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Monthly Archives: March 2012

Emerald City Comicon: This Geek’s Odyssey Day 2

Stormtroopers keep the crowd in line at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

  My second day at Emerald City Comicon in Seattle was packed with geek fun, great moments and exclusives. Any tiredness from day one was suddenly gone as we got the signal to enter the hall after an hour plus wait packed among hundreds of fans.

 

Robert Kirkman get a thank you gift from a fan at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

  I immediately raced to the Image/Skybound booth for a chance at getting a ticket to get an autograph from Robert Kirkman, the creator and Executive Producer of The Walking Dead.  His story is a geek dream come true. A few cons ago you waited a little while to get his autograph. Now he’s got a hit television series, successful imprint producing hit after hit series, has several con panels dedicated to his work, and you need a ticket for an autograph. Ask any of Kirkman’s fans and you’ll agree he’s earned all his success.

 

Multiple lines for several media stars at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

 

Edward James Olmos from his panel at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com, photo by Cliff Olmstead

I descended into lower level where eager geeks lined up for autographs and photo opportunities with their favorite sci-fi celebrities from television and movies (for a fee.) Edward James Olmos was my number one. The veteran actor of Blade Runner and Admiral William Adama on Battlestar Galactica had a rugged but regal presence. I chose the cast photo and he signed along with writing the quote “Roll the Hard Six…So Say We All…” Admiral Adama. I’m rarely speechless but I finally expressed my love of his performance and the episodes he directed. A handshake, smile and exchange back and I think I was floating, glowing and certainly grinning as I walked away and down the exit line. Fellow Galactica followers still in line smiled back at me knowing their upcoming moment with the Admiral could be just as satisfying.

 

A young trooper at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

  The 501st is a Northwest group of Star Wars fans who dress up like the iconic characters and take fan photos for donations. After years of trying to meet up with him I finally saw Chewbacca! I’ve always wanted a photo with the coolest Wookie in the galaxy. Luckily this Chewbacca was visiting from the Oregon branch of the 501st.  A big win on my geek checklist!

 

Chewie Rules! at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

  Terry and Rachel Dodson (X-Men, Defenders) Clay Mann (X-Men Legacy) Chris Burnham (Batman Inc) Brian Wood (X-Men, Northlanders) Matt Whitlock and Shane Houghton (Peanuts) Joe Eisma (Morning Glories) were the creators on my quest for autographs and exclusive prints.

  A big thank you to DC Comics who gave away so many free issues, posters, buttons and swag. Once again, I had great timing with Dustin Nguyen (Batman, Batman Beyond) offering free sketches for a brief time. I had Chris Burnham sketch Batgirl the day before so I kept it in the Bat family. I was thrilled with Nguyen’s sketch of the Huntress.

Iron Fist raises his hands for a question at a panel at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

  Marvel definitely offered their fans access to top talent: Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction, Rick Remender, Dan Slott were among the writers answering fan questions and giving teases about the future of Avengers, X-Men and Spider-Man in multiple panels.

 

Marvel favorites at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

  Saturday is always the busiest day with a variety of panels and the most cosplay since the big costume competition is that night. From popular choices like Avengers, Batman, Superman to rare surprises like Dazzler (from the disco era) and the worlds of Star Wars, Trek, and Firefly. Saturday was a star packed, panel filled and costumed crazy day at Emerald City Comicon. The fun doesn’t slow on Sunday with more photo ops, signings and more.

  Stay tuned for most posts including a gallery of costumed craziness!

 

ECCC Report: Colossus and Kitty Pryde in AvX #5

Colossus and Kitty Pryde together again at Emerald City Comicon, ComicsBlend.com

  Colossus and Kitty Pryde are my favorite mutant couple so I was charmed and impressed by this couple at Emerald City Comicon.     During the Marvel: Pint O’ C.B. Panel, the costumed X-fans approached the microphone to ask the panel about Marvel’s most on again and off again mutant couple.  The young man asked with a Russian accent, “vat’s going to happen wiv Peterrrr and Kitty?”

  Writer Matt Fraction responded, “You are going to love Avengers Vs. X-Men #5.”

  Moderator and Marvel Talent Scout/Editor C.B. Cebulski asked, “Hey Kitty, have you told Colossus about Iceman?” which triggered laughs from the panel and audience.

Colossus and Kitty question the Marvel panel at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

  Just in case you’re not caught up with the X-books, Kitty broke up with Peter after he assumed the power of the Juggernaut. Kitty moved back east with Wolverine to reopen the Jean Grey School in Wolverine and the X-Men. Iceman recently made a move and planted a big frosty kiss on Kitty.

Emerald City Comicon Day 1 Costume Parade

My fellow Matt Fraction fan in line with me at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

  Fans descend on Seattle for Emerald City Comicon. I chose my picture to be of my fellow Matt Fraction fan who waited along with me!

At ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

AVX? Kid Deadpool makes peace between Captain America and Dark Phoenix!

Mercedes Lam of Garrison Titan at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

 

Kevin and Mercedes Lam, Star Wars fans in love & in Garrison Titan at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

 Garrison Titan and the 501st are Star Wars who gave fans great photo ops with their favorite characters while raising money for charity.

Bested by the Empire at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

 

Freddy's back at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

 

Rogue at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

 

Deadpool strikes a pose at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

 

? at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

 

at ECCC, ComicsBlend.comBlack Widow & Catwoman & Me at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

 

Superman flexes at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

 

Robin, Poison Ivy and Catwoman at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

 

at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

 

Futurama Fun at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

 

 

 

Emerald City Comicon: This Geek’s Odyssey Day One

 

The Lines Room outside the massive line room at ECCC - ComicsBlend.com

  Emerald City Comicon is here! Stars, swag and geek dreams come true all on display for eager fans. The Washington State Convention Center became geek ground zero. At we waited for the 2pm opening the Skybridge was stuffed with fans then there were seven lines of eager geeks packed in a giant panel room with another huge line out beyond the entry way.

 

Matt Fraction at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

Today’s agenda was autographs! Matt Fraction was my first – he recognized me from the previous two years – sigh! I had him sign Fear Itself #1 Casanova: Avarita #1 and #2, The Mighty Thor #1 and The Defenders #1. Matt draws clever word balloons on the covers too for that unique touch. Matt’s wife is Kelly Sue DeConnick. I was thrilled to talk about her upcoming new book starring Ms. Marvel now as the new Captain Marvel (she gave out some cool Captain Marvel promo buttons!) and scoop on her next Castle graphic novel.

Ed Brubaker at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

  Seattle’s very own Ed Brubaker always has a huge line of fans and the celebrity status is well deserved. While he autographed Captain America #1, The Winter Soldier #1 and Fatale #1 we discussed the sell-out success of Fatale, his creator owned horror mystery and Bucky Barnes back as the Winter Soldier.

 

Gail Simone at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

  Gail Simone is a fan favorite for her Birds of Prey, Secret Six and Wonder Woman runs and for being a trailblazing female writer. I had Simone autograph her recent Batgirl #1, and Wonder Woman #600. I also had her sign my copy of The Power Within, an anti-gay bullying comic published by Seattle’s own Northwest Press. She was a contributor. Simone and her outstanding career is celebrated in a Saturday panel.

With Gail Simone at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

  Rick Remender had a breakout year in 2011. I had Remender sign several of his Uncanny X-Force issues and his first Secret Avengers issue. Remender talks about his Fear Agent series and popular take on Marvel’s undercover teams in a Saturday spotlight panel.

 

Monsters & Dames Charity Book courtesy Emerald City Comicon

Adi Granov is a conceptual designer on the Iron Man and upcoming Avengers films. He created the cover for this year’s Monsters and Dames charity book. I had Granov sign several X-Men cover issues and scored his illustration book packed with covers and concept sketches! Art lovers buy this limited edition book and then hunt for the artists at the con who contributed.

With "Batman" artist Greg Capullo at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

  The biggest surprise was Greg Capullo. The man is built and looks tough. This guy should be in superhero movies. He’s been working for decades to become an overnight sensation. Capullo was known for his work on X-Force, Spawn and Angela and  now he’s winning raves for his Batman. Capullo even had sketches of Scarecrow with the ECCC logo to sign and give away to every fan who came to his table.

 

Chris Burnham, artist on Batman Inc at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

  DC Comics was very giving all day with free issues, posters and more cool swag at their booth. I happen to walk by at the right time. Chris Burnham, the artist on the upcoming Batman Inc, was making fan dreams come true with free sketches of their favorite DC icons. I asked for Batgirl. He was great to ask “which one, which era?” Chris created a New 52 Barbara Gordon Batgirl head shot that I’m having framed!

  The big get for ECCC and for any lucky fan: Marc Silvestri. I had been following Marc’s work since his Uncanny X-Men (I got the famous Wolverine crucified on a X cross issue signed) and Wolverine runs in the late 80′s and 90′s. Silvestri became a founding member of Image Comics and head of Top Cow Productions where he created hits like Witchblade and The Darkness. I snapped up The Art of Marc Silvestri retrospective book collecting his years of work. I was just above the cutoff line so I made it into the last bunch of fans to get this awesome opportunity for his autographs and one on one moment with a legendary creator.

 

Inside the Hall waiting for the mighty Marc Silvestri at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

  All that (plus seeing crazy costumed fans and meeting my friends in Garrison Titan – the Star Wars fans who raise money for charity) in just 6 hours. Saturday is a full day with more autograph seeking, photo taking, hunting for rare comics and enjoying wonderful geek moments.

  Watch for a new post with the gallery of costumed fans!

Captain America 2 Director Short List

 

Captain America: The First Avenger courtesy Marvel.com

 

  Chris Evans wields the shield but he may have two directors yelling “action” for him to throw it! Marvel is closing in on a director for the sequel. Vulture reports that Anthony and Joe Russo (director/producers brothers of comedies: Community, Happy Endings, Arrested Development) are in the running. F. Gary Gray (The Italian Job remake, The Negotiator, Friday) and George Nolfi (The Adjustment Bureau) are on the short list.

 Thanks Spinoff Online.

 This Geek’s Opinion: Have Faith in the Feige. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has a track record of turning surprise choices into hit movies. I have two more words to say about Captain America 2: WINTER SOLDIER.

 

 

 

Guttertown Massive

Guttertown Massive by KC Silver and Dimi Mac

  Get the squid! The cover for Guttertown Massive seduces you in right away. A brutal beauty with bloody, bandaged fists is surrounded by a techno squid. Welcome to the twisted future created by K.C. Silver (aka  Casey Silvia) and artist Dimi Mac.

  Imagine the refugees of Mad Max, The Matrix and Johnny Nmenonic all fighting for fame and survival in a crowded industrial underworld. Davron and Reno are competitors in a war of beats. Seeds are planted for a bitter rivalry in a massive futuristic party scene in a dark, crowded world that the youth yearn to escape.

  After the creepy colored cover turn  inside for the black and white world of the gutter.  Dimi Mac packs the panels bursting with dark, stark energy. I think the crowded art reflects the overcrowded world these ravers are fighting to find their way out of. Find you way to Guttertown Massive and experience Beat fighting yourself. Expand your horizons and take a dose of this.

  Learn more about this world and local creators at guttertownmassive.blogspot.com. Get a copy in the Local Comics section at Zanadu Comics in Downtown Seattle.

Disclaimer: I was not paid to write this. The writer works at my neighborhood comic shop and asks if I would give his project a read and because Casey is so damn cool (and given me so many gret recommendations for books) I did.

New James Bond Women Talk “Skyfall” in Videos

AP Photo/Joel Ryan. Daniel Craig and the new Bond girls.

  Daniel Craig’s 007 will have double the fun with two gorgeous Bond women in Skyfall. Berenice Marlohe plays Severine. Producers have kept her character top secret so far. Although I have my theory after a recent interview in which the French actress revealed which previous Bond girl inspired her. In a videoblog on 007.com Marlohe discussed being introduced as the latest member of the famous cinema sorority.

Naomie Harris (28 Days Later) plays Eve and reveals the weapons training she’s undergoing to play the MI6 field agent.

Hulk Smash Avengers! Joe Casey Knows Avengers!

Hulk Smash Avengers #2 courtesy Marvel.com

  Hulk helped create the Avengers (thanks to Loki’s meddling) but didn’t stick around. When Marvel’s The Avengers hits the big screen the Green Goliath will be fighting with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes this May. Hulk Smash Avengers hits comic book stores that month too. The 5 part series will feature different teams telling tales of the big guy and his odd relationship with the team. Joe Casey and Max Fiumura reveal an untold tale of a clash between Hulk and the Avengers in issue two. Casey knows his continuity history and revealed when this story happens to Marvel.com.

  “This story fits in very specifically with Avengers continuity, right between issues #182 and #183,” he says. “For anyone who’s as obsessive about their Avengers continuity as I am, they would know that those were the members that would be hanging around the mansion at that point. Captain America’s in there, too, but there’s a reason why he’s not directly involved in going after The Hulk.”

Hulk Smash Avengers #2 courtesy Marvel.com

  “Like I said, I can be a nut about Avengers continuity, so I wanted to make sure this story fit perfectly into the timeline of a period that’s probably my favorite run of Avengers comics, the Michelinie/Byrne issues from the late 1970s,” he notes. “Those are the comics that really hooked me when I was a kid, so to find a way to fit our story into that continuity was extremely cool.”

For his entire interview and more awesome preview art by Fiumura here’s the Marvel link.

Geek confession: I had a subscription for the Avengers in the awesome Micheline/Byrne run and could kick myself for not saving them!

For an awesome retro X-Men tale by Casey – check out his Children of the Atom series with artist Steve Rude. Casey is appearing at Emerald City Comicon in Seattle this weekend.

Comicon Guide for Virgins

Emerald City Comicon Exclusive by Alex Ross courtesy Emerald City Comicon

  I have some friends and fans going to Emerald City Comicon - this will be their first time! By special request here’s a guide to Comicons for Virgins!

1. Have fun. Bring cash. You never know when you’re find an awesome back issue or amazing print!

2. Do a little homework to maximize your con time. I have a wish list of stars and creators I hope to meet and panels I want to attend.

3. You know what they say about best laid plans! If you miss something don’t worry, there’s always something cool around the corner.

4. When it comes to autographs from writers/artists. Know when they have panels booked so you’re not waiting in line and then they have to leave for a panel. Autographs/photos from media guests (TV and movie stars) are on a schedule and do have fees.

5. I take only a max of 4-6 books to be signed by a writer/artist. Respect the other fans waiting just like you. Don’t drop dozens of books to be signed. You can buy books new at their table usually. This is your chance to talk with the creators. If you’re going to be critical, be constructive and respectful. If the writer killed off your favorite character, don’t worry, they’ll be resurrected eventually. This is your moment with the creator but remember your fellow fans are patiently waiting for their moments too.

6. Sketches. Most artists charge a fee – it’s worth it! Ask the guys ahead of you what they’re charging. Sometimes you might catch an artist in a mood and sketches are free but most have a fee – many have already been commissioned. Even if they’re drawing they will still autograph your books. Be patient.

7. Let your geek flag fly! Don’t be self-conscious. If you want to go all out with a costume – go for it or just wear a cool t-shirt celebrating your favorite comic, sci-fi or fantasy thing. This is your chance at a second Halloween so go for it!

8. Panels – If it’s a big name star or show the expect a huge crowd so get there early.

9. Expand your horizons! This is a great time to discover a new artist, book, writer. If you’re just a superhero comic fan, try a crime, western or indie series.

10. Have fun! Bring cash! Be Patient!

Hope to see some of you at Emerald City Comicon this weekend. If not, come back to this site for coverage, photos and more.