Friday's Line-Up Include Zombies, a look at HALLOWEEN and a BUMBLEBEE

Jeri Jacquin

It's Friday and that means we are at the halfway point of San Diego Comic Con 2018 - yet it doesn't feel like it! That's a good thing because it's another early morning gathering up badges, laptops, phone (with extra charger) and water, water and more water.

Friday is also the day fans of the zombie world are hoping to get answers about their favorite characters but let us not jump ahead too much. The first panel of the morning is the DR. HORRIBLE'S SING-ALONG BLOG brings a reunion of Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon, Nathan Fillion, Felicia Day and Maurissa Tancharoen back to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the show. To be honest, anytime Nat Fillion is on a panel I will be there with bells on, he's hilarious!

AMC brings a double dose of zombies with FEAR THE WALKING DEAD and the cast panel to talk about where the show left off midseason and the shocker that everyone is still talking about. Scott M. Gimple, Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, Dave Alpert and executive producer Greg Nicotero give fans teasers as the show prepares to return to finish out the season on August 12th.

There wouldn't be a FEAR THE WALKING DEAD without the next panel of AMC's THE WALKING DEAD with Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Danai Gurira, Melissa McBride and Jeffrey Dean Morgan with new executive producer Angela Kang. Let us hope the issue of Rick's coming or going will finally be put to rest in a room where 7,000 people won't misunderstand. Kirkman, who was on the IMDB boat with Kevin Smith earlier said about Lincoln’s departure, "It's looking that way. It does make the differences between the comic and the show more pronounced. But at the end of the day, it's about Andrew Lincoln. This is a human being. This is someone I have known for almost a decade, somebody that I love. He's been sweating in Georgia, away from his family, for so long."

After promising that Rick Grimes' end will be extremely satisfying, he continues with, "He [Lincoln] cares about his fans. He cares about the show deeply. He wants to do something special on the way out. We have something amazing planned. I wouldn't want to spoil anything, but anybody who has been a fan of his journey, who loves Rick Grimes, who loves the world of THE WALKING DEAD; you're going to want to see what we do."

I have a feeling there will be tons of questions for the cast and those in the know but trust me when I saw that after all the years of covering THE WALK DEAD panels - they give nothing away, are very vague and relish in watching us all become grumpy at not getting answers. That being said, it is still fun!

To lighten the zombie mood a little, CBS's hit show STAR TREK: Discovery brings of journey of the U.S.S. Discovery. The cast and producers bring the panel to talk about what to expect for the next season.

Universal Pictures is bringing two of the most anticipated films to their block with M. Knight Shyamalan's GLASS and David Gordon Green's HALLOWEEN. In GLASS, Bruce Willis, James McAvoy and Samuel L. Jackson return in the characters that have been destined to meet up and I am thrilled beyond reason to see how it all plays out. HALLOWEEN reunites Laurie Strode with Michael Meyers and how it plays out forty years later. I'm going to bet Laurie is much tougher and wiser than Michael could ever imagine, plus I think Jamie Lee Curtis is awesome!

Paramount Pictures brings an early Christmas with BUMBLEBEE along with director Travis Knight and star Hailee Steinfeld and the story of the most adorable and probably slightly more famous than Optimus Prime - the yellow wonder that is Bumblebee.

The evening continues with Sony Pictures first bringing VENOM and Tom Hardy playing the title role means that fans will be flocking to see how he plays the role of duality. Speaking of duality - the creator's of Spiderman will be bringing their wisdom to fans who want to know so much more about their webbed icon and a look at the upcoming animated movie with Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

AMC has the final say of the evening with the hit series PREACHER and a panel of stars including Dominic Cooper, Ruth Negga, Joseph Gilgun as well as the show's producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. It's time to talk season 3 and what direction is the story going to take for another season.

In Ballroom 20, ComicCon wouldn't be the same without a peak inside THE BIG BANG THEORY Writers' Room where fans can get a sneak peek are some of the highlights of season eleven and prepare for the series return for season 12 this fall. Perhaps you are looking for something more, well viking-ish? Then the History Channel happily brings you the hit series VIKINGS along with Kathryn Winnick, Clive Standen, Alexander Ludwig, Alex Anderson, Georgia Hirst and Michael Hirst who is the creator/writer of this amazing show. Of course I am a little partial being a huge fan of the show (p.s. I miss you Ragnar!)

One of the most anticipated events at ComicCon is the Hulu World Premier Screening of CASTLE ROCK. This is a collaboration of J.J. Abrams and Stephen King hometown horror. After the screening is the panel including executive producers Sam Shaw and Dustin Thomason along with the amazing cast of Sissy Spacek, Bill Skarsgard, Melanie Lynskey and Jane Levy to talk about this small American town full of disturbing events.

Marvel Television brings Olivia Holt, Aubrey Joseph, Emma Lahana, Ally Make and Joe Pokaski and their new series MARVEL'S CLOAK & DAGGER. Bringing footage and panel discussion, Marvel fans have another show to be thrilled about.

At the Indigo Ballroom Hilton San Diego Bayfront, Cartoon Network brings the best to celebrate 10 years of ADVENTURE TIME. Another fan favorite, THE VENTURE BROS. takes questions from fans about there seven seasons on air. My personal favorite, ROBOT CHICKEN is back for it's always hilarious return to ComicCon with Seth Green, Matthew Senreich, Douglas Goldstein, Tom Root, Breckin Meyer and Tom Sheppard. This panel is always unexpected and hilariously entertaining.

More hilarity follows as BOB'S BURGERS brings some of my favorite voices to panel with H. Jon Benjamin (also of ARCHER fame), Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, John Roberts, Kristen Schaal, Larry Murphy and David Herman bright never-before-seen footage and a panel that always has me laughing to the point of tears. Following hot on its comedy heels is ARCHER and H. Jon Benjamin, Aisha Tyler, Jessica Walter, Chris Parnell, Amber Nash and Lucky Yates to make sure that when it's all said and done, our funny bones will never be the same.

The 30th Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards overlooks 31 categories to recognize comic creators for their work. Also presented are the Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award, Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award, Bill Finger Award for Excellence in Comic Writing, and the Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award. It's going to be a fantastic evening of celebration!

The evening, for me at least, is topped off with a trip to the Horton Grand Theatre for a 25th Anniversary showing of Tim Burton's THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS screening.

Now it's time to rest up as Saturday means more panels, more presentations and more people flocking downtown with their families to have an amazing experience like no other. This is as it should be because San Diego Comic Con is an adventure that has now ventured outside the Convention Center and spilled into the streets in such an awesome way that I constantly tell people to put on their comfy shoes, water up, hop the trolley and make an amazing weekend out of this.

Till Saturday!

Comic Con 2018 is Back!

Jeri Jacquin

Here is a look at Preview Night and a full schedule on Thursday!

Has it been a year already? Apparently so as San Diego gears up for Comic Con 2018 and if you have been downtown in the last few days you see the commotion as preparations are being made and hotels are filling up quickly. The anticipation is always part of Comic Con as fans prepare to invade the Convention Center with all things fun.

It all beings Wednesday, June 18th with Preview Night and as the name suggests, those lucky enough to hold badges are privy to some of the most amazing sites and sounds that Comic Con has to offer. There are games, toys, shirts, bags, pins, comic books and so much more and preview night is the first chance to walk away with so many goodies.

But that's not all as Comic Con and Warn Bros. Television bring the exclusive screening of the new series MANIFEST and another advanced screening of THE 100. Finishing off the evening is a brand new episode from the second season of FREEDOM FIGHTERS: The Ray. At the Horton Grand Theatre, New Line Cinema "Scarediego" offers badge holders a look at the 2018-2019 slate of horror films along with panels of special filmmaker guests.

Of course the town will be buzzing with parties and gatherings to celebrate the beginning of four more days of meeting up with friends, meeting new friends and experiencing everything from Ballroom 20 to Hall H and everything in between.

On Thursday, June 19, the day for me will begin with a trip to Hall H (no surprise right?) as the morning begins with 20th Century Fox's THE PREDATOR. Director Shane Black brings cast members Olivia Munn, Sterling K. Brown, Keegan-Michael Key, Trevante Rhodes, Jake Busey,Yvonne Strahovski, Thomas Jane and Augusto Aguilera to panel. The talk will turn to bringing their story and take to the iconic and recognizable franchise.

BBC America is welcomed to Hall H with their panel of DOCTOR WHO and the 13th Doctor Jodie Whittaker and cast Tosin Cole, Mandip Gill, Chris Chibail and executive producer Matt Strevens. What makes this so special is that the is the first time DOCTOR WHO has come with a panel before the next season begins so I'm sure the question and answer session is going to be full of questions.

DRAGON BALL SUPER brings Sean Schemmel and Christopher Sabat into the Dragon Ball world to bring special surprises and reveal things not before seen about the new movie.

AMC brings BETTER CALL SAUL and Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn, Patrick Fabian, Michael Mando and Giancarlo Esposito along with producers Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould to chat up about the fourth season returning on August 6th. Also, AMC brings a BREAKING BAD 10th Anniversary Celebration as Bryon Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Betsy Brandt, RJ Mitte, Bob Odenkirk and Giancarlo Esposito talk about their time on the series and the legacy of the series.

ASSASSINATION NATION brings the Russo Brothers to Comic Con to talk about how difficult this particular high school becomes when every phone in town is hacked meaning everyone sees everything! Director Sam Levinson and Bill Skarsgard, Suki Waterhouse, Hari Nef and Abra will be on hand to talk about the film.

Ballroom 20 brings their best as well with BEHIND THE SCENES OF FREEFORM'S SIREN. The cast and producers of the first season hit show are debuting at Comic Con to talk about what fans can expect from the next season at Bristol Cove. CHARMED comes to Comic Con in time to celebrate it's 20th anniversary and to talk about the reboot of the new series staring Melonie Diaz, Sarah Jeffery, Madeleine Mantock and Rupert Evans along with producers Jennie Snyder Urman, Jessica O'Toole and Amy Rardin.

TELL ME A STORY comes to Ballroom 20 and is the project of Kevin Williamson who tells his version of such fairy tales as the Three Little Pigs and Little Red Riding Hood. Stars Paul Wesley and James Wolk are there to discuss the new series. Following this panel is another new series A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES as Teresa Palmer, Matthew Goode, Alex Kingston, and Owen Teale discuss the story created by author Deborah Harkness.

Bobcat Goldthwait's MISFITS AND MONSTERS brings panelists Jake Hurwitz, Amir Blumenfeld, Tara Lynne Barr and Karan Soni to talk about the series and the inspiration behind the truTV's anthology series. SYFY WIRE brings Aisha Tyler to Host the Great Debate with Felicia Day, Joe Manganiello, Adam Savage, Janet Varney, Orlando Jones and John Barrowman in to debate anything and everything with the fans casting a vote for the best argument - now that's going to be fun!

Netflix brings Marvel's IRON FIST and scoops about Danny Rand and Colleen Wing on season 2. Marvel's head of television Jeph Loeb will be on hand and a few surprises as well.

At the Indigo Ballroom Hilton San Diego Bayfront, the day begins with the 6th ANNUAL MUSICAL ANATOMY OF A SUPERHERO as the panel gives a peek into the music that makes films even more amazing. Composers Tyler Bates, Marco Beltrami, Christophe Beck, Kurt Farquhar and Blake Neely talk about their projects and share more of their work.

SYFY brings the new series from George R.R. Martin set in 2093 with NIGHTFLYERS.

The most expensive ship every built journey's through space and the crew learns the horrors aren't on the outside, but actually on the inside of their ship. Producers Jeff Buhler, Gene Klein and David Bartis join stars Eoin Macken, Gretchen Mol, David Ajala, Jodie Turner-Smith and Angus Sampson are on hand to talk about the new and exciting series.

Z NATION brings cast members DJ Qualis, Kelita Smith, Russell Hodgkinson and Karl Schaefer to the panel to talk zombies and what is coming to the 5th season of the series. The Netflix Original Series BLACK SUMMER is the spin off to Z NATION as fans get a first hand look at what is to come and how shocking the story might be.

The day wouldn't be complete without wandering downtown to see all the exhibits and hands on fun that can be had where ever you look. I have to admit that's probably the best ending to my day is experiencing all that keeps downtown lively! So this is just a little peek inside what is coming on Preview Night and Comic Con's first full on Thursday.

There are so many panels that discuss everything from art work in comics to story ideals and voice work for all things animation. Costumes and cosplay galore will be everywhere and all I can say is make sure your camera battery is charged and you are carrying a spare.

I hope to see you all at the Convention Center and remember, even if you didn't get a badge this year, there is so much to do, see and experience at Comic Con. Come early, dress appropriately, wear comfy shoes and bring water to stay hydrated while going from fun to fun.

I'll have Friday's line up for you next!