San Diego Comic-Con 2012

[Jan]

Thanks, both. Ballroom 20 (about 4,000 seats) is very big but with this line-up, it really belongs in Hall H (6,500 seats). I estimate that if I get in line the *moment* the doors open for the con on Friday, I'll have maybe a 25% chance to get in.

But, damn...it sure sounds like fun! We'll see when the full schedule comes out what'll be conflicting - sure to be something. We'll see how seriously I want to attend this one.

And actually, the convention itself isn't very expensive - I'm pretty sure it's under $150 for all 4 days which is pretty reasonable for all that there is. Sure, lodging can be expensive but they've got a *good* shuttle system so it's not really necessary to stay super-close. Most of the time I've stayed 5-7 miles away.

Jan

[Jan]

Some of you may (or may not) remember a small running joke about JMS' blurbs in the Comic-Con guest listings and panel descriptions. Here's a post I made last year:
http://jmsnews.com/forums/showpost.p...89&postcount=5

This year JMS' Special Guest description is:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------J. Michael Straczynski
writer, Superman: Earth One

J. Michael Straczynski is a writer/producer for film, television, and comics. His latest graphic novel, Superman: Earth One, made the New York Times bestseller list for 37 weeks. Five films he's worked on were produced in the last four years: Changeling, Ninja Assassin, Thor, World War Z, and Underworld: Awakening. He's also just written a TV pilot for Will Smith's company, has sold a graphic novel/webisode series to MTV.com, and finished writing the second hardcover volume of Superman: Earth One. He has received the Hugo, Eisner, Inkpot ,and Saturn Awards, and in 2009 he was nominated for a British Academy Award.
------------------------------------------------------------------

So I asked:

Originally Posted by Jan Schroeder

So I was exploring the SDCC website today and happened to read your Special Guest listing. It's far more tame than the last couple of years. You're not going to go all staid and dignified on us, are you, JMS?

And he answered:

Originally Posted by Fans of J. Michael Straczynski

Given the subject matter of what I have to announce, I figured going dignified this one time wouldn't hurt.

So what do you think? Is our JMS is going to receive an honorary degree from a prestigious learning establishment? Will he be knighted? Is he's going to join an elite think-tank advising the government on policy (Don't laugh too hard, they used to do things like that for real)? Whatever it is, sounds like it's big, huh?

Jan

[pascalahad]

My guess is that a statue will be made in his likeliness to replace Lady Liberty (I'll cringe more than a little since I'm french but still, it's jms, poor french girl can't compete).

[Jan]

Comic-Con has begun rolling out thier schedules now. Just found this item for JMS on Friday:

Friday, July 13

8:30-9:30 PM Toy Masters and the 25th Anniversary of Masters of the Universe—To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the release of the live-action He-Man feature Masters of the Universe, the "Seacrest of Sci-Fi," Robert Meyer Burnett (Femme Fatales, Hills Run Red, Free Enterprise) brings you a powerful discussion of Toy Masters, the first ever feature-length documentary on the worldwide phenomenon that inspired an entire generation of children and became a billion-dollar franchise. The film features interviews with the key creative personnel behind every version of the bestselling toy line and all incarnations of Masters of the Universe on television, film, stage, and print, tracing the inception and ups and downs of the fantasy juggernaut. Everyone involved in the 30-year history of this historic franchise makes appearances in the film, including such genre figures as J. Michael Straczynski (Babylon 5, Thor), Richard Edlund (Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark), William Stout (Conan The Barbarian, Pan's Labyrinth), Lou Scheimer (Filmation), Michael Westmore (Star Trek franchise), Don Glut (The Empire Strikes Back, Transformers Animated), and even Dolph Lundgren, who played He-Man in the live-action film. Panel participants include Roger Lay, Jr. (director/producer), Cory Landis (producer), Gary Goddard (director), J. Michael Straczynski (writer), Mark Taylor (visual designer, Masters of the Universe toy line 1980s), Ted Mayer (visual designer/product engineer, Masters of the Universe toy line 1980s), Jack and Leslie Wadsworth (live-action He Man and She Ra, Masters of the Universe: Power Tour), and a special surprise guest! Room 26AB

ETA: JMS just posted that he may or may not be there:

Originally Posted by Fans of J. Michael Straczynski

FYI there's a toy masters docu playing at SDCC Friday night in which I'm interviewed, and the panel description says I'll be there. I indicated that I may or may not be able to show up depending on a variety of factors. Just so nobody shows up looking for me and I'm not around. If I can be there, I'll confirm ahead of time.

[Jan]

The Saturday schedule is up. Good news, two of the three are in the same room. Bad news, room change between the Watchmen panel and the Spotlight. Which means it's pretty certain I'll have to miss the Watchman panel. We'll see what's scheduled just before JMS' spotlight.

Two weeks from today:

Saturday, July 14

11:15-12:30 DC Comics-All Access: OGNs—It's been a big year for DC Comics' award-winning, original graphic novels, and it's only going to get bigger! Get unfiltered access to behind the scenes of your favorite and most talked about original graphic novels Publisher! Joining the all access party will be some of the industry's top talents, including Anthony Bourdain (Get Jiro!), Shane Davis (Superman: Earth One), Langdon Foss (Get Jiro!), Geoff Johns (Batman: Earth One), and J. Michael Straczynski (Superman: Earth One), so don't miss out! Room 6DE


12:45-1:45 DC Comics: Before Watchmen—It's not the end of the world. It's the beginning! You don't want to miss this panel about the most talked about comic book series of 2012! DC Entertainment co-publisher Dan DiDio, VP/art direction and design Mark Chiarello, senior editor Will Dennis, and creators Amanda Conner (Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre), Darwyn Cooke (Before Watchmen: Minute Men), Adam Hughes (Before Watchmen: Dr Manhattan), J. Michael Straczynski (Before Watchmen: Nite Owl), Len Wein (Before Watchmen: Ozymandias, Curse of the Crimson Corsair), and others talk about this game-changing event! Hurm! Room 6DE


2:00-3:00 Spotlight on J. Michael Straczynski—Joe has been coming to SDCC for decades (despite popular requests) with news and announcements. If all goes as it should between press-time and this panel, he will be making the most important announcement of his career (no, not his retirement-despite popular requests). If all does not go as it should, he will be giving a talk about migratory bird patterns. So come roll the dice with J. Michael Straczynski! Room 7AB

Emphasis all mine. Hmmm....

From what JMS posted several days ago, right after the Spotlight should be an augothraph session. This has got to be one of the heaviest schedules I've ever seen for a guest, with no time between panels to do anything but hit the bathroom and go on to the next one. Whew.

Jan

[pascalahad]

Is Paramount finally giving him and Bryan Fuller the reins of their next Star Trek series?

Has he discovered a new species of migratory bird? Are the patterns of migratory birds the secret of the universe?

14 days to know!

[Jan]

Sunday's schedule is up and nothing new for JMS. I'd forgotten to post the listings for the other B5-associated folks, though:

Thursday, July 12
5:00-6:00 The Most Dangerous Women at Comic-Con—Actresses, stuntwomen, creative cosplayers, outspoken bloggers, and groundbreaking comic book creators-which women are the movers and shakers on the convention scene? Who are the innovators breaking barriers in the world of fandom? To discuss these game changers, Action Flick Chick Katrina Hill (GeekNation, MTV Geek) has assembled a team of women dangerous in their own right: Leah Cevoli (Robot Chicken), Holly Conrad (Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope), Adrianne Curry (Stan Lee's World of Heroes), Abbie Heppe (Respawn Entertainment), Clare Kramer (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Kristen Nedopak (Skyrim: To Lydia with Love), Milynn Sarley (GeekNation's Lairs), Stephanie Thorpe (ElfQuest: A Fan Imagining), and Patricia Tallman (Night of the Living Dead, Babylon 5). With moderator Bonnie Burton (SFX Magazine). Room 7AB

Friday, July 13
2:15-3:15 Tron: Uprising—Disney XD is bringing the Grid to Comic-Con! Join the noteworthy voice cast Elijah Wood (Beck), Bruce Boxleitner (Tron), Emmanuelle Chriqui (Paige) and Tricia Helfer (The Grid), along with executive producer/director Charlie Bean and consulting producers Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz (Once Upon a Time, LOST), to see exclusive footage and find out everything you want to know about this ground-breaking animated series. The panel will also feature never-before-seen clips of Disney XD's turbo-charged original series Motorcity and a sneak peek of the upcoming animated series Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja. The panel will be moderated by Daily Variety film editor Josh Dickey. Room 6A

Thursday, July 12

1:30-2:30 Self-Publishing: Exploring the E-Frontier—The best time in the history of the world to be a writer is today. Mark O'Bannon (author of The Dream Crystal), E. C. "Feo Amante" McMullen Jr. (author of the science fiction collection Perpetual Bullet), Jimmy Diggs (freelance writer for Star Trek DS9 and Voyager), and Marc Scott Zicree (Space Command, Star Trek TNG and DS9, Babylon 5, Sliders, The Twilight Zone Companion) show you what it takes to self-publish your book or film. Join them and discover a new golden age for writers and filmmakers. Moderated by O'Bannon. Room 4
Tags: Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

Friday, July 13

8:30-9:30 Space Command: Bold Adventures in the Far Reaches of Space—Science fiction legends Marc Scott Zicree (Star Trek: The Next Generation), Doug Drexler (Battlestar Galactica), Neil Johnson (Humanity's End), Michael Reaves (Star Wars, Batman), and Ian McCaig (Star Wars) premiere footage from the highly anticipated epic adventure series that spans 200 years of Galactic History. Stars Doug Jones (Pan's Labyrinth), Katherine McEwan (Humanity's End), Christina Moses (Star Trek New Voyages), and Amber Benson (Buffy) discuss their roles. The visionary team gives you an early look at the stunning character design and visual effects, plus the epic score from David Raiklen. Inspired by heroic science fiction of the '50s. A revolution in film funding and distribution, made by A-list creators for the fans free from studio restrictions. Room 5AB
Tags: Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

Saturday, July 14

6:00-7:30 A Tribute to the Legendary Ray Bradbury—Some called him the greatest writer of fantasy of all time. He was a writer of legendary science fiction, an inspiration to generations, and a good friend of Comic-Con. We lost him on June 12, and now many of his friends and colleagues gather to celebrate this extraordinary figure. The guest list is still being finalized as this guide goes to press, but it should include authors William F. Nolan, George Clayton Johnson, Marc Scott Zicree, Joe Hill, and Margaret Atwood, along with figures from the worlds of motion pictures and television. Your hosts are Bradbury biographer Sam Weller (Shadow Show: All-New Stories in Celebration of Ray Bradbury) and Comic-Con special guest Mark Evanier. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite Bradbury character. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

No panel listings for Claudia Christian so it looks like her appearance will only be on the show floor.

[Jan]

JMS just posted:

Originally Posted by J. Michael Straczynski

As we go into San Diego Comic Con this week, keep an eye on this account. Something amazing is going to happen.

[Greg60]

I don't know what it could be, but i'm dying from anticipation...














Are we there yet ? ^^

[Jan]

Originally Posted by Greg60

Are we there yet ? ^^

Not yet. My plane doesn't leave until Wed. morning. And then JMS' panel isn't until Saturday.

Obviously his plan is to drive us crazy. Nice to know he doesn't change!

Jan

[WorkerCaste]

Originally Posted by Jan

Obviously his plan is to drive us crazy. Nice to know he doesn't change!

And for some of us it's a really short drive.

[Jan]

Originally Posted by WorkerCaste

And for some of us it's a really short drive.

I resemble that remark (to put it mildly)!

Jan

[Jan]

Just realized another B5 writer will be at the con - Peter David. Here's what I found for his schedule:

Thursday, July 12

11:45-12:45 Stan Lee's World of Heroes—The legendary Stan Lee introduces his new YouTube channel that tells the stories of heroes, villains, and the fans who love them. In this epic panel, Stan, Mark Hamill (Star Wars), Adrianne Curry (America's Next Top Model), Peter David (The Hulk), Jace Hall (The Jace Hall Show), and Bonnie Burton (Star Wars Craft book) talk about their new shows, debut new episodes and trailers, answer questions from fans, and provide a few Stan Lee surprises. Room 6BCF


Saturday, July 14

10:00-11:00 After Earth—Enter the world of After Earth with an in-depth panel that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the universe of the upcoming film and comic book. With the film now in post-production and set to hit theaters next June, screenwriter Gary Whitta (Book of Eli) and director of photography Peter Suschitzky (The Empire Strikes Back) will discuss the making of the film. They will be joined by comic book artist Beni Lobel (Spanish horror comic anthology Cthulu; G.I. Joe comic books; Torchwood: Web of Lies motion comic), and writers Robert Greenberger (Iron Man, Batman, and Hellboy novels) and Michael Friedman (Star Trek and X-Men novels) -- the creators of the comic book After Earth: Innocence, which will introduce Kitai and Cypher Raige (played by Jaden and Will Smith in the After Earth film). Also joining the panel is Eisner Award winner Peter David (Star Trek novels and comic books; The Incredible Hulk), who is writing the After Earth prequel novel and also created the After Earth bible with Greenberger and Friedman.

In After Earth, one thousand years after cataclysmic events forced humanity's escape from Earth, Nova Prime has become mankind's new home. Legendary General Cypher Raige (played by Will Smith) returns from an extended tour of duty to his estranged family, ready to be a father to his 13-year-old son, Kitai (played by Jaden Smith). When an asteroid storm damages Cypher and Kitai's craft, they crash-land on a now unfamiliar and dangerous Earth. As his father lies dying in the cockpit, Kitai must trek across the hostile terrain to recover their rescue beacon. His whole life, Kitai has wanted nothing more than to be a soldier like his father. Today, he gets his chance.
Room 6A

4:00-5:00 Writing for Comics, Part 1—Peter David (Hulk, X-Factor, Young Justice), Josh Fialkov (I, Vampire, Last of the Greats, Echo) and former Marvel and IDW editor and comics writer Andy Schmidt (X-Men, G.I. Joe, 5 Days to Die) present an honest and informative discussion on the art of writing for comics. Topics include process, enhancing creativity, and keeping your work honest. Want to write comics? This is the place to start! Hosted by Comics Experience. (This is part 1 of a 2-part panel that continues tonight at 7:00.) Room 11AB


Sunday, July 15

1:00-2:00 Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two—Warren Spector (Disney Epic Mickey), Marv Wolfman (Crisis on Infinite Earths), and Peter David (The Incredible Hulk) discuss the highly anticipated Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power Of Two video game set for release November 18. The panel will explore how the team mapped out the story for this innovative new title, as well as unveil the first details surrounding the Disney Epic Mickey 2 graphic novel, releasing exclusively in Europe in conjunction with the game's arrival in stores. The panel will also present a special never-before-seen sequence from the upcoming release. Additionally, Becky Cline (director, archives for The Walt Disney Company) will be on hand to discuss the reemergence and historical significance of Walt Disney's very first cartoon star, Oswald The Lucky Rabbit, who is prominently featured in the game. Join Warren, Marv, Peter, and Becky for this session. Room 25ABC

[Jan]

Wow, this is looking massive. JMS just poste:

Originally Posted by Fans of J. Michael Straczynski

I’ve never done this before. Never convened a meeting of the clans before. But this is important.

If you’ve ever enjoyed the work I’ve done in comics: the bulk of my run on The Amazing Spider-Man, or Thor, or Silver Surfer: Requiem or Supreme Power or Rising Stars or Midnight Nation or Superman: Earth One –

If you’ve ever been entertained by the work I’ve done in television, going all the way ...back to He-Man to The Real Ghostbusters, Twilight Zone, Babylon 5, Crusade or Jeremiah –

If you’ve followed the work I’ve done in movies, from Changeling to Thor or Underworld Awakening –

If the work I’ve done has moved you or touched you or made you think about a few things in new ways...and if you’re going to be at San Diego Comic Con on Saturday or you know someone who will...then I’m inviting you to come to my spotlight at 2:00 in room 7AB, where something extraordinary will be launched into the world.

I can guarantee that you will see at least one thing that you have never seen before.

And how many times in life does that happen?

jms

That just added another hour to my room-sitting time. Wonder if I'll be able to make the Graphic Novel panel even?!

Jan

[Greg60]

What if he would create his own company/label ?
Giving him full control over what he wants to publish, books/film/whatever.
It seems too big to be true, but his messages are REALLY intriguing to say the least !