For the next few days I will be immersed in the Comic-Con experience. Not just any Con experience, but the San Diego Comic-Con event. It’s something my husband and I have been doing together since before we were married. Which is well beyond a decade now. It started as a day outing for us, but after seeing how much we were missing it eventually turned into the entire four+ day holiday. Sometimes the hubby has to work the floor for the company, but I always have plenty to keep me busy.
What started as a humble comic book convention many years ago has blossomed into SO much more. The event now offers gaming, books, publishing companies, and what really draws the crowds these days… television and the movie industry. It’s a great place to engage the writer in me while getting my geek on!
For those of you who have no experience with Comic-Con, I found a fun video that shares some of the crazy you might see while walking the convention floor and surrounding streets during these four days. It’s a serious hoot!
Crazy fun, right? I have yet to dress up for one of these events. 😛 Although, as I write this I’m sporting my nifty Nerd Herd shirt (Go Chuck!). Does that count? A few years ago I was totally chased across the floor by one of the crazy larger than life Ugly dolls. Freaky!
Hubby will be meeting up with me later. That gives me some free time Thursday morning. I must decide between The Witty Women of Steampunk panel, Building the Foundation to a Page-Turning Story panel, or Books and Hollywood panel (I don’t think this last one really applies to me – yet – never discount it – but there’s someone on the panel I wouldn’t mind talking to). Which one would you attend?
Wednesday’s preview night has come to a close. I didn’t make it to the convention room floor to see all the cool products they’re promoting this year. Instead I hung out in Ballroom 20 and sat through five, that’s right, FIVE sneak peek screenings for upcoming fall Warner Bros. shows. The studio was extremely generous this year. Last year we got four. Some years there have been three. It’s something I always look forward too. If you miss it, you can catch each one later during the con. Individually – after waiting in really long lines to get into the proper room for the panel. That is – if you get in. This is what I got to see…
The Review ~
666 Park Avenue – Sundays 10/9 c
Eek! An optimistic young couple is recruited to manage a Manhattan apartment building with a dark history and questionable ownership. What does 666 Park Avenue have to offer? Anything you desire… for a price.
The geek in me screamed “John Locke!” when this opened. Terry O’Quinn returns to television in this scary, thrilling drama. The opening scene will grab you and suck you in! (Those faint of heart, you may want to watch it from behind a pillow). Then the writers put the brakes on, seriously slowing down the pace as they introduce us to the main characters. Seriously, I was almost ready to tune out. Yawn. But stay tuned, it’s worth it! If you can get through that ten minutes of lag things start to get real interesting at 666 Park Avenue. The plot thickens and the mystery and intrigue will have you hanging on to the edge of your seat. I give this one two thumbs up. I see a hit here.
Arrow – Wednesdays 8/7 c
A show based on the Marvel superhero, the Green Arrow. I really wanted to like this show – a lot. Okay, I will admit it – I watched Smallville. There, I said it. And I was partial to their Green Arrow. Going in, I thought this might have more along those lines. I really didn’t get that feel. Aside from the Queens living in what looked like Lex Luther’s mansion from the show. Alright, maybe not. But close enough. I admit to not knowing much about Green Arrow. I haven’t read his comics. So seeing him with a family – a sister, a mother – threw me a little. But I can look past all that. It was the twenty minutes of set up that really dragged for me. Another yawn. That’s right, we need to wait a full twenty minutes before we get to see the Green Arrow in action. What I think they failed to do was explain how he learned all these fancy fighting skills while he was stuck on an island by himself for five years. Or was he by himself???? This Arrow seems darker than the one I’m used to as well. His intent – darker. At least that was my impression.
Honestly – I give it a 50/50 chance because it is a CW show about a cool superhero with a hot guy. But the premier didn’t knock my socks off. Super funny welcome home party scene though that’s good for a laugh. Don’t want to ruin the surprise.
The Following – Mondays, Coming Midseason on Fox
Kevin Bacon’s new show about a flawed hero trying to catch a serial killer with a cult following. Bacon’s character put the killer behind bars several years ago. In the process Bacon was injured on the job and is now no longer on the job. He has a pacemaker and harbors a drinking problem. He’s called in when the killer escapes because of his knowledge of the case. This is one heck of a psychological thriller! A little Silent of the Lambs reminisce. If blood makes you squeamish, don’t tune in for this one, you will get more than your fill. Boy, the unexpected twist near the end – I love being surprised! That happens so rarely for me. The actors do a fantastic job, but I see this lasting only one season.
Revolution – Mondays 10/9 c
The opening scene brought out the full reaction from the audience. That’s always good, very catchy. Something about the young actress in this show and the way they chose to portray her, it just screamed Katniss. Based on a post–apocalyptic world, the show opens with the event – all power – everything- is lost, then zips forward fifteen years. Now the adventure begins! That’s all easy enough to follow. What I couldn’t get past was – where did all the building go in just fifteen years? I’m usually pretty lenient with things, but I had trouble accepting that so much of the terrain had been wiped free of any housing or building in a relatively short amount of time and they had to travel to the big city to find any consistency in structures. It didn’t fit. There should have been broken structures all along the way. You know, gas stations, drug stores, dinners, etc. That’s the way I see it.
It’s your basic family strength and bonding show with a struggle for control. Who ever controls electricity will hold the greatest power. Is there any electricity left to be controlled? It was a fun watch and I enjoyed it, but my Scooby sense is not tingling. I don’t know that this one will make it past the year.
Cult – Coming to the CW
From the creator of Farscape – one of my all time favorites! and the producers of Chuck (heart), Cult is an emotional thriller starring Matt Davis (Vampire Diaries). The premise revolves around a television show called Cult where a select fan base believes there’s more to the show than mere television entertainment. And when you discover too much… I tend to like the twisted and unusual. I go for something that really makes you think. This is out there. Honestly, I don’t hold out a lot of hope for this show. Sorry WB. My gut doesn’t feel good on this one. I got that sinking ship feeling. L That’s not to say the episode wasn’t entertaining, but I don’t see it lasting. And I didn’t feel it necessary to make the acting on their show within a show SO horribly bad. Was that necessary for contrast? I found it distracting and a big turn off. I project a fail.
There you go! Five new shows coming to the WB in the fall. Will you be tuning in for any of them? Follow the links to IMDB for a complete list of cast and characters.
Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate your comments, but may not be able to respond for a long while due to the busy schedule and limited wi-fi. Doesn’t mean I don’t care.
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You know I love this post! See you soon, my friend.
I’ve got my geek t-shirts all washed and ready to go, now it’s time to pack up and make that long drive to the hotel. 😉
Ohmygawd, ohmygawd, ohmygawd, I’m so excited!
Ohmygawd! It was so much fun. Thank you, Tamari, for boosting my experience over the top!
i’m so jealous – it sounds wonderful. have fun ladies.
It is wonderful, Louise. There is something there for everyone. Maybe you can come some year.
You would also love the Star Trek Convention in Las Vegas starting August 9. Then, in October, there is the ComicCon in Austin. All 5 captains will be there….so will I.
Wow, Karen! You sure do get into it. I have yet to go to a Trek Convention. Our friend used to run them years ago. I hear they are pretty wild. One hosting all five captains will be a mad house! Have a fantastic time!!!
Oh….I now have 4 different costumes and don’t have to pack much else because that is all we wear at the cons. It’s addicting.
Have a great time Debra!!!
Thanks, Coleen! Tameri and I had a blast hanging out together. Next stop – RWA Nationals!
Have a great time! It’s the convention season!
That it is. Thanks, Christine. Sounds like everyone at ThrillerFest had a blast! How exciting. Wish I had a full-time nanny and endless amounts of cash. LOL.
I hope Cult tanks in a hurry…and the idiots who produce The Vampire Diaries put Matt Davis back where he belongs. That was one of the things that made the season finale so annoying (along with the Breaking Dawn ending). Okay, rant over…but every time I think of them killing off Alaric…grrr!!! 🙂
Looks like you are set to have a fantastic few days, Debra. I’d like to take my daughter there someday. She’d get a heck of a kick out of the costumes (more from watching the event goers dressing up, I think). Can’t wait to see what you’ve got to share about this year when you get back. 🙂
I didn’t realize you were such a Matt Davis fan. His character got written into a dead end. Poor Matt. I like the actors in the new show, but did not get that success feel from it. Time will tell.
We had a great time and came back with some wonderful knowledge. I believe both Tameri and I will be sharing more in the days and weeks to come.
Jealous! But excited to see some of my blogging friends getting to enjoy SDCC.
You should try to join us in the future. Sounds like it would be right up your alley! Everything from television shows to writing! What more can you ask for?
I have very hopeful plans for next year. We shall see what the budget (and kid) plans will allow.
We’ll definitely be attending the local Con in 2013 – MegaCON! (Orlando)
Not you too. 🙁 Half of the Hypable staff is off to Comic-Con and I’m here on the other side of the country nerding out and trying to figure out how I can make it to next year’s. I can come stay with you, right!? 😛
Every year, girlie! But I don’t live close enough to commute. We always get a hotel close by. It would be so much fun if you were able to join the Hypable staff for the 2013 Comic-Con. Tickets go on sale next month to existing badge holders. You should talk one of them into picking one up for you! 😀
Sounds like so much fun, Debra, and great that your hubby and you can share this passion. have fun!
Thank you, Sheila. We have a ton of fun. Every year is different and our experiences have grown with us. That’s one of the amazing things about the con – so many options! Thanks for stopping by! and congratulations on the new book launch!!
I think you went to the writing panel, but if you went to the Steampunk panel, tell me all about it! Have fun!
You are right, I failed to make it to the Steampunk panel. Maybe – someday. If I’m inspired to write Steampunk. But until then I will direct my focus to the areas I feel I’ll get the most benefit. I’ll cover that in my next post.
Comic-Con sounds like so much fun. Jealous I’m missing it.
I think you should hop over the pond and join us next time! It would be SO much fun to meet you, Emma. 🙂
Have a blast at the conference! I love that you and hubby have awesome history there. 🙂 Can’t wait for updates!!
Isn’t it funny, such a geeky thing and we love it! The event has just gotten more and more expensive for us over the years. From a day trip and $11 parking to a five day trip with hotel and expensive hotel parking! Not to mention how the cost of the actual CC pass has gone up over the years. Eek! We are so addicted. I have been slammed, but the update is coming soon.
Sounds like a great time! I’ve only made it to San Diego once in my life. Would love to include a Comic Con in my next visit there. Fill us in on all the total coolness of your trip!
San Diego is a beautiful area, with or without the craziness that is Comic-Con. The event always takes place in July if you decide to give it a try sometime in the future. Hotels in the Gaslamp district jack up their rates for that week and sometimes block out booking until Comic-Con allows hotel booking to keep everyone on an even playing field. It’s crazy, but fun! The update is coming soon. 😀 Thanks so much for stopping in Laura! It’s a pleasure to have you.
My daughter watches the G4 channel’s coverage of ComicCon every year. It looks like a crazy (but good) time! I’d have a hard time choosing between the workshops, too. I’ll be curious to see which you attended!
A lot of authors share booths on the floor promoting their books. It’s another place to be seen. But the spaces are crazy expensive! Sounds like your daughter might enjoy attending at some later date. My friend took her daughter for the first time this year. They spent a lot of time standing in the really long lines to get in the big panels such as Vampire Diaries and Supernatural. Fun times! 🙂
Have a blast. That looks like soooo much fun :0)
It’s a ton of fun, Elisa. I know you would have a swinging good time! One day just isn’t enough for me and my guy! I’ve been working on posting the follow-up, but WordPress hates me. Maybe it will get posted in the next 24 hours. Fingers crossed.
I’m so jealous, Debra. Can’t believe I’ve lived in CA all these years and never gotten down to Comic-Con. Next year, for sure. Can’t wait for the report!
You should go! What are you waiting for? LOL. The crowds can be a real turn off for some. And the costs. Last year I took the train there to save on parking the car. It was packed full of attendees doing the same thing. WordPress is fighting me. We’ve been going at it for over 24 hours now, but gosh darn, I’ll get the follow-up report posted soon – I hope. Thanks for stopping by!