities.
I don’t have anything to have reviewed, but as a DC Fanboy (who isn’t happy with the current events in the DCU), I’m sure I’d learn something interesting. However, I think I’m better suited for the Johnny DC line, which doesn’t seem to be represented here. That’s a major disappointment since they could use some more titles there. Like a certain 8th grade Kryptonian. *hint hint*
10:30-11:30 Motion Comics: Graphic Novels in The Digital Age— Warner Premiere is one of the pioneers in the production of Motion Comics that include Watchmen, Peanuts, Batman: Black and White and many others. Motion Comics are short form videos that use subtle movements, voice overs, sweeping music scores and stunning comic book artwork to bring an engaging visual experience to life.
Like a lot of this list, I’d have to pick and choose which one I’d ultimately go to, but I’m wondering why such a big deal is made about this format. Marvel’s The Marvel Superheroes was doing this back in the 70’s, and I remember a PBS show where a guy would read from a children’s book while illustrating one of the scenes. It’s not all that new.
10:30-11:30 Science Fiction That Will Change Your Life— The staff of io9.com, Eisner Award–winning author Douglas Wolk (Reading Comics), and others talk about science fiction from the last year that does more than blow things up. It might also blow your mind. What science fiction should you be reading and watching if you want your brain to grow so big it pops out of the top of your skull and starts throbbing and shooting lasers? The panelists have some tips.
I’m always up for a good science fiction book. It’s one of the genres I’d be writing in.
10:30-11:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #1: Comics, Courts, and Controversy— Marc Greenberg (Golden Gate University School of Law) examines contemporary legal cases dealing with comics and copyright. First are two cases in which the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund defended comic artists and comic book storeowners against charges of obscenity, then a case in which the CBLDF fought an effort by the California Franchise Tax Board to tax penciled comic book pages sent to publishers. Greenberg closes his overview with a detailed analysis of the 70-year battle by the Siegel family to terminate the grant of copyright in the character, art and story of Superman, culminating in a landmark decision issued last year.
10:30-12:00 Comic Book Law School 101: Let’s Get It Started— The popular Comic Book Law School series, which provides a basic foundation for understanding copyright and trademark law through an interactive lecture, is brought to you by noted attorney Michael Lovitz, author of The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book. This first workshop covers the basics of protection and ownership of ideas, works of authorship, characters, names, and logos, from conception through publication and beyond. Attendees will participate in an interactive discussion about basic rights provided under U.S. copyright and trademark laws, as well as new decisions and changes in the law and how they could affect those rights. Along the way, there is plenty to learn about the protections available, as well as the numerous potential pitfalls, under the U.S. trademark and copyright systems. (Please Note: The Comic Book Law School seminars are designed to provide relevant information and practice tips to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. This program is approved for one (1) credit of California MCLE.)
No surprise why I’d want to check these out, but again putting them at the same time seems a bad move.
11:00-12:00 IDW Publishing: The Evolution of Comics— Through the lens of IDW’s tenth anniversary, founder Ted Adams and IDW editors and creators, including Ashley Wood (Zombies vs. Robots), and Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), discuss the evolution of the company and look ahead at the future of comics, complete with special announcements of upcoming IDW projects.
This would be mostly to find out what’s coming up in Transformers and Doctor Who, although I’m interested in the future of Star Trek as well.
11:15-12:15 The Middleman Cast Reunion and Lost Episode Table Read— Creator Javier Grillo-Marxuach (Lost) and the complete cast—including Matt Keeslar, Natalie Morales, Brit Morgan, Mary Pat Gleason, Jake Smollett, Mark Sheppard, Brendan Hines, Sarah Watson, Jordan Rosenberg, Margaret Dunlap, and Andy Reaser—reunite to celebrate the DVD release of The Middleman: The Complete Series from Shout! Factory, with an exclusive table read of the lost 13th episode, The Doomsday Armageddon Apocalypse, which was never produced for television but is now available as a graphic novel from Viper Comics.
I’ve mentioned my love for this series before, but it bears repeating: The Middleman is one of the best TV shows ever produced! ABC Family is wrong to not make more episodes!
11:45-12:45 DC: Superman: Two Worlds— Torn between New Krypton and Earth, the Man of Steel has only just begun his latest adventure. You’ve seen the stories: a new planet of Kryptonians; scores of super-powered beings. The people behind Superman’s future are here to face the most trying times in his life.
This is one of those arcs that make me upset, but at the same time does sound intriguing. The upset part comes in three forms: why do this to Lois and what does this mean for Clark, Superman isn’t as special when there are a few thousand other Kryptonians (I give Supergirl, Krypto, and Streaky a pass, but who needs the others outside of a Phantom Zone break),and haven’t we had enough of Events yet? Throw in the “Blackest Night” and what’s going on with Batman, and it’s a bit irritating. On the other hand, what I hear sounds like they’re doing a better job than Marvel is with the “Brand New Day” Spider-Man.
12:00-1:00 Bongo Comics Sneak Peek— Bongo Comics offers a mouth-watering preview of upcoming projects featuring The Simpsons and Futurama….And special guest and world famous cartoonist Sergio Aragonés will explain to all just what he’s doing on the Bongo panel. This is a “must-attend” panel for all fans of The Simpsons and Futurama and anyone looking for a place to sit down!
I’d also be hoping for new Radioactive Man news, but I’m mostly interested in what Sergio is doing there.
12:00-1:00 LongBox Digital Comics— Rantz Hoseley (CEO LongBox, Inc., editor of Comic Book Tattoo) hosts this presentation of the LongBox Platform for Digital Comics. Rantz, along with special guests—including Jeff Katz (American Original Productions)—demonstrates LongBox, talks about the impending launch, and discusses some of the exciting partnerships and plans for what some are calling the future of digital comics.
First I’ve heard of this, so I’d have to check this out.
12:30-1:30 Hasbro: Transformers 2— Want to see what’s new with Transformers? Hasbro’s design and marketing teams—Aaron Archer (Hasbro Brand IP Development), Jared Wade and Eric Siebenaler (Hasbro Design), and Michael Ballog and Matt Proulx (Hasbro Marketing)— present all the latest toys from the new Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen line. And get a sneak peek into what Hasbro is doing to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Transformers in 2010!
If you have to ask, let me welcome you to my blog. You’re obviously new.
1:00-2:00 Spotlight on Kevin Eastman— TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman not only reflects on his Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle years (with a preview his Comic-Con exclusive 25th Anniversary hardcover collection of favorite TMNT stories!), but also shares sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes teasers or trailers for his upcoming animated film projects…
Like I’d care beyond the Ninja Turtles. I’m not even sure the other projects are my style.
image from Comic-Con's site
1:00-2:00 Spotlight on Jimmy Gownley— How did Comic-Con special guest Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules!) go from creating comics in his basement to landing an eight-book deal with Simon & Schuster? Find out how he and his marketing-director wife, Karen Gownley, turned a pipedream into reality, and how you can do it, too!
I’m hoping I don’t need a marketing-director wife. 🙂
1:45-2:45 Summit Entertainment— Summit Entertainment presents a sneak peek of exclusive footage of some of its upcoming major film releases!
I’d mostly just stay for the Astro Boy footage, since I would have to miss the AB panel earlier in the day.
2:00-3:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #4: Myth and the Superhero— With examples drawn from the superman mythos and the Crisis of Infinite Earths, Angela Ndalianis (University of Melbourne) explores the intertextuality that has transformed superhero narratives into multiple myths. W. Stephen Combs (Wittenberg University) debunks the idea of superheroes as modern mythology, and suggests instead they should be viewed as a part of America’s folklore. Richard Harrison (Mount Royal College) traces the way Bill Finger’s origins of Superman transformed the mythos and mythology of Krypton and the Man of Steel.
As super heroes used to be my comics of choice before they went all grim and gritty 😛 , this interests me.
2:00-3:30 Animation on a Shoestring— Learn the down and dirty tricks on how to create your own animation studio on a low budget, from the author of Animation on a Shoestring. Find out how to assemble the equipment you will need, how to build or buy equipment, and what software to use to edit and composite your project
I may need this information in the future. However, it conflicts with the above. At least this time it’s not a stupid maneuver.
2:30-3:30 Sergio and Mark— They’re back! Sergio Aragonés and Mark Evanier reunite for their yearly discussion on all things Groo and beyond. Joining them are their Groo-horts Stan Sakai and Tom Luth.
I would, however, ask them about Fanboy, a six-part series that used to be my favorite comic ever until Landry and Jones brought Supergirl: Cosmic Adventures into my life.
3:15-4:15 Capcom 2009 Lineup— Capcom’s premiere producers present sneak peeks at the most anticipated games of the year.
Between the previous and next ones, I’d probably peek my head in hoping for more Mega Man footage. I’m hoping the classic Blue Bomber gets more game time.
3:30-4:30 Digital Comics Now!— Digital comics are happening right now. Not tomorrow, but right now. Join a panel of the best and brightest in the new wave of digital comics in a wide-ranging discussion of everything from comics on the iPhone to new digital comic platforms, motion comics, webcomics, and day-and-date-releases. Big announcements will be made!
Probably something I should keep an eye on, both for future endeavors and this blog.
3:30-4:30 J. Michael Straczynski: Professional Writing— Ideas are a dime a dozen. Executing those ideas (instead of assassinating them) is what separates pro from wannabe. But only you know what steps you need to take to get there, so if you show up for this talk, bring questions to ask J. Michael Straczynski, who has created a massively successful cross-platform writing career in movies, television, comics, and print.
Not to fond of some of his Spider-Man concepts, but loved Babylon 5.
:30-4:30 Andrew Pepoy’s Professional Networking Seminar— Get set for a weekend of pressing the flesh and selling yourself with this popular Comic-Con seminar! Being talented isn’t enough—getting work and continuing to work in the comic book and comic strip publishing worlds often means knowing the right people as well. Inker and writer/artist Andrew Pepoy (Fables, The Simpsons)— celebrating his 20th anniversary in the business—brings back his popular seminar to help teach you how to get out there and use Comic-Con to its fullest networking potential. Take advantage of this early time slot to put some of Andrew’s good advice to work over the next few days!
I probably wouldn’t be able to use it this year, but it could be important in the future, if I want to go beyond my own work and really get into this business proper.
4:00-5:00 Spotlight on Gail Simone— One of the most popular writers working in comics today, Gail Simone is a Comic-Con special guest. Mark Waid interviews Gail about her work in comics, including Wonder Woman, Secret Six, and her much beloved run on Birds of Prey.
When she’s not making fan-rave inducing stories, she pops up on all sort of places answering fan concerns. Which means she’s either really into talking with fans or just Googles her name a lot. 😀 However, I think this panel would be more important for my future plans.
4:00-5:00 How-To Session: Zander Cannon— Zander Cannon has been working in comics since 1993 and has done both writing and art duties on comics about knights, robots, spacemen, cops, superheroes, ghosts, and mythical creatures. His presentation will cover how to produce comics and other books as an independent publisher. With Kevin Cannon (no relation) he runs the studio Big Time Attic, which focuses on educational comics for book publishers.
After all, I’d probably be starting out as an independent.
4:30-5:30 Workshop: Creating Creator-Owned Comics the Image Comics Way— Want to bring your own vision to comics? Learn how from the people who do it best!
Just kidding. Image’s style and mine match about as well as Keith Oberman and Rush Limbaugh.
4:30-5:30 Drawing Upon Reference— Ron Lemen (ImagineFX magazine) and Studio 2nd Street Group will cover the subject of photo reference and how to use it when you have to use it. This lecture will briefly cover the do’s and dont’s of copying photos for your illustration work and some basic guidelines for drawing an effective image.
Paging Greg Land: you need to attend this more than I do.
5:30-6:30 Cartoon Books & Abstract Studios Happy Hour with Jeff Smith and Terry Moore— The perfect way to spend your first happy hour at Comic-Con! Don’t miss your chance to chat with indie icons Jeff Smith and Terry Moore as they talk about new projects, upcoming appearances, and sharing a booth at this year’s Comic-Con. Plus, Jeff will be making a special announcement!
I want to know why Smith’s Shazam comics were so expensive, but I hear so many good things about him that I’d like to meet him.
5:30-6:30 All-Stars of Comics Podcasting— Comics podcasting has grown from a novelty to a force within the industry, providing an outlet for reviews, interviews, news and general entertainment for comic book fans. Comic book podcasting veterans Jimmy Aquino (Comics News Insider), Charlito (Indie Spinner Rack), Brian “Pants” Christman (Comic Geek Speak), Bob Bretall (Comic Book Page—who will be giving away comics to the first 200 people to attend the panel), and Ron Richards (iFanboy) discuss the future of comics podcasting.
Any special guests should include these guys. It’s the only comics podcast I have time to listen to, and even then I’m behind.
6:00-7:00 Mad Science: The Science Behind Science Fiction— Discover magazine and the National Academy of Sciences’ Science and Entertainment Exchange explore science as a double-edged sword—it’s ethically and morally neutral in and of itself, but science depends on who wields it and how.
This has to be a lot of fun to check out considering my tastes.
6:30-7:30 10 Other Ways to Break in as a Comic Creator— “Come back when you have a published credit.” Sound familiar? How do you get your first professional break as a comic creator when all the studios are looking for “experience”?
I think we know why by now.
8:00-9:30 Green Lantern: First Flight World Premiere— Warner Home Video, Warner Premiere, DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation proudly present the World Premiere of Green Lantern: First Flight, the fifth DC Universe animated original PG-13 movie.
What better way to end your first day than with a good movie. You know, half way through I realized just how long this post is? The next few days I’ll post my other would-appears alongside the usual attractions, and give my take on what news I’ve gotten during the next week. (And I’ll try to add a few more pictures to break the look up a bit. 🙂 )
BW Media Spotlight 