Sorry for the post-Comic-Con reports, but I had a hard time finding a spare moment to write entries during SDCC. And I'm not so in love with my smartphone that I'm willing to compose actual material with that touch keypad.
One of the things that I love about SDCC is the small panel you attend that isn't part of the massive queue system and doesn't involve movie/tv stars, which ends up unexpectedly being one of your favorite moments of the week. For me, that session was with author China Mieville.
Mieville's works are not easily classified into a specific genre, though I guess most would fall into a fantasy/sci-fi realm. But even then that doesn't totally feel right. "King Rat" (which I just read) takes a fairy tale and overlays it onto modern London. And it *is* London, just with an underground subculture that would be considered fantasy. Then you have "The City and The City," a book that Mieville considers his most accessible, which won the 2010 Arthur C. Clarke Award, the 2010 BSFA award for best novel, and is in the running for the Hugo award for best novel. He joked that until he was nominated, he hadn't realized his book was science fiction. I would have considered it a highly-politicized detective novel with a slightly odd conceit. Mieville self-categorizes in the relatively recent genre of "new weird" -- a classification that has yet to gain traction in the academic world. Regardless, if you haven't read him, and think you might like this type of writing, I highly recommend picking up one of his novels.
Mieville's panel was the only one in which I reached for a notepad to jot down what he was saying. (Yes, I work with technology every day but yearn to spend my time writing on paper.) And there was one moment that resonated with me -- and that I thought might also resonate with the Losties.
A woman asked a question about "Un Lun Dun", Mieville's young adult fantasy novel. The woman explained that she loved the characters of Deeba and Zanna and was wondering if Mieville was going to write a sequel to the book because she wanted more adventures for the girls. Mieville, who answered questions with a prolific thoughtfulness missing from most panelists, kindly explained that he felt as if he told their story and wasn't planning on revisiting the characters. He continued on to say that as geeks, we (including himself) don't know how to let the things we love lie -- we can't leave them alone. And that's how we end up with "The Boba Fett Paradox." In that scenario we have a character we all think is cool -- Boba Fett -- so Lucas decides to give us more Boba Fett in the prequels, thereby ruining the mystique of Boba Fett and rendering him uncool.
It's so freaking true. And the Star Wars prequels are a great example of not being able to let go -- I know some of you probably want to punch me now, but I am a girl weaned on the originals and I hate the prequels. Darth Vader should never throw his arms up in the air and scream "NOOOOOO" like he's a lovelorn teenager. Darth Vader crushes people's throats with his clenched fist -- he's a badass. But, once again, I digress.
And I couldn't help but think of the interviews Cuse and Lindelof were giving towards the end of LOST where they were basically saying, "Look, we have no control over what ABC does with our franchise, but we're ending our story -- and we're ending our story for our characters." And it was obvious that they were trying to wrest as much control over their show from ABC as possible. A move I respect. Because, honestly, I don't want a LOST movie like the second X-Files movie -- a movie that made me sad because it was *so* clear that that show was over and should have been left alone -- that I want my memories of Mulder to be from seasons 1-6, not of him sitting in a home office surrounded by newspaper clippings. My last image of LOST is of Jack and Vincent in a bamboo forest -- and I don't ever want that image sullied by later adaptations.
But that's just me. . . .I'm kind of a narrative purist.
Seriously, buy a China Mieville novel.
@tahoewikander
Showing posts with label ComicCon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ComicCon. Show all posts
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
The Event
As I briefly mentioned in my last post, I think NBC's new show, "The Event," will appeal to many Losties. The show adopts an extremely non-linear narrative style -- not a spoiler as the technique manifests rather quickly -- and the plot hints at many, many secrets that need to be uncovered. In fact, I was quite surprised at how quickly some of those secrets were revealed.
The cast is solid and while not grabbing me with the same emotional power that I felt with the LOST pilot (but really, that's an impossible standard), I am intrigued to find out how each person will play into the narrative. Jason Ritter is great -- though I should admit that I'm biased because I loved him in "Parenthood" -- and carries much of the show's everyman affect. I was also pleasantly surprised to see Scott Patterson (Luke from "Gilmore Girls") in the cast. Maybe Ritter and Patterson can talk about their time working with Lauren Graham. New game: Six Degrees of Lauren Graham. I digress.
There were a few action scenes that had some cliched dialogue, but I'm beginning to think it's impossible to write those scenes without creating some blah lines. However, unlike so many of the new suspense shows that have tried to occupy the same space as LOST, this pilot was well-written. It did something that most of the others have not -- piqued my interest about the characters AND the plot.
I would love to tell you more, but I think you should all remain as unspoiled as possible. In fact, if I could give you one piece of advice, it would be to read *nothing* about the show. Trust me when I say that you want to experience that first episode completely -- because there were some moments that made my jaw drop in shock.
@tahoewikander
The cast is solid and while not grabbing me with the same emotional power that I felt with the LOST pilot (but really, that's an impossible standard), I am intrigued to find out how each person will play into the narrative. Jason Ritter is great -- though I should admit that I'm biased because I loved him in "Parenthood" -- and carries much of the show's everyman affect. I was also pleasantly surprised to see Scott Patterson (Luke from "Gilmore Girls") in the cast. Maybe Ritter and Patterson can talk about their time working with Lauren Graham. New game: Six Degrees of Lauren Graham. I digress.
There were a few action scenes that had some cliched dialogue, but I'm beginning to think it's impossible to write those scenes without creating some blah lines. However, unlike so many of the new suspense shows that have tried to occupy the same space as LOST, this pilot was well-written. It did something that most of the others have not -- piqued my interest about the characters AND the plot.
I would love to tell you more, but I think you should all remain as unspoiled as possible. In fact, if I could give you one piece of advice, it would be to read *nothing* about the show. Trust me when I say that you want to experience that first episode completely -- because there were some moments that made my jaw drop in shock.
@tahoewikander
Sunday, July 25, 2010
If we can't live together. . .
As I was walking back to my hotel after a long day at the Convention Center, I watched a small boy pushing his very young brother in a stroller. He was jerking his brother backwards and forwards, the child hitting the back of the chair just seconds after being slammed against the front of the stroller bar. The boy in the stroller plaintively cried out, "are you sure you're doing this right?" The older brother quickly and forcefully answered, "of course I am," and then continued to slam the toddler around in the seat.
The moment made me smirk.
Yet it resonated with me because I almost immediately thought, "I understand how you feel kid." Comic-Con this year has felt a bit more herky-jerky than the last one. With the tension ratcheted up a bit. Plus I think it broke my British friends!
Everyone heard about the crazy stabbing (details all rumor at the time of this writing) in Hall H purportedly over a seat. I would say that this was crazy but just an hour prior a man in the Eureka panel had attempted to bully me out of my seat near the stage because he wanted closer seats for his family -- he had to move for a man in a wheelchair. Event security came over and asked him to move to the back of the room and he then began swearing and gesticulating. He yelled that he and his son deserved to be close to the stage. It was awkward and uncomfortable -- and a horrible moment for his son. And a tiring moment for me. (I'm kind of a wimp about having attention drawn to my general vicinity.)
After leaving the SyFy panel, which was incredibly entertaining regardless of being marred by early oddity, I wandered into the Exhibit Hall. As I did some man in costume without a badge ran past the security guard and into the hall. He had to be chased down.
So as I watched the kid getting jerked around by his brother I started to wonder why it is that we subject ourselves to the Con, with the queues and the attitude and the cost -- and why I already bought my ticket for next year.
And I then thought about the fact that today I finally met @patmc4fun when we discovered we were sitting two rows apart in the same panel, tweeting messages to each other. This after having been in many of the same panels throughout the Con, just rows apart. Apparently we not only like the same content, but also the same parts of the room!
And then there was the glorious time with author China Mieville, as he eloquently talked about his books and the philosophy of writing, in addition to offering heartfelt and prolific answers to audience questions. I mean, how often do you get to hear an author jokingly say, "I am the Neil Armstrong of fantasy; look at my footprint!" (as an example of how he *doesn't* view either himself or his writing)
There's also the cute kid who shows up dressed as Boba Fett or a Stormtrooper, only taking his helmet off at the very last minute. Or even better, the child in a superhero costume so clearly made with tape and pajamas, but so proud that you want to smother him with praise and applause because he so clearly embodies the character he loves.
And, as I felt my spirits rise just a bit, I ran across three giddy teenage girls who were falling over themselves laughing as they unabashedly attempted to replicate the way Bill Compton says the name of his lover, Sookie, in True Blood.
In that moment I realized that for every person who comes to the Con with the entitled attitude of being the most "deserving" of having the best seat in a panel or knocks someone over to reach a free swag bag first, there are a thousand people there simply because they get to actually be themselves without fear of retribution.
Comic-Con allows us to converse with a group of strangers who have similar interests about topics that people in our own worlds might not understand or care about. It allows a group of men and women of all shapes and sizes to dress as Harley Quinn and the Joker from the Batman series and then congregate in a hallway for pictures and merriment. Even with the Hollywood presence that sometimes overshadows the comic book roots of the convention, it's still five days of being embraced by our geek brethren. And it can be a place where a conversation with a guy from Portugal and the guy vacationing with his dad about the degradation of the vampire in supernatural media -- including a quick discussion of who was better, Spike or Angel -- can be more memorable than the panel itself. This is why I come to Comic-Con.
(Oh, and The Event was an awesome pilot and we should all watch together in our respective homes. . . .)
@tahoewikander
The moment made me smirk.
Yet it resonated with me because I almost immediately thought, "I understand how you feel kid." Comic-Con this year has felt a bit more herky-jerky than the last one. With the tension ratcheted up a bit. Plus I think it broke my British friends!
Everyone heard about the crazy stabbing (details all rumor at the time of this writing) in Hall H purportedly over a seat. I would say that this was crazy but just an hour prior a man in the Eureka panel had attempted to bully me out of my seat near the stage because he wanted closer seats for his family -- he had to move for a man in a wheelchair. Event security came over and asked him to move to the back of the room and he then began swearing and gesticulating. He yelled that he and his son deserved to be close to the stage. It was awkward and uncomfortable -- and a horrible moment for his son. And a tiring moment for me. (I'm kind of a wimp about having attention drawn to my general vicinity.)
After leaving the SyFy panel, which was incredibly entertaining regardless of being marred by early oddity, I wandered into the Exhibit Hall. As I did some man in costume without a badge ran past the security guard and into the hall. He had to be chased down.
So as I watched the kid getting jerked around by his brother I started to wonder why it is that we subject ourselves to the Con, with the queues and the attitude and the cost -- and why I already bought my ticket for next year.
And I then thought about the fact that today I finally met @patmc4fun when we discovered we were sitting two rows apart in the same panel, tweeting messages to each other. This after having been in many of the same panels throughout the Con, just rows apart. Apparently we not only like the same content, but also the same parts of the room!
And then there was the glorious time with author China Mieville, as he eloquently talked about his books and the philosophy of writing, in addition to offering heartfelt and prolific answers to audience questions. I mean, how often do you get to hear an author jokingly say, "I am the Neil Armstrong of fantasy; look at my footprint!" (as an example of how he *doesn't* view either himself or his writing)
There's also the cute kid who shows up dressed as Boba Fett or a Stormtrooper, only taking his helmet off at the very last minute. Or even better, the child in a superhero costume so clearly made with tape and pajamas, but so proud that you want to smother him with praise and applause because he so clearly embodies the character he loves.
And, as I felt my spirits rise just a bit, I ran across three giddy teenage girls who were falling over themselves laughing as they unabashedly attempted to replicate the way Bill Compton says the name of his lover, Sookie, in True Blood.
In that moment I realized that for every person who comes to the Con with the entitled attitude of being the most "deserving" of having the best seat in a panel or knocks someone over to reach a free swag bag first, there are a thousand people there simply because they get to actually be themselves without fear of retribution.
Comic-Con allows us to converse with a group of strangers who have similar interests about topics that people in our own worlds might not understand or care about. It allows a group of men and women of all shapes and sizes to dress as Harley Quinn and the Joker from the Batman series and then congregate in a hallway for pictures and merriment. Even with the Hollywood presence that sometimes overshadows the comic book roots of the convention, it's still five days of being embraced by our geek brethren. And it can be a place where a conversation with a guy from Portugal and the guy vacationing with his dad about the degradation of the vampire in supernatural media -- including a quick discussion of who was better, Spike or Angel -- can be more memorable than the panel itself. This is why I come to Comic-Con.
(Oh, and The Event was an awesome pilot and we should all watch together in our respective homes. . . .)
@tahoewikander
Friday, July 23, 2010
The Joss & JJ Experience
This is a short one as I've got the SDCC exhaustion that comes with trying to fit in too many things in one day. . .but it was an awesome Thursday!
I queued for what seemed like an eternity for Hall H (though nothing compared to the LOST queue last year) and got in just in time for the Salt panel.
But really the highlights of the afternoon were the Joss Whedon/JJ Abrams panel and Scott Pilgrim panels. Seeing Joss and JJ on the same stage was fairly. . .epic. Two of my idols sharing the same space? I'm surprised that my brain didn't explode.
What can I say about these two men? They were smart, articulate, thoughtful, and hilarious. Yes, yes, I know you are all saying "duh" right now.
Joss confirmed that he was directing "The Avengers." JJ mysteriously hinted that Bad Robot was in collaboration with "someone" who had a table in the Exhibit Hall to create web content. Joss disheartened us all by saying that while he and his gang would like to do a Dr. Horrible sequel, they were all very busy. Sigh.
JJ was asked by an audience member whether he found the finale of LOST to be everything that he had hoped for. Ooooooo, exciting question.
JJ gave a very thoughtful answer, explaining that in a TV show original intention doesn't always manifest in later seasons. He said that he was consistently impressed with the way that Damon and Carlton were fluid with the creation, embracing both challenges and unexpected additions -- like the arrival of the genius Michael Emerson. And he ended by saying that he felt that Damon and Carlton had kicked ass by creating an emotionally resonant and beautiful finale to the show. It was a moment that made me feel like a proud parent. Even though I'm just a lowly LOST viewer!!
More later . . . Must go queue!!!
@tahoewikander
I queued for what seemed like an eternity for Hall H (though nothing compared to the LOST queue last year) and got in just in time for the Salt panel.
But really the highlights of the afternoon were the Joss Whedon/JJ Abrams panel and Scott Pilgrim panels. Seeing Joss and JJ on the same stage was fairly. . .epic. Two of my idols sharing the same space? I'm surprised that my brain didn't explode.
What can I say about these two men? They were smart, articulate, thoughtful, and hilarious. Yes, yes, I know you are all saying "duh" right now.
Joss confirmed that he was directing "The Avengers." JJ mysteriously hinted that Bad Robot was in collaboration with "someone" who had a table in the Exhibit Hall to create web content. Joss disheartened us all by saying that while he and his gang would like to do a Dr. Horrible sequel, they were all very busy. Sigh.
JJ was asked by an audience member whether he found the finale of LOST to be everything that he had hoped for. Ooooooo, exciting question.
JJ gave a very thoughtful answer, explaining that in a TV show original intention doesn't always manifest in later seasons. He said that he was consistently impressed with the way that Damon and Carlton were fluid with the creation, embracing both challenges and unexpected additions -- like the arrival of the genius Michael Emerson. And he ended by saying that he felt that Damon and Carlton had kicked ass by creating an emotionally resonant and beautiful finale to the show. It was a moment that made me feel like a proud parent. Even though I'm just a lowly LOST viewer!!
More later . . . Must go queue!!!
@tahoewikander
Thursday, July 22, 2010
LOST Artifacts: The Final Season Promotional Book
Artifacts from the Lost Encyclopedia, a 6.5"x5.25" book, was made available to Comic Com attendees at the DK booth today, July 22. This book is part of a cross promotional campaign for The Final Season 6 DVD and the LOST Encyclopedia both being released late August.It will be available to the public beginning this Sunday, July 25, exclusively at Best Buy for $5. Here's a look inside:
Thanks to @dave_rambo for photos
The Art of the Trade - Comic Con Style
Hello Losties!
I must confess, I'm normally more of a lurker, but Lottery Ticket convinced me to come out of hiding to report on my SDCC experiences this week. I'm still a Comic-Con newbie -- last year was my first -- but hopefully I can convey some of the excitement that is emanating from the Gaslamp District. And unlike last year, when I was primarily on my own, I've dragged along two friends from England (who I will refer to as The Brits) and a friend from Nevada who is the un-geekiest person I know. Should be interesting.
This year already feels a bit crazier -- a bit more crowded -- than last year. The festivities started before badges were even handed out, with Psych/Burn Notice/White Collar girls handing out cards related to the show. SyFy (man I want to write Sci-Fi) gave out a collection of badges and mega-totes so large that you could carry a few children inside -- this year with backpack straps!
And then I saw a young guy wearing a #23--Jack Shephard shirt and I started jumping up and down with glee. Until I remembered that there was no LOST panel this year. Sigh.
However, the true Wednesday excitement/disappointment was all about the bags that came with badges. Each attendee is given a bag from WBTV, with titles varying from Looney Tunes to Human Target and Chuck. I had my eye on a few and while standing in line I realized that we had no choice -- you get what you're handed. And the volunteers were wisely handing them out folded so that you couldn't see what they were giving you.
It was funny to watch the WBTV bag dance, as people got their bag, walked into an open area of the pavilion, and then unfolded their bags. Then came either the joyful squees of delight or the droopy faces and sighs of the disappointed. I was a droopy sigh girl.
I got a Bugs Bunny bag -- just his hand and a carrot. PANTS! (insert real swear word here) I watched as other people tried to beg and plead with the volunteers to get a different bag, only to be kindly rebuffed.
I formulated a cunning plan (SDCC makes me do things I wouldn't normally do). I scoped out the crowd. . .looking for children that might have a Fringe bag that was too scary for them or a Human Target bag about which they were indifferent. Every kid seemed to have a cartoon bag. AHHHH.
I finally caught sight of two men, probably my age, one of whom had a Looney Tunes bag like mine and one who had a Chuck bag. Now, normally I don't talk to strangers, but I was SDCC desperate.
I walked up to the men, who were already starting to scan through their catalogues of events.
"Hello," I tentatively said.
"Hi!" they both responded.
So far so good.
"Ummmm. . .," I continued, already embarrassed, "I have a really random question."
"36 1/2!" replied the taller of the two. "72!" he continued, clearly enjoying this moment.
He was funny, but I had a mission.
"I was wondering. . .are you really attached to your Chuck bag?"
"Oh. No. Not at all."
"Would you be willing to trade for my Bugs Bunny bag?"
"Of course!"
"I told you that Bugs Bunny bag was scary!" his friend interjected.
I thanked them profusely and considered offering them my first-born child or a million dollars (neither of which I have), but they seemed fine with the deal and I skipped away (literally) as the proud owner of a Chuck bag.
People at Comic-Con are cool.
@tahoewikander
I must confess, I'm normally more of a lurker, but Lottery Ticket convinced me to come out of hiding to report on my SDCC experiences this week. I'm still a Comic-Con newbie -- last year was my first -- but hopefully I can convey some of the excitement that is emanating from the Gaslamp District. And unlike last year, when I was primarily on my own, I've dragged along two friends from England (who I will refer to as The Brits) and a friend from Nevada who is the un-geekiest person I know. Should be interesting.
This year already feels a bit crazier -- a bit more crowded -- than last year. The festivities started before badges were even handed out, with Psych/Burn Notice/White Collar girls handing out cards related to the show. SyFy (man I want to write Sci-Fi) gave out a collection of badges and mega-totes so large that you could carry a few children inside -- this year with backpack straps!
And then I saw a young guy wearing a #23--Jack Shephard shirt and I started jumping up and down with glee. Until I remembered that there was no LOST panel this year. Sigh.
However, the true Wednesday excitement/disappointment was all about the bags that came with badges. Each attendee is given a bag from WBTV, with titles varying from Looney Tunes to Human Target and Chuck. I had my eye on a few and while standing in line I realized that we had no choice -- you get what you're handed. And the volunteers were wisely handing them out folded so that you couldn't see what they were giving you.
It was funny to watch the WBTV bag dance, as people got their bag, walked into an open area of the pavilion, and then unfolded their bags. Then came either the joyful squees of delight or the droopy faces and sighs of the disappointed. I was a droopy sigh girl.
I got a Bugs Bunny bag -- just his hand and a carrot. PANTS! (insert real swear word here) I watched as other people tried to beg and plead with the volunteers to get a different bag, only to be kindly rebuffed.
I formulated a cunning plan (SDCC makes me do things I wouldn't normally do). I scoped out the crowd. . .looking for children that might have a Fringe bag that was too scary for them or a Human Target bag about which they were indifferent. Every kid seemed to have a cartoon bag. AHHHH.
I finally caught sight of two men, probably my age, one of whom had a Looney Tunes bag like mine and one who had a Chuck bag. Now, normally I don't talk to strangers, but I was SDCC desperate.
I walked up to the men, who were already starting to scan through their catalogues of events.
"Hello," I tentatively said.
"Hi!" they both responded.
So far so good.
"Ummmm. . .," I continued, already embarrassed, "I have a really random question."
"36 1/2!" replied the taller of the two. "72!" he continued, clearly enjoying this moment.
He was funny, but I had a mission.
"I was wondering. . .are you really attached to your Chuck bag?"
"Oh. No. Not at all."
"Would you be willing to trade for my Bugs Bunny bag?"
"Of course!"
"I told you that Bugs Bunny bag was scary!" his friend interjected.
I thanked them profusely and considered offering them my first-born child or a million dollars (neither of which I have), but they seemed fine with the deal and I skipped away (literally) as the proud owner of a Chuck bag.
People at Comic-Con are cool.
@tahoewikander
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
The Long ComicCon
As you all know there is no new season of LOST to promote at ComicCon, but that doesn't mean there isn't a LOST presence at ComicCon (although, sadly, there is no @LOST_boss presence at ComicCon) 2010. Several of our regular staff members are going and visiting the different LOST displays, as well as taking in the whole ComicCon experience with Previews and Panels and Participants, Oh MY!
So while this modern mecca of media that has helped make geek chic is going on, we that are stuck at home can live vicariously through those that are posting from the San Diego Convention Center... These are their stories.
Standby for more updates through the weekend of the Con.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
LOST Panel Comic Con 09 New Details!!
With about two weeks to go until the big LOST Panel at San Diego Comic Con, very few details are known about what is planned. Of course LOST writers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse are planned to be a part of the panel with some surprises, but not much more.
However, we have learned through one of our sources that there will be a "few" cast members in attendance including Michael Emerson and possibly Jorge Garcia if things work out. Additionally there is supposedly a "surprise" cast member scheduled!!
Who could this be!? Last years surprise guest was Matthew Fox, but there have been several rumors about returning cast members for Season 6. So could it be like SDCC07 when Michael Perrineau (Michael) made a surprise visit before his return in Season 4?? Could it be Elizabeth Mitchell who is confirmed to appear for her new show V? There was also some chatter about Josh Holloway appearing when Lindelof said he would love for him to be there.
We have sent messages out to a few other sources to try and get some more confirmations, but what do you all think?? Excited yet??
I will be in attendance along with several of you that are also planning to attend and can't wait to meet up and hang out!
If you will be at Comic Con and would like to meet or help us at The ODI, DarkUFO and SpoilerTV live blog the LOST panel or any other part of Comic Con, please make sure you email me at mrtheodi@gmail.com so we can add you to our list and email you details on how you can help.
NOTE: If you have sent and email and not received an email from us, then please resend it, because it is possible it was buried or lost some where?
Thanks for stopping by!
Source: The ODI
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