Final Day of San Diego Comic Con 2022

 

Jeri Jacquin

Sunday, the final day always seems a little bit more relaxed when gathering my things to head over to Hall H. Everyone is heading to the convention center to get the last-minute collectable, see friends one more time before heading back to where ever they have journeyed from, get pictures taken with kids who are spending their Sunday meeting their favorite super heroes or characters.

Me? Well, I’m back to Hall H for two of my favorite television shows and both from the fantastic FX channel. This morning it is the return of MAYANS M.C. and the vampire comedy WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS.

The crowd is told some good news when Elgin James announces that the motorcycle club drama is being given the green light for another season. That’s good news considering we have to know who is responsible for blowing up the warehouse that EZ says in the final episode of season four is ‘the clubs legacy’. The entire cast is not only excited but a few tears of joy were shed.

The panel, along with Elgin James, consisted of J.D. Pardo, Clayton Cardenas, Danny Pino, Sarah Bolger, Emilio Rivera, Michael Irby, Raoul Truillo, Frankie Loyal, Gino Vento, JR Bourne, Vincent Vargas, Emily Toasta, and Vanessa Giselle. Each and every one spoke on their experiences working on MAYANS MC and, most of all, thanking fans for its continual success and, from my perspective, it felt absolutely sincere.

James says of the show, “And every single member of the Mayans family, from our top of the call sheet to our set Pas and every single person in between have put their blood and sweat into making MAYANS something special on the set and on the screen. I’m deeply indebted to John, Eric, Nick and all of the FX and particularly Colette Wilson who’s been in the trenches with us from day one for allowing us to continue to explore and create.”

The last episode of the season left us with EZ taking over the top dog seat, Bishop in a shocked second and Padrino walking away from a club he was trying to keep alive. With the last battle in their own ranks, the vote to go to war with the Sons of Anarchy is ahead. Now, the we are all going to have to take sides!

“Kurt Sutter and I talked about how EZ has this path. The universe was going to spit him out back where he belongs – that was always going to be his fate.” James talked about EZ never knowing if he was in or our because we all saw the mistakes he was making yet still rising in the ranks. “That’s what he’s doing now with the club where there are egos in the way like Bishop and Angel, and I don’t say ego in a negative way.”

Bishop spent the season licking his wounds and Angel spent the season going in and out of love and sadness as his own family starts to change his feelings toward life. But, EZ, well, EZ has the look of a man that is either going to succeed in taking down SAMCRO or, well, lets leave it at that. There will be more on this in a longer article once I have recovered from Comic Con, hey, a girl has got to get some beauty sleep here!

Attendees are told as well that their gift ticket is none other than a MAYANS MC t-shirt and trust when I say that it is the first best nightshirt in my 2022 collection for Comic Con this year.

Next up, the FX hilarious comedy WHAT WE DO IN SHADOWS. The cast panel included Executive Producer and writer Paul Simms, Executive Producer and writer Stefani Robinson, Kayvan Novak, Matt Berry, Natasia Demetriou, Harvey Guillen, Mark Proksch and Kristen Schaal (who cracks me up EVERY time).

Starting out watching an exclusive screening THE NIGHT MARKET, Simms teases that it is the biggest episode yet. That’s fine by me because it had me giggling for half an hour. The process was “Lot of hours of twiddling with my sword and playing with my sword and putting my sword up against Harvey’s sword. Take that as you will, my fellow Nandermo lovers”. The crowd loved it!

Demetriou as Nadja, talks about the hottest vampire club saying, “The reason we have the nightclub is because they’ve seen me dance. When you see a talent like that, you have to use it.” What the audience doesn’t know at this point is that the Comic Con gift from WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS is a tee-shirt with Nadja’s outline and club on it, suitable for becoming the next best nightshirt in my collection.

Simms says that future episodes including the gang in one room and a ‘boys weekend’ which is going to be epic when you think about it. Other tidbits are teasing that viewers are going to meet Guillermo’s family while he tries to find love. WHAT WE DO IN THE SHAWDOWS is on FX and can be seen Tuesday nights with new episodes and streaming the next day on Hulu.

That, my friends, is how I ended my journey through San Diego Comic Con International 2022 at the convention center in San Diego. There was excitement, surprises, trailers, talent and things to do walking around downtown to welcome back fans after a two-year absence. Comic Con did their utmost to protect attendees and with that, masks became part of costumes and it worked!

It a joy to see friends once again, reconnect with our fellow attendees and the excitement that we will once again come back to San Diego Comic Con International in 2023!

See you then!

 

 

Saturday at Comic Con Brings Action and Action Heroes

 

Jeri Jacquin

After a long night of waiting in line, and some since Friday, for Hall H on Saturday, there turned out to be a lot to be excited about.

Moderator Tiffany Smith begins the morning with SHAZAM! Fury of the Gods with the panel including Zachary Levi, David F. Sandberg, Asher Angel, Dylan Grazer, Lucy Liu and a screen appearance from the ever-delightful Helen Mirren as Hespera. Mirren made it clear, “I absolutely loved playing Hespera. She’s such a baddie and a bad-ass. And Zach, I have such a lovely time kicking the s**t out of you! Yea, pussy power!”

Levi introduces the trailer for the film by saying, “We’re all just trying to figure it out. It adds for a real great interesting bedrock of reality that you can connect to as a human being because we’re super heroes but we’re human beings.”

Next is Warner Bros. bringing out Dwayne Johnson as only they could – in his costume for the DC Comics film BLACK ADAM high above the rest of us mere mortals. Causing quite a ruckus of, he gives the death star before announcing, “Hall H, you’ve been warned. The DC Universe will never be the same again.” Well, after all, he is The Rock so I tend to think we should all listen to the man.

The panel includes Jaume Collett-Serra, Quintessa Swindell, Aldis Hodge and Noah Centineo along with Dwayne Johnson making a quick change out of his extremely tight super suit. He also makes it clear that his goal is to bring in ‘a new era in the DC universe.”

Johnson also says, “It has been a long journey, one that has been fueled with passion, with commitment and grit to push BLACK ADAM along. It has easily been over ten years as Jaume and I worked together for over five years now. The journey has been an incredible one and as many of you know I love coming to Comic Con but to be here in Hall H representing DC, DC superheroes, super villains is truly a dream come true.”

Continuing he says, “Because the dream when I started in this business many moons ago, I would come here and bring movies here and you all would be here. I would always hope people liked them and my dream and Seven Bucks Productions and to be here today to watch BLACK ADAM throw around lightening like he was passing out candy, I have to tell you it really is a dream come true. So, thank you so much for this kind of love and support.”

Of course, fans responded with enthusiasm and equal love.

Over in Ballroom 20, AMC’s INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE is taking a bite out of fans even before its premiered. Moderator Damian Holbrook has the opportunity to talk about Louis played by Jacob Anderson, Lestate played by Sam Reid and Claudia played by Bailey Bass and the story through the eyes of Daniel played by Eric Bogosian.

The panel brought executive producer Matt Johnson, showrunner Rolin Jones, Designer Mara LePere-Schloop along with Anderson, Reid, Bass and Bogosian. John says, “The books are so fun and so different, it is hard to believe they are connected in that way. The Anne Rice world is going to go on for some time on AMC.”

Anderson says of being cast, “I watched the movie when I was a teen. As soon as I got the email about the audition, I got this weird feeling in my stomach. I am really excited to be part of this world as I deeply connect with Louis.”

What I am excited about is that Rolin Jones teases, “If you have read Prince Lestat, The Vampire Armand and Interview with the Vampire, you’ll see lots of nods to the material. We are trying to build a universe, and there is some witchery thrown in there as well”. I have read ALL of Anne Rice’s books and if Marius makes an appearance, I’m going to lose my mind as he is my favorite character with a rich history.   

Back in Hall H, the Netflix series THE SANDMAN proves to be another amazing move for the streaming service. Tom Sturridge stars as Dream, the younger brother of Death who has been captured by a wizard. After his escape, he goes on a quest to find his lost powers. Comic creator Neil Gaiman has brought the story to life and will be seen by all August 5^th.

The panel moderator Kari Byron included Neil Gaiman, Allan Heinberg, Tom Sturridge, Vivienne Acheampong, Boyd Holbrook, Gwendoline Christie, Joanna Constantine, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Mason Alexander Park, Vanesu Samunyai and Patton Oswalt.

Gaiman said, “What I’m really excited about is that in less than two weeks, everyone’s going to see what we made. I’m so excited about it. I’m so proud of it.” Playing the role of Dream, Sturridge says, “I care so deeply about this piece of literature. I read and re-read the comic over and over.”

Leave it to Christie after spending years in armor in her role as Lady Brianne in the GAME OF THRONES series, she is in a different set of armor. In the role of Lucifer, she reminds the audience that at one time Lucifer was God’s favorite angel before falling.

After hundreds and hundreds of fans had spent almost 48 hours sleeping on concrete, their dedication will not be in vain. Hall H is about to erupt as Marvel Studios brings their slate. Starting with the iconic voice of Stan Lee, he says tell the audience that, “Marvel has always been and always will be a reflection of the world right outside out window.”

Moderator Ash Crossan asks Kevin Feige about WAKANDA FOREVER and are told that the film is the last Phase 4 film. Moving on to the next phase, the films ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: Quantumania, SECRET INVASION, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3, ECHO, LOKI Season 2 (which I have been waiting ages for!), THE MARVELS, BLADE, IRONHEART, AGATHA: Coven of Chaos, and CAPTAIN AMERICA: New World Order.

Also included in that slate are the eighteen episodes of DAREDEVIL: Born Again and THUNDERBOLTS which concludes Phase 5.

SHE-HULK: Attorney at Law has Jamila Jameel commenting on her role and character as, “She’s extremely annoying and I learned that from myself” also claiming jealousy is what motivates her. SECRET INVASION has a trailer as well with Nick Fury (minus an eye patch) talking about Skrull. Cobie Smulder as Maria Hill calls the film an exciting thriller.

ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: Quantumania is up next as Kathryn Newton, Evangeline Lilly and Paul Rudd are introduced by director Peyton Reed to kick off Phase Five. There is a trailer to get fans captivated telling a little of the upcoming story so check out the trailer as soon as its released tomorrow morning.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3 has James Gunn taking the Hall H stage. It is also the end of the Guardians Era. The good news is that Bill Murray will be part of the cast in some way or another. The cast gets a chance to see the first trailer and trust me when I say the cheering for Groot and Rocket was pretty cool.

It is the drums and vocals of Baba Maal that lead the audience cheering for BLACK PANTHER: Wakanda Forever. Ryan Coogler, director of the film, has the audience sending out cheers as he acknowledges the late Chadwick Boseman and his “enormous hands.” Bringing out Lupita Nyong’o, Letitia Wright, Danai Gurira, Florence Kasuma and Winston Duke he also includes newcomers Tenoch Huerta and Dominique Thorne.

Huerta has a chance to speak about being in the film and says, “I come from the hood. Without inclusion, I wouldn’t be here. By the way, Namor is amazing!”.

What a way to end Hall H for the evening and very difficult for Kevin Smith to follow with. Those that left, walked away very tired but very happy with what they have seen and the reason for Comic Con in the first place – the shared experience.

One more day folks!

Hall H on Friday Brought Excitement and a Sad Goodbye

 

Jeri Jacuqin

Hall H is always the place to be for film and television and Friday’s panels are no exception. Beginning the morning with a huge surprise by Stephen Colbert opening the day and leading the way to Prime’s upcoming series LORD OF THE RINGS: The Rings of Power. With the unusual look of an orchestra on the stage, Colbert introduces musician extraordinaire Bear McCreary who plays the most intense music with choir right behind. It is stunning, beautiful and ethereal. That is exactly what LORD OF THE RINGS: The Rings of Power is.  

The cast is so large it took three different panels because the stage would be overcrowded if they all came at once. Showing trailer after trailer, the audience became more and more excited and, at times, bantered with Colbert on who knew more about Middle Earth and it was hilarious.

The panel included Patrick McCay, J.D. Payne and Lindsey Weber as they explained their love of Tolkien and how deep their feelings run. Making sure our trip back thousands of years before Frodo and the gang is as wonderful, trust me when I saw fans and even those who might just want to check it out will not be disappointed.

There will be more on this in another article because trust me when I saw there is so much to share.

AMC brings Chris Hardwick back to the stage to moderate The Walking Dead Universe and after receiving a wonderful welcome back from the crowd, Hardwick introduces a new show. TALES OF THE WALKING DEAD is the next journey with six stories into the dead universe at Scott Gimple comes to the stage.

The panel includes Showrunner and Executive Producer Channing Powell, Director Michael Satrazemis, Terry Crews, Danny Ramirez and Samantha Morton returning as Alpha. To best describe the show, Satrazemis says, “This is everything with amazing stories and new people. TALES OF THE WALKING DEAD feels exciting and we like what we have done”. Of course a trailer makes the audience cheer knowing that universe has many surprises.

Hardwick then moderates AMC’s THE WALKING DEAD for its final panel in Hall H at San Diego Comic Con. Speaking with a few people in the audience, they tell me it is a mixture of sheer sadness yet happiness to be in Hall H to be a part of saying goodbye. Hardwick, trying to keep it together himself, introduces the cast that includes the return of Scott Gimple, Angela Kang, Greg Nicotero, Melissa McBride, a very blonde Josh McDermitt, Ross Marquand, Seth Gilliam, Lauren Ridloff, Cailey Fleming, Michael James Shaw and, of course, Norman Reedus.

There were laughs, memories shared and nods to other cast members but also there were tears coming from so many people on the stage and in the audience. McBride, who had played Carol from the very first season, tries to speak and continually becomes choked up tries to express her feelings about the end of THE WALKING DEAD.

Everyone notices two cast members who were not present and that is because Maggie aka Lauren Cohen and Negan aka Jeffrey Dean Morgan had an announcement of their own to make. Seems Maggie and Negan are going to find their way to New York City in another break out show ISLAND OF THE DEAD. I don’t care what they call it because I am more interested in how Maggie and Negan end up in New York as all will be revealed.

As the cast says their final goodbyes both to the audience and each other, it gets very intense. Each of the cast tells the audience how much their support has meant and as much as we all love the show (and I am a huge fan, just ask my Sheriff Rick Grimes badge on my desk), they wanted the fans to know their feelings are equally returned.

As they exited the stage, Scott Gimple remained because an audience member earlier had asked about the movie that had been rumored to explain where Andrew Lincoln aka Rick Grimes had gone. Gimple starts to talk when he is drowned out by the audience going nuts as Danai Guiria aka Michonne and Andrew Lincoln aka Rick Grimes saunter onto the stage.

There big announcement is that instead of a movie, there will be six episodes on AMC+ (I’m sure their subscription is going to go through the roof now!) that will explain where Rick and Michonne have been and wrap up that part of the story…or will it? Lincoln makes a date with the audience for next years Comic Con to answer questions and I’m sure there will be plenty. Its not like we want these characters to ever go away.

The next panel kept everyone in their seats as the panel for BRZRKR, Keanu Reeves comic book character gets its first time in the very large Hall H. Along with Ron Garney, the book is about a half-man-half-god making his way through time. Moderator Coy Jandreau was geeking out a little speaking with Matt Kindt, Matt Gagnon, Eric Harburn, Mattson Tomlin and Stephen Christy.

Speaking about the character of B, Reeves says, “I had this idea of a character who can punch you through the chest and rip arms off who was cursed with violence trying to figure out who they are and reclaim their humanity.” Meeting with Boom! Studios, the idea was pitched and it took a few years to put it together.

Continuing to gush about the project, Reeves says, “The people at Boom! Curated my experience in a special way. They brought together a team that helped this be more enjoyable. But when the first issue was in my hand, I thought it was f**king Christmas. When I read it, I thought it was some of the best creative days of my life.”

Growing up with comic books in Toronto, it is clear that this project is something special by Reeves and his team so expect it to be epic.

But that isn’t all – Reeves returns to the stage letting fans know they were not going to get out of Hall H with empty hands. Giving out posters for JOHN WICK 4, fans (yes, I’m one) get an even bigger swag gift with a trailer to the film.

That is a day fill with excitement that can only be found in Hall H! Now comes Saturday, the day people have slept overnight for on concrete because who doesn’t want to go home with a story of their own to tell. It is going to be a feast for the eyes and senses because San Diego Comic Con in Hall H never disappoints!

  

COMIC CON 2022 is Here!

 

Jeri Jacquin

San Diego Comic Con 2022 is back and it is time to get in the best cosplay outfits or even just a good pair of tennis shoes to experience a two-year absence from our skyline!

Beginning on Wednesday, attendees had so many choices going from San Diego Central Library to Food Wars at the Marriott to seeing the films THE DARK CRYSTAL, STAR TREK The Wrath of Khan and BLADE RUNNER to games and Anime.

Of course, there were costumes, meeting up with friends and fellow ComicCon lovers who have been absent for the last two years and lots of collectibles and special items to be bought and had. It is just the beginning to four more days of catching up!

Thursday began with the thrilling return to Hall H for DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Honor Among Thieves from Paramount Pictures starring Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Rege-Jean Page, Sophia Lillis, Justice Smith, Hugh Grant and so many more. Unleashing the greatest evil the world has ever known might be a little harder than they could have imagined.

Showing right in Hall H was the new TEEN WOLF: The Movie panel with Sarah Michelle Geellar, Jeff Bryan Davis, Tyler Hoechlin and Tyler Posey.

Ballroom 20 was taken over by GHOSTS! The CBS comedy follows Samantha and Jay, a couple who discovers their home has been taken over by ghosts from over the span of time. The series stars Rose McIver and Utkarsh Ambudkar as the couple with Brandon Scott Jones, Richie Moriarty, Danielle Pinnock, Asher Grodman, Roman Zaragoza, Sheila Carrasco, Rebecca wisocky and Devan chandler Long as the misty houseguests.

Also in Ballroom 20, NATIONAL TREASURE: Edge of History from Disney+ and the panel included Jordan Rodrigues, Zuri Reed, Antonio Cipriano, Lisette Olivera and Jake Austin Walker. A woman sets out to discover the mystery that is in her family and maybe find lost treasure as well (bonus!).

Hall H brings on the celebration of MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE: 40 Years. That is a big deal in my household considering that we spent afternoons and Saturdays watching the show. It is amazing and a little scary that so much time has gone by yet, MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE is still a staple of childhood.

Ballroom 20 brings the Appletv+ series SEVERANCE and if you have not watched the show then you really, really should. The series is coming into its second season as moderator Patton Oswalt speaks with Dan Erickson who is the creator and writer of the show.

Also, on the panel was director Ben Stiller, Britt Lower, Dichen Lachman, Jen Tullock and Tramell Tillman. If you want a show that is original, trippy and just has your head scratching before theories kick in, then SEVERANCE is for you.

Finally in Hall H, it is SHATNER ON SHATNER as William Shatner talks about the documentary of his life brought to the screen by Exhibit A Pictures and Legion M. Talking about how it came together, he says, “For years I’ve had people approaching me to do a documentary about my life, but I turned them all down because it didn’t feel like the right fit.”

Continuing, Shatner included, “When I heard how Legion M wanted to incorporate audiences to be part of it, it was perfect.” He acknowledges that fans have been ‘responsible for my career – it only seems right that they should own this documentary.” Well said captain my captain!

All of this is just the beginning with three more days of panels, talks, and sites to behold for 2022’s San Diego Comic Con International!