Millions of people have visited San Diego for their yearly pop culture event that has delighted fans since 1970 when they began in a small venue featuring comic books.
Just completing it’s fifty-fifth year subsequent to this events in 2025, without a doubt people who have attended love the comic books, games, artwork, and panels for television and film productions.
Sometimes overlooked by admirers of the entertainment industry are the people Behind The Scenes (BTS) that make the television series and films come to life before our eyes. While actors and directors are often recognized by admirers, the “real” people listed in the credits of each film or television series deserve our attention because without their extraordinary efforts, the entertainment products would not become a reality.
Each of these talented individuals are creative genius’ who revealed what motivated them to produced outstanding entertainment. The five creators shared details of their journey to bring top notch products to our screens during their interviews.
Julie Ann Crommett is the CEO of Collective Moxie that helps brands and creators engage audiences in meaningful ways to build sustained success.
Formerly with Disney/Google as an equity changemaker, Julie is well known for her work on one of our favorite movies, the Marvel Studios blockbuster Black Panther.
Julie has also produced several other productions including the hit series Launchpad (2021-2023) where filmmakers from underrepresented backgrounds were selected and provided with the opportunity to share their perspectives and creative visions that will show audiences what it means to be seen.
Image courtesy Pilar Flynn
Pilar Flynn is the incredible Showrunner for Marvel’s hit television series Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur which completed their second season earlier in March 2025.
Pilar is well known for her work as a producer for the hit film Astro Boy (2009) where she worked with Nicholas Cage and Kristen Bell.
In Astro Boy, Pilar was also featured as a voice actor in this fun film about an android replica of a boy who is rejected by his aggrieved creator. The boy goes off to find his own identity in an adventure that would make him the greatest hero of his time.
Image courtesy Jorge R.Gutiérrez
Jorge R.Gutiérrez is an Emmy Award and Annie Award winning director/writer/actor well known for his many accomplishments over the past quarter century.
Jorge’s work includes Directing The Book of Life (2014), Maya and the Three (2021) and directing the 2024 opening title of the fan favorite famous hit series The Simpsons! Jorge has also acted in twenty-five films and series during his successful career in the entertainment industry.
Image courtesy Sydney Bright
Sydney Bright is the head of Global Animation at the renowned Wattpad Webtoon Studios where you can grow in a whole new way with Wattpad’s Story School featuring creators and experts from Wattpad HQ where you will not a beat with fresh updates, news, and resources for writers, delivered straight to your inbox .
Sydney is also well known for her production work on eleven episodes of Bob’s Burgers, thirty episodes of Brickleberry as well as four episodes of The Awesomes!
Al’s comedic talent brings humor and jovial joy to anyone who has witnessed his fine work on forty-eight films and television productions.
We hope that you enjoyed our interviews with the “Real People (with) Real Stories” that have enlightened our lives and brought enjoyment to our lives.
We will be back soon with two additional Press Room interviews that we covered during our time at San Diego Comic-Con this year. In the meantime, please feel free to share this article with your friends, co-workers and or your family!
We look forward to you visiting our dedicated review and analysis web site here in the future and as many of our readers and visitors often do, visit WormholeRiders on X, or visit me on Twitter by clicking the text links or images avatars in this news story. I and TeamWHR look forward to Seeing You on The Other Side!
We are just days away from San Diego Comic-Con 2025! This year is a bit less chaotic than last year’s event, with no major Marvel movie screening like the one the previous year featuring Deadpool & Wolverine. Still, there are always fun things to see and do during the con, both inside and outside the convention center. This year seems to have more anime and games featured. We have not seen that since the writers and actors’ strike in 2023. Some major studios might not have panels this year, but that doesn’t mean their presence will be absent at the Con. Luckily, Hall H will host some great panels on Friday, although there will be very few on Saturday, which is unusual since both days tend to be the busiest.
Visitors can tour the museum located in nearby historic Balboa Park, only a short distance from the convention center to see some of the historic items up for sale before the auction that will be conducted on Sunday July 27, 2025.
Image courtesy Lucas Museum of Narrative Art
This year is historic, as the legendary George Lucas will make his Comic-Con debut with a panel discussing his new Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. The panel will be moderated by Queen Latifah a legend in her own right. I do not doubt that with George Lucas present, Hall H will be even more crowded. The auction will be held at the museum on the last day of the con, Sunday, July 27th, at 10:00 am. Happy bidding!
Image courtesy Troma
Thursday, Day One of the convention, kicks off with ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ opening the Hall H panel in style, followed by a panel featuring two major comedians, Gabriel Iglesias and Jo Koy. This might be the first time comedians host their own panel at Comic-Con.
One panel I am especially excited about is ‘The Toxic Avenger’ with Peter Dinklage. It will be great to see Dinklage back in Hall H, especially since he usually appeared there for the Game of Thrones panels in earlier years.
Another exciting event at the convention is that Stern Pinball is bringing its new machine to the convention. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic shark movie that started it all… JAWS. Stern Pinball is riding that wave and unveiling its JAWS-inspired machine.
Their Stern pinball machines are fantastic and feature some legendary franchises, such as John Wick, James Bond, and The Mandalorian as well as rock and roll icons like Rush and Metallica. They also have their convention room at the Marriott Marquis, where you can try out some of their featured games. I plan to try my luck with the new JAWS machine and will give a report.
I and everyone I know was eagerly hoping for a ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps‘ panel in Hall H since the movie opens on July 25th, but unfortunately, there will be no Marvel panels this year.
I think the chaos that resulted from the ‘Deadpool and Wolverine’ surprise panel premiere last year at led Comic-Con International and Marvel Studios to decide against a special screening of Fantastic Four: First Steps at this years legendary pop culture convention.
Friday in Hall H concludes with the exciting long anticipated return of Disney Studios Tron franchise starring Jeff Bridges as the fabled Kevin Flynn. I for one am looking forward to the ‘Tron: Ares‘ panel!
If Hall H is not an option for you this year, there are still plenty of other fun panels to check out.
Some highlights include the exciting ‘Primitive War‘ set in Vietnam 1968 where a United States recon unit known as Vulture Squad is sent to an isolated jungle valley to uncover the fate of a missing Green Beret platoon. The group soon discover they are not alone.
The Primitive War panel is being presented in second largest venue, Ballroom 20. Featured stars include Ryan Kwanten, Tricia Helfer, and Jeremy Piven.
Friday is always busy, with most panels taking place in the three main spots: Hall H, Ballroom 20, or the Indigo Ballroom at the Hilton Bayfront. Whatever you choose to do during the convention, plan accordingly, as most panels overlap and it can be challenging to see everything you want.
Image courtesy FX Networks (Click to learn more)If you don’t have a badge for Comic-Con, don’t worry – you can still enjoy plenty of activities. Every year, Petco Park hosts a variety of exciting attractions. This year’s setup at Petco Park features a gritty underground Gotham City. Adult Swim, Abbott Elementary, will each have installations outside the convention. Most exiting is he soon to be released Alien Earth that will feature an immersive experience known as “The Wreckage” outside the Hilton Bay Front Hotel Thursday through Sunday.
Image courtesy Malibu Barbie Cafe. Click to make reservations
The Gaslamp restaurants will also showcase installations and offer fun food options and swag for fans. Paramount is bringing back “The Lodge”. Fans of Barbie can wear roller skates and roll around the Malibu Barbie Café. Peacock’s Twisted Metal is offering a “Bumper Battle” experience at San Diego Comic-Con. This interactive event allows fans to step into a post-apocalyptic world and participate in a bumper car tournament inspired by the show. Please note that since these activation’s don’t require a badge, lines may be long. It’s a good idea to check wait times on social media.
Image courtesy Netflix
With Warner Bros., Fox Studios, Disney, and Netflix not having panels this year, the panel rooms might be quieter, but that could mean more time for everyone on the convention floor. I am surprised that Stranger Things doesn’t have a panel this year, given that it is their final year, and it has always been a convention favorite. It’s always interesting to see which major series will and won’t be featured at Comic-Con when the schedule is released. I know everyone has their favorites, and it can be challenging, but it’s always fun regardless of the choices.
Image by Kenn of WormholeRiders TeamWHR
One thing that will always remain a staple at Comic-Con is the comics and the artists. No matter where you turn on the convention center floor, you will always see lots of vendors selling comic books or their original art. Take a stroll through Artists’ Alley and discover the amazing art showcased every day. Support these incredible independent artists, whether it’s by buying a sticker or original artwork. Another great way to support these artists is by sharing their content on all your social media platforms. After all, comic books were the original reason why Comic-Con started over 50 years ago.
As I finish this post and get ready for an exciting adventure, I want to remind all fans to support local comic book shops, local artists to keep pop culture, movies, and TV series alive! Importantly, stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, comfortable shoes, pack snacks, and grab as much swag as you can. Bring your enthusiasm! See you soon in San Diego!
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Hey friends, what a fantastic time at San Diego Comic-Con 2024!
Image courtesy Comic-Con International
It was a tremendous change from last year’s event, which was lackluster due to the impact of the writers’ and actors’ strikes on the industry. I’m delighted that the writers and the actors could settle, making the event feel vibrant and alive again. Marvel Studios grand return to Hall H was a highlight, bringing back that nostalgic Comic-Con feeling. I also had the opportunity to attend press rooms for exciting upcoming projects like The Tower, a thrilling science fiction adventure, and True Noir: Peek Behind the Microphone, a gripping mystery series. I have linked my articles about both upcoming projects for your enjoyment.
The experience of attending Comic-Con is always an exhilarating mix of excitement and decision-making, akin to the famous dilemma may characters face. Navigating overlapping panels and events poses a delightful challenge, but the convention’s vibrant atmosphere and energy make it an unforgettable and thrilling experience.
It is a place where fans worldwide come together, united by their shared love for comics, movies, and pop culture. Included below is a video of where I began my adventures on Comic-Con Preview Night.
I had the most fantastic time at this year’s Comic-Con, which felt like a triumphant comeback, bigger and better than ever. The event was packed with panels from my favorite shows, and I even got to catch sneak peeks of all the upcoming Marvel movies. Sadly, one of the highlights was the final panel for What We Do in the Shadows in Hall H. The panelists, including Matt Berry (Toast of London), Mark Proksch (The Office), Kristen Schaal (Bob’s Burgers), and Kayvan Novak (Syriana), joined via Zoom, with Kayvan hilariously staying in character the entire time. It’s too bad that Natasia Demetriou (Stath Lets Flats) and Harvey Guillen (Blue Beetle) couldn’t make it. Unfortunately, I missed out on attending that panel due to a prior commitment but include the panel courtesy Films That Rock.
This year, the spotlight was on the highly anticipated superhero movie starring Deadpool and Wolverine. There was intense speculation about whether the film would be featured at Comic-Con, and the decision was made to host a massive panel at Hall H. The preparation for this panel was a mad scramble, highlighting its significance. Unlike the usual practice of allowing fans to stay in the room for subsequent panels, this time, it was different, adding to the event’s anticipation and excitement. The process of admitting fans into Hall H was riddled with last-minute challenges, resulting in a chaotic situation.
A massive queue extended around the waterfront and beyond, with an estimated ten thousand people waiting to enter a space designed for six thousand. I found myself among the hopeful attendees. When the room reached its capacity, ushers had to inform the waiting fans that there was no more room, leading to a slow dispersal of the disappointed crowd.
Deadpool Drone Light show image courtesy Newsbreak
The fantastic experience in Hall H where the fortunate attendees had the opportunity to enjoy a panel featuring the talented cast of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, along with director Shawn Levy, followed by a screening of the movie.
Additionally, there was a stunning drone light show outside the convention center after the panel which showcased captivating images of Deadpool and other exciting visuals from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Unfortunately, I had already returned to my hotel and missed the show, but I managed to catch glimpses of it on social media. Panel courtesy Films That Rock.
As the animated movie is set to hit theaters on September 20th, the conversation delved into the profound impact of the Transformers cartoon on the upbringing of certain male cast members.
Keegan-Michael Key Image by Lori of WormholeRiders #TeamWHR
They fondly reminisced about rushing home after school, hastily making a sandwich, and eagerly tuning in to their beloved series. Keegan-Michael Key expressed how surreal it felt to be involved in anything related to Transformers, describing it as a dream come true and a significant highlight in his career. He also found it enjoyable because the key individuals involved were passionate Transformers fans with an extensive knowledge of the lore and intricacies of the universe, surpassing that of most fans. Panel courtesy of Films That Rock..
The atmosphere in San Diego during Comic-Con is extraordinary. The bustling historic Gaslamp Quarter District and the nearby hotels extend the convention experience with their unique offerings. You can find restaurants creatively transformed into themed spots, such as the Star Trek Energize Lounge, and don’t miss the Comic-Con Art Show featured at the prestigious Manchester Grand Hyatt. These unique offerings allow fans to immerse themselves in the excitement of the convention, even if they can’t secure a spot inside the main venue.
The convention is at its peak on Friday and Saturday, as major studios unveil their most highly-anticipated projects in Hall H. Enthusiastic fans can often be seen camping out or waiting line line for days in advance, eagerly vying for the best seats in the first few rows to ensure they don’t miss a minute of the action and to capture stunning photos.
The dedication is remarkable, with some fans even camping out on preview night to secure a prime spot for panels featuring powerhouse shows in the past like Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead. This tradition of passion and commitment has always been a defining characteristic of the convention.
Image courtesy Marvel Studios
As Marvel made its triumphant return to Comic-Con, the sprawling lines of Hall H were alive with anticipation, mirroring the buzz of years past. Kevin Feige’s tantalizing teasers about upcoming Marvel projects had fans eagerly queuing to glimpse the future. The air crackled with excitement as rumors circulated about a possible appearance by the cast of The Fantastic Four, sending pulses racing throughout the crowd. The anticipation and excitement for these upcoming projects were palpable, leaving fans eager for more.
Giancarlo Esposito with Anthony Macke Image by Lori of WormholeRiders #TeamWHR
In Hall H on Saturday, enthusiastic fans were treated to an array of exciting new trailers and announcements for upcoming movies.
Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, Vanessa Kirby, Pedro Pascal Image by Lori of WormholeRiders #TeamWHR
The highly anticipated cast of The Fantastic Four: First Steps made a memorable trip from London to attend the panel, showing their dedication to their fans even before the start of filming for this new highly anticipated science fiction film.
Florence Pugh Image by Lori of WormholeRiders #TeamWHR
This version of The Fantastic Four will depart from previous iterations, with a distinct 1960s aesthetic permeating the entire movie. During rehearsals in London, Vanessa Kirby expressed her feelings about the strong bond that has formed among the cast, likening it to a real superhero family.
She hopes this close-knit dynamic will translate to the screen in the upcoming film set to be released on July 25th, 2025, coinciding perfectly with Comic-Con 2025. Interviews courtesy Entertainment Weekly.
There was a sense of anticipation at the event as cloaked figures marched onto the stage, leaving fans eager to see what surprises awaited them. The Russo Brothers were announced to return to the MCU to direct Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. Amidst the excitement, the audience awaited the announcement of who would play Doctor Doom. As a cloaked figure stepped forward and removed its mask, it was revealed that Robert Downey Jr. (Oppenheimer) would be taking on the role. The announcement was met with shock and mild disappointment from some die-hard Doctor Doom fans, but the excitement in Hall H was palpable as cheers erupted at the news. Downey expressed his enthusiasm for portraying complicated characters, and fans can look forward to seeing both MCU movies in May 2026 and May 2027. It will be interesting to see how The Russo Brothers handle Avengers: Doomsday, especially with critical eyes watching closely. Panel courtesy FilMonger.
Pedro Pascal Image by Lori of WormholeRiders #TeamWHR
I hope you enjoy my highlights recap of my time at Comic-Con.
Attending this event is always exhausting but incredibly enjoyable. It’s incredible to be part of a gathering where all things related to pop culture, fantasy, gaming, and comic books are enthusiastically embraced.
The sense of belonging among fellow fans and the legendary talent presented in San Diego for Comic-Con is genuinely uplifting.
In closing for now, thanks again to Gary Miereanu from GT Marmots/PR, Inc. for allowing me to attend the Press Rooms for The Tower and True Noir to interview the incredibly talented individuals involved with those fabulous entertainment efforts.
Please feel free to leave a comment here or If you prefer, you may also click the social media icons below to share this news article or as many of our readers and visitors often do, visit me on Twitter by clicking the links or images avatars in this news story.
Final bids for these cherished items will be conducted live from the Comic-Con Museum on Sunday July 28, 2024 beginning at 10:00 am. The auction will also be streamed live at the Juliens Auction site for those who are unable to attend in person.
Image by Kenn of #TeamWHR WormholeRiders
During our time at the Comic-Con Museum we were excited to learn about the Comic-Con Museum Legends program that for a largely tax deductable donation, a four day pass to the legendary (pun intended) San Diego Comic-Con 2024 is included in addition to membership at the museum!
The Comic-Con Museum Legends program will extend to 2025. so if you cannot attend this year, plan on next year to leverage your donation to this fabulous museum and pop culture convention.
Image by Kenn of #TeamWHR WormholeRiders
We were ecstatic when the privilege of interviewing Kody and Rita to share special knowledge about the treasured items up for auction that include purchasing a piece of movie and television history! During Comic-Con San Diego, the Comic-Con Museum and Juliens will be auctioning incomparable items including a Deadpool and Wolverine shirt screen worn by Ryan Reynolds, authentic movie memorabilia, screen used props, storyboard illustrations, signed photos and much more!
We include this revealing and insightful interview below for your enjoyment.
About Kody Frederick and Julien’s Auction Spotlight Series:
Image by Kenn of #TeamWHR WormholeRiders
Kody Frederick is the Director of Marketing for Julien’s Auctions. Around the world, fans are preparing to enter the fantastic world of Turner Classic Movies and Julien’s Auctions in a fabulous collaboration “Spotlight Series: Harry Potter & Other Heroes” taking place through July 28, 2024.
This absolutely awesome auction is set to captivate fans greatest collectable desires with a superbly stunning array of pop culture treasures from Harry Potter and fabled superheroes such as Captain America whose mask is up for auction as this one of a kind event!
Image by Kenn of #TeamWHR WormholeRiders
Rare artifacts and memorabilia relating to the cast and crew of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchises, set dressings, crew jackets, and paint test props on offer for the first time at auction. From the film X-2 (X2: X-Men United), over forty hand-drawn storyboards by famed storyboard and comic book artist, Gabriel Hardman.
Other extraordinary heroes are represented in full force, including significant artifacts from Marvel Studios and the DC Comics Universe. The auction will also pay tribute to Warner Brothers Consumer Products’ legendary founder, Dan Romanelli, featuring items from his a personal collection. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Comic Con Museum.
Image by Kenn of #TeamWHR WormholeRiders
Imagine having the opportunity to acquire magical props from your favorite movies or production ephemera used to create these iconic films.
Not only do such items hold sentimental value, but they also serve as tangible connections to the films that have shaped our lives.
This inaugural auction is a chance to bring home a piece of nostalgia, a symbol of creativity, and a slice of the magic that makes entertainment so memorable and timeless.
Kody Frederick will be conducting the final bids for this awesome auction live beginning on Sunday July 28, 2024 at 10:00 am in the Comic-Con Museum theater!
About Rita Vandergaw and the Comic-Con Museum:
Rita Vandergaw is the Director of the Comic-Con Museum, a division of San Diego Comic-Con International (SDCC) a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation.
SDCC and Comic-Con Museum are organized for charitable purposes, and dedicated to creating the general public’s awareness of and appreciation for comics and related popular art forms, including participation in and support of public presentations, conventions, exhibits, museums, and other public outreach activities which celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture.
In addition to its San Diego Comic-Con convention each summer (the premier comics convention of its kind in the world), SDCC organizes the Anaheim-based WonderCon each spring, and the SAM: Storytelling Across Media symposium in the fall!
We will continue reporting on our adventures in San Diego for Comic-Con 2024, including exclusive interviews, so check back soon! In the meantime, please feel free to share this article with your friends, co-workers and or family and leave your comments! We look forward to you visiting our dedicated review and analysis web site here in the future! Or as many of our readers and visitors often do, visit TeamWHR on Twitter, or visit me on Twitter by clicking the text links or images avatars in this news story. I and TeamWHR look forward to Seeing You on The Other Side!“
It is that time of the year again, and TeamWHR is gearing up for a fantastic event. The aftermath of the writers’ and actors’ strikes in 2023 left a noticeable void at Comic-Con. Unless you were a gamer or an anime fan, the offerings at the 2023 Comic Con were limited. However, more panels featured comic book artists discussing upcoming issues in the following years. With those strikes now resolved, the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con is set to include a wide array of talent from writers, producers, actors, and everyone involved in creating series and movies. Last year’s convention was particularly challenging for someone like me, who has been attending with a press badge since 2012. Unfortunately, many scheduled interviews were canceled last year due to the absence of actors. I hope to make up for lost opportunities with a bounty of interviews this year..
The San Diego Comic-Con 2024 schedule, a highly anticipated event, has been released over the past few days and is now available on their website. It is a thrilling moment for fans as Marvel Studios and other beloved franchises make a long-awaited return to Comic-Con panel on Saturday July 27th featuring Kevin Feige, rekindling the excitement dampened by the pandemic and subsequent content shortage. This absence left many fans disheartened and frustrated, but with the return to normalcy, attendees eagerly anticipate the unveiling of new adventures in February 2025 with Captain America Brave New World and series from many other entertainment powerhouses.
On the evening of Wednesday, July 24th, attendees can experience the excitement of Preview Night, a unique opportunity to explore the convention floor before the main event. This is the perfect occasion for fans and collectors to get their hands on exclusive items before they are gone, ensuring they beat the rush of eager attendees flocking to those sought-after booths. We include a fun Preview Night “walk tour” video from last year to provide a feeling of the coming event.
One panel that I am particularly looking forward to is FX’s “What We Do in the Shadows” in Hall H. It is unusual to see it scheduled on a Thursday, as it is traditionally held on Sundays with the rest of the FX shows. It turns out that there are no FX shows featured on Sunday this year so Hall H will be dark that day. However, there is a bittersweet aspect to this year’s event as it marks the final season for Shadows, making this the last panel for the beloved show.
Similar to previous events, there is a significant amount of scheduling overlap among panels, which is quite common. When navigating your itinerary, it is essential to be careful and allocate ample time for reaching panel rooms, especially since the smaller ones tend to reach capacity quickly, leading to long queues.
I am particularly excited about a few panels happening on Thursday. One of them is the new Peacock TV series “Those About to Die” starring Sir Anthony Hopkins and Iwan Rheon from “Game of Thrones“. It is about ancient Rome and its gladiatorial games, a topic that has always fascinated me. With the sequel to “Gladiator” coming out this year, it should be a great companion to this series.
I am also looking forward to The Groundlings panel. The Groundlings is a legendary sketch comedy troupe that has launched the careers of some of the most iconic and successful comedians of our time. Another panel that I am looking forward to is by Jonathan Frakes from “Star Trek: The Next Generation” will be there to talk about “Venus Prime,” an adaptation of Arthur C. Clarke’s famed book series of six short stories. Frakes will be directing the series and producing it as one of the an seriesd executives. Additionally, there is the panel for the audio drama “The Assassination of Anton Cermak: True Noir.” I am a huge noir fan, so this immediately caught my eye. The cast includes Anthony LaPaglia from “Without A Trace“, Bill Smitrovich from “Air Force One“, Don McManus from “Vice“, and Louis Lombardi from “The Sopranos“. They also promise “a few surprise guests.” This panel is scheduled in Room 6A from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm on Thursday, July 25th.
Image courtesy Amazon MGM Studios
Friday’s events begin with Amazon MGM Studios series “The Boys” in Hall H, followed by “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.” Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest, as studios display their most anticipated shows, much to the fans’ delight. Hall H and Ballroom 20 are where you will find the top-rated and most popular shows. If you want to attend any panels in Hall H, you must line up incredibly early. I have heard that wristbands are required to enter Hall H for the big panels, although I am not exactly sure how it works, as I am press and have a different entrance than regular attendees.
The final panel for “Snowpiercer” will take place in Ballroom 20. Considering its popularity, I do not doubt it will draw a large and enthusiastic crowd.
On Friday, the much-anticipated “Alien: Romulus” panel will occur at Comic-Con. We may get a sneak peek at some behind-the-scenes footage or a brand-new trailer in addition to the cast and creators. That is the beautiful thing about Comic-Con – fans get to see trailers and extras before the rest of the world does.
I anticipate most of my Saturday at the upcoming event will be spent in Hall H, where a lineup of exciting panels is set to take place. I look forward to the “BRZRKR: The Immortal Saga Continues” comic book series panel featuring Keanu Reeves. This will be followed by panels for “Star Trek Universe“, Max’s “The Penguin” with Colin Farrell, and Marvel, making Saturday’s Hall H schedule compelling. It has been a while since I have spent so much time in Hall H, and while there are other panels of interest, the ones I am most excited about are all in Hall H.
With the Marvel Studios panel’s return, I suspect we will witness a panel for “The Fantastic Four” and, hopefully, a panel or something for “Venom: The Last Dance“. I look forward to seeing what else Marvel Studios will unveil, including potential upcoming projects for release in the coming years. This prospect is exciting, as we have not seen much news from Marvel at Comic-Con in recent years. Additionally, we may get updates on “Deadpool & Wolverine“, considering a movie screening is scheduled for Comic-Con on July 26th. The highly anticipated Hall H on Thursday still has a TBA slot, sparking speculation about what surprise could be in store. We may not receive any announcement until right before the convention or on the day. This aligns with Comic-Con’s knack for delivering thrilling, last-minute surprises for fans, which are always awe-inspiring.
I plan to attend just two panels on Sunday, usually the slowest day for panels. One is “Godzilla: Minus One” in Room 25 ABC with the film now showing on Netflix, and the other is “Jellystone” in Room 6DE.
Surprisingly, Sunday’s lineup is almost nonexistent, with nothing scheduled in Hall H, Ballroom 20, or the Indigo Ballroom at The Hilton Bayfront. Last year’s strikes appear to have influenced the scheduling of Comic-Con this year. While some exciting panels are planned, quite a few still need to be included.
Even though we will not see panels from other significant shows or Disney content, exploring the smaller panels is always enjoyable. If you find some free time (which might be rare), you can explore the offsite events behind the convention center. The Gaslamp Quarter will also host themed restaurants throughout Comic-Con. Additionally, Petco Park will feature several offsite events and food trucks to keep hunger at bay. Off-sites offer a fantastic opportunity to engage in the exciting activities and events of Comic-Con without needing a badge. However, it is essential to note that off-sites often have long lines, so it is best to be prepared for potential wait times. Tickets are required to attend certain offsite events. You can visit the Comic-Con website for more information on which events require tickets.
Image by Kenn of WormholeRiders TeamWHR
As I step onto the convention floor, I am surrounded by a dazzling array of booths offering various goods to purchase. While the big, popular booths are constantly enticing with their giveaways and freebies, I highly recommend strolling down Artist’s Alley. Here, you will discover a treasure trove of unique and captivating artwork, each piece a testament to the talent and creativity of the artists. Many of these artists depend on conventions like this to highlight their work, making it incredibly meaningful to support them. Social media plays a crucial role for exhibitors and panelists, so feel free to share your unique experiences at San Diego Comic-Con across all your platforms, but remember to avoid leaking any sensitive information.
This is my summary of what we can expect at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. We will encounter some surprises in the next ten days leading up to the convention. Before I sign off, here are a few final tips: wear comfortable shoes, bring snacks, stay hydrated, and most importantly, have fun!
Please feel free to leave a comment here or If you prefer, you may also click the social media icons below to share this news article or as many of our readers and visitors often do, visit me on Twitter by clicking the links or images avatars in this news story.
This year’s event was quite the experience. Having attended San Diego Comic-Con since 2012, I can attest that it has always been the most significant, wildest, and most exciting show. Even during the pandemic, when everything went virtual, Comic-con remained a beacon of hope for us who love this event. But thankfully, in 2022, the convention came back in full force and was better than ever before.
However, I learned that major studios like Marvel, Disney, and HBO (now called Max) wouldn’t attend the 2023 convention. Initially, I thought it wouldn’t be an issue, but then the writer’s and actor’s strikes happened, and many people thought it spelled doom for Comic-Con. Nevertheless, I remained hopeful because I knew that the original incarnation of Comic-Con was all about comics and always will be. Even if some parts of the convention are affected by strikes or other issues, we will always have a love for comics that brings us together.
Images by Lori of TeamWHR
Despite the recent SAG/AFTRA strike, some actors could still attend because they had other projects that fell outside the strike’s parameters. One such actor was recent Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis. She was promoting her upcoming comic book called Mother Nature. The line to get in the room was long, and I was worried I wouldn’t be able to get in.
There were about ten seats left in the way back. I was one of the lucky ones to get those precious final seats. We were all so relieved to get in as we waited over an hour. It was worth it. The panel and Jamie Lee were great. I had a great time. It was fantastic to see Jamie Lee venturing into the comic world and embracing that genre.
Things were different at Comic-Con regarding entertainment panels, and that’s okay. The megalithic Hall H was used, but not as much as it typically is. Usually, Warner Brothers, Netflix, HBO, and other studios have panels for their most popular shows and movies in Hall H, where attendees often camp out for days in advance to get a front-row seat. That was missing this year, albeit there were a few panels in Hall H, but nothing like in the past. In fact there were no Sunday panels in Hall H or many of the other huge ballrooms. As a result, the convention floor for exhibits, artists, vendors, and other panel rooms, particularly the smaller ones, were a lot busier with all the people who usually would be in panels in Hall H, Ballroom 20, or the Indigo Ballroom at the Hilton Bayfront hotel choosing other options.
The vendors exhibit hall floor was busier this year, and lines were capped quicker than usual. Merchandise was being bought faster, which was terrific for the vendors counting on the attendees to buy their wonderful wares. In fact, several vendors sold out and had to bring in additional stock. It also gave independent artists more exposure as well. More people on the floor meant more people venturing to “Artists Alley” to discover the newest art and their fabulous offerings.
I saw more people at the comic book vendor’s booths this year, which was beautiful. Collectibles were always part of the fold when it came to Comic-Con. You can find pretty much anything that interests a collector. Two of my favorites were a Pee Wee Herman figurine and the robot from Bad Robot Productions.
The bigger booths were missing from the floor: Netflix, ABC Disney, HBO, Marvel, and Warner Brothers to name but a few.
Sideshow is always a highlight and one of the busiest booths on the floor. I always loved seeing the incredible statutes displayed at that booth.
Instead, this year Sideshow had its own virtual convention that featured its most popular and newest statues. I hope that they will return next year.
With Sideshow not a part of the convention floor this year, that gave way to other vendors to take its place. Lego had paid homage to the Blockbuster video stores we all loved in the 80s and set up a “Brickbuster” store on the convention floor. Funko and Mondo again were the most significant booths on the floor, and lines there were hours.
Thankfully Star Wars had their own booth since they had no panels this year. Mattel Creations, Entertainment Earth, Super 7, Dark Horse Comics, and IDW all had their booths running as usual, making the floor feel like home. Even though Sideshow was not present, there are always fun statues to see. One of my favorite vendors is Elite Creature Collectibles; their busts are incredible and very life-like. The one I loved the most was the bust of Abe Sapien from the Hellboy movies.
Smaller panels featuring comic artists were highlighted and focused despite needing more significant panels. I went to the John Romita, Jr panel, and it was terrific. He and his wife Kathy held court and discussed his career and famous father. I had heard of Romita (both Senior and Junior) through friends of mine that are comic book nerds.
I had a great time in the panel and learned more about how comic books get published and what an incredible life he has had, and the dedication it takes to do what he does. The endless hours, Kathy chimed in that she should write a book about being the wife of a comic book artist.
I also sat in on a Conan the Barbarian panel with editor Matt Murray, Jim Zub, and Fred Malmberg all of whom are associated with this superb new comic graphic novel.
The panel was produced by by Titan Comics and Heroic Signatures who are launching a new monthly Conan the Barbarian graphic novel series.
It was a fun panel that I really enjoyed!
As I have a good friend who is a die-hard Conan the Barbarian lover, I learned a bit more about the famous sword-wielding hero that is not apparent in the movie renditions of this famous character.
The Conan the Barbarian graphic novel creators revealed that Solomon Kane will return to the fold. I know some people will be happy to hear that. Below the Conan trailer, we include a fun interview courtesy of Fanbase Press.
Due the cancellation of many panels this year, I could also explore the convention floor and find more vendors I would have commonly overlooked. As with all conventions of significant size, everything will have pros and cons (pun intended).
One panel I could attend this year, which I unfortunately missed last year, was for Stern Pinball. I had the pleasure of interviewing Jody Dankberg about the company and any future endeavors the previous year. It was much fun, and they let us know that Venom was the newest addition to their comic book pinball machines. I did not get a chance to play the pinball machines like last year, but I have played many of their machines in the past, and they are always a lot of fun.
The other wonderful thing I love about San Diego Comic-Con is that there are always things to do, whether in the Convention Center itself or at the Marriott Marquis, outside behind the Convention Center, at Petco Park or just enjoying the always outstanding Cosplay.
There is always something to do for comics, entertainment and games fans for all visitors to San Diego. Thankfully the weather this year was not as hot as it usually is. It was a little bit odd with light rain in the weather, but everything was still fun, nonetheless.
Image courtesy Gaslamp Quarter Dot Org
Also, the great thing about San Diego is that the historic Gaslamp Quarter or district that always has themed restaurants during Comic-Con. You will find restaurants modeled after Bob’s Burgers, or Interview with the Vampire. I went to one modeled after Mooby’s from the Kevin Smith movies. I went there with a few friends, and we had burgers and beer, and it was decorated in that fashion of the film, plus there was also merchandise. So it was nice to escape the Convention Center for some time. But again, the Gaslamp Quarter always has themed restaurants which is so much fun!
The activation’s, as always, had long lines this year, but that’s par for the course regarding Comic Con. The most significant activation this year was the Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary which featured the top scenes from this iconic movie. We include a fabulous video of the exciting experience courtesy of IGN below for your enjoyment.
With expanded coverage as compared to SDCC 2022, over the four days of Comic-Con events, located across from the convention center near the entrance to the GaslampQuarter, Quantum Leap fans could “leap” into the terrific television worlds of “Law & Order,” “SVU” and “Organized Crime,” “The Voice” and “Chucky” to help stabilize the timelines with the help of the “Quantum Leap” time travel team!
SDCC is always wonderful to experience. Just be prepared for long lines in the sun and always take along lots of sunscreen and plenty of water to stay hydrated. Another fun experience was strolling through Lazlo’s garden from What We Do In The Shadows. We include a cool video below about this fun experience courtesy of Through the Lens of Lady Kay B.
However, it was a shock to the system for many people who are usually at Comic-Con for the TV shows or movies coming down the pipeline. People adjusted well, and they could have a good time no matter what. They could still enjoy themselves even without the big panels, no matter what. I know I did. And you learn new things about comic books, games, Cosplay that you didn’t even know about, and that’s what’s always fun about these conventions. You find new and exciting things to be happy about. Overall, it was a fun time, and I look forward to attending Comic-Con again in 2024, regardless of whether it has the studio’s presence.
Lastly, I’m in solidarity with both the writers and actors as I am both in real life and will pursue a career later in my life as a director. I know there was talk about the strikes; there was concern about the future of Comic Con and what would happen if the strikes continued. I hope you enjoyed this article and will take comfort in knowing that Comic-Con has been going strong for 50-plus years and doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon!
Thanks to Kenn for video and image embedding for my feature article and many thanks to you for visiting WormholeRiders News Agency. I will be back soon on with my episode ten analysis and final review of seasons one through five of Mayans MC and will continue my adventure at Comic-Con 2023 in San Diego with an exiting interview in the future!
Please feel free to leave a comment here or If you prefer, you may also click the social media icons below to share this news article or as many of our readers and visitors often do, visit me on Twitter by clicking the links or images avatars in this news story.
The exhibition took a year of planning with six months of research that created the outstanding detailed walk though event that covers the entire first floor of the museum. The superb #SpideyBeyondAmazing exhibition runs through January 03, 2023, representing a wonderful family event that should not be missed if traveling to San Diego!
Image by Team WHR courtesy Comic-Con Museum
“Ever since his debut in 1962, Spider-Man has stood the test of time as one of the most iconic, inspiring, and influential characters in pop culture, capturing the imagination of fans all around the world,” said Cebulski, “Whether you grew up following Spider-Man’s adventures in comics, television, video games or films, no other character embodies the heart and humor of Marvel quite like Peter. We’re thrilled to pay tribute to Spider-Man’s long-lasting legacy, and we’re honored to see him join the Comic-Con Museum Character Hall of Fame.”
During our visit to the Comic-Con Museum, we learned that the facility also honored the world’s favorite web-slinging Super Hero as the fourth inductee into its Museum Character Hall of Fame at “Night at the Comic-Con Museum”, a special event that took place on Comic-Con’s Preview Night, July 20, 2022. The event included access to the exhibit as well as live entertainment, special guests, food and drink. On this special evening, Spider-Man was recognized for his impact on pop culture with the generous support and participation of Marvel Entertainment, which celebrated the 60th anniversary of Spider-Man.
Additionally, the Comic-Con Museum features special displays of the early artwork of Dave Stevens, creator of “The Rocketeer” graphic novel comic which was the inspiration for the movie of the same name, eighty years of the beloved Archie comics, “(Ernest) Hemingway in the Comics” and a wonderful room dedicated to the iconic “Pacman” video arcade game that launched the general public love of video gaming that continues to this very day!
Press Release:
Image by Team WHR courtesy Comic-Con Museum
“Marvel’s Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing – The Exhibition” debuted at the Comic-Con Museum on July 01, 2022. Sixty Years of Spider-Man are displayed in a Groundbreaking Exhibit, Located in San Diego’s Historic Balboa Park
This exhibition, located at the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park (2131 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA, 92101), welcomes visitors of all ages to explore the Web-Slinger’s storied history, through original comic art, movie props, costumes and more priceless original artifacts.
Image by Team WHR courtesy Comic-Con Museum
Audiences can immerse themselves in the expansive exhibit, learning about the many creators who have contributed to the Spider-Man mythos; posing with life-size character sculptures; encountering some of Spidey’s fiercest foes through cutting-edge digital elements; and celebrating the cultural impact of Peter Parker and his cast of supporting characters. Attendees can also visit the Marvel gift shop, which will feature an array of exclusive exhibition merchandise, including t-shirts, mugs and magnets.
“The world met Spider-Man in 1962, and he remains a sensation today. This 7,500 square-foot exhibit mixes collectible artifacts with innovative technology,” said Rita Vandergaw, executive director of the Comic-Con Museum. “Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing – The Exhibition” is a co-production of Marvel Entertainment and Semmel Exhibitions, and is presented by special arrangement with the Comic-Con Museum and Comic-Con International.
With purchase of admission, guests can see all the museum’s exhibits, including:
Image by Team WHR courtesy Comic-Con Museum
“PAC-MAN Arcade” – PAC-MAN, a neon-lit arcade room featuring one of the most recognized images on the planet, including arcade games, artwork, memorabilia and an exclusive look at the limited time PAC-MAN AR Experience on Snapchat.
Dave Stevens and the Rocketeer: Art for Arf’ Sake” – In addition to over 40 original covers and pages from “The Rocketeer,” this one-of-a-kind exhibit will also feature Stevens’ early works, his artwork for Comic-Con, animation storyboards, and other uniquely designed props and pieces.
Image by Team WHR courtesy Comic-Con Museum
“Eight Decades of Archie” – a unique exhibition that explores artifacts including vintage comic books, animation production materials, priceless pieces of original art and pieces from the WB’s popular “Riverdale” series.
A Sneak Preview of “Hemingway in the Comics” – Ernest Hemingway an artist and a pop culture icon through the lens of comics.
The Comic-Con Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the last entry at 5 p.m. Standard admission, including “Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing – The Exhibition,” (adults ages 18+) is $30; children (ages 4-12) are $18; seniors (65+), students (13-17) and military are $24; and group bundles for 10 or more are $25 per ticket. Tickets can be purchased in advance through Fever: beyondamazingexhibition.com.
About Semmel Exhibitions: Semmel Exhibitions creates exhibitions, which travel worldwide, and hosts international exhibitions in Germany, Austria, and German-speaking Switzerland. Semmel Exhibitions is a division of Semmel Concerts Entertainment, the large German live entertainment producer. Since Semmel Exhibitions started touring its exhibitions TUTANKHAMUN – HIS TOMB AND HIS TREASURES; THE DISCOVERY OF KING TUT; and most recently MARVEL: UNIVERSE OF SUPER HEROES, they have reached an audience of more than seven million people worldwide, and built a strong international network within museums, science centers, cultural venues and the creative industries. More information at semmel-exhibitions.com.
About Comic-Con Museum:
Comic-Con Museum is a division of San Diego Comic Convention (SDCC) a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation organized for charitable purposes and dedicated to creating the general public’s awareness of and appreciation for comics and related popular art forms, including participation in and support of public presentations, conventions, exhibits, museums and other public outreach activities which celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture. In addition to its San Diego convention each summer Comic-Con (the premier comics convention of its kind in the world), SDCC organizes the Anaheim-based WonderCon each spring, and the SAM: Storytelling Across Media symposium in the fall. On the web: Comic-Con.org/Museum, Facebook.com/ComicConMuseum, and follow us on Twitter (@ComicConMuseum) and on Instagram (@comicconmuseum).
We will be back in the near future with more of your favorite television series and movie analysis. In the meantime, please feel free to share this article with your friends, co-workers and or family and leave your comments! We look forward to you visiting our dedicated review and analysis web site here in the future! Or as many of our readers and visitors often do, visit Team WHR on Twitter, or visit me on Twitter by clicking the text links or images avatars in this news story. I and TeamWHR look forward to Seeing You on The Other Side!“
Hello my fellow Comic-Con nerds from around the world!
Image courtesy Comic-Con International
It is FINALLY here; we are just four days (as of this post) away from San Diego Comic-Con 2022 in person. That’s right, in person! Team WHR and our many friends will roam the corridors and beloved halls at the San Diego Convention Center once again. It has been three long years since we were able to walk those hallowed halls. I am very excited to be back; there will still be COVID protocols, and some of the significant displays won’t be down there. However, that is okay; we will survive!
Image courtesy Paramount Pictures
Let’s start with the first day of Comic-Con, July 21, 2022. Some great panels are happening on this day. To start, the mega Hall H program is Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. No word on what cast members will be in attendance, but it does have a pretty impressive cast, Chris Pine, Hugh Grant, Rege-Jean Page, and Michelle Rodriguez. I am not a D&D player, but I can appreciate all those who do. I also understand it because of my love for Stranger Things and how it uses D&D throughout the series.
The mega Hall H has some great panels for this year’s con. It always does and becomes the most sought-after ticket (wristband) in town. Thursday will also give us Masters of the Universe: 40 Years will be gracing us with the power of Grayskull! I am excited about that panel because I watched that cartoon when I was younger, and the 1987 movie starring the incomparable Dolph Lundgren who is one of my all-time favorite cult movies. Dolph is also going to be there, according to his social media account.
Image courtesy Disney Plus
Moving onto Ballroom 20, the little sister of Hall H will also feature an array of panels. Most of the featured panels are the upcoming big, hopefully, blockbuster series or movies starting in the fall. The Disney+ series National Treasure: Edge of History is “an expansion of the hit film franchise” that originally starred Nicolas Cage (who is not announced as returning to the series) and Justin Bartha who is returning as the much loved character Riley Poole. The series cast of Lisette Olivera, Jake Austin Walker, and Lyndon Smith will be appearing at the panel. The new Apple + series Severance, directed by Ben Stiller, will also be featured. I have not seen the series but have heard incredible things about it.
Comic-Con is not only about the big blockbuster, mega movies, or series; it also showcases smaller series or comics that are not as well-known but are certainly not less loved. For example, there is a panel about Godzilla from Toho Studios that I would love to see or the thirtieth anniversary of Spawn. The smaller rooms make it easier to see your favorite stars up close as they do not hold as many as the two mega halls. One of the long waited such jewels is Casper Van Dien from Starship Troopers who will headline a panel for his new streaming series, Salvage Marines. I have always been a big fan of his. This wonderful panel will be in the more intimate Room 7ABC in the main convention center featuring Jennifer Wenger, Peter Shinkoda, Kevin Porter, Shane Graham, and Linara Washington. Team WHR suggests you stop by to see him and the cast of this fun new series!
If you ever found yourself without a ticket to Comic-Con, you can still have fun. There are many off-sites at the back of the Convention Center and across from Petco Park. The Gaslamp is also always festive, with themed restaurants and interactive booths. It is also fun to see all the people dressed in costumes. That is one of my favorite parts of being at Comic-con, seeing all the fantastic, creative, bizarre, obscure costumes people have come up with. I am sure that with the pandemic, people have been able to work on and perfect their ensembles much more. I do not doubt that I will be seeing a horde of The Mandalorian and Grogu floating around.
Another is House of Dragon, the prequel to the popular series Game of Thrones. The significant draw will be Dwayne Johnson bringing the much-anticipated superhero film Black Adam with him. As a result, I will most likely spend most of my day in Hall H on Saturday July 23, 2022!
With Sunday rounding out that incredible weekend, one of my favorite series will be back again for the third time, Mayans MC will bring most of the cast with them, and I feel a special announcement on whether we will get a fifth season. Another favorite FX Networks series is What We Do in the Shadows which will follow the Mayans MC panel. I am happy to see it is back, and in the mega Hall H, it deserves all the praise. Sundays are also great for getting those last-minute items you have been eyeing all week. Vendors are usually much better with bargains on Sunday so go haggle your heart out.
Image by WormholeRiders News Agency
I am surprised that a few of the staples typically at Comic-Con won’t be coming this year. For example, there is no Stranger Things panel, Cobra Kai, or The Witcher panel. I think that many studios are not going to risk their talent getting sick, especially if they are in the middle of, or just starting to shoot again. Even though those shows will not be there, there are plenty of other things to keep attendees occupied. Warner Brothers and Fox will not have big booths or signings this year. I am okay with that because it tends to make everything bottleneck and cause more chaos than the vendors room floor already has. I am sure that by 2023 everything will be back to normal, and we can partake in Comic-Con the way we always have in the past.
Well, my friends, that is all for now! The next time you hear from Team WHR, it will be from the convention itself! My excitement is getting more and more as each day comes closer to preview night! Stay tuned for my reviews and pictures from the SDCC 2022!
Thanks to Kenn for video and image embedding for my feature article and many thanks to you for visiting WormholeRiders News Agency. We will be back soon with more analysis about our favorite television series, movies and conventions in this year and beyond!
Please feel free to leave a comment here or If you prefer, you may also click the social media icons below to share this news article or as many of our readers and visitors often do, visit me on Twitter by clicking the links or images avatars in this news story.
Image courtesy Comic-Con International via WormholeRiders
Today begins the virtual Comic-Con at Home convention sponsored by the great team at Comic-Con International.
The event features all types of entertainment events that convention goers love, sans the actual in person experience that has been postponed for two seasons as everyone recovers from the devastating COVID-19 pandemic.
We here at Team WHR will be virtually attending many events and have selected a few of our favorites to share with you and hope you will consider attending virtually as well while we all wait patiently for the return of San Diego Comic-Con as a live in person event in 2022.
Naturally, like the live in-person events, there are too many scheduled events to cover in this feature article. The good part of Comic-Con at Home? Fans can view the virtual panels anytime during or after the festivities on YouTube. The entire schedule is available by clicking here.
In the meantime, we have prepared a fun video preview featuring some of our most enjoyable memories from the past with regard to the panels and guests featured at the Comic-Con at Home 2021 event. Enjoy!
“Netflix and Mattel Television present an exclusive sneak peek at the highly-anticipated animated series Masters of the Universe: Revelation.
Since its creation in 1982, the Masters of the Universe franchise has become a cultural phenomenon, transcending generations and igniting passion amongst fans around the world.
This new action-packed series, which follows He-Man, Skeletor, Teela, and the other classic characters of the Masters of the Universe franchise, picks up where the iconic characters left off decades ago.
Now, nearly 40 years later, the new series will delight long-standing fans and introduce a new generation to Eternia and the thrilling, heroic adventures of the Guardians of Grayskull.
The cast and creators will discuss all of your questions about reviving this beloved franchise.”
“Fifty years ago, a Herb Trimpe-drawn Hulk graced the coveted cover of the hip Rolling Stone magazine’s September 16, 1971 issue.
The issue featured an insider’s POV article about Stan Lee and Marvel by Lee’s former assistant, Robin Green (successor to Fabulous Flo Steinberg), who went on to great success as writer/producer for The Sopranos and other landmark TV series.
Looking back at the article’s creation and historical significance are Robin Green (The Sopranos), Roy Thomas (first Marvel EIC after Stan Lee), and former Marvel bullpenners Linda Fite (Claws of the Cat), Jean Thomas (Night Nurse), and Mimi Gold (Black Widow).
Danny Fingeroth (A Marvelous Life: The Amazing Story of Stan Lee) moderates.”
“The hosts of the addictive hit Star Trek podcast, Inglorious Treksperts, Mark A. Altman (Pandora, Free Enterprise), and Daren Dochterman (Star Trek: The Motion Picture – Director’s Edition) return to #SDCC at Comic-Con at Home 2021.
Featuring an epic line-up of some of their favorite guests that include Anson Mount (Strange New Worlds), Nicholas Meyer (Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan), Michael Dorn (The Next Generation, DS9), Jeffrey Combs (Deep Space Nine, Enterprise), Brannon Braga (First Contact, Enterprise), Robin Curtis (Star Trek III), Bryan Fuller (Voyager, Hannibal), Erin Gray (Buck Rogers, Battle Of The Network Stars), and other special surprise Trek guests galore.
“They’re back! Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound, Jabberjaw, Top Cat, and all your favorite Hanna-Barbera characters star in the all-new animated series, Jellystone!
Join showrunner and executive producer C.H. Greenblatt, Ian Wasseluk (supervising director), Jeff Bergman (Yogi Bear), Grace Helbig (Cindy Bear), and Niccole Thurman (Jabberjaw) on a sneak-peek tour of this charming town where these beloved characters live, work and play together.
Jellystone! is produced by Warner Bros. Animation and premieres July 29 on HBO Max.”
“Legendary stop-motion animator Ray Harryhausen kept an incredible archive of some 50,000 items gathered throughout his filmmaking career, containing models and artworks from each of his classic films, including Jason and the Argonauts and Clash of the Titans. The Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation are now responsible for the upkeep of this renowned collection. Join John Walsh (Foundation trustee) and Connor Heaney (collections manager) for behind-the-scenes images and astonishing insights from the Foundation’s restoration program, and learn more about plans for future exhibitions in the USA and beyond.
In what would have been his centenary year, some of Ray’s most iconic creations have been conserved, repaired, and restored for public display. Restorer Alan Friswell, handpicked by Ray to preserve the model collection, has painstakingly conserved these priceless pieces in strict accordance with the creator’s wishes.
As well as physically repairing models such as the Kraken, Kali, and the Hydra, the Foundation has also begun a pioneering program of 3D scanning, ensuring that a digital record of Ray’s techniques will live on for generations to come.”
“It has been eleven years since Stargate Atlantis left the airwaves with the valiant Pegasus expedition returning to Earth. Now we take a look back on that momentous journey with a majority of the principal cast.
The Doctor Who panel will feature a very special surprise guest as they share exclusive content from the Doctor Who franchise.
The Doctor Who panel is moderated by Salon’s Melanie McFarland and was pre-recorded and produced by the BBC and BBC AMERICA for the fans of the series the world over!”
In closing for now, we are happy to see that one of our most favorite science fiction franchises, Stargate, is being represented by David Read, Darren Sumner and Chad Colvin of Gateworld. Their events will cover Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, Stargate Universe and more! GW has scheduled a number of Stargate events and interviews at Comic-Con at Home for 2021 subsequent to their team addressing an outbreak of LGBTQ hate attacks that occurred on their forum in 2020 by a number of moderators that were responsible for the heinous behavior. Click here to read our feature article.
Last, but not least, we look forward to seeing you all in at WonderCon and San Diego Comic-Con in the future during 2022, perhaps sooner in San Diego itself if the Comic-Con International SDCC event planned for late November of this year is not impacted by the pandemic.
Please feel free to share this article with your friends, co-workers and or family and leave your comments! We look forward to you visiting our dedicated review and analysis web site here in the future! Or as many of our readers and visitors often do, visit WHR on Twitter, or visit me on Twitter by clicking the text links or images avatars in this news story. I and TeamWHR look forward to Seeing You on The Other Side!“
With the mid season premiere just around the corner, I would like to take this opportunity to refresh the slow-started but action-packed season one of this awesome show!
If you have not seen the midwinter finale, be alert! Spoilers ahead!
“What will I become?”
Back in season one of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., the beautiful Raina, (Ruth Negga), asked a question that seemed out of place. No one understood it, it had no context, and it certainly did not seem like the first question she would ask of the elusive Clairvoyant.
As season one continued, it still did not entirely seem like the question had a place in that universe. There were indications that something was different about Raina, and certainly about Skye (Chloe Bennet), and even Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) himself, but still the question was not answered.
Season two began to focus on that question, however, and amidst the madness of writing, the danger of HYDRA, and the skin-crawling creepiness of Grant Ward (Brett Dalton), the layers peeled away, revealing purpose, motivation, and understanding. Finally, we were led by the obelisk into that dark room in Puerto Rico as the eager Raina and the driven Skye made contact with what they would become.
The final sequence at the end of the midwinter finale left me gasping. It was breathtaking, beautiful, heartbreaking, and game-changing.
As I had suspected, the attractive, smart, friendly Antoine Triplett (B.J. Britt) turned out to be a redshirt. All right, he got more screen time than the average redshirt, but still ultimately I noticed early on in season two that his character was often relegated to chatter, background, with little time to step up and really shine.
It has been my experience that when this happens to characters, it means they are likely being written out of the show. (See Chyler Leigh and T.R. Knight in Grey’s Anatomy and Craig Veroni in Stargate Atlantis). I was sad to see Trip go, but his timing is absolutely exquisite.
Skye undergoes this amazing change, receiving this gift she did not even want, and as she is reborn from the cocoon in one of the most beautiful visuals I have seen in the show to date, the first thing she sees is her dear friend crumbling to pieces before her eyes.
Her (re)birth, his death, is something she will have forever linked in her mind. Chloe is stunning in that moment, on the verge of tears, shocked, terrified, even hopeless (but not yet helpless).
It is easily one of my favorite moments of season two. What a send-off for Trip!
Hats off to Chloe Bennet for all the work she has had to do with Skye. She has had to embody a coming of age type story (and origin story) over the course of one and a half years instead of one and a half hours, and she has handled the change brilliantly. From the character perspective, Skye has completed her original character arc by receiving many of the answers she has sought. She joined S.H.I.E.L.D to find out about her parents, then stayed to find out more about who she was.
She certainly got her answers and, in the process, gained herself friends, a family, a purpose, a father (figure, and the one she really wants, I think), a father (real…if a madman), and a stalker. Skye has come a long, long way and now with the revelation of her true identity, things with her are only going to get more intense!
So the hints were dropped excessively in the last two episodes, especially in word choice and the ever-famous song, and now we have a confirmation from the creators: Skye is Daisy Johnson, daughter of “The Doctor (Kyle MacLachlan).
Skye is a character known to many as ‘Quake’ (and all the earth-shattering puns that accompanied that revelation were done to death within twenty-four hours of the finale airing.).
Perhaps more interesting is the revelation that Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D has shifted perspective just a tiny bit. They are no longer exclusively focusing on the non-superpowered people of the Universe. With the arrival of Daisy, we have the arrival of the Inhumans, something many of the cast members and creators seem exceptionally excited about.
For those of you who really have no idea who the Inhumans are, let me give you a brief paragraph, (and thank you http://marvel.com/universe/Inhumans for the assist.). Inhumans are the result of genetic experimentation on early humans by another, powerful race known as the Kree. We are familiar with the Kree already – the GH-325 serum that formed the basis of Coulson’s T.A.H.I.T.I. project came from one.
We saw it first in season one, episode 14, ‘T.A.H.I.T.I.’. Also, the legend spoken of by Raina in season two, episode nine ‘Ye Who Enter Here’, involves a star falling from the heavens and blue angels coming to change humanity.
That is likely a direct reference to the Kree and their experimentation on humans. The city of Attilan (the city Coulson and so many others were forced to draw) is the main city for the Inhumans, which means we may have a whole hotbed of excitement awaiting in those hallways.
Now, while Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen have said other characters will get more screentime, you cannot just drop a bomb like: “Hello, you are an alien!” and then let the storyline sit. We can certainly expect more Skye/Daisy-centric episodes now in the back half of season two.
With the help of Melinda May (Ming-Na Wen), Skye has to learn about her abilities, of course, and control them, and learn how to live in a world where she is suddenly different. How will the others perceive her now?
Will she be able to stay away from her father despite his confidence that she will need him to help her? Now that Skye’s questions have been answered, all the avenues of storytelling for her open up.
I know this worries some people as the first half of season two seemed to be so much about Skye as well, though I disagree – I think it was more about the Inhumans in general and the rebuilding after HYDRA. Skye has become a main character, for certain, and now with her father in the picture and her new abilities ready to come out, she is going to become even more of a major player.
The biggest question for season two for me right now is who are the bad guys? We beat HYDRA to the punch, Daniel Whitehall (Reed Diamond) is dead, and we do not have a ‘Centipede’ equivalent running around. There is always Calvin Zabo, (Kyle MacLachlan), who likely still wants to keep beating up Coulson for stealing his satisfaction.
There’s Raina, who might be heavily upset by her new look (she will always be beautiful to me though). Grant Ward took off with Agent 33. Then you have Bobbi (Adrianne Palicki) and Mack (Henry Simmons) keeping something from everyone. There are plenty of antagonists out there but I am wondering which will take center stage. One thing is for sure: the writers have Plans, so Something Is Coming.
I have to say, another absolute favorite moment of season two would be Skye finally meeting her father, Cal. Call me a rosy-eyed optimist, but I seriously think that was some of the most realistic and intelligent writing for that kind of scene I have ever seen – and the acting on both sides is marvelous! It gets me every time and I have seen the episode at least four times now. There is, to me at least, no question that Cal loves Skye. There is no question as to how important she is to him. The stakes were so high and the tension so thick in their first meeting that I found myself holding my breath.
The moments were alternately agonizing (Cal telling Skye she had to stay), and creepy (Cal touching her shoulder while he hummed the lullaby…well that was kind of sweet too), and sweet (Cal having to start over and stumbling through his introduction.).
Kyle does an impressive job of playing so many emotions all in one second, and the character himself seems to be incredibly conflicted and complicated. Cal, like Raina, is ultimately out for his own personal goal, and he is willing to use anyone to get it. His backing down when Skye held a gun to him was a little surprising to me, but at the same time it made him vulnerable, more likeable, and perhaps even more realistic. He wants his daughter to be happy and to be with him and if she has to do some crazy stuff, let her. After all, he is Doctor Jekyll (or so the rumor goes.).
I completely understood his attacking Coulson and did not actually see it as a ‘bad guy’ act at all. It is a perfectly understandable reaction. Imagine you have held an obsessive hatred of one man for twenty-five years. You have planned how you are going to kill him, imagined it, felt the echo of satisfaction that you know one day will be real. Then, as you are literally walking towards him to enact the revenge you have waited for, someone else shoots him dead. Sorry, Coulson, but I was totally with Cal on that one. No, you could not have known the whole story. But still….twenty-five years of agony just evaporated….Cal had to take it out on someone and you happened to be right there.
I like Cal, there is no secret there. I almost wish he was not already genuinely assumed to be a bad guy. Like Raina, he could be a neutral factor and pull it off with more charm and humor than Grant Ward (who was starting to get outright stalkerish by the end there.).
Grant Ward. Over the last few episodes, Ward has managed to do what I was hoping the writers would let him do, and get out of his cell and back into the real world. From there, the overall question of how he handles life when he has no one to follow definitely began to answer itself. Ward also had his own agenda, and was perfectly capable of following it within the rules he set for himself. It seems now that he is loyal to no one, simply using both S.H.I.E.L.D and HYDRA for one purpose: to re-ingratiate himself with Skye.
Raina outright calling him on it made me chuckle with evil glee, even though at that point it was pretty obvious to everyone what was going on. But things went upside down when Skye pulled a one-eighty and shot him.
He clearly, obviously, and shockingly did not see that coming. Is Ward really so stupid as to believe that Skye would not hurt him after all that has happened? It is totally possible…love makes you blind. Either way he may become even more dangerous now that he has been spurned.
Finally, we get down to the remaining characters of the show. I am sorry to put it that way but a lot of them did seriously take a backseat this half of the season. Melinda May (Ming-Na Wen) has been her usual badass self this season, and seeing her laugh and dance and take it personally when her face got taken was all lovely.
Hopefully we will get a little more into her again to round things out. Characters have to wait their turns, understandably so, and not everyone was as quiet as May this season.
Jemma Simmons, (Elizabeth Henstridge), got a good, solid episode to herself, which FitzSimmons fans (as well as everyone else) desperately needed to try and understand why she left the team when Leo Fitz (Iain de Caestecker) needed her most (to use his words.).
While we still do not completely have all of those answers – and in fact what we have is almost contradictory – the dynamic between Fitz and Simmons has changed painfully, (especially with Jemma telling Bobbi she had only ever seen Fitz as a friend….say it isn’t so, please!). Fitz has outright admitted that he needs to work ‘for’ Simmons, not ‘with’ her, and that he is no longer as capable as he was. It seems to me that Fitz is trying to deal in reality and Jemma is not there yet. I could have that backwards, but maybe the second half of the season will get more into it.
Still and all, Fitz has Mack, (who thankfully did not die, at least as a zombie), and Hunter (Nick Blood), and Jemma has…well Jemma does not really have anyone anymore, unless Skye and Bobbi will listen, and frankly both of them are stuck in their own stories at the moment. I hate to view Jemma as an antagonist because she did what she thought was right…it just seems now like it may have been the wrong decision.
The spring premiere of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D is this Tuesday, March 3!!
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