The Highs and... Highs of Comic-Con 2012
Every self-proclaimed nerd, geek, fanboy or girl, such as myself, looks forward to one event every summer. The Comic-Con International convention held in San Diego, CA. The first time I attended SDCC was in 2009. As a day trip down to San Diego for my bachelorette weekend, we were only there for a mere 8 hours. Sure, some people spend their last hurrah in Vegas or party it up in Miami, but my idea of the perfect bachelorette party was to get my (spray) tan on at Santa Monica Beach, attend a taping of The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien (NOT Leno), and spend a day at San Diego Comic-Con (being from Seattle, I wanted to get as much California in for my trip). The first time around I was ill-prepared, wearing bad shoes, an Audrey Hepburn screen-tee, and no strategy on how to get into the panels I wanted. For the first time, I questioned my level 82 Hunter and Guild Leader (from Maple Story) status, and felt like such a poser. Perhaps I should’ve packed my Hobbit costume from Halloween? So when the opportunity to attend Comic-Con came around again, this time, I was going to be prepared. With my Comic-Con App installed on my phone, comfy running shoes, and my Thunder Cats t-shirt, I was ready to tackle SDCC Day 1 like it was the Battle of Dagorlad, because I just never know when I'll be at SDCC again. Below I share, in no particular order, the highlights from my weekend at Comic-Con 2012 in San Diego.
Snakes in a Cage
Which I’m pretty sure came on a plane. One of the first of many exhibits on my “must –see” list was the Indiana Jones Snake Pit. In honor of all four Indiana Jones films available for the first time on Blu-ray in one collection, a glass snake pit was created to announce the release at Comic-Con. This got my vote for most creative display because it creepy yet cool to see real snakes climbing the sides of the walls and glass. Paging Dr. Jones (and Mr. Spielberg of course), I want to go on another adventure with you. Until that day comes, the Indiana Jones: The Complete Adventures will have to keep me company.
Feeling “Brave”
After getting my morning coffee, I finally worked up the courage to ask a fellow attendee in costume for a picture. You’d think it wouldn’t be a big deal, but every time I wanted to ask for a picture, I chickened out. But when I saw Merida from Disney/Pixar’s Brave, I figured, you can't come dressed as a Disney character and say no and finally got my first picture! Speaking of Brave, through July 19 (tomorrow) you can save $8 on Brave (Five-Disc Ultimate Collector's Edition: Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy) when you pre-order it on Amazon.
Expect millions and millions to be taking this journey in 148 Days
I know I will. Ever since I watched Frodo and Bilbo sail away to Valinor in Return of the King, I have been counting down the days for a Hobbit movie. Thanks goodness The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey releases in theaters on 12/14/12. If the world does end on 12/21/12, it’ll be fine because we’ll all have had a week to watch it. Get it in as many times as you can. At SDCC this year, Peter Jackson and a few members of the cast including Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and Gandalf (Ian McKellan) spoke on a panel and even shared a 12-minute clip from the movie. Don’t remind me on how I let myself miss that one… On the convention floor, I was thrilled to see the posters from the movie as well as the Trolls created by the talented folks at WETA. Back to Middle Earth we go!
Browncoats & Whedonites rejoice!
If you were one of the lucky ones to get into the panel for the Firefly 10-Year Reunion with Joss Whedon and cast, millions of us envy you. To Joss and the Crew of Serenity- we’re still flying with you. By the way if you haven’t had a chance to check out this ultimate sweepstakes for any Whedonite or Avengers fan, make sure you visit the Amazon.com Movies & TV Facebook page to learn more about a chance to win Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One - Avengers Assembled (10-Disc Limited Edition Six-Movie Collector's Set) personally autographed by Joss Whedon. If that doesn’t get your kite flying…
Ready for a Zombie Apocalypse
In what I believe to be the perfect marriage of Comic Book and TV, that had children in the form of Toys (not the ones for kids, but Action Figures and Collectibles) with a possible baby on the way (the first person shooter video game at SDCC was just okay in my opinion), The Walking Dead had quite a presence at Comic-Con this year. From the Zombie Make-up Station to taking a picture with Michonne as one of her pets, everywhere you went you could tell a zombie fan was near. And thanks to Robert Kirkman (creator of The Walking Dead comic book and executive producer of the show) I now have five different ways I plan to take out a zombie if World War Z indeed takes place one day. For the ultimate fan, on display was the zombie statue head of The Walking Dead Season Two (Limited Edition) on Blu-ray in which a bloody screwdriver acts as a key to unlock the set when you stick it in the zombie’s eye. How sick is that? I also got to witness my first ever Zombie Walk, which if I return next year, I will make sure to take part in dressed as a Zombie Karl Lagerfield (my Halloween costume for this year –zombiefied).
The Dark Knight Rides
T-minus 2 days (well 1 day for some that will be attending a late Thursday night showing such as myself) before the legend ends. I’ve never been more excited and sad at the same time to see the final installment. Actually, the last time I felt this way was when Friends ended…ok, and Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and I imagine how I’ll feel when the 6th and last film in the Fast and the Furious series comes out next year. Christopher Nolan’s reboot of the Batman series will forever go down as one of my favorite trilogies ever. Also I would be doing a great injustice to the female population if I didn’t mention all the eye-candy to look forward to – Christian Bale, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tom Hardy, and Gary Oldman to name a few. Thank You Mr. Nolan! – For the fellas you’ve got Anne Hathaway and Marion Coutillard. To celebrate the final chapter in the Dark Knight series, a full line of Batman cars were on display. (Photos courtesy of the Amazon Toys Team, who took better pictures of the Batmobiles - check out the Amazon Toys & Games Facebook Page for more photos from Comic-Con as well)
Not your average Bond Collection… or Bond Girl
Let’s be honest, not even close to a Bond Girl is what everyone is thinking and I couldn’t agree more. It’s why I asked the fine team at the Fox/MGM booth to join me for this photo op with the Flying Parahawk from The World Is Not Enough on Day 2. In celebration of 50 years of Bond, fans of the films had the opportunity to take pictures with some of the exquisite vehicles featured in the Bond films. During the 4 days at Comic-Con along with the Flying Parahawk, the Jet Boat from and Jaguar XKR from Die Another Day, and Aston Martin V8 Volante from The Living Daylights, were all brought in on display for fans to take pictures with. I got to see a copy of Bond 50: The Complete 22 Film Collection on Blu-ray which if you pre-order on Amazon includes the Limited Edition Hardcover Book that has 50 Years Of Movie Posters. It’s a definite must-have for Bond fans. It has over 130 hours of never-before-seen content from the Bond archives.
It’s a bird…it’s a plane…it’s Superman and Clark Kent!
This goes down as one of my favorite costumes at Comic-Con. C’mon, how often is it that you get to see this? Also, do you think they came back the next day and switched costumes? “Ok fine… tomorrow, you can be Superman….” I was also excited to hear my laminated celebrity crush #4 Henry Cavill, who stars as Superman in the Zack Snyder reboot, Man of Steel made an appearance at Comic-Con. Less than a year for that to be released in theaters - June 14, 2013, save the date!
Resident Evil-The franchise that keeps giving and giving
As a die-hard fan of the Resident Evil video games, I’ll be honest, I’ve never been much of a fan of the movies. However after seeing the trailer of Resident Evil: Retribution, the fifth installment of the film’s franchise, it has been added to my Must-see in Theaters List. Director Paul W.S. Anderson revealed at a panel on Friday that this could be one of the last in the Resident Evil films. This means it could also be one of the last times we watch Milla Jovovich kick some zombie…tail, which is why I’m sure most people watch these movies. Regardless, I’m most excited that Capcom decided to move the release date of Resident Evil 6 to 10-2-12. By the way no need to call for a missing persons report, the hubs and I will be locked up in our house playing Resident Evil 6 until we beat the game – how long that takes will depend entirely on how many breaks we take from my tendency to get motion sickness.
Next in line for the Throne
No Comic-Con experience would be complete without a stint in the waiting line to get into the Hall H panels. A good chunk of my time Friday was spent waiting for The Walking Dead and The Game of Thrones panels. Needless to say after 5 hours of waiting in line, I wasn’t able to get into the either of the panels but why is this still a highlight? It’s in the lines that you really get to connect with fellow Comic-Coners and discuss and debate the love of your mutual favorites. There’s a sense of camaraderie as you make another loop around the corner of each rope, knowing that you’re that much closer (and really, making sure no one new tries to cut in front). Sure, I was bummed I didn’t make it into the Game of Thrones panel, but the company along the way made the time I spent waiting, feel un-wasted. Plus my favorite character, Jon Snow, wasn’t at the panel anyway…and I was getting hungry and had to use the bathroom.
The Artists…
While I went down to Comic-Con most excited for the Movies & TV Show announces, it would be a miss not to mention all the amazing artists throughout the convention floor. Each booth I passed, especially watching the artists draw on the spot, was like watching an actor give a Tony Award-winning performance on stage. It’s not every day you get to see raw talent performed in front of you before your eyes. For me, it might as well have been Michelangelo painting a part of the Sistine Chapel. As someone who’s been drawing the same characters (as seen in the picture below) as long as I can remember, you can see why I was in awe of everyone. My favorite new find, was artist Nidhi Chanani. As an aunt-to-be, I had baby on the brain and fell in love with Nidhi’s artwork and purchased a few on the spot! For any Amazon Mom or Dad’s out there looking to decorate a new nursery, I would definitely recommend checking her out!
And finally the Characters...
Comic-Con always makes for some fun people watching. Below were some of my favorite costumes from the weekend. I am relieved I didn’t see anyone dressed up as a centaur. I don’t care how cool they are, there is something about half-man, half-beast that I just find repulsive. Unless that half-man, half-beast is werewolf like Alcide (Joe Manganiello) from True Blood. Yes please!
“You Stay Classy San Diego”
To close I take a quote from one of my favorite movies, Anchor Man with a big thank you and shout out to the city of San Diego, for hosting yet another successful Comic-Con! From the volunteers at the event, to the hotel and restaurant staff at the many places I visited, the city sure knows how to host tens of thousands of out-of-towners with a warm welcome. So until next time, “You stay classy San Diego.”
--Ann
For more on Comic-Con, be sure to check out IMDB’s coverage and photos of Comic-Con 2012.
Browncoats & Whedonites rejoice!
If you were one of the lucky ones to get into the panel for the Firefly 10-Year Reunion with Joss Whedon and cast, millions of us envy you. To Joss and the Crew of Serenity- we’re still flying with you. By the way if you haven’t had a chance to check out this ultimate sweepstakes for any Whedonite or Avengers fan, make sure you visit the Amazon.com Movies & TV Facebook page to learn more about a chance to win Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One - Avengers Assembled (10-Disc Limited Edition Six-Movie Collector's Set) personally autographed by Joss Whedon. If that doesn’t get your kite flying…than maybe this kite’s not for you.
Brow
Browncoats & Whedonites rejoice!
If you were one of the lucky ones to get into the panel for the Firefly 10-Year Reunion with Joss Whedon and cast, millions of us envy you. To Joss and the Crew of Serenity- we’re still flying with you. By the way if you haven’t had a chance to check out this ultimate sweepstakes for any Whedonite or Avengers fan, make sure you visit the Amazon.com Movies & TV Facebook page to learn more about a chance to win Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One - Avengers Assembled (10-Disc Limited Edition Six-Movie Collector's Set) personally autographed by Joss Whedon. If that doesn’t get your kite flying…than maybe this kite’s not for you.
ncoats & Whedonites rejoice!
If you were one of the lucky ones to get into the panel for the Firefly 10-Year Reunion with Joss Whedon and cast, millions of us envy you. To Joss and the Crew of Serenity- we’re still flying with you. By the way if you haven’t had a chance to check out this ultimate sweepstakes for any Whedonite or Avengers fan, make sure you visit the Amazon.com Movies & TV Facebook page to learn more about a chance to win Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One - Avengers Assembled (10-Disc Limited Edition Six-Movie Collector's Set) personally autographed by Joss Whedon. If that doesn’t get your kite flying…than maybe this kite’s not for you.
how to convert flv to mp4 on September 03, 2012 at 05:54 AM
I'm not really a nerd but I love Comic Con simply because it's very pictureque and fancy :)