Monthly Archives: October 2014

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NYCC 2014 – Marvel Unlimited Plus Members Only Panel

If you love Marvel superheroes, and you read your comics on a tablet, you need to join Marvel Unlimited Plus. It is awesome.

When I was growing up, I would see ads for the Merry Marvel Marching Society, or M.M.M.S. for short, the Marvel fan club of the 1960s, in the pages of old comics. I was jealous that there wasn’t anything like that today. Marvel Unlimited Plus is today’s M.M.M.S.

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Marvel Unlimited is Marvel’s version of Netflix for comics. For a monthly or annual fee, you get unlimited access to digital Marvel comics from the start of the company to as recent as about 6 months ago. The catalog is updated every Monday, with newer comics and back issues alike.

Marvel Unlimited Plus adds another layer to the subscription. Each year, you receive a box of cool stuff, including an exclusive Marvel Legends action figure (this year’s figure is Rocket Raccoon), an exclusive variant covered comic, and a membership card. Throughout the year, Marvel will also mail out fun bits of swag like a fold-out Avengers anniversary poster.

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But what really makes Marvel Unlimited Plus a must buy is access to the Marvel Unlimited Plus Members Only panel at conventions like NYCC, SE:NYC and SDCC. This year’s panel was insane. We saw an extended trailer for next year’s Avengers: Age of Ultron. When Agent M asked if there were any questions after the trailer, I raised my hand and said “Can we see it again?” And then he played it again. It rocked.

The panel also included exclusive preview art of upcoming books, and a star-studded line of panelists who were happy to take questions from the audience. On the way out, everyone was given a bag of exclusive swag that included another variant covered comic.

Ryan Stegman, Nick Spencer, Axel Alonso, Phil Noto, Gerry Duggan and Dan Slott

Ryan Stegman, Nick Spencer, Axel Alonso, Phil Noto, Gerry Duggan and Dan Slott take questions from the audience.

If you missed out the Marvel Unlimited Plus Panel at this year’s NYCC, do not miss it next year! This might have been my favorite panel of NYCC  2014!

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Marvel Civil War…2015???

This afternoon, Marvel released a teaser image for Civil War, with the date of Summer 2015. It’s interesting that this teaser came right on the heels of their announcement at NYCC that Jonathan Hickman will be writing a new Secret Wars series. Now, the giant mural image in the Marvel booth advertising Secret Wars looked nothing like the 12 issues series from the 1980s, but this teaser for Civil War looks like it could have come from the original event. We have Spider-Man in his Tony Stark designed Iron Spider costume, being pulled on each side by Captain America and Iron Man. And Iron Man is wearing his Civil War era armor. The design is even reminiscent of the Civil War trade dress.

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What do you think of this teaser? What did you think of the original Civil War series? Are you excited for this one?

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Gotham – S1E3 – The Balloonman – Recap

Hi everyone! This week’s episode of Gotham was pretty boring! Let’s get to it!

We open on Penguin getting off a bus, wearing the clothes that belonged to one of the bros he killed in last week’s episode. Looking around, he sees the following: some kids taking a guy’s wallet, a cop taking a bribe, a guy stealing a lady’s purse, and another lady (?) propositioning a stranger in a car for sex. All on the same block. In daylight. Within like a one minute time span. I know that we’re being force fed the line that Gotham is a horrible place and needs a savior (a “knight,” if you will) to come clean it up, but geez Louise, why does anyone live here? Anyway, Penguin sees all of this, smirks, and says “home.” As he walks away, we see a newscast talking about a guy who stole people’s money via a pyramid scheme – we cut to the thief yelling at his lawyer, basically showing the audience that he’s a real bad guy. He walks out onto the street, where he’s confronted by a stranger in a pig mask (for a second I thought it was going to be Professor. Pyg from Grant Morrison’s Batman run) who attaches a large balloon to him, carrying him high above the city. Yeah. This is happening. Buckle up.

Gotham Pig Face

After the opening title, we see Gordon and Bullock at the crime scene, where Bullock tells Gordon that the thief deserved what he got, just in case viewers at home were not aware that everyone in Gotham City is awful. Back at the police station, we’re introduced to Lt. Cranston, whose sole purpose is to talk about beating up suspects to remind us that Gotham’s police force is awful. While Gordon and Bullock discuss the first episode of the Gotham for those at home that might have missed it, a representative from juvenile services comes in with Catgirl, and signs her over to Gordon’s custody.

They go to the alley where the Waynes were shot, and she tells him about what she saw, which is pretty much what Gordon already knew. She says she can prove what she saw, because of the wallet she stole and tossed down the sewer – because he’s a chump, Gordon agrees to climb into the sewer to see if he can find the wallet. While he’s down there, Catgirl runs off.

gotham catgirl and gordon

We cut over to Fish Mooney’s club, where detectives Montoya and Allen come in to check after Penguin’s disappearance. Mooney chews some scenery, and puts the blame on Gordon. Seriously, Jada Pinkett Smith is the only person having any kind of fun on this show. On a street somewhere, Penguin is recognized by a thug, so he kills him in broad daylight and waddles off.

At Wayne Manor, we find Alfred goading Bruce into having a sword fight (?) in an office (??) Alfred talks a lot, but honestly I’ve watched the scene like 3 times and don’t have any idea what he said. There was huffing and puffing. Alfred knocks over some files, and notices that Bruce has been looking at the crime scene photos from when his parents were killed. Bruce explains he’s looking for clues, and Alfred replies “what, so you’re a detective now?” This is foreshadowing. Because of Batman.

Back at the GCPD, Montoya and Allen come in and accuse Gordon of killing Penguin. Everyone glares, everyone grits their teeth, you don’t see anyone’s feet – it’s like a Rob Liefeld comic.

Nick with The Rob

Nick and The Rob at NYCC 2014

We jump to a random Italian restaurant, where we find Penguin applying for a job in the kitchen – except they’re all staffed up. The manager tells him he doesn’t even have the right shoes for the job, and stomps off. I wonder if this will become important later.

Back at the police station (again) Bullock comes up with some information on the balloonman (you guys, seriously. We are almost halfway through, and I’d completely forgotten about the main “villain” of the episode.) Gordon fills Bullock in on his meeting with Montoya and Allen. While they make their way to talk to a lead in the balloon case, Penguin creeps up on a guy who works at the restaurant who just so happens to wear the same shoe size as he does! What luck!

Remember earlier, when we were introduced to Lt. Cranston, who sort of came out of nowhere and only seemed to exist to fill the “bad cop” quota for the episode? Well, the Balloonman comes up to him in an alley (where Cranston was beating up a drug dealer for his money.) They tussle, and Cranston ends up floating up into the air.

So, now that a cop’s been killed, it’s a whole new ballgame. We cut to Gordon and Bullock in Essen’s office, going over the information they have on the suspect. Basically, Bullock is ready to send the guy away forever, regardless of whether or not he actually did it (Gotham City cops are bad, remember?) The weird thing is that based on all of the TV clips they show in the background, the citizens of Gotham seem to know that all the cops/public officials are bad news, and are totally on board with vigilante killings. It’s just hysterical that the public has zero faith in these guys, either. Then there’s a montage of Bullock being skeezy and violent while Gordon watches.

Back at the Italian restaurant, Penguin got a job!

gotham penguin restaurant

Gordon and Bullock end up at another random apartment building, bust in, and arrest everyone, thinking they’re responsible for the balloon murders.

After commercials, we open on Mooney and her crybaby beat-up boyfriend from last episode, and you can clearly tell she’s over him. She asks one of our thugs to kill him, in addition to Falcone’s new girlfriend.

Back at Gordon’s apartment, we find that Montoya has just straight up walked into the place (using her old key, because she used to totally make out with his girlfriend but he doesn’t know yet,) where she finds Barbara, wearing little clothes and smoking weed. Montoya (again) tells Barbara that Gordon is bad news, and then there’s some more chit chat about how she still loves her and blah blah blah. THEN THERE’S KISSING AND BARBARA GETS MAD!

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There’s a brief interrogation scene, where we basically find out that the suspect didn’t actually commit the crimes. They find Cranston’s body, and he’s got the form that Gordon signed to take Catgirl out earlier, which means that Gordon now knows who Balloonman is! Which is good, because we’ve got like 10 minutes left and this episode is super boring.

Long story short, the killer ends up being someone at juvenile services, and he looks like he’s a pretty good guy, not at all like someone who’d be involved in public office in Gotham City. Bullock and Gordon go after him, and there’s a hilarious moment where Balloonman and Gordon end up floating into the air, until Bullock shoots the balloon, causing them to drop onto the top of a van. Just based on the way this was filmed, they look like they are waaaaaaaaaaay higher up than they were, based on how Gordon could still walk away (although Balloonman ends up strapped to a board with a neck brace) but since I’m sure we’re going to eventually end up with maniacal killer clown people, I can let it slide.

After a brief scene of Falcone and Mooney, filled with veiled threats and whatever, we end this episode at Barbara’s apartment, where an achy Gordon tells her that the city is corrupt and horrible and he doesn’t know what he can do. There’s a knock on the door, and OH MAN THERE’S THE PENGUIN ALL DRESSED FANCY AND LOOKING LIKE AN EXTRA FROM A MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE VIDEO AND WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT YOU GUYS?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

This episode was kind of blargh, but based on the previews for next week, it looks like we might get the Gordon and Penguin super fun happy hour. So, moving up? Who knows?

Written by Nick Doyle. Follow Nick on Twitter: @nicholasdoyle.

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NYCC 2014 Art Auction

The charity art auction is a comic book convention staple, but wow, I’m not sure if any convention runs a better one than Mike Negin does for New York Comic Con. The NYCC Art Auction took place on Saturday night after the show floor closed. Negin, the talent coordinator for NYCC (meaning he’s the one you should go up to and personally thank for Artist’s Alley being packed with awesome guests each year), amasses a huge collection of original comic book art from creators at NYCC.

NYCC 2014 Art Auction

The art in the auction ranges from interior pages to covers to sketches done at NYCC. I think that because all of the money raised is going to a very worthwhile charity, The St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, artists get very generous with what they donate. You will see some truly gorgeous comic art here. In total, this year’s auction raised $40,535, which I believe is a new record for the NYCC auction.

I attended the art auction in 2013 and 2014. Both years, the night was capped by two items, a Walt Simonson sketch and an Adam Hughes sketch. But really, sketch isn’t the right word to use here. This isn’t the quick $20 head sketch that Adam does at his table (also for charity by the way). This is a fully rendered figure. Last year, he drew Carol Danvers, aka Captain Marvel, flying through space with a full sea of stars behind her. This year, he drew a truly amazing Spider-Man. But if you want to go home with the Adam Hughes piece, you need to be ready to spend. Figure on bringing about $10,000 to take his piece home, and even that might not be enough. The Simonson can be had at the relatively bargain price of about $2,500.

But not everything goes that high and there are bargains to be had. There were pieces that went for under $100. And sometimes the bidding works out in ways that items go for prices that seem criminally low. But Negin and his crew are good about not letting prices go too low. They’re collectors too, and they’ll swoop in to take something home themselves if the opportunity arises.

What really surprised me about the auction was how high some convention sketches were going. There were sketches going well above what the artists would charge in Artist Alley, but I get it, this is for charity and I’m not faulting people for being generous. What I am surprised about is how high some convention sketches went for compared to the original art for published comic book covers.

Allison Sohn Storm

At this year’s auction, I took home a gorgeous mohawked Storm piece by Allison Sohn, an American Vampire interior page by Rafael Albuquerque and a Geoff Darrow drawing of Spider-Man meeting Darrow’s creation Rusty, the Boy Robot.

Rafael Albuquerque

 

PS…anyone know what issue of American Vampire the above page is from? Even Rafael Albuquerque wasn’t sure.

In the weeks leading up to NYCC, Mike Negin will post art for the auction as it comes in on his Twitter page @mightymikenegin. But even if nothing there grabs you, show up to the auction. I don’t even know if half the items in the auction make it to his Twitter feed, mainly because he’s out in Artist Alley during the day at NYCC getting more art from artists.

Geoff Darrow Spider-Man

If you are an original art collector, you need to start attending this art auction. Even if you don’t collect original art, the auction can be one of the most funs times you’ll see at New York Comic Con. The bidding can get epic, especially when two superfans go up against each other, as the two Trekkies did in bidding on a page of original art from IDW’s Star Trek: The City on the Edge of Forever inscribed by legendary science fiction writer Harlan Ellison. If you do go, just please don’t bid against me. I like going home with a bargain as much as the next guy.

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10 Commandments of NYCC 2014

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Every year, I like to write up a list of 10 Commandments of NYCC. This is a list of tips to ensure that you (and those around you) have a great time at NYCC.  Consider this your Lifehack: NYCC Pretty much all of these tips fall under the overarching tip of “Be cool.”

1. Bathe. Yeah, yeah, it’s a stereotype that con-goers smell. But I am going to put this at the top of 10 Commandments every year until people stop smelling like garbage bins at NYCC. Bathe. Every day. With soap! And don’t forget the deodorant afterwards. Also, showering in cologne is not the same as showering with soap and water. While you’re at it, maybe give your favorite Batman t-shirt a laundering too. The cute fanboy or fangirl next to you will thank you.

2. Wear comfortable shoes. NYCC is four days long. You’re going to spend a lot of that time waiting in line, with a heavy bag strapped to your back. Sure, Chucks look nice, but they offer no support. You’re better off wearing a pair of running sneakers or if you want to look fancy, Cole Haan Nike Air Lunargrands.

3. Be mindful of your backpacks. I used to tell people “No backpacks!” but I’ve revised that over recent years. A backpack with well padded straps is so much nicer to your back and shoulders. But you need to be mindful of it, especially if you stuff that thing more than someone about to scale the Himalayas. When you turn right, that backpack whacks the person to your left. Look around you before turning. That backpack is like a giant dinosaur tail. Keep your backpack to yourself.

4. Get sketches. One of my favorite things about New York Comic Con is getting sketches from artists in Artist Alley. But I can get why some people would be daunted asking their favorite artist for a sketch. Here’s some handy tips regarding sketches: If there’s a line at the artist’s table, ask the people in line if the artist is sketching and how much it costs. If there is no line, approach the artist directly. Often, they’ll have their sketch rates posted on a sign. But if not, say hello, espouse your love for the artist’s art, and ask if the artist is doing sketches. If the answer is yes, ask how much, and if there is room on their list. Don’t balk at prices. These artists are paying a good deal of money to have a table in Artist’s Alley, and many have flights and hotel costs to cover as well.  If it’s out of your price range, thank them for their time and move on. Hint: If you’d like to get a sketch for a bargain, Franco sketches for only one dollar!

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4a. Get sketches (for FREE!!!). Don’t have the money to pay for a sketch? No problem. DC, Marvel and other publishers host signings at their booths throughout NYCC. Often, the artists at these booths will do a quick head sketch for free. All you have to do is ask. Usually, a staff person managing the line will let you know if someone is sketching. Yanick Paquette did gorgeous watercolors at DC’s signing area for free last year. You won’t find a better bargain at NYCC.

5. Be nice to cosplayers. Ask to take their picture. They put a lot of time into their costumes. Let them get in the best pose before you snap away. DON’T be that creepy dude who goes around snapping photos of female cosplayers butts. Don’t leer. Don’t harass. Don’t touch. Be cool.

6. Plan ahead. Every year, New York Comic Con grows bigger and bigger. There are many awesome panels, screenings, signings and photo ops that unfortunately will undoubtably conflict with one another. Plan ahead. Map out your schedule using the NYCC app and website, and check out our Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday Panel Guides.

7. Go early. If the doors open at 10 AM, I recommend being on that line at 8:30 AM at the latest. You don’t need to be the first person through the door, but for some things, you defintely need to be near the front. Tickets for signing sessions with the hottest names in comics like Robert Kirkman, Scott Snyder and Jim Lee are given out on a first come, first serve basis. This is also true for some of the show exclusives. Go early to make sure you don’t miss out.

8.  Make time to eat. Yes, you want to maximize every minute of NYCC. But you can’t do that if you start LBSing. The Javits Center used to be a food wasteland. There was hardly anything inside and the only options outside were blocks away (unless you count the dirty water dog carts. I don’t). That’s changed over the past two years. There’s a lot of food options available on site. Pack some slow-burn snacks too, like granola bars and beef jerky. They’ll keep you feeling full, without the spike and crash of high sugar snacks.

9. Avoid the nerd flu!  There’s nothing worse than waking up on Monday morning with an achy back, knees and shoulders…and a nasty cough. Nerd flu is real. Avoid it by packing a travel size hand sanitizer and washing your hands often. Remember, only you can prevent nerd flu.

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10. Keep an eye on your possessions. Unfortunately, NYCC attracts its fair share of villains. I know fans who have put their sketchbook down for a minute to say hi to someone and then turned around to find it missing. Comics pros are targets of thieves as well. Keep your wallet and phone in your front pocket. Make sure all of your bag’s zippers are closed. If you need to put your bag down, keep it in sight at all times.

Bonus tip: Beware The Block. Seriously, that place just freaks me out.

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Tuesday Night Comics Podcast Episode 40 – Batgirl, The Return of the DCU?, Pre-NYCC!

It’s our pre-NYCC podcast! Billy and Dave preview new comics coming out on Wednesday, 10/8/14, and there are a lot of good new comics coming out that day! They discuss the new Batgirl costume, the new Sabrina relaunch from Archie and the big reveal on the cover of this week’s Futures End. And the guys review the comics they’re been reading lately, including Afterlife With Archie. It’s a big episode. Enjoy!

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NYCC 2014 Sunday Panel Guide

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Well, you did it. You made it all the way to Sunday at NYCC. Congratulations. But don’t get too restful. There’s still a full day of panels available for you to enjoy! Here are our picks for the best of them!

11:00 AM – 11:45 AM – The Karate Kid 30th Anniversary Cast Reunion – 1A10

Oh man, Ralph Macchio, Billy Zabka and Martin Kove are all going to be here for this! That’s Daniel, Johnny and Sensei Kreese! This panel is the best around!

11:00 AM – 11:45 AM – Marvel Unlimited + Member Event – 1A21

You have to be a Marvel Unlimited + member to attend this panel, but you can sign up for Marvel Unlimited + at the Marvel booth. As someone who regularly uses Marvel Unlimited and is a + member, I highly recommend it. As a + member, you receive an exclusive Marvel Legends action figure, an exclusive variant comic, swag mailed to you throughout the year, and access to panels like this at NYCC, SDCC, C2E2 and SE:NYC. I went to this panel last year and loved it.

11:00 AM – 11:45 AM – Stormtroopers vs. Red Shirts – 1A18

Is the question here, which is better, Star Wars or Star Trek? Because that’s easy. It’s Star Wars.

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM – NY Minute Dating – 1E03

Two of us here at Tuesday Night Movies were almost trampled to death by single fanboys and fangirls trying to get into this event a couple of NYCCs ago. Please don’t trample us this year. But please do have fun, and hopefully meet a cute fanboy and fangirl to accompany you to one of the panels we recommend later in the day.

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM – Thrilling Adventure Hour – 1A06

Fresh off their performance Saturday night at The Bell House in Brooklyn, the cast and writers of The Thrilling Adventure Hour are coming to New York Comic Con for this panel. Members of the cast will also be signing autographs for free later in the day (check the NYCC autograph schedule for details).

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM – Dothraki 101: Learn to Speak Like a Khal with Language Creator David Peterson – 1A24

David Peterson created the Dothraki language for HBO’s Game of Thrones, and he’s here to teach it to you. Talk like Khal Drogo! Muscle suit and guyliner not included…

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM – Survivors of the First Con – 1A14

Stan Lee’s former secretary, Flo Steinberg, is on this panel. This pane is worth it just to hear her stories. Len Wein is also on this panel, and I believe he had a hand in organizing the first comic book convention, way back when in the summer of 1964 in NYC.

11:45 AM – 12:45 PM – Kids Costume Parade – Family HQ – 1C03

Sunday is Kids Day at NYCC. Bring your kids dressed as their favorite superheroes to the Kids Costume Parade, which is sure to be fun for them. Show up early to register. Space is limited.

12:00 PM – 12:45 PM – “Trust Me, I’m the Doctor” – 1A18

A look back at the 50 year history of Doctor Who. This is going to be a discussion on all things Time Lord related. If talking about the Doctor is one of your favorite hobbies, this panel is not to be missed.

12:15 PM – 1:00 PM – The Walking Dead: The Inside Scoop on TellTale’s Video Game Franchise – 1A14

Sometimes I think the story in the TellTales The Walking Dead video games are better than The Walking Dead TV show. There, I said it. Have you played these games? They’re choice based, and your choices affect the direction of the storyline. And they’re fun too. I highly recommend these games.

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM – 3D Printing for Costumes and Props – 1B03

I wish I owned a 3D printer, just so I could make screen accurate Amazing Spider-Man 2 soles for an Amazing Spider-Man 2 costume. If you have similar thoughts, you might want to attend this panel.

1:15 PM – 2:15 PM – Gotham Special Video Presentation and Q&A – Main Stage 1-D

Are you watching Gotham? Better question, our reading the Tuesday Night Comics recaps of Gotham? Call us biased, but we like them more than the show. That said, if you are watching Gotham, you may want to check out this special presentation by the show’s producers.

1:15 PM – 2:00 PM – Women of MARVEL Panel – 1A06

Kelly Sue DeConnick, Sana Amanat and other women involved in the creative side of Marvel Comics will lead this discussion on what it’s like to be a woman working i the comics industry.

2:00 PM – 2:45 PM – DC Digital: Download This! – 1A21

Some of the talent behind DC’s digital first releases will talk about the DC’s digital line of comics. I like DC’s new comic premiering every day of the week model of releasing digital content. It helps me get through those days that aren’t Wednesdays.

4:00 PM – 4:45 PM – MARVEL: Spider-Verse – 1A10

Man, I was really hoping to wear my new Spider-Man costume to this panel. But it’s still in China, and won’t be USA bound until after NYCC. 🙁 Still, I’m psyched for Spider-Verse! And no, Spider-Verse is not a Spider-Man comic told in verse form…though that might be awesome.

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5:15 PM – 6:00 PM – Cary Elwes, Author of As You Wish, Discusses the Making of The Princess Bride – 1A06

The Princess Bride is one of my favorite movies ever. I’m very much looking forward to hear Westley talk about the making of the movie.

5:15 PM – 6:00 PM – NYCC Staff Q&A – 1A05

Do you have some ideas on how to improve NYCC? Well, here’s your chance to tell them to the people who matter.

Written by Sarvenaz Tash

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NYCC 2014 Saturday Panel Guide

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11:00 AM – 11:45 AM – CollegeHumor and Dorkly Present “How to Get Paid For Being a Nerd” – 1A24

Even if you’re not interested in starting your own fansite, this should be fun.

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM – The League Screening and Q&A – Empire Stage 1-E

The League is one of the funniest shows on TV. You don’t have to like sports to like it. The League is about fantasy football about as much as It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is about Philadelphia. The whole cast will be on hand to discuss season 6.

12:45 PM – 1:45 PM – MARVEL Cup O’ Joe – Empire Stage 1-E

Joe Quesada really stacked the deck at his panel. Brian Michael Bendis, Kelly Sue DeConnick, Dan Slott and Gerry Duggan. If you’re a Marvel reader, you’re probably reading a book written by at least one of these writers.

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM – Nerdist Comics Panel – 1A24

Ben Blacker is joined by the writers of three of my favorite projects of the past year: G. Willow Wilson (Ms. Marvel), Heath Corson (Batman: Assault on Arkham) and Greg Pak (Code Monkey Save The World). This would be a hard panel for me to miss. See you there!

2:00 PM – 2:45 PM – CBLDF: Tales from the Code – True Stories of Censorship – 1A18

The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund does great work, defending the first amendment rights of comic book creators and retailers. Speakers Denny O’Neill and Paul Levitz both have long careers going back decades at DC Comics. I’ve seen Denny O’Neill speak before. He’s very outspoken. I expect this panel to be both educational and entertaining.

3:00 PM – 3:45 PM – #YesAllGeeks: Let’s Talk About Harassment in Fandom – 1A21

Sadly, the reports of harassment at conventions have gone up over the last few years, leading New York Comic Con to adopt an official harassment policy last year. Like the CBLDF panel, I expect this panel to be very educational. Unfortunately, I think the con-goers that most need to attend this panel will probably be too busy harassing someone in a Phoenix costume on the show floor to attend this panel, but hopefully that’s not the case. Go to this panel. It may change your worldview regarding what’s acceptable at a convention.

3:00 PM – 3:45 PM – So They Say You Shouldn’t Cosplay – 1A18

I hate it when I hear people say someone is too black/white/fat/skinny/tall/short/female/male to cosplay as the character they want to cosplay. A friend of mine wanted to cosplay as Iron Fist a couple of years ago, but was told by his friends that because he’s black, he should cosplay as Luke Cage instead. No, he should cosplay as whomever he damn well feels like cosplaying! It’s unfortunate that this panel is directly conflicting with the #YesAllGeeks panel, because I think going to both of these panels would be more beneficial than going to just one of them. The topics they’re both covering seem like a good fit for overlapping. This should have followed #YesAllGeeks, not had to go against it.

5:00 PM – 7:30 PM [adult swim] Panel Block – 1A10

Like yesterday’s [adult swim] panel block, this one will not have the room cleared between panels. Today, you’ll be able to see the stars of Black Dynamite (5:00 PM – 5:45 PM), The Heart, She Holler (5:50 PM – 6:35 PM), and Mike Tyson Mysteries (6:45 PM – 7:30 PM). Mike Tyson will be there. Yes, you read that right. Mike Tyson will be there. Guard your ears!

5:15 PM – 6:15 PM – Marvel’s Daredevil, Exclusively on Netflix – Main Stage 1-D

This is the first public appearance of the cast of Marvel’s Daredevil series, which is coming to Netflix next year. I’m really hoping that they have some footage to show us!

7:15 PM – 10:00 PM – NYCC Charity Art Auction – 1A18

I went to the NYCC Charity Art Auction and was blown away by the artwork they had available. Sketches, original art pages, original art covers (!!). Mike Negin does a tremendous job collecting donations from artists, and he’s runs a fast and smooth auction too. I walked away with a Spider-Man painting by Franco and a page of original art from Hulk by Ed McGuinness. Follow Mike’s Twitter feed and you can get a sneak peek at what going to be up for auction. All the money raised goes to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. As it says on the NYCC site: Have fun. Get art. Save lives.

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This Harley Quinn sketch by Sara Pichelli is just one of the many pieces of awesome artwork available at the NYCC Charity Auction.

8:15 PM – 10:00 PM – ReedPop’s Fandom Film Festival – 1A14

It’s the end of the busiest day of NYCC. Maybe you just want to sit down and relax. In that case, head here for the inaugural ReedPop Fandom Film Festival.

8:15 PM – 9:15 PM – Doctor Who Fan Screening with BBC America – Empire Stage 1-E

See the new episode of Doctor Who, Mummy on the Orient Express, before it airs on BBC America! Sadly, neither Jenna Coleman nor Peter Capaldi will be here for this panel.

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NYCC 2014 – Friday Panel Guide

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As I mentioned in our Thursday Panel Guide, there are a lot of panels at NYCC this year. On Friday, the panels get into full swing. There are bound to be time conflicts and hard decisions to make. To ease the process, here are our picks for the can’t-miss panels of Friday!

12:00 PM – 12:45 PM – Voice Acting Master Class With Andrea Romano – 1A10

Did I read that right? A voice acting class with Andrea Romano, the casting director behind pretty much every DC animated project since Batman: The Animated Series? Yes. Please.

12:15 PM – 1:00 PM – Image Comics: I is for Infinite – 1A14

Attention Scott Snyder fans! He’ll be talking about his non-Batman work at this panel. As will Kieron Gillen. Hmmm, I wonder if Jamie McKelvie will show up. It just makes sense to have both creators from The Wicked + The Divine there.

1:45 PM – 2:45 PM – Harry Potter NYC Presents The Art of Wand Dueling – Family HQ 1C04

Wand dueling. It’s like lightsaber fighting, but with less clashing of sticks and more pointing at each other while yelling, right? On the one hand, I can’t see this being as exciting as learning to have a lightsaber duel, but then again, I know for a fact that pointing at people and yelling “Expelliarmus!” is a run way to pass an afternoon.

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Speaking of which…

2:30 PM – 5:00 PM – [adult swim] Panel Block – Main Stage 1-D

All of [adult swim]’s panels in one handy block. Note: they will NOT be clearing the room between each panel in the [adult swim] block, so if you want to go to any of them, you may want to show up early and grab a seat for all of them. The panels are: The McBrayer/Triumph Panel (2:30 – 3:15), Rick and Morty (3:20 – 4:05) and Robot Chicken (4:15 – 5:00). This should be worth it just for the sneak peak at The Robot Chicken Lots of Holidays But Don’t Worry Christmas Is Still In There Too So Pull The Stick Out Of Your Ass Fox News.

4:05 PM – 4:45 PM – Nerdist Writers Panel – 1A18

Ben Blacker interviews Brian K. Vaughan about writing. What else do you need to know?

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM – Once Upon on a Time Has Frozen Over – Empire Stage 1-E

I’m not a watcher of Once Upon a Time, and yet I find myself completely excited that they’re doing this, bringing the characters from Disney’s latest hit animated movie, Frozen, into the world of Once Upon a Time. It just seems like such a fresh idea. I love it. I may start watching Once Upon a Time now.

5:45 PM – 6:45 PM – Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD – Main Stage 1-D

Jeph Loeb talks all things Agents of SHIELD and you’ll see the next episode before it airs!

7:15 PM – 8:15 PM – Justice League: Throne of Atlantis  – Empire Stage 1-E

Did you watch the trailer for Throne of Atlantis that came with Batman: Assault on Arkham? No? Watch it now. And then get excited for this panel that will have clips from the movie, and Andrea Romano, James Tucker, Phil Bourassa and Heath Corson on hand for questions.

 

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NYCC 2014 – Thursday Panel Highlights

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Have you looked at the panel list for New York Comic Con 2014? There are A LOT of panels this year! Yes, there are a lot of panels every year, but I feel that this year there are more, a lot more. Wading through the entire list of panels can be time consuming, so that’s why we’re here to give you our picks for the not-to-missed panels of NYCC 2014!

In past years, the Thursday panels have seemed like little more than afterthoughts. That’s not the case this year, with big names presenting big things on the first day of NYCC!

The doors to NYCC open at 12 noon on Thursday, giving you a full hour to buy exclusives, pick up merch and autograph tickets, and check out the show floor before heading to the first panels of the con at 1 PM.

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM – Walt Disney Studios Presents an Exclusive Look at Tomorrowland and Walt Disney Animation Studios Presents a Exclusive Look at Big Hero 6 – Main Stage 1-D

I’m surprised this panel isn’t on Sunday, aka Kid’s Day, because it would be PACKED! As it is, I’d still expect a crowd, as you’re getting previews of both Tomorrowland and Big Hero 6, AND Directors Don Hall and Chris Williams (Big Hero 6) and Brad Bird (Tomorrowland) will be at this panel! If those names don’t ring a bell, Don Hall and Chris Williams directed a little movie called Frozen, and Brad Bird directed two of my favorite animated movies ever, The Iron Giant and The Incredibles.

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM – Friend of Comic Vine – 1A21

I consider myself a Friend of Comic Vine. I’ve helped update their wiki, participate on their message boards (though sadly not as much as I’d like to recently), and even wrote an article that’s currently sitting on their front page. I’ve met EIC Tony Guerrero and Gregg Katzman before (both of who are great guys). If you’re an active user of Comic Vine, I would consider this a can’t-miss panel, as it’s your chance to meet your fellow Viners in person. Not to mention that Brian Buccellato, Jimmy Palmiotti and Josh Fialkov will be there too.

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM – Game of Thrones Fan Forum – Featuring Kristian Nairn and Natalia Tena – Empire Stage 1-E

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Hodor! Osha (or Tonks for you Harry Potter fans)! Both will be at this panel dedicated to our favorite HBO show. A word of warning – if you haven’t read the books, be wary about attending this panel. Spoilers abound when fans start asking questions.

2:00 PM – 2:45 PM – Doctor Who Comics Panel – 1A10

IDW recently launched two new Doctor Who series, one focused on the 10th Doctor, David Tennet, and one focused on the 11th Doctor, Matt Smith. And right around NYCC, another series featuring the 12th Doctor, Peter Capaldi, will launch. This panel will have writers Nick Abadzis, Robbie Morrison and Rob Williams, and artist Simon Fraser. Plus, every attendee will walk out with some Doctor Who swag.

2:15 PM – 3:00 PM – ComicsPro “So You Want to Be a Comics Retailer?” – 1A05 

Are you thinking about quitting your day job and following your dream to talk and sell comics all day? If so, this panel is for you. Actual comic book retailers will be on hand to answer your questions. Come prepared.

3:15 PM – 4:00 PM – 50 Years of Fandom! How Comics Took Over the World – 1A06

I was ready to write this panel off until I saw that the panel guests included Maggie Thompson and Michael Uslan. This should be a very informative panel about the history of comic book conventions in particular and fandom in general.

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Skybound’s The Walking Dead – Empire Stage 1-E

If you’re a fan of The Walking Dead from Image Comics, this is a must-go-to panel for you! Robert Kirkman will be there! Do you need another reason? No, I didn’t think you did.

5:00 PM – 5:45 PM – Image Comics – I is for Immersive – 1A21

This panel had me at Jamie McKelvie. The former artist of the dearly missed Young Avengers, and current artist of the excellent Image Comic, The Wicked + The Divine, will be on hand. I’m guessing Wicked + Divine writer Kieron Gillen will be there too, though he’s not listed as of yet (but will be at NYCC). Also at this panel: Brandon Montclare (Rocket Girl), Kelly Sue Deconnick (Pretty Deadly) and Kyle Higgins (C.O.W.L.). Head here straight after The Walking Dead panel.

5:15 PM – 6:45 PM – Design Your Own Cape with Art Force Five – Family HQ 1C02

If you’re bringing your kid with you to NYCC on Thursday, take them to this! Your kid (and you too, why not?) can design his or her very own superhero cape, picking out the color and the emblem. Don’t have a kid? I don’t think you need one to attend this, and everyone needs a cape!

The show floor closes at 7:00, so you can either head home, head to an after party or head to these late panels.

6:45 PM – 7:45 PM – Adam West & Batman: The Complete Television Series – Main Stage 1-D

The Adam West Batman series is finally coming to DVD and Blu Ray this fall with an official release from Warner! I. Cannot. Wait.

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7:15 PM – 8:00 PM – Firefly Online: Bringing Back the Verse – 1A06

Firefly is back! Yes, it’s as a video game, not a TV show, but it’s a video game that you and all your browncoat friends can play together. Plus, Andrea Romano will be on the panel. Andrea Romano makes every panel better. Hmmm…I wonder if they’ll be giving out beta keys.

7:15 PM – 8:00 PM – Bleeding Cool – The Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘N’ Roll of Comics Revealed – 1A24

Start you day with a Comic Vine panel and end it with a Bleeding Cool panel. Bleeding Cool has picked up on stories we’ve run here, but that’s not why I’m recommending this panel. Rich Johnston is a very entertaining and very polarizing fellow in the comics industry. I have nothing but love for Rich, as Bleeding Cool is a site I check daily. This should be a VERY fun panel, full of rumors and innuendo.

8:00 PM – 8:45 PM – Sketch Fighter – 1B03

Well, this looks like a lot of fun! Comic book artists and stand-up comics will go head-to-head in what appears to be a Win, Lose or Draw type game show. Plus, all the art made during this show will be auctioned off at the end, with the money going to The HERO Initiative. No word yet on what artists on participating

8:30 PM – 10:30 PM – WB Preview Night Screening – The Pilot Episode of Constantine and the Season Two Premiere of The 100 – Main Stage 1-D

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It’s a WB double feature! Want to see the pilot of Constantine two weeks early? Go here! I wonder which they’ll show first. I’m hoping it’s Constantine, just because I’ve never seen The 100. I wouldn’t be surprised if they show The 100 first, knowing that most people are showing up to see Constantine.