SDCC '11: The Dark and The Edge Panel

I, Vampire interiors by Andrea Sorentino.

After DC announced their big September shakeup and the new titles that were a part of the New DC, I was struck most by the new talent that that has been hired to work on the less commercial books. I see these as the titles that might just hook new readers who might not be interested in the capes and the tights stuff.

At DC’s Dark and Edge panel we got to listen to DC’s next generation of writers talk about their goods—and the books sounded and looked good. Damn good. The panel included Scott Snyder (Swamp Thing), Jeff Lemire (Animal Man and Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E., Mike Costa (Blackhawks), Adam Glass (The Suicide Squad), Ivan Brandon (Men of War), Paul Cornell (Demon Knights and StormWatch), Kyle Higgins (Deathstroke), Moritat (All-Star Western) and Joshua Fialkov (I, Vampire).

Before I start, I was thrilled beyond words to listen to these writers speak about their work. DC has gotten a lot of hell for their decision to revamp their entire line of superhero comic books, but when I listen to these writers talk about how thrilled they are to work on these books, and the energy they all appear to have to tell good stories, I just want to shout to the negative comic book readers and say “Give. Them. A. Chance” (in actuality there would probably be an expletive in there somewhere).

SDCC '11: Cup 'o Joe Panel

Jeph Loeb seemed to be the star of this year’s Cup ‘o Joe panel at Comic Con on Saturday, but that didn’t keep Joe Quesada from running down the list of exciting new books heading our way in the coming months from Marvel.

Quesada opened with a teaser featuring pictures of a couple dozen Marvel characters with the words Point One in the middle. While it seemed to be announcement for the next batch of Point One titles (this was the initiative that Marvel began earlier this year to bring new readers onto books through easy to follow one-shots), this was actually a teaser for a 64-page comic book that acts as a precursor to the big event of 2012.

We moved onto Loeb’s big announcement: Cable Reborn. Loeb and frequent collaborator Ed McGuiness are teaming up to work on a new Cable series this December. When asked by a fan if Deadpool was going to be guest-starring at some point in the series, Loeb responded “Ed McGuiness is drawing it.” Of course, long time fans of the Merc with the Mouth will recall that McGuiness drew some of the characters wackiest adventures.

SDCC '11: Review: 'Locke & Key' Pilot

By Don M. Ventura

Friday at Comic Con, the makers of Locke & Key were finally able to air the pilot adapted from the Eisner Award-winning comic by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez of the same name, after Fox decided not to pick it up as a series for the 2011/2012 Fall season.

And I assure you, a mistake has been made. Director Mark Romanek (One Hour Photo) and writer Josh Friedman (War of the Worlds) faithfully adapted the comic book in a way that maintains the book’s dark core themes and characters, while still presenting entertainment that could air on network television. The production on this pilot felt cinematic for certain; one of the more surprising aspects of the pilot is that it covers the first volume of the series, “Welcome to Lovecraft.”



SDCC '11: Marvel's 'Next Big Thing' Panel

So who is the new Spider-Man in Ultimate Comics Spiderman? We have a few more weeks before we find out according to Marvel Comics’ Director of Communications Arune Singh at the Marvel’s “Next Big Thing” panel.

“It’s going to be talked about in comic book shops all over the country,” said Singh of the reveal that will take place in the six-issue mini-series Ultimate Fallout. “We’re going to do something you could never do in the regular Marvel Universe.” My interest is piqued and, while I have not read the entire run of Ultimate Spider-Man, I get the distinct hint that the new Spidey is going to be someone we know from the comic books.

Come September, the Ultimate Universe begins anew with Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #1 by Bendis and Sara Pichelli, Ultimate Comics The Ultimates by Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribic, and Ultimate Comics X-Men by Nick Spencer and Paco Medina.

Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso said that this mini-relaunched universe will feel more cohesive in the past because the three writers responsible are working together to do so. Alonso also announced that some of the books would be double-shipping during their initial months of publication.

SDCC '11: Grant Morrison Panel

DC featured a question and answer session with Grant Morrison today which was more entertaining than I could have ever imagined. Morrison was charming and funny, but always thoughtful and serious about his approach to his writing. What struck me most was that, for a guy who is notorious for his layered and sometimes complex storytelling, he has very straightforward ideas about the characters he writes.

The writer discussed a number of projects that he is working on, but most questions centered around DC Comics’ two most famous heroes: Superman and Batman.

SDCC '11: DC Comics' The New 52 Panel

Wonder Woman artwork by Chiang.

DC Comics co-publisher Dan DiDio and company opened today’s “The New 52” panel by opening a question up to the audience: “What are you are you worried about?” Fans shouted their concerns about the publisher’s upcoming linewide relaunch as a poor gentleman operating a boom mike ran around the filled auditorium so that they could be heard.

One reader expressed disappointment that the numbering was going to change on such long-running comics as Action Comics and Detective Comics. To that DiDio replied, “Numbers don’t matter if the sales aren’t there and the numbers end.”

DiDio was accompanied by  Executive Editor Eddie Berganza Editor-in-Chief Bob Harras and creators Paul Cornell, J.T. Krul, Paul Levits, Scott Lobdell, Freddie Williams II, Dan Jurgens and Cliff Chiang.

SDCC '11: 'Avengers' Teaser Poster Released in Time for Comic Con

Spoiler Alert!

For about twenty magical minutes on Sunday night, I was able watch and rewatch the Avengers teaser that is expected to be tacked onto the end of Captain America: The First Aveneger. I'm hopeful that a High Definition version of the teaser featuring the cast in some brief moments of actions. There was Iron Man (Rober Downey, Jr.) in his new armor, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) looking more his Ultimate counterpart, Captain America (Chris Evans) in a more contemporary costume, Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Black Widow (Scarlet Johansson), Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) and Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders). And there was the great opening phrase: Some. Assembly. Required.

Spinoff reported today that Joss Whedon, Clark Gregg and Evans would be signing autographs on Thurday and Saturday at Comic Con. So for now, we have no teaser trailer to watch. But we do have this shiny new Avengers teaser poster that was released today by Marvel Studios and Paramount Pictures.

The Avengers bursts into theaters on May 4, 2012.

SDCC '11: My Comic Con Itinerary

Okay, that wasn’t so bad. I’ve gone through the entire Comic Con Programming schedule and chosen my panels carefully. There were some definite rough spots—on Friday, the Image Comics Show (featuring Scott Snyder, John Layman and Nick Spencer) is going up against DC’s Superman panel with Grant Morrison. I opted to attend DC’s Grant Morrison spotlight to hear his plans for Supes after September’s relaunch so that I might still see my heroes from Image. I’m also worried that the Locke & Key Pilot might get too packed, so I’ve selected the State of the Industry panel—what you find snooze worthy, I find exhilarating!

I’m also opting to attend almost no television and movie panels because I’m really more interested in the comic books than anything. However, I am going to try to get into the Terra Nova screening (that’s that dinosaur series on Fox this Fall). Unfortunately I also won't be able to attend the The 6th Annual Comics Podcasting All-Stars because I'm planning to attend the Batman and Next Big Thing panels. Perhaps I'll attend once I'm asked to join the panel discussion.

So here goes—my complete San Diego Comic Con 2011 itinerary (I hope I don’t have any stalkers):

SDCC '11: Marvel Teases: Hulk

Okay, so it looks like the Defenders are getting back together. Marvel released its fifth teaser on Friday, this time featuring the silhouette of Marvel’s first gamma-irradiated hero.

Of course this leaves us with a handful of questions. Who’s doing the book? The creative team will be announced at the Fear Itself panel next Sunday at Comic Con. The panel features Cullen Bunn (Sixth Gun), who is currently writing the Defenders-ish Fear Itself: The Deep. Nick Spencer (Iron Man 2.0) will also be on hand; he mentioned a few months ago that more of his Marvel work would be announced during the latter half of the year.

Of course, we can’t count out that this is going to be the mysterious “Reborn” book by Ed McGuiness and Jeph Loeb. The Silver Surfer silhouette looks quite similar to McGuiness’s bulked-out take on the character. Loeb could be good for a book like this because it would be big on action and big on guest-stars—as most of his books tend to be.

Personally, I’d love to see a new run for The Defenders. This was one of those fun C-List character team books I loved reading as a kid. I say C-List because when I read the book it featured Hellcat, the Son of Satan, Gargoyle, Valkyrie, Nighthawk with Doctor Strange leading the team (circa 1981). I’d love to see these heroes back on the team because there’s a lot of fun to be had with these lesser know characters since the writer isn’t as restrained as one might be when working with bigger properties.

The mystery book will hit store shelves this December.

SDCC '11: Comic Con Announces 2012 Registration Schedule and New Pricing

Comic Con announced this weekend that ticket prices would be increasing for next year’s event.

This year, single day tickets cost $37, while a four-day pass cost $105. Tickets for next year increase significantly according to the ticket information released on Saturday:

While the single day prices have increased by only $3, the four-day pass jumps by an additional $45. Add another $25 to attend Preview Night. Organizers issued the following statement about the increase on their site:

“Comic-Con will no longer be offering a discount for 4-day badge purchases. We hope that this change will encourage people to purchase only the days they will actually be attending, leaving additional badges for others who want to attend Comic-Con.”

Tickets for next year’s event will be available Thursday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Comic Con 2012 is scheduled for July 12 through July 15, with Preview Night on July 11.

Also note, you may only purchase tickets for next year’s show if you have a 2011 badge. Click here for all the details!

SDCC '11: Marvel Teases: Silver Surfer

Marvel has released their fourth "It's Either In You Or It's Not" teaser image and it's looking more and more like a new Defenders book. Look forward to a fifth and final teaser tomorrow and all will be revealed Sunday July 24th at 12:30PM at the Fear Itself panel at San Diego Comic Con.

Max Beckman is a manager at Pulp Fiction in Long Beach, CA and CheapGraphicNovels.com. You can follow him on Twitter @CheapGNsdotcom and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pulpfictioncomics. Pulp Fiction can be found on the web at www.pulpfictiononline.com and at 1742 Clark Ave. Long Beach, CA 90815.

SDCC '11: What Pilot Will FX Bring to Comic Con? 'Powers' or 'American Horror Story'

Okay—so just what “highly anticipated” pilot is FX going to present in Room 6DE at Comic Con?

The current programming schedule reads as follows:

9:30-10:30 FX Pilot Sneak Peek Screening— Surprise! Stop by for a special Saturday night sneak peek at one of FX's most highly anticipated pilots. At press time, details of this exclusive screening event were unable to be released by FX, so please check the room sign outside of Room 6DE for updated details. Room 6DE

The two most likely possibilities are American Horror Story or Powers.

Glee creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk have created another cutting-edge concept to television. In American Horror Story, Ben and Vivien Harmon (Dylan McDermott and Connie Britton) bring their children to San Francisco after their marriage struggles with the weight of a miscarriage and infidelity. Much of the story has been shrouded in mystery, but we learn that the family’s new home may also be haunted. Jessica Lange plays an overly curious neighbor who seems to understands the secrets of the Harmon’s residence.

Production ended on the American Horror Story pilot in mid-June, while Powers should have begun shooting in early July according to Brian Michael Bendis, who co-created the book from which it is adapted, with artist Michael Avon Oeming.

Powers is the story of two detectives in a world inhabited by costumed heroes, who investigate homicides related to victims with super powers. This is not, however, set in the world of Marvel or DC—Bendis and Oeming have established their own universe so that they may tinker with familiar archetypes who would otherwise be untouchable in those universes. Powers stars Jason Patric as Christian Walker and Lucy Punch as Deena Pilgrim.

We should be hearing which pilot will close Saturday night at Comic Con sometime prior to the big event. Well, at least just prior to the screening.

SDCC '11" 'Justice League' Comic-Con Souvenir Book Cover

Image says it all

SDCC '11: Marvel Teases: Red She-Hulk

Marvel has released yet another teaser image relating to an announcement to be made at the Fear Itself panel at San Diego Comic Con on Sunday July 24th this time featuring Betty Ross the Red She-Hulk. As much as I'd like my previous predictions regarding an Iron Fist book written by Matt Fraction and a Dr. Strange book written by Cullen Bunn to be true, it now seems like these characters will actually be part of the same book. Bleeding Cool predicts that the book will relate to The Mighty teaser revealed last week (which would mean that the mystery woman with the gigantic sword is Betty). All will soon be revealed....


Max Beckman is a manager at Pulp Fiction in Long Beach, CA and CheapGraphicNovels.com. You can follow him on Twitter @CheapGNsdotcom and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pulpfictioncomics. Pulp Fiction can be found on the web at www.pulpfictiononline.com and at 1742 Clark Ave. Long Beach, CA 90815.

SDCC '11: The Search for 'Wonder Woman'

The one thing I don’t see me doing a lot of at Comic Con next week is shopping. When it comes to graphic novels and older single issues, I tend to be something of a bargain shopper. If I have a feeling that I can buy something elsewhere for a better deal, I’m not likely to fork money for books.

However—I am on the lookout for one prized item: The somewhat unseen Wonder Woman pilot that NBC opted not to convert into a full-fledged 2011/2012 television series. From the moment it was announced there was mainly panic and negativity probably because it was being adapted by David E. Kelley—whose library of successes have had nothing to do with derring-do.

SDCC '11: Contemplating My First Comic Con

Don’t be overwhelmed. Don’t be overwhelmed.

Easier said than done. In just a week and a half I’ll attend my first Comic Con. Sure, I’ve been to a handful of Cons, but this is the Comic Con that simply goes by “Comic Con” and everybody knows what Comic Con you’re talking about.

I’ve never been there. I’ve lived in nearby Orange County for my entire life and I’ve never desired to take the southbound trek to San Diego for one simple reason: I’m not a crowd person. I don’t have claustrophobia, I just have never been particular to having my space invaded for long stretches of time. I won’t say that I’ve changed necessarily, but I’m going to go in spite of the crowds because—at my core—I love reading comic books.

SDCC '11: Marvel Teases: Iron Fist

Marvel released the above teaser this morning indicating that the project will be announced at the Fear Itself panel at San Diego Comic Con on Sunday July 24th at 1230PM PST.

It seems pretty clear from the image that this will be a new Iron Fist series and I have an extremely strong idea of who the writer will be: Matt Fraction. Fraction of course had an extremely successful run on the character with Ed Brubaker and David Aja that seemed to short for most people. On several occasions since the series' conclusion Fraction has stated that he wanted to leave the book on an extremely high note without the risk of overstaying his welcome (he often said it would be like if The Clash had broken up after London Calling). However, several months ago, on one of Wordballoon's episodes, Fraction said that he had just come up with an idea for Iron Fist that was worthy of coming back to the series for and that he would pitch it to Marvel. In my mind, there's absolute no doubt that he'll be writing this new series.

Max Beckman is a manager at Pulp Fiction in Long Beach, CA and CheapGraphicNovels.com. You can follow him on Twitter @CheapGNsdotcom and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pulpfictioncomics. Pulp Fiction can be found on the web at www.pulpfictiononline.com and at 1742 Clark Ave. Long Beach, CA 90815.

SDCC '11: Saturday and Sunday Programming Schedule Now Online

Have you been pulling your hair out trying to decide what to do when you go to Comic Con? This weekend the Saturday and Sunday schedules were published. You're going to need a pretty sweet calendar app to keep on top of things—or you can just figure it all out by listening to our handy SDCC '11 Schedule Highlights podcast!

10 days to go!

SDCC ’11: Cape Town Extra: SDCC ‘11 Schedule Highlights

Last week we provided dazzling tips on how to prepare for a positive Comic Con adventure! In the second of three SDCC ’11 Special Edition podcasts, Don and Max look at the highlights of this year’s recently published schedule. With over 300 different panels being conducted over the five-day event, Don and Max share their thoughts on this year’s activities and attempt to prioritize some of their time.

The show is embedded below and is now available on iTunes for subscription. Each episode will labeled "podcast" so you can link to previous episodes here on the blog. Refer to the Show Notes after the jump as well as a direct link to download the MP3. You can find the corresponding written survival guide here.

SDCC '11: Friday Programming Schedule Now Online

The programming schedule for Friday July 22 at San Diego Comic Con has been revealed. You can find the complete schedule here.