Each year we get seperate schedules from the various tracks and eventually just before the show a complete schedule is listed. But for those anal smart phone users out there its frustrating as heck!

So this year I have put each track into its own Google Calendar entry that you can access. You can subscribe to them, download them, and more.

Just so you understand, this is what is posted as of 8/19/10, so many tracks are not yet up. I will update them as they become available, but you need to check the master schedule when it comes out to see if room or guests appearances have changed.

ENJOY!

Main Programming Track   (iCal)

Alternate History Track   (iCal)
American SF Media Track   (iCal)
Animation Track   (iCal)
Anime Video Track   (iCal) 
Anime/Manga Track   (iCal)
Anne McCaffrey’s Worlds Track   (iCal)
Apocalypse Rising Track   (iCal)
Armory Programming Track   (iCal)
Art Show Track   (iCal)
Autograph sessions   (iCal)
CosPlay Photo Ops   (iCal) 
Costuming Track   (iCal)
Dark Fantasy Track   (iCal)
Electronic Frontiers Track   (iCal)
Filk Track   (iCal)
Independent Film Festival   (iCal)
Main Video Track   (iCal)
MMO Track   (iCal)
Parties   (iCal)
Podcast Track   (iCal)
Robotics Track   (iCal)
Science Track   (iCal) 
Skeptics Track   (iCal)
Space Track   (iCal) 
Star Wars Track   (iCal)
Stargate Track   (iCal) *OFFICIAL*
Tolkien Track   (iCal)
Whedon Universe Track   (iCal)
Wheel of Time Track   (iCal)
Young Adult Lit Track   (iCal)

The Stargate Track calendar listed above is the official one from the track director. So that one will be updated via the track on the fly throughout the Dragon*Con weekend.

Thanks to @MissLlil for the Cosplay Photo Ops Calendar!!

*UPDATE*
So I have updated the listed calendars with the data from the official pocket program. I decided not to add any additional calendars on Sunday because Dragon*Con stated they were producing iCal listings for all tracks (see here).  But it is now Wednesday and no movement on their part…kinda torked that I didn’t just finish them on Sunday (hate duplicating effort though).

Hope everyone has a great time that are going to D*C this weekend, I will be live blogging the show as I attend panels for those that can’t make it.

Doctor Who Disappearing TARDIS Mug

Pour a hot beverage into your mug and watch the Doctor’s cleverly disguised time capsule materialize in galactic space! As your mug cools, the TARDIS dematerializes before your eyes, moves through the Space Time Continuum, and rematerializes on the other side of your mug, in the middle of a London suburb-all according to Time Lord theory. A treasure for Doctor Who fans! Ceramic; holds 12 ounces. Microwave safe. Hand wash gently.

• 12 oz. mug features TARDIS from Doctor Who
• Tardis disappears from one side and appears on another when you pour in hot beverage
• Microwave-safe
• Size: 3-3/4″ x 5″ x 3-1/2″ (9.5 cm x 12.5 cm x 9 cm)
• Officially licensed product

Here is the 1987 casting memo from Paramount pictures on potential acting talent for their new show Star Trek: The Next Generation. Of course, I have gone ahead and cast the show based on who I thought would have been a good alternative and paired photos from around 1987. We know they were cast correctly in the end!

Jean-Luc Picard
(Patrick Bauchau, seen here in a View to a Kill)

Tasha Yar
(Bunty Bailey, the Ah-Ha video girl)
 Data
(Mark Lindsay Chapman, seen here in Falcon Crest)
 Commander Riker
(Ben Murphy, seen here in the Dirty Dozen TV show)
 Geordi La Forge
(Wesley Snipes, seen here in Major League)

Beverly Crusher
(Jenny Agutter, my boyhood crush from Logans Run)
  Wesley Crusher
(J.D. Roth, seen here in Charles in Charge)

  
(source)

You’ve been clamoring for it, we’ve been working on it, and now we’re ready to announce it — the 2010 Baltimore Comic-Con Panel Schedule!
 
Room 307 (Saturday)
11:00-12:00 – Spotlight on Terry Moore – Terry Moore is the award-winning creator of “Strangers in Paradise” and “Echo” and has also written such comics as Marvel’s “Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane” and “Runaways.” This panel shines the spotlight on Moore and his work and is a must-see for all his fans.

12:00-1:00 – IRREDEEMABLE/INCORRUPTIBLE Panel – Mark Waid’s Harvey and Eisner nominated, best-selling, multiple sell-out IRREDEEMABLE has taken comic fans by storm since its debut, becoming one of the top-selling independent comics published today. Join Mark Waid as he takes a look back at IRREDEEMABLE’s beginnings, the future of the series, and its sister series — INCORRUPTIBLE. A not-to-be-missed panel for any fan of these books! (PSSSSST: Mark will also talk a little bit about his new BOOM! book with Stan Lee called THE TRAVELER. Don’t miss it!)

1:00-2:00 – Spotlight on Thor – With the THOR feature film from Marvel Studios premiering in May, 2011, and his adventures featured across both the Marvel and Ultimate Universes, Thor is one of Marvel’s hottest characters. Chroniclers of the Thunder God’s adventures from the past, present, and future – Walter Simonson, John Workman, Bryan J.L. Glass, and Jonathan Hickman – join Marvel’s Vice President – Executive Editor Tom Brevoort to discuss all things Thor.

2:00-3:00 – Spotlight on Denis Kitchen – Denis Kitchen is a cartoonist and founder of Kitchen Sink Press where he published work by such creators as Will Eisner, Harvey Kurtzman, and Robert Crumb. A book of his art “The Oddly Compelling Art of Denis Kitchen” was recently published by Dark Horse; a new art book, “Denis Kitchen: Chipboard Sketchbook”, is on the way from BOOM!; and a book he co-authored, “Art of Harvey Kurtzman: The Mad Genius of Comic” is nominated for a Harvey Award. Don’t miss this opportunity hear about the work of a true comics original.

3:00-4:00 – Spotlight on Michael Allred – Michael Allred is the creator of “Madman” ,”Atomics”, “Red Rocket 7,” and has worked on such comics as the “Golden Plates,” “X-Statix,” and “Sandman” and is currently drawing “iZombie” from DC/Vertigo. Allred and “iZombie” scribe, Chris Roberson, take a look at his career in a spotlight you dare not miss!
 
Room 308 (Saturday)
11:00-12:00 – comiXology and the Future of Digital Comics -  comiXology has become the leader in the digital comics revolution while maintaining great services for brick and mortar retailers. This past year has seen an explosion of digital comics, and comiXology has been on the forefront of the movement with a massive comics library, online aids for collectors, podcasts, and apps for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod. On comiXology’s one year anniversary, CEO David Steinberger takes a look at the events of this past year and what the future holds for digital comics in this enlightening panel.

12:00-1:00 – Spotlight on Todd McFarlane – From SPAWN to HAUNT, Image Comics founder and partner Todd McFarlane has been the driving force behind the biggest creator-owned titles in the industry. Join McFarlane for exclusive sneak peeks of his upcoming projects and a Q&A session that shouldn’t be missed!

1:00-2:00 – Top Cow: We Create… Universes – Join Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik, Top Cow Universe architect and writer Ron Marz, and Artifacts artist Michael Broussard for a frank and lively discussion of upcoming events in the Top Cow Universe spinning out of the world-shattering event series – Artifacts! Questions will be answered, early sneak peeks shown, and perhaps even a hilarious anecdote will be told. Plus every attendee will receive a free gift just for attending.

2:00-3:00 – DC NATION – The DC NATION returns to Baltimore! We’re always looking for new recruits, so be sure to come on by as DC Comics’ Senior Story Editor, Ian Sattler, and some of the industry’s top talent lead the way to give you the inside scoop to all current and future NATION members!

3:00-4:00 – Mondo Marvel – From the Marvel U to the Ultimate U and everything in between, Vice President – Executive Editor Tom Brevoort, and superstar writers Jonathan Hickman (S.H.I.E.L.D., Fantastic Four) and Jeff Parker (Hulk, Thunderbolts) are on hand to talk about all of your favorite heroes and villains as well as make a few surprise announcements!

4:00-5:00 – IDW ON THE MOVE! – Join IDW Senior editor Bob Schreck, Steve Niles, Bernie Wrightson, Chris Moreno, and Stuart Sayger in this lively look at the company’s current and upcoming releases to be followed by a Q&A session.
 
Room 301-303 (Saturday)
4:00-5:00 – Artist’s Workshop Art Dissection – Klaus Janson and Howard Chaykin open their Artist’s Workshop to all convention guests at this time. A few lucky students from their professional seminar will have their work honestly dissected by these two masters. This is a panel no artist should miss!
 
Room 307 (Sunday)
11:00-12:00 -Creating Comic Art Digitally – Daniel Govar, creator/artist of AZURE along with Matt Zolman, co-creator and artist of Epic, show you the benefit and shortfalls of creating comic art with the use of computer software. From best practices, to resolutions and file formats, they will demonstrate how they create stunning comics using popular software, and answer questions you may have about making comics digitally.

12:00-1:00 – Spotlight on Sergio Aragones – Sergio Aragones has been called the “fastest cartoonist in the world,” has drawn thousands of cartoons for “Mad Magazine,” created Bat Lash and Groo the Wanderer, and kept us laughing for years. Join the award-winning cartoonist for a look at his work that will leave you smiling!

1:00-2:00 – Comics Rewind: The 1980s – The 1980s were a time of growth for comics with the direct market and new publishers offering creators the opportunity to present their creations as never before. And the results were spectacular. Join Louise Simonson (“Power Pack,” “X-Factor”), Walter Simonson (“Thor,” “X-Factor”), Timothy Truman (“GrimJack,” “Scout”), Matt Wagner (“Mage,” “Grendel”), Marv Wolfman (“New Teen Titans,” “Crisis on Infinite Earths”), John Workman (“Heavy Metal”, “Thor”), and moderator Mark Waid as they take a look back at the comics of the 1980s.

2:00-3:00 – Spotlight on Cuba: My Revolution – Artist Dean Haspiel and colorist Jose Villarrubia discuss their new Vertigo graphic novel collaboration. Dean Haspiel is a native New Yorker who created BILLY DOGMA and STREET CODE and has collaborated on great superhero and semi-autobiographical comic books, helped pioneer personal webcomics with the invention of ACT-I-VATE, and draws for HBO’s “Bored To Death.” Jose Villarrubia is a renowned artist/colorist/photographer who has worked on such books as Alan Moore’s “Voice of the Fire” and “Promethea” among many, many others. He is also the chair of the Illustration Department at MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art).

3:00-4:00 – PAUL POPE VS BOB SCHRECK – A CAGED EVENT – Don’t miss this satisfaction-guaranteed, fists-a-flying blood match by joining award-winning multi-talented storyteller, Paul Pope, in an examination of his creative process and how he suffers under the heel of his terrifying editor.
 
Room 308 (Sunday)
11:00-12:00 – Marvel Your Universe – Join Vice President – Executive Editor Tom Brevoort, as he leaves his Marvel ID at the door and enters as a fan! Want to know how things work at the House of Ideas? Got some things to get off your chest about a Marvel character or story?  Well here’s your chance True Believer! It’s the panel for fans BY fans with no spin, no marketing, and just a friendly chat amongst fans!

12:00-1:00 – DC SUNDAY CONVERSATION – All are welcome to join Senior Story Editor Ian Sattler for a relaxed Sunday afternoon discussion. Share your thoughts, or be enthralled, as the group share their stories and love for this medium.

1:00 – Costume Contest – The wildly popular costume contest returns for a second year! The $1,000 grand prize will be awarded to the best over-all costume at the event, including pro and amateur costumes. Other award categories will win DVD prize packages, comic book packages, Orioles baseball tickets, gift certificates to Cards, Comics and Collectibles of Reisterstown, Maryland, and special last minute prizes from top comic book companies. Everyone who enters the contest will win passes to the advance screening of Summit Entertainment’s newest film, RED, starring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, and Helen Mirren (based on the Wildstorm graphic novel by Warren Ellis and Cully Hamner) which opens nationwide on Friday, October 15th.
 
Rooms 301-303 (Sunday)
3:00 – Art Auction – Art fans, don’t miss this opportunity to see and bid on art from your favorite comic artists! You’re sure to find something here you like!
 
Janson & Chaykin Offer Art Seminar
With over seventy five years of cumulative experience in the comic book industry, Klaus Janson and Howard Chaykin are all-too-well-versed in the ins and outs of making a career in our inkstained – and now, with all that digital stuff, carpal tunneled – business.   For the past few years, Klaus and Howard have been conducting an Artist’s Workshop for Marvel, offering invaluable insights, gleaned from those decades of experience, on narrative, storytelling, page design, and career management.

They’ve developed a fluid and comprehensive take on the inside game played by successful cartoonists – and a series of direct and vital techniques intended to drag newer talents out of a hobby and into a profession – without ever losing the joy all of us experience when we ply our craft.

Klaus and Howard have taken their seminar on the road to the renowned Savannah College of Art & Design, to great acclaim from students and faculty alike, and now they’re bringing a customized version of the workshop to the 2010 Baltimore Comic-Con. On Saturday, August 28th, from 1pm to 4pm, Messrs. Janson and Chaykin will entertain and enlighten with a lively, spirited, and very likely prickly and opinionated dissertation, followed, from 4 PM to 5 PM, by an hour of honest dissection of the work of several lucky attendees.  All class registrants will be eligible for the dissection lottery, so bring some of your work if you want to hear from these two very honest men!
 
To register for this very special class, please call our host store, Cards, Comics, & Collectibles @ 410-526-7410.  The cost for this professional seminar is $75.  Major credit cards will be accepted for payment.  The hour of honest dissection from 4pm-5pm will be exciting programming available to all ticketed attendees of the Baltimore Comic-Con.  Register now while space is still available!
Portfolio Reviews
Mark Chiarello, Art Director at DC Comics, will be doing portfolio reviews from 11am to 1pm at the Mark’s booth on both Saturday and Sunday. Think you’ve got the chops to make it as a pro at DC Comics?  Come and find out first-hand!
Todd McFarlane Signing
Attending the show on Saturday only this year, Todd McFarlane will be featured in a Spotlight panel session (room 308) from 12pm-1pm.  Following his panel, he will be signing in booth 2403 from 1:30pm-3:30pm.
Added Guests
We are pleased to announce the addition of the following guests to the 2010 Baltimore Comic-Con:  Danna Bremer (Zuda Comics Crew), Buzz (JSA), Kevin Colden (I Rule The Night), Ian Edginton (Victorian Undead), Steve Ellis (High Moon), John Gallagher (Buzzboy), David Gallaher (High Moon), Dan Govar (Azure), Randy Green (New X-Men), Brad Guigar (Evil Inc.), Matthew Petz (War of the Woods), Chris Staros (Publisher, Top Shelf), and Bobby and Peter Timony (The Night Owls).
 
Previously announced guests include: Dave Aikins (SpongeBob Squarepants), Mike and Laura Allred (Madman), Sergio Aragones (Groo), J.D. Arnold (BB Wolf and the 3 LPs), Ivan Brandon (Nemesis:  The Imposters), Tom Brevoort (Executive Editor, Marvel Comics), Michael Broussard (The Darkness), Jim Calafiore (Secret Six), Eric Canete (New Avengers:  Luke Cage), Tommy Castillo (Moon Lake), Bernard Chang (Prince of Persia), Howard Chaykin (Black Kiss), Sean Chen (Nova), Cliff Chiang (Greendale), Mark Chiarello (Editor, DC Comics), Frank Cho (Ultimate Comics New Ultimates), Mike Choi (X-Force), Steve Conley (Star Trek Omnibus: The Original Series), Amanda Conner (Power Girl), Shane Davis (Superman:  Earth One), Todd Dezago (The Perhapanauts), Fillbach Brothers sponsored by Laughing Ogre Comics (Star Wars: The Clone Wars), Ramona Fradon (Namora), Francesco Francavilla (The Green Hornet:  Year One), SL Gallant (G.I. Joe), Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (Wednesday Comics), Ron Garney (Wolverine:  Weapon X), Sterling Gates (Supergirl), Bryan J.L. Glass (Mice Templar), Mike Gold (Editor, ComicMix Graphic Novels from IDW), Michael Golden (Marvel 1602:  Spider-Man), Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules!), Gabriel Hardman (Atlas), Tony Harris (Justice League: Generation Lost), Dean Haspiel (ACT-I-VATE), Marc Hempel (Absolute Sandman), Jonathan Hickman (Fantastic Four), Greg Horn (Green Lantern), Jason Horn (Ninjasaur), Adam Hughes (Wonder Woman), Jamal Igle (Supergirl), Klaus Janson (Daredevil), Georges Jeanty (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Van Jensen (Pinocchio:  Vampire Slayer), Geoff Johns – Sunday only (Blackest Night, Chief Creative Officer, DC Comics), J.G. Jones (DC Universe Legacies), Joe Jusko (Red Sonja), Denis Kitchen (Oddly Compelling Art of Denis Kitchen), Barry Kitson (Iron Man 2 Prequel), Rich Koslowski (BB Wolf and the 3 LPs), Jason Kruse (World of Quest), Greg LaRocque (The Exiled), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), Norman Lee (New Mutants), Jay Leisten (Uncanny X-Men), Steve Lieber (Underground), Joe Linsner (Dawn:  Not To Touch The Earth), Luna Brothers (The Sword), David Mack (Kabuki), Mike Maihack (Comic Book Tattoo), Clay Mann (X-Men Legacy), Laura Martin (Girl Comics), Ron Marz (Witchblade), Todd McFarlane – Saturday only (Spawn), Mark McKenna (Banana Tail), Mike McKone (Avengers Academy), Bob McLeod (New Mutants Forever), JD Mettler (Justice League: Generation Lost), Pop Mhan (Ender’s Game: Mazer In Prison), Terry Moore (Echo, SiP), Mark Morales (Siege), Chris Moreno (Toy Story), Chip Mosher (Left on Mission, Marketing Director, Boom! Studios), Sean Murphy (Joe the Barbarian), Jamar Nicholas (Radiskull & Devil Doll: Radiskull Hate Love), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), Phil Noto (Avengers:  The Origin), Sonia Oback (X-Force), Denny O’Neil (Batman), Ryan Ottley (Invincible), Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex), Jeff Parker (Thunderbolts), Andrew Pepoy (Jack of Fables), Lauren Perry (Blank-ees), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Brandon Peterson (Ultimate Extinction), Chris Pitzer (Publisher, Adhouse Books), Paul Pope (Wednesday Comics), Eric Powell (The Goon), Brian Pulido (Lady Death), Jack Purcell (Gotham City Sirens), Mike Raicht (The Stuff of Legend), Tom Raney (Black Widow:  Deadly Origin), Rico Renzi (The Perhapanauts), Chris Roberson (I, Zombi), James Robinson (Justice League of America), Kenneth Rocafort (Velocity), Budd Root (Cavewoman), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Craig Rousseau (Marvel Her-Oes), Stephane Roux (Zatanna), Jim Rugg (Afrodisiac), Filip Sablik (The Asset, Top Cow Pubisher), Tim Sale courtesy of Hero Initiative (Captain America White), Ian Sattler (Editor, DC Comics), Alex Saviuk (Stan Lee and the Super Seven), Stuart Sayger (Bram Stoker’s Death Ship), Bob Schreck (Jurassic Park), Jim Shooter (Magnus, Robot Fighter), Louise Simonson (X-Factor Forever), Walter Simonson (Thor), Andy Smith (WildC.A.T.S.), John K. Snyder III (The A-Team:  Shotgun Wedding), Allison Sohn (Star Wars sketchcard artist), Jim Starlin (Dreadstar), Brian Stelfreeze (The Authority:  The Lost Year), Paul D. Storrie (Twilight Crusade:  Gabriel), Karl Story (Zatanna), Billy Tan (Shadowland), Richard Thompson (Cul-de-Sac), Ben Templesmith sponsored by Laughing Ogre Comics (Choker), Mark Texeira (X-Men:  Origins), Bob Tinnell (Lone Justice), Herb Trimpe (Incredible Hulk), Dean Trippe (Superior Showcase), Timothy Truman (Conan the Cimmerian), Billy Tucci (Shi), Ted Tucker (Buzzboy), Dexter Vines (Ultimate Avengers), Neil Vokes (Superman Adventures), Doug Wagner (World of Warcraft:  Horde), Matt Wagner (The Green Hornet:  Year One), Mark Waid (Irredeemable, Chief Creative Officer, Boom! Studios), Mark Wheatley (Lone Justice), Ron Wilson (Marvel Two-In-One), Marv Wolfman (New Teen Titans), John Workman (Heavy Metal), Bernie Wrightson (Swamp Thing), Kelly Yates (Doctor Who: 2010 Annual), Thom Zahler (Love and Capes), and Chrissie Zullo (Cinderella:  From Fabletown With Love).
 
Regretfully, Cully Hamner is unable to attend the show this year. 
 
Publishers exhibiting in 2010 include Archaia Comics, Adhouse Books, Boom! Studios, IDW, Image Comics, Top Cow Productions, and Top Shelf Comix.
 
This year’s Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 28-29, 2010. Convention hours are Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. The ceremony and banquet for the Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, August 28th.
 
About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 11th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. With a guest list unequaled in the industry, the Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 28-29, 2010.  For more information, please visit http://www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

And not just for convention fun, but we even take over the streets with a large 2 hour parade. Be sure to check out their official site and we hope to see you there!

www.dragoncon.org

Two of my favorite collections are his Samurai Wars and the Star Wars: 1942. And boy, if I can get a bomber jacket made like Han is wearing I would just die!

700 pieces, 5 hours, 1 Elder God: Hands-on with Arkham Horror

“Baltimore Comic-Con is my hometown show and one of my personal favorites to exhibit at each year,” stated Top Cow Productions publisher Filip Sablik. “This year, we’re thrilled to be coming back to Baltimore with the Artifacts team of Ron Marz and Michael Broussard as well as artist of Velocity, Kenneth Rocafort. The Baltimore fans know how to treat creators right and so these guys were all too eager to make a return appearance!”   Top Cow will also be offering an exclusive Velocity #1 variant by Michael Broussard with interiors by Kenneth Rocafort at the show as well.      

In addition to Top Cow Productions, publishers exhibiting in 2010 include Archaia Comics, Adhouse Books Boom! Studios, Dark Horse Comics, IDW, Image Comics, and Top Shelf Comix.

Our guests include: Dave Aikins (SpongeBob Squarepants), Mike and Laura Allred (Madman), Sergio Aragones (Groo), Ivan Brandon (Nemesis:  The Imposters), Tom Brevoort (Executive Editor, Marvel Comics), Jim Calafiore (Secret Six), Eric Canete (New Avengers:  Luke Cage), Bernard Chang (Prince of Persia), Howard Chaykin (Black Kiss), Sean Chen (Nova), Cliff Chiang (Greendale), Mark Chiarello (Editor, DC Comics), Frank Cho (Ultimate Comics New Ultimates), Mike Choi (X-Force), Steve Conley (Star Trek Omnibus: The Original Series), Amanda Conner (Power Girl), Shane Davis (Superman:  Earth One), Dan DiDio – Sunday only (The Outsiders, Co-Publisher, DC Comics), Francesco Francavilla (The Green Hornet:  Year One), Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (Wednesday Comics), Ron Garney (Wolverine:  Weapon X), Sterling Gates (Supergirl), Bryan J.L. Glass (Mice Templar), Michael Golden (Marvel 1602:  Spider-Man), Cully Hamner (Detective Comics), Dean Haspiel (ACT-I-VATE), Jonathan Hickman (Fantastic Four), Greg Horn (Green Lantern), Adam Hughes (Wonder Woman), Jamal Igle (Supergirl), Georges Jeanty (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Van Jensen (Pinocchio:  Vampire Slayer), Geoff Johns – Sunday only (Blackest Night, Chief Creative Officer, DC Comics), J.G. Jones (DC Universe Legacies), Denis Kitchen (Oddly Compelling Art of Denis Kitchen), Barry Kitson (Iron Man 2 Prequel), Rich Koslowski (BB Wolf and the 3 LPs), Greg LaRocque (The Exiled), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), Norman Lee (New Mutants), Steve Lieber (Underground), Joe Linsner (Dawn:  Not To Touch The Earth), Luna Brothers (The Sword), David Mack (Kabuki), Clay Mann (X-Men Legacy), Laura Martin (Girl Comics), Ron Marz (Witchblade), Todd McFarlane – Saturday only (Spawn), Mark McKenna (Banana Tail), Mike McKone (Avengers Academy), Bob McLeod (New Mutants Forever), Pop Mhan (Ender’s Game: Mazer In Prison), Terry Moore (Echo, SiP), Mark Morales (Siege), Chris Moreno (Toy Story), Sean Murphy (Joe the Barbarian), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), Phil Noto (Avengers:  The Origin), Ryan Ottley (Invincible), Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex), Jeff Parker (Thunderbolts), Lauren Perry (Blank-ees), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Brandon Peterson (Ultimate Extinction), Chris Pitzer (Publisher, Adhouse Books), Paul Pope (Wednesday Comics), Eric Powell (The Goon), Jack Purcell (Gotham City Sirens), Mike Raicht (The Stuff of Legend), Tom Raney (Black Widow:  Deadly Origin), Chris Roberson (I, Zombi), James Robinson (Justice League of America), Budd Root (Cavewoman), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Craig Rousseau (Marvel Her-Oes), Stephane Roux (Zatanna), Jim Rugg (Afrodisiac), Tim Sale courtesy of Hero Initiative (Captain America White), Ian Sattler (Editor, DC Comics), Stuart Sayger (Bram Stoker’s Death Ship), Bob Schreck (Jurassic Park), Jim Shooter (Magnus, Robot Fighter), Louise Simonson (X-Factor Forever), Walter Simonson (Thor), Andy Smith (WildC.A.T.S.), John K. Snyder III (The A-Team:  Shotgun Wedding), Allison Sohn (Star Wars sketchcard artist), Jim Starlin (Dreadstar), Brian Stelfreeze (The Authority:  The Lost Year), Paul D. Storrie (Twilight Crusade:  Gabriel), Karl Story (Zatanna), Billy Tan (Shadowland), Ben Templesmith sponsored by Laughing Ogre Comics (Choker), Mark Texeira (X-Men:  Origins), Herb Trimpe (Incredible Hulk), Timothy Truman (Conan the Cimmerian), Billy Tucci (Shi), Dexter Vines (Ultimate Avengers), Neil Vokes (Superman Adventures), Doug Wagner (World of Warcraft:  Horde), Matt Wagner (The Green Hornet:  Year One), Mark Waid (Irredeemable, Chief Creative Officer, Boom! Studios), Marv Wolfman (New Teen Titans), John Workman (Heavy Metal), Bernie Wrightson (Swamp Thing), Kelly Yates (Doctor Who: 2010 Annual), and Chrissie Zullo (Cinderella:  From Fabletown With Love).   Regretfully, Al Feldstein will be unable to join us due to illness, but looks forward to returning next year!   

In coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found at our website (http://www.baltimorecomiccon.com/), Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/baltimorecomics), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/baltimorecomiccon), MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/baltimorecomics), and ComicSpace (http://www.comicspace.com/baltimorecomicon) pages.

This year’s Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 28-29, 2010. Convention hours are Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. The ceremony and banquet for the Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, August 28th.  

Contact Information Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con:   press@baltimorecomiccon.com – for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com – for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com – for inquiries about submitted registrationsharveys@baltimorecomiccon.com – for communications regarding the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet general@baltimorecomiccon.com - for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries  

About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 11th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area.  With a guest list unequaled in the industry, the Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 28-29, 2010.  For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry’s oldest and most respected awards.  With a history of over 20 years, the last 5 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories.  They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals.  For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.

The most excellent website io9 has got the full trailer available for your enjoyment. And it should certainly set your expectations. I was especially mesmorized when Anthony Hopkins was doing his best Marlon Brando from Superman impression.

Time to do a search on twitter for the hash tag #wookieleaks and hear all the news being dispensed by and about the Empire!

mola844: sources claim ‘stormtrooper armor literally provides zero protection blasters’ #wookieleaks

cl_movies: Supreme Allied Commander Vader allowed renowned terrorist Luke Skywalker to escape during enhanced interrogation. #wookieleaks

Paramaxas: #wookieleaks documents prove that the death star was a controlled demolition, justifying the empire to go to Hoth.

tcarmody: Despite billions invested on construction of an untested defense system, the new Death Star may not yet be fully operational. #wookieleaks

Obviously someone agrees with my assessment as they took Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure and mashed it with Inception. Great job and well worth a watch.

Thanks for your patience and your questioning tweets/emails as to our wellbeing, things are good!

Outstanding Comedy Series

“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (HBO)
“Glee” (Fox)
“Modern Family” (ABC)
“Nurse Jackie” (Showtime)
“The Office” (NBC)
“30 Rock” (NBC)

Outstanding Drama Series

“Breaking Bad” (AMC)
“Dexter” (Showtime)
“The Good Wife” (CBS)
“Lost” (ABC)
“Mad Men” (AMC)
“True Blood” (HBO)

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series

Bryan Cranston, “Breaking Bad”
Michael C. Hall, “Dexter”
Kyle Chandler, “Friday Night Lights”
Hugh Laurie, “House”
Matthew Fox, “Lost”
Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series

Jim Parsons, “The Big Bang Theory”
Larry David, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”
Matthew Morrison, “Glee”
Tony Shalhoub, “Monk”
Steve Carell, “The Office”
Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock”

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series

Lea Michele, “Glee”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “The New Adventures Of Old Christine”
Edie Falco, “Nurse Jackie”
Amy Poehler, “Parks And Recreation”
Tina Fey, “30 Rock”
Toni Collette, “United States Of Tara”

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series

Kyra Sedgwick, “The Closer”
Glenn Close, “Damages”
Connie Britton, “Friday Night Lights”
Julianna Margulies, “The Good Wife”
Mariska Hargitay, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”
January Jones, “Mad Men”

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series

Chris Colfer, “Glee”
Neil Patrick Harris, “How I Met Your Mother”
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, “Modern Family”
Eric Stonestreet, “Modern Family”
Ty Burrell, “Modern Family”
Jon Cryer, “Two And A Half Men”

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series

Aaron Paul, “Breaking Bad”
Martin Short, “Damages”
Terry O’Quinn, “Lost”
Michael Emerson, “Lost”
John Slattery, “Mad Men”
Andre Braugher, “Men Of A Certain Age”

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series

Jane Lynch, “Glee”
Julie Bowen, “Modern Family”
Sofia Vergara, “Modern Family”
Kristen Wiig, “Saturday Night Live”
Jane Krakowski, “30 Rock”
Holland Taylor, “Two And A Half Men”

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series

Sharon Gless, “Burn Notice”
Rose Byrne, “Damages”
Archie Panjabi, “The Good Wife”
Christine Baranski, “The Good Wife”
Christina Hendricks, “Mad Men”
Elisabeth Moss, “Mad Men”

Outstanding Host For A Reality Or Reality-Competition Program

Phil Keoghan, “The Amazing Race”
Ryan Seacrest, “American Idol”
Tom Bergeron, “Dancing With the Stars”
Heidi Klum, “Project Runway”
Jeff Probst, “Survivor”

Outstanding Reality Program

“Antiques Roadshow” (PBS)
“Dirty Jobs” (Discovery Channel)
“Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution” (ABC)
“Kathy Griffin: My Life On The D-List” (Bravo)
“MythBusters”  (Discovery Channel)
“Undercover Boss” (CBS)

Outstanding Reality – Competition Program

“The Amazing Race”  (CBS)
“American Idol” (Fox)
“Dancing With the Stars” (ABC)
“Project Runway”  (Lifetime)
“Top Chef”  (Bravo)

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie

Jeff Bridges, “A Dog Year” (HBO)
Ian McKellen, “The Prisoner” (AMC)
Michael Sheen, “The Special Relationship” (HBO)
Dennis Quaid, “The Special Relationship” (HBO)
Al Pacino, “You Don’t Know Jack” (HBO)

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Miniseries Or A Movie

Maggie Smith, “Capturing Mary” (HBO)
Joan Allen, “Georgia O’Keeffe” (Lifetime)
Dame Judi Dench, “Return To Cranford” (Masterpiece) (PBS)
Hope Davis, “The Special Relationship” (HBO)
Claire Danes, “Temple Grandin”  (HBO)

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie

Michael Gambon, “Emma” (Masterpiece) (PBS)
Patrick Stewart , “Hamlet” (Great Performances) (PBS)
Jonathan Pryce , “Return To Cranford” (Masterpiece) (PBS)
David Strathairn, “Temple Grandin” (HBO)
John Goodman, “You Don’t Know Jack” (HBO)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie

Kathy Bates, “Alice” (Syfy)
Julia Ormond, “Temple Grandin” (HBO)
Catherine O’Hara, “Temple Grandin” (HBO)
Brenda Vaccaro, “You Don’t Know Jack” (HBO)
Susan Sarandon, “You Don’t Know Jack” (HBO)

Outstanding Miniseries

“The Pacific” (HBO)
“Return To Cranford” (Masterpiece) (PBS)

Outstanding Made For Television Movie

“Endgame” (Masterpiece) (PBS)
“Georgia O’Keeffe” (Lifetime)
“Moonshot” (History)
“The Special Relationship” (HBO)
“Temple Grandin” (HBO)
“You Don’t Know Jack” (HBO)

Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Series

“The Colbert Report” (Comedy Central)
“The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (Comedy Central)
“Real Time With Bill Maher” (HBO)
“Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
“The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien” (NBC)

Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Special

Bill Maher “…But I’m Not Wrong” (HBO )
Hope For Haiti Now (Tenth Planet Productions and MTV)
The Kennedy Center Honors (CBS)
Robin Williams: Weapons Of Self Destruction (HBO)
The 25th Anniversary Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Concert  (HBO)
Wanda Sykes: I’ma Be Me (HBO)

Outstanding Nonfiction Series

“American Experience” (PBS)
“American Masters” (PBS)
“Deadliest Catch” (Discovery Channe)l
“Life” (Discovery Channel)
“The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” (PBS)

Outstanding Animated Program

“Alien Earths” (NGC)
“Disney Prep & Landing (ABC)
“The Ricky Gervais Show” (HBO)
“The Simpsons” (Fox)
“South Park”  (Comedy Central)

Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series

“Glee” – Pilot – Director’s Cut (Fox)
Ryan Murphy, Writer
Brad Falchuk, Writer
Ian Brennan, Writer

“Modern Family” – Pilot (ABC)
Steven Levitan, Writer
Christopher Lloyd, Writer

“The Office” – Niagara (NBC)
Greg Daniels, Writer
Mindy Kaling, Writer

“30 Rock” – Anna Howard Shaw Day (NBC)
Matt Hubbard, Writer

“30 Rock” – Lee Marvin Vs. Derek Jeter  (NBC)
Tina Fey, Writer
Kay Cannon, Writer

Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series

“Friday Night Lights” – The Son (DirecTV)
Rolin Jones, Writer

“The Good Wife” – Pilot (CBS)
Michelle King, Writer
Robert King, Writer

“Lost”  – The End (ABC)
Damon Lindelof, Writer
Carlton Cuse, Writer

“Mad Men” – Guy Walks Into An Advertising Agency (AMC)
Robin Veith, Writer
Matthew Weiner, Writer

“Mad Men” – Shut The Door. Have A Seat.  (AMC)
Matthew Weiner, Writer
Erin Levy, Writer

Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special

“The Pacific” – Part Eight (HBO)
Michelle Ashford, Writer
Robert Schenkkan, Writer

“The Pacific” – Part Ten (HBO)
Bruce C. McKenna, Writer
Robert Schenkkan, Writer

“The Special Relationship” (HBO)
Peter Morgan, Writer

“Temple Grandin” (HBO)
Christopher Monger, Writer
William Merritt Johnson, Writer

“You Don’t Know Jack”  (HBO)
Adam Mazer, Writer

Outstanding Writing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Series

“The Colbert Report” (Comedy Central)
“The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (Comedy Central)
“Real Time With Bill Maher” (HBO)
“Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
“The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien” (NBC)

CULVER CITY, Calif., July 1, 2010 – After a comprehensive worldwide casting search, Andrew Garfield has been chosen to portray Peter Parker when Spider-Man swings back onto the screen in 3D on July 3, 2012. The new film will begin production in early December directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay by James Vanderbilt. Laura Ziskin and Avi Arad will produce the film from Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios.

Today’s confirmation culminates what has been one of the most eagerly anticipated casting announcements in recent memory. Bloggers, pop culture speculators, and everyday fans have pored over and analyzed every conceivable online rumor in an attempt to discover the identity of the next actor to play Peter Parker. Garfield will immediately begin preparing for the coveted role.

The Spider-Man franchise is one of the most successful in film history and the three previous motion pictures have collectively grossed more than $2.5 billion in worldwide box office.

On selecting Garfield, director Marc Webb said, “Though his name may be new to many, those who know this young actor’s work understand his extraordinary talents. He has a rare combination of intelligence, wit, and humanity. Mark my words, you will love Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker.”

Commenting on the announcement, Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Matt Tolmach, President of Columbia Pictures said, “Spider-Man is a classic superhero — a young man who balances his responsibility to serve humanity and crush evil with the shyness and normalcy of someone struggling to find himself. The role demands an extraordinary actor. You need someone who can magically transform himself from Peter Parker into Spider-Man. An actor who will depict the vulnerability of youth and the strength and confidence of a legendary figure at the same moment. We have found that actor in Andrew Garfield. From the first time we saw him in the upcoming film The Social Network, to his glorious screen test, which floored all of us, we knew that we had found our new Peter Parker.”

Producer Avi Arad added, “I’m incredibly excited about Andrew Garfield. In the Spider-Man tradition, we were looking for a smart, sensitive, and cool new Peter Parker who can inspire us and make us laugh, cry, and cheer. We believe we have found the perfect choice to take on this role and lead us into the future.”

Producer Laura Ziskin said, “We are thrilled to have Andrew Garfield for this new incarnation of Spider-Man under Marc Webb’s direction. We were fortunate enough to meet with a group of fantastically talented young men. In the end, we all agreed that in addition to being an extraordinary actor, Andrew had the right mix of humor, youth, and pathos, along with an underlying sense of strength and power necessary to bring Peter Parker and Spider-Man to life on screen.”

The selection of Garfield was revealed at a press event in Cancun, Mexico for international journalists attending a media tour promoting upcoming films from Sony Pictures Entertainment. B-roll footage of the announcement will be available via satellite later this evening — see uplink times coordinate information below.

Garfield is fast becoming one of the most respected and sought-after young actors working in the industry today. In a short career, spanning only five years, he has already been directed by, and starred alongside, some of the greatest names and received a BAFTA for a role that won him international praise.

Garfield most recently worked with director David Fincher on the upcoming film The Social Network. He previously starred for Spike Jonze on his robot love story I’m Here, which premiered at Sundance this year. He plays the lead male opposite Keira Knightley and Carey Mulligan in Mark Romanek’s Never Let Me Go, due for release later this year.

Other notable screen credits include Terry Gilliam’s The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus playing opposite Christopher Plummer, Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, Jude Law and the late Heath Ledger, Robert Redford’s Lions For Lambs, where he starred alongside Redford, Tom Cruise and Meryl Streep; Revolution Films’ “Red Riding Trilogy – 1974” directed by Julian Jarrold, where he lead a stellar cast including Rebecca Hall and David Morrissey, and his unforgettable portrayal of a young ex-con in John Crowley’s “Boy A,” for which he earned the best actor BAFTA in 2008.

Garfield’s career began in theatre and in 2006 his performances in “Beautiful Thing” (Sound Space/Kit Productions), “The Overwhelming,” and “Burn / Chatroom / Citizenship” (Royal National Theatre) won him the Milton Shulman Award for Outstanding Newcomer at the Evening Standard awards and the Jack Tinker Award for Most Promising Newcomer at the Critics Circle Theatre Awards. Other notable theatre credits include “Romeo and Juliet” (Manchester Royal Exchange) and “Kes” (Manchester Royal Exchange), for which he received the Most Promising Newcomer Award at the Manchester Evening News Awards 2004.

Normally I am wary of writers mucking around with canon, but this is starting the storyline by J. Michael Straczynski and JMS has a great history of breathing new life into old characters, so he has my attention at the moment. Here is the official statement from DC:

Suppose you woke up one morning, or turned a corner, and suddenly the life you had been leading up to that moment…was not the life you were leading.

Suppose someone went back in time and changed one thing, and it changed your life to the point that you had little or no memory of what life had been like before the change happened. What would you do to get it back? Should you get it back? Who did it? And maybe more important…why did they do it?

That is the question faced by Diana starting in issue 600.

The Gods, for reasons of their own but which may have something to with their survival and perhaps the survival of Earth itself, have changed the timeline. In the new timeline, years ago the Gods removed their protection from Paradise Island, and left it vulnerable to attack. And attacked it was. Led by a dark figure, a veritable army descended upon the Island, equipped with weapons that could kill even the Amazons. Outgunned, doomed, Hippolyta gave over her three-year-old daughter to a handful of guardians who spirited her away as Hippolyta led one last desperate battle against the forces that had come to destroy all she had created. In that final battle, she and most of the Amazons were killed, though some managed to escape.

It’s now nearly twenty years later. Diana has been raised in an urban setting, but with a foot in both worlds. She has little or no memory of the other timeline. She knows only what she’s been told by those who raised her On the run, hunted, she must try to survive, help the other refugee Amazons escape the army that is still after them, discover who destroyed Paradise Island and why…and if the timeline can be corrected or not. She also does not yet have access to her full powers, but will be gaining them as she goes. Along the way, she will face a range of enemies — human and otherwise — who we have not seen before.

What we also haven’t seen before is her new look, the first significant change in her appearance since the character debuted in 1941 (not counting the mod look used briefly in the sixties, about which the less said the better). It reflects her origins in both the outside world and the world of Amazons: tough, elegant…a street-fighter’s look which also incorporates elements of her classic design. It reflects the two sides warring for ultimate victory, and underscores the path she must take.

It’s a look designed to be taken seriously as a warrior, in partial answer to the many female fans over the years who’ve asked, “how does she fight in that thing without all her parts falling out?”) She can close it up to pass unnoticed…open it for the freedom to fight…lose the jacket or keep it on…it has pockets (the other fan question, “where does she carry anything in that outfit?”, it can be accessorized…it’s a Wonder Woman look designed for the 21st century. The bracelets are still there, but made more colorful, tied on the inside and over the hand, with a script W on each of them that form WW when she holds them side by side…and if you get hit by one of them, it leaves a W mark. This is a Wonder Woman who signs her work…letting her enemies know that she’s getting closer.

This is Wonder Woman reborn, literally and metaphorically: fast, elegant, tough, smart…the savior of her people, their guardian and protector…avenging the fall of Paradise Island, searching to discover why Paradise Island was abandoned by the gods. In the end, what she discovers will change her life and the world forever…and she will come face to face with a decision that will mean life or death for the entire human race.

Gallery 1988 is holding their annual Crazy 4 Cult show in Los Angeles from July 9-30th. Its a great art show that handles some wonderful 2D and 3D pieces from cult movie/tv classics. Be sure to check out their gallery once the show starts as they have some way cool stuff, check out last years here!

The piece that knocked me over is from Joey Spiotto…he has created a vinyl record in honor of the show Firefly. It looks like an homage to the Partridge Family to me. You can buy the actual album at the gallery (one of a kind) or prints of the cover art here!

Here is the newest trailer, it hits the shores of Japan on December 1st…hopefully we will get it in theaters here shortly afterward. I really want to see this on the big screen! (be sure to click over to Youtube for 720p glory!)

This October a film based on his comic book mini-series ‘Red’ will be in theaters. Red revolves around what happens when a trained ‘Company man’ assassin retires. The book is, like most of Warrens work, intense. The film trailer…well not quite intense. But it has a great cast with Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich and Mary-Louise Parker (swoon!).

Here is the trailer!

When I first met Jason 2 years ago I could tell he was a big guy, but he had lost some weight and wasn’t the body builder type. It looks like he has hit the gym with a vengeance since being signed on as Robert E Howards iconic Barbarian!

An all new story arch based on my favorite TV show ‘Fringe’ will be hitting the comic book store shelves today. Produced by Wildstorm press, “Tales from the Fringe” is a 6 issue mini-series that will delve into the pasts of the main characters.

Pretty pumped by this since they haven’t had much chance to expand on some of the characters too much. This month deals with Peter Bishop, followed by Philip Broyles, Astrid Farnsworth, and then Nina Sharp.

And if you’re not to sure where your nearest comic book store is (SHAME ON YOU!)… go to www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-COMIC-BOOK!

Twitter.com/AndersonRDean

The good folk over at Warner Pictures are pretty pumped about a live action version of the classic anime film Akira. In fact, they have such confidence in it they are looking at it as a franchise.

The original animated version, which came out in the 80′s, is still considered to be (in my opinion also) a masterpiece in visual styling. But the story was only partially told in that film as the original manga (Japanese comics) ran the story through a much wider arch. Taking over as writer/adapter for the property is Albert Torres, and working with him is director Albert Hughes (“From Hell,” “The Book of Eli”).

The plan is to have the first film cover the first three manga volumes and a sequel cover the next three. Now these ‘volumes’ are just that, HUGE comics…think something akin to a small phone book. That’s how they roll in Japan, when it comes to comics they are quite serious.

I hope they pull this off well and don’t muck with the story too much. And lets also hope that Warner will actually hire the proper ethnic actors unlike what we have seen for The Last Airbender adaptation.

Watch the trailer and tell us what you think, really interested to see people’s reactions who do not know the character that well.

Music this week was from the artist Spintronic.  The first album was named Cauliflower’s Celebration.  The second album was named Cookie or Not Cookie.  I love this 8 bit crap…

Here’s what we currently know in a nutshell:

1. The show will air in Summer 2011
2. The show will be 10 episodes
3. Both John Barrowman (Capt. Jack Harkness) and Eve Myles (Gwen Cooper) will be on the show, with “Additional key cast, reflecting the more international scope of the series” to be announced soon
4. Russell T Davies will be the showrunner, with Davies and BBC Worldwide Productions’ Julie Gardner as executive producers.

Source: Starz

Did you know you can call us? You can call and leave a nasty message at (405)63-FANTS (405-633-2687). Go write it on some bathroom walls.

Music this week was from the artist Karmafish.  We heard the enitre album “All These Voices” and most of the album “Ultrascope“

“Certain things like the S.H.I.E.L.D helicarrier were made more modern than in the comics in order to fit in with designs they are working on for the Avengers movie.”

So it looks like we will likely see the helicarrier in the new movie.
Also making an appearence in that animated short was Ms. Marvel. When asked about whether Mr. Wexler thought she would be in the upcoming movie as well, he apparently replied “maybe…” with a wink wink, nudge nudge (knowwhatImean, knowwhatImean).  Take that with a grain of salt, but if it’s true (even if it’s just her flying past real fast after the end credits) then it lends a lot of weight to the rumors of the Skrull being the big baddie in the Avengers movie as Ms. Marvel is a genetic hybrid of Kree and human DNA or something.  The Kree are the Skrull’s big enemy.  If they are in town to “genetically enhance” a human, then you can bet your ball soaked beers that the Skrull are around too.

Then again, this could all just be rumor and none of it matters anyway…

Music this week was all 8 bit stuff.  First was the artistNESessity off the album The Heartbits

The second artist was Ozzed from the album Lesser Than Three

This weeks music was from Kaemmerer from the album Sir Agent Chill.

This is an awesome deal for Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog coming out on Blu-ray May 25th. Just click here to get the deal - Amazon and get your pre-order on now!

On the Blu-ray disc
Even if you’ve already watched or downloaded Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, a number of bonus features might entice you. There are two commentary tracks: Harris, the three Whedons, Tancharoen, Day, and Fillion recorded a spirited track discussing the movie, and there’s also “Commentary! The Musical” in which they ignore the movie and sing about the writers’ strike and each other (e.g., Fillion sings “I’m Better than Neil”)–the songs aren’t as good as the Horrible songs, but it’s good silly fun. A 20-minute making-of discusses the cast, the recording sessions, and how the movie became a phenomenon, and 10 videos (a half-hour total) were recorded by fans who want to join the Evil League of Evil. And when’s the last time you wanted to pause the FBI warning? –David Horiuchi

These are Fan Rants, THE CUTS. These are items that we recorded, but were cut out because the episode ran long. They are generally pretty short, UNEDITED, and do not have music playing in the background. Unedited means more “so”, “um”, and burps for your bucks! These cuts are from the last episode, number 24. There is a cut segment about Ron Howard directing a Dark Tower movie. All in all, it’s less than 10 minutes.  Did I mention that these are unedited?  They are.

These are Fan Rants, THE CUTS.  These are items that we recorded, but were cut out because the episode ran long.  They are generally pretty short, UNEDITED, and do not have music playing in the background.  Unedited means more “so”, “um”, and burps for your bucks!  These cuts are from the last episode, number 24.  There is a cut segment abouthow Marvel is going to make more movies featuring their lesser known chatacters.  All in all, it’s less than 10 minutes.  You will know when it’s done when you hear the lound belch.  Did I mention that these are unedited?  They are.

Music this week was provided by JT Bruce from the album Anomalous Material.

Any self-respecting fan of the Twilight series (is that even possible?) will be at the opening weekend of Twilight Eclipse come June 30th. But everyone knows those tickets will sell out well in advance.

With that in mind the two big online movie ticket hubs, movietickets.com and fandango.com, will start selling tickets at Midnight EST, Thursday May 13th (Friday morning). So get your glitter on and stake your claim to the big faux Vampire movie of 2010!

Frazetta is world known for his fantasy painting, most recognizable for Conan the Barbarian book covers and heavy metal albums of the 1970′s and 80′s. His cult following is legion and was the inspiration for many of today’s top artists.

Over the last year, Frank had seen more than his fair share of family troubles as there was in fighting amongst his children about their inheritance. It went so far as seeing his son Frank Jr being arrested for attempted theft of paintings from the Frazetta Museum.

Luckily, just last month, the three siblings were able to meet with a mediator and come to an agreement as to how his paintings would be handled after his death. Little did anyone know that this was done just in time.

Over the years my appreciation grew for his the imagination and talent he put into his paintings. Back in 2007 I ventured up to Pennsylvania to visit the Frazetta Museum and have to say seeing the paintings in person was more awe inspiring than the versions used for paperbacks and posters over the years. Frank was not there that day but I did get to meet his wife and she was a very dear and gracious woman, she passed less than a year ago. The art community and all his fans will truly mourn his passing.

Be sure to check out his unofficial gallery to look at his great work. And his official museum site.

Legend of the Seeker recently got the news that they were cancelled. This in large part due to their major distributer Tribune/WGN dropping them from their lineup. But the Fans have a plan!

Instead of sending bags of nuts to the studio (Jericho) or buying Subway sandwiches (Chuck), the fans placed an ad in Variety Magazine. One simply stating that this great show needed another distributer. And placing an ad like that is not cheap, so it should get some attention. Lets hope it does. Check out their website and do you part at Save Our Seeker!

Well, lets just say at that time the website was NOT ready for primetime. I even ranted that week about it on the podcast, probably not endearing myself to the con organizers but I really didn’t find it professional to have a website publically accessable if it was NO where near complete. I even went so far as to state that I would help them if it was simply a matter of not having someone familiar with web developement.

I am not sure how long it took them to get the website up and running as I didn’t return till April, but it was up and running just fine at that point. Hopefully I made a stink over nothing and it was fixed later that week after I ranted. I want local con’s to succeed, but I also see them needing more than a little help when it comes to organization.

Okay, on to the convention itself. The DC Comicon was held in Fairfax, VA. For those not from the area, his is very close to DC…so while it was not a truly ”DC” Comicon it was very close and I hope any future shows will be held inside the District.

In fact it was held on the George Mason University Campus in the Student Union II’s ballroom. The space was smallish, but still larger (in my estimation) than what the VA Comicon had last fall in Richmond. It was also packed with lots of people and vendors alike which was a great sign.

I spoke with several of the vendors about how the day was progressing and without a doubt all were quite happy with the amount of people in attendance. For the most part they were also happy about the amount of money being spent, wich a few grumblings (which is normal). The only negative feedback I got was from a vendor who complained that they were limited to 2 tables and some other vendor(s) were allowed to get more. That may be something the con needs to look into.

Guests were evenly spread-out throughout the show. The headliners, Herb Trimpe, Frank Cho, and JG Jones were on the stage overlooking the dealers. This was a good use of available space and I compliment the con on this. People were lined up along the wall to get signatures and sketches, this caused a little bit of a problem in navigating the far aisle, but nothing serious.

Some of the other midline guests, like Jo Chen (YAY!), John Snyder and the HERO Initiative were on the aisle endcaps, this allowed for people to move around freely to see them. The other guests, like the Luna Brothers and Fillbach Brother were near the entrance. There were even some guests and fan tables outside in the hallway to get into the ballroom.

Overall I enjoyed myself and got some good deals with a guy who was selling off some of his personal collection (I always tend to go to the garage sale looking booths rather than the white comic box tables). And while some of my comments may have come across harsh, I do hope they succeed and learn from each show. There are some very positive business models to take from the organizers, such as kids and military (in uniform) getting in free. I think this is an EXCELLENT idea! Most kids will have parents with them and all will have money to spend.

One last thing though…please move it from GMU. I know that you probably got the space cheap and that some people may have sounded happy about free parking. But Free Parking that is over a mile away and no signs on how to get to the Student Union from the parking area really blew! I was lost with another guy and we found it only because my phones google map app had GPS and we used that with the building maps. Oh and of course it started raining when I left, no fun there either.

People that live in the DC area are quite accustom to paying for parking. So if you can find someplace even remotely Metro accessable that you can afford, please do. And like I have said in the past, ping me if you need any help.

From the HollywoodReporter:

As part of a slate of new shows, the “X-Men” creator will co-host “Stan Lee’s Superhumans,” which will find people who have remarkable abilities because of being genetically different. Daniel Browning Smith, dubbed the world’s most flexible man, will host the series with Lee.

“Superhumans” will debut on the network during the third quarter and is joined by five other series and a slew of specials being greenlighted in time for the network’s upfront presentation to advertisers this week.

This may be interesting….it may also be crap. Stan has had some quality products in the past, but most of them have been in the FAR past. I wish him the best of course, he is the Man after all!

Just got the official announcement from MediumAtLarge about the NYCC tickets going up in price May 15th. If your like me and have souly missed the show (to long between them!), then be sure to grab your tickets soon. Here is the press release.

Get Your Tickets Now!
Early Bird Pricing Ends May 15th!

Hey there all you crazy kids! This is NYCC Show Manager Lance Fensterman giving you the weekly behind-the-scenes glimpse at what’s going on in the world of the New York Comic Con. This week we want to encourage you to take advantage of the Early Bird ticket pricing! In just 10 days it’s going to expire and the price will go up!

More importantly, we want you to know we’ve been thinking about you a lot lately. We want to show you how much we care, so we’re planning something special for you…it’ll be a surprise, but trust us, it’s going to knock your socks off. I’m not saying we’re going to start announcing our over-the-top guest list next week, but you’ll have to check back in 7 days to see…

Early Bird Ticket Pricing For NYCC 2010 Ends May 15

Are you planning on going to the New York Comic Con this October? Have you been putting off buying your ticket for no reason at all, even though you know you’re going? Well, step on the gas, because ticket prices are going up on May 15th.

Early Bird pricing ends on May 15th and we really want you to get your passes before the price increases! We’re even going to make it easy for you. Just click here, fill out the registration form and bing bang boom – we’ll see you October 8th – 10th!

Don’t forget to keep up with the latest NYCC news on our official blog — Medium at Large — as well as follow the show on twitter — @ny_comic_con.

Tickets for NYCC are on sale now!

Lance Fensterman
Show Manager
New York Comic Con
lfensterman@reedexpo.com

Around 10 years ago a special restored version came out that brought the film up to 2 hours in length. But film archivists really wanted to find the original 2.5 hour version that Lang released in 1927. And in 2008 one was uncovered in Argentina.

So after over 80 years, “The Complete Metropolis” is being released in a limited theatrical run this fall. This will be followed shortly afterward with the DVD release.

It is fairly obvious as to what parts have been added since the missing 30 minutes are very grainy (even after thorough digital cleanup). But I am still very interested to see this restored masterpiece.

He’s pushing everyone away, even his personal assistant, Pepper Potts, played by Gwyneth Paltrow.  The story starts off by introducing us to the movie’s villain.  We see a huge man with a bottle of vodka in his hands speaking to his father, who, obviously on his death-bed,  is apologizing for not being able to take care of him.  “All I can pass on to you is my knowledge”.  Cut to the huge, drunken , tatted up, russian thug making himself an arc reactor just like the one Tony has. Needless to say this can only end with awesomeness. 

Nick Fury is around too, trying to get Tony to join the Avenger Initiative and also helping him with his health problems.  Tony continues to go on throughout the movie insisting that he doesn’t need them or want to join their team. By the end of the movie, Nick Fury lets it be known that S.H.I.E.L.D. is interested in Iron Man… But not Tony Stark.

There’s a phenomenal scene in the movie where Natasha Romanoff, played by Scarlett Johansson, and Happy Hogan, played by Jon Favreau, break into Hammer Industries on the hunt for Ivan Vanko (a.k.a. Whiplash) and Happy starts fighting with the first guy through the door.  It’s a real battle back and forth and we’re not sure who’s going to win.  In the mean time, it turns out that Natasha can kick some serious ass.  She takes out about 20 guys with class and style.  Happy finally knocks his guy out, turns, and exclaims “Hey!!! Look at that!!! I got him!!” just before he focuses on the carnage Natasha left in the hallway.

In the end, Tony has come full circle. He even acknowledges this when reading the report prepared by Natasha about him by stating “yeah, but that was last week” when they are talking about his bad attitude. 

A word on the cast: Everyone did exceedingly well in this movie.  I could do without the Pepper Potts character.  She seems pointless to just about everything.  There wasn’t even a hint of her being a “love interest” until the end of the movie.  Don’t get me wrong, Gwyneth Paltrow did a fine job playing her, the character just seemed moot.

Sam Rockwell was brilliant as Justin Hammer, Tony Stark’s top rival.  He came off as a rich jerk most of the time, but there were some moments where you almost felt sorry for him and his uncoolness.  He even does the Howard Dean “WOOOOO” at one point.

Mickey Rourke made what could have been a cheesy villain in Whiplash and made him cool.  He oozed confidence.  Hell, every time he was beaten he says “heh heh heh…. you lose”.

Don Cheadle really stepped into the role of James Rhodes/War Machine and made it his own.  The interaction between him and Robert Downey Jr. felt natural and was hilarious. There’s even a great fight scene between Iron Man and War Machine!

Sam Jackson is great as Nick Fury.  I love the way Marvel is slow burning its way to the Avengers movie.  I really enjoyed the way they took the focus off Tony Stark and Iron Man for just a fleeting moment when Nick Fury says “I’ve got bigger things than you to worry about right now” followed by a dramatic pause.

And finally, Robert Downey Jr. as Tony “I am the Iron Man” Stark.  This was another great performance by Mr. Downey Jr.  There’s not a lot different about the character of Tony Stark between the last movie and this one for most of the movie.  It’s not really until the end when you realize the journey he’s made.

In the end, this is a movie about a guy who flies around in a mechanical suit of armor with a giant hole in his chest for a battery.  If you can’t suspend your disbelief beyond that, then maybe this isn’t the movie for you.  I didn’t even have a huge problem with how Tony fixed his health problem.  Health problem? Yeah, go see the movie.

Finally, sit your butt down for the whole credits to catch an ever so slight look towards the next Marvel movie.

According to Marvel, Hugo Weaving has been confirmed in the role of Red Skull in the upcoming Captain America: First Avenger movie slated for release in .  Hugo Weaving has played iconic roles such as Agent Smith in The Matrix, Elrond in The Lord of the Rings trilogy(and reportedly the upcoming Hobbit films), the voice of Megatron in the Transformer movies, and most recently Abberline in The Wolfman.

Music this week was from Kellee Maize from her album “Aligned Archetype“. It was fun to listen to and I highly recommend that that you check her out.

Alright…stepping back a bit, I can fully remove myself from the fact that this movie is not going to be like the comic series. That isn’t a problem with me at all. The problem I have right now is that hollywood refuses to make a Comic Book movie without “Super-ing” it up.

In the comic, Jonah is essentially raised by the Apache but then branded by them in the end thus explaining his facial scars. Later in life as an ex-confederate soldier he became a bounty hunter with a strong code of ethics when it came to protecting the innocent.

But here we have the trailer showing they changed his entire origin just to satisfy a meager plot point. I can almost live with that…but then to give him super natural powers? And what the hell is up with twin gatling guns on a horse!? This is far more like that junker of a movie Wild Wild West that came out a few years ago than a solid Western story. And the sad thing is we have had some excellent Westerns come out over the last few years, making good box office returns also…so it’s not like they had to make these changes to bring in an audience.

Watch the trailer…make your own decision.

For their first show they have a decent lineup. Guests include: Frank Cho, J.G. Jones, Jo Chen, Herb Trimpe, the Fillbach Bros, the Luna Bros, and the Hero Initiative.

They also have an exclusive comic cover for Witchblade drawn by their guest J.G. Jones available! Admission is $5 if you sign up for their mailing list. Children, Military, GMU students and staff are FREE! It runs from 10am to 5pm.

George Mason University in Fairfax, VA is the host location (in the Student Union Building II). Easy access by Metro, bus, car or plane. For more details check out their website at dccomicon.com!

Please tell your friends about the podcast! Please follow us on Twitter (@fantsinpants), Please read the website!  THANKS!!

Music this week was generously provided by Kirby Krackle.  We met them at C2E2 and they were super cool and nice.  They sing nerd rock about video games and comic books.  they’ve got two albums out, E for Everyone and Kirby Krackle, both available on iTunes.  Check them out!

The ratings have been poor this season and several of the Tribune Stations stopped carrying the series. I seem to have been amongst the minority of my friends when I was saying this seasons story line really didn’t impress me. Definitely one time I didn’t want to be right.

Comics:

*Independents*
Crossed Family Values #1 (C2E2 Edition) signed by the artist Jacen Burrows
RASL #6 (C2E2 Exclusive printing)
Okko – The Cycle of Earth #1
Days Missing #1
Sniper Rook #2

*Marvel*
Marvel Mix Tape (Convention Exclusive)
Invincible Iron Man #1 (Free edition)
X-Men Second Coming #1 Sneak Peak (Free edition)
Moon Knight Saga (Free edition)
Models Inc #1 (book market varient)(Free edition)

*DC*
American Vampire #1
Joe the Barbarian #1
JSA All Stars #1
Justice League of America #38
Batman & Doc Savage Special
Looney Tunes #179
Green Lantern #29 Special Edition
Daytripper #1

*Wildstorm*
The Authority #18
WildCats #19
The Authority: The Lost Year Reader
Sparta USA #1
Victorian Undead #1

Posters:
Star Wars Invasion (Dark Horse Comics)
BPRD (Dark Horse Comics)
Doctor Solar (Dark Horse Comics)
Green Lantern: Brightest Day (DC Comics)

Misc:
Iron Man promo comic from Norton Security
7 DC Comics buttons (superman, green lantern, batman, etc)
Black Power Ring (Green Lantern promo)
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Slayer button
2 Dark Horse Comics window clings
Deck of Planeswalker cards from Magic the Gathering

How to win the prize:

1. FOLLOW either @fantsinpants (the podcast twitter account. Crass and live, like the pod) or @fanrants (the website twitter account. Mostly links from the site)
2. Tweet “FanRants is giving away a huge #C2E2 stash! Follow @fantsinpants and RT for a chance to win! http://bit.ly/bqxMPj #fants” (no quotes) (if you’re following @fanrants and not @fantsinpants, replace that in the RT)
3. On Friday, May 7th we will choose one of our twitter followers at random and if we see that they RT’ed the message we will mail them all the stuff! We’ll even pay shipping!

It’s that easy!  Keep following us even if you don’t win this time as we plan on giving stuff away on a regular basis.  Our next contest will be pretty awesome too.

Here’s the fine print: We will only ship the US/Canada/Mexico.  That includes Puerto Rico/Hawaii/Alaska.

Here is the official press release:

The Doctor, Amy and some of Doctor Who‘s most iconic monsters will be making a journey from TV to home computers, as the BBC unveils Doctor Who – The Adventure Games, four original “interactive episodes”, which will be made available for free from bbc.co.uk/doctorwho.

These four new adventures will take the form of downloadable computer games available for PC and Mac, in which players assume control of The Doctor and Amy as they embark on new adventures which complement the new TV series.

The episodes will be free downloadable games for the PC and Mac. The script of the game is being penned by Phil Ford and James Moran, who contributed to the Water of Mars, and Children of the Earth storylines for the Dr. Who and Torchwood series. Here is a trailer for the game:

This is an interesting event to report on. The Los Angeles Audubon Society is holding a special Star Trek bird watching outing this May. Here is the press release:

Press Release/Invitation

Join STAR TREK alumni ARMIN SHIMERMAN (DS:9), ROBERT PICARDO (ST:VOYAGER), ETHAN “JOHNNIE” PHILLIPS (ST: VOYAGER) and JOHN BILLINGSLEY (ST: ENTERPRISE) for a fun-filled afternoon of bird-watching and picnicking, ON MAY 9TH, to celebrate LOS ANGELES AUDUBON’S 100TH BIRTHDAY!

Los Angeles Audubon promotes the protection of birds and other wildlife through recreation, education, conservation and restoration.  They are celebrating their Centennial with a “Birdathon”, a week-long ’species trek’ across LA County.

Between May 1 – May 9, teams, accompanied by experienced birders, will select a Los Angeles County hot birding spot, and venture forth, in a competition to see which team can spot the most species! 

JOIN THE STAR TREK TEAM! HELP US WIN!

Armin, Bob, Ethan “Johnnie” Phillips, and John are forming the “BALD(ING) EAGLES OF STAR TREK TEAM” to help support the conservation efforts of Los Angeles Audubon!  The first 30 people to sign up get to join us for an afternoon of adventure!  We’ll meet at a beautiful location, picnic on a delicious catered lunch, and then set forth to ‘bird”.  Your contribution will also entitle you to attend Los Angeles Audubon’s CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION, held (conveniently for the Star Trek Team!), immediately after the conclusion of our afternoon peregrinations.  You’ll receive complete details re: venue(s), time, directions, etc., upon receipt of your check (or call to use your credit card, (323) 876-0202)!

Here’s how to reserve your spot today! Call or email today- space is limited!

Call: 1.888.522.7428 Martha will assist you.
Email: birdathon@laaudubon.org This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Links to similar websites:

Trek Today Blog Archive

http://www.trektoday.com/content/2010/04/trek-stars-audubon-birding-event/

 TrekMovie.com (Press Release)

http://trekmovie.com/2010/04/16/go-birding-with-billingsley-picardo-shimerman-phillips-at-la-audubon-event/

Today’s comic is based around the news that Joss Whedon has been confirmed as the director of the Marvel Comics film The Avengers. He is also going to be doing re-writes on that film and Captain America. Obviously Joel captured many of our trepidation of this news.

Serenity Tales links to fan-made comics set in and around Joss Whedon’s “Firefly”/”Serenity” universe. This is a great repository of some very creative web comics. One of my favorites is Take My Love, heres a sample.

The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has redesigned their organizations logo and refreshed the look of their website. My heart has a special place for the CBLDF and I have been a card carrying member since 1995. This organzation helps protect the first amendment rights of comic store owners and readers.

From Charles Brownstein, the Executive Director of the CBLDF:

The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund is a community of people who love comics and recognize the First Amendment as the cornerstone of the medium’s creative vitality.  The new CBLDF.org is designed to reflect and serve that community, with frequently updated news about comics, free expression, and the people who are taking strides to keep both healthy and strong.

Now, and in the weeks to come, you’ll find regular updates about the state of Free Expression,  and informative articles about the CBLDF’s supporters and the work they do.  You’ll also find better resources about the Fund’s history, along with tools concerning comics censorship and how to fight it.

This page is a work in progress, so we ask for your patience as we work out the kinks.  We also ask you to get involved.  We are always seeking writers, educators, lawyers, artists, and students to join the ranks of contributors who will make CBLDF.org a vibrant hub of activity in the fight for free speech.  You can contact me, Charles.Brownstein@cbldf.org, to lend your voice to our efforts.

For more than 20 years the CBLDF has stood up against those who’d censor comic books because of the grassroots effort of passionate supporters who believe in comics and free speech.  Thank you for bringing us this far.  Let’s see what we can do together to make the future of Free Expression in comics even stronger!

We spent 4 lovely days in Chicago, taking in the sights and reporting our findings on the website.  I do hope you’re reading the website… You can follow the podcast at @fantsinpants where there are links given out to new articles as they’re posted along with my comments and banter and digital belches, OR if for some unknown reason you don’t like to hear me rant at celebrities and talk about the book I’m reading on the crapper, you can follow @fanrants and just get link updates.  Either way, follow one of them… It really is the best way to see what we’re doing AND get in touch with us.

Johnny and I picked up some pretty awesome swag at the convention, and we plan on giving most of it away!  You will either need to check back here, or follow one (or both) of the above twitter accounts for details.

Music this week was very graciously provided by the band The Browncoats.  We met them at C2E2 and they agreed to let us use their latest CD, Space Age Loser, as the backing music this week.  They were SUPER nice guys and thier version of The Hero of Canton is great! The whole CD is great!  PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE support them!! You can hear them at The Browncoats Webpage.  Please go buy their stuff.

Today he dropped some great news (spoilers ahead).

The upcoming Fables issues will be all about Rose Red and her recovery after loosing Boy Blue. This story arc will go for 5 issues and finish with Rose leading the animals of the farm into battle.

Another excellent bit of news is that there are two busts coming out, one for Bigsby and one for Snow. Both were shown to us and look great. Also they are putting out an updated Fables Covers edition collecting the first 75 issues. This is great news as the last covers edition is long sold out.

We also got a sneak on the next Jack of Fables storyline with a cover showing the Page sisters all in Charlie Angels battle poses. The real huh moment on that cover was due to one of the sisters cradling a baby, but who’s baby is it? Bill was not willing to revel that.

One of the questions asked of Bill was which Fables characters do you like to write about the most, he said Snow and Bigsby. This shouldn’t be a big surprise to the fans of the book, but one thing did strike us as odd, he said that Snow White was to be married in an upcoming Fables issue. But she is already married to Bigsby…dang him and his vague spoilers!

There were a lot of Wizard of Oz fans in the audience and they asked if they would be seeing more of their characters soon. Bill stated that Dorothy would be showing up soon in a big way later on and other characters would continue to be seen in the books.

Sometime last year we got news out of Hollywood that ABC had picked up the writes to Fables for a TV show. Unfortunately when Bill was asked about that he said that there is no news on the TV series and in fact made it sound like there was SO much dead air about it that its like it never was talked about in the first place. Guess we shall see.

His first prose novel based on the Fables universe came out last year with Peter & Max. He said that Peter will be showing up in the Fable comics in the future. Oh, and the next prose Down the Mysterly River was sold to Tor books recently. It is actually an old book that he had published a long time ago that he picked back up and rewrote. It’s about Max the Wolf, a young man who is sent to the wrong afterlife due to his name causing him to be mistaken as an animal. So its off to the animal afterlife for him. It’s a Young Adult book and sounds interesting. It is not tied into fables, but there are some pinpoint (non official) connections.

This was by far one of my favorite panels just because I am in love with the material so much. Here are some links for fans to check out!

Fablestown message board – clockworkstorybook.net

twitter: billwillingham

The day started out well with a good breakfast and a lovely trip on the local bus to the convention center. Okay, strike that last part…our bus had someone previously throw up on it and it was NASTY smelling. But at least the breakfast was good before that. Welcome to Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (that’s me with my arms raised)!

I ran through most of the panels we attended today in individual posts. Overall we were impressed with the various companies and what they had to offer. All the comic publishers had some type of freebie to hand out. And DC really broke the bank by handing out about 15 of their newest comics, very cool!

At the Marvel booth we were graced by their editor in chief Joe Quesada. He was busy with an interview at the time but was very friendly with the fans. Oh, and they had some booth babes handing out comics and even Spider-Man showed up for a bit!

The Dark Horse booth had a special BPRD event going on, the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense from the Hellboy universe. We got honorary agent badges and pins. They also had Mike Mignola, creator of Hellboy and Guy Davis, one of the major artists in his books, signing items. Great couple of guys. Another cool item they had at the booth was a mini-bust from the TV show Dexter showing Dexter looking at a piece of evidence while holding a knife behind his back. This statue will be released this fall.

On one side of the show they also had two vehicles on display, the classic Batmobile and the Delorian from Back to the Future. Very cool displays even if poor Batman looked quite cold in this tights.

Kevin entered a raffle for a custom tattoo to be inked on Sunday. Unfortunately he did not win, but the money went to charity so its still kinda a win…even if it was my $5!

After a long day of hanging out at the convention center we headed out for some time on the town. I have to say Chicago is definitely growing on me, hope to spend more time here in the future.

Mike Henry, voice of Cleveland Brown as well as a number of the voices on Family Guy…Deaf Guy, School Counselor, the creepy pedophile and many more is hilarious. And Kevin Michael Richardson, voice of Cleveland Jr and many more is equally funny. Oh, and for the record, Mike is the white guy in the picture.

It seems that they have quite a few good ideas for the upcoming season and have the ratings to keep the show on the air. Including a guest appearance by Kayne West on a couple of episodes.

The guys had a lot of fun with the crowd and were happy to do most all of the voice requests from the audience. They also busted into song a couple of times for the audience, so amazing!

If your sense of humor is off kilter, be sure to check them out!
Cyanide & Happiness: EXPLOSM.NET
SMBCT: SMBC-THEATER.COM

Today we got a special presentation of this upcoming documentary. On hand were the producer, director and principal photographer.

The documentary will be sectioned into three parts, focusing on his early career in the 70s, his odd ball crazy psychedelic writing of the 90s and then his recent work with DC Comics.

They wanted to do this documentary to explain how his life and history are intertwined with his comic writing. And while he comes across as a chaos magician it is really just his special view on life that makes him so appealing.

We were treated with several clips and it was like a lite appetizer before an awesome meal. Just tempting you for the later feast to come. It features extensive interviews with many top comic book creators that have worked with Grant over the years. And of course, plenty of interviews with the subject himself.

One of the surprises for the film makers was that Grant works non-stop. He has a great work ethic and is down to earth about his creations. Very committed to his work with a great aura about him.

Grant seemed bemused that someone would want to do a documentary about him. But he agreed, for one reason to put the facts right about his life. Many rumors are out there about extensive drug use, of which are put to rest.

Really looking forward to learning more about this iconic writer, October can’t get here soon enough! Oh, and for next year they have a new documentary that they just started working on: Warren Ellis – Captured Ghosts!

First I cost us about an hour by having to head back to the car after getting half way to McCormick Place on the subway. My old age is creeping up on me since I had forgotten my badge and the flyers for Fan Rants there. Not only that but I dropped my phone and lost the battery cover onto the train tracks. Definately not a good start for the day.

But once we got back on the train we ran into one C2E2 fan heading into town from the airport. Obviously it was a treat for the Cub fans heading to the game and the business people heading to work to find a Ghostbuster on the train with them.

After a very meandering journey from the Blue Line to McCormick Place, involving a nice walk and a bus ride, we arrived ready to have a great time. And Kevin was already beaming with his fancy Press Pass swinging around his neck.

We headed to the special Kick Ass autograph session and were lucky to get the last 2 passes to get in. Maybe our luck was changing after all! We also ran into a couple of really cool guys in line who had shared some of our DragonCon adventures in the past. Not that we had known them before, but we do now. In fact go check out evilsteveproductions.com and give them some support.

The autograph session went quick with everyone being greeted by Aaron Johson (Kick Ass), Chloe Moretz (Hit Girl) and Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Red Mist). Very pleasant kids, I wish them the best in their upcoming careers.

For the next few hours we just wondered the exhibit hall and took in some of the costumers and checked out the warez for sale. All the major publishers were on site pushing their comics and toys. There is a nice artist alley setup with a plethora of famous and not so famous comic artists. And a good selection of your favorite webcomic publishers are on hand.

One interesting thing that I have not seen at other cons is a section for Tattoo artists to setup and sell their services. I think this is an awesome idea as there is a great crossover traffic between the fans.

We caught a couple of panels near the end of the day, but by that time we were exhausted. But no matter how tired we are right now…Saturday should really put us through our paces.

Well, we saw an OFFICIAL Doctor who 10th doctor replica jacket being sold for $300. Yeah, we thought “what the f*ck” too.

My favorite web comic, Cyanide and Happiness have a second book coming out. They say it’s due at the publisher in two days and they’re way behind.

I spoke with Jacen Burrows, artist from the great comic “Crossed”, and he says the continuation, “Crossed: Family Values” (released by Avatar Press), is way way darker.  David Lapham “has some kind of family issues”.  I could tell he was impressed.  The new book launches next week.  I took a peek at it and it looks great!  We may have a special C2E2 exclusive copy to give away later!

Johnny did a great write up on the Mike Mignola panel we attended.  If you haven’t read it already, you can find it here.

We also attended a panel about movies being made from comic books.  The main news out of there (and keep in mind these were not Marvel or DC people) was that a lot of the smaller publishers were selling rights and being culled for their stories.  They said to keep an eye on Blood Fire Comics’ “Kinder Goth”, which is in the works to become an animated series.

That’s all from today! Keep an eye here for more news (like a day 2 wrap up) and you can see me tweeting like mad on twitter by following @fantsinpants.

One of the questions brought forward was why he hasn’t done more with the Asian mythologies, of which he commented that it was very alien to him. In fact the recent comic with Hellboy in Japan made him realize he didn’t know how to draw a Japanese door! He feels that he needs to find the right artist for these stories. One of which he wants to base in China.

Some of the upcoming Hellboy stories will take place in that 50 year span where he roamed the world, before the prophecy came about on his destiny. This is excellent news as Hellboy comics have been absent from the book shelves over the last couple of years.

One thing he emphasized over and over is that he is doing his best to keep the Hellboy movie universe and comic universe very separate. He firmly believes that what Del Toro does with the films are very different than the comics. Obviously the Liz/Hellboy relationship are very different in the two, I hope he keeps to his guns on this.

Mike is expanding his art line on his website, www.mikemignola.com. He will be providing more limited edition prints and sounds like we have a lot to look forward too.

Deadline New York reports that Marvel Studios is in final negotiations with Joss to direct the biggest Superhero film of all time. The film is going to be fast tracked for release May of 2012. Right now we are expecting Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and maybe the Hulk (Edward Norton).

This is an interesting choice, considering that Joss is better known for character creation and writing than he is for directing. But he has had some great success with the Marvel line over the last few years, in particularly the X-Men franchise with The Astonishing X-Men.

Frankly I was hoping he would take on the Runaways movie (not the Joan Jett biopic) coming from Marvel next year.  He was one of the writers for the second volume of this excellent Marvel comics series and definitely his forte with young characters. But I am quite happy to see him taking the lead on this diverse property and wish him the best on this film.

Announcing Han Solo Carbonite Soap!

Each soap is hand detailed for greater clarity with matte and metallic pigments. These are made one at a time, with A LOT of love.

For a limited time I am offering a version of this soap with an Aurebesh label. Be sure to note which version you are purchasing when adding to cart.

COOLEST SOAP EVER!! #fact

100% Fragrance-free and ultra gentle on skin. Made with pure olive oil, shea butter and aloe vera.

Aprox. 4.2 inches x 2.25 inches and an inch thick.
Approximately 5 oz / 142 g

★ Made fresh daily! Vegan ★

Anyone else going? Would love to meet up with some locals.

This week we talked about Captain America, Fringe, Legend of the Seeker, boobs, movie ticket prices, and all that fun stuff.  There’s also a little bit about which Trades we’re reading.  This episode was actually recorded a couple weeks before it’s airing, as is evidenced by our Alice in Wonderland talk, so if you think the news is stale (which I personally do not) then focus on our liberal use of the word “balls”.  I also say “F*ck” a lot, which should make the 10 year old in you giggle.  Wait, why is there 10 year old in you?

Music this week was provided by the artist Tab. The first few songs were off the album Nightmares Daydream {a Silent Film}.  The rest of the music was from the album Traveling in Stereo

Universal would like to hear from you as to their next ‘classic’ film release on Blu-Ray. They have posted a poll on their Facebook page where you can vote. And once you vote, you will get a $5 coupon to be used on any Universal Blu-Ray. Expires 5/30!
(I went with Back to the Future!)

Facebook Link for $5 coupon

So, your hungry for seeing how Matt Smith is going to pull off being the Doctor…but its still weeks away before BBC America will be sharing him with you. Well…there is a way to do this…and you don’t have to be a computer genius either.

No, this does not involve illegal downloading, and we at Fan Rants would never condone such actions. But it does involve spoofing BBC as to where you live. You see, if you live in the UK, you can watch Doctor Who via the BBC website the day after it airs. But if your outside of the UK, your just outta luck!

The way they know this is by your computer IP address. This number tells where your service is originating. So what you have to do is use a ‘Proxy’ number that is located in the UK. Here’s how to do it!

First, get a proxy number. Head over to XROXY.COM and choose their Great Britain (UK) Open Proxy List. This will get you a slew of choices, just choose the first one you come upon that has a Port of 80 next to it. Others will work, but these tend to work the best I have found. Write this down, as you will need it in a moment.

These steps are for Win7 but should be very similar for XP.

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Network and Internet, and then click Internet Options.
3. In the Internet Options dialog box, click the Connections tab.
4. Click the LAN Settings button.
5. To enable the use of a proxy server, check the box for “Use a proxy server for your LAN (These settings will not apply to dial-up or VPN connections)”.
6. Enter the IP address of the proxy in the Address text box (you just got this from XROXY).
7. Enter the port number of the proxy in the Port text box.
8. Click OK to complete the proxy configuration process.

Next step is easy. Head over to the BBC iPlayer and view to your heart’s content!

WARNING! You do not want to leave the Proxy setting on after you have viewed your videos. Just follow the steps back into where you entered the Proxy number and uncheck  the box for “Use a proxy server for your LAN (These settings will not apply to dial-up or VPN connections).

Why you ask? Well if you leave it on it will slow down most of your web browsing as it is having to go to the UK every time you pull up your local Pizza Hut ordering page (example, I prefer Pappa Johns). Also, the Proxy numbers do EXPIRE. So you may have to repeat these steps in the future.

Well it seems that pre-production is under way on the Bryan Singer vehicle X-Men: First Class. Yesterday a listing went up requesting Background Extras in Washington, DC. I am guessing this is legit, but it lists Singer as Director and he changed that recently and took helm as the Producer.

X MEN film titled First Class is getting set to shoot. (DC)

Studio: 20th Century Fox
Director: Bryan Singer
Screenwriter: Josh Schwartz, Jamie Moss

Extras:Pre-Casting
Genre: Action, Adventure

MPAA Rating: Not Available
Official Website: Not Available
Review: Not Available
Movie Poster: Not Available
Production Stills: Not Available

***Contact an agent for Casting 1-877-464-9525*** For Background Scene work. Extras Are needed. Film Experience Required are both Union and Non-Union.

• Location: DC
• Compensation: $225/day
• This is a part-time job.
• This is a contract job.
• Principals only. Recruiters, please don’t contact this job poster.
• Phone calls about this job are ok.
• Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

PostingID: 1671410990 

Seeing her stand up to these baddies showed just how much brass she commanded. And now I am happy to hear (thanks Variety) that her character will be appearing in the upcoming Green Lantern movie! Not only that, but she will be portrade by Angela Bassett.

That last part gives me some pause, as much as I love Bassett, Waller is a fairly large woman. I am only going to guess Hollywood decided that they wanted a strong woman in the role and not necessarily a woman of ‘size’. Kind of a shame, but at least they got a quality actress for the roll.

Speaking of which, I am going to take a guess here and say that she will be doing what Nick Fury (Samuel Jackson) has been doing in the Marvel movies. Probably showing up, keeping an eye on these new super powered people and putting together a team in the future. Perhaps she will be the inspiration behind a Justice League of America movie!

Its been awhile since we heard anything from Alan Moore about his Extraordinary Gentlemen property (talking the comic not the movie, he won’t talk about that thing at all), so when CA broke the news that a new series was coming up we were suspect. And what would be better than one based in America during the 1980′s!? I love the fact that all the team members are TV or Movie characters…since America has no literary history.

What a team too, here is their snipit on the project. Be sure to read their full article also.

League of Extraordinary Gentlemen – America: 1988

When war-hero-turned-handyman Kesuke Miyagi is found drained of blood, it becomes clear that the occult gang known as the Lost Boys are targeting the only individuals that can stop them from complete domination of America. It’s the perfect case for the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen–except that their government contact, Oscar Goldman, disbanded the team in 1979 after they defeated Mr. Han’s army of the living dead.

Now, disgraced scientist Emmet Brown has to put together a new team to combat the growing threat of the Lost Boys and their leader, a newly resurrected vampire kingpin Tony Montana: Transportation specialist Jack Burton, ex-commando B.A. Baracus, tech wizard Angus MacGyver and the mysteriously powerful femme fatale known only as “Lisa.” But will Brown be able to stop the Lost Boys before time runs out?

$9.99 – 64 pages, full color - 1 of 2 – Scheduled to ship on April 1, 2011

I post this info just as a lead in for this awesome fan made poster of Chris. Who knows, maybe he will do a great job and I will eat my shield!

Here’s a run down on what he had to share:

• Venture Brothers will return in August
• Season finale will be an hour long extravaganza in December
• Toyline to be premiered at San Diego Comic Con (previously reported here)
• Season 4 split into two DVD releases, but whole season on one Blu-Ray release
• Publick and Hammer to be at SDCC and Dragon*Con (YES!)

Here are some screen grabs…so pumped yet so pissed that I have to wait till August!!

FIREFLY: STILL FLYING [Titan Books, May 2010, $19.95/£16.99] is a brand new celebration of all aspects of the show. Featuring memories from the cast and crew, a tribute to the Browncoats, and even a feature on Nathan Fillion’s legendary practical jokes, Still Flying is illustrated throughout with a wealth of rare and previously unpublished images, including storyboards, production design art and candid behind-the-scenes photos – including an on-set shot of the last ever scene filmed for Firefly.

Available now as a pre-order from Amazon for only $13.46!

Well I guess someone at Genki Wear caught their video, cause they have made it as part of their new Star Trek scents line. Here are the features of Vulcan Pon Farr:

• Drive him wild! Vulcan Pon Farr… perfume from the Star Trek universe. Because having is not always as pleasing as wanting!
  Straight from the planet Vulcan, this 50 ml container of Star Trek Pon Farr Perfume is all you need to drive your man (or men) wild.
  (Obviously the Vulcan women need it for those times between the 7 year itch)
• Because having is not always as pleasing as wanting! Pon Farr Perfume for women is a refreshing fragrance that’s both invigorating and dramatic, with light, clean notes of citrus, blackcurrant, lotus blossom, and water lily. With base notes from sandalwood, peach, and mulberry, Pon Farr is perfect for those bright sunny days and warm summer nights spent together at the beach, around the fire, or simply watching your favorite affaire d’honneur. Sharp and aggressive, simple yet exotic, use it with care!
  (Nights spent on the beach? Vulcan is a desert planet!)
• Pon Farr: In the Star Trek universe, Vulcan males and females go into heat every seven years, going into a blood fever, becoming violent, and finally dying if they don’t mate with someone with whom they’re empathically bonded.
  (Finally, the only statement based on Trek)