I went to the Top Cow and Slave Labor Graphics panels today, but to tide you over until my reports of those, here’s some random photos for your viewing pleasure.
Comic-Con Friday
3 panels today. I kicked off this morning at Room32AB, which was filled with people. Not surprisingly, as pretty much everyone who reads comics wants to create comics and the topic was focused on just how to do that. Entitled From Fan to Creator: Goal Setting for Creative Types it was run by teacher and founder of Toucan Learning Systems Douglas Neff. Neff has given this seminar at other cons and was certainly comfortable in front of the eager audience. Think of him as a Tony Robbins for the geeks. Neff had an amusing Power Point presentation filled with inspirational quotes, comic art and sound effects. With references to The A Team, The Lord of the Rings and Mario Bros. getting a few laughs, Neff was reminded that the listeners were “my people.” What he had to say wasn’t exactly revolutionary, but would’ve been a good encouragement for some. His helpers all had Blue Lantern t-shirts, symbolising hope, and that’s something he was trying to dish out to the creative hopefuls. With a rundown of his “Ten Magic Coins to Collect Along Your Path to Success” he focused on steps such as making specific, measurable and attainable goals, playing to your strengths and never giving up. Again, not entirely original but many were nodding and taking notes. A few attendees revealed their goals, such as opening up a comic shop and working for an animation studio and hopefully everyone learned, or was reminded, that a dream without hard work is just a fantasy, and also that every pro working in comics today was one day a fan too.
The Radical Publishing Panel was by far the best one I’ve been to. It was moderated by Harry Knowles of AICN. Though he didn’t really say much his enthusiasm for Radical’s impressive titles was obvious. Editor-In-Chief David Wohl kept things moving briskly with a look at their most successful series with a brief rundown by each book’s creator. Legendary painter and snappy dresser Jim Steranko talked about how he was influenced by a tough guy in the neighbourhood of his youth when designing Hercules and president Barry Levine showed off a tattoo of the character on his arm. Writer Jimmy Palmiotti ran from the Jonah Hex panel to talk about his new time travel WWII series Time Bomb, Steve Niles talked about City of Dust and Rick Remender discussed The Last Days of American Crime, which is a great premise (the U.S government is about to broadcast a signal in a few days making criminal thoughts impossible, so a grifter has one last chance to get away with the perfect crime).
Nick Simmons, son of KISS’ Gene got a warm welcome with his new book as writer and artist, Incarnate which is a fresh spin on vampire mythology. The space opera Shrapnel (which has a follow up called Hubris coming) and western series Caliber were discussed, with the latter being developed into a film, which director John Woo has pulled out off. Caliber writer Sam Sarkar said, seemingly with some seriousness that Woo wanted to make a more comedic Blazing Saddles approach. The biggest cheer was saved for Steve Pugh’s beautiful Hotwire book, which is a series everyone should be reading. New series such as David Hine’s FVZA, Arthur Suydam’s When Giants Walk The Earth, a Caliber sequel entitled Book of the Dead which focuses on Lancelot’s visions of the dead, and Hine’s noir-like Ryder on the Storm. All of Radical’s books have the distinction of having phenomenal art and many heads were turned at the screen which showcased some of their best current and future work.
The BOOM! Studios panel was hosted by PR guy Chip Mosher who soldiered on despite battling a cold. E-I-C Mark Waid showed he was a good egg when the team talked about the Mark Waid Is Evil promo for the Irredeemable series, and Andrew Cosby, Ross Richie and relatively new editor Matt Gagnon joined them for a few laughs and a look at new acquisitions such as their Disney/Pixar line including the now ongoing The Incredibles, Cars and now Mickey Mouse and co. The Muppet Show received an impressive round of applause, and it was announced that Waid’s series about a dying woman’s investigation into the afterlife, The Unknown now has a sequel. Their brave word for word adaptation of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? has sold out and their new series include more Cthulhu, Kill Audio and a new series from Waid which just may be called Incorruptible. Maybe.
After the panels I talked to a few people in Artists Alley promoting their wares and picked up a few sketchbooks and some books from SLG and Fantagraphics. It’s so hard to choose!
Marvel’s Comic-Con 09 Panels
There’s just not enough hours in the day, especially at Comic-Con. Marvel’s schedule below.
Marvel is proud to unveil our complete panel schedule for Comic Con International in San Diego . Sure, you’ll be visiting our booth on the convention floor (that’s booth #2429, True Believer!), but now you can enjoy the world-famous Marvel Panels! Swinging off the stands, flying onto the big screen, smashing through televisions, blasting into game consoles, and ruling the web, Marvel Entertainment is the one company where you can find the best in comics, films, animation, games and digital media. Now we’re bringing it all to San Diego for you, the fans!
“Marvel has the best fans in the world and we’re excited to provide them with the best panels in the world,” said Mike Pasciullo, Vice President of Merchandising and Communications, Marvel Entertainment Inc. “If you’ve never experienced a Marvel panel live, make sure to stop by for Q&A with your favorite creators, major announcements and, as always, big surprises!”
Please note, all guests, times and rooms are subject to change.
Thursday, July 23
1:00 – 2:00 Marvel: Mondo Marvel – From the Marvel U to the Ultimate U and everything in between, we’ve got the top talent on hand to talk about all of your favorite heroes and villains as well as make a few surprise announcements! Panelists include Jason Aaron (Wolverine: Weapon X), Dennis Calero(X Men Noir), Matt Fraction (Invincible Iron Man), Paul Tobin (Models, INC), Frank Tieri (Dark Reign: Lethal Legion), Steve Wacker (Spider-Man Editor), Jim McCann (New Avengers: The Reunion), and more as they take on all questions! Room 6DE
3:30 – 4:30 Marvel: Breaking Into the House of Ideas – Are you a writer or artist? Ever dream of working for Marvel? Do you find yourself thinking “I could do that…if I knew how!” Well, here’s your chance! Join C.B. Cebulski, Marvel’s Talent Liason, and special guests writer Jeph Loeb (Ultimatum), Marvel editor Charlie Beckerman, artist Mike Choi (X-Force), colorist Christina Strain (Runaways), and more to find out the answers on how to get your foot in the door at every level in the creative process and how to make your job MARVEL! Room 6DE
Friday, July 24
11:00 – 12:00 Marvel: X-Men – The streets have erupted in violence and the safe haven mutants thought they’d found is in turmoil. The Dark Avengers have put Daken in Wolverine’s place, and there’s an all-out war tearing through space and time with a certain red-haired green-eyed girl at the center of it. You’ve got questions & these people have answers! X-Men group Editor Axel Alonso is joined by a host of creators to lay out what’s going on and resurrect a beloved…—well, that would be telling! You need to hear it for yourself! Panelists include Matt Fraction (Dark Avengers/Uncanny X-Men: Utopia),Craig Kyle & Chris Yost (X-Force), Marjorie Liu (Dark Wolverine), Daniel Way (Deadpool), Jason Aaron (Wolverine: Weapon X), and more for this all-new, all-DEADLY panel! Room 6DE
2:00 – 3:00 Marvel: Cup O’ Joe – This is it, Mighty Marvel fans- the no-holds-barred, anything goes, full of surprises panel you wait all year for, and it’s here! Marvel’s EEK (Editor-in-Chief) Joe Quesada takes on all questions, shocks the audience with jaw-dropping announcements, and keeps you guessing with surprise guests. You never know who will show up, but you better be here, because this is the panel that everyone will be talking about! Room 6BCF
4:30 – 5:30 Marvel Animation –The new age of Marvel animation is here! Marvel’s President of Animation Eric Rollman and General Manager of Nicktoons Network Keith Dawkins are joined by the creative minds behind the new hit series Wolverine and the X-Men, and Iron Man: Armored Adventures. Head Writers Greg Johnson (WatX), Chris Yost (IMAA), Supervising Producer Craig Kyle (WatX, IMAA), Voice Director Jamie Simone (WatX) and the voice of Wolverine, Steve Blum, discuss each series and what the future holds. Then stay tuned for a first look at Marvel Animé from acclaimed Japanese animation studio Madhouse, featuring Madhouse President Masao Maruyama (Gotham Knight, Tokyo Godfathers), and writer Warren Ellis (The Authority, Astonishing X-Men). Also expect sneak peaks at the upcoming next Marvel Animated Feature from Lionsgate. You don’t want to miss this panel! Room 6BCF
The Marvel Animation panel is linked to talent signing events at the Marvel Entertainment booth (#2429) on the convention floor. The talent behind Iron Man: Armored Adventures and Wolverine and the X-Men will be signing from 3-4pm. Masao Maruyama and Warren Ellis will be signing from 6-7pm.
5:30 – 6:30 Marvel Digital Comics…And Beyond!. Be there for the world premiere of Marvel Motion Comics! Join Joe Quesada, Dan Buckley, members of the Marvel Digital Media Group and SURPRISE GUESTS as they unveil the next phase in graphic storytelling. Also, catch the world premiere of the Marvel.com original video series, Marvel Super Heroes: What The–?! episode 4. Plus, get jacked into the rest of the digital dynamite—from Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited (the greatest collection of Marvel comics ever assembled online) to casual games, original streaming video and the future of Marvel’s ever-growing digital endeavors! Room 6DE
Saturday, July 25
10:00 – 11:00 Marvel: “Hero Up” with The Super Hero Squad Show! – Marvel’s first action-comedy series is a manic, mind-blowing, all-ages romp through the Marvel Universe. Coming to Cartoon Network in September, the animated show is loaded with superstar voice talent. Join several of the actors, previewing their characters in a live performance: including Tom Kenny (Spongebob) as Iron Man & MODOK, Charlie Adler (Cow and Chicken, Transformers features) as Dr. Doom, Steve Blum (Wolverine and the X-Men) as Wolverine, Grey DeLisle (Fairly Oddparents, Clone Wars) as Ms. Marvel, andStan “The Man” Lee as The Mayor. Supervising Producer Cort Lane (Iron Man: Armored Adventures), Matt Wayne (Justice League Unlimited), Supervising Director Mitch Schauer (Freakazoid, Angry Beavers), Exec. Producer Joe Quesada (Marvel Editor-In-Chief) & Exec. Producer Eric Rollman(President, Marvel Animation) share series secrets, a world premiere clip and a preview of THQ’s epic Super Hero Squad video game. Followed by Q&A! Room 6BCF
At 2:30pm The Super Hero Squad Show panel will be followed by a signing event at the Marvel Entertainment booth (#2429) featuring much of the cast, including Tom Kenny, Charlie Adler, Steve Blum, Mikey Kelly (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles feature), Dave Boat (Ultimate Avengers 1 & 2) and Travis Willingham (Fullmetal Alchemist).
11:30- 12:30 Activision: Ultimate Alliance 2 Room Indigo Room
11:30 – 12:30 Marvel: Dark Reign – The Cabal has taken over the Marvel Universe and forever changed it. Now, Norman Osborn has his LIST and is taking everyone down who stands in his way. What lies on the horizon? Find out here as the creators behind the madmen & women putting the Marvel Heroes through their paces answer your questions and let you in on what happens next! Join Joe Quesada, Rick Remender (Dark Reign: The List), Matt Fraction (Invincible Iron Man), Jason Aaron (Dark Reign: The List), Frank Tieri (Dark Reign: Made Men), Joe Casey (Dark Reign: Zodiac), Marvel editor Alejandro Arbona and more as they shed some light on DARK REIGN! Room 6A
4:00 – 5:00 Marvel Studios/Paramount: Iron Man 2 Movie Panel – Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment present the sequel to the blockbuster film based on the legendary Marvel Super Hero ” Iron Man. ” Directed by Jon Favreau, “Iron Man 2″ stars Robert Downey Jr. Joining Downey in the cast are Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Jon Favreau, Clark Gregg, John Slattery, Mickey Rourke and Samuel L. Jackson. Hall H
Sunday, July 26
11:00 – 12:00 Marvel: The Women of Marvel – One of the most talked about panels from last year is back! Forget Storm & She-Hulk, meet the real Ms. Marvels of the comic world! Join women from every discipline in the creative process at Marvel to hear what it’s like working as a woman in comics today and how you can join them. Say goodbye to the so-called “Boy’s Club,” these ladies are busting down the four-color ceiling! Guests include New York Times Best Selling author Marjorie Liu (Dark Wolverine), Christina Strain (World War Hulk), Colleen Coover (Marvel Adventures), Sonia Oback (X-Force), Emily Warren (Secret Invasion) and more! Room 7AB
12:45-1:45 Marvel: The Next Generation of Marvel Video Games – Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2, Super Hero Squad and Iron Man 2. Join us for trailer previews, discussion and Q & A on the next wave of Marvel Games from publishers Activision, THQ, and SEGA. Writers Matt Fraction , Mark Hoffmeier, and Evan Skolnick will be on hand along with the game developers Kyle Brink, Robert Blackadder, Dan Tanguay and TQ Jefferson to discuss views on how story and design can come together to make licensed games that don’t suck. Room 6A
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