By: Heidi MacDonald,
on 2/22/2016
Embed from Getty Images Well, it was that time of year again… Tickets for Comic-Con International went on sale Saturday morning at 9 AM Pacific Time, and sold out within hours, if not less than an hour. The official announcement was posted just before 1 PM: Comic-Con 2016 badges have sold out! We thank all […]
By: Jerry Beck,
on 7/30/2014
Warner Bros. Animation's "Mike Tyson Mysteries" is a throwback to the celebrity-endorsed TV cartoons of the 1970s and '80s, but the comedic twist is that the "celebrity" is a wife-beating, drug-abusing, flesh-biting, convicted rapist.
Add a Comment
By: Jerry Beck,
on 7/28/2014
Last week at San Diego Comic-Con, Cartoon Network offered the first look at "Over the Garden Wall," a ten-episode fantasy mini-series that will debut this fall.
Add a Comment
By: Jerry Beck,
on 7/27/2014
At a presentation for LAIKA's third stop motion feature "The Boxtrolls," LAIKA's CEO Travis Knight told San Diego Comic-Con audiences that he hopes to make a hand-drawn animated film at some point in the future.
Add a Comment
By: Jerry Beck,
on 7/24/2014
In a first-of-its-kind programming move that even surprised the show's creators, Nickelodeon will remove "The Legend of Korra" from its network schedule, and premiere the remaining episodes of season three exclusively on digital platforms.
Add a Comment
By: Jerry Beck,
on 7/23/2014
San Diego Comic-Con 2014 begins tonight. If you have an animation-related project or merchandise that you want attendees to know about, post it in the comments.
Add a Comment
By: Jerry Beck,
on 7/16/2014
Comic-Con International: San Diego is almost upon us, and the organizers have released the event's mammoth program schedule. The madness, taking place from July 24-27, includes hundreds of panels, discussions, art demos, and screenings, with everyone from Buzz Aldrin to Betty White getting their moment to shine.
Add a Comment
By: Jerry Beck,
on 7/16/2013
Having trouble finding that very special mermaid statuette?
Well, Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, The Croods) can commiserate. “I’ve always kept an eye out for a mermaid sculpture that I really like. There’s a lot of them out there, but I could never find ‘the one.’ They were either too serious, too stiff, or just not very cute.”
But unlike you, Sanders has decided to do something about it. “I’m pleased to announce the arrival of Nimue, the mermaid sculpture I’ve always wanted.”
The first collaboration between Sanders and sculptor Anders Ehrenborg, Nimue (pronounced “Nim-way”) is “the right combination of fluid, cute and sexy” and presented in Sanders’ distinctive signature style. She is resin casted, stands 7.25 inches high and is being offered in two styles; blonde hair with a blue tail or green and green – a topless version of each color scheme is also available in limited quantities.
“How many sailors would have given their last weevily biscuit to capture such a creature in their sea-chests?” Sanders muses.
Fortunately, you won’t have to make such a sacrifice; online preorders have begun and all four prototypes will be on view at San Diego Comic-Con this week at booth #5532, between the convention hall entrances from Lobby B2 and Lobby C.
Add a Comment
By: Jerry Beck,
on 7/5/2013
Today, Comic-Con International: San Diego released the event schedule for Friday, July 19th, the second day of programming at the convention. We’ve compiled all the animation-related events below.
The Con’s Friday line-up is heavy with TV animation programming, and the creators of many TV series will be putting in appearances including Pen Ward (Adventure Time, J.G. Quintel (Regular Show), Bryan Konietzko and Michael DiMartino (The Legend of Korra), Jackson Publick and Doc Hammer (Venture Bros.), Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh (Phineas and Ferb), Loren Bouchard (Bob’s Burgers) and numerous others. Other Friday events include a spotlight on Bruce Timm and a Who Framed Roger Rabbit panel with animators Andreas Deja, James Baxter and Tom Sito.
Cartoon Network: Regular Show
Care to join the not so regular cast and crew for an eventful hour of over the top regular? Yeeeeeeeeuh you do! Check out exclusive content and get the inside scoop on your favorite slackers and some of their closest friends. The panel features: Regular Show creator J. G. Quintel (voice of Mordecai), William Salyers (voice of Rigby), Sam Marin (voice of Benson, Pops, and Muscle Man), Sean Szeles (supervising director), Matt Price (writer), and storyboard artists Toby Jones and Calvin Wong. Part of the back-to-back Regular Show/Adventure Time Panel Extravaganza, continuing at 11:00.
Friday July 19, 2013 10:00am – 11:00am
Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Cartoon Network: Adventure Time
What’s algebraic and schmowzow and righteous all over? It’s Adventure Time! Holy stuff! As if chatting up the coolest kids in the cartoon kingdom wasn’t enough, get ready for your eyeballs to be fixed on some never-before-seen content and your jaw to drop at a rad surprise or two. The panel features Adventure Time creator Pendleton Ward (Lumpy Space Princess), Jeremy Shada (Finn), John DiMaggio (Jake), Tom Kenny (Ice King), Olivia Olson (Marceline), Kent Osborne (head of story), and Adam Muto (supervising producer). Part of the back-to-back Regular Show/Adventure Time Panel Extravaganza, beginning at 10:00.
Friday July 19, 2013 11:00am – 12:00pm
Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Nickelodeon’s The Legend of Korra Returns!
Executive producer and creator team Bryan Konietzko and Michael DiMartino (Avatar: The Last Airbender) and co-executive producer Joaquim Dos Santos (Avatar: The Last Airbender) discuss what’s in store for the highly anticipated Book 2: Spirits. The mind-bending panel will be full of never-before-seen artwork and the ultimate of sneak peeks. You’ll also get to hear from your favorite characters, as talented voice actors Janet Varney (voice of Korra), David Faustino (voice of Mako), and P. J. Byrne (voice of Bolin) share their experiences working on the series. Moderated by Bryan Konietzko.
Friday July 19, 2013 11:15am – 12:15pm
Ballroom 20
Grimm Fairy Tales Animated
Zenescope Entertainment co-founders and co-producers Joe Brusha (Grimm Fairy Tales, Neverland, Oz) and Ralph Tedesco (Grimm Fairy Tales, Inferno, Salem’s Daughter), along with director/producer Jon Schnepp (The Venture Bros, Metalocalypse, ABCs of Death), discuss the Grimm Fairy Tales Animated pilot. Find out about this horrific re-imagining of the Grimm Fairy Tales from Zenescope Entertainment, Titmouse Inc, and Schneppzone. Learn how the project came to fruition, and what big names have gotten involved in the project. With talent like Lena Headey, Chris Hardwick, Briana Evigan, and Robert Forster (to name a few), this project is turning a lot of heads!
Friday July 19, 2013 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Room 4
[adult swim]: The Venture Bros.
Show creators Jackson Publick and Doc Hammer discuss the original series, now in its fifth season, and answer fan questions. They will be joined by the voice of Brock Samson, Patrick Warburton (Seinfeld, The Tick).
Friday July 19, 2013 12:15pm – 1:00pm
Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Phineas and Ferb
“Mom! Phineas and Ferb are doing a Comic-Con panel again!” Join show creators Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh, along with voice talent Vincent Martella (Everybody Hates Chris), Alyson Stoner (Camp Rock), Dee Bradley Baker (American Dad), and Olivia Olson (Adventure Time) for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what’s to come for Disney Channel’s hit animated series, including a sneak peek at this summer’s epic crossover event Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel.
Friday July 19, 2013 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Room 6A
VIZ Anime Featuring Neon Alley
Find out what’s new and hot in the world of VIZ anime, distributors of Japan’s superhits Naruto, BLEACH and many more. Come join members of the VIZ animation team for announcements, a chance for prizes and an exclusive look at Neon Alley, the 24/7 anime streaming experience that’s like nothing you’ve seen before.
Friday July 19, 2013 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Room 32AB
Go Green! With the Lean, Mean, Ninja Team: Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
Check out Nick’s latest mutation as executive producer Ciro Nieli (Super Robot Monkey Team Hyper Force Go!) and Peter Hastings (Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness) discuss the upcoming finale for season 1, and get an exclusive look at what’s in store for Season 2. Meet members of the incredible Ninja cast: Sean Astin (voice of Raphael), Greg Cipes (voice of Michelangelo), Rob Paulsen (voice of Donatello), Mae Whitman (voice of April O’Neil) and Kevin Michael Richardson (voice of Shredder). Stick around for the “unmasking” of a fan-favorite character. Moderated by Peter Hastings.
Friday July 19, 2013 2:15pm – 3:15pm
Room 6A
Spotlight on Bruce Timm
Comic-Con special guest Bruce Timm is a legend in the world of animation. Starting with Batman: The Animated Series in 1992, Timm’s name on a Warner Bros. Animation project has become synonymous with a faithful- but entirely original-translation of DC Comics characters from the comic page to the TV screen. Timm’s award-winning work includes Superman, Justice League, Batman Beyond, and Teen Titans, as well as executive producer of a series of original DC Universe animated movies whose premieres have packed Comic-Con panel rooms over the past six years, since Superman/Doomsday in 2007.
Friday July 19, 2013 2:45pm – 3:45pm
Room 5AB
[adult swim]: Robot Chicken
Co-creators/executive producers Seth Green and Matthew Senreich are joined by co-head writer/executive producer Tom Root, actor/writer Breckin Meyer, and writer Matthew Beans to discuss the Emmy-winning series. Get a sneak peek and get your questions answered about the upcoming new season and the next Robot Chicken DC Comics Special. Keith Crofford, vice president of production for Adult Swim, moderates.
Friday July 19, 2013 3:15pm – 4:00pm
Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
ASIFA-Hollywood’s State of the Industry
What do the pros think of the animation scene today? Is 2D dead? What’s happening in VFX? How do you get a job? Join Tom Sito (Osmosis Jones), Zeb Wells (Robot Chicken), Jamie Kezlarian Bolio (Ernest & Celestine), Rick Farmiloe (Little Mermaid), Carol Wyatt (Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends), and Joan Collins (Starship Troopers) for the discussion!
Friday July 19, 2013 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Room 9
Bob’s Burgers
Creator and executive producer Loren Bouchard, executive producer Jim Dauterive, and the always entertaining cast including H. Jon Benjamin, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, John Roberts, Kristen Schaal, and Larry Murphy will be serving up hilarious never-before-seen footage followed by a Q&A.
Friday July 19, 2013 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Sony & Screen Gems
Among the projects that will be presented at this panel: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 — You remember Sony Pictures Animation’s Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs — Flint Lockwood invented a machine that turned water into food, and it worked, but it also unleashed a dangerously delicious tsunami of food weather and Flint was forced to destroy it. Or so he thought…In Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, the adventure and fun continue when Flint discovers that his old invention is still working and is now creating new food-animal hybrids — foodimals! Come join stars Anna Faris and Terry Crews along with directors Cody Cameron and Kris Pearn, to get a taste of this new animated movie from Sony Pictures Animation.
Friday July 19, 2013 4:05pm – 6:15pm
Hall H
Grant Morrison: 18 Days
Superstar creator Grant Morrison’s (Batman, Action Comics, Dinosaurs Vs. Aliens) only panel at Comic-Con this year will unveil the launch, with Graphic India, of his YouTube animated series 18 Days, based on the epic eastern myth the Mahabharata. See exclusive clips from the series and enter the mind of one of the most groundbreaking creators in the world today in this engaging debate on Eastern versus Western storytelling archetypes. He is joined by series executive producers Sharad Devarajan (co-founder and CEO, Liquid Comics/Graphic India) and author Gotham Chopra (The Sadhu, Seven Spiritual Laws of Superheroes).
Friday July 19, 2013 4:45pm – 5:45pm
Room 6A
Archer: Screening and Q&A
Archer is an animated comedy that revolves around the International Secret Intelligence Service (ISIS) and its employees, who use every covert operation and global crisis as another excuse to undermine, sabotage, and betray each other for personal gain. The voice cast of H. Jon Benjamin (Bob’s Burgers), Aisha Tyler (The Talk), Chris Parnell (30 Rock), Judy Greer (Arrested Development), Amber Nash (Frisky Dingo), and Lucky Yates (Good Eats), along with executive producers Adam Reed (Sealab 2021) and Matt Thompson (Sealab 2021), discuss bringing this animated series to life.
Friday July 19, 2013 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
[adult swim]: China, IL
Creator and executive producer Brad Neely and executive producer Daniel Weidenfeld discuss the second season of the animated series China, IL, which will air this fall. They will be joined by cast member Hannibal Buress (30 Rock, SNL). Moderated by Jonah Ray (The Meltdown, The Nerdist).
Friday July 19, 2013 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Room 25ABC
A Celebration on Walt Kelly’s 100th Birthday
The creator of one of comics’ great newspaper strips, Walt Kelly, would have been 100 years old on August 25th of this year. His magnum opus, Pogo, is now receiving its first ever complete reprinting in an Eisner Award-nominated series from Fantagraphics Books. So it’s a good time to remember him with Kelly fans Jeff Smith (Bone), Paul Dini (Batman), comic historian R. C. Harvey, Maggie Thompson (Comic Buyer’s Guide), Carolyn Kelly (co-editor of the Complete Pogo series and Walt’s daughter), and moderator Mark Evanier (Groo the Wanderer).
Friday July 19, 2013 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Room 8
Bravoman Animated Series: Comedy, Action, and Stretchy Romance!
Join ShiftyLook editor-in-chief and Bravoman producer-director Rob Pereyda as he shows what’s next for everyone’s favorite stretchy hero. Meet the cast: Bravoman and Alpha Man’s Rob Paulsen (Animaniacs), Doctor Bomb and Anti-Bravo’s Dee Bradley Baker (American Dad), and Waya Hime’s Romi Dames (Winx Club), with a special appearance by Jennifer Hale (Mass Effect). Hear from the Bravoman creative team of writer Matt Moylan and character designer-artist Dax Gordine too! Bravo-tastic fun for all!
Friday July 19, 2013 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Room 28DE
Making Roger Rabbit: 25th Anniversary
The making of Who Framed Roger Rabbit is revealed with a world class panel of animators led by legendary producer Don Hahn and featuring a special appearance by the voice of Roger Rabbit himself, Charles Fleisher. The panel includes animation masters Andreas Deja and James Baxter, animator/writer/historian Tom Sito, and special effx wizard Dave Bossert, along with incredible clips and stories from the making of this classic film.
Friday July 19, 2013 5:45pm – 6:45pm
Room 6BCF
Brickleberry
Creators and executive producers Waco O’Guin and Roger Black, executive producer Zac Moncrief, and actors David Herman (Office Space), Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants), Jerry Minor (Anchorman) and Natasha Leggero (Community, Burning Love) will be on hand to premiere a hysterical episode from its second season, followed by a Q&A panel discussion.
Friday July 19, 2013 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Room 25ABC
Animation Domination High-Def
Nick Weidenfeld, head of FOX’s all-new Saturday late-night animation programming block, Animation Domination High-Def, will show an exclusive advance preview of two new animated series, Axe Cop and High School USA!, premiering July 27 on FOX. Joining Weidenfeld on the panel Q&A will be Axe Cop executive producers Matt Silverstein and Dave Jeser (Drawn Together), High School USA! creator Dino Stamatopoulos (Community), Axe Cop comic creator Ethan Nicolle, and special surprise appearances by the series’ voice talent.
Friday July 19, 2013 6:45pm – 7:45pm
Room 6DE
World Premiere of Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, DC Entertainment, and Warner Bros. Animation invite you to be the first to experience Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox, the highly anticipated next entry in the ongoing series of DC Universe Animated Original Movies. When time travel allows a past wrong to be righted for Flash and his family, the event’s temporal ripples prove disastrous, creating a fractured alternate reality where the Justice League never formed, and even Superman is nowhere to be found. Amidst a new world being ravaged by a fierce war between Wonder Woman’s Amazons and Aquaman’s Atlanteans, Flash must team with a grittier, more violent Batman and government agent Cyborg to restore the continuity of Flash’s original timeline. Come for the film, but stay for the star-studded panel that features Grey’s Anatomy stars Justin Chambers and Kevin McKidd as Flash and Batman, respectively, along with C. Thomas Howell (Southland), Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride), Sam Daly (The Daly Show), and a few surprise voice cast members, plus the filmmaking team of producer James Tucker (Superman: Unbound), director Jay Oliva (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns), dialogue director Andrea Romano (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns), screenwriter Jim Krieg (Green Lantern: The Animated Series), and character designer Phil Bourassa (Young Justice). Moderator Gary Miereanu will add to the fun with a special announcement of the 2014 DCU movie slate, as well as exclusive, cast-autographed prizes for a few lucky fans.
Friday July 19, 2013 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Ballroom 20
Axe Cop
Join brothers Ethan Nicolle and Malachai Nicolle, the 32-year-old and 9-year-old creators of the Dark Horse comic series Axe Cop, with surprise guests to celebrate the premiere of the new Axe Cop TV series as part of Animation Domination Hi-Def, beginning Saturday, July 27 on FOX. Panel events will include a live Ask Axe Cop Q&A, a series of staged battles between cosplayers choreographed by Malachai, and a screening of the premiere episode of Axe Cop.
Friday July 19, 2013 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Room 6DE
Showcasing the Best in Korean Comics, Animation, and Its Influence in Today’s Hottest Comics
A team of Korea’s prolific artists and animation studios represented by Jongmin Shin (Padak, Breakups, Demian) showcases the latest and greatest trends in Korean comics and animation. They will also showcase their recent and upcoming productions on some of today’s hottest comics. Join Jongmin and crew for this Q&A session moderated by Austin Osueke (Publisher of eigoMANGA).
Friday July 19, 2013 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Room 32AB
Worst Cartoons Ever!
Presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, animation historian Jerry Beck (CartoonResearch.com) returns with an all new program of some of the worst cartoons ever made, including more episodes of Phys Ed super-hero Mighty Mr. Titan, space cadet Johnny Cypher and some of those 1960s Marvel Super Heroes cartoons. Have a ball with the best/bad animation ever!
Friday July 19, 2013 8:15pm – 9:15pm
Room 6BCF
Spike & Mike’s Sick & Twisted Gauntlet of Animation
You, the lunatic fringe of society, vote on the new Sick & Twisted films, love or hate! See the craziest, most grossed-out, gut wrenching, bloodthirsty, sexy, and hilarious animated short films the world has to offer. Highlights include films from around the world: My Bloody Lad, Pool Cat, and more. Please note: adult content.
Friday July 19, 2013 9:30pm – 11:30pm
Room 6BCF
By: Jerry Beck,
on 7/4/2013
This morning, Comic-Con International: San Diego released the event schedule for Thursday, July 18th, the first day of programming at the annual SoCal pilgrimage of pop culture geeks. To help make your lives easier, we’ve combed through the schedule and compiled all the animation-related events in one handy place. Keep in mind, this is only day one! Among the major animation names who will appear on Thursday are Dean DeBlois, Rob Minkoff, Bill Plympton, Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Craig Bartlett.
There will also be a couple major treats for classic animation fans. Firstly, 88-year-old animation legend Gene Deitch (Tom Terrific, UPA, Terrytoons) will be visiting from Prague for his first-ever Comic-Con appearance. He’ll be promoting his new book Nudnik Revealed!
MAD Screening and Q&A
The MADness continues in San Diego as MAD once again descends on Comic-Con with their usual-but mostly unusual-brand of hijinks and hilarity. Producers Kevin Shinick and Mark Marek and other hilarious minds from the show promise a wisecracking discussion about the series inspired by the beloved and bestselling humor magazine. Producers will also share new footage featuring all the fan-favorite elements of the show, from animated parodies and crazy commercials to pretend promos and classic gags. This panel is sure to leave everyone feeling MAD. From Warner Bros. Animation, MAD airs Mondays at 8:30/7:30c on Cartoon Network.
Thursday July 18, 2013 10:15am – 11:15am
Room 6DE
Hasbro: Transformers Prime Beast Hunters
Members of the Hasbro and Hasbro Studios team as well as special guests give fans a peek behind the curtain of the popular animated series currently airing on the Hub TV Network. Attendees will learn details about the upcoming epic conclusion of the award-winning series, including the Predacons Rising DVD launching in October and a TV movie event airing on the Hub.
Thursday July 18, 2013 11:00am – 12:00pm
Room 25ABC
Dreamworks Animation Filmmaker Focus
Join chief creative officer Bill Damaschke and directors David Soren (Turbo), Rob Minkoff (Peabody & Sherman), and Dean DeBlois (How to Train Your Dragon 2) as they discuss putting a great story through the animation process and onto the screen. Moderated by Anthony Breznican (Entertainment Weekly).
Thursday July 18, 2013 11:45am – 12:45pm
Room 6A
The 14th Annual Animation Show of Shows
Ron Diamond
Bill Plympton’s Cheatin’ and Kickstarter Funding for Animation
Two-time Oscar-nominated director Bill Plympton (Idiots and Angels) will preview his new animated feature Cheatin'. He will screen pencil tests and finished sequences and discuss the successful Kickstarter campaign that raised funds to complete the film, plus his plans for distribution. Bill will also screen some of the short films from his new DVD release Dogs and Cows and answer questions about his career. Plus, all attendees will receive a free Bill Plympton sketch!
Thursday July 18, 2013 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Room 23ABC
The Pitching Hour
Jermaine Turner
Spotlight on Gene Deitch
Comic-Con special guest Gene Deitch is a legendary cartoonist, animator, Academy Award-winning filmmaker, and creator of Tom Terrific. Join him for a tour thru his 70-year career, including his years directing cartoons for UPA and Weston Woods, as well as creating the comic strip Terr’ble Thompson and crossing paths with everyone from Pete Seeger and John Lee Hooker to Maurice Sendak and Jules Feiffer. Moderated by animation historian Jerry Beck and famed movie critic and author-and Comic-Con special guest-Leonard Maltin!
Thursday July 18, 2013 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Room 8
Cartoon Network: Annoying Orange
The cast and crew of Annoying Orange offer a slam-packed, manic musical mash-up, featuring an exclusive look into the show's unique production process, an epic episode premiere, a live musical number, a Toby Turner dance, and insight into the emerging creative bridge between Internet and traditional television entertainment. Panel includes Dane Boedigheimer (creator, Orange, Pear, Midget Apple, Marshmallow), Toby Turner (Nerville), iJustine (Passion Fruit), Tom Kenny (Coconut, Guava), Rob Paulsen (Broccoli Alien Overlord), Tom Sheppard (co-creator, director, Li'l Squishy, Old Man Banana), Gary Binkow (EP), and Conrad Montgomery (Cartoon Network creative executive).
Thursday July 18, 2013 12:45pm – 1:45pm
Room 6DE
Hanna-Barbera
After a pair of droids set the world on fire in a galaxy far, far away, Hanna-Barbera reconvened their super-terrific Sixties space superheroes for a second round of intergalactic adventures. Joining the already iconic masterpieces of Alex Toth design Space Ghost and the Herculoids were newcomers Teen Force and Astro and the Space Mutts (yes, THAT Astro) – and best of all, the heroes would frequently unite in fantastic team-up finales. Warner Archive Collection presents a look at the legacy of Space Ghost and the Herculoids, preview the upcoming release of Space Stars, take a detour to examine everyone’s favorite pre-historic superhero Captain Caveman, and discuss a very special upcoming Blu-ray release. Join WAC Podcast hosts Matthew Patterson and DW Ferranti and notable guests James Tucker (Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox) and Steven Melching (Batman: The Brave and the Bold) for this entertaining survey of some truly super-toons.
Thursday July 18, 2013 12:45pm – 1:30pm
Room 6A
Cartoon Hangover: Bravest Warriors, Bee and Puppycat, and Friends
Breehn Burns
Nick Re-Mix: It’s Time to Go Behind the Slime!
Nickelodeon brings together Craig Bartlett (creator, Hey Arnold!), Chris Viscardi and Will McRobb (creators, The Adventures of Pete and Pete), Jay Howell and Jim Dirschberger (creators, Sanjay and Craig), and Steve Borst and Gary Doodles (creators, Breadwinners) to offer an insider's look at the creative process behind some of our funniest, most endearing, and fan-favorite cartoons. These creators will discuss what inspired them and reveal what it's really like to bring a show to life at Nickelodeon. Plus get a sneak peek at Nickelodeon's new animates series Breadwinners. Moderated by Chris Hardwick.
Thursday July 18, 2013 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Room 7AB
Animated Effects in Live Action
When the word animation is used, we think of cartoons. However, the line between live action and animation is becoming blurred due to technological advances. This panel includes industry professionals who create some of the most memorable animated visual effects, discussing how they blend animation with live action seamlessly. Appearing: Daniel Jeannette (animation director, Happy Feet and animation supervisor, Where The Wild Things Are), Roger Kupelian (matte painter, The Lord of the Rings trilogy), and James Parris (animator, Spider-Man and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button).
Thursday July 18, 2013 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Room 7AB
How to Build a Portfolio for the World of Animation
Industry leaders share an insider's look at what it takes to build the right portfolio to enter the world of animation. Attendees will gain an understanding of the creative roles of animated television, feature animation, and visual effects industries. Dawn Rivera-Ernster (director of talent development and recruitment, Walt Disney Animation Studios), Brooke Keesling (manager, animation talent development, Cartoon Network), and Diane St. Clair (VP, recruiting and artist development, Sony Pictures Imageworks) offer an insider's look at what it takes to build a creative animation portfolio.
Thursday July 18, 2013 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Room 23ABC
I Know That Voice: The Documentary: Special Preview and Q&A
John DiMaggio
PAC Is Back! PAC-MAN and the Ghostly Adventures
PAC-MAN returns for a new generation of fans! PAC-MAN producer Kunito Komori from Namco Bandai Games and Avi Arad, founder and director of Marvel Studios, discuss rebooting the iconic video game character for an exciting new animated series for Disney XD and a blockbuster video game for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, and PC.
Thursday July 18, 2013 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Room 25ABC
The Legendary Animators of Classic ’60s Cartoons
Legendary and award-winning animators Bob Singer (character and background designer, Bugs Bunny/Scooby Doo), Art Leonardi (designer/director, Pink Panther), Willie Ito (layout artist/Bugs Bunny, Flintstones), and Iraj Paran (character and title designer, Super Friends, Josie and the Pussycats), share their vast experience shaping animation history and creating hundreds of classic characters and cartoons we love from Disney, Warner Brothers, and Hanna Barbera, with over 100 years of experience among them. Leslie Combemale of ArtInsights Animation and Film Art Gallery moderates.
Thursday July 18, 2013 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Room 9
South Park: The Stick of Truth
The creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, will discuss their upcoming South Park videogame, South Park: The Stick of Truth. Parker and Stone will talk role playing games, their vision for an interactive South Park adventure, and creating The Stick of Truth, the epic quest to become…cool.
Thursday July 18, 2013 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Room 6BCF
The Goon Kickstarter and Beyond with Eric Powell and Blur Studios
Back in November, legions of fans rallied together to raise over $400,000 to put together a story reel for the David Fincher-produced feature film based on Eric Powell's hit comic book series The Goon! Now, Kickstarter supporters and Comic-Con attendees alike will have a chance to catch an exclusive glimpse of this work in progress! Creator Eric Powell, Blur Studios owner Tim Miller, and veteran visual effects guru Jeff Fowler present an update on this crowdfunded full-length motion picture.
Thursday July 18, 2013 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Room 9
A New Generation of Spike and Mike’s Festival of Animation
A dazzling collection of the most artistic, award-winning and funny animated shorts from around the world. Featured are 15 international, critically acclaimed animated short films, including Oscar nominees and winners. Entries include Bill Plymptons new film Drunker Than a Skunk, Pound Dogs, Dumb Ways to Die, and many more.
Thursday July 18, 2013 7:15pm – 8:15pm
Room 6BCF
By: Melissa Wiley,
on 8/5/2011
My favorite costume: Neo-Victorian biologist (at GeekMom)
Day 2: Again with the Quick Peeks
Things My Kids Can’t Wait to See at SDCC (at GeekMom)
The Streets of San Diego (at GeekMom)
SDCC Teen Comics Workshop (at GeekMom)—emphasis on art
SDCC Comics for Teens Recap (at GeekMom)—emphasis on writing
By: Melissa Wiley,
on 7/31/2011
One of the best panels I attended at SDCC was Comics in the Library, moderated by Gina Gagliano of First Second Books, featuring four librarians from different parts of the country:
• Candice Mack, LA Public Library
• Mike Pawuk, Cuyahoga County Public Library (Ohio)
• Eva Volin, Alameda Library (CA) [Twitter]
• Gene Anbaum, Unshelved [Twitter]
This is a writeup of my panel notes. I was writing quickly, so it’s possible I’ve made mistakes below—my apologies if so!
From left: Candice Mack, Mike Pawuk, Eva Volin, Gina Gagliano. Sorry I didn’t get Gene Anbaum in the photo!
Gina opened the discussion by asking the panelists to tell us about the comics and graphic novel collections in their library systems.
Candice is at a different branch now, but in the branch where she built a graphic novel collection, she began by moving comics out of Dewey Decimal order to designated shelves in the teen section, with signs to point readers toward them. This had a big impact on circulation. Later in the panel, she described creating a reading lounge with sofas in the teen section near the comics/GN shelves. This became quite popular with kids.
Mike works in a system that has 27 branches containing about 4000 graphic novels & manga for teens. There are also GN sections in children’s & adult.
Eva‘s system (three branches) has GNs in all departments.
Gene‘s branch has an extensive teen collection. The adult collection has a few titles, Alan Moore, Garth Ennis. Some kids’ GNs are hidden with rest of kids’ books—except Babymouse which has its own shelf.
Eva mentioned one series that didn’t move at all in teens. She moved to the children’s section; now it’s never on the shelf—it is constantly checked out.
Gene talked about deciding where to shelve things, especially manga with mature content.
Eva (addressing the issue of whether some comics may be too mature for children) said it’s not a librarian’s job to tell your child what he can read—that is the parents’ job. She thinks the comics rating system isn’t useful: you have to read the books or look at reviews to get a feel for actual content.
Gene mentioned that in his branch, sometimes they wind up with books in all three sections.
Mike started the job in 1996. At that time, all his branch had was a few volumes of Sandman and Bone. He wanted to build a collection. He likes it best when staff can order titles for their own branches—they know their communities.
Mike talked about what percent of the collection is GN. In his system, the 4000 GNs are about 12% of total circulation. Teen (prose) fiction is about 10%, also roughly 4000 titles.
Gene said that in 2000, his branch had one shelf of comics/GNs. He was given $6000 to build a GN collection with but had to use the money in one month. He was forced to choose quickly, went with a lot of things he liked personally but tried also to choose broadly, outside his tastes. The manga he ordered flew off the shelves.
Someone (whoops, no attribution in my notes) said that in hi
Add a Comment
By: Melissa Wiley,
on 7/26/2011
There’s just always SO MUCH TO TELL, you know? Argh.
Okay, first: I went to five panels. I would like to recap each one. I’ve already written a post about the Teen Comics Workshop (SO COOL); it will probably appear on GeekMom tomorrow. That leaves:
• Books vs. Graphic Novels and Comics—authors who write both talked about the differences.
• Comics in the Library—fantastic panel of librarians speaking about how they built comics/graphic novel collections in their branches.
• Comics for Teens—(not to be confused with the aforementioned Teen Comics Workshop). This one was all authors. Moderated by Scott Westerfeld. Excellent.
• Disney/Marvel panel.
I don’t know which I’ll recap here, and which at GeekMom, but I’ll add the links to this post either way.
Now for my con diary. I went in alone on Thursday morning—Scott had a book deadline, and he was also celebrating not having to WORK at the con for the first time in five years. I had a full slate of panels I wanted to hit; of course I only caught two of them. You never get to do as much as you think you will. So much of the day is spent walking from one end of the enormous building to the other.
I started off with a tour of the floor. The crowds weren’t too heavy yet, and I half wished I’d brought some kids with me instead of saving their visits for the weekend, which were sure to be packed. (Indeed they were.) But I kept bumping into friends at their various booths, so it’s probably just as well my girls didn’t have to stand around and wait while I gabbed. Catching up with chums I pretty much only see once a year is one of the best things about SDCC, for me.
I ran into our pals Marc Bernardin and Adam Freeman and snagged a copy of their kids’ comic, Jake the Dreaming, which I’m eager to read as soon as I catch my breath.
And right around the corner from them was my local author/illustrator friend Eric Shanower, whose graphic novel adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s The Marvelous Land of Oz (with gorgeous art by Scottie Young) would win an Eisner the next day.
I explored the booths for cool stuff and found a lot to fall in love with: the little marshmallow doll I mentioned at GeekMom, and some Gama-Go shirts, and about seventy-eleven books.
Add a Comment
By: Melissa Wiley,
on 7/23/2011
I’m running out the door this morning, so no time to write. Lots to tell when life slows down next week, though!
By: Melissa Wiley,
on 7/20/2011
When San Diego Comic-Con swallows up my life.
I’ll be posting about it as usual, both here and at GeekMom. And tweeting from the middle of the madness, no doubt.
I’m pleased that my cellphone photos will automatically upload to Google+.
As usual, I’m poring over the schedule, trying to figure out what panels to attend…got requests?
By: Jerry Beck,
on 7/18/2011
Are you an animation artist artist who will be exhibiting your wares at San Diego Comic-Con or TR!CKSTER this week? If so, use the comments section to tell everybody where you’ll be and what you’re selling.
(Note: If you know how to use an HTML image tag, feel free to add images as well. Just keep them below 420px so the site layout doesn’t break.)
Cartoon Brew: Leading the Animation Conversation |
Permalink |
No comment |
Post tags: San Diego Comic-Con, San Diego Comic-Con International, Trickster
By: Melissa Wiley,
on 8/2/2009
This was the panel I had to leave only a few minutes after it began—chatty baby—so I didn’t take notes. But I wanted to share the list of authors and titles with those of you who are looking for recommendations:
Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules!).
Kazu Kibuishi (Amulet). Kazu’s art is crazy beautiful. Couldn’t take my eyes off it. Amulet has a pretty intense opening (car accident, death of a parent) but it gripped me for sure and I am eager to read the rest.
David Petersen (Mouse Guard). Mentioned in this post and others; gets enthusiastic thumbs-up from my gang.
Eric Jones and Landry Walker (Supergirl, Little Gloomy).
Jeff Smith (Bone). Scott and my three oldest have read and greatly enjoyed many of the Bone books. They passed Scott’s OK for 8-Year-Olds test. I’ve not read any of them yet. I know! I’m a slacker!
Alexis Fajardo (Kid Beowulf). Sounds very intriguing, does it not?
My post on the first “comics and graphic novels for kids” panel is here. Lots of notes on that one. For the sake of convenience, here’s a quick list of the authors and some of their books:
Lewis Trondheim (Tiny Tyrant).
Gene Yang (American Born Chinese).
Derek Kirk Kim (The Eternal Smile).
Eric Wight (Frankie Pickle and The Closet of Doom).
Chris Schweizer (Crogan’s Vengeance).
Jennifer Holm (Babymouse).
Jarrett J. Krosoczka (Lunch Lady).
By: Melissa Wiley,
on 7/30/2009
(Note: this is one of those uberlinky posts that takes forever to write. I’m going to eschew linking for now, for the most part, and add them later when I have time.)
There were two Graphic Novels for Kids panels on Sunday at San Diego Comic-Con 2009. I attended the first panel in its entirety, but I had to leave about 15 minutes into the afternoon session. The baby was feeling chatty again.
Both panels—the parts I attended—were excellent. Terrific lineups of writers and artists. I must have added a dozen new titles to my TBR pile, at least. I took scribbly notes while attempting to keep the pen out of the baby’s grasp—note-taking is tricky when you’re standing in the back of the room, bouncing an infant in a sling to keep him happy, trying not to poke the tip of your pen through the folded paper you’re balancing on your hand because you decided at the last minute that your beloved notebook was one object too many for a shoulder already overtaxed with convention survival supplies and a 21-pound six-month-old.
You’ll have to forgive, then, the sketchiness of my notes in some instances. I think my best bet here is to list the panelists and their books along with any remarks I happened to jot down, rather than making any attempt to chronicle the Q and A in order. Fair enough? Of the books I’m about to list, I have only read Jennifer Holm’s Babymouse series and David Petersen’s Mouse Guard: Fall 1152. I wholeheartedly recommend the former for young readers and the latter for all ages. And I’d venture to say that even non-fantasy-fans and non-comics-fans will be blown away by Petersen’s gorgeous full-color artwork. (Edited to add: David Petersen was on the second panel, which I’ll talk about in a subsequent post.)
All righty, then. My notes:
Comics and Graphic Novels for Kids Panel #1, SDCC 2009
First: a hearty note of appreciation for the work of the moderator, Robin Brenner of NoFlyingNoTights.com and author of Understanding Manga and Anime. Her questions were insightful and her handout was packed with information. (I’d love to see it online!) Fabulous resource and it’s clear Brenner knows the topic well.
The panelists:
Gene Yang, author and illustrator of American Born Chinese (winner of Eisner and Printz Awards—the Eisner is the most prestigious award in comics, says the proud wife of an Eisner nominee) and writer of The Eternal Smile, illustrated by Derek Kirk Kim, who was also on the panel. (Many of my readers may also recognize Gene as the creator of The Rosary Comic Book, published by Pauline Books and Media, about which Gene wrote: “I’ve always struggled with how to incorporate my faith into my comics in an authentic way. One Lent, I decided to do a comic adaptation of the Rosary Prayer, rather than giving up chocolate or soda. The Rosary Comic Book is the result.)
Notes:
—Is a teacher, has young children, started writing comics because of dearth of kid-appropriate comic books in stores. Mentioned reading a Batman comic (years ago) in which the villain disguised himself with the skin of a victim’s face, found that image terribly disturbing, it lingered, was not at all appropriate for children.
—During discussion of the responsibility of writing for kids, told funny story (at Derek Kirk Kim’s urging) about a reader who tracked him down by calling the school where he works & left scolding message about a grammatical error in one of his books, and actually asked him to call back to discuss the matter. He didn’t return the call, of course.
Derek Kirk Kim, author and illustrator of Same Difference and Other Stories (won Eisner and Harvey), a graphic novel (not for kids). As mentioned above, he illustrated The Eternal Smile, a collection of fantastical stories (fantastical, not necessarily fantasy).
Jennifer Holm, author of the Babymouse books (illustrated by her brother, Matthew Holm), and Newbery Honor-winning author of Our Only May Amelia.
—Grew up the only girl with four brothers, comics were everywhere, but she didn’t connect with Wonder Woman and other female superheroes who seemed nothing like her. Babymouse springs from her desire to create a comic book character other young girls can relate to. (It tickled me to see Jennifer up there on the panel, the only female surrounded by half a dozen men, talking about growing up with a pack of brothers.)
—Went with traditional children’s book publisher rather than comics publisher for Babymouse because the book publishers know how to get books into schools and libraries. Comic book shops are not places frequented by mothers of small children (as she knows from experience, as the mother of small children).
—Fun connection: during conversation before the panel began, we discovered a mutual affection for Ginee Seo, who was Jennifer’s editor at one point, and my boss for a short while years earlier.
Gene Yang and Jennifer Holm.
Eric Wright, author and illustrator of Frankie Pickle (illustrated chapter book series for young kids), My Dead Girlfriend (teen graphic novel), and Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay (comic book adaptation). Former animator at Disney, Warner Bros., Cartoon Network.
—Eric spoke earnestly about the need for kid-appropriate comics and graphic novels. (A drum I’ve been pounding for years.) Described becoming a father, having to shield his child’s eyes in the comic shops.
—Told a great story about a library(?) signing for very young children. One child in the autograph line seemed a good bit older than the rest, turned out to be a first-grader who’d skipped school for the event. The boy’s mother told Eric, “Meeting you was more important to him than going to school.”
Jennifer Holm, Jarrett K. Krosoczka, Eric Wright, and Chris Schweitzer.
Lewis Trondheim, French comics superstar. Spoke about differences in France, where all ages read comics and prose with equal enthusiasm. Funny, wry; I wish I’d taken better notes about his contributions to the discussion. Blame my infant son.
Jarrett K. Krosoczka, prolific children’s book writer and illustrator (Punk Farm, Bubble Bath Pirates, Annie Was Warned, and many others) and writer/illustrator of a graphic novel series called Lunch Lady, which I am eager to check out.
Chris Schweizer, author and illustrator of The Crogan Adventures, teen graphic novels about “an honest sailor who, through unfortunate circumstance, finds himself thrust into a life of piracy” (description taken from the author’s website). You pretty much always have me at “finds himself thrust into a life of piracy,” so I can’t wait to take a look at Crogan.
Jarrett K. Krosoczka, Eric Wright, Chris Schweitzer, and Derek Kirk Kim.
I’ll have to write about the second panel in another post—this one is bursting at the seams as it is. But there are a lot of promising prospects for the TBR pile here. If you check any of them out, or your kids do, I would love to hear what you and they think!
Group photo with moderator Robin Brenner. That’s Lewis Trondheim on the left. I loved that Gene and Jennifer had their families with them, and I absolutely adore this photo of Jennifer with her two beautiful children making a rush for mommy during the photo shoot. I can’t begin to count the number of times I have found myself in exactly the same position, with one child clinging to my neck and the another on my back threatening to topple all three of us over. Just fills your heart with warmth, doesn’t it?
By: Melissa Wiley,
on 7/30/2009
The first kids’ graphic novel panel post is almost finished. First, though, a few more Comic-Con sights. On Saturday and Sunday, I took few pictures—too busy!
But I saw a lot of good stuff. A small sampling:
Where’s Waldo?
Hey, there’s Lt. Uhura!
I rounded a corner and there she was: the lovely and gracious Nichelle Nichols, who autographed a photo for my father (he was tickled when I presented it back at home).
Ordinary Joes.
Talented comic-book writer and all-around sweetheart Mike Costa (The Secret History of The Authority: Hawksmoor) with his youngest fan.
View from the DC Comics green room.
Scott and Huck with brilliant artist Fiona Staples (Hawksmoor, North 40). Aw, is the con over already?
OK, back to work on the graphic novel post.
By: Melissa Wiley,
on 7/27/2009
(But not tonight. Still not caught up—on rest, on reading, on housework, on cuddles.)
Graphic Novels for Kids Panel #1, featuring a stellar array of authors including the delightful Jennifer Holm, author of the Babymouse books my Beanie so adores. The baby napped during that panel, so I got to hear the whole thing, took copious notes, have much good stuff to share and many new books to check out.
Graphic Novels for Kids Panel #2, another awesome author lineup, many more titles to investigate—but Huck grew suddenly chatty quite early on and I had to make a hurried exit. Fortunately, prolific children’s book author and blogger (and wonderfully warm person whom it was a delight to finally meet face to face) Anastasia Suen was there and I’m hoping to hear more from her about the rest of that discussion.
How fond I am of Mark Buckingham. We only see him once a year at this con, and it’s always one of my favorite parts.
Ditto Kelley Puckett, who really needs to come to San Diego more often.
How Kristen Rutherford is the most gorgeous pregnant woman ever, and I’m not just saying that because she got invited to Skywalker Ranch and I’m hoping she’ll bring me along.
How charming was the karaoke duet of “If I Had a Million Dollars” sung by my hubby and Mike Costa at the WildStorm party. Scott really would buy me a green dress, you know. (But not a real green dress; that’s cruel.)
How the primary flaw of the San Diego Comic-Con is its absence of vast displays of candy like those at the Barcelona con. Props to Mike Costa, though, for hooking me up with a fistful of Red Vines from the DC booth stash.
How I may finally have found a sport at which I excel. It even involves an actual ball and hoops.
How much I love hanging out with my husband. The best, the very best, the best-by-far thing about any con is spending all that extra time with him.
By: Melissa Wiley,
on 7/31/2008
And I was only there for half of it.
Whew. As has always been my comic book convention experience, the weekend was exhausting but sooo much fun. That it fell on this particular weekend was a bummer, though, because a bunch of my girlfriends were at an entirely different conference on the other side of the country, and I (sob) could not be in two places at once.
Looking at all the beautiful pictures from the FCL Conference gave me such a smile, because talk about a study in contrasts! Here’s what their weekend looked like.
Here’s what mine looked like.
Scott had to work at the con Wednesday night, Thursday, Friday, and through the weekend. My mother arrived bright and early Saturday morning, and I brought her home from the airport, gave her a hug, and abandoned her with the children for the next two days. More or less.
On Saturday, while Scott worked at the WildStorm booth and did portfolio review and all that editor stuff they pay him for, I strolled up and down the convention center taking in the sights. There is always a lot to take in.
View from the DC Comics green room.
Saw eye to eye, Yoda and I did.
After a while, you’ve seen so much it all becomes a blur.
Sometimes you just need to sit down and take a little breather.
Fortunately, Scott got a late lunch break just in time for us to hook up with our beloved (and gorgeous) college friend Kristen, her husband Vinny, and Vinny’s Attack of the Show co-producer, Joshua. We survived the cattle crossing that is the big intersection right outside the convention center
and wandered into the Gaslamp District in search of a good place to eat.
Speaking of cattle crossings, we passed these characters just hanging out on a streetcorner.
Rumor has it they were a promo for the TV show Fringe.
The restaurant that boasted of having award-winning meatloaf had a 45-minute wait, so hmph to them. We found ourselves at Fred’s Mexican Cafe, and oh my goodness. The complimentary chips and salsa were so good they nearly made us weep.
Kristen took this picture of me basking in post-salsa contentment.
She also got much better Comic-Con pix than I did.
After stuffing ourselves with cajun shrimp tacos (oh. my. goodness.) and carnitas burritos, we waddled back down the street toward the Con. OK, I waddled. Scott had to dash ahead to get back for booth duty. Kristen and I took our time. We passed Joss Whedon on the street. Kristen greeted him with what is now my favorite greeting ever. He grinned. Then we reached Kristen’s hotel and said a weepy goodbye. L.A. is just too dang far away. At least, as the car drives.
Back to the Con for me, where I visited artist friends until Scott was finished at the booth. Tim Sale shook his head in amazement at the news that we are expecting again. I told him we figure there won’t be any Social Security by the time we’re old enough to draw it, so we’re making sure we have plenty of children around to take care of us. He said, “Good point. It’ll be an agrarian society by then anyway, so you’ll need all those kids to work the farm.” Ha.
It was around that time that I had a little bag crisis. The bag I’d brought with me (this delicious creation by Beauty That Moves) turned out to be just a leetle too small for the event. My camera was perched too near the top, just begging to be snatched. What choice did I have? There was this booth full of big ole bags with zippers, and one of them was lime green. Seriously, what choice did I have. OK. I admit it. I have a little problem when it comes to bags. In fact, just minutes later when my husband was introducing me to one of his favorite writers in the comics industry (Kelley Puckett, whom I’ve been hearing about—and reading—for fifteen years, but somehow had never met until this weekend!), he broke off in mid-sentence and said, “Hey, is that a new bag?” I said, “Hmm? What?” And he turned to Kelley and said, “My wife has only two flaws.” (He’s wrong about that, but it was sweet.) “Number one: her ridiculous affection for me. Number two: her compulsion for bags.” I can’t deny it. I am so thrifty and purchase-cautious when it comes to clothes and furniture and household items and pretty much everything except books and handbags. I mean, it’s not like I buy a bag a month or anything like that. But three or four a year, yeah, maybe. It’s a quest, see, for the perfect bag. As pretty as this one but with lots of pockets and a sturdy bottom and some kind of inherent magic that will make me always be able to locate my keys when I need to. That kind of bag.
But I digress.
Our Saturday evening wrapped up with what is for me the best part of a comic book convention. We wound up in the Hyatt bar eating appetizers and drinking beer (ginger ale for me) with a group of writers and artists. I love this, the jovial camaraderie and stimulating discussion of a community of creative colleagues. Our Barcelona pal Andy Diggle was there (but no Jock, alas), and Kelley Puckett joined us, and Fiona Staples (Scott’s artist on Jack Hawksmoor), and a bunch of WildStorm people, and assorted other folks wandering in and out. We stayed up talking too late and dragged ourselves home well past midnight.
And then poor Scott had to start all over at 9 a.m. on Sunday. I lingered at home, took the girls to Mass, played with my little ones. I didn’t want to take a second car into the convention-center madness, so I parked at the trolley station near our house and took the orange line downtown. And what an interesting trolley ride that was. I Twittered the experience (scroll down to “waiting for the trolley” and read upwards) and was probably lucky the Loud Girl didn’t know I was recording her rantings for all the internet to see. I told Scott you know it’s been a freaky train ride when it’s a relief to get back to all the nice, sane people at Comic-Con.
Like these guys.
I am proud to say I bought no bags on Sunday (although the blue soldier guy’s messenger bag up there is kind of cute, isn’t it). I took in the sights and drank free DC Comics cranberry juice and met more nice artists and attended the WildStorm panel. And then it was back to the Hyatt for more food & fun with Fiona and Andy (but no Kelley this time) and Mike Costa and Neil Googe and other engaging, talented folks. Scott, Mike, Andy, and I spent a good three hours talking about the nature of story. That, my friends, is why I go to comic conventions.
Later we stopped by a party hosted by Mark Buckingham, Bill Willingham, and Matt Sturges, but I was too tired to stay long. My obliging hubby took me home where I snuggled up next to my baby who is no longer a baby and dreamed about absolutely nothing, because I was that wiped out.
As this article states, the “add more days” option is unlikely, but it wouldn’t have to be as onerous for exhibitors and creators as this piece implies. San Diego Comic-Con is, in some sense, several different conventions that all occur over the same four days. If the different content areas — comic books, movies, television, etc. — were scheduled sequentially rather than simultaneously, it could make it easier for more fans to attend the convention of their choice (and eliminate some of the complaints about the Hollywoodization of a comics convention). This is similar to the approach taken by the back-to-back SXSW interactive, music, and film festivals, as I wrote about a couple of years ago: http://beacon.wharton.upenn.edu/kendallwhitehouse/should-comic-con-go-long/
They might raise prices, but not that dramatically. They want to avoid the appearance, I’m sure, of “Comic-Con for the Privilege Rich People” that that kind of plan would attract charges of. People already complain that ticket prices are too high (even though they’re horribly wrong).
Apple’s Worldwide Developer’s Conference — which has similar problems to Comic-Con with huge demand — has the pre-sale lottery thing going. You get a week to sign up and then they draw names for tickets. The second year they did it, though, they automatically charged you for the ticket if you won the lottery. That was meant to stop people who’d attempt to enter multiple times to increase their chances for a ticket.
My perfect idea is to shut down Hall H.. Tell Hollywood to stay home. Advertise this. Then let’s see how many tickets they sell. ;)
Kendall, the problem is not programming… it’s staffing booths and tables, which would remain open and unchanged during the show.
Artist Alley MIGHT rotate tables… a creator reserves a few days, then it’s taken over by another name. (Komiket does this, and their attendance numbers 500K.)
Auto shows do normally run a ten-day weekend bookend. But there is a lot of business going on during the week, which doesn’t happen at Comic-Con.
It’s also grueling. It’s like Black Friday EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. (If you never worked retail, consider yourself fortunate.) I attend comic cons, and I’m wiped every evening just from wandering around and seeing stuff.
As for scheduling, if you segregate the programming areas to certain days, then fans complain even more, because instead of having two panels with conflicting interest, you have three or more.
I’ve come up with several ideas over the years and I would like the opinions of some, but keep in mind these are not completely thought out ideas. These are just to get them out in the open to work to possible solutions.
1) Separate SDCC into 2 conventions: pop culture con and comic con. Big names and Hollywood would show up to Pop Culture con while Comic Con goes back to the grass roots of comic books, local sellers, etc. Have them either 2 weeks in a row or several weeks apart.
2) Forget pre-lottery; limit ticket sales to returning attendees. Set up a system where I can access 4 day passes once every 2 or 3 years, depending on new attendee demand. Brand new attendees should be allowed first access, while returning attendees are placed on a waiting list to purchase badges. Let me put it this way:
SDCC 2016: I attend with 4 day pass, which means I can buy only a single day pass for 2017. However, if I wait until 2018 or 2019 (depending on new attendee demand) I can purchase a 4 day pass again. But, if I wish to attend SDCC 2017, I can only buy a single day pass and I am put at the end of the waiting list for returning attendee for 4 day passes.
3) Moving the convention of this size to Las Vegas. Vegas has the only convention center large enough to house a convention this big. Los Angeles doesn’t have convention centers big enough to handle this and will run into even more problems.
4) Adding more days. Difficult and retailers beyond 5 days are extremely tired and ready to go home.
5) Eliminating 4 day passes altogether and preventing people from attending all 4 days. Possibly the only way to attend the convention every year.
6) Convention center expansion: you will still run into the problem of sell outs, as 200,000 sq. feet of additional floor space is only a drop in the bucket compared the overall size of the convention center (2,600,000 sq. ft. total floor space currently).
Or we could just boycott it.
Both Los Angeles and Anaheim are larger than San Diego, going by exhibition space (the show floor, the main reason why people attend).
Los Angeles has announced an expansion/renovation of their CC.
Anaheim is currently building a 200K sq.ft. expansion to the east of the arena, north of Hilton.
.
Las Vegas doesn’t have the largest CC in the U.S… that’s in Chicago.
(LVCC will expand, once they demolish the Riviera and figure out financing.)
LV does have three of the largest CCs in the country, as well as many more hotel rooms.
http://www.comicsbeat.com/building-a-comics-oasis-how-to-stage-a-comic-conglomeration-in-vegas/
The expansion in San Diego is on hiatus, although the City defaulted on a payment.
The San Diego Chargers want a new stadium downtown, and have suggested that the CC become part of the project, although it wouldn’t connect to the existing site.
Create a Virtual Ticket. There are people in Wyoming or rural Maryland who can never afford a trip to New York but yet so desperately, and understandably, want to be a part of it all- connected, in some form, any form, is very exciting for them. This is an untapped market that deserves more significant research than it’s been given- it’s the same reason so many fans are frantic to update sites like this one, for panel reports and Con updates.
Create a system where someone buys a weekend pass and then gets unlimited access via a password on the Exhibitor’s website- and what you have are live streaming from all the big, significant panels- a live cam of the show floor- seriously, people will watch live cams of Times Square, they’ll watch live cams of the show floor- and then you provide exclusive perks for buying the virtual ticket like chats with the latest Batman writer, things of that nature. So that the virtual ticket-holder feels like they’re doing more than just watching from the wings.
This can be cultivated and developed and made into something both lucrative and fulfilling if they start doing it. I know some people who don’t want to bother going to the big cities or the big cons but would gladly pay to have constant online access.
[…] When Comic-Con Tickets Sell Out in Hours, How Do You Fix It? Tickets for Comic-Con International went on sale Saturday morning at 9 AM Pacific Time, and sold out within hours, if not less than an hour. … The online waiting room opened at 8 AM, and attendees were chosen randomly to purchase tickets … Read more on Comics Beat […]
@W – would it be worth creating this virtual ticket when sites like CBR, Newsarama, BleedingCool, etc. already do plenty of coverage? Seems like trying to monetize something that already exists.
@ Drake- The exhibitors like Wizard World and ReedPop are in the business of making a profit so I believe they will do it eventually, especially as fans would take that option as consumers if it existed. I am not discounting the importance and help of sites like The Beat, CBR, Bleedingcool, and so on. I’m only saying they will create a market for it if they think it’s sustainable once the logistics are figured out.