Wake the kids, call the neighbors, get some new sneakers and polish up your best Stormtrooper helmet. Hard as it is to believe, the San Diego Comic-Con is almost here once again.
As is our wont around these parts, let’s take a stroll through this year’s Program schedule and see what catches our fancy. Who knows, if you’re lucky and willing to sleep in line all night, you might even get into one. Let’s begin:
Thursday
10:00am
Up, Up and Away: 75th Anniversary of the 1940 Premiere of the Superman Radio Series
Former DC Comics president Paul Levitz (World’s Finest), Len Wein (creator of Swamp Thing and Wolverine), Mark Waid (The Flash, Captain America), and moderator Anthony Tollin (Smithsonian Superman on Radio) discuss the legendary radio program that introduced Jimmy Olsen, Perry White, Kryptonite, and the Superman-Batman team into the Superman mythos, and its importance in expanding the Man of Steel’s popularity.
This could be fun. Any chance to hear Waid talk Superman, and especially Golden Age Superman, is a treat.
10:45am
The Autobiography of James T. Kirk
William Shatner (Star Trek: The Original Series) as James T. Kirk will read excerpts from The Autobiography of James T. Kirk. This in-world memoir chronicles the greatest Starfleet captain’s life, including his boyhood on an Iowa farm, his youth spent on Tarsus IV, his time in Starfleet Academy, his meteoric rise through the ranks of Starfleet, and his illustrious career at the helm of the Enterprise. David Goodman (author, former Family Guy executive producer) moderates.
Come on, it’s Shatner. A must-see.
3:00pm
The Might and Magic of Legacy Effects
Legacy Effects is one of the leading practical effects companies in the motion picture industry. Their work is featured in films including Pacific Rim, Avengers: Age Of Ultron, Jurassic World and Terminator: Genisys. Meet the studio founders and get a firsthand look into the making of these blockbuster films. You may even get a sneak peek at some of the actual props from the films. Engage in an exciting presentation, Q&A, and maybe even a couple of giveaways.
This sounds interesting. Plus maybe a raptor will show up.
3:45pm
Con Man: The Fan Revolt 13 Years in the Making
Alan Tudyk’s dream show based on his global convention experiences seemed impossible with the compromises Hollywood demanded. Instead he went directly to fans; over 46,000 responded, with a recordbreaking $3.2 million raised on Indiegogo, and Con Man was officially born. With filming wrapped and a Vimeo on-demand release on the horizon, Alan Tudyk, Nathan Fillion, P. J. Haarsma, Mindy Sterling, Tricia Helfer, Felicia Day, Casper Van Dien, Nolan North, Alison Haislip, Michael Trucco and Sky Haarsma and others talk Con Man and the crazy ride that made his dream project a reality.
I’d love to see this, but I know I’ll never get in.
Friday
11:30am
75th Anniversary of The Shadow and Doc Savage
Michael Uslan (Justice Inc., Batman movie producer) and moderator Anthony Tollin (The Shadow Scrapbook, Sanctum Books publisher) commemorate the 1940 comic book debuts of the legendary pulp heroes that inspired the creation of Batman, Superman, and many more superheroes, as well as the Golden Age talents who brought these pulp greats to four-color life, including Walter B. Gibson, Otto Binder, and Bob Powell.
I do like me some Doc Savage.
3:00pm
Marvel Television Presents
Jeph Loeb (Marvel’s head of television) brings you exclusive news and surprises about your favorite action-packed Marvel series on ABC. Join Jeph, showrunners, and the casts of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Agent Carter for this can’t-miss panel that’ll have everyone talking!
This is worth going to just on the off chance that Hayley Atwell will be there…
6:00pm
Starz: Ash vs. Evil Dead
Original filmmakers Sam Raimi (executive producer, director, writer), Rob Tapert (executive producer), Bruce Campbell (executive producer and star of the series, Ash), Ivan Raimi (co-exeuctive producer), and Craig DiGregorio (executive producer), along with Lucy Lawless (Ruby), discuss the highly anticipated new series and what fans can expect in the premiere season. Moderated by Scott Aukerman (creator/host of Comedy Bang! Bang! and co-creator/director of Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifinakis).
Hail to the king, baby.
Saturday
10:30am
Warner Bros. Presentation
A “sneak peek” at a few upcoming releases from Warner Bros.
With no Marvel Studios panel this year, this is the one that everyone will be trying to get into. Will there be Suicide Squad footage? Batman Vs. Superman? Who knows, but I look forward to seeing it all on grainy YouTube videos later that night.
10:30am
Marvel Animation Presents
The Marvel Animation Studios team returns for one of the most anticipated television panels at San Diego. Join Stephen Wacker (VP, current series Marvel Animation Studios), Cort Lane (VP, animation development and partnerships), and Eric Radomski (SVP, production and creative director, animation) for exclusive first looks at the exciting new seasons of the hit animated series Marvel’s Avengers: Ultron Revolution and Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man vs. The Sinister 6. Plus, experience the world premiere of never-before-seen footage from Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy animated series, starring Star-Lord, Groot, Rocket, Gamora, and Drax in the highly anticipated new animated series coming to Disney XD this year.
I’m dying to see this new GUARDIANS cartoon…
1:30pm
Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight
Academy Award-winning writer/director Quentin Tarantino brings fans an exclusive look at his highly anticipated 8th film, The Hateful Eight. Followed by a Q&A session with the cast.
A new Tarantino Western? Oh, hell yes.
3:00pm
Anything Goes with John Barrowman
John Barrowman (Arrow, Torchwood, Doctor Who) is an entertainer with a capital “E.” He sings, he dances, he acts, he presents, he judges; ask him anything!
Barrowman absolutely kills at these convention panels. Always hilarious.
3:00pm
Spotlight on Jim Steranko
SHIELD’s co-creator penetrates the firewall of stealth around the man with the eyepatch to celebrate Nick Fury’s 50th anniversary–with a salvo of personal, provocative, sometimes bloody, behind-the-scenes stories you won’t want to miss. Q&A session moderated by J. David Spurlock (Vanguard author, publisher).
Steranko’s stories are legendary. When you can’t get into John Barrowman, head down the hall to this.
Sunday
10:00am
The Last Day of Summer: TV Guide Magazine’s Farewell to Phineas and Ferb
After more than 200 best days ever, the ride’s over for Phineas and Ferb and their pals, not to mention Perry the Platypus and archnemesis Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz. For a final trip to the Tri-State Area,TV Guide Magazine chief content officer Michael Schneider gathers the creators/executive producers of Phineas and Ferb, Dan Povenmire (voice of Doofenshmirtz) and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh (Major Monogram), along with stars Vincent Martella (Phineas), Alyson Stoner (Isabella), and Dee Bradley Baker (Perry) to seize the day, one more time.
Phineas & Ferb is a guilty pleasure…
See y’all in San Diego!
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