San Diego Comic Con Sunday Bringing Closure for 2024

 

Jeri Jacquin

It is here! The final day of San Diego Comic Con International but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty left to do. Sunday is actually a fantastic family day to come out and see so many fun things and experience it all together. The morning also brings the San Diego International Children’s Film Festival. It brings features of creative and imaginative short films from around the world. Animators and filmmakers are on hand to talk about their films. They also discuss with kids about animations and filmmaking for themselves. As a juror for their festival, I am proud of the work they do and highly recommend visiting them to see it all first hand.

It's time to salute one of the most fantastic films in my home library. If it comes on television and I’m doing something, I’ll stop and watch it till the end. It is the 30^th anniversary of STARGATE. Dial the Gate David Read, Marcia Middleton, Jenny Siven, Remington Phillips, Dean Newbury and Linda Furey are on hand to talk about how the film has impacted so many.

Comic Con and Star Trek aren’t finished as the panel Star Trek: Boldly Exploring the Comics brings IDW editor Heather Antos and creators Collin Kelly, Ryan North and Jackson Lanzing to talk about Starfleet’s plans with reveals about the comic. Star Trek Now and Next: Can Less Be More? speaks on the changes with streaming and television and how those changes best serve the viewers and storylines. The panel includes Dr. Trek Larry Nemecek, John Champion, Aliza Pearl, James Kerwin, Olivia Youngers and hosted by Ryan Britt.

Remember when my children were so into the Power Rangers so much that I actually had to sit with them to learn about the characters, which ones were their favorite and who the bad guys were. It was a memory that has always stayed with me as the Power Rangers became more and more iconic. Well, Comic Con hasn’t forgotten them either with the panel Power Rangers: The Past, Present, and Future of the Franchise. The Black Ranger Walter Jones is in attendance along with Tracy Lynn Cruz, Chris Khayman Lee, Davi Santos, Black Foster, Selwyn Ward and Peter Adrian Sudarso join moderator Ben Kliewer to talk about the future of the Power Rangers.

I was absolutely thrilled with the Creativity Through Fairytale Retellings Writing Workshop. That makes sense as a writer but I also love creating stories for my grandkids. Author of Curse Undone (Gold Spun Duology) Brandie June was on hand to show how to develop characters and create a story that interesting. As writers, we can always use another’s opinion on our work to make it better.

The Works of Masami Kurumada takes a look at the man’s career who created Saint Seiya spending over 50 years creating. His works include Knights of the Zodiac, B’T X, and Silent Knight Sho. As a Japanese manga artist, his specialty became fighting manga bishonen. He created Kurumada Productions studio. Ramses Rivera hosts the look into his work and legacy.

Ready for some singing, dancing and all out fun to close the Con? Well, then Buffy the Vampire Slayer “Once More with Feeling” musical is just the ticket. Hosted by Fandom Charities, HellmouthCon and SixDegreesOfGeek, this is a full interactive screening of the musical episode. So, get your Buffy-Con on and enjoy yourself!

Well folks, that’s a wrap on San Diego Comic Con International 2024 in beautiful downtown San Diego. It feels like we are almost back to normal after a few years of uncertainty. From the fantastic break out of DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE with the stars not only on the panel but in the sky above, to the return of the zombie panels, to shows finally making their way to Hall H, Reeves comic book coming to Netflix, a second panel of Marvel with what is to come in the MCU and a surprise by Robert Downey Jr., to Sunday being a day for families, comic-talk and thanking those who have brought so much to the reason for Comic Con.

Thanks to SDCCI for making my job fun, exciting, interesting and informative and for allowing me to bring it to our readers who couldn’t otherwise attend. It means so much to them and you have allowed me to make it equally as fun for all. See you next year!

 

San Diego Comic Con Saturday Brings Marvel Back

 

Jeri Jacquin

It’s hard to believe that once again there is only one more day left of San Diego Comic Con 2024. That being said, we are going to start the morning with another superhero. Hall H comes together because nothing is better than an iconic superhero calling fans!

CW has brought the series SUPERMAN & LOIS to the first panel of the day. Tyler Hoechlin who plays Clark, Elizabeth Tulloch portrays Lois, along with executive producers Todd Helbing and Brent fletcher bring the talk about the cliffhanger left in Season 3 and what’s to come for Clark and Louis when you are a mom and dad but the world still needs saving. Finally making it to Hall H, there is a lot to talk about. When asked how to do Superman different, Helbing said, “You make it about family. I thought about it and it is the best way to do Superman. Married to Lois, he can’t get out of parenthood using superpowers”.

Brent has been with the show since the pilot so when did he know about the chemistry? “I knew from the pilot and all doubt was erased. We tried to make them the best couple on television and every time we wrote the script to that, they delivered. It kept improving. I honestly believe today that they are the best couple on television now.”

Hoechlin and Tulloch speak about their characters not only being parents but also being a loving couple to one another. Tulloch said, “That was what sold us. We were told that it was going to be grounded based on family dynamics.” Hoechlin said, “It was a bit of a jump. I think, for me, I was in a place in life that I wanted to do a show that focused on what I was feeling at that point in my life which is what is the most important thing. That is family, family is the core.”

Fan had the chance to ask their questions and it, as always, is informative and fun to listen to the actors explain the motivation of their characters without giving away what is to come. SUPERMAN & LOIS return to The CW on October 17th so catch the two-hour premier of the final season then!

The next panel up is especially awesome and you can imagine why. BRZRKR: The Immortal Saga Unleashed brings news (and its actual second panel of the day) and since its 2021 debut, Reeves’ BRZRKR is the story of a half-mortal half-god who battles through the ages. He is looking for answers to mysteries about who he is. It has been so successful that this is the talk about a new novel and a live-action film from Netflix!

The panel consists of writer Matt Kindt, artist Ron Garney, showrunner Mattson Tomlin and of course, Keanu Reeves himself to the thrill of the audience. Sidenote – Reeves also received an Inkpot Awards from SDCC given to him by Eddie Ibrahim for his contributions across comics and movies. The crowd goes absolutely wild because, as does I, we know he deserves it.  Reeves says, “Thank you so much for this honor, thank you man. In recognizing me here today, you are also giving recognition to everyone here. I’ve been really fortunate to work with some incredible artists and tell incredible stories, so thank you.”

Reeves makes very sure to give credit to the group around him and his humbleness show completely. The term ‘graphic’ in graphic novel should tell you a bit about the BRZRKR and I, for one, cannot wait to see what Netflix does with the character Reeves helped to create.

Big panels are something to be expected in Hall H during SDCC and the Star Trek panel is no different. There were so many announcements made during their time slot so let’s get all in shall we? First off, Paramount+ started out with a trailer for the new STAR TREK: Section 31 that stars one of my favorite actresses Michelle Yeoh in the role of Emperor Philippa Georgiou. Since starting in season 1 of the series, she is now with Section 31 and its time to come face to face with things that have happened. Also in the cast is Omari Hardwick, Kacey Rohl, James Hiroyuki Liao, Sven Ruygrok, and Sam Richardson.

STAR TREK: Starfleet Academy will begin filming next month and there are some notable returns like Tig Notaro, Robert Picardo, Holly Hunter, Gina Yashere, and Paul Giamatti, with some not-to-regulars Mary Wiseman and the every-so-handsome Oded Fehr. The show will follow new Starfleet cadets (as they should) learning what it takes to become officers all while discovering a new enemy going against the Academy and the Federation.

The new cadets include Karim Diane, Zoe Steiner, Bella Shepard, Kerrice Brooke and George Hawkins.

STAR TREK: Strange New Worlds has a while yet to come to the screen for its third season but the audience was treated to a few cool clips as Captain Pike, Christine Chapel, La’an Noonien-Singh, Nyota Hura and Pelia are given a, what I term, polyjuice potion (thanks Hermoine) that changes them into Vulcans! But, when you play with potions, they don’t always work the way you want them too!

The animated STAR TREK: Lower Decks is in its final season and a two-episode season opener on October 14th with the finale on December 19th. Watch this underdog crew take one last shot at trying to get to the above decks!

THE PENGUIN is coming in September with Colin Farrell as Oswald Cobblepot/The Penguin. The panel was hosted by Josh Horowitz, Farrell made a Zoom appearance with producers Matt Reeves, Dyland Clark, showrunner Lauren LeFranc, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz and makeup designer Michael Marino.

Farrell says he was inspired by both the iconic Burgess Meredith and Danny DeVito’s versions of the Penguin while also excited to get into the world of Gotham. He also gives a major shout out Morino for the stunning prosthetics. Reeves believes that the show doesn’t have a hero, per se, but that even when these characters do horrible things, there might be empathy. Actors Feliz talks about getting use to seeing Farrell in all the makeup that turns him into the Penguin.

Not giving to much away, Reeves says that the ending will set up the Penguins role in THE BATMAN Par II. I’m thinking next year’s Comic Con is going to bring more about THAT. Of course, this year wasn’t without its surprises at The Penguin Activation met with a bit of excitement yesterday with a few flames that everyone, most likely, caught on their phones.

Marvel hits Hall H once again as the MCU is most likely still celebrating the awesome numbers that DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE has brought in. Of course, it begins with a round of “Deadpools” & “Wolverines” for a bit of fun before Kevin Feige comes to start up what is to come in the MC Universe CAPTAIN AMERICA: Brave New World brings footage and Giancarlo Esposito taking the role of King of the Serpent Society Sidewinder, Anthony Mackie as Captain America, Tim Blake Nelson and Danny Ramirez as the new Falcon. Harrison Ford came to the stage and says, “Hello Comic Con, I am Thaddeus and I’m delighted and proud to become a part of the Marvel Universe. I have been watching fantastic actors have a really good time working in the Marvel Universe and I wanted a piece of the action. I’m proud to be in this film. I think it has turned out to be fantastic!” Ford portrays Thaddeus Ross who looks to Sam for help. He wants The Avengers back! The film is slated for release in February 2025.

Next is THUNDERBOLTS with director Jake Schreier, Sebastian Stan returning as Bucky Barnes, Wyatt Russell as John Walker and says, “Everyone is gonna f***ing love me!”, David Harbour plays Alexei (so happy to see him!), Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost, Florence Pugh plays Yelena Belova with early footage showing Yelena going up against Ghost. The film is slated for May of 2025.

If you were looking up into the Deadpool of night on Thursday, you perhaps might have seen a familiar circle with the number 4 right? That’s because the FANTASTIC 4 is due to start production soon and expected to be released July of next year…hopefully like the 4th of July which is always an awesome time to see a super hero movie. The film stars Pedro Pascal, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn and Vanessa Kirby. The trailer shows a very nostalgic ‘60s (why am I saying nostalgic when that’s my era? lol) with old NASA blue and white spacesuits, banter about Johnny, Thing on a dating show and Glactus looking in a window (doesn’t he know that’s illegal on this planet?).

So, where would Marvel be without throwing a shocker in the mix eh? Straight from Marvel, “The Russo Brothers return to direct Marvel Studios’ AVENGERS: Doomsday. Only in theaters May 2027.” What does the MAN that is cast for the role have to say about it all? Well, he was on the stage to tell the 7.000 screaming and deliriously happy fans of the MCU. In costume, he slowly reveals his mask and the cheering is deafening. Downey, Jr. says, “New mask, same task…What can I tell ya? I like playing complicated characters!”

Well, just another absolutely stunning and fantastic end to the second Marvel panel but then again would you expect anything less? Marvel can definetly be count on to bring some, then some more and then open the flood gates to give Comic Con fans what they wait every year for!

Tomorrow is the final day to wrap up another year of San Diego Comic Con International so, charge up the phones and cameras, soak the feet one more time and rest well, we will hit the ground running in the morning!

San Diego Comic Con International 2024 Begins with Preview Night

Jeri Jacquin

Welcome once again to San Diego Comic Con International 2024 at the Convention Center in Downtown San Diego! Not one to disappoint, there is something for everyone to enjoy from July 24^th-28^th beginning with Preview Night tonight. It is an opportunity for badge-holders to meet in the middle (literally) of the Exhibit Hall to see colleagues, friends, acquaintances and all that exhibitors have to offer. Here are a few very cool facts to know about SDCC.

Comic Con began in 1970 with what would be considered a small group of around 300 people but has expanded to over 135,000+. The Exhibit Hall brings over a thousand exhibitors bringing comics, anime, gaming, discussions and workshops for fans. Flowing into other locations in the downtown area, SDCC is fun for badge and non-badge holders alike who want to be a part of the celebration.

In recent years, the television and film industry has made a space for themselves to bring even more fans to SDCC. Marvel Studios doesn’t need any explanation as to why they are at the convention, especially with the two-day away release of the highly anticipated DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE! Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman are expected but that doesn’t stop there as Marvel Studios also takes over for a panel on Saturday in Hall H. Also bringing a bit of fun is Paramount’s TRANSFORMER ONE and 20^th Century’s ALIENS: Romulus.

Television and streaming in Hall H is bringing such shows as Peacock’s highly successful series THOSE ABOUT TO DIE and TEACUP, Prime’s THE BOYS and RINGS OF POWER, and Disney+ PERCY JACKSON. Don’t worry zombie lovers, AMC hasn’t forgotten about you bringing the return of THE WALKING DEAD: Dead City and THE WALKING DEAD: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol, THE PENGUIN panel, and Kevin Smith returns. Also, SUPERMAN & Lois, BRZRKR: The Immortal Saga, and the Star Trek Universe. In Ballroom 20 are the shows GHOST and Apple TV+’s series SILO and the Anne Rice Immortal Universe.

FX’s series WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS brings its panel but also the pop-ups for THE BEAR and American Horror Story universes’ Hellevator. Fans will also get a sneak peek at the new Ryan Murphy series GROTESQUERIE, photo op’s for WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS and ITS ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA Paddy’s Irish Pub.

Animation brings Celebrating 25 Years of Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob Squarepants, Futurama, The Simpsons, American Dad!, and Family Guy.

Off site, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, attendees will find the Robert A. Heinlein Blood Drive, the Art Show that highlights creativity through media, and Her Universe Fashion Show that bring designers who want to win a chance to design for Her Universe. At the Omni is the RPG Play Theatre and other programming for shows, comics, shows and more. Hilton San Diego Bayfront also has program panels as well as the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, considered the Oscars for the comic industry can be found at the Indigo Ballroom on Friday.

Even the San Diego Central Library has programs to offer. with the Conference for Educators and Librarians at the Shiley Special Events Suite. The talks include how education can use the power of comics as well as podcasts, web series and the fiction genre events at the Neil Morgan Auditorium.

In Balboa Park is the Comic Con Museum also has panels and activities that mean surprises and sneak-peeks from Director of Programming Eddie Ibrahim and Executive Director of the Comic Con Museum Rita Vandergaw. To find out more about the Comic Con Museum, visit Booth #1714 in the Exhibit Hall.

Booths in the Exhibition Hall include such names as Titan, Penguin Random House, Hasbro, Lego, Bandai Namco, Nickelodeon, Dark Horse, DC, Fandom World, Pokemon, Chronical Books, Mondo, Funko and CrunchyRoll and so much more.

There is so much packed into four days but, with a great pair of comfy and cushioned tennis shoes and a huge container of water, I think we can get through this together. Every year, San Diego Comic Con International is the meeting place for so many people who just want to spend time among people of like minds. One of the fantastic things about this time of year are the costumes that are meticulously made (and they seriously should be proud of themselves) and showed off to others who are doing the exact same thing.

It is about getting that bag and seeing what pin is inside to add to the badge lanyard. It is about exchanging items and being thrilled to find those who want to talk everything Comic Con – comics, items bought at the Exhibit Hall, shows, writers, creators, books, posters, and the newest creation by the exhibitors.

Comic Con is truly an experience and with so many things to do both inside and outside the Convention Center, it is also an experience to walk the streets downtown for the badge-less to have fun as well. This is just an amazing four days once a year that brings out memories for friends and family (especially the kids on Sunday) – so, keep up with us as we cover the panels (and ourselves with sunscreen) diving right in for everything amazing about San Diego Comic Con International 2024!