NEWS: Tonight...We Dine at Comic Khaaaaaaaaaan!

GEEK: Tonight...We Dine at Comic Khaaaaaaaaaan!

Set your phasers to FUN and roll some constitution checks because another week-long Nerdstock is nearly upon us.

Let me offer a "Shazam” to all the comic geeks, and a hearty "NUQNEH - NOOKNEHH" to all the Klingons. Let’s make this year the nerdiest yet.

Since 1998 I've watched in awe and horror through increasingly bloodshot eyes as Comic Con bloats larger, and larger -- like a brightly colored spandex-clad corpse ready to burst in the San Diego sun. Unfortunately this year, I think comic books, and their creators have been pushed into the parking lot to make room for Sony, Nintendo and Lions Gate.

The full schedule is up, visit the official website for full panel descriptions for Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

I don’t have much patience for big movie panels, but if they’re your thing then check out Dark Horizons because they did a fine job of listing some highlights. One presentation of note: Ridley Scott is doing one to support the upcoming fancy, new Blade Runner DVD. It will contain every version ever released and one new cut that has yet to be seen. That panel is 3:15-4:45 on Friday in Hall H.

Of course, check out the SuicideGirls while you're walking around. This year the SuicideGirls are are planting their flag at booth C6. You can get pictures with the girls, buy the SG magazine or just hang out.

If you want to help put the “comic” back into Comic Con then be sure to check out the following folks from this very site as you’re stomping around the wretched hive of scum and villainy:

Saturday at 12:30 Grant Morrison will be moderating a panel focusing on superstar artist, writer and SG member JH Williams. JH also has a table at booth 4601 in front of door E with many other fine comic creators.

Jamie McKelvie and writing partner Kieron Gillen will be signing their collected series Phonogram:

Those two fellas will be sharing a table with Frasier Irving (Gutsville) at the Image booth 2729. You won't find a table with cooler comics anywhere in the hall. Wonderful stuff.

SG member rikkitikitavi will be there hawking his new Tokyo Pop book Battle of the Bands.

The Mayor of Comic Books has some big anouncements (Zombies in 70's Porntatsic San Fernando Valley) and will be making a general nuisance of himself. Rick will be signing 100 limited edition XXXOMBIES movie posters at the Image Comics Booth (#2729) on Saturday between 2-3 PM

Brian Posehn, Remender and I will be signing The Last Christmas at Image Comics and then later on Saturday night Brian will be joined by his boyfriend Steve and the rest of the cast of the Sarah Silverman Program for a panel and screening. (Run to the costume contest after.)

Juliana will be signing at Image Sunday morning from 10 to 11 AM in support of the book she colorsTexas Strangers.

Lenore turns 10 this year - celebrate it by joining creator Roman Dirge on Thursday from 6-7 PM in Room 1AB .

Perpetually lurking SG member Phil Noto is debuting a limited hardback sketchbook. It’s amazing, and under-priced -- like everything Phil does. Here's the cover:

Phil and I will also be signing and giving away preview copies of a new book we’re doing together for Image Comics. (Last shameless plug for myself – I promise.) Phil can be found in the same block that JH Williams is setting up camp -- 4601.

If you're looking for something to do after the con on Saturday - what about Zoetica's big party?

This year’s gathering will undoubtedly be remembered for Warren Ellis' appearance. Ellis will be there for his comic book work and to celebrate the release of his new novel, Crooked Little Vein. Click here for Warren's complete San Diego schedule.

This year’s show will also be notable for someone who will be missed: Daniel Robert Epstein. Daniel loved the shit out of comic books, and Comic Con and this year should have been the first of many he was to attend as a comics professional. His posthumous comic book debut arrives soon in the original graphic novel The Toxic Avenger & Other Tromatic Tales.

The Epstein family has requested that in lieu of cards, gifts and flowers that Daniel’s fans consider making a donation in his name to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. The CBLDF is a non-profit organization that fights tirelessly for free speech. They primarily defend retailers against obscenity charges stemming from the sale of comic books in (mostly) red states. However, they have also defended creators too.

The fund has a big case going to trial in Georgia (surprise!) and will end up spending at least 80,000 dollars on behalf of the defendant. Retailer Gordon Lee is alleged to have brought culture to the Peach State.

If you’re at Comic Con next week you can find the CBLDF at booth 1831 or you can swing by the SG booth and make a donation at either location in Daniel’s name.

I apologize if there are any attending members or SG’s who were left out of this round up – please post your San Diego plans in this column’s comments.

One last word of advice for everyone: On Saturday Ray Bradbury is appearing from 4-5 PM in Room 6CDEF upstairs. He's joined by Ray Harryhausen. If you've never heard Bradbury speak, please take this opportunity to do so.

That's a wrap. I’ll see you at the bars. I'll be the guy shaming himself by yelling:

In drunkest day, in booziest night
No drink shall escape my sight
Let those who worship sobriety's might
Beware my power, Sam Adam's light!

Keep watching the Newswire for more comic book features including interviews with Matt Fraction, Paul Pope, Rick Remender and Ivan Brandon.

Gerry collects insane promotional comics of yore such as "Superman Meets The Quik Bunny" or "Captain America Vs Cigarettes"

I am embarrassed to be your friend.

you coulnd't even have had time to read it all...

i'm sooo fucking excited.....

Every year I'd like to go, and make vague plans to go... and then I don't go. Sigh. Sounds like a good time, as it always does.

when ever did that stop people from making a comment on a story

I am counting the days.

Sorry, I couldn't resist

wish i were there. . . .

also-- awesome article title.

So there really will be a new cut? Awesome.

Oh shit... I am in awe. The Guardians themselves would be proud.

Please give me one immediately.

AHH! i'm so excited..i've never been to Comic Con, so this will be my first time, but i work for Cartoon Network doing props for "Robot Chicken" and "Moral Orel", and there's going to be a talk about Robot Chicken Star Wars..which i did the props for!!:

1:30-2:30 Star Wars Day: Robot Chicken Sets and Toys_ As production designer for the Robot Chicken: Star Wars Special, Jed Hathaway researched and designed each miniature set with exact replication and utmost detail. In this discussion, Hathaway will explain the basics of designing sets, props, and vehicles for stop-motion animation. An in-depth behind the scenes video will show how his team brought the Star Wars universe to life and show various comparisons between the special and the original Star Wars Saga. There will be a 20-minute presentation video followed by a Q&A session. Room 1AB

so go to it nerds..yay

I'm only around for a couple days of the show, but that's cool to hear that SG will have a booth!

Anyone have good recommendations on nearby places to be interviewed? (As in, it's likely that I'll be having some press interviews, and my company doesn't have space in the booth.)

Why would I need to read the article to be embarrassed to be your friend?

(I read the headline and the first paragraph - trust me, it was enough)

hey mr. green thumb...one question, when harvesting your crop, do your gardening shears match your clogs?

xo,
e

AWESOME!!!

i'll be walking the floor, possibly working booth 1031 now and then for doug tennapel [the earth worm jim guy], and i'll be animating at the ASIFA hollywood booth 5434 on satuday 4:30-7. maybe giving out DVDs for paleforce if nbc ever gets them to me.

i'll be at the dr. sketchy's zoetica is modeling for too! i'm friends with the girl who runs it and i go to the brooklyn one all the time!

i'll swing by the booth! see ya there, it'll be awesome!

Wait Wait Wait!!! There are actual comics at comic con?

GET YOUR POKE ON!

http://www.myspace.com/awesomecon

Ditto. First time at Comic Con in years.

Eric_J tells me he is going to be splitting time between the Moonstone (In section 2042) and Radical (Section 2701) booths doing signings, pimping his latest works, and whatnot. No word yet on what times he will be there though

Nevertheless, stop by and say hi to him if you see him, or check in and ask when he'll be there!

I may have to miss Ray Bradbury on Saturday again, and as a result, I am going to strangle people.

(That said, I shall likely be there on Sunday. Whee, sales abound!)