October 22, 2015 by Billy Henehan

Mom at the Con

Written by Sarvenaz Tash. You can follow Sarvenaz on Twitter at @SarvenazTash. Photos by Graig Kreindler.

This is my fifth year attending New York Comic Con…but my first one attending it as a parent. This was monumental for two reasons. 1) It was the longest amount of time my husband and I have spent away from our 11-week-old son. (This means my babysitter/sister got to liberally and appropriately use the poop emoji as we texted back and forth: always a win). But more importantly 2) we now had a pint-sized excuse to go shopping at the con!

Our first purchase was the thing we both knew we wanted…if I have to be honest, even before he was born. What little boy or girl doesn’t need a plush Link to cuddle up to while dreaming of their own 8-bit adventures?

Next, it was time to fulfill the Harry Potter contingent and these Pop! Vinyl figures fit the bill. Naturally if I was going to get him a starter kit, I needed the power trio in all their glory.

I was also hoping to pick up the brand new illustrated Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone but, alas, was unable to find a copy at NYCC. We were also a little disappointed at the dearth of clever/geeky onesies (take note for next year, vendors! Nerdy parents need appropriately nerdy clothing options for their little ones too.)

On a logistical note, we were actually hoping to take our little one to the con on Thursday for a couple of hours but he wasn’t feeling well. (We even had a Daenerys and Drogon costume on hand for just such a scenario, dagnabit…). Looking around the Javits with a parental eye, I think using a baby carrier would actually have been okay for him but a stroller might have been too difficult to maneuver (on the other hand, there are brave folks in super elaborate costumes that are way bigger than me + stroller and I realize it definitely is possible. I just like to be as unencumbered as possible when roaming the crowds at Javits).

My other goal at this year’s con was to visit the Simon & Schuster booth where they were giving out these exclusive Geek’s Guide to Unrequited Love postcards.

What is The Geek’s Guide to Unrequited Love you ask? Why it’s my upcoming YA novel (coming out on 6/14/16) pitched as Pretty in Pink goes to comic con…and it, in fact, takes place at NYCC! (What can I say? I am very inspired by the creativity and passion that I’ve seen there year after year).

And as a bonus, my amazing friend Dave cosplayed as the main character of my book.

Yup, that is true friendship.

So I will now leave you with the description of the book. I already can’t wait for next year’s NYCC when the book will be out and hopefully at the show because I’ll let you in on a secret: it’s my favorite thing I’ve ever written!

Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy…
Archie and Veronica…
Althena and Noth…
…Graham and Roxy?

Graham met his best friend, Roxana, when he moved into her neighborhood eight years ago, and she asked him which Hogwarts house he’d be sorted into. Graham has been in love with her ever since.

But now they’re sixteen, still neighbors, still best friends. And Graham and Roxy share more than ever–moving on from their Harry Potter obsession to a serious love of comic books.

When Graham learns that the creator of their favorite comic, The Althena Chronicles, is making a rare appearance at this year’s New York Comic Con, he knows he must score tickets. And the event inspires Graham to come up with the perfect plan to tell Roxy how he really feels about her. He’s got three days to woo his best friend at the coolest, kookiest con full of superheroes and supervillains. But no one at a comic book convention is who they appear to be…even Roxy. And Graham is starting to realize fictional love stories are way less complicated than real-life ones.

And if that interests you, I’m happy to announce that the book just became available for pre-order!

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October 6, 2014 by Billy Henehan

NYCC 2014 – Friday Panel Guide

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.

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.

November 25, 2013 by Billy Henehan

Geeky Holiday Gift Guide

The holidays are right around the corner. Are you looking for the perfect gift for the geek in your life? Tuesday Night Movies is here to help!

Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One – Avengers Assembled Boxed Set

This box set comes with all of the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies leading up to and including The Avengers. You get Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America, and The Avengers. What really makes this set cool is that everything is packaged in a SHIELD-branded briefcase that contains a light-up tesseract inside!

Captain America: The Winter Solider Ultimate Collection

Next year’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier movie is largely based on Ed Brubaker’s run on the Captain America comic, where he introduced Cap’s mysterious new enemy, the Winter Soldier. This collection has stunning art by Steve Epting and Michael Lark, and an amazing story by Brubaker.

Doctor Who: Series 1-7 Limited Edition Gift Set

BBC has finally released the Chistopher Eccleston and David Tennant years of Doctor Who on Blu Ray. This set includes all of those seasons, plus seasons 5-7 starring Matt Smith as the Doctor. The set also includes an awesome fully functional sonic screwdriver universal remote control. You can use it on your TV, blu ray player, speakers, anything that will work with a universal remote. This is the closest you’ll get to feeling like a time lord without having a second heart implanted in you.

Doctor Who Tardis Beach Towel

Sure, it’s cold out now, but summer will be here soon enough. Or maybe the Doctor will show up to pick up you and friends for a weekend getaway to the Caribbean in the middle of January. In either situation, this Tardis towel is a must-own item.

Han Solo Frozen in Carbonite Bottle Opener

Transform your kitchen in Jabba’s throne room! This is quite possibly the coolest looking bottle opener ever, a highly detailed replica of Han Solo frozen in carbonite from The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. And it’s functional too. The back of Han Solo is magnetic, so it will stick to your fridge. The bottle opener is solid metal, not some flimsy plastic, so it should last you a long time.

Star Wars Tauntaun Sleeping Bag

I received one of these Tauntaun sleeping bags for Christmas when ThinkGeek first introduced them a couple of years ago. It is quite possibly the best Christmas present I ever received. You should buy this for someone you love. And buy one for yourself too while you’re at it.

Harry Potter Wizard’s Collection (Blu Ray/DVD Combo/Ultraviolet Combo)

There have been many Harry Potter movie collections over the years, but this is the mother of all Harry Potter movie collections. It is 31 discs in total, including all 8 Harry Potter movies on both Blu Ray and DVD, and tons of special features. But what really sells this collection is how it’s contained. The box is a fold out chest of drawers. The discs are in book-like boxes. One disc is even hidden behind a secret compartment. The Ultra-Violet download codes are written on rolled-up scrolls. There are a couple of books included, The Catalog of Artifacts and The Label Collection, which really show off the detail that went into producing the props for the movies. There’s a map of Hogwarts and the surrounding area, and a blueprint of Hogwarts Castle. There’s even a horcrux locket! This is the ultimate gift for the Harry Potter fan in your life!

Harry Potter Triwizard Tournament Shirt

The perfect gift for the quidditch fan in your life. This is an exact replica of the shirt that Harry wears in the third challenge of the Triwzard Tournament. Potter is embroidered on the back and the shirt has the Hogwarts school crest on the front.

Star Trek Transporter Room Bath Mat & Shower Curtain Set

Modeled after the original Star Trek series, this bath mat and shower curtain set will transform your bathroom into the Transporter Room. Beam up to the Enterprise every time you step out of the shower!

Star Trek Spock Oven Mitt

This is just super. It’s an oversized Spock hand, giving the “Live long and proper” sign and it’s an oven mitt. I don’t know if this combination is logical, but it is definitely awesome!

Game of Thrones Scarves

Winter is coming. A man needs a scarf.

Game of Thrones: Iron Coin of the Faceless Man

Because a man needs a coin. This is a replica of the coin that Jaqen gives Arya. One side shows a faceless man. The other says reads: “Valar Morghulis, Valar Dohaeris,” which translates to “All men must die, all men must serve.” This is quite possibly one of the coolest prop replicas I’ve seen from HBO’s hit TV series.

The Walking Dead Season 3 Limited Edition Boxed Set

Winning the prize for the creepiest boxed set on the market is this version of AMC’s The Walking Dead Season 3. It comes packaged with a replica of The Governor’s collection of zombie heads in fish tanks. It even lights up from within to illuminate the heads. You can even fill the aquariums with water! And it comes with all of season 3 of The Walking Dead.

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Funko Pop Vinyl Figure

Easily the coolest character on The Walking Dead, Daryl Dixon can now guard office desks and bookshelves from walkers in the form of this vinyl figure from Funko.

Batman: Arkham Origins Collectors Edition

The Arkham Asylum and Arkham City games have been my absolute favorite video games of the last couple of years. The latest chapter in the franchise was recently released, Batman: Arkham Origins. The collectors edition of Arkham Origins contains a slew of cool stuff, most notably a light-up statue of Batman’s archenemy, The Joker. You even get more game, as the collectors edition includes download codes for bonus content not included in the standard edition. When your thumbs are sore, you can watch the included Blu Ray of Necessary Evil: The Villains of the DC Universe.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Deluxe Edition

When DC first released the animated version of The Dark Knight Returns, they did it as two separate movies. The movies were very well received and DC has now combined the two of them into one epic movie. The Dark Knight Returns is one of the coolest Batman stories ever told.

November 28, 2011 by Billy Henehan

On The Couch 2011 #27: We Are Wizards

The title of the documentary We Are Wizards shares its name with a song by MC Kreacher, a rapper in the growing music scene known as Wizard Rock. A few of the music acts that populate Wizard Rock are spotlighted in this documentary. Sadly, MC Kreacher is not one of them.

Side note…I went as MC Kreacher to a friend’s Harry Potter themed birthday party this year.

I saw Harry and the Potters, one of the bands in We Are Wizards, live earlier this year. What I liked about them, and their opening act MC Kreacher, is that while their songs are from the point of view of characters in the Harry Potter books and movies, they are also really good songs. They aren’t just novelty acts, they’re making good music.

Harry and the Potters featuring Harry Potter and Harry Potter.

If you have ever seen Harry and the Potters or another Wizard Rock band live, I think you would enjoy seeing We Are Wizards. It focuses on how these groups formed, their preparations for live shows and their thoughts on the whole Wizard Rock genre. My favorite part of the movie might have been when one of the Harrys from Harry and the Potters explains that they used the term Wizard Rock as a joke once to describe their music and were surprised to see other acts embrace the term.

Draco and the Malfoys are another group featured in We Are Wizards. I really enjoyed their story. They formed because Harry and the Potters had to cancel a show, so these two guys formed their own group to perform that night, singing songs from the point of view of Harry’s rival Draco.

If you’re a parent of a young Harry Potter fan and you’d like your child to channel some of their energy into music, I’d recommend sitting your kid down to watch We Are Wizards. The musical acts in a movie come from a wide range of ages, including one that’s a grade-schooler.

The Hungarian Horntails are as bad ass as they are adorable!

As a lifelong Star Wars fan, I find myself a little sad that outside of the occasional song by Weird Al Yankovic and that Chewbacca song from the Clerks soundtrack, there are no Star Wars themed pop songs. Where’s our Jedi Rock? C’mon, you know that Han and the Solos would be a killer band name!

October 19, 2011 by Billy Henehan

Five Random Observations from My First Comic Con

I am, admittedly, a pretty big geek. But up until now, I’d never attended an actual Comic Con. So this year when Billy brought it up, I jumped at the chance. I used copious amounts of soap and followed his 9 other rules for attending a convention, put on my Harry and the Potters T-shirt and set out for the faraway land of the Javits Center.

1. The first thing I saw then I entered was a girl wearing absolutely no pants, tiny black underwear and fishnet stockings. I have no idea who she was supposed to be, but it was about on par with what I expected from Comic Con. Now that I think of it, it’s also about on par with what I expect at a Lady Gaga concert. And you wouldn’t normally think there’d be a huge cross-section there.

2. I knew I was at the right place when I saw someone dressed as Harry Potter standing next to a Dalek.

Dalek…

Yeah, that pretty much sums me up.

3. Billy and I shared a near-death experience. It started out innocently enough: all we wanted to do was to check out a panel. We went to the basement level and the closer we walked toward the room, the more the crowds started to fill in around us.

By the time we realized what was happening, it was too late. We were stuck in a dense ocean of convention goers.

I’m pretty short, so I was very much concerned about my oxygen levels. Although Billy, who was at a higher elevation, tells me that he was concerned about the BO toxicity level. Either way, things were not looking good for either of us.

After about 10 minutes of being stuck in the mob, we came to a sign that let us know just what the crowd was for. It said… “Speed Dating.”

Yup, we almost died cause of Nerd Love.

Though, I have to say. That’s actually an excellent place to get some speed dating done. You probably already have some common ground and a comforting mutual level of social awkwardness to help ease both of you in.

4. At one point, I saw a sign for something called Johnny Cupcakes and immediately wandered over to it. Only when I managed to get close enough to the case did I realize that they were selling plastic toys and not cupcakes. A word to the wise: if you, as a company, put ‘Cupcakes’ in your name, you will sorely disappoint some potential customers even before they have a chance to look at your wares. That was what I call a sad Comic Con moment.

NOT cupcakes. Somewhere on the other side of this photo, I’m crying silent tears.

5. I’m big into theme parties, Halloween, and costumes in general and there were some amazingly creative costumes. The whole Darkwing Duck gang was there. There was a giant homemade Bumblebee with working lights. The “Are You My Mummy” empty child from Doctor Who (as well as a ton of 11th and 10th Doctors). Next year, I think I’m definitely dressing up.

No, I’m not! Now stop creeping me out…

And, oh yeah, next year. Because although this was my first Comic Con, I definitely don’t think it’ll be my last. I had a ton of fun. I even had to break my self-imposed book buying ban because there were three titles I just had to get. One of which is called The Crimes of Dr. Watson and is an interactive Sherlock Holmes mystery complete with actual clues you have to piece together. It’s pretty awesome.

In conclusion, judging from the fact that I’m using the phrase “in conclusion,” you can probably guess that I felt right at home at Comic Con. It was made of win. Win dressed in spandex.

Sarvenaz Tash is the author of the upcoming middle grade novel THE MAPMAKER AND THE GHOST. Visit her website http://www.sarvenaztash.com/.

Photos by Graig Kreindler.

Tuesday Night Movies

Movie reviews, Comics & General Geekery

Tag Archives: Harry Potter

Mom at the Con

NYCC 2014 – Friday Panel Guide

Geeky Holiday Gift Guide

On The Couch 2011 #27: We Are Wizards

Five Random Observations from My First Comic Con