Monthly Archives: October 2013

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NYCC 2013: Friday Panel & Screening Highlights

Welcome to the first full day of New York Comic Con! Lots of cool panels today. Let’s get right to it!

11:00 – 12:00 – Marvel: Amazing X-Men & The Marvel Universe – Empire Stage 1-E
If you’ve been following along with any comics news sites recently, then you’ve no doubt seen Marvel’s very vague, one-word teaser ads. The mystery behind those ads will be revealed at NYCC. Most of the X-book writers not named Brian Michael Bendis will be here for this one: Marjorie Liu, Dennis Hopeless, Peter David, Gerry Duggan, Brian Wood and more. I’m most curious to hear what Peter David has planned now that X-Factor has ended. Could X-Factor be morphing into X-Corp?

11:00 – 12:00 – Mattypolooza – 1A01
If you’re a Masters of the Universe Club Eternia subscriber, you’ll definitely want to go to this panel, as you’ll be able to vote which upcoming figure gets made: Darius or Mara.

11:15 – 12:15 – DC Collectibles – 1A10
DC Collectibles has been steadily producing high quality tchotchkes of your favorite DC characters for a decade now. You’ll be able to preview their 2014 product line here.

12:15 – 1:15 – He’s Back! Celebrate Chucky’s 25th Anniversary with the Creators & Cast – Main Stage 1-D
If you are a fan of the Child’s Play series of movies, this panel is for you. Creator Don Mancini will be here, as will cast members Brad Dourif, Fiona Dourif, Danielle Bisutti and Jennifer Tilly. Friends to the end!

12:15 – 1:15 – Marvel Television Presents – 1A06
Jeph Loeb, the head of Marvel Television, will be talking all things Marvel TV. He will show previews of Hulk and the Agents of SMASH, Avengers Assemble and Ultimate Spider-Man. I don’t know if any Agents of SHIELD stuff will be shown here, as they have their own panel later.

12:15 – 1:15 – Felicia Day and Geek & Sundry Presents! – 1A22
Geek & Sundry, Felicia Day’s internet television network looks very cool. I’ve never watched Spellslingers, but after reading that it’s celebrities playing Magic: The Gathering, I very much want to watch it.

12:15 – 1:15 – Image Comics: Behind the Creations – 1A14
Some of the coolest comics being published right now are coming from Image. If you’ve found yourself bored with recent releases from the big 2, check this panel out. Kieren Gillen, one of my favorite current writers, will be there to talk about his new book Three, which is launching the same week as NYCC.

12:15 -1:15 – Adam Berry Q&A – 1A01
Adam Berry ain’t afraid of no ghost. Bustin’ makes him feel good!

12:30 – 1:30 – Game of Thrones with Jerome Flynn – 1A23
Bronn talks all things Game of Thrones TV show related. I suddenly know where I’ll be at 12:30.

12:30 – 1:30 – Straczynski Writing Workshop – 1A03
Calling this a writing workshop seems a little misleading, as you won’t be doing any writing in this room, or get critiqued on writing you’ve brought with you. But it is a lecture on writing from a very successful writer of TV and comics.

12:45 – 2:00 – Editiors on Editing – 1A08
If you’re interested in breaking into the comic book field, the head honchos of IDW, Valiant and Dark Horse are on this panel.

1:30 – 2:30 – DC Entertainment All Access – Empire Stage 1-E
Scott Snyder will be on hand. I wonder if he has a new book launching soon.

1:30 – 2:30 – BJ Novak’s One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories – 1A22
BJ Novak was one of the best parts of The Office. He now has a book of stories, one of which he might perform at this panel. Oh hey, and he’s being interviewed by Lev Grossman.

1:45 – 2:45 – I Have No Sewing Machine, But I Must Cosplay – 1A03
There’s no question that cosplay has grown steadily in popularity over the past few years. If you’re interested in dipping your toe into the cosplay water, here’s the panel for you. Personally, I think the 11th Doctor is the best costume for first time cosplayers. Bowtie, sport coat, sonic screwdriver and you’re set!

2:15 -3:45 – Inside the Creators Studio with Jimmy Palmiotti – 1A08
I hope interviewer Buddy Scalera does his best James Lipton. “What is your favorite curse word?”

2:45 – 3:45 – First Look – Justice League: War – Main Stage 1-D
2:45 – 3:45 – The Walking Dead 10th Anniversary Panel – Empire Stage 1-E
What?! These two are at the same time?! What the hell, New York Comic Con?! Both of these panels are going to have broad appeal. The only reason I think of to hold them both at this time is so that neither is overcrowded, because I would definitely go to both if I could.

2:45 – 3:45 – A Look at The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds with Eiji Aonuma – 1A06
Man, with this panel and the two panels above, expect Friday around 3 PM to be a nice time to walk around the show floor. If you have a Nintendo 3DS, then chances are you are getting this game. Check out an early preview of it here.

2:45 – 3:45 – Marvel: Breaking Into Comics the Marvel Way – 1A22
If you’re a writer, their advice will be “Get published somewhere else first,” so feel free to skip this panel and check out one of the three excellent panels happening at the same time. If you’re an artist, you’ll find out how to get your work in the hands of editors, so you may want to check this out.

4:00 – 4:45 – [adult swim] Presents: The Venture Bros – Main Stage 1-D
The [adult swim]  are always some of the best panels at NYCC. Doc Hammer and Jackson Publick will both be here. What more do you need?

4:00 – 5:00 – Marvel: Avengers – Empire Stage 1-E
The Avengers is Marvel’s current flagship line, and the franchise that is the center of the currently running Infinity event. Jonathan Hickman will be here. I’d expect a good Q&A session, as long as people can avoid “asking” “I love your writing so much.” Come one, people! Here is a Q&A that is asking for questions that dig deep into Hickman’s writing!

4:00 – 5:00 – David S. Goyer – Autographing – Autographing Table 7
It’s a free autograph session! Bring your Starman Omnibus Volume 5 and The Dark Knight Blu-ray!

4:15 – 5:15 – Max Brooks Zombie Survival & Extinction Parade Highlights – 1A23
I haven’t seen the movie adaptation yet, but the book World War Z is amazing. Max Brooks wrote it. I may sneak into this panel after I get my The Dark Knight Blu-ray autographed by David S. Goyer.

4:15 – 5:15 – Eat, Read, Love: Chew’s Ascendance – 1A10
Both Rob Guillory and John Layman will be here. Plus, Image will be selling a very limited edition slipcased red variant of the Chew Omnibus. Buy the omnibus at the Image booth. Bring it with you here.

4:15 – 5:15 – Rich Johnston’s Bleeding Cool Magazine Forum – 1A03
I love Bleeding Cool, and not just because it picked up our Who is the Outsider? story. Rich Johnston’s site is a rumor site, but it seems to get the news right more often than news sites.

5:00 – 5:45 – [adult swim] Presents: Robot Chicken – Main Stage 1-D
The Robot Chicken panel is MUST ATTEND panel. Seriously, consider it mandatory. You will laugh harder here than at any other event at NYCC! (Sorry Thursday night comedians…)

5:00 – 6:00 – Ewok Autographing – Booth #101
There’s not much detail listed here. Are the actors who played the Ewoks in Star Wars doing a signing? Is there a new Ewok book out? Has an actual Ewok been discovered?! I like that the speaker is listed as “Ewok.”

5:15 – 6:15 – DC Comics – Batman – Empire Stage 1-E
Batman by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo has been consistently one of the best selling and most acclaimed books in the New 52. The other Bat-titles are pretty hit and miss. Some are good, and some are…Catwoman. Snyder and Capullo should both be here.

5:15 – 6:15 – Beautiful Books: Graphic Design in Comics and Graphic Novels – 1A01
What a great idea for a panel. Have Jonathan Hickman talk about visual design. Why does this panel not happen at NYCC every year? It should.

5:30 – 6:30 – CBLDF: The Secret Origins of Comics Censorship! – 1A03
The CBLDF is a worthwhile cause. Even if you don’t attend this panel, I think you should buy some of its very cool merch at its table. You’ll be helping out the charity and taking some fun stuff for your collection.

6:00 – 7:00 – Oldboy – Main Stage 1-D
The thriller Oldboy is the latest Spike Lee joint. While Spike isn’t listed as one of the attendees, I really hope he’ll show up.

6:30 – 7:30 – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Empire Stage 1-E
Forget the upcoming travesty from Michael Bay. The current TMNT show on Nickelodeon is where it’s at!

6:30 – 7:30 – Spotlight on the Fifth Beatle: The Story of Brian Epstein – 1A01
Artist Andrew Robinson was at NYCC last year, drumming up interest for this project in Artist’s Alley. It looks like a very cool graphic novel. This panel is definitely worth your time if you’re a fan of the Fab Four.

6:45 – 7:45 – Beer and Comics: NYCC Edition – 1A08
Ever consider the similarities between making beer and making comics? Well, here you go. Note: There will likely be no beer at this panel.

6:45 – 7:45 – Morning Glories Study Hall Live – 1A03
Do you understand Morning Glories? Really, you do? Liar! Come to this panel, ask questions, probably receive less than helpful answers.

7:45 – 8:45 – CollegeHumor Live! At New York Comic Con Starring Kumail Nanjiani – 1A22
Free Kumail Nanjiani show? And there might be other comedians? This might end up beating out Thursday’s comedy night! This panel might win the award for most underrated panel. If you free, hit it up.

8:00 – 9:00 – Bleeding Cool: The Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll of Comics, Revealed – 1A03
Hearing comics gossip from Rich Johnston in person? This might be the most fun panel of NYCC.

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NYCC 2013: Thursday Panel & Screening HIghlights

Unless you have an Exhibitor or Pro Pass, New York Comic Con opens for you at 3 PM on Thursday, October 10. Thursday will be the least crowded day of the con, since it’s open only to people with 4-Day Passes and people who specifically bought Thursday passes. Because of this, Thursday is a great day to nab the hotter con exclusives or meet your favorite creator. Just be sure to check the NYCC website to make sure that creator is there that day.

The Panel and Screenings schedule is pretty light on Thursday, but there are definitely some that are worth checking out.
If you’re interested in creating your own comics, Thursday has some panels aimed right at you. Unfortunately, these two conflict directly with each other. Fortunately, they’re close enough to each other that you could pop into one at the start and move to the other later. Comixology is the giant in the room when it comes to digital distribution, but if your concerns are more legal in nature, you may want to hit up the Protect It and Publish It panel.
This looks like it will be an interesting discussion regarding female protagonists in comics. Plus, Becky Cloonan will be there.
Or…”We’re not just the New 52! Promise!” Going by the description of this panel, it looks like it’s DC pitching you its back list.
Anyone else think the surprise giveaway to everyone in attendance will be gum?
Even if you don’t have a direct interest in these two Kickstarter funded projects, the Q&A session at either of these panels might be an excellent resource for anyone looking at crowfunding their next creative endeavor. 
Here’s another panel aimed at would be comics creators. It seems like it will be equal parts “How to pitch” and “Know your rights before you sign anything.” The ability to pitch effectively is an essential skill if you want someone else to believe your work is as good as you know it is. 
You get a sneak peak at this new PBS documentary plus Dennis O’Neill, Mark Waid, Louise Simonson and Phil Jimenez will all be on the panel. Win-win!
This is the new release from Warner Home Video. It’s not an animated feature, but rather a retrospective and analysis of the villains that permeate the DC universe. It almost sounds like a DVD extra turned into its own movie. In this case, that’s not a bad thing, as the DVD extras on DC’s animated movies have all been excellent.
Kotobukiya’s line of vinyl action figures are amazing. Their Star Wars and Iron Man figures look like they were taken directly out of the movies themselves. You can find out about Kotobukiya’s upcoming releases here, and some lucky attendees will be going home with prizes, which will probably not be gum.
The past couple of years have seen an acceptance of LGBT characters from the major comics publishers like no other time before. Some of the creators behind those books will be on hand to talk about their LGBT characters and the changing face of the industry. I think this will be one of the more interesting panels of NYCC.
Ever wonder what a comic book editor does? Come here and find out. Hint: It’s not all just spell-check. 
I’ll admit it. I might have a wee bit of a Sims obsession. I’ve said “Just one more half hour, then bed!” before…at consecutive half hour increments…before going to bed hours later. You know what I’m talking about.
When I think Carmine Infantino, I think DC Silver Age. I love Carmine Infantino. He’s gone, but not forgotten.
Another great panel for up and coming creators. This panel will have a speaker from Indiegogo, Kickstarter’s main rival in the crowdfunding sphere. After you’ve heard Kickstarter’s pitch earlier in the day, you may want to hit up this panel to hear what their competitor has to say.
The artist of The Walking Dead will be signing here. With NYCC variants of The Walking Dead being sold at the con, and just the massive popularity of the show and comic, expect a line. But if you want Adlard’s autograph, getting it tonight at the Splash Page Comic Art booth might be your best bet. Adlard isn’t charging a fee, but he is requesting that everyone make a donation to the Hero Initiative. They’re a worthwhile cause.
Last year we got Ben Folds Five. This year, we get a mix of really good comedians. The Thursday ticket is turning into something worth getting just for the Kickoff. I’ve seen most of these comics on stage before. I predict a very fun show. Recommended.
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Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD: Episode 102: "0-8-4" – Review

4/5 – But the last 5 minutes makes me want to give it 5/5.

The second episode of Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD aired last night. During the preview at the end of the first episode, we were teased with the phrase “Oh-eight-four.” In last night’s episode, we found out what an 0-8-4 is. It’s the code for an object of unidentified origin. The last 0-8-4 Coulson dealt with was Thor’s hammer in the dessert. This 0-8-4 takes the team out of the country to a South American jungle.

The episode began excitedly, with a gaping hole in the SHIELD plane’s hull mid-flight. We then immediately flashback to the start of the mission. I know this cold open with the plane in distress was used to lure in viewers, but I think I would have preferred finding out about the hull breach when it actually happened. This opening telegraphed Camilla’s betrayal too much.

Speaking of Camilla, when she first started flirting with Coulson, I started to think that Coulson was like Will Ferrell’s character Detective Gamble in The Other Guys. Hot women are just throwing themselves at him. We find out later Camilla had other plans.

Another thing about Coulson: he bleeds. After he gets punched in the face, Coulson is clearly bleeding from the mouth. If Coulson is some kind of Life Model Decoy, he’s an advanced one, with blood pumping through his veins…or tubes.

If Coulson is a LMD, I hope we get a scene that involves a decapitated head with wires sticking out.

FitzSimmons continues to delight. They are easily my favorite part of the show.They remind of  equal parts Doctor Who companions and Ron and Hermione from Harry Potter. I would watch a FitzSimmons spin-off.

Fitz (left) and Simmons (right)

Ming-Na Wen’s character Agent May is my other favorite. She’s just so bad ass. I like that  the mysterious bad ass agent with a past on Agents of SHIELD is a woman. It seems like a refreshing change of pace from most shows. But I honestly wouldn’t expect any less from Joss Whedon.

Melinda May is the Wolverine of Agents of SHIELD.

The only downside to this episode is that it felt a bit uneven. While the episode served to bring this team of disparate individuals together as a unit, the build-up in the first half of the episode was on the slow side. The focus shifted a bit too often, but I guess that’s a problem when you’re still introducing a cast this big to the audience. I’m hoping future episodes, once we know everyone, will be a bit more streamlined. But the episode still has all the wit and charm you’d expect from a Joss Whedon show and I don’t see that stopping, so I can’t complain too much.

This episode’s fanboy service comes to you courtesy of the SHIELD team’s airborne mobile command center, whose call sign is SHIELD 616. In the Marvel Universe, 616 refers to the Earth where all the classic Marvel superheroes live. Captain America, Spider-Man, Iron Man, the X-Men, if you grew up reading Marvel comics, chances are you were reading the 616 universe. This term originates from a Captain Britain comic from the 1980s, in which Captain Britain discovers he’s a member of an interdimensional group of Captain Britains. He’s the Captain Britain of Earth-616.

Did you catch the blueprint of the SHIELD 616 behind Coulson’s desk?
Marvel will be selling this blueprint at NYCC 2013.

How awesome was Nick Fury’s appearance at the end of the episode? It felt like an after the credit scene in a Marvel movie! The fact that we got Samuel L. Jackson in this episode makes me hopeful that we’ll get some of the other bigger names from the Marvel Cinematic Universe showing up in future episodes, even if it’s just for a cameo. Maybe a debriefing with Thor after the team handles a problem of Asgardian origin, or an appearance by Jon Favreau as Tony Stark’s head of security Happy Hogan if the team needs to secure something on Stark property.

“Does the SHIELD 616 look like a bitch? Then stop treating it like one!”
Two episodes in and the only complaint I really have with Agents of SHIELD is that it conflicts with Brooklyn 99, my other favorite new show of the season.

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Grant Morrison: Talking With Gods – Review

5/5 – Fascinating.

I had wanted to watch Grant Morrison: Talking With Gods for some time now. Unfortunately, Netflix didn’t have it on disc or streaming, and my halfhearted attempts at tracking down a copy never produced any results. One of my friends brought the movie up in conversation recently, asking if I ever saw it. When I mentioned I hadn’t, he lent it to me. Success!

The movie spans the entirety of Grant Morrison’s career up to when the documentary was made in 2010. Grant talks about his childhood, growing up the son of an anti-nuclear activist. Hearing about some of the places his dad would bring him as a child makes be better understand what makes Grant such a unique guy.

Grant’s charm definitely comes through in the film. He’s not full of himself, and doesn’t treat his own writing like it’s the work of God. I had the chance to meet Grant last year at NYCC. I was intimidated, but he turned out to be one of the nicest and enthusiastic comic book creators I’ve ever met.

Hearing Grant’s theories about chaos magic are absolutely fascinating. He clearly believes it works, and he and others point out instances where Grant’s chaos magic does seem to have indeed worked. Who knows, maybe chaos magic is real. If it is, I feel that Grant may be tuned into its workings far beyond the scope of most people.

Interspersed throughout the movie are The Office-style talking head interviews with comics creators talking about Grant. It’s interesting to hear what his colleagues and collaborators have to say about him, especially Phil Jimenez relating his experience of working on The Invisibles with Grant.

Grant Morrison: Talking With Gods is intimidating. No, not because of Grant Morrison’s mind full of crazy ideas. Well, yes, there is that. But I mean because it’s two full discs long. The special features disc takes up as much time as the movie itself. But you cannot skip the second disc! Trust me on this one. In some ways, the second disc, despite being full of bits that didn’t make the movie, is better than the movie itself. There’s an interview of Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely together that is a must see for anyone who’s a fan of their work together. Hearing them talk about their collaborative process is a real treat. If you read Grant’s run on X-Men, you really have to watch this second disc. He goes into detail about his entire run, including how Marvel treated his work towards the end.

This conversation is the best part of the 2-disc DVD set.

Grant Morrison: Talking With Gods is a must-see if you enjoy Grant Morrison’s writing. This very personal documentary gives us access to this creator that I don’t think we’ve had anywhere else, outside of maybe parts of Grant’s book, Supergods. Hopefully one of your friends has the DVD sitting in his house too.