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BC correspondents Gordon S. Miller and Shawn Bourdo highlight the panels they are most looking forward to attending at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con.
Written by Gordon S. Miller
No doubt, there will be some disappointment and tough choices made on Thursday. It’s always the way with so many people interested in the same things you are. Friday gets no easier as it seems for every time slot, I could easily have picked at least two other options. I just hope I won’t need to run to an option when one of the rooms where my top choice is held reaches capacity. If I am fortunate it, I will be at a majority of these panels.
1. EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS’ WORLDS OF ADVENTURES (Room 8) (10:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.)
After having read the complete collection of Tarzan newspaper strips by Russ Manning, I have become a huge fan of the character. Learning that there is going to be a big-screen Tarzan feature and an animated Netflix Original Series Tarzan and Jane, I am curious to learn more about these and other projects related to ERB’s works.
2. MTV’s THE SHANNARA CHRONICLES (Room 6DE) (12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)
I have long heard about Terry Brooks and his fantasy series, but no nothing about it. I am quite curious to see how it will translate to the channel, especially considering the high bar a certain HBO series has set.
3. DISNEY ANIMATORS: THE POWER OF 2D (Room 24ABC) (1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.)
To be in the presence of former and current Disney animators, including one who worked on Lady and the Tramp, sharing stories sounds like great way to spend an afternoon.
4. [ADULT SWIM] MIKE TYSON MYSTERIES (Indigo Ballroom) (2:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Hands down, this was my favorite panel last year because of Tyson’s unpredictability. There was no telling what he was going to say next.
5. ARCHER (Indigo Ballroom) (5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
This panels is always a highlight because the cast is hysterical. Unfortunately, no new episode is going to be screened. Just a “best of” reel.
Written by Shawn Bourdo
Day Two of the world’s largest gathering of passionate geeks and nerds and plain great folks. Friday and I’m usually looking for a more sedentary type of day. The crowds ramp up with enthusiasm and the panels get livelier. Here’s a quick take on what I’m looking forward to on Friday, July 10th
1. AMC’S THE WALKING DEAD / AMC’S FEAR THE WALKING DEAD (Hall H) (12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
This is one of the few TV shows that I’m wiling to wade into Hall H or Ballroom 20 to sit through. There are never revelations or clues to the next season that aren’t made public within seconds, if they are given at all. This is a visit I want to make out of tribute. The Walking Dead has been a Sunday staple for me for years. It’s been a show I’ve shared with my boys and one that I talk about more than about any other with my friends. If the stars align I’d like to slip into Hall H just to give my regards. Then when I”m there, I’d like some clues to determine if I need to plan on investing my time with the spin-off series. I’m reluctant and need a bit of a push.
2. COMIC ARTS CONFERENCE #7: CRACKING PEANUTS (Room 26AB) (1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
These are the types of topics that really get me going. Actual professors talk about Schulz and the way he incorporates complex ideas into his seemingly simple work. Part of the discussion covers how his marital discord in the late ’60s and early ’70s affected the characters in his work.
3. TALES OF HALLOWEEN: A FIRST LOOK AT THE ULTIMATE HALLOWEEN EVENT (Horton Grand Theater) (1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.)
This horror anthology has my interest for a couple reasons. I’m generally a huge fan of horror anthology movies and television shows. This one pairs director Mike Mendez and actor Greg Grunberg again. Last seen together in one the best Syfy films ever, Big Ass Spider. I’m hoping they can somehow capture the fun of that film in a horror show.
4. LOST IN SPACE 50TH ANNIVERSARY (Room 24ABC) (2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
This show lost most of its classic television luster after the dismal movie adaptation. People forgot how much fun the show was and I feel like it has disappeared off the radar for most of the current generation. I think the average age in this panel won’t be much different than the age of the show itself. I’m hoping for fun stories from Bill Mumy and Angela Cartwright about their show set in the far off world of 1997.
5. MORE GREATEST MOVIES NEVER MADE: THE SEQUEL (Room 7AB) (5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
I’m so glad to see this return. Last year it was one of my favorite hours of the Con. This quick-paced hour talks about movies that made it to various stages of production. the Jodorowsky version of Dune looked very cool. We should have more talk about David Lynch’s One Saliva Bubble and Ronnie Rocket and the first reboot of Star Trek – Star Trek: Planet of Titans. These are the stories that are fun to share at the bar afterwards. And it is a Friday night . . . .
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