Comic-Con 2015 Day 3: No Hate for the Hateful Eight

I got up at a really unpleasant hour of the morning to get in line for Hall H and the panel for Quentin Tarantino's new film, The Hateful Eight. (I refuse to sleep out all night for any panel that doesn't involve a full-body massage administered by Bruce Campbell.) I followed the line past the tents, out past the marina, and onto an area nicknamed "the island" by Hall H line campers. Whilst waiting, I chatted with a nice guy named Henry, and eventually the line compressed as people got out of their sleeping bags. We ended up under the tents and figured that this meant we would get into the hall. Sure enough, we were ushered in with room to spare and settled down for the panels.

The view from the end of the Hall H line, about 6 a.m.

The first was the Warner Brothers panel, which featured previews of (and extremely brief panels for) The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Pan, Suicide Squad, and Batman vs. Superman. All of these movies certainly look well made, but nothing seemed particularly compelling about them. It was nice to see Hugh Jackman at the panel for Pan, though.

After that it was a combo panel for Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and for Patient Zero. Of the two, the latter actually seems a bit more interesting primarily because of the cast (two Game of Thrones alumni, Matt Smith doing a credible American accent, and Stanley Tucci being a boss). But nothing that can't wait for Netflix.

Then we finally had what I had come here for: Tarantino introducing his new film, The Hateful Eight. Actually, first off was a filmed intro with Samuel L. Jackson explaining the the movie was filmed in 70mm Panavision and that a limited-engagement "roadshow" release was planned. (Consider my ticket bought.) Then Tarantino was there, being his usual hyper, verbose self; cast members Kurt Russell, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, and Bruce Dern (among others) didn't get to talk much but all seemed very enthusiastic about the film. The capper to the panel was that we all got swag: a lobby-card-style poster for the film.

Kurt Russell at the Hateful Eight panel.

Quentin Tarantino at the Hateful Eight panel.

After the panel I met Scott for lunch (at The Field, a very good Irish pub), and then we did a bit more looking around at the vendor room before heading upstairs to a panel that showed a planned (but never published) 3-D EC comic, complete with a dramatic reading and 3-D glasses. Lots of fun. Dinner was at a mediocre and overpriced BBQ place.

And of course, it wouldn't be Comic-Con without some cosplayers and other oddities.

"Stay on target."

Cosplaying scooter riders.

Nux and Imperator Furiosa out for dinner. WITNESS ME!

Tomorrow: Thrilling Adventure Hour and one last round of shopping.

Comic-Con 2015 Day 2: Con Men and Deadites

Had a relatively restful morning, taking our time and getting to the Con before opening time. We loitered outside, waiting for the doors to open so we could hit the exhibitor floor. This wait was made annoying by various SDCC personnel who gave us much conflicting information about when the doors would open and which entrance we should use, but eventual it was all sorted out. The wait was also notable for that elusive phenomenon of spotting a celebrity in the wild (i.e., not as part of a panel or other scheduled appearance), when I saw Nathan Fillion walking outside the con, heading in the general direction of Hall H. This would not be my last encounter with Mr. Fillion this day.

Once we got in, Scott and I spent a good couple hours looking around. I got a Dalek t-shirt for Alex, and a Fantagraphics collection of George Evans's comics work for myself. Scott was given a free poster at Shout Factory for being a punk rock enthusiast. 

After lunch I headed over to Nerd HQ for the Con Man panel. While I was waiting I got myself a Nerd HQ messenger bag, which I like because it's pink (I can incorporate it into my "Let's take pink back from the princesses" campaign). Then it was on to the panel itself, which was lots of fun. The guests were: Alan Tudyk, Nathan Fillion, P.J. Haarsma, Tricia Helfer, Alison Haislip, Michael Trucco, Nolan North, and Casper Van Dien. We got to see the trailer for Con Man and hear about the making of the web series, which looks like it's going to be a hilarious yet respectful look at the con life.

Alan Tudyk and Nathan Fillion at the Con Man Nerd HQ panel 

(my apologies for crappy photo quality)

I was prepared to immediately leave after the panel was over and hustle back to the convention center, as I wanted to be sure we got into the Ash vs. Evil Dead panel, but the Nerd HQ folks had a surprise for us. The Con Man panel were going to take pictures with all 200 panel attendees. Well, I could hardly pass that up, as you can see.

Nathan Fillion doesn't seem to like my hat very much.

After that bit of fun, I got back to the convention center. Scott and I ended up camping out in the Sense8 panel (which was just its creator talking, no other panelists) and then enjoying the Ash vs. Evil Dead panel. We got to see two versions of the trailer, and then hear from guests that included Sam Raimi, Lucy Lawless (it's very strange to hear her speak in her natural Kiwi accent), and the ever-awesome Bruce Campbell. Bruce was in fine form, being both funny and snarky, and even hosting an impromptu Ash cosplay contest (the winner was the girl whose costume had "groovy" on the butt).

Ivan Raimi, Sam Raimi, Lucy Lawless, and Bruce Campbell whet our appetites for Ash vs. Evil Dead

After the panel, we went to Smash Burger for dinner (very tasty but at that point we were so hungry most anything would have tasted good) and then back to the hotel for a soak in the spa.

Tomorrow: Hoping to meet the Hateful Eight!

Off to San Diego for Comic-Con!

This time tomorrow I should be arriving in San Diego for Comic-Con, where I'll be joining more than 100,000 of my nerdy brethren for four days of geeking out, attending panels, and standing in lines.

I'm particularly excited because my book A Nerd Girl's Guide To Cinema will be on sale at exhibitor booth 5627 (William Wu Books). Stop by, take a look at the book, pick up some free postcards and bookmarks, and who knows, you may see me there too.

I'll also be trying for the Doctor Who, Con Man, Hateful Eight, and Ash vs. Evil Dead panels, and doing my usual shopping.

Look for updates each evening! And lots of this:

A giveaway at The Reading Cafe!

The most excellent book blog The Reading Cafe is celebrating its third anniversary.

I'm joining in the festivities by hosting a giveaway. Enter to win a print or ebook edition of my new novel Undertow (recently reviewed by The Reading Cafe), or some bookmarks featuring all my lovely novel covers.

Enter today! Giveaway lasts til February 28!

1000th post celebration and giveaway at The Book Bag

The ever-awesome Susan at The Book Bag is celebrating her 1000th blog post with a massive giveaway. Be sure to take a look at all the books available (including a copy of The Day After Yesterday) and enter to win!

Today's mood

Slightly belated report from Stan Lee's Comikaze 2013

This past Saturday I went to Stan Lee's Comikaze 2013, a newcomer to the con scene (this is only its third year).

Going to this con was something of an impulse decision, as I didn't know what it would be like. But frankly, it was going to be such a long time til 2014 San Diego Comic-Con (and who knows if I'll even be able to get passes this year) I figured I had nothing to lose. I'm happy I did, because I had quite an enjoyable time.

Got to the L.A. Convention Center an hour before opening, expecting lines and a mass of humanity. It was so empty that I got parking on the first floor of the structure and waltzed right up to registration with no line. Quite a difference from SDCC! I loitered in line until 9, and then they let us out onto the vendor floor. There was a good array of vendors, including quite a few Steampunk vendors. I ended up buying the novel Queen Mab by Kate Danley (who is a lovely person and signed it for me). I also bought some goodies for my boys, who couldn't make it that day, and some more buttons for my fangirl jacket.

Probably the highlight of the day was the cosplayers. Lots of them, and because Comikaze is so new, the floor wasn't crammed with people the way it is at SDCC so there was room for the cosplayers to strut their stuff and be photographed.

Here are some of my favorite cosplayers from the day:

A Gizmonic Institute employee with Tom Servo 

Black Swan ballerina 

The Toxic Avenger! 

Daenerys Targaryen with one of her dragons 

Captain Hammer's here, hair blowing in the breeze! 

A stormtrooper looking for some droids

Of course, it wouldn't be a con without some signings, and the one I had my eye on was the ever-awesome Bruce Campbell. The line for Bruce's signing was huge, but I got in it early (I was smart and brought lunch with me into line) and I was able to get my copy of If Chins Could Kill signed. And he called me "darlin'." I'm a very happy fangirl.

Bruce Campbell, being groovy 

There were panels as well. Unfortunately I missed a few I would have liked because of being in line for Bruce, but I did manage to catch the Troma panel, which was enjoyable even though I think their movies are more fun to hear about than actually watch. I also caught the Thrilling Adventure Hour panel, which was amusing and made me want to seek out some podcasts and get to know more about this show.

The Troma films panel, including an actor from The Toxic Avenger. The guy with the mustache fourth from the left is Ron Jeremy.

The Thrilling Adventure Hour panel guests. Yes, Castle fans, that's Molly Quinn over on the left.

All in all, a very enjoyable day. The con still has a few details to iron out. More maps and directions for the panels would be good, as there was some confusion about where the panels were. The food and beverage stands seemed pretty overtaxed (the Starbucks ran out of milk!). And there needs to be more seating (no way my husband could have handled the entire day, so it's just as well he couldn't make it). But I think it's a great con so far and provided they keep their attendance capped and don't stuff the venue over capacity (I'm looking at you, SDCC) I see no reason I won't keep coming to the con in years to come. 

Last Comic-Con post, I mean it

I've been a bit waylaid by the infamous "Con Crud" - a sore throat and vague sinus troubles that are the inevitable result of cramming 100,000 people in a relatively small area and recirculating the air endlessly. But here are my thoughts, favorite things, and a few last pictures from this year's Con.

• Lots of good cosplayers this year. There seems to be much more variety in the costumes and that's a good thing. The point of this event should be to geek out about the things that are dear to you, not to dress up like something just because every other nerd will be doing it.
• Lines are never fun but at least in the lines I was in, people took things in stride, were cheerful and friendly. Karen and I had a nice chitchat with Deadpool Waldo (see my entry from a few days ago), talking about movies and TV, and introducing him to the Castle tie-in books. 
• Con is way too crowded. Seriously. There should be no reason for people to camp out all night to get into Hall H. I'd heard that unless you were there at 3 in the morning, there was no way to get into the hall, and that is just ridiculous. Unfortunately, I don't see SDCC cutting back on the crowds, because if you build it, they will come, and that means more profit.
• The upside of this is that maybe more people will check out smaller panels. Aside from our day of Ballroom 20 and Agents of SHIELD, we tended to stick with the medium-to-small events and had a great time. The Roger Rabbit anniversary panel gave good insight into the making of the movie and what an amazing technical achievement it was, and the Spike and Mike animation show was very entertaining. 
• Props once again go to Zachary Levi's Nerd HQ. This time the HQ took over a portion of Petco Park and I think it should stay there. Panels were held in a small, intimate location (only 250 seats) and rest of HQ was a pleasant getaway with comfy couches and video games aplenty. Best of all was the night-time showing of Serenity, out on the grass of Petco Park - just fans with their blankets out on the grass. Only way we could top that is to make it a pajama party. 

And now here are a last round of photos. Enjoy!

A prop from 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea 

The gun used in publicity shots by Sean Connery as James Bond 

Nerd HQ in Petco Park gets ready for the evening showing of Serenity 

One of the best cosplays - Big Tall Headless Dude 

Inside Nerd HQ - a great place to relax for a while 

At Nerd HQ, lots of video games - you could choose from the latest ones or old school arcade games like Centipede and Galaga 

Alan Tudyk introduces Nathan Fillion's Nerd HQ panel. 

Alan Tudyk and Nathan Fillion at Nerd HQ (same for all the rest below)

 

Might get a few more pictures in from friends, but you can probably tell that it was a pretty good time!

Comic-Con 2013 Day 4: I have a real feeling of Serenity

Hey! Thanks to the miracle of wireless technology here on Amtrak, the Sunday update will actually be on Sunday.

Last night we went over to Petco Park for the outdoor screening of Serenity put on by Nerd HQ. It was very fun and festive as there were no seats, just people sitting on the grass with blankets and enjoying the movie. Zachary Levi came out before the show and danced about enthusiastically, giving high-fives all along the front row (yes, I got a high five), then Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk came out to introduce the film and give a bit of MST3K-type riffing for the first ten minutes or so. I'd never seen the film on a big screen and the whole event was fun and very special - I really hope these movies out on the grass become a tradition, as they really reinforce the whole notion behind Comic-con of communal enjoyment of the arts. On the way out we spotted Nathan on a balcony above the grass - he waved and called out to us and at one point joked that he was going to crowd-surf (he was a good forty feet above us).

The next morning we slept in, sort of. Packed up, had breakfast, checked out, and left our bags with the front desk. Then we headed down to Nerd HQ for our 12:30 panel with Nathan. As we got there a bit early, we loitered around Nerd HQ, playing some games and generally enjoying the laid-back atmosphere. When the panel time came, Karen and I were delighted to find ourselves in the second row, very close to the stage. Woohoo! And to add to our luck, the panel was not just Nathan but Alan as well (it turns out that folks like Nathan and Alan had been doing some host duties throughout the weekend as Zachary Levi's voice was giving out and he has a Broadway play to get back to). This was all good, as Nathan and Alan play off each other like a pro comedy team and the session - part Q&A and part auction for charity - was lots of fun.

After the panel we headed over to the convention center. And here's where my luck began to run out. While I was having a snack in line, one of my crowns came off. Guess I'll be going to the dentist Monday. And the panel we were lining up for, Neil Gaiman, filled up before we could get in. Oh well, such is the way of things at Comic-Con.

We met up with some friends to say goodbye and then headed back to our hotel to get our bags, grab some takeout for dinner and then head to the train. Which is where I am now, heading north. I'll do one final update tomorrow with some photos and thoughts on the con overall (plus I'm running out of laptop battery and the angle on this tray is very awkward). But to sum up - it was a fun and really lovely time.

Let's hope 2014 is as much fun!

Comic-Con 2013 Day 3: MacGuyver saves the day!

I decided to go ahead and cosplay Phantom of the Paradise today, now that the weather had cooled down. I was all dressed up when we realized that part of my helmet/mask was broken (it's a two-part affair connected by hinges, and one of the hinges had broken off and vanished. Fortunately Karen is way more handy than I am and she made a connector out of a hair tie that held the mask together for a while. 

So down we went to Petco Park for the Nerd HQ panel with Joss Whedon. It was in a bleacher box and intimate for Comic-Con, just 250 people. Zac Levi (of the Chuck show) runs Nerd HQ but by this far into events he was losing his voice, so Nathan Fillion filled in as host, an entirely welcome turn of events by my standards. 

I suspected Joss was a Phantom fan based off some movie quotes that had emerged in his tweets, so I made sure I was all helmeted and ready when he entered. Sure enough, he saw me, pointed and grinned. Later I got the mike and stood up to ask a question; when I did, he said something along the lines of "Why are you here? Shouldn't you be in the rafters terrorizing people or writing beautiful music for Jessica Harper to sing?" I replied, "Today's my day off." I asked him about his reputation as a bloodthirsty writer who kills off lots of characters and how he felt about that; turns out he's very tired of it. Which I can respect, but I'm still mad about what he did to Fred and Wes. The whole panel was great, with lots of laughs not just from Joss but from Nathan as well (quelle surprise). But my inner fangirl was all happy at the interaction with one of the creators I admire and respect the most. 

After the panel it was over to the convention center, where I got in line for the panel about Live Forever, a biopic about Ray Bradbury. It was a good panel (the only disappointment was that my longtime crush Malcolm McDowell, who reads Bradbury's poetry in the film, could not attend). I'm definitely going to be on the lookout for the film, as Bradbury is one of my idols.

Then I paraded around the place in costume getting compliments and my picture taken, until my patience with the sweaty costume and the jury-rigged hinge gave out and I caught the bus back to the hotel.

We still have a full night ahead of us, as Nerd HQ is putting on a screening of Serenity in Petco Park with Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk in attendance. It will be late by then, and in the morning we have to pack before our full day and travel back to Pasadena, so the next update will be Monday morning!

Comic-Con 2013 Day 2: We have achieved nerd-vana

We got up early-ish to head down to the Convention Center and get in line for Ballroom 20. Our goal was to camp out for the Marvel's Agents of SHIELD panel, and we were concerned that there would be the same nightmare of getting into the room that we had last year with the Firefly reunion.

It turned out that the odds were ever in our favor. We knew the minute we got into line - under the tents and NOT all the way down the stairs and out by the marina - that things weren't going to be as bad as last year. It turned out that we were able to get into the room with no problem for the first panel of the day - a panel of the Big Bang Theory show writers. We hung out for that and the subsequent panels as well (Legend of Korra, Bones) and then it was time for Agents of SHIELD.

Much of the show's cast was there, most notably the ever awesome Clark Gregg as the not-quite-dead Agent Coulson, and of course director Joss Whedon. They answered a few questions, and then showed us the season premiere episode. Not a clip or a trailer. THE ENTIRE EPISODE. We were just giddy after this - it was well worth the wait. And I won't give spoilers but let me say that the show looks to be a whole lot of fun, and I'll be tuning in this fall.


Joss Whedon and Clark Gregg at the Marvel's Agents of SHIELD panel


After that I got one of my son's Big Nate comic collections signed by cartoonist Lincoln Peirce, we did a bit of looking around on the exhibitor floor, and then went back upstairs for a 25th Anniversary panel on Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Many of the animators were there, along with Charles Fleischer, who did the voice of Roger and several other characters. The panel was full of insights into the making of the movie, and showed what a remarkable achievement it was given the technology of the day.

Big Halo figure on the exhibitor floor 

Boba Fett on the exhibitor floor

Han Solo after waiting in line for Hall H all day

Dalek and Doctor

 One of the actual tribbles from Star Trek!

A guy dressed as Deadpool dressed as Where's Waldo

Marion, Sallah, and Indy

After the panel we went out for dinner at Sammy's Woodfired Pizza, which is just fabulous (they even had one of my favorite wines on the list so we each got a glass). Then we toddled on back to the hotel for a soak in the spa and hitting the hay.

My brie and truffle oil pizza at Sammy's Woodfired Pizza - nom nom nom!

Tomorrow will be a very Whedon-y day with us catching the Nerd HQ Joss panel in the morning, and then in the evening a showing of Serenity. And I might cosplay, depending on the weather and my mood.

So long Mom, I'm off to Comic-con

Yes, it's that time of year again! Tomorrow I'll be on a train for beautiful San Diego, where I'll join more than 100,000 of my fellow nerds for Comic-Con.

Basically, for the next few days on this blog, there will be a whole lot of this:

Am hoping to post an account of each day, along with photos and whatnot. I'm hoping to get into the Marvel's Agents of SHIELD panel, get some stuff signed, and catch some other panels. I'll be seeing a panel with Joss Whedon, and also catching an outdoor showing of Serenity with Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk in attendance.

Should be fun!

One month until Comic-Con!

Yes! One month from today, my friend Karen and I will join more than 100,000 of our fellow nerds at San Diego Comic-Con. We'll spend Wednesday the 17th chilling out in our hotel room after having had a nice dinner, figuring out which panel to line up for and how much time we'll spend on the vendor floor or simply people-watching.

I first started going to Comic-Con in '08 - it was my present to myself for my 40th birthday (figured I'd kick off the mid-life crisis in style). And I must admit that walking into the San Diego Convention Center that first time was a life-changing experience. In the midst of all the crowds and sensory overload and adrenaline was a feeling of calm. Knowing that everyone here got it. It didn't matter what "it" was - specifics didn't matter. But everyone understood the enthusiasm, and supported it. I realized that for once in my life, I didn't have to explain myself or the things I liked. This was a great feeling, because I'd spent most of my life apologizing for my taste in things. Since then, I've resolved to never apologize for liking what I do, whether it be some weird art-house movie or a Regency romance novel. I'm not always successful, but at least I try.

Yes, Comic-Con is way too crowded these days. Yes, getting tickets is such an utter boondoggle that I operate under the assumption that every Con might be my last one. Yes, it's an exhausting few days. But it's something special. There's nothing else quite like it.

I will turn the mike over to my imaginary boyfriend everyone's favorite geek god Nathan Fillion, quoted here in a 2012 issue of Entertainment Weekly:

"Comic-Con is more than comics. More than the merchandise packed into oversize shoulder bags. More than the cosplay enthusiasts and doodad collectors. It's not the sneak previews, the special surprise guests, the actors or enormously talented writer-directors of the third-grossing-highest movies of all time. It's the freedom to geek out in wild abandon, to enjoy freely and without judgment. It's the best part of fandom. It's the best part of excitement and dedication. It's generosity of spirit. it's the best part of thousands of people in one place at one time."

So I'm getting ready. I've got my nerdy t-shirts picked out. I'm debating which hat (a chapeau is my trademark) to wear. My Phantom of the Paradise cape is being hemmed at the cleaners (people kept stepping on it last year). I'm researching restaurants so Karen and I get at least one good meal in each day. I'm bringing swag for friends' books to leave on the freebie table. I'm getting ready to dance at the nerd prom.

Review: Much Ado About Nothing

A black-and-white Shakespeare adaptation filmed in less than a fortnight might seem an odd film for a summer movie release, but Joss Whedon's take on the Bard is actually perfect summer entertainment. It's sweet and refreshing and leaves you with a smile on your face; it's like a tall glass of ginger beer on a hot day.

Leonato (Clark Gregg) is hosting a get-together consisting of "prince" Don Pedro (Reed Diamond) and his entourage. Abetting him in his duties as host are his daughter Hero (Jillian Morgese) and niece Beatrice (Amy Acker). Beatrice seems to have mixed feelings about the event as included in Don Pedro's retinue is Benedick (Alexis Denisof) with whom she has a "merry war" of words (said war seems to have its origin in a silent pre-credits sequence that implies Beatrice and Benedick had a brief fling that didn't end well). Soon a party is under way and things get complicated: Hero catches the eye of Claudio (Fran Kranz) and the two instantly plan to marry; Don Pedro's sullen brother Don John (Sean Maher) decides he wants to be a total jerk and sabotage the Hero/Claudio engagement; and the friends of Beatrice and Benedick plan to make the bickering couple realize they love each other. Things take a turn for the grim when Don John's plan succeeds, but true love gets an assist from some bumbling constables led by the well-intentioned if dim-witted Dogberry (Nathan Fillion).

Much Ado About Nothing isn't Shakespeare the way most of us have experienced it (reading it in high school). For one thing, it proves that the play is meant to be seen performed, not just read as text. It's set in modern day, and though its players get messages by iPhone and wield guns instead of swords, the language is still Shakespeare's. In a way, setting the play in a modern era helps rather than hinders comprehension of the language and wordplay. It isn't long before the language seems natural (it also helps that the actors use their everyday voices and accents, though I was so used to seeing Denisof in his role on Angel that it was jarring to hear him without a British accent). Shot at Whedon's home and shown in gorgeous black-and-white, the movie is lovely in a subtle, non-showy way that's welcome amid the more garish summertime cinema offerings.

Setting and cinematography aside, the success of the play is contingent on its actors, and every person here is up to the challenge. It's true that the cast is primarily alumni from Whedon's TV and movie work, but when your friends are as talented as these are, you're allowed to put them all in your movie. The heart of the film belongs to Acker, who gets the full range of emotions as she goes from her banter with Benedick to realization that she loves him to outrage when her cousin Hero's honor is besmirched; and to Denisof, whose rants against romance are a facade to protect himself from heartbreak (a facade that's destroyed the instant he realizes that Beatrice loves him) - the two also do some nifty physical comedy too. Gregg brings his down-to-earth everyman charm to Leonato, and Maher smolders malevolently while causing chaos just because he can. And stealing every scene they appear in are Nathan Fillion and Tom Lenk as constables Dogberry and Verges, with delightful comic chemistry and timing as they jockey for the alpha male position and help bring justice through sheer ineptitude.

The movie never quite loses its "let's put on a show" feel, and the seams show on occasion (particularly the "police station" scenes, where the set appears to be a dining room with a white board and banker boxes added). But those only make everything that much more endearing. It's a lark, and a tremendously enjoyable one.

Today's mood