Watch the 2011 San Diego Comic-Con Streaming Live

UStream has live streaming coverage of the San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) with interviews, features, and just general broadcasting content. I only started watching, so I can't say much about what you should expect nor if it's worth watching, but for those of us who weren't able to attend, it's something to check out. It appears to be focused on video games and gaming, so I've no idea if this gaming coverage includes tabletop RPG, CCG, or anything else.

There is also a live cam touring the alleys and SDCC in general, and you can suggest ideas (what you would like to see, or to whom you'd like him/her to speak, and so forth). You don't have to sign-up or sign-in to watch, and it appears they are separating video content by "shows," so if you miss anything, you can tune-in later to catch a replay.

UStream does have commercials, but they are targeted to the subject, infrequent enough, and short.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Troublemaker Pwns @ Comic-Con

JULY 27, SAN DIEGO, CA—Last week, 14-time number-one, best-selling author Janet Evanovich’s first-ever graphic novel, Troublemaker, saw a much-anticipated worldwide English-language release.

Troublemaker is available everywhere, from department stores to bookstores and comic shops across the U.S., making the title one of the most widely-distributed the company has published without any Hollywood tie-ins.

Co-written by daughter Alex Evanovich, Troublemaker is the continuation of the popular Barnaby series, which features the high-stakes misadventures of the main character, Alex Barnaby; NASCAR driver Sam Hooker; and, of course, Beans, the Saint Bernard. The third book in the series, this exciting new volume delivers more fast cars, fast-paced action, and steamy romance.

“I’ve loved comics all my life and it’s really exciting to be working with Dark Horse to produce my very own graphic novel,” said Janet Evanovich. “I’m also excited that I could do this with my daughter Alex (the family comicaholic).”

“This is a groundbreaking project in which Janet and Alex are telling the third chapter of an established prose series in graphic-novel format,” said Dark Horse president Mike Richardson. “We feel that this book will open up the characters to a brand-new audience, as well as expanding the authors’ fan base.”

In celebration of the release, both Janet and Alex Evanovich attended San Diego Comic-Con this weekend, appearing on the company’s publishing panel on Friday, and signing in the Dark Horse booth later that day. Janet and Alex greeted hundreds of excited fans, and hosted one of the largest crowds of the convention.

Additionally, the two appeared at the Barnes & Noble in the Mira Mesa Market Center, and drew an even larger crowd of fans who could not attend the convention.

Janet and Alex Evanovich’s Troublemaker Volume 2 arrives in November.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Stabbing Halts Comic-Con

Comic-Con panels were halted yesterday while one man was arrested and another hospitalized after a dispute over seating lead to a stabbing. Police say one male Comic-Con attendee stabbed the other in the eye socket with a pen. The victim was immediately taken to the hospital. Police say con-goers had detained the alleged stabber, who was arrested. Police were already inside the convention area.

The incident occurred before Universal Studios' panels on Paul and Cowboys and Aliens. Many con-goers had stood in line all night to attend the panels. Attendees stood on their chairs to watch the events unfold as organizers pleaded with them to take their seats and allow medics and police to come through. They tried showing a reel of previews, but the crowd booed. Comic-Con officials expected panels to be delayed by about an hour, but they were able to get back on schedule fairly quickly.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Comic-Con Nerds Overwhelm Westboro Baptist Church

The hate-mongering Westboro Baptist Church said it would protest the 2010 Comic-Con because convention attendees and comic book readers in general practice idolatry. "Reverend" Fred Phelps, leader of the Westboro Baptist Church, quoted Isaiah 2:8-9 as the basis for the Church's demonstration. Before the Renaissance, art and inventions were eschewed, as they were "acts of Creation" and God was the one and only Creator; to create one's own work(s) was considered an affront to God. Phelps did not think this through as deeply, and I sincerely doubt he has any measure of historical knowledge; he's just an asshole.

And only three assholes from the Westboro Baptist Church showed-up to protest the 2010 Comic-Con. More than 100 Comic-Con attendees and assorted nerds launched a counter-protest across the street, bearing signs and T-shirts which read, "God Loves Gay Robin," "Superman Died for Your Sins," and similar messages.

The extended Phelps family comprises almost the entirety of the Westboro Baptist Church's congregation.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Wiedlin, Morrison Offer Comic-Con Exclusive Lady Robotika

Lady Robotika's Jane Wiedlin (The Go-Gos) and Bill Morrison (The Simpsons, Futurama) will be on-hand to autograph and discuss their new series, as well as the Comic-Con exclusive, limited edition, Lady Robotika #1 issue (cover by Jim Silke -- featured). Like I said, I'm not posting the entire schedules this year; you can find those on the companies' websites.

Lady Robotika is an existential, possibly absurdist, sci-fi comedy which is more comedic than sci-fi, or sexy, or anything else. Most of the first issue is exposition and it isn't handled very well. Definitely interesting, and recommended for collectors, but your average superhero comics fan probably isn't going to like it very much.

WHO:
Lady Robotika, the inter-galactic rock 'n roll sexy cyborg heroine, is the brainchild of Jane Wiedlin (legendary guitarist for the Go-Go's) and Bill Morrison (Eisner Award-winning creator behind The Simpsons Comics, Futurama Comics, Roswell, Little Green Man, and Heroes Anonymous). The new super-heroine debuted last week to great reviews with Lady Robotika issue #1: "Slaveship to the Stars!"

Grammy Award-winning album art director, and famed comic and pin-up artist, Jim Silke, has created a limited-edition convention-exclusive Lady Robotika cover for "Slaveship to the Stars!," available for the first time during San Diego Comic-Con at the Image Comics booth for $10.

WHAT:
Jane Wiedlin, Bill Morrison, and Jim Silke will be attending San Diego Comic-Con, hosting Lady Robotika autographing/meet & greets, attending various parties/events, and closing out the weekend with a bash at Meltdown Comics in Hollywood.

WHEN & WHERE:
Friday, July 23
Jane Wiedlin, Bill Morrison & Jim Silke autograph-signing
11:00am - Noon
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Image Comics booth #2729.

Saturday, July 24
Jane Wiedlin, Bill Morrison & Jim Silke autograph-signing
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Image Comics booth #2729.

Monday, July 26
Meltdown Comics Annual Comic-Con After-Party
7:00pm - 10:00pm
7522 Sunset Blvd. (Hollywood, CA)

About LADY ROBOTIKA
Lady Robotika is a full-color, 32-page comic published by Shadowline and Image Comics. Earthly rock star Jane Wiedlin is abducted by a rock 'n roll-loving, evil, alien emperor and implanted with nanobots meant to enslave her. His plans backfire as our guitar-slinging heroine learns to control the nanites and transforms into the super-powered cyborg galactic liberator Lady Robotika! With sexy sci-fi rock and roll space adventures to ensue...

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Fractured Fables Comic-Con Exclusive Signing

Berkeley, CA - 6 July 2010 - FRACTURED FABLES, a star-studded, all-ages anthology from Shadowline and Image Comics, will have its coming out party at Comic-Con, and creators are lining up for exclusive signings at the Image Comics booth to celebrate!


You'll find the following FRACTURED FABLES creators at Image Comics booth #2729 during Comic-Con International 2010:


Thursday, July 22
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Camilla D’Errico, Phil Hester, Derek McCulloch, Bill Morrison, Ted McKeever, Anthony Peruzzo, Ben Templesmith, Doug TenNapel

Saturday, July 24
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Brian Haberlin, Royden Lepp, Larry Marder, Whilce Portacio, Nick Spencer, Shannon Wheeler, Jill Thompson, Josh Williamson

Some of the comic book industry's best and brightest use their talents to produce the kid-friendly anthology FRACTURED FABLES. Featuring a cover by MIKE and LAURA ALLRED and humorous takes on familiar fairy tales, creators include JILL THOMPSON, BRYAN TALBOT, PETER DAVID, BEN TEMPLESMITH, TERRY MOORE, SCOTT MORSE, DOUG TENNAPEL, TED McKEEVER, BILL MORRISON, LARRY MARDER, JIM VALENTINO, PHIL HESTER, SHANNON WHEELER, and many more!

FRACTURED FABLES, a 160-page full color hardcover anthology featuring an all-star cast of creators, will be available for $29.99 and in stores July 14, 2010. FRACTURED FABLES creators will join Image Comics at booth #2729 during Comic-Con International 2010 for a pair of exclusive signings.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Ziggy Marley's Marijuanaman

Berkeley, CA - 1 July 2010 - Grammy Award-winning musician Ziggy Marley is adding another title to his already impressive resume: comic book author.

The first issue of Ziggy's book, MARIJUANAMAN, will hit store shelves across the country on April 20, 2011. In support of his book, Ziggy will be making an exclusive one-day-only appearance at Comic-Con International. On Saturday, July 24^th, Ziggy will be signing MARIJUANAMAN posters with publisher Image Comics from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at booth #2729. Joining him will be artist Jim Mahfood (MIXED TAPES), and co-writer Joe Casey (GODLAND, OFFICER DOWNE).

Five-time Grammy winner and Reggae icon, Ziggy Marley's early immersion in music came at age 10 when he sat in on recording sessions with his father, Bob Marley. For the next decade, as front man to Ziggy Marley and The Melody Makers, Ziggy released eight best-selling albums, garnering three Grammys, with such chart-topping hits as "Tomorrow People" and "Tumbling Down." Ziggy's first solo album, DRAGONFLY, was released in 2003, to much critical acclaim. His second solo release, LOVE IS MY RELIGION, won a Grammy in 2006 for Best Reggae Album. His third solo release, FAMILY TIME, scored him a Grammy in a new category: Best Musical Album For Children.

Now, Ziggy is blazing into the comic world with his latest project, MARIJUANAMAN. Ziggy's new superhero, Marijuanaman, is from a planet that is in desperate need of THC. Marijuanaman seeks to save Earth's marijuana fields from destruction by the drug company PharmeXon, and thus saving his home planet from destruction.

"I have been reading comics since I was a little boy in Jamaica,” Ziggy declares. “I am very excited to be a part of Image Comics, Comic-Con, and the comic book community."

Don’t miss Ziggy Marley's appearance at Comic-Con International 2010, where he will be signing limited edition Marijuanaman posters at Image Comics, booth #2729, on Saturday, July 24^th, 2010, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The first issue of MARIJUANAMAN will be in stores April 20, 2011.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Todd McFarlane to Attend Baltimore Comic Con

Berkeley, CA - 10 May 2010 - Image Comics Founder and Partner, Todd McFarlane, is set to appear at Baltimore Comic-Con 2010 on Saturday, August 28, 2010. The creator of the groundbreaking comic book, SPAWN, will take part in signings and other events during the show.

"I'm thrilled to be able to participate in this year's Baltimore Comic Con," says McFarlane. "It's good to know events still exist where comics are the main focus, instead of being swallowed up by competing entertainment such as movies and video games. I appreciate all the support Baltimore Comic Con has provided Image with in the past, and I am looking forward to attending and meeting with fans."

Marc Nathan, organizer of the Baltimore Comic-Con, adds, "The Baltimore Comic-Con could not be more thrilled about hosting Todd McFarlane at this year's convention. Image Comics continues to be at the top of all our publishing partners. We all know how popular Todd is and look forward to a great time!"

From budding baseball player to comic book artist extraordinaire to family man, Spawn creator, Todd McFarlane, has a wealth of experience in the world of entertainment. McFarlane's road trip to creative autonomy began when he accepted an assignment penciling for Marvel/Epic Comics in March 1984. From there, he worked his way to the top of the talent roster before leaving Marvel to help found Image Comics with six other artists. It was then that Todd introduced his own character, Spawn. In 1994, Todd founded McFarlane Toys. Over the years, the company has become one of the largest, most renowned toy manufacturers in the world.

Don't miss SPAWN creator, Todd McFarlane, at this year's 11^th annual Baltimore Comic-Con. He will appear one day only, on Saturday, August 28^th, 2010.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

RIP: Joe Sarno

Comic book collector and retailing pioneer, and founding father of the Chicago Comic-Con, Joe Sarno, died on March 18^th after a prolonged illness. Sarno was a mentor to many Chicago-area comic book and pop-culture fans, and helped found the Fantasy Collectors of Chicago - a small club of local enthusiasts who met monthly in Sarno's basement to swap comics, watch TV shows and movie serials, and discuss science fiction, comic books, and pop-culture.

In 1971, Joe Sarno's basement became one of the first direct markets under the banner of The Fantasy Shop. In 1973, Sarno relocated and renamed his store The Nostalgia Shop, which became the first store anywhere to sell sports cards to the general public, and was also one of the first to produce its own newsletter which also contained a fantasy trading-card set. By 1980, Sarno's business had grown to include two locations, and the name was officially changed to Comic Kingdom. Comic Kingdom continued selling comic books, RPG, toys, ball cards, and pop-culture collectibles until 2003, when the soft market and Sarno's failing health forced him to close-up shop and move his operations online.

Chicago had a very active sci-fi and pop-culture community in the '60s and '70s, having hosted the World Science Fiction Convention three times by 1962, as well as being home to no fewer than four area "nostalgia" conventions. In 1976, Sarno took over the Chicago Comic-Con, which he oversaw for several years. It has since been sold to Wizard, but Sarno was a permanent fixture at the annual convention until his last appearance in 2009.

Joe Sarno was 71 and is survived by his wife, three children, and hundreds of comics fans, collectors, and creators whose lives he touched. Our condolences go out to all. A special tribute to Joe Sarno will be held at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) on April 17^th at 12:15pm.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Whedon to Document Comic-Con 'Superfans'

Joss Whedon has apparently teamed with noted documentarian, Morgan Spurlock, to develop a documentary featuring a handful of Comic-Con 'superfans' - what we used to call... "con-goer." Whedon wants to film the chosen participants for the three months leading-up to the event, then follow them around Comic-Con itself.

Gaming and conventioneers have become the popular focus of many recent films, mostly "mockumentaries," which have received mixed reviews. Whedon is a particularly popular feature at the annual Comic-Con, and is thus in a particularly unique position to make this film.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Comic-Con San Diego Underway!

The full-on Nerd excursion which has become a mainstream pop-culture event should be in full-swing by now. Granted, it's still about 6am in San Diego, but people start showing up the night before, and they usually have a few opening events Thursday nights.

In years past, I posted all the comics companies' full Comic-Con schedules. The problem is they take a long time to format and attract almost no attention, so I decided against it this year. After all, the companies list them on their own sites; anyone in attendance already has a copy of the schedules, and those of us who can't make it aren't too interested.

Anyway, no Comic-Con schedules this year. However, I did receive them and I'll take a peek through to see if there's anything newsworthy to post about.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

The Marvel Comic-Con Costume Contest, 2009

Are you going to Comic-Con International in San Diego? Will you be dressed as your favorite Marvel character? Then get your friendly neighborhood, star-spangled, best-at-what-you-do self down to the Marvel Booth at Comic-Con for The Marvel Costume Contest taking place on Friday, July 24^th at 4:00 PM!

If you have the heroic (or villainous) qualities to participate in this exciting contest, make sure to be at the Marvel Booth (#2429) by 3:30 PM to register! All you need to do is wear a costume of your favorite Marvel character (but keep it family friendly!) and you could win the Grand Prize of a Marvel Omnibus signed by Stan Lee! All entrants may also be featured in a gallery on Marvel.Com! The winner will be determined by you, the fans, as you vote on who you want to be crowned this year’s winner!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Dark Horse and G4's "Con-Test"

MILWAUKIE, OR, May 15 – Beginning today, G4 and Dark Horse Comics are kicking off a search for the ultimate Comic-Con fan who will receive the opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to appear in G4’s special coverage of the year’s most buzzed about convention.

One lucky winner will be selected as a "Special Correspondent" to G4 and join Attack of the Show hosts, Olivia Munn and Kevin Pereira, as well as Comic Book Expert, Blair Butler, on the show floor. Dark Horse, one of the largest comic book publishers, with titles like Hellboy, Star Wars, Umbrella Academy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Alien, will also welcome the winner as their "official guest," granting access to their special event and more. To enter, fans are encouraged to create a video that demonstrates their pop-culture knowledge and on-camera abilities, and submit to g4tv.com/comiccon.

The "Con-Test" kicks off Friday, May 15^th, 2009, and closes at 11:59PM on June 22^nd, 2009.

Once again, G4 will present special coverage of Comic-Con 2009 direct from the show floor. Last year’s attendance broke all records, topping 160,000 people, and solidifying Comic-Con as one of the biggest pop-culture conventions in the world. G4 and Dark Horse Comics will bring one lucky fan into the heart of it all and put them in the spotlight at this massive event devoted to comic books, sci-fi, fantasy, horror, movies, video games, TV, and more. G4’s Kevin Pereira and Blair Butler will announce the winner live on Attack of the Show on June 29^th.

"Comic Con International has become the ultimate pop-culture gathering for fans of almost any medium,” said Dark Horse President, Mike Richardson. "What better way to reward our fans than with a chance to appear on the ultimate pop-culture television show with our creators and top talent? The winner of this contest is sure to have the time of [his/her] life!"

"G4 viewers are huge fans of Dark Horse Comics, and Comic-Con is the perfect opportunity for us to team up,” said Neal Tiles, President of G4. "Comic-con is a major event for our audience and we are excited to reward the hard and true comic book fans with a chance to experience the phenomenon in person."

Contest details:

• Fans must submit a video that demonstrates their knowledge, and love, of pop-culture.
• Submission dates: May 15^th, 2009 – June 22^nd, 2009.
• Winner will receive airfare and accommodations for themselves and 1 guest to Comic Con ‘09
• Winner will have an opportunity to act as "Special Correspondent" for G4 and appear on-air
• Winner and guest will each receive a Dark Horse grab bag valued at $600.
• Winner and guest will be given special access to all Dark Horse related events and signings.
• Contestants will be judged on overall knowledge of all things pop-culture, creativity, and on-screen charisma demonstrated in their videos. G4 and Dark Horse Comics want to find the ultimate pop-culture fanatic and stand-out personality who deserves this special Comic-Con opportunity.
• Videos must be at least 30 seconds in length and no longer than 10 minutes.
  

For official contest rules - and to submit videos - please visit g4tv.com/comiccon

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Dark Horse's Comic-Con International DOMO Exclusive

APRIL 15, MILWAUKIE, OR – Dark Horse will offer attendees of this year's Comic-Con International the chance to grab a special, exclusive variant of their upcoming series of Domo "Qee" toys, a translucent variant produced in conjunction with Hong Kong based Toy2R. This special version will only be available at this year's event, held in San Diego, from July 23-26, 2009.

The special 2" version of the lovable mascot turned iconic viral superstar from Japan's NHK television network is growing in popularity in the United States. Dark Horse has been an early licensee of Domo, under the auspices of licensing agency Big Tent Entertainment, and has already produced sold-out limited editions of Domo as flocked vinyl figures, stationery, journals, and sculpted magnet products.

The Domo Qee program, to be launched nationwide in August, is Dark Horse's first try at the popular "blind box" or "mystery box" format. Individual figures are packed in small boxes; the only way to know which particular figure is inside a particular box is to purchase and open the box. In the Domo blind box assortment, figures are sold in counter displays of 15, and each display box of 15 figures is further packed into a master carton of four cases.

In addition, the boxes each contain one component of a "Build-A-Domo" clear transparent figure. When the correct six components are accumulated, the buyer can put together the complete bonus Domo. There will not be a "Build-A-Domo" component in the Comic-Con Exclusive figure.

"We presented a Comic-Con exclusive 5.5" Domo vinyl figure last year," recalls Dark Horse VP of Product Development, David Scroggy, "and were blown away as all of the limited-edition sold out. This year, with an entirely new toy, we expect an even faster depletion of our Comic-Con stock. Since last year's was a yellow variant, we chose the same color for the Qee toy."

Starting from a very unusual place as an advertising icon, Domo's unique look and personality has catapulted the character from 400 television spots in Japan into one of the Internet's biggest sensations, sparking worldwide recognition. As the poster child for personalized, user-generated content, Domo has been able to transition from popularity within Japan to a worldwide following, spawning countless fan-made images, websites, and videos, along with a first-ever licensed product line including plush toys, fashion, and collectibles selling at major trend retailers nationwide. Most recently, Domo has taken America by storm, being featured prominently at major retailers all over the U.S. and even starring in his first worldwide manga.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Image Comics New York Comic Con 2009 Schedule - Booth 1403

3 February 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - Image Comics will be returning to the New York Comic Con, February 6^th to 7^th, at booth #1403 and promises their biggest appearance in the Big Apple with exclusives, announcements and their largest roster of creators yet!

Throughout the convention the Image Comics booth will be home to signings galore, a convention exclusive cover of the superhero debut JERSEY GODS and an array of creators including Rob Liefeld (YOUNGBLOOD), Whilce Portacio (SPAWN), Frank Cho (LIBERTY MEADOWS), Richard Starkings (ELEPHANTMEN), Glen Brunswick (JERSEY GODS), Josh Williamson (JOHNNY MONSTER) and Vinny Navarette (DEAR DRACULA).

• Special events will include Thursday's Comic Book Legal Defense Fund Welcome Party co-sponsored by Image Comics and Dark Horse
• Friday's The Image Comics Show: Breaking Into Comics, featuring Liefeld, Portacio, Joe Kelly (I KILL GIANTS), Steve Seagle (SOUL KISS), and Joseph Michael Linsner (DAWN, DARK IVORY) discussing the road they've taken to get to where they are now and where they're going from here! The Image Comics Show will also be the epicenter of announcements from Image Comics, including the big secret behind Robert Kirkman and Todd McFarlane's HAUNT!
• Saturday's Apes & Babes: The Frank Cho Spotlight & the iFanboy/ROLFThing/1Up/PopGun Meet-Up Party

Image Comics can be found at booth #1403 during the New York Comic Con, February 6-9^th, 2009.

IMAGE COMICS NEW YORK COMIC CON 2009 COMPLETE SCHEDULE

SPECIAL EVENTS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4^th
IMAGE COMICS AND DARK HORSE PRESENT:

THE COMIC BOOK LEGAL DEFENSE FUND WELCOME PARTY!

7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Side Bar
120 E. 15^th St. (Near Union Square)
Enjoy drinks, free sliders for early arrivals, and door prizes! Admission $5+ for CBLDF members, $10+ for non-members. Attending artists include: Colleen Doran, David Mack, Rantz Hoseley, Dean Haspiel, Mike Cavallero, Nikki Cook, Mahmud Asrar, Brahm Revel, and many more!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7^th
NEW YORK COMIC CON MEETUP
Hosted by iFanboy, ROFLThing, 1UP and Popgun
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m
Stitch Bar & Lounge
247 West 37^th Street (Between 7^th and 8^th Ave.)
Revision3's weekly comic book show iFanboy, ROFLThing, 1UP, and Image Comics' Harvey award-winning anthology, Popgun, invite you to mix and mingle with fellow fans, Web celebrities, and many of your favorite Image creators, including Scott Kurtz (PVP), Jay Faerber (DYNAMO 5), Rantz Hoseley (COMIC BOOK TATTOO), and many, many more.


PANELS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6^th
IMAGE COMICS SHOW: BREAKING INTO COMICS
6:00 - 7:00 PM Room 1A06
It's the dream of nearly every comics' fan to break into the industry, but to most the task seems all too impossible! Sit down with some of your favorite Image Comics creators including Rob Liefeld (YOUNGBLOOD), Whilce Portacio (SPAWN), Joseph Michael Linsner (DAWN, DARK IVORY), Steve Seagle (SOUL KISS), and JOE KELLY (I KILL GIANTS), as they take a look at the road that turned them into superstars and what the future holds! Featuring announcements to rock the comics world for the next year - including the secret behind Todd McFarlane and Robert Kirkman's HAUNT!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7^th
APES & BABES: THE FRANK CHO SPOTLIGHT!
5:30-6:30 PM Room 1A06
NYCC Special Guest Frank Cho, one of the most celebrated artists in the industry within the last decade, presents an unprecedented live retrospective on his entire career: from making his name on the Image Comics hit, LIBERTY MEADOWS, to taking superhero fandom by storm with SHANNA THE SHE-DEVIL, MIGHTY AVENGERS, and the upcoming NEW ULTIMATES. Featuring rare art from April's APES & BABES: THE ART OF FRANK CHO BOOK ONE, published by Image Comics!


SIGNINGS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6^th
1:00 - 2:00 PM: Jay Faerber (DYNAMO 5)
2:00 - 3:00 PM: COMIC BOOK TATTOO featuring Eric Canete, Jon Tsuei, Ryan Kelly, Colleen Doran, Ming Doyle, Mark Sable, Andre Szymanowicz, Elizabeth Genco, Ivan Brandon, Nikki Cook, and Neil Kleid
3:00 - 4:00 PM: Jamie McKelvie & Kieron Gillen (PHONOGRAM)
4:00 - 5:00 PM: Ryan Bodeheim (RED MASS FOR MARS) & Harold Sipe (SCREAMLAND)
5:00 - 6:00 PM: Gabriel Hardman & Corinna Sara Bechko (HEATHENTOWN)
6:00 - 7:00 PM: Jamie McKelvie & Kieron Gillen (PHONOGRAM)

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7^th
10:00 - 11:00 AM: Gabriel Hardman & Corinna Sara Bechko (HEATHENTOWN)
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Jay Faerber (DYNAMO 5) & Yildiray Cinar (NOBLE CAUSES)
12:00 - 1:00 PM: Ryan Bodeheim (RED MASS FOR MARS) & Harold Sipe (SCREAMLAND)
1:00 - 2:00 PM: Joe Kelly (BAD DOG, I KILL GIANTS), J.M Ken Niimura (I KILL GIANTS), Steve Seagle (SOUL KISS)
2:00 - 3:00 PM: Joseph Michael Linsner (DAWN) & Eva Hopkins (DARK IVORY)
3:00 - 4:00 PM: Joseph Weissman & Seth Lapeck (LILLIM)
4:00 - 5:00 PM: COMIC BOOK TATTOO featuring G. Willow Wilson, Eric Canete, Jon Tsuei, Ryan Kelly, Colleen Doran, Ming Doyle, Mark Sable, Mike May, Elizabeth Genco, Jonathan Hickman, Adisakdi Tantimedh, Derek McCulloch, and Kelly Sue DeConnick
5:00 - 6:00 PM: Jamie McKelvie & Kieron Gillen (PHONOGRAM)

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8^th
10:00 - 11:00 AM: Jamie McKelvie & Kieron Gillen (PHONOGRAM)
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: COMIC BOOK TATTOO featuring Eric Canete, Jon Tsuei, Colleen Doranm, Sonia Leongm, Emma Vicellim, Mark Sablem, Elizabeth Genco, Andre Szymanowicz, and Neil Kleid
12:00 - 1:00 PM: Joe Kelly and J.M. Ken Niimura (I KILL GIANTS), Steve Seagle (SOUL KISS)
1:00 - 2:00 PM: Joseph Michael Linsner (DAWN) & Eva Hopkins (DARK IVORY)
2:00 - 3:00 PM: Ryan Bodeheim (A RED MASS FOR MARS) & Harold Sipe (SCREAMLAND)
3:00 - 4:00 PM: Jay Faerber & Mahmud Asar (DYNAMO 5)
4:00 - 5:00 PM: Gabriel Hardman & Corinna Sara Bechko (HEATHENTOWN)

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Marvel NYCC 2009 Schedule - Booth #1141

Marvel Comics New York Comic-Con 2009 (Booth #1141) schedule:

SIGNING SCHEDULE

FRIDAY

12:00 – 1:00 PM
*SPECIAL PROFESSIONAL HOURS SIGNING*
ANDY DIGGLE
JONATHAN HICKMAN
PAUL CORNELL
RICK REMENDER
SIMON SPURRIER

1:00 – 2:00 PM
DOUG BRAITHWAITE
FRANK TIERI
MARK TEXEIRA
MATT FRACTION
ROLAND BOSCHI

2:00 – 3:00 PM
BOB LAYTON
FRANK D’ARMATA
GREG PAK
ROBIN FURTH

3:00 – 4:00 PM
*SECRET INVASION SIGNING*
BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
GABRIELE DELL’OTTO
LAURA MARTIN
LEINIL FRANCIS YU
MARK MORALES

4:00 – 5:00 PM
DAVID LAFUENTE
OLIVIER COIPEL
PAUL TOBIN
SCOTT HANNA
TOM RANEY

5:00 – 6:00 PM
*X-MEN SIGNING*
CHRIS CLAREMONT
DANIEL WAY
DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI
PETER DAVID

6:00 – 7:00 PM
CB CEBULSKI
JOE QUESADA
MARJORIE LIU
MARK BROOKS
MARKO DJURDJEVIC


SATURDAY

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
JIM CHEUNG
LEE WEEKS
MIKE DEODATO

12:00 – 1:00 PM
DAVID LAFUENTE
JEFF PARKER
LEONARD KIRK
SIMONE BIANCHI
STEVE SADOWSKI

1:00 – 2:00 PM
*BLACK PANTHER SIGNING*
DENYS COWAN
JOHN ROMITA JR.
KLAUS JANSON
REGGIE HUDLIN

2:00 – 3:00 PM
ARIEL OLIVETTI
J. SCOTT CAMPBELL
JASON AARON
MATT FRACTION
RON GARNEY

2:00 – 3:00 PM
JOE QUESADA

3:00 – 4:00 PM
CHRISTOS GAGE
DENNIS CALERO
FRED VAN LENTE
GREG PAK
MARIO ALBERTI

4:00 – 5:00 PM
*YOUNG GUNS ’09 SIGNING*
KHOI PHAM
MARKO DJURDJEVIC
MIKE CHOI
STEFANO CASELLI

5:00 – 6:00 PM
ADAM KUBERT
DANIEL WAY
GABRIELE DELL’OTTO
KALMAN ANDRASOFSZKY
MIKE CAREY

6:00 – 7:00 PM
*AMAZING SPIDER-MAN SIGNING*
ABBY DENSON
COLLEEN COOVER
DAN SLOTT
JOE KELLY
MIKE MCKONE
PHIL JIMENEZ


SUNDAY

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
*SPECIAL SIGNING & SKECTHING HOUR*
KHOI PHAM
MICHAEL RYAN
REILLY BROWN
TODD NAUCK

12:00 – 1:00 PM
CHRISTINA STRAIN
ELIZABETH BREITWEISER
MIKE CHOI
MITCH BREITWEISER
SONIA OBACK

1:00 – 2:00 PM
BILLY TAN
JUAN DOE
PAOLO RIVERA

2:00 – 3:00 PM
BARBARA CANEPA
CB CEBULSKI
CHRISTOPHE ARLESTON
GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI
MARK BROOKS

3:00 – 4:00 PM
ALEX MALEEV
BRIAN BENDIS

3:00 – 4:00 PM
CHRIS CLAREMONT
DEXTER VINES
TODD DEZAGO
TOMMY LEE EDWARDS

4:00 – 5:00 PM
DAN SLOTT
FRANK TIERI
MIKE DEODATO
STEFANO CASELLI

PANEL & BOOTH SCHEDULE

FRIDAY

2:00 – 3:00 PM
War of Kings Panel
Panel Room 4 (1A14)

3:15 – 4:15 PM
X-Men Panel
Panel Room 4 (1A14)

4:45 – 5:45 PM
Dark Reign Panel
Panel Room 7 (1A24)

6:00 – 7:00 PM
The Super Happy Fun Marvel Giveaway Hour!
Marvel Booth (#1141)


SATURDAY

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Marvel & BET: Black Panther Panel
Panel Room 8 (1A23)

12:00 – 1:00 PM
The Super Happy Fun Marvel Giveaway Hour!
Marvel Booth (#1141)

12:30 – 1:30 PM
Cup O’ Joe Panel
Panel Room 3 (1A08)

1:45 – 2:45 PM
Marvel Animation Panel
Panel Room 1 (1A06)

3:00 – 4:00 PM
Marvel Costume Contest
Marvel Booth (#1141)

4:15 – 5:15 PM
Marvel Digital Comics... and Beyond! Panel
Panel Room 1 (1A06)

6:00 – 7:00 PM
The Super Happy Fun Marvel Giveaway Hour!
Marvel Booth (#1141)


SUNDAY

11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
MARVEL & ACTIVISION: Evolution of Marvel Comic Book Characters in Video Games Panel
Panel Room 7 (1A24)

1:45 – 2:45 PM
Mondo Marvel: 70^th Anniversary Special Panel
Panel Room 7 (1A24)

3:00 – 4:00 PM
Marvel: Your Universe Panel
Panel Room 7 (1A24)

4:00 – 5:00 PM
The Super Happy Fun Marvel Giveaway Hour!
Marvel Booth (#1141)

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

NYCC Schedules

Regular readers know how this works: these schedules take me a very long time to format because most of them are written under MS Word/Outlook, which automatically adds all sorts of code; I cannot simply copy and paste the schedules. They are also quite lengthy.

While it would make more sense to release them all back-to-back, it would also fill-up the page with information the majority of our readers don't care to see; few of us live in or near New York City and are able to attend. However, you can find them (along with past Comic Con scheduling and reports) through the comic-con tag to the right.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

New York Comic Con Special Guest: Frank Cho

2 February 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - LIBERTY MEADOWS creator and NEW ULTIMATES illustrator, Frank Cho, will be the subject of a live interview and retrospective of his entire career at The New York Comic Con during the APES & BABES: THE FRANK CHO SPOTLIGHT, Saturday, February 7^th at 5:30 PM in Room 1A06.

"This panel will be everything about me you were ever afraid to ask," Frank Cho said. "From my college strips, to getting LIBERTY MEADOWS picked up at Image, all the way up to working on ULTIMATES 4, to everything in between. If you love my stuff - and I know you do - you gotta come on over!"

APES & BABES: THE FRANK CHO SPOTLIGHT presents an unprecedented live retrospective on one of comics' most celebrated comic book artists of the last decade. From the days making his name on the Image Comics hit, LIBERTY MEADOWS, to taking superhero fandom by storm with SHANNA THE SHE-DEVIL, MIGHTY AVENGERS, and the upcoming NEW ULTIMATES. The panel will also feature previews and rare art from April's APES & BABES: THE ART OF FRANK CHO BOOK ONE HC and the first word on all-new LIBERTY MEADOWS!

APES & BABES: THE FRANK CHO SPOTLIGHT will take place Saturday, February 7^th at 5:30 PM in Room 1A06. Additionally, APES & BABES: BOOK ONE HC (FEB092387), a 144-page full-color hardcover for $29.99, will be in stores April, 22^nd 2009.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Heroes Season Three Premiered at Comic-Con

Series producer, Tim Kring, premiered the first episode of season three Heroes at Comic-Con today. Also premiering will be the new episode of this season's Lost. According to reports, this is only the second time a TV show has premiered at Comic-Con and lines wrapped the convention center.

Most reviews have been favorable and you can find a few spoilers here.

© C Harris Lynn, 2008

My Take on Comic-Con 2008

Well, G4's Comic-Con coverage is over. The con runs for nearly a week and tomorrow is really the Big Day, so I'm thinking they're giving the guys the weekend off to enjoy the convention. They got to most of the good stuff - at least everything everyone was really waiting to hear - but still. Like I said earlier, it's good coverage, but it's more efficient than enjoyable.

Much like Comic-Con itself, the whole coverage seems to miss the point completely. I'm not obtuse - I fully realize G4 is there to do what their channel does: cover pop-culture events and news aimed at fanboys - and they did that well (both this year and last), but what kind of fanboy would I be if I didn't reiterate how the whole thing basically violates the very spirit of what a convention is.

Of course, Comic-Con has become a pop-culture event unto itself. As Steve Niles said on the coverage, it's great for the industry and I could not be happier for it on that level, but while I would like to go at least once just to check it out, I really hope the Hollywood around it dies-down before I get the chance; it's not the Comic-Con I grew up dreaming of attending.

If I were there, the truth is that I would most likely be doing exactly what I'm doing this very weekend at home:

Having already made the rounds a few times, I'd be in the hotel room, with the door wide-open. MST3K would be on the TV and the sign on the door would say "Open Gaming." I don't know what I'd be running, but it'd likely be either Chill 3.0 or Dark Conspiracy. Tomorrow, I'd go with something lighter - probably AD&D 2nd-Ed. Again, not to be obtuse, but because it's what I'd really like to play, and I have a good idea a lot of other, die-hard fanboys my age (and/or older) would too.

I'd hit some panels all day Saturday and then Sunday morning would be for the dealers. After clearing them out ("Come on - you're telling me you'd rather pack all this stuff back up and lug it back to the store than let me take it off your hands for the very respectable 25% you're asking?"), it's straight through Artists' Alley for the signatures.

Then I'd load up the car and hit the bar.

Huh? No, I still have the room for one more night and so long as she can get in the bar, I know she's legal.

© C Harris Lynn, 2008