Category Archives: TV Adaptations

True Blood Gets Renewed For A Sixth Season

 

HBO’s massively popular series, “True Blood,” has been (not surprisingly) renewed for a sixth season. The Emmy Award-winning series is based on the popular Sookie Stackhouse books by Charlaine Harris.

The 6th series will have to continue on without show creator Alan Ball. He previously announced his plans to leave the show after the fifth season.

Based on the popular Southern Vampire Mysteries series written by Charlaine Harris.

SEASON FIVE CREDITS: Alan Ball Creator/Executive Producer Gregg Fienberg Executive Producer Brian Buckner Co-Executive Producer Mark Hudis Co-Executive Producer Angela Robinson Co-Executive Producer Raelle Tucker Co-Executive Producer Alexander Woo Co-Executive Producer

SEASON FIVE SERIES REGULARS: Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Sam Trammell, Ryan Kwanten, Rutina Wesley, Alexander Skarsgard, Christopher Meloni, Chris Bauer, Kristin Bauer van Straten, Lauren Bowles, Valentina Cervi, Nelsan Ellis, Scott Foley, Janina Gavankar, Lucy Griffiths, Todd Lowe, Joe Manganiello, Michael McMillian, Denis O’Hare, Jim Parrack, Carrie Preston, Deborah Ann Woll

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

Comic-Con 2012 Adaptations Panels – Full Schedule July 14th

The San Diego Comic-Con has posted the schedule for Saturday, July 14. You can view the full schedule of panels featuring material that is regarding adaptations or in someway related to past, present, and upcoming adaptions below:

SATURDAY, JULY 14

10:00-11:00 After Earth:

Enter the world of After Earth with an in-depth panel that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the universe of the upcoming film and comic book. With the film now in post-production and set to hit theaters next June, screenwriter Gary Whitta (Book of Eli) and director of photography Peter Suschitzky (The Empire Strikes Back) will discuss the making of the film. They will be joined by comic book artist Beni Lobel (Spanish horror comic anthology Cthulu; G.I. Joe comic books; Torchwood: Web of Lies motion comic), and writers Robert Greenberger (Iron Man, Batman, and Hellboy novels) and Michael Friedman (Star Trek and X-Men novels) — the creators of the comic book After Earth: Innocence, which will introduce Kitai and Cypher Raige (played by Jaden and Will Smith in the After Earth film). Also joining the panel is Eisner Award winner Peter David (Star Trek novels and comic books; The Incredible Hulk), who is writing the After Earth prequel novel and also created the After Earth bible with Greenberger and Friedman.

In After Earth, one thousand years after cataclysmic events forced humanity’s escape from Earth, Nova Prime has become mankind’s new home. Legendary General Cypher Raige (played by Will Smith) returns from an extended tour of duty to his estranged family, ready to be a father to his 13-year-old son, Kitai (played by Jaden Smith). When an asteroid storm damages Cypher and Kitai’s craft, they crash-land on a now unfamiliar and dangerous Earth. As his father lies dying in the cockpit, Kitai must trek across the hostile terrain to recover their rescue beacon. His whole life, Kitai has wanted nothing more than to be a soldier like his father. Today, he gets his chance.
Room 6A

10:00-11:00 Planet of the Apes in Comics: Past, Present, and Future:

Planet of the Apes has come back to comics in a big way thanks to BOOM! Studios! Tom Mason (former editor of Malibu’s Planet of the Apes) and current Planet of the Apes editor Dafna Pleban talk with writers Daryl Gregory, Gabriel Hardman, and Corinna Bechko about their critically acclaimed series. Learn what’s next for Planet of the Apes, as well as secrets behind the past of this comic franchise. Room 9

10:00-11:00 Film and TV Production Designers of the Art Directors Guild:

In collaboration with a highly skilled art department, the production designer lays out the design plan that will guide a small army of illustrators, set designers, decorators, carpenters, sculptors, painters, and artisans of every sort in creating small worlds to warm the heart and entire civilizations to fire the imagination. Designers include Suzuki Ingerslev (True Blood), Bill Creber (original Planet of the Apes), Rick Heinrichs (Dark Shadows), Thomas Walsh (Vampires), Dominic Watkins (Snow White and the Huntsman), and moderator John Muto (Terminator 2:3D). Room 25ABC

10:30-11:30 Marvel Television Presents:

Marvel’s head of TV, Jeph Loeb, brings the scoop on season 2 of the hit animated series Ultimate Spider-Man, along with a never-before-seen episode…and a glimpse of the other heroes joining Marvel Universe on Disney XD! Plus, get the update on other hot Marvel Animation Studios projects, including Marvel Knights Animation, Marvel anime-and more surprises from Marvel Television. Room 6BCF

10:30-11:30 Creating Animated TV Series:

What does it take to create an animated series? Do you have to be a writer? An artist or animator? Both? Neither? What do you need to have to pitch an idea, and what are the studios and networks looking for? Members of the Writers Guild of America’s Animation Writers Caucus who have created and developed series, along with network/studio executives who buy them, talk about pitching and answer your questions. Featuring panelists Alan Burnett (The Batman, Green Lantern: First Flight), David Corbett (executive director, North America, RGH Entertainment), Henry Gilroy (Clone Wars, GI Joe: Renegades), Craig Miller (Pocket Dragon Adventures, Beast Wars), Andrew Robinson (Kaijudo: Rise Of The Duel Masters, Young Justice), and others. Room 8

11:00-12:00 Funky Winkerbean’s 40th Anniversary:

Comic-Con special guest Tom Batiuk takes you on a humorous and an informative journey through the Funkyverse as he delves into the origin and history of his syndicated comic strip Funky Winkerbean. Joining him is Alex Sinclair, colorist on DC Comics-The New 52’s Justice League, Green Lantern, Earth 2, and Before Watchmen: Comedian and the talented guy who was the primary colorist on Batiuk’s Pulitzer-nominated book Lisa’s Story. Join Tom and Alex for 40 years of Funky. Room 4

11:00-12:00 Archie Comics: The Hottest Publisher in Comics:

The era of Archie continues! After another year of dominating the headlines with groundbreaking storylines, innovative storytelling, and the best comics on the market, the Archie gang converges on San Diego to reveal what’s next! The panel includes Archie Comics co-CEO Jon Goldwater, co-CEO Nancy Silberkleit, president Mike Pellerito, editor-in-chief Victor Gorelick, cartoonist Dan Parent (Kevin Keller), writer Michael Uslan (Life With Archie), iVerse Media CEO Michael Murphey, MoonScoop Entertainment’s Mike Young, producers Don Murphy and Susan Montford (Real Steel), writer Alex Segura (Archie Meets KISS), writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark), and a handful of major, newsworthy surprises! Want to learn everything that’s in store for America’s favorite redheaded teen and all his friends? This is the place to be! Panel attendees will get a copy of the latest issue of the hit Life With Archie series! Room 9

11:00-11:45 Once Upon a Time:

Magic is coming! Moderator William Keck (TV Guide Magazine senior editor and columnist) takes you to Storybrooke, where a curse placed on its fairytale inhabitants by the Evil Queen has been broken and reality and myth have merged. It’s a place where magic is about to be introduced, but with it comes its own set of consequences. Co-creators and executive producers Edward Kitsis (Lost, Tron: Legacy) and Adam Horowitz (Lost, Tron: Legacy), along with Ginnifer Goodwin (Big Love), Jennifer Morrison (House), Lana Parrilla (24), Josh Dallas (Thor), Emilie de Ravin (Lost), and Meghan Ory (Vampire High) engage in a Q&A about their hit TV series. Ballroom 20

11:00-12:00 comiXology Open Discussion: Everything Digital:

With over 75 million comics and graphic novels downloaded since its debut, comiXology has revolutionized how people read and buy comic books. Recently hailed by the New York Times as the iTunes of comics, here is your opportunity to discover what is next! Join comiXology cofounders David Steinberger and John D. Roberts for an open discussion on…everything digital. All topics are game! Room 23ABC

11:15-12:30 DC Comics-All Access: OGNs:

It’s been a big year for DC Comics’ award-winning, original graphic novels, and it’s only going to get bigger! Get unfiltered access to behind the scenes of your favorite and most talked about original graphic novels Publisher! Joining the all access party will be some of the industry’s top talents, including Anthony Bourdain (Get Jiro!), Shane Davis (Superman: Earth One), Langdon Foss (Get Jiro!), Geoff Johns (Batman: Earth One), and J. Michael Straczynski (Superman: Earth One), so don’t miss out! Room 6DE

11:30-12:30 Save the Date: Your New Favorite Film:

This may be the first comic book film that isn’t based on an actual comic book; instead, Save the Date uses the style and sensibility of indie comics by renowned graphic novelist Jeffrey Brown as a jumping off point to tell a contemporary story of the trials, pain, and happiness of modern love. Explore the challenges and advantages of working in film versus comics with cartoonist/screenplay co-writer Jeffrey Brown (Clumsy, Darth Vader and Son), director Michael Mohan (One Too Many Mornings), and producers Jordan Horowitz (The Kids Are All Right) and Michael Roiff (Waitress), and discover how the cast has been influenced and inspired by comics and geek culture, with Lizzy Caplan (Party Down), Alison Brie (Community, Mad Men), Martin Starr (Freaks & Geeks, Party Down), Geoffrey Arend (500 Days of Summer), and Mark Webber (Scott Pilgrim). Join them for a lively session moderated by Noel Murray (The A.V. Club). Room 5AB

12:00-1:00 Spotlight on Klaus Janson:

Penciler, inker, and writer — and Comic-Con special guest — Klaus Janson (Daredevil, Dark Knight Returns, The Avengers) makes a rare convention appearance to discuss past, present, and future projects. Join Klaus and his friends Bill Sienkiewicz (Elektra: Assassin, Stray Toasters) and David Mack (Daredevil, Kabuki) as they offer a preview of their upcoming maxi-series Daredevil: The End of Days. Room 9

12:00-1:00 CBLDF Master Session: Charlie Adlard:

With his work on The Walking Dead, Charlie Adlard has proved to be a master of abstract anatomy, suspenseful storytelling, and the imaginative depiction of a familiar but terrifying world. Get a glimpse of his approach to creating the definitive zombie narrative of the 21st century at this CBLDF Master Session. The pieces created will be auctioned off at CBLDF’s Art Auction tonight. Room 11AB

12:00-1:00 The Naked Truth About Tarzan and Jane: The First 100 Years of Spectacular Tarzan Imagery, and One of Literature’s Best-Loved Couples as They Enter Their Second Century:

Bestselling novelist Robin Maxwell (Jane: The Woman Who Loved Tarzan) and author Scott Tracy Griffin (Tarzan: The Centennial Celebration) gather with illustrator Joe Jusko (The Art of Joe Jusko) to discuss these iconic literary characters. Join them for a presentation and Q&A session hosted by Jim Sullos, president of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Incorporated, the official licensing entity for Tarzan and John Carter of Mars. Room 25ABC

12:00-1:00 Comics Arts Conference Session #10: Focus on Steve Englehart:

Steve Englehart (CAC and Comic-Con Special Guest) has been the lead writer for both Marvel and DC on several occasions and a founding father of Malibu’s Ultraverse. His redefinition of Batman and the Joker as mature adults influenced how the characters were depicted in both comics and film for the last three decades. Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight) moderates a discussion of Englehart’s stellar career writing the adventures of Captain America, Silver Surfer, Doctor Strange, Coyote, Night Man, the Justice League, and dozens of other characters. Room 26AB

12:00-1:00 Nerdist Channel:

Chris Hardwick (the host of BBC America’s The Nerdist and AMC’s Talking Dead) and some very-relevant-to-your-interests talent from the Nerdist Channel on YouTube will engage in lively conversation about the current channel lineup and upcoming shows and specials, and also reveal some exclusive footage and surprise announcements about the future of Nerdist Industries. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

12:45-1:45 DC Comics: Before Watchmen:

It’s not the end of the world. It’s the beginning! You don’t want to miss this panel about the most talked about comic book series of 2012! DC Entertainment co-publisher Dan DiDio, VP/art direction and design Mark Chiarello, senior editor Will Dennis, and creators Amanda Conner (Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre), Darwyn Cooke (Before Watchmen: Minute Men), Adam Hughes (Before Watchmen: Dr Manhattan), J. Michael Straczynski (Before Watchmen: Nite Owl), Len Wein (Before Watchmen: Ozymandias, Curse of the Crimson Corsair), and others talk about this game-changing event! Hurm! Room 6DE

1:30-2:30 Minimates Turn 10: Small Toys, Big Plans:

Some of the team behind the popular Minimates line are here to unveil new products and answer your questions about the 2-inch, fully articulated mini-figures. From Marvel Comics to Battle Beasts to The Walking Dead, Diamond Select Toys director Chuck Terceira, Art Asylum founder Digger Mesch, and marketing supervisor Zach Oat will share insider info about all their upcoming lines, as well as submit to a Q&A session and debut the next stop-motion animated Pirate Raiders episode. Plus, there’ll be a Minimates prize drawing at the end of the panel. Room 8

1:45-2:45 Marvel Video Games:

Learn all about Gazillion’s Marvel Heroes MMO, Ubisoft’s Avengers: Battle for Earth and more future Marvel games-including an announcement from Activision and High Moon Studios that is sure to be a hit! Q&A will follow. Room 6A

2:00-3:00 Spotlight on Gary Gianni:

Comic-Con special guest Gary Gianni discusses his work illustrating one of Ray Bradbury’s last published books, painting the Game of Thrones 2014 calendar, and the future of illustrated storytelling in the digital realm. Room 4

2:00-3:00 Will Eisner and the Graphic Novel:

Moderator Paul Levitz (writer, 75 Years of DC Comics, Legion of Super-Heroes, former Eisner publisher), Klaus Janson (artist/inker, Daredevil, The Dark Knight Return, comics educator, SVA), Denis Kitchen (artist, author, publisher; Eisner’s agent and longtime friend), Charles Kochman (editorial director, Abrams ComicArts), and Diana Schutz (comics educator; executive editor, Dark Horse Comics; Eisner’s editor) explore the pivotal role Will Eisner’s evangelism of the comics artform plays in the evolution of the American graphic novel, followed by a short Q&A period. Room 23ABC

2:30-5:00 Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures Preview Their Upcoming Lineups:

Warner Bros. Pictures: Man Of Steel

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey-From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). Jackson returns to Middle-earth in an adventure that begins 60 years before the events depicted in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. The first of two films adapted from J.R.R. Tolkien’s enduringly popular masterpiece, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey follows titular Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), who-along with the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and a band of 13 Dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage)-is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. The film’s ensemble cast includes Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom, Evangeline Lily, and Andy Serkis as Gollum.
Hall H

2:45-3:45 Marvel: Avengers vs. X-Men:

The battle between the Avengers and the X-Men rages on in this cosmos-shattering event! All your favorite superheroes enter-and only one team will emerge victorious. You’ve got questions, and these people have the answers! Editor-in-chief Axel Alonso, chief creative officer Joe Quesada, X-Men editor Nick Lowe, SVP of creator and content development C.B. Cebulski, and others are on hand to lay out what’s going on with the epic battle surrounding the X-Men’s Phoenix Five and the Avengers. Room 6BCF

4:30-5:15 True Blood Panel and Q&A session:

Mixing romance, suspense, mystery, and humor, the Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated True Blood kicked off its 12-episode fifth season June 10 on HBO. The series follows the exploits of waitress and part-faerie Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin), who can hear people’s thoughts; vampire Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer); and vampire Eric Northman (Alexander Skarsgård). Oscar and Emmy Award winner Alan Ball created and serves as executive producer of the series, which is based on the bestselling Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris. The series and this panel also features Ryan Kwanten as Jason Stackhouse, Sam Trammell as Sam Merlotte, Rutina Wesley as Tara Thornton, Nelsan Ellis as Lafayette Reynolds, Deborah Ann Woll as Jessica Hamby, Kristin Bauer van Straten as Pam Swynford De Beaufort, Joe Manganiello as Alcide Herveaux and Chris Meloni as Roman Zimojic. Moderated by Tim Stack of Entertainment Weekly. Ballroom 20

5:00-6:00 Costume Designers and Illustrators: From Concept to Reality:

Join a discussion with the creative minds that help bring your favorite sci-fi, fantasy and comic book characters to life on the big screen through the art of costume design and illustration. Learn how Costume Designers Guild members Shawna Trpcic (The Cabin In The Woods), Monique Prudhomme (Underworld Awakening), and Varya Avdyushko (Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter) and costume illustrators Christian Cordella (Snow White, Hunger Games, Thor), Constantine Sekeris (Green Lantern, Thor, Star Trek), Phillip Boute Jr. (Man of Steel, Star Trek, Hansel & Gretel, Twilight), Brian Velenzuela (Star Trek, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice), and Rosi Gabl (xXx, Mission To Mars) take costumes from concept to reality. Room 24ABC

6:00-7:00 Marvel Studios: Iron Man 3:

Producer Kevin Feige and special guests provide an inside look at the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe. Hall H

6:00-7:30 A Tribute to the Legendary Ray Bradbury:

Some called him the greatest writer of fantasy of all time. He was a writer of legendary science fiction, an inspiration to generations, and a good friend of Comic-Con. We lost him on June 12, and now many of his friends and colleagues gather to celebrate this extraordinary figure. The guest list is still being finalized as this guide goes to press, but it should include authors William F. Nolan, George Clayton Johnson, Marc Scott Zicree, Joe Hill, and Margaret Atwood, along with figures from the worlds of motion pictures and television. Your hosts are Bradbury biographer Sam Weller (Shadow Show: All-New Stories in Celebration of Ray Bradbury) and Comic-Con special guest Mark Evanier. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite Bradbury character. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

7:30-8:30 Unlocking Arkham: The Forensic Psychiatry of Batman’s Rogues’ Gallery:

Back by popular demand! Broadcast Thought’s original Comic-Con panel with updated information and insights! Arkham Asylum houses some of Gotham City’s most disturbed villains. But are they truly “insane”? From the vantage point of forensic psychiatrists utilizing real-world psychiatric diagnostic criteria, explore the mental disorders that plague The Dark Knight’s Rogues’ Gallery. Probe the minds of villains such as Two-Face, Riddler, Mr. Zsasz, Maxie Zeus, Harley Quinn, the Joker, and others. Are these characters psychotic, or are they psychopaths? What’s the difference? Learn as forensic psychiatrists H. Eric Bender, M.D., Praveen Kambam, M.D., and Vasilis K. Pozios, M.D. discuss the meaning of these terms and explain how criminal defendants are found “not guilty by reason of insanity.” See how Arkham Asylum compares to a real-world forensic hospital. Discover that truth truly is stranger than fiction. Bring your questions, and join the experts as they unlock Arkham Asylum and possibly set some of its “inmates” free! Room 7AB

Game of Thrones Season 3 Production Start Date Revealed

One of this site’s favorite shows has finally announced the production date of season 3. HBO’s hit series “Game of Thrones” based on the novel series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, will begin production on its highly anticipated third season early July according HBO.

The third season will see a ton more shooting locations including a brand new country from the GRRM created world that fans have not seen yet.

As with the first and second season, production will continue to be based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as well as Croatia and Iceland, however, with season three they will add Morocco to the location set. It is believed that the new location will presumably be for the storyline of Daenerys, played by Emilia Clarke.

Along with the production date release, HBO has confirmed the new season’s directors  and returning writers. Showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss will get behind the camera in season three to direct episodes. Alex Graves, Michelle MacLaren, Dan Minahan, David Nutter and Alik Sakharov will direct episodes as well. The writers will include Benioff and Weiss, as well as Bryan Cogman, GRRM himself, and Vanessa Taylor.

HBO also assured that the new cast members will be announced soon.

Ridley and Tony Scott Bringing “Coma” To A&E

Fresh off the heels of mega production, Prometheus, Ridley Scott is at it again. He recently announced his newest project which will see him teaming up with his brother Tony Scott to bring Robin Cook’s novel “Coma” to the small screen in the form of an A&E series.

Coma is Cook’s first published novel and ws written in 1977. The book was a hit, landing on the New York Times best seller as well as being voted as the number one thriller of the year by The New York Times.

The Scott brothers will produce the series which will star Lauren Ambrose (Six Feet Under) as Dr. Susan Wheeler. Geena Davis, James Woods, Richard Dreyfuss, Ellen Burstyn and Steve Pasquale will co-star.

The plot involves a medical student who discovers strange happening at her hospital after a few routine procedures lead healthy patients into comas on the operating table.

Coma was previously made into a feature film in 1978 under writer/director Michael Chrichton and MGM. The cast of the Chrichton film includes Geneviève Bujold, Michael Douglas, Elizabeth Ashley, Richard Widmark, and Rip Torn as well as Tom Selleck and Ed Harris in minor roles. The film was a commercial success with its overwhelming sense of paranoia presented in the film praised as being a major drawing point for audiences.

Black Swan writer John J. McLaughlin, and “Band of Brothers” director Mikail Salomon are also attached to the project, which is set to premiere on September 3.

ABC Released Another 666 Park Avenue TV Spot

ABC recently revealed another television spot for their newest upcoming supernatural series “666 Park Avenue.” The series is based on the novel of the same name written by Gabrielle Pierce.

The premise of the show follows what if you could make one wish come true, and what would you do to get it? At 666 Park Avenue, the dreams and desires come true for those who live there. However, the price is hefty and residents could end up paying with their soul. The premiere apartment building on the Upper East Side is owned by Gavin and Olivia and is home to dozens of residents unaware of the supernatural forces in their lives. Then, when a young mid-western couple, Jane and Henry, are hired to manager the devious building, they soon discover that evil, obsession, and manipulation all have a home.

The show stars Terry O’Quinn, Vanessa Williams, Dave Annable, Rachael Taylor, Mercedes Masohn, Robert Buckley, Helena Mattsson and Erik Palladino.

You can see the new tv spot below:

New Dexter Season 7 Teaser Trailer

I’ll be the first to admit that this teaser shows almost absolutely nothing. Between a few shots of Michael C. Hall and Jennifer Carpenter standing there. followed by some flashy scenes of a knife with blood on it and the symbolic dripping of blood on the detectives shield, almost nothing is revealed about the upcoming season. But it does do one thing, it is building to a new a season that promises to be even more exciting than the last few.

Warning: Spoilers ahead if you haven’t seen season 6.

When we last left Dexter, he was killing the Doomsday Killer in his signature way, but this time he got a little bit sloppy and Deb saw him commit the act. That alone would be earth shattering to the series dynamic between the two characters. However, this ending moments comes off the heels of Deb realizing she is IN LOVE with Dexter, and was on her way to tell him how she felt. It took her a whole season (and 20 odd years I suppose) to come to that realization only for moments later see him kill someone.

But don’t assume the jig is up for good ol’ Dexter. He may be able to get out of this one yet. Seeing as Deb doesn’t know this isn’t a one time thing, she may forgive him after all. She was able to get past her civic duty in season 5 when the revenge killers were out and about (which as we know was Dexter and Lumen.) Though I predict a season of conflicting emotions ahead for both characters.

So, while there isn’t much that we know about the upcoming season we can expect some new info being released with Comic Con around the corner and the new season getting closer everyday.

“Dexter” premieres on Showtime at 9:00pm ET/PT on September 30th and you can watch the new teaser trailer below:

Arrow and 666 Park Avenue To Make An Appearance At Comic-Con 2012

Comic-Con 2012 is roughly a month away and Warner Bros. Entertainment has announced their creation of a set of limited-edition collectible hotel keycards, which will be used at top San Diego-area hotels during Comic-Con 2012.  This will be the fifth consecutive year of the room key program, which gives fans instant access to artwork for upcoming shows like “666 Park Avenue” and “Arrow.”

More than 40,000 branded keys will be available at 38 participating hotels.

“666 Park Avenue” will star Terry O’Quinn (Lost) and Vanessa Williams (Desperate Housewives).  The show, featuring the provocative tagline, “Anything you desire can be yours… for a price,” is being touted as a seductive drama from Alloy Entertainment.

In it, the owners of a Manhattan apartment building recruit a young couple to manage the historic site with a dark history. The series will also star Rachael Taylor (Charlie’s Angels), Dave Annable (Brothers & Sisters), Robert Buckley (One Tree Hill), Mercedes Masohn (The Finder), Helena Mattsson (Iron Man 2) and Samantha Logan (Law & Order: SVU). Matthew Miller (Chuck), David Wilcox (Fringe), Leslie Morgenstein (The Vampire Diaries), Gina Girolamo (The Secret Circle) and Alex Graves (Fringe) are the executive producers.

“666 Park Avenue” is based on the book series by Gabriella Pierce and is set to air Sundays at 10/9c on ABC this fall. The full-length pilot will be aired at Warner Bros. Television’s Preview Night screening at Comic-Con on Wednesday, July 11, and during the “666 Park Avenue” session on Friday, July 13.

“Arrow” will star Stephen Amell (Private Practice), Colin Donnell (Pan Am), Katie Cassidy (Supernatural), David Ramsey (Dexter), Willa Holland (The O.C.), with Susanna Thompson (Dragonfly) and Paul Blackthorne (The River). It is an action series reinvents the DC Comics hero.

After being stranded on a remote island for five years, billionaire Oliver Queen returns home with a mysterious agenda and a lethal set of new skills to use against crime. Greg Berlanti (Green Lantern), Marc Guggenheim (Green Lantern), Andrew Kreisberg (Fringe) and David Nutter (Smallville) will executive produce.

From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television, Arrow will air Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW this fall. The full-length pilot will air at Warner Bros. Television’s Preview Night screening at Comic-Con on Wednesday, July 11, and during the Arrow session on Friday, July 13.