Category Archives: Comic-Con 2012

July 28, 2012 · 11:57 pm

COMIC-CON 2012: RICHARD ALF: The Laughing Gnome

For a wonderful little piece on the life of Comic-Con co-founder, Richard Alf, go here: The Laughing Gnome. This is a link to a post in Leiulf Clausen’s amazing and insightful blog. He is the brother of cartoonist, William Clausen, who drew and wrote, “Alf #3,” a tribute mini comic for Comic-Con co-founder, Richard Alf. “Alf #3” was given out at a panel honoring Richard Alf at this year’s Comic-Con. And it was also given out at a memorial dinner honoring Richard Alf at the U.S. Grant Hotel during Comic-Con 2012. Back when Mr. Alf ran his comics mail order business, “Alf #1” was included with every purchase.

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July 21, 2012 · 11:27 pm

COMIC-CON 2012: MARK Z. DANIELEWSKI INTERVIEW

Mark Z. Danielewski is known for his cult novel, “House of Leaves,” (2000). MZD’s work, while vastly experimental, also provides a rich narrative. As he puts it, his works require courage from the reader. That courage, his readers would say, is greatly rewarded. In this interview, we discuss the art of fiction, the writer’s struggle, the forthcoming ebook editions of “House of Leaves” and “Only Revolutions,” the October release of “The Fifty Year Sword,” as well as what lies ahead with MZD’s 27-volume, “The Familiar.”

From the start of this interview, MZD’s mind is playfully, poetically, constructing.

I hold up a party hat promotion for “The Fifty Year Sword” and make it sound like that’s the actual book. He, of course, runs with it! He looks over the party hat, reads the brief text and declares, “We’ve just read the whole book together!” We talk about “House of Leaves,” “The Fifty Year Sword” and the art of fiction. I ask what he thinks the great experimental writer, Donald Barthelme, would make of current trends and that sparks a wonderful reminiscence. The whole interview I found to be quite magical and I hope you will too.

Everyone is waiting for their copy of “The Fifty Year Sword.” It will be available in the states on October 16, 2012.

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July 20, 2012 · 3:50 am

COMIC-CON 2012: BILL PLYMPTON

Bill Plympton is an amazing artist known for his distinctive drawings that can be sexy, funny or, quite often, both sexy and funny. His Academy Award-nominated short, “Your Face,” (1987) sealed his fate. He is a man full of joy, confidence and vigor. But don’t let me spoil it all for you. You should buy the new documentary that spills the beans on everything you’d want to known about this legendary cartoonist and animator: “Adventures in Plymptoons,” by Alexia Anastasio.

You can see a teaser for this artful and hilarious documentary, along with other fun and interestings things, at Alexia’s website. This documentary is a must-have whether you’re a Plympton fan or just a lover of hedonistic, decadent mayhem. You too will learn the joys of sliding naked through mud!

Learn what it takes to make it in animation and keep your integrity with Bill Plympton’s latest book on the business and art of animation: “Make Toons That Sell Without Selling Out.” This is like taking a master class from Mr. Plympton.

And if you’re really looking for a treat, then consider a very special project from the Bill Plympton Studio: “The Flying House (1921 – 2011),” a restoration of the Winsor McCay animation classic and an interpretation using current digital technology. This project was founded by a Kickstarter campaign that rasied twice as much as its goal of $10,000. The Plympton-McCay version has received praise, and some scorn from purists, as it revists the original by adding color, removing the cumbersome word balloons and adding music and voices by noted actors Matthew Modine and Patricia Clarkson.

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July 19, 2012 · 11:09 pm

COMIC-CON 2012: SAN DIEGO COMIC FEST 2012

The desire to take back San Diego has led those with warm memories of the early years of Comic-Con to organize the first annual San Diego Comic Fest. Learn all about it here.

The original Comic-Cons were all about the comics. Collectors would gather and buy and sell comics and talk shop. Of course, one thing led to another and, before you know it, Comic-Con has evolved into a collossus. But, if you prefer things to be unplugged and back to basics, then you definitely want to head out the San Diego Comic Fest taking place the weekend of October 19 thru 21 at the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center.

The very first Comic-Con was in the Crystal Room of the U.S. Grant Hotel. Then it took place for a number of years at the El Cortez. The SDCF will honor the 40th anniversary of that first Comic-Con at the El Cortez. Here is part of what the organizers have to say:

To coincide with this year’s El Cortez Comic-Con annivesary, some early Comic-Con co-founders and committee members agreed it would be a fine idea to have a new “old-school” San Diego comic convention and thus was born the San Diego Comic Fest. We think it will be a lot of fun to have a relatively-smallish con at which we consciously try to foster the spirit, or “vibe” as we used to say, of those early fan gatherings. The 1972 Comic-Con had between 900 and 1,000 attendees, which is around the number we’re looking at for at this year’s event. The Fest intends to bring creators and fans closer together, to create an environment of creative exchange in a fun, inclusive environment, much as the El Cortez-era Comic-Cons did.

I suppose the question is, why wouldn’t the SDCF choose to return to the El Cortez? It looks pretty swanky. This is not to take away from the Town & Country. Well, maybe next year. Whatever the case, it is so nice that it is taking place! I would love to go!

UPDATE: The El Cortez, as Jackie Estrada pointed out to me here in the Comments section, has been condos for many years. The El Cortez website that I am referring to does host events but modest ones.

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July 15, 2012 · 7:47 pm

COMIC-CON 2012: GEORGE CLAYTON JOHNSON

George Clayton Johnson is a celebrated science fiction writer, credited for co-writing the novel, “Logan’s Run,” the story for “Ocean’s 11,” the first episode of “Star Trek” and episodes of “The Twilight Zone.” Mr. Johnson spoke at a tribute for Richard Alf, cofounder with Shel Dorf, of the original Comic-Con.

Comics Grinder is proud to present exclusive comprehensive coverage of the Richard Alf tribute which includes video of Mr. Johnson speaking passionately on behalf of focusing on comics at Comic-Con. He supports a new venue later this year that will be in the spirit of the original Comic-Con. There will be much more coverage on the tribute for Mr. Alf here at Comics Grinder.

The photo above is of Mr. Johnson with Robert Redford on the set of “The Twilight Zone” for an episode written by Mr. Johnson, “Nothing in the Dark.” No doubt, George Clayton Johnson is one of the artists of the early days of TV.

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July 14, 2012 · 4:25 pm

COMIC-CON 2012: SPARTACUS FAREWELL

“Spartacus” says goodbye. Press Release follows:

San Diego, Calif. – July 13, 2012 – Liam McIntyre, Manu Bennett and Steven S. DeKnight presented the official trailer for the STARZ Original Series “Spartacus: War of the Damned” today in San Diego at the show’s final Comic-Con appearance. The crowd’s applause at an exclusive first look from the upcoming season was only matched by that of the surprise appearance by “Spartacus: Vengeance” stars Lucy Lawless, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Peter Mensah, Craig Parker, Viva Bianca, Nick Tarabay and Katrina Law. “Spartacus: War of the Damned” premieres January 2013.

Download the Official Trailer for “Spartacus: War of the Damned”

http://www.starz.com/originals/spartacus/Videos/#/spartacus-war-of-the-damned-teaser-trailer

Moderated by reporter Jenna Busch, the evening’s panel saw an incredible fan welcome for the current and past “Spartacus” stars with questions regarding the highly anticipated upcoming season as well as burning questions of this past season’s finale.

“I find it really inspiring watching “Spartacus” because it instantly makes me want to do sit-ups,” said one excited fan, leading Manu Bennett (Crixus) to perform several sit-ups on stage. Bennett then demonstrated the Haka, a traditional Maori war dance, which he performs on set to honor the deaths of fallen Spartacus characters. Another high point of the panel was when Andy Whitfield was touchingly remembered by an extended standing ovation.

“Spartacus: War of the Damned,” currently in production in New Zealand, takes place following the defeat of Roman commander Gaius Claudius Glaber. Spartacus and his men have amassed major victories against the Romans after the Battle of Vesuvius. These victories have not only forged the legend of Spartacus, but have greatly increased the ranks of the rebellion slaves to more than 30,000. Rome is indeed beginning to tremble at the threat Spartacus now represents.

The “Spartacus” franchise began its run Friday, January 22, 2010 with “Blood and Sand.” It was followed a year later with the prequel, “Gods of the Arena” (January 21, 2011).  “Vengeance” hit the air on January 27, 2012 and “War of the Damned” is scheduled to air January 2013.

“Spartacus: War of the Damned” sees the return on Liam McIntyre (Spartacus), Manu Bennett (Crixus), Dustin Clare (Gannicus), Dan Feuerriegel (Agron), Cynthia Addai-Robinson (Naevia) and Ellen Hollman (Saxa). This year, Todd Lasance joins the cast as Gaius Julius Caesar, along with Simon Merrells, who will be playing Marcus Crassus and Anna Hutchison as Laeta.

About Starz Entertainment Starz Entertainment, LLC, is a premium movie and original programming entertainment service provider operating in the United States. The company offers 17 premium channels including the flagship STARZ® and ENCORE® brands with approximately 20.1 million and 33.6 million subscribers respectively.  Starz Entertainment airs in total more than 1,000 movies and original series every month across its pay TV channels. Starz Entertainment is recognized as a pay TV leader in providing HD, On Demand, HD On Demand and online advanced services for its STARZ, ENCORE and MOVIEPLEX brands.  Starz Entertainment (www.starz.com) is an operating unit of Starz, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation (NASDAQ: LMCA).

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July 13, 2012 · 4:17 am

COMIC-CON 2012: ELLEN PAGE!

We were all just staring at Batmobiles when, out of the blue, walks Ellen Page onto the outdoor Comic-Con stage. It was quite a surprise. The moderator asked a few questions and ended with asking if Ellen was involved with a current project. Ellen, not missing a beat, said, yes, she was in the new Woody Allen movie. A nice understatement. “To Rome, With Love” is the new Woody Allen movie starring Ellen Page and Jesse Eisenberg. Go see it! Long live, Ellen!

UPDATE: The above post is what I saw, as Ellen was wrapping up her interview. I did not know at the time that she was there in support of what looks like a very amazing game, Beyond: Two Souls. It takes a lot to get me interested in games but this one takes the cake.

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July 13, 2012 · 2:06 am

COMIC-CON 2012: Welcome To The Future

I’ve been reading “Comic-Con and the Business of Pop Culture,” by Rob Salkowitz. It is the perfect companion for those who attempt to make sense of Comic-Con and see the big picture. Having settled into San Diego, survived the line to get my official badge, and had some precious time to organize my thoughts and schedule, I marched into Preview Night to get my first whiff of the big event. Just before going in, I took a moment to admire a banner ad on one of the massive tour buses. It was for Showtime’s “Homeland” and had a photo of a tough and perplexed-looking Clare Danes with the catch phrase, “Your Mission Starts Now.” The irony was not lost on me. Indeed, my mission was just starting.

I shouldn’t be too hard on the collectors and fans who descend upon Preview Night but the consumer orgy, as Yoda would say, “Is something upsetting, I found.” Sure, I would enjoy the gift of, perhaps, a Buffy The Vampire Slayer action figure but, it’s just not something I’ll go out of my way to get. I have no driving need to own any of the exclusive action figures and toys that become availabe beginning on Preview Night. I might even go so far as to say that the buying frenzy is a prime example of American consumerism gone bannas. I witnessed numerous jazzed up fans with huge boxes of merchandise. If Salkowitz is trying to get a bead on what the future looks like from Comic-Con, I suggest that most, if not all, American/Western consumers can be quite a self-indulgent lot and that’s not likely to ever change. But all is not lost because that is only one aspect to this event. Comic-Con will surprise you every time. Where else can you find a scholarly discussion on superheroes with members of the audience dressed up as the same superheroes. Only at Comic-Con.

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July 11, 2012 · 7:23 am

COMIC-CON 2012: BEAR KARMA Debut

San Diego Comic-Con is many things. At its core, it is about comics and storytelling and the guys and gals that toil away making comics, as well as other creative and entertaining things. In that spirit, I present to you a comic that I recently completed. This should go to show you what a labor of love comics is to those caught under its spell. I’ve always been fascinated by comics, and movies, and stories, and all sorts of magic. With all that said, I hope you enjoy this little piece, “Bear Karma.” There are no words to this story, except for a sign that warns of what lies ahead…

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July 11, 2012 · 5:15 am

COMIC-CON 2012: IT HAS ARRIVED!

In honor of Comic-Con, and quality entertainment, let’s take a moment to pay tribute to the cult favorite TV show, “Andy Richter Controls The Universe,” (2002 – 2003). It is, by far, one of the all-time best offbeat sitcoms. More on that at a later date. When we meet again, some Pre-View Night observations.

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