San Diego Comic-Con 2008 – Report!

* I decided not to attend many of the TV or movie panels due to extremely long lines and waiting time. I knew that most of the footage would appear online in some way or another. NBC, SCI-FI channel (amongst others) have complete panel videos. Xbox Live has clips and I set my DVR for the G4 2-day special. If any of you couldn’t attend this year’s show, be sure to check out those venues.

* I saw the last 10 minutes of the Stan Lee and Grant Morrison panel. I’ve never listened to any of these guys before, but they are extremely funny. I’m still not reading any Marvel superhero stuff though.

* Doctor Who Panel: Davies couldn’t attend the panel. Moffat & Gardner showed an extended trailer for the new Christmas episode. Can’t wait!

* Torchwood Panel: Gardner, Barrowman (Harkness), David-Lloyd (Ianto) and Mori (Toshiko) were there. Somebody asked if Barrowman will be auditioning for role of Captain America movie, at which he said he’d love to do it. Near the end of the panel, Barrowman and Mori sung a duet – surprisingly really good voices.

* The Middleman: Strangely, a packed crowd for a show on ABC Family. Watch the series. It’s fun.

* One hour in the sun to see the Spaced panel. Luckily, I got tickets (after waiting in line) for the autograph session afterwards.

* I missed Josh Whedon panels, but I’ve seen him a couple of other times, so no worries.

* Image Comic panel. Image United, big announcement, not much of a surprise because they had a 700 feet cover art in their booth (in Kirkman own words).

* IDW Publishing panel: several first looks at future covers. Locke & Key is going to be 30 issues, plus a graphic novel to end it. Ted Raimi was there for a minute to promote the new series 30 Days of Night: Dust to Dust

* Tried to get an autograph ticket for Dean Koontz but it was impossible, too much people in line.

* Aspen Comics: They are planning a tribute issue (80 pages) with materials from Turner and other artists. DC & Marvel are planning their own tribute books for Turner. Talking to Mastromauro, he confirmed me there will be Absolute/Omnibus type of books next year.

* I talked with Brian Denham (X-Files‘ artist) and he told me (an exclusive!) that Frank Spotnitz is writing the next 4-5 issues, and then other writers from the TV show will follow with stories. #1 will be out in November 2008.

* Top Cow: The cast from the new Magdalena movie was there. Milo Ventimiglia was there to promote a new comic. Seth Green is a little annoying.

* Joe Hill: He’s a cool guy. Down to earth, he talks to you not looking down.

* Michael Turner Tribute: Family, friends, artists and fans talking about Mike and remembering him. The room was full.

* Wildstorm: There were at least 15 or more artists on the panel… and 40-50 attendees. Sad… I was there for X-Files and it seemed like I was the only one.

* I told Brian Lynch (writer of the new Angel comic) that I didn’t like the story, but if he could sign my books anyways. He asked me what he can do to improve it. I said, “Well now is a little too late, but I wanted to know what happened in the alley at the end of Season 5.” He told me that he needed to write the characters first so the story would build up to that. But, argh I’m an impatient bastard. I told him I’ll keep buying them but if I don’t get a satisfying resolution, I’ll put the comics on eBay. He then said he wanted to go to parties with me. I love this guy!

Comic-Con 2008: Complete Progamming schedule

The full programming schedule is available now. I noticed a high increment in game related panels compared to previous years. Many people will not like this as it doesn’t have any relation from the comics.

Friday is Star Wars day. Artists scheduled for panels include Paul Dini, Geoff Johns, Mark Waid, Robert Kirkman, Eric Larsen, Jim Butcher, Kevin Smith, Frank Miller and Brad Meltzer among others.

Media & games related panels include Watchmen, Stargate, Prince of Persia, Star Wars, Spaced, Resident Evil: Degeneration, Ghostbusters, The Wolfman, American Dad, The Spirit, World of Warcraft, The Venture Brothers, 24, Robot Chicken, Mystery Science Theater 3000, Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow, Eureka and Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along among a lot more of other panels.

A highly recommended panel is the Kevin Smith one. I don’t even like his movies, but his panels are hilarious.

Check the full list for Friday here.

For Saturday there is lots of panels to pick from: Ralph Bakshi, Joe Hill, Ben Templesmith, Steve Niles, David Mack, Dean Koontz, J. Michael Straczynski and media events for Futurama, The Simpson, Heroes, Dollhouse, Terminator Salvation, Battlestar Galactica, Pushing Daisies, Gears of War 2, Fable 2, Fringe and Starship Troopers 3.

The full list of panels for Saturday is here.