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Comic Con ’09 – Exclusive “Boondock Saints II” Press Junket

Anna Daugherty — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:24:42 +0000

The original Boondock Saints is something of a cult classic. It bombed in theaters, but has since gained a considerable following, mostly for its dark comedy. The sequel has long been in the works, and finally some information will be made available to the fans at Comic Con this year.

In addition to the film’s stars, CC will be premiering the trailer. The film’s promoters issued this press release about the film:

The following talent will be available at Comic-Con for press junket
style interviews from 10am to 1pm on Saturday, July 25th at the Westin
Hotel.

Talent in attendance:

* Troy Duffy (writer/director)
* Billy Connolly (Noah ‘Il Duce’ McManus)
* Norman Reedus (Murphy McManus)
* Sean Patrick Flannery (Connor McManus)
* Julie Benz (Eunice Bloom)
* Clifton Collins, Jr. (Romeo)
* David Della Rocco (Rocco)

Additionally, at 3:30 pm, they will be holding a panel discussion which
will feature the world premiere of the film’s trailer.

Comic Con ’09 – USA Network Panels

Anna Daugherty — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:25:42 +0000

Two great shows on the USA Network, “Burn Notice” and “Psych,” will be having interactive panels at Comic Con this year. None other than Bruce “The Man” Campbell will be present!

USA issued this press release for more information about their panels:

WHAT:

USA Network, the #1 cable network, will participate in Comic-Con with talent and creators from two of its critically acclaimed and top rated shows – BURN NOTICE and PSYCH.

WHO:

Bruce Campbell, star of BURN NOTICE, the #1 scripted show on cable, will be on the panel along with notable guest cast members Seth Peterson; Ben Shenkman; Jay Karnes; along with creator/writer/ executive producer Matt Nix and co-executive producer/writer Alfredo Barrios Jr. The panel will give an insider’s look at the writing process and share behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Fans of BURN NOTICE will be also treated to an exclusive sneak peek at an upcoming episode from season three. Michael Shanks, who starred in “Stargate SG-1,” and who guest starred as “Victor” last season, will moderate.

Making its Comic-Con debut is the hit original series PSYCH, which will have the entire cast present including James Roday; Dulé Hill; Corbin Bernsen; Maggie Lawson; Timothy Omundson, along with creator/writer/executive producer Steve Franks. Executive producers Chris Henze and Kelly Kulchak will also be on the panel. The panel will be moderated by E! Entertainment’s Jennifer Godwin. PSYCH fans will have their chance to ask the panelists what it really takes to put together a show about a fake psychic, with never-before-seen footage.

WHEN/WHERE:

Thursday, July 23, 2009

San Diego Convention Center

111 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego

* The panels will take place in Ballroom # 20

* The press interviews will take place in Press Room # 33B

BURN NOTICE Panel – 2:30-3:30

BURN NOTICE PRESS ROOM – 3:30-4:30

PSYCH PRESS ROOM – 2:30-3:15

PSYCH Panel – 3:45-4:45

Comic Con ’09 – Shout! Factory Itinerary

Anna Daugherty — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:54:17 +0000

We’ve just received a Press Release for the exciting events being produced by Shout! Factory at Comic Con 2009 this year.

At this year’s Comic-Con 2009, Shout! Factory will rollout in full force with a slate of popular and memorable television properties on DVD, special panel presentation and signings. Below, please find the outline of activities for your coverage planning.

The Middleman – Special Panel presentation follow by signing on Thursday, July 23, 2009

The Transformers: 25th Anniversary “Matrix of Leadership” Edition Collector’s Set Featuring Limited-Edition Gift-with-Purchase Comic Con Exclusive Lithograph (More in-depth info to come…)

G.I. Joe A Real American Hero: The Complete Series Collector’s Set
Featuring Limited-Edition Gift-with-Purchase Comic Con Exclusive Lithograph for the collector’s set (More in-depth info to come…)

Following talent available for interviews:

The Middleman cast (Natalie Morales, Matt Keeslar) and show creator Javier Grillo-Marxuach – Thursday, July 23

The Transformers and G.I. Joe (original animated) – Gregg Berger (Grimlock in TF) – Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2009

THE MIDDLEMAN Panel

When: 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM

Where: Room 6A

Talent: Show creator Javier Grillo-Marxuach and cast (Natalie Morales, Matt Keeslar, Mary Gleason, Brit Morgan and Jake Smollett)

The panel will feature exclusive table read of the lost 13th episode The Doomsday Armageddon Apocalypse, which was never produced for television but will be available as a graphic novel from Viper Comics.

This July 28, Shout! Factory will release The Middleman: The Complete Series box set. Available for the first time, THE MIDDLEMAN: THE COMPLETE SERIES DVD box set contains all 12 one-hour episodes that aired on ABC Family in 2008 and a payload of DVD bonus content featuring commentaries with the cast and crew, alternate scenes, web featurettes, gag reel, audition footage, The Complete “The Palindrome Reversal Palindrome” table read, a gallery of The Middleman photography by Ralph King and much more!

Based on the series of graphic novels by acclaimed writer Javier Grillo-Marxuach (“Lost,” “Medium”), the popular ABC Family live-action television series “The Middleman” star Matt Keeslar (“Snowglobe”), Natalie Morales (“CSI: Miami”), Mary Pat Gleason (“I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry”), Brit Morgan (“Buried Alive”) and Jake Smollett (“Eve’s Bayou”).

When: 12: 30 PM

Where: Shout! Factory Booth #3749

The Cast & Show creator signing for “The Middleman”

Show creator and graphic novelist Javier Grillo-Marxuach and actors Natalie Morales, Matt Keeslar, Mary Gleason, Brit Morgan, Jake Smollett

SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2009

When: 1:00 PM

Where: Shout! Factory Booth #3749

THE TRANSFORMERS (original animated) and G.I. Joe (Original animated)

Special rare appearance signing by Gregg Berger (“Grimlock” in The Transformers and “Spirit” in G.I. Joe) as well as artist Andrew Griffith.

SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2009

When: 1:00 PM

Where: Shout! Factory Booth #3749

THE TRANSFORMERS (original animated) and G.I. Joe (Original animated)

Special rare appearance signing by Gregg Berger (“Grimlock” in The Transformers and “Spirit” in G.I. Joe)

Lucy Lawless Returns to Comic Con

Anna Daugherty — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:44:08 +0000

Lucy Lawless, the butt-kicking feminist icon Xena, will be returning to Comic Con this year as part of Starz Entertainment’s panel on their upcoming series, “Spartacus: Blood and Sand.”

The series is produced by Sam Raimi, and is inspired by comic books and graphic novels such as 300. Starz issued a press release about this event, and you can read all about it here:

ON JULY 24th, STARZ PUTS THE SPOTLIGHT ON

HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED ORIGINAL DRAMA

‘SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND’ AT COMIC CON

Cast And Crew Including Lucy Lawless, Rob Tapert and Steven DeKnight Host Exclusive First Look of Action Series Premiering January 2010

PANELISTS INCLUDE LUCY LAWLESS (“XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS”), PETER MENSAH, ROB TAPERT (EVIL DEAD 1-2, DRAG ME TO HELL), STEVEN S. DEKNIGHT (“BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER,” “ANGEL”) AND INTRODUCING ANDY WHITFIELD AS SPARTACUS

DEVIL’S DUE PUBLISHING & STARZ ALSO TO UNVEIL EXCLUSIVE COMIC BOOK MINI-SERIES INSPIRED BY “SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND”

WHO: Lucy Lawless (Lucretia), Andy Whitfield (Spartacus), Peter Mensah (Doctore), Rob Tapert (Executive Producer), Steven S. DeKnight (Executive Producer and Show-runner)

WHAT: Exclusive ‘First Look’ at the anticipated original drama “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” PLUS interview opportunities with cast and production team AND Unveiling of the Exclusive First Edition of series-inspired comic w/ special Comic Con cover.

The world of gladiators comes to life as the Roman Republic’s most brutal fighters clash in the ultimate arena. “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” is an entirely new vision of the ancient legend and will utilize virtual environments giving it a unique graphic novel look and style, along with a fresh narrative approach. Debuting exclusively on Starz, “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” in January 2010 is produced by Starz Media with Executive Producers Rob Tapert, Sam Raimi and Joshua Donen. Starz’s new “Spartacus” series was inspired by the actual slave of the Roman Republic who in 73 BC led a slave revolt that grew to more than 120,000 fighters. Defying the Roman Republic’s legions of soldiers, they campaigned for two years through much of what is now Italy before succumbing to a much larger army. The new series will tell a new set of stories rich in character, action, sex and combat.

This series, including 13 one-hour episodes, is executive produced by heavy-hitters Sam Raimi (Spider-Man and Evil Dead), Rob Tapert (The Grudge, “Xena: Warrior Princess” and “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys”) and Steven DeKnight (“Smallville,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”). Production, based in New Zealand, runs through the end of October.

WHERE: San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA

WHEN: Friday, July 24th

Comic Con – Special Guest Jerry Vanderstelt!

Donny Winter — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:58:08 +0000

So many wonderful guests will be attending Comic-Con this year, and one that really caught my eye was the science fiction and fantasy artist, Jerry Vanderstelt who has been an inspiration of mine for quite some time.

For those who don’t know who Vanderstelt is, he is well-known for producing the art for the box office hit trilogy The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003) for New Line Cinema. Not to mention he has done art for Lucasfilm Ltd. as well. Along with that he has produced art for various publishing/book companies such as: Ace, Roc, Pocket, and Scholastic Books. For those of you interested in getting published or enhancing your artistic experience, he is a very good person to look to at the event. After all it is recommended that we aspiring artists look at other more experienced people in order to become aware of the necessary actions of becoming better at what we do.

I’m fairly sure he’ll be promoting and/or selling his famous art at Comic-Con, so I definitely recommend everyone check out his prints. Plus he may be promoting some art related to the new Hobbit movie that will be released at some point in the future. It’s not everyday one gets to see an artist of that immense integrity. Especially one who’s worked on Lord of the Rings! I mean come on, who could be better than that!?

Comic Con – David Tennant and Russel T. Davies!

Anna Daugherty — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:10:43 +0000

BBC America just announced this very exciting news via press release. Read about the Dr. Who event at Comic Con after the jump!

DAVID TENNANT AND RUSSELL T DAVIES ATTENDING COMIC-CON 2009

- BBC hosts Doctor Who talent for their first ever appearance at Comic-Con -

New York, NY – June 17, 2009 – In support of BBC AMERICA’s U.S. premiere of four Doctor Who Specials, the Doctor himself, David Tennant, will appear alongside writer/executive producer Russell T Davies at this year’s Comic-Con in San Diego. They will take part in a Doctor Who panel along with executive producer Julie Gardner and director Euros Lyn, Sunday July 26, 10:00-11:00am PT.

David will travel to Comic-Con, fresh from the Doctor Who set, having shot his final scenes as the tenth Time Lord. He and fellow panelists will discuss the latest incarnation of television’s longest running science fiction series and take questions from the floor. There will also be exclusive sneak peeks from the upcoming specials.

Fans can visit the BBC AMERICA booth (#3629) to capture their own photograph alongside part of the Doctor Who set – as well as purchase exclusive merchandise including David Tennant figures.

Fans of BBC AMERICA’s highest rated show ever, Torchwood, which will have just completed the five-part special, Children of Earth, will get to chat with the stars and makers of the show first-hand. Just 48 hours after the last episode, the show makes a return visit to Comic-Con with a panel featuring star John Barrowman, writer/executive producer Russell T Davies, executive producer Julie Gardner and director Euros Lyn, Sunday July 26, 2:15-3:45pm PT.

As part of the same panel, Sunday July 26, 2:15-3:45pm PT, catch the talent from BBC AMERICA’s most buzzed about new sci fi drama, Being Human. Creator and writer, Toby Whithouse, plus lead actors Russell Tovey, Lenora Crichlow and Aidan Turner, talk about the inspiration for the show and what it’s like to play three twenty-somethings with secret double-lives – as a werewolf, a vampire and a ghost. All four panelists will be signing exclusively at the BBC AMERICA booth, Saturday July 25, 3:00-4:00pm PT.

Cult comedy favorite and BAFTA-nominated, The Mighty Boosh, comes to Comic-Con for the first time to celebrate the airing of all three seasons on Adult Swim, and the BBC’s DVD release, just two days before the convention begins. Inspired by the Perrier Comedy Award-winning live comedy show, creators-stars Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding, along with actors Michael Fielding, Rich Fulcher and Dave Brown, will be on stage to discuss the magical, bizarre and exciting world of The Boosh, Friday, July 24, 4:45-5:45pm. The hit UK comedy series follows crazy zookeepers Howard Moon and Vince Noir and was described by The San Jose Mercury News as “an acid-trip fantasy-comedy [that] is seriously deranged and seriously funny.”

Fans can also catch exclusive BBC AMERICA screenings during the convention with back to back episodes of Doctor Who and Torchwood. Key talent from both shows introduce the last episode of the five part series Torchwood: Children of Earth and a U.S. premiere viewing of Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead, the first of four specials starring David Tennant.

Underground Toys (#3949) will be selling their entire Doctor Who and Torchwood lines of toys and novelty items. In addition, this year they will once again introduce new limited edition Comic-Con action figures that have never been seen before.

BBC AMERICA Comic-Con Panel and Signing Schedule

Friday, July 24

4:45-5:45pm The Mighty Boosh: creators-stars Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding along with actors Michael Fielding, Rich Fulcher and Dave Brown will be on stage to discuss the magical, bizarre and exciting world of The Boosh, currently airing on Adult Swim and released on DVD by the BBC two days before the convention begins. The San Jose Mercury News describes the show as “an acid-trip fantasy-comedy [that] is seriously deranged and seriously funny.” Room 6A

3:30-4:30pm The Mighty Boosh signing in the Autograph Area.

Saturday, July 25

3:00-4:00pm Being Human: creator Toby Whithouse and actors Russell Tovey, Lenora Crichlow and Aidan Turner signing at the BBC AMERICA booth (#3629).

7:30-10:00pm Torchwood/Doctor Who: Key talent from both shows introduce the last episode of the five part series Torchwood: Children of Earth and an advance viewing of Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead, the first of four specials starring David Tennant. Room 6A

Sunday, July 26

10:00-11:00am Doctor Who: actor David Tennant, writer/executive producer Russell T Davies, director Euros Lyn and executive producer Julie Gardner discuss their creative process and experiences working on BBC AMERICA’s Doctor Who with exclusive clips and a Q&A session. Ballroom 20

2:15-3:45pm Being Human/Torchwood: Being Human creator Toby Whithouse and cast members Russell Tovey, Lenora Crichlow and Aidan Turner, are on stage to give an inside look at BBC AMERICA’s U.S. premiere sci-fi drama about the lives of three twenty-somethings and their secret double-lives – as a werewolf, a vampire and a ghost. Following that actor John Barrowman, creator/writer/executive producer Russell T Davies, executive producer Julie Gardner and director Euros Lyn talk about the making of the epic five-night television event Torchwood: Children of Earth as well as take questions from the fans. Room 6BCF

About BBC Worldwide, America:

BBC Worldwide is the main commercial arm and wholly-owned subsidiary of the UK public broadcaster, BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) and maintains offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington DC, Miami, Rhode Island. The business brings together the seven core BBC Worldwide divisions: Channels, Content & Production, Sales & Distribution, Global Brands, Digital Media, Home Entertainment & Magazines. The highly acclaimed cable channel BBC America, now available in 64 million homes, and the smash hit Dancing with the Stars, produced by BBC Worldwide Productions are among the key brands in the region.

Comic Con ’09 – 40th Anniversary!

Anna Daugherty — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:12:42 +0000

2009 is a special year for Comic Con, as it marks the 40th anniversary of the popular media, gaming, and comic book convention. So what’s on the table this year?

The official website describes the history of the even and this year’s convention thusly:

It all started in 1970 with a one-day minicon (think of it as “Comic-Con Zero”) at the U.S. Grant Hotel in downtown San Diego. The first guests were Forrest J Ackerman (Famous Monsters of Filmland’s famous editor) and Mike Royer, best known for his work inking Jack Kirby’s “Fourth World” books. That one-day event tested the waters -— and raised funds —- for the first ever San Diego Comic-Con (then called “San Diego’s West Coast Comic-Con”) in August of the same year, which featured comics legend Jack Kirby and science fiction authors Ray Bradbury and A. E. van Vogt. And the rest, as they say, is history -— including Kirby, Bradbury, and Ackerman going on to become three of Comic-Con’s favorite guests over the years (both Ray and Forry were present again in 2008).

That first show and its logo set the groundwork for what would become, over the next 39 years, the country’s leading comics and popular arts convention. From the very beginning the event has focused on “comic art, films, and science fiction.”

As we gear up over the coming months to celebrate the momentous 40th convention, you’ll learn a lot more about Comic-Con’s exciting history, from those early days through the “Toucan years” (when Rick Geary’s colorful bird was Comic-Con’s mascot and logo), up to the present day. 2009 promises to be another amazing year.

In 2008, for the first time in its history, Comic-Con sold out in advance. That’s right—the show saw record attendance, with every membership—both four days and single days—all sold before the Convention Center doors even opened. And once again, we’ve sold out in advance. No memberships will be sold at the door.

Leading up to the event we will be highlighting a lot of the interesting panels and guests, as well as some artists, that will be present. Stay tuned for some very interesting articles!

Comic Con ’09 – “Lost” Panel

Anna Daugherty — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:44:11 +0000

In anticipation of San Diego’s Comic Con this year, at which our intrepid Dave Bergschnieder will be no doubt causing trouble, we will be highlighting some of the notable guests and events, beginning with the all-important “Lost” panel!

Despite some rumors early on, there will definitely be a panel this year. Though the room and time have yet to be determined, it will be held on Saturday, July 25th.

The “Lost” panel has been a big draw for the convention since 2006, and continually features answers to some of the show’s most boggling questions. This year may prove to be most useful to any fan of the show, considering next season will be the series finale.

In the past, there have been hints that the show was planned from the beginning, with a complete 5 season story arc that included what happened to all of the characters we’ve grown to love. But, if you take the time to go back and read through some of the transcripts of these panels, it becomes painfully clear that earlier answers to difficult questions about the show were either a.) Red Herrings, or b.) completely made up because the writers and producers had no clue what was going to happen in the future of the show.

Nevertheless, for fans of the show “Lost,” this is a must-see.

MCCC Guest – Miss Julie Newmar

Anna Daugherty — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:13:02 +0000

The first Motor City Comic Con guest that I will be highlighting is none other than the fabulous international octogenarian sex-symbol, Julie Newmar.

Apart from being the focal point of one of my favorite movies of all time, To Wong Foo: Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar, this former Catwoman has had a long and varied career.

From Wikipedia:

Before she changed her name, she was a “dancer-assassin” in Slaves of Babylon (1953) and the “gilded girl” in Serpent of the Nile (1953) in which she was clad only in gold paint. She danced in several films including The Band Wagon and Demetrius and the Gladiators and was a ballerina with the Los Angeles Opera. She also worked as a choreographer and dancer for Universal Studios.

Her first major role, for which she was billed as “Julie Newmeyer”, was as one of the brides in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954). Her 3 minute Broadway appearance as the leggy “Stupefyin’ Jones” in the musical Li’l Abner in 1956 led to a reprise in the 1959 film version.

Julie’s legs were insured for $1 million by Lloyds of London.

Newmar also appeared on Broadway in her first play in 1961, The Marriage-Go-Round, which starred Charles Boyer and Claudette Colbert. She re-developed the role of the Swedish vixen and won a Tony Award for Best Supporting Actress. Later she appeared on stage with Joel Grey in the national tour of Stop the World – I Want to Get Off and as “Lola” in Damn Yankees! and “Irma” in Irma La Douce.

Much of Newmar’s fame stems from her television career, especially her roles in certain well-remembered television series. Newmar starred as “Rhoda the Robot” in the short-lived TV series My Living Doll (1964-1965). She is best known for her 12-episode recurring role in the 1966-67 TV series Batman as the “purrfect” villainess, Catwoman (portrayed in the related 1966 feature film by Lee Meriwether and in the series’ final season by Eartha Kitt).

In 1962, Newmar appeared twice as motorcycle-riding, free-spirited heiress Vicki Russell in the TV series Route 66, filming on location in Tucson, Arizona (“How Much a Pound is Albatross”) and in Tennessee (“Give the Old Cat a Tender Mouse”). She also guest-starred on iconic TV shows The Twilight Zone, F-Troop, The Beverly Hillbillies and Get Smart. In 1967, she guest-starred as April Conquest in the most popular episode of The Monkees and as a pregnant princess in the Star Trek episode “Friday’s Child”. She had guest roles in 1970s series Columbo and The Bionic Woman

In the 1980s and early 1990s, Newmar appeared in several low-budget films. She also guest-starred on TV shows including The Love Boat, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Hart to Hart, CHiPs and Fantasy Island. She was seen in George Michael’s video clip Too Funky in 1992 as well as appearing as herself in a 1996 episode of Melrose Place.

The 1995 film To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar pays homage to the actress; Newmar herself makes a cameo appearance near the film’s end. Fashion designer Thierry Mugler, selected her as his model-muse for the catwalk of his 20 year couture celebration in Paris.

If this Villaintechnician is lucky, she just might get to meet one of the sexiest women to ever suit up in latex and fight a masked hero.

Gearing up for MCCC

Anna Daugherty — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:38:59 +0000

After the weekend of fun at last year’s GenCon, I decided that I’m going to take Villaintech on the road to Novi, Michigan for Motor City Comic Con.

Apparently this is a fairly big event, bringing in hundreds of pop-culture hungry fans, vendors ranging from comic books to custom made costumes, and media guests.

For the next couple of weeks, I will be highlighting one guest each post that will be appearing at MCCC. Hopefully I can score at least a handshake from a few of the celebrities.

The accomodations for the convention are fantastic. It is held at Rock Financial Showplace. They’ve even arranged a special convention price for the area hotels.

It should be a fun time had by all!

Comic-Con 2009

Dave Bergschneider — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 21:18:56 +0000

We at VillainTech are happy to announce that we will be at Comic-Con again. Currently we don’t have much details to offer on what we will be covering but we hope to see you there. Comic-Con is sure to sell out this year so be sure to get’em while tickets are still available.

Live from Comic-Con

Andrew Plein — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 17:55:24 +0000

Welcome to our live coverage post of the Comic-Con 2008: Day 3. Today we will give live updates starting at 12:30 PST via our iPhone. Check this post frequently after then to get upto speed. Saturday & Sunday will be filled with enough coverage to make us sick of it.

12:25 – Got to check out two games that I really interested in. Lucas Arts had the Force Unleashed. Didn’t get hands on time but the game looked great. Was really suprised to see how well the Wii game looked. Also got to see Ghostbusters which looked great. Looks like a total buy. Man the proton pack noise was great to hear again. I will be back later with some hands on impressions. Till next update.

Comic-Con 2008

Dave Bergschneider — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:09:34 +0000

E3 is now behind us and we are so sad we weren’t able to cover it. However that mean means comic-con is now here and in VillainTech’s home city. Therefore we will be there giving you constant updates. We will be covering this event with one large post each day and constantly providing updates and photos as we go. We hope you enjoy because this will be a 4 days of overwhelming visual stimuli. Five days if we manage to include a preview night post.