Author Archives: Sarah Sommer

About Sarah Sommer

Sarah is a journalist and an artist who lives in the city. She loves movies and television. She reads early and often. Sarah also helps out over at BSCkids.com and our other sites!

Cabin in the Woods Director Rewriting World War Z

Am I the only one who thinks the current version of this film adaptation should be scrapped and redone? This is actually closer to happening than you might think. The film version of Max Brooks’ much loved novel World War Z has had its ups and downs… OK, so it has been mostly downs. In fact the movie hardly resembles the book anymore with exception that both have zombies in them.

However, it might be on an incline after several months of incredibly unlucky setbacks. Cabin in the Woods director and overall awesomely faced genius, Drew Goddard, recently announced that he has been hired to re-write the ending of the World War Z film. According to Deadline, he will come in and finish out the ending the Damon Lindelof dreamt up from an earlier pitch for the project.

But can Goddard save this mess? While he is certainly talented, there may not be enough time for him to fix the broken project. Rewriting the end will help but can it fix the project that is already plagued by so many problems?

It seems current director Marc Forster has surely created a huge mess out of the picture. Going so far as to completely strip away the oral documentary concept of the book and replacing it with a thread known as Brad Pitt to keep the scenes together. Pitt will effectively be a (albeit strained) version of the reporter collecting stories during the apocalypse. Though, rather than merely collected stories of the doom that engulfed the world, he will be racing against a clock to save the world. Yet that major change is not even the worst part.

The film has had a notoriously high budget that continues to climb along with the need for massive reshoots that has delayed its release date by 6 months. The script has also presented major problems with rewrites being ordered more than once for the picture. There were even talks of the film becoming a trilogy as a way to handle the bumbling storyline that was created with what seems minor similarities to its supposed source text.

Goddard may be the best thing to happen to the adaptation. He has experience in the sic-fi genre already with his work on the aforementioned Cabin in the Woods as well as Cloverfield. He also worked on tv series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Lost.” (And hey, Joss Whedon likes him!) But in the end the studio may have better luck scraping the project and starting over from the beginning with Goddard from the get-go.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Gets Release Date

The two-part franchise ending film Mockingjay has got its projected release date. The third book of the massively popular trilogy, will be split into two films much like franchises adaptations before it. Both part 1 and part 2 of the film adaptation have gotten their projected release dates.

The first part of Mockingjay will arrive November 21, 2014, with the fourth and final installment part 2 movie slated for November 20, 2015. Atleast four members of the main cast have already signed up for the four movie franchise. Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth and Woody Harrelson have confirmed their four movie involvement.

There is no word yet on where within the story the films will be broken up but some speculate it maybe after Peeta is rescued from the Capitol.

The heavily anticipated movie sequel Catching Fire based on the second book of the series is set to debut in November 22, 2013 with several new roles currently being cast. t was announced earlier this week that Philip Seymour Hoffman will portray Plutarch Heavensbee in that installment, making him the first new (confirmed) actor to sign up for the franchise, with Jena Malone reportedly circling the role of tribute Johanna Mason.

Philip Seymour Hoffman Joins The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Casting is finally moving forward with much sought after roles in Catching Fire. Lionsgate has officially announced that critically acclaimed actor Philip Seymour Hoffman has been cast as Plutarch Heavensbee. He will play the Head Gamemaker of the 75th Hunger Games.

The film, which has been rebranded as The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, begins where the first left off. Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark have returned home safe after being both being crowned Victors in the 74th Annual Hunger Games Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a “Victor’s Tour’ of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) – a competition that could change Panem forever.

The actor and filmmaker just wrapped a Broadway run as Willy Loman in the revival of “Death of a Salesman” for which he was nominated for a Tony Award. He will next be seen in Paul Thomas Anderson’s The Master and the indie film A Late Quartet alongside Catherine Keener and Christopher Walken. More recent films includeMoneyball, The Ides of March and Jack Goes Boating, which marked Hoffman’s feature directorial debut.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire will be directed by Francis Lawrence, and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. The novel on which the film is based is the second in a trilogy that has over 36 million copies in print in the U.S. alone.

All of the main cast from the first movie have already been confirmed to be returning to much anticipated sequel.

Lionsgate will release The Hunger Games: Catching Fire on November 22, 2013

The Hunger Games Actors to Sign Autographs At Comic-Con 2012

It was announced that a few of the actors from The Hunger Games have been added to the lineup at the San Diego Comic-Con 2012. However, I hate to tell you, it won’t be the three stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson or Liam Hemsworth. However, we do love the actors who will be there.

Lionsgate has added Alexander Ludwig (Cato), Amandla Stenberg (Rue), Dayo Okeniyi(Thresh), Isabelle Fuhrman (Clove), Jack Quaid (Marvel) and Willow Shields (Prim) for autograph signing at its official booth at the conference. Any fans attending the renowned event, should stop by #4035 on Saturday, July 14 at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., for signatures from the tributes in honor of the film release on DVD and Blu-ray August 18.

Some of YA’s hottest authors will talk about dystopian literature on Thursday, July 12, at 3 p.m. in Room 25ABC, while The Hunger Games costume illustrator Christian Cordella will discuss bringing Suzanne Collins’ vision to life in the “From Concept to Reality” panel on Saturday, July 14 at 5 p.m. in Room 24ABC.

10 Comic Book Characters Who Deserve Their Own Movie Adaptation

With the 2012 San-Diego Comic-Con here, I decided to make this week’s list honor that. There are hundreds and HUNDREDS of superheroes and super villains in the comic book world. Most are overlooked when it comes to movie time. We’ve got all the greats already made, Batman, Superman, Spiderman, X-Men, Fantastic Four, but I think it is time that some of these others characters get their own movie. A chance to shine either for the first time, or on their own as a major character rather than supporting (or just to show off how badass they are.)

So here are 10 comic book characters (and some honorable mentions) that deserve their own movie (but not in any particular order):

Secret

Young Justice

Not many people may know about (or remember) Secret. However, for me when I was first getting into reading comics at a tender and impressionable young age, Young Justice was my favorite and Secret was so enigmatic and innocent in the comics. Originally, in the series she was a young ghost-like young woman who couldn’t remember who she was, her past or how she had been imprisoned by Department of Extranormal Operation (D.E.O.) She was quite literally a lost soul.

She was born as Greta Hayes, living in fear of her older (adopted) brother Billy. When she was a teenager her fears of him were justified as she was murdered by him. Secret later joins Robin, Impulse, and Superboy as a member of the Young Justice League.  She initially goes by the name Suzie until her real identity is discovered.

I can just picture how amazing she would look live action in a movie, not to mention all the other superheroes and villains she comes contact with would set up several diverging movies if wanted. Her powers (well before she was restored) were very unique as well.

  • She is a gateway between the living and the dead.
  • She is able to take on a variety of appearances and shape appearing as even smoke.
  • She is intangible.
  • She was also known to teleport short distances.

There are also many many emotional moments within her storyline that are tear-worthy. Even though her story concludes (sorta) she would be perfect for one film that would bring attention to her life and what she does afterward.

Nightcrawler

X-Men

There is much that I love about this character. Whether it is his intense appearance, sexy accent, or that he totally kicks ass all the time, I would love to see more of him. Nightcrawler, aka Kurt Wagner, is the product of a love affair between two mutants, whose origins are never fully delved into. Through most of his life growing up he struggles to be accepted. His extreme appearance making it difficult for him to make friend for be allowed in normal society. (Something we all feel sometimes, amiright?) However, he is charming with a wicked sense of humor for a while, accepting his fate and life, before becoming more introspective later on such as in his time with Excaliber.

His mutant power is primarily teleportation. He has the ability to open a portal to another dimension and instantaneously travels through it. He also leaves a whiff of brimstone and a “bamf” sound when teleporting. While his teleportation is ranged to about 2 miles and he can only teleport to a place he has been before (or he risks teleporting into a wall or solid object), he can bring items with him as well. Although it has been mentioned before in other stroylines that he has travelled as far 300 miles before with a passenger.

Nightcrawler has a plethora of stories and series’ and general awesomeness surrounding him. Between his normal comic book series and his number of alternate realties, there is so much that can be made into a movie, or into a franchise of movies. Even an origin story for the big screen would be awesome. He was previously featured in the X-Men movie, but he was far from a main character, even with Alan Cummings nailing it (and minor changes made to his character.)

So, not only is there a ton of material for movies regarding his character, but who doesn’t want to see more Alan Cummings rocking it?

Impulse

Young Justice

No, I don’t mean Kid Flash or even THE Flash. As I mentioned before I started my comic book days reading YJ, and as thus will always have a soft spot for the series. I decided on Impulse – before he becomes Kid Flash, because that is when I liked his character the most. He had no ties (other than parentage) to the Flash family. He was simply himself, and with Robin and Superboy started the YJ.

Impulse, aka Bart Allen, is the son of Don Allen and Meloni Thawne. He was born with his grandfather’s (Barry Allen silver age Flash) speed however he was also born with hyper-accelerated metabolism that meant he was aging incredibly fast. Using short impulses of speed he was able to shock his metabolism back to normal. He would also often act without thinking, which lent itself to his naming.

His superpower is super-speed as well as the ability to lend and borrow speed from other people. He can also run across water and up vertical surfaces. At one point, he was able to create clones of himself however when they die it heavily affected Impulse to the point that he hasn’t used the power since. He also has extreme agility and reflexes due to his speed.

The character growth of Impulse, to becoming the Kid Flash, then officially THE flash would be a fantastic series of movies, as well as bringing forward some fan favorite characters along the way. Also, frankly, there are  so many adult themed superhero stories out there, that a film featuring a young superhero making his way while saving lives and growing is warranted.

Two-Face

Batman

I believe in Harvey Dent. Don’t you? One of my favorite villains, and definitely one of my favorite on-screen portrayals by Aaron Eckhart. I was incredibly disappointed when Two-Face died at the end of Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight franchise successfully killing any hope that he would return in another movie.

Harvey Dent, aka Two-Face, was born and raised in Gotham. Even as a youngster he was suffering from various mental issues such as paranoia and bipolar disorder. However, he was able to be a star student and later became District Attorney of Gotham. Batman appeared in Gotham roughly 6 months after Dent took office and became one of the heroes first supporters. Whether from the Joker or from Sal Maroni throwing acid at Dent, either way, he became Two-Face. The dueling sides of his personality led to obsession and a decent in criminality.

Much like the other characters on this list, there are myriad story lines to create movies around for the character of Two-Face. Yeah he is evil most of the time, but his pre evil days are part of what makes his transformation so important. His descent from firm believer in justice to a criminal is both entertaining and intriguing. And he uses a coin toss to make decisions.

I also just want to see the sexy and talented Aaron Eckhart kicking ass again.


Arrowette

Young Justice

In our world today where young women are looking at Hunger Games survivor Katniss Everdeen for inspiration, having a new franchise around a bow wielding young female superhero seems like a natural next step. Arrowette was part of the Young Justice and had heroism in her blood. Her mother was Miss Arrowette and it is claimed her father was the Green Arrow.

Cissis, aka Arrowette, spent her life trying to he a a young vigilante hero. This young hero experienced a lot of pain and sadness in her life and was able to pull through to resume her career as Arrowette. However she is not immune to the emotions follies of being a human. She becomes blinded by rage and also retires hero costume to be a normal girl again.

While there is not much in her storyline to create a whole franchise around her, there is enough to tell a great story and to inspire young women with a superhero that is all their own. Oh and did I mention that she become an  Olympic-level archer and athlete?

Blink

X-Men

The mutants that appear in The X-Men series of comic books have some of the coolest abilities that only barely get touched on. Blink is one of these characters. She is a mutant with the power to teleport. Normally teleportion isn’t that special however, the story behind Blink is what makes her interesting.

Her origin story goes all the way back to the Victorian era and her ties to the immortal mutant Apocalypse. The descents of the powerful mutant called themselves Clan Akkaba. Clarice Ferguson, aka Blink, gained her teleportation power from her grandfather, Fredrick Slade, one of the only surviving members of Clan Akkaba.

Unlike Nightcrawler’s ability to teleport, Blink’s ability allows her to move large objects, groups of people in varying distances. She has been able to teleport all the way to the moon from earth. She also can use her ability to create spears of high accuracy that can teleport all or a portion of her enemy. She also makes a “blink” sound when teleporting.

I sincerely feel like there aren’t enough female superheroes that aren’t minor characters or supporting characters in films. I think a film focusing on Blink could open up new movie territory for the ever expanding X-Men saga as well as brink some little known mutants into light.

Deadpool

Marvel Series

This is one on the list that is actually closest to happening. The script is in development and the actor, Ryan Reynolds, is attached to reprise his role as the character he portrayed in the film X-Men Origins: Wolverine. 

However, the project has been put off several times and might be a while before it actually gets made. But everyone wants to see a Deadpool exclusive movie right?

Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool,  is a former test subject of the Weapon X program, possessing a regenerative healing factor derived from the mutant Wolverine. A wild and unpredictable mercenary, Deadpool shared a bond with Cable and recently joined Wolverine’s X-Force. The “Merc with a Mouth” is infamous for breaking the fourth wall.

His abilities include:

  • He’s an expert in both close and ranged combat weaponry.
  • He has a limited immunity to telepathy due to his constantly fluctuating brain cells ( in Deadpool Team-Up #891 Mr. X can predict Deadpool’s moves disproving Deadpool being immune to telepaths).
  • Olympic-level strength, speed, stamina, and agility.
  • Deadpool is fluent in several languages, including English, French, Japanese, and Spanish
  • Deadpool also has had several personal transportation devices
  • Deadpool has an ability often referred to as “bottomless satchel”, where he can pull guns, explosives, food (usually Hic. brand beer cans) and ammunition, out of no where (usually by reaching into one of his pockets, often times pulling out something that was bigger then the pocket itself).
  • Deadpool has a very strong healing factor obtained from Wolverine, this healing factor healed him completely from cancer, and grants him the ability to heal any injury within seconds. he can even re-grow lost limbs. in addition his healing factor also grants him immunity against all kinds of gazes and poison.
  • He is one of the few people with enough skill to handle Captain America’s shield.
  • His unpredictable fighting style can be advantageous against the likes of Taskmaster, as Taskmaster learns the moves of others using his advanced memory and learns strengths and weaknesses based upon past experience.
  • He is said to know Peter Parker’s identity when he unmasked during ‘Civil War’ despite Mephisto erasing the event.
Let’s hope this film actually gets made because you can bet this will be an incredibly gory film that will also make you laugh. And it has been promised he will break the fourth wall in the upcoming project.

Venom

Spider-Man Series

This film is also in the works albeit in theory rather than actually moving forward. However, when it gets made, it will be so awesome. With the Spider-Man reboot fully fledged out now and its plans to be a trilogy, it seems ripe for Venom to make an appearance in his own world.

While the Venom we see interact with Spider-Man is very cool, he has other story lines that don’t interact with the already rebooted character. Venom has had several hosts, and several encounters that would lend itself to a pretty intriguing set of films.

He did previously appear in Spider-man 3 with the Eddie Brock character, however he is not the main character and is largely portrayed as a villain of the film.

It has been confirmed that Venom is planned to have his own movie, which will portray him as an anti-hero, rather than a villain. It is unconfirmed when it will be released, but it will be directed by Gary Ross an written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick

Black Panther

Fantastic Four, X-Men

T’Challa, aka The Black Panter, is a genious warrior king. You don’t get more bad-ass than that. He is also one of the smartest men in the Marvel Universe and is Storm’s husband.

Seriously, he is the first mainstream black superhero and deserves his own freaking movie! Even though his title of Panther, and leader of Wakanda, he still had to earn it. While on right of passage to become leader he met the young teen who would later become Storm, and fell in love.

His early like and the trials alone of becoming the Black Panther warrant a movie. He had to defeat various champions of the other Wakandan tribes, be judged and found worthy by the Panther God, he had to ingest a poison herb that would kill him if he wasn’t worthy or a member of a royal line. All the trials gave him superhuman powers, though, such as enhanced speed, agility, strength, endurance, healing, memory and senses.

His various other story lines could warrant several movies and some amazing cameos from the Fantastic Four, The Avengers, and The X-Men.

Now, there is a rumor that he will have his own movie is 2014, but this is not confirmed though we can all hope.

Polaris

X-Men

As I said before, so many awesome mutants in the X-Men, and Polaris is one of the oft overlooked. As her name suggests she commands magnetism. She is the daughter of Magneto and half sister to Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch.

Lorna Dane, aka Polaris, has the ability to manipulate magnetic, electrical, and gravitation fields. However it has been said her powers are changing and mutating. She has amazing green hair due to her x-gene.

Most people love Magneto and I would love to see his legacy continued with a movie regarding his daughter. Polaris’s origin story would see several fan favorite characters return while introducing many many new ones.  Following the X-Men’s Schism and Regenesis, Rachel, Alex and Lorna side with Wolverine. Wolverine then takes Lorna and Alex to rejoin their former team X-Factor.

I also think any movie has to include the Hulk just so we can see him confuse her for She-Hulk and get angry. Green hair is bitchin’ and we need more heroines with it.

Honorary Mentions: Archangel, Sun Spot, Kitty Pryde, The Flash, Donna Troy.

Jena Malone To Play Johanna Mason In Catching Fire

Months and months of speculation have surrounded the casting of two key roles in The Hunger Games sequel Catching Fire. Thankfully, one mystery is close to be solved. Actress Jena Malone has been offered the role of Johanna Mason in the adaptation and is currently in negations for the part.

Johanna is the female tribute from District 7. Sarcastic and mean-spirited. She is also described as having a “wicked” ability to kill.  She reveals that she has no friends or family in District 7 during the 75th Hunger Games, stating “there is no one left I love.” She won her original Hunger Games by pretending she was a weakling and a coward, so no one regarded her as a threat, but when only a few tributes remained, she revealed herself as a vicious killer. Johanna teams up with Katniss, Peeta, and Finnick in the Quarter Quell, bringing Beetee and Wiress with her. Katniss describes her presence as being akin to having an older sister who hates you.

I had never considered Jena for the role but the more I do, the more I like her in the role. I have seen her play mean, sarcastic, as well as vicious. She has the wide range of acting ability to handle the part.

While nothing is completely final yet, it seems things are finally moving forward. The role of Finnick Odair has yet to be resolved with casting rumor still swirling regarding who will land the part.

Catching Fire is scheduled to hit theaters on November 22, 2013.

Andrew Garfield, Rhys Ifans, The Amazing Spider-Man

The Amazing Spider-Man Planned as Trilogy

Andrew Garfield, Rhys Ifans, The Amazing Spider-Man

In a recent interview with the producers of The Amazing Spider-Man, Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach hinted that the superhero film was set to be a trilogy. The sequel is already in the works, currently being written, but the producers stated that they had planned for the franchise to be at least a trilogy.

Tolmach stated,

“We knew that it was going to be more than one, and at the very least three. We’re going to let this movie tell us what the story is.”

Now it has officially been confirmed via the official  Facebook page that the franchise will definitely be a trilogy. A post on this past Monday said,

“It’s finally here! The Amazing Spider-Man is the first installment in a movie TRILOGY that will explore how our fave hero’s journey was shaped by the disappearance of his parents.”

They even made it a point to capitalize “trilogy” just in case you missed it.

Sony has confirmed that the sequel is scheduled to open May 2, 2014. There is no word on whether or not Marc Webb will take the trilogy or like so many other directors before him, will leave before the sequel.

In case you haven’t seen the film yet, the official plot summary:

One of the world’s most popular characters is back on the big screen as a new chapter in the Spider-Man legacy is revealed in “The Amazing Spider-Man.” Focusing on an untold story that tells a different side of the Peter Parker story, the new film stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Campbell Scott, Irrfan Khan, with Martin Sheen and Sally Field. The film is directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay written by James Vanderbilt, based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, and Matt Tolmach are producing the film in association with Marvel Entertainment for Columbia Pictures, which will open in theaters everywhere in 3D on July 3, 2012.

“The Amazing Spider-Man” is the story of Peter Parker (Garfield), an outcast high schooler who was abandoned by his parents as a boy, leaving him to be raised by his Uncle Ben (Sheen) and Aunt May (Field). Like most teenagers, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today. Peter is also finding his way with his first high school crush, Gwen Stacy (Stone), and together, they struggle with love, commitment, and secrets. As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents’ disappearance – leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Ifans), his father’s former partner. As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors’ alter-ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero.

First Look: Charlie Adlard’s Alternative Issue #1 Walking Dead Magazine Cover

Titan Magazines and Skybound have announced the launch of The Walking Dead official magazine. The new release will be based on the best-selling comic book series, graphic novels and Emmy-winning AMC television series.

“The Walking Dead” continues to wow and rope in new fans with its groundbreaking comic book as well as being the highest rated basic cable drama. To build on its success and offer even more exciting content to the fans, The Walking Dead, The Official Magazine is set to answer questions and quench the thirst of fans.

Nick Landau, Titan Publisher commented on the new project by saying,

“We’re very excited to be publishing the quarterly The Walking Dead Magazine with Robert Kirkman and Skybound, which will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for fans to get unlimited access to the show and comic.”

The magazine will feature an inside look at the comic book as well as show in a fully sanctioned quarterly publication. Readers will get exclusive access to in-depth interviews with creator Robert Kirkman, showrunner Glen Mazzara, and executive producer David Alpert. There will also be interviews from the lead actors of the series. Kirkman as well as series artist Charlie Adlard will also make appearances within the pages of the magazine.

Kirkman stated,

“This magazine will be your one stop destination for all the news pertaining to the comic, TV show, video game, toys, games, and whatever else exists in the ever-expanding Walking Dead universe!  If it’s happening, you’ll find out all about it right here!”

There will also be plenty of behind-the-scenes information and pics from Greg Nicotero and how he creates his on-screen zombies.

The Walking Dead, The Official Magazine debuts in the U.S. on October 23, in the UK on November 8, and in Australia & New Zealand on December 18 with 100 pages of all-access awesomeness. Issue #1 of The Walking Dead, The Official Magazine also comes with an alternative cover featuring an exclusive, colored zombie scene by Adlard. This alternative cover will only be available through comic book stores.

Fans of The Walking Dead are urged to like the magazine on Twitter and Facebook to keep up to date with developments and deals. Also, the magazine is currently offering fans a special preorder subscription saving of 20% off the cover price.

First Photos Of The Prison In Walking Dead Season 3

Courtesy of Entertainment Weekly and AMC, two new photos have been released from the upcoming season 3 of “The Walking Dead.” We already know that season 3 is going to take place at the prison, a place they have been teasing fans about for months.

Along with the photos, showrunner Glen Mazzarra has also talked why he loves the setting of the prison so much. He stated,

I’m incredibly proud of the prison. I think our crew has done a great job. It’s a huge sense of scale and magnitude I haven’t seen on any other show as far as construction. What’s important to us is the prison itself is now a character in the show. It’s a haunted house, it’s scary, it’s frightening, and there are parts of the prison that are always terrifying, that are always inaccessible to our group. It’s not necessarily the blessing that the prison in the comic book turned out to be.”

The third season will see the return of the main characters as well as the addition of a few new ones. The highly anticipated addition of David Morrissey who will portray The Governor, the major antagonist in the comic series and Danai Gurira will portray Michonne, the hooded figure that saves Andrea in the season two finale and one of the most loved characters from the comic book series.

“The Walking Dead” airs Sundays at 9pm on AMC and will premiere its third season this fall.

 

Comic-Con Full Schedule of Adaptations Panels – July 15th

The San Diego Comic-Con has posted the schedule for Sunday, July 15. You can view the full schedule of panels regarding adaptations below:

SUNDAY, JULY 15

10:00-11:00 Comic-Con How-to: Publishing Industry: From Manuscript to Industry:

So you have the desire to write a book and get it published, but what does that really mean? Agents, editors, publishers, reviewers, self-publishing, traditional publishing, print on demand, ebooks, foreign language-the list goes on. What does it mean to “write for profit,” and what are the pitfalls to watch out for? Award-winning author Maxwell Alexander Drake gives you some insights into the real world that is the Publishing Industry. Warning: this seminar is not for the weak of spirit. Room 2

10:00-11:00 The Annual Jack Kirby Tribute Panel:

There might not be comic book industry were it not for Jack Kirby…and if you don’t know who that is, you really don’t belong at this convention. Each year, his friends and co-workers gather to talk about Jack and his work and to marvel (no pun intended) at the length and breadth of his influence, not just on comics but on TV, movies, and all the arts. This year, the dais will include Herb Trimpe (Incredible Hulk), Stan Goldberg (Marvel colorist), Paul Dini (Batman), and Charles Hatfield (Hand of Fire), all chatting with moderator Mark Evanier (Kirby: King of Comics). Room 5AB

10:00-11:00 DC Comics: Young Justice:

They may be young-but they’re still heroes! Find out what’s happening for The Legion of Super-Heroes, Teen Titans, Blue Beetle, and more as more DC Comics-The New 52 unfolds in this panel featuring Tony Bedard (Blue Beetle), Paul Levitz (Legion of Super-Heroes), and Scott Lobdell (Teen Titans, Red Hood and the Outlaws). Room 6DE

10:00-11:00 Stunted Fools, Scary-Ass Clowns, Enlightened Orangutans, and Other Devilish Charmers: Humor in Science Fiction and Fantasy:

“The pen is mightier than the sword if the sword is very short, and the pen is very sharp.” And these authors’ pens are…very sharp. But, as The Hitchhiker’s Guide so sagely advises, DON’T PANIC. Humor is everywhere you look in science fiction and fantasy. So wrap your towel around your head to ward off noxious fumes, and join in for an irreverent hour celebrating sly wit and unholy humor with some of the most devilish quipsters, wisecrackers, and satirists writing today. Warning: you will snicker. And you may just laugh out loud. John Scalzi (Redshirts) plays ringmaster to panelists Richard Kadrey (Devil Said Bang), Doyce Testerman (Hidden Things), Rob Reid (Year Zero), Ned Vizzini (The Other Normals), Gini Koch (Alien Diplomacy), Nathan Long (Jane Carver of Waar), and Nick Hurwitch (co-author of So You Created a Wormhole). Room 25ABC

10:30-11:30 Global Sensation Merlin Celebrates Season 5:

International hit series Merlin returns to Comic-Con to celebrate its upcoming fifth season premiere with a presentation of advance footage, a peek behind-the-scenes, and access to its stars and creators. Leading the panel are Colin Morgan, the magical title character of Merlin, and Katie McGrath, the wickedly beautiful sorceress Morgana. The pair will be joined by co-creators and executive producers Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy, as well as some fan favorite, gotta-be-there-to-see guests. Popular hostess and “writer of all things geek” Jenna Busch moderates the festivities, which will include an eye-opening offering of Merlin’s expansive new entertainment scope, some unique prizes, and a few special-for-Comic-Con surprises from the series that airs in more than 180 countries. Room 6BCF

10:30-12:00 Comics Arts Conference Session #13: Super-Bodies: Overcoming Disability Through Superheroism:

Scott Daniel Boras (Arizona State University) examines the abject bodies of popular depictions of mutants, monsters, and aliens as they emerge in relation to key historical events, and also dominant social tensions that play out on the body. Ultimately, these bodies are depicted as being both utopian and dystopian at the same time, highlighting how even our greatest heroes are also often monsters. Rachelanne Smith (California State University, Sacramento) makes the case that the superhero is directly linked to the classic literary tradition of the flawed hero. The defects in the hero are the means through which we can better relate to and accept him. Using Professor X as a case study, Smith explores the relation between the strength of the hero and his or her corresponding flaw or disability. José Alaniz (University of Washington, Seattle) examines how Marvel’s The Human Fly — “the wildest superhero ever-because he’s real!” — flouts the genre’s usual conventions, possessing no superpowers but overcoming a devastating injury through sheer willpower, and simultaneously challenges and reaffirms accustomed notions of both superheroism and disability. Room 26AB

11:00-12:00 The Chilling Archives of Horror Comics Zombies Panel!:

Blood will curdle and flesh will crawl as IDW/Yoe Books terror team co-editors Craig Yoe (Eisner Award-winning comic historian) and Steve “Karswell” Banes (host of The Horrors of It All vintage comics blog) unearth the lurid, dark history of 1950s comics with an unnerving panel focused on pre-Code horror’s most despicably dead subject-zombies! This hour-long discussion and Q&A is guaranteed to rot your mind! All attendees dressed as a zombie will get a prize! Room 32AB

11:15-12:15 Marvel: Women of Marvel:

From Ms. Marvel to the X-Men, from tumblr to Twitter, women in comics has been one of the most talked-about topics in comics for the last year. Join the conversation as women from every discipline in the creative process at Marvel discuss what it’s like working as a woman in comics today and what it means for the future of the industry. These ladies are smashing through the four-color ceiling! Panelists include editors Jeanine Schaefer and Sana Amanat. Room 5AB

11:15-12:15 DC Entertainment: Meet the Publishers:

As co-publishers of DC Entertainment, Jim Lee and Dan DiDio are the driving forces behind DC Comics-The New 52, DC’s digital initiative, Before Watchmen, and much more. This up-close-and-personal panel gives you a chance to step up and ask questions about your favorite comic book publisher’s publishers! Say that five times fast! Room 6DE

12:00-1:00 Comic-Con How-To: The Art of Writing with Gregg Hurwitz:

Actor, author, and award-winning audiobook narrator Scott Brick talks to author Gregg Hurwitz about his work. Hurwitz’s books include The Crime Writer, Trust No One, and You’re Next. He’s also written for comics, including Marvel’s The Punisher MAX and Wolverine and DC’s Batman: The Dark Knight. Room 2

12:30-1:30 Marvel: Amazing Spider-Man:

There’s no turning back for Spider-Man! The Lizard is back, and only Spider-Man has a chance of curing him! Find out all the details on what’s going on with your favorite wall-crawler on the eve of his 50th Anniversary in August. That’s right, Marvel’s editor-in-chief Axel Alonso and others will be taking any and all questions from you, the fans! With earth-shattering announcements that will change the life of Peter Parker for another 50 years, this is one panel that no Spidey fan can miss! Room 6DE

2:00-3:00 Max Brooks: Zombie Survival 101:

Max Brooks, screenwriter and author of bestselling books The Zombie Survival Guide, World War Z, and The Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks, is the world’s leading authority on the defense against a ghoulish uprising! Renowned for his campus and convention lectures nationwide, Brooks comes to San Diego Comic-Con to share his insight into the rotting minds of the undead, reveal how the Zombie Survival Guide came into existence, and field questions from zombie-phobic fans! You dare not miss this lecture — your very life may depend on it! Room 7AB

2:00-3:00 Cover Story:

Comic-Con’s annual discussion about the art of the comic book cover. Mark Evanier interviews special guests Charlie Adlard (The Walking Dead), Tim Bradstreet (The Punisher), Becky Cloonan (Conan), and Mark Schultz (Xenozoic Tales) about their cover work, including design, execution, and what worked-and didn’t-on some of their very own covers. Room 25ABC

4:00-5:00 15 Years Since Philosopher’s Stone: Harry Potter Fandom in 2012:

Seven books from J. K. Rowling — or ten, depending on how you count — plus hundreds of thousands of fanfics. Eight studio movies — plus dozens of popular fanfilms, musicals, and songs. One theme park — but soon there’ll be three or more! An international museum exhibition — and piles of fan-made shirts, crafts, fanart, CDs and DVDs. An encyclopedic website — and fancons, fan-made wikis, and history courses on the impact of the Harry Potter fandom. We’ll look back at 15 years of Harry Potter fandom and try to predict — better than Trelawney! — where we go from here. Room 6DE