The Rogue
So, it’s the first full day of Comic Con and the fans are out in full force, many costumed and others just salivating at the chance to see their favorite comic book authors and artists, filmmakers, television stars, writers and game designers…not to mention the countless merch booths filled with goodies that will fill goodie bags to the brim.
Be prepared, though, cuz nothing here is cheap! From action figures to collectable comics to graphic novels signed by the authors…from posters and games to T-shirts and key chains, it’s like a massive geek swap meet, except the prices are a lot higher than any swap meet I’ve been to. If you have kids, good luck with the whole “You can only get one thing” order, because, trust me…it doesn’t work!
On today’s agenda, a full day of panels, workshops, gaming, previews and of course the wild, wild West known as the main exhibition hall, where the throngs move like cattle in the hopes of getting a few freebies along the way. Food and bathrooms are everywhere, but the lines are pretty long, so brings snacks and hold your bladder until you can get to a less densely populated area. And for Heaven’s Sake, CHARGE YOUR CELLPHONES because you will be snapping pictures like mad to post to social networking.
So today, some of the killer Con highlights are:
Well, heck, let’s jump first to the BIG ONES, which will no doubt also be the hardest to access.
THE WILL EISNER COMIC INDUSTRY AWARDS: CELEBRATING 25 YEARS
The comics industry’s “Oscars” turn 25 this year. What are some of the highlights of past Eisner ceremonies? Who has received the most awards and the most nominations over the years? How has the awards program evolved with changes in the comics industry? What is the effect of having a nomination on a creator or a title? Panelists will address these questions and many more. Featuring Jonathan Ross (British talk show host and Eisner Awards presenter), Bill Morrison (Simpsons cartoonist and past Eisner MC), Maggie Thompson (past CBG editor and awards presenter), past multiple award-winner Todd Klein (best letterer), and some surprises! Moderated by Eisner Awards Administrator Jackie Estrada.
Thursday July 18, 2013 11:00am – 12:00pm
THE X-FILES REUNION!!!!!
It’s been two decades since FBI Special Agents Mulder and Scully first partnered to investigate unsolved paranormal cases. The X-Files made primetime safe for sci-fi, and spawned a generation of hugely successful writer/producers. Somewhere, the truth is still out there. TV Guide Magazine Los Angeles bureau chief Michael Schneider leads a panel that is scheduled to include Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny, plus series creator Chris Carter and writers/producers David Amann, Vince Gilligan, Howard Gordon, Darin Morgan, Glen Morgan, John Shiban and Jim Wong.
Thursday July 18, 2013 3:30pm – 4:30pm
THE WALKING DEAD 10TH ANNIVERSARY PANEL – Robert Kirkman discusses the evolution of The Walking Dead and his plans to celebrate its 10th anniversary this year, in a lively Q&A forum.
Thursday July 18, 2013 4:15pm – 5:15pm
DEXTER!
You’ve been there for every edge-of-your-seat moment, every kill, inside Dexter’s most intimate thoughts, watching him transform before your eyes. Now, after eight amazing seasons, it’s time to say goodbye to America’s Favorite Serial Killer. Join the cast, writers/executive producers, and surprise guest stars that are too big to mention, for a final farewell panel that even Hall H can’t contain! Ralph Garman (KROQ entertainment reporter) presides over a revealing interview and Q&A session with the stars and executive producers of Dexter. Featured panelists include series star/executive producer Michael C. Hall (Dexter), Jennifer Carpenter (Deb), David Zayas (Batista), and James Remar (Harry). Also appearing are executive producers John Goldwyn, Sara Colleton, Scott Buck, and Manny Coto. Satisfy your Dexter obsession all weekend. The new season of Dexter airs Sundays at 9:00 ET/PT only on Showtime.
Thursday July 18, 2013 6:30pm – 7:30pm
If you can’t get anywhere near there, trust me, there are TONS of awesome panels and events going on…way too many to list here, but a few of the ones that caught my eye are:
Sneak peaks of ENDER’S GAME and DIVERGENT, two of the hottest sci-fi/fantasy properties being buzzed about, with autographs from creators, authors and stars.
Panels galore on writing comics, illustrating comics and graphic novels, manga, fantasy, writing sci fi and sci fi art and all things creative, for those of you who do that kind of stuff!
Gaming and Role Playing events at the nearby Marriott Ballroom, including Pathfinder Organized Play, Magic: The Gathering and more. Oh, wow, D& D Board Game Open Play, too!
Comic-Con Film School for aspiring writers, directors and producers.
Panels on breaking into comic books from Marvel, Titan and others.
Pokemon events galore (don’t be ashamed to admit you still wanna catch ‘em all!)
Panels on the paranormal, the witty women of Steampunk (!!!), the evolution of video games to movies, the HASBRO 30th Anniversary of Transformers, comedy legends of TV, Yu-Gi-Oh contests, a killer panel on banned comics!!!, presentations from major studios and production entities like Fox, Paramount, USA Network, Hanna Barbara and Nickelodeon…
Oh there’s tons more, and please visit the Con website for a full schedule because it’s like 12 flippin’ pages long, but also look for a Robot Chicken panel (LOVE that show,) selling your comics on Kickstarter, marketing your creative ideas, an Ode to Nerds (isn’t the entire Con an ode to nerds???), the world of CAPCOM games, a Spike and Mike festival of animation, zombies in pop culture, and a Superhero Kung Fu Extravaganza.
Now this is just a DROP in the bucket of what goes on today. You see, there are about ten or fifteen different events often going on at the same time in various locations, begging the question: WHEN CAN I BE CLONED? You will have to pick and choose what you want to see, and be prepared to be disappointed.
But just remember…you will have a blast simply sitting on your butt in the main lobby watching the freaks go by, and visiting surrounding restaurants and cafes offering special Con events, parties and deals.
It boggles the mind!!! (Thank you, author Ginger Voight for the creepy image below!)
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