Anime Expo 2016: A Virgin Adventure

by Matthew MorrellJuly 3, 2016

Not to push the metaphor, but this writer’s first adventure into the Anime Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center, being held from Friday July 1st – July 4th, seemed like it lasted a lot longer than it actually did and afterwards left a lot of linger questions, namely: what the hell is this thing?

"Okay, I was speaking in general, but yeah, I'd like an explanation for that thing to." — “Okay, I was speaking in general, but yeah, I’d like an explanation for that thing to.”*

Before the internet rage boils over, we at Geekscape obviously recognize Anime as an objectively acclaimed style of art that permeates into just about every medium that it can be expressed in to convey said style. There is without a doubt more than enough substance behind that style too. Just look to the massive fanbase that shows up annually to support their favorite characters, series, games, artist… to a first timer, the sheer amount of fans is unreal.

"Pictured: Zero breathing room." — “Pictured: Zero breathing room.”

It’s safe to say that Japanese Anime is no longer a niche market. Nearly every every inch of the 720,000 square foot space was used by fans, cos-players, merch booths, panels, and lots of lines. For the uninitiated that want to know what the meat, the draw, the substance is behind AX, it may seem a daunting task to pinpoint an exact answer to, “What is AX?”

Okay, maybe look a little higher.

If one were exceptionally cynical, the easiest answer behind, “What is Anime Expo?” It’s a mall. Within the exhibit hall AAA Companies like Capcom, Bandai Namco, Funimation and dozens more compete for attendees hard earned cash. Plushies, collectables, samurai swords. Stuff. ALL THE STUFF!

Before this writer awakens the ghost of McCarthy for not upholding the sacred principles of capitalism, let’s be honest; all that stuff, is really cool. Did I not mention the samurai swords? Do you know how hard it is to see a rack full or Master Swords and Hylian Shields and not just buy ALL of them? Really hard.

Naturally, if you’re a fan, and you’re in love with a franchise, you show your support. You buy the merch. You get an exclusive box set of the series. You wait in line, in the heat, for hours just to get a glimpse of your favorite voice actor.

“Or, you attend the panel before yours starts so you can get a glimpse of your actual favorite voice actor from the front row. #TeamAgil #TeamPatrickSeitz”

To the non-cynic looking to dig deeper, look no further than the actual setup of the convention. Sure, all the name brand merchants are in the exhibit hall, but underneath, the very base of it all is Artist Alley. It may seem like a concrete dungeon, but fear not. Located in Kentia Hall is actually the beating heart of AX.

It’s the artists. They are both figuratively and literally supporting the convention upon their shoulders.

Not to diminish those that buy stuff though. We all buy stuff. We support our interests. But, to those that are inspired to create, that’s the foundation of the artistic movement that is AX.

We had the opportunity to speak with an exceptionally talented up-and-coming artists, Faye, who has toiled for the better part of a year to exhibit their art. Masterfully imbued with a style that is undoubtedly of the anime form, Faye and other artists add their voices into the collective community whose substance goes beyond simply merchandising. In their own words…

“Being a rather repressed (and oppressed) individual, art is a way to express myself without necessarily needing any further explanation. I can only hope that it can express what I’m feeling to like minded individuals.” – Faye

“But seriously, don’t just stare, open your adult wallet, and support this artist." — “But seriously, don’t just stare, open your adult wallet, and support this artist.”

So beyond the cosplay, the merchandising, dances, video games, and promotions of anime to come till the end of time: it’s about the artists. From the talented independents like Faye, to the Big Dogs upstairs, Anime Expo is about an artistic movement and those that revel in it.

Make no mistake that art doesn’t happen without the artists who create the content you love, and the fans that support it. Let it be known that if 90,000 plus people are showing up to support art over Fourth of July weekend, there may be hope yet for this country, and perhaps the world.

Fourth of July AND Japan: proof you can have your cake and eat it too. — “4th of July AND Japan: proof you can have your cake and eat it too.”

Artwork from Faye can be found at squaredprince.tumblr.com

Follow them on instagram.com/squaredprince

*Of course someone put time and effort to build Ikkakumon, and we at Geekscape commend them for the hundreds of hours spent digivolving, and hauling it to AX.

Stan Lee’s Comikaze Is Almost Here, And Here’s What We’re Looking Forward To!

by Derek KraneveldtOctober 30, 2014

Stan Lee’s Comikaze is finally right around the corner (better get those tickets quickly, it’s TOMORROW)! A myriad of Geekscape writers will be in attendance at the expo, and of course we couldn’t be more excited to hang out with you at the Geekscape Booth (that’d be Booth #1110)!

As the 3-day event has something for all sorts of different tastes, we thought that we’d make a list of our own personal highlights from the schedule! Here are the panels that each of us are looking forward to at next weekend’s Comikaze 2014!

If you’re attending the expo, be sure to visit us at Booth #1110, where we’ll have tons of shirts available (including the awesome new baseball t’s) and also an EXCLUSIVE print celebrating the return on Jonathan’s Own Super Action Man. We’ll be there all weekend! Now read on!

Kelsie Hernandez

It’s that Comikaze time of year again! And with each Comikaze, we get to see more awesome guests and more awesome panels to get excited for! Here are some of the panels that I’m looking forward to.

On Saturday morning, the iconic Adam West will be on the Hot Topic main stage to talk all things Batman, and help celebrate Batman’s 75th Anniversary! (10:30am – Hot Topic Main Stage)

Later on in the afternoon, Kevin Smith and Ralph Garman are bringing Hollywood Babble-On Smodcast live to Comikaze for Fatman on Batman: A tribute to Batman ’66! (1:30pm – Room 408AB)

Another one I’m looking forward to is Constantine: An Introduction, this gives Comikaze attendees a chance to meet the creators and get a sneak peak into the new series. (3:00pm – Hot Topic Main Stage)

On Sunday morning, there’s a spotlight panel on Jewel Staite, of Firefly and Stargate. (10:30am – Hot Topic Main Stage.

And shortly after, I might try to see the Comikaze Guest of Honor panel with John Barrowman, the star of Doctor Who, Arrow, Torchwood and so much more. (11:30am – 304ABC)

Juan Carlos Marquez

With Comikazee fast approaching, I find myself conflicted in trying to schedule my weekend in order to get in as much coverage as humanly possible. Right off the bat, it seems like the Hot Topic Main Stage will be the place to hang around all day Saturday–with the one and only Adam West kicking things off, followed by Rob Liefeld, and the folks behind NBC’s Constantine! Aside from the Main Stage action, I plan on checking out the Golden Age of Gaming panel in Room 301B and the Original Intellivision Game Designers Panel in Room 303AB. Of course, there’s no way I can miss our fearless leader in Geekscape’s Panel this Friday in Room 306AB at 6 P.M.

And since you lovely people will be there, stop by the Geekscape booth (#1110) and snag yourself some sweet Geekscape T-shirts and get an EXCLUSIVE Super Action Man print!

Jake Lopez

Comikaze is back and what better way to spend your Halloween then at the convention center celebrating all things geek! For those of you searching for a convention without the hassle or enormity of SDCC, Comikaze looks like the place to go. Honestly, looking over the programming schedule makes this year seem like one of the most laid-back stress-free conventions I’ve seen. And it’s not like there’s any shortage f sights to see. On Friday, panelists will screen a Batman Fan Film, “The Great Mistake of Dr. Miles”, which is of course followed by a Q&A with the creators in room 404AB at 4:00 PM. Afterwards, you should go check out Geekscape Live! in 306AB at 6:00 PM. *nudge nudge*

Saturday, I plan on hitting the sneak preview of the documentary “Showrunners: The Art of Running a TV Show”. I’m sure to find interviews with the likes of Damon Lindelof and Joss Whedon regarding television interesting. Afterward, I’m hoping to make it to the Dragon Ball Z – The Fall of Men panel in 304 ABC (1:00 PM). If you don’t know already, this particular DBZ installment is fan made and it looks fantastic. If for some reason I can’t make it to that, I plan at being in room 308AB at 1:30 PM for Spider-Man: The Animated Series 20th Anniversary. Need I say more?

On Sunday, one of the bigger panels will be taking place in 406AB at 10:00 AM with an early screening of “Gotham” episode 107. The screening is followed up by Executive Producer Danny Cannon.

I only wish I had more time to see some of the events Comikaze has to offer! The schedule is packed!

Derek Kraneveldt

I am so, so sad that I won’t be attending Comikaze this year. Last year’s convention weekend was by far one of the highlights of my year, both because of the chance to see all of my Geekscape friends and colleagues once more, but also because everything that Comikaze had to offer was beyond stellar.

This year, the guests are even better, the panel schedule has grown exponentially, and Geekscape is going live on the show floor. I’m almost debating jumping on a plane tomorrow and heading down, and here’s what I would be most interested in seeing:

Friday:

4:00 – 404AB – (BATMAN FAN FILM) THE GREAT MISTAKE OF DR. MILES

See the convention premier of 1960’s Batman fan film “The Great Mistake of Dr. Miles”, followed by Q&A and discussion with the cast and crew. The panel will conclude with a special announcement about the future of the project.

5:00 – 404AB – THE KAIJU KINGDOM LIVE PODCAST! – GODZILLA’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY/GAMERA’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

Join a discussion about Godzilla 60th Anniversary and Gamera’s 50th Anniversary.

6:00 – 306AB – GEEKSCAPE LIVE! WITH SPECIAL GUESTS!

It’s freaking Geekscape, but LIVE. How the hell could I not show up to this?

Saturday:

9:00 – Hot Topic Main Stage – UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH STAN LEE, POWERED BY WEEV

Get intimate with Stan Lee and learn about all of the new projects he’s working on at POW! Entertainment.

10:30 – Hot Topic Main Stage – SPOTLIGHT: ADAM WEST

TV’s most prolific Batman joins us to talk all things Batman, and help celebrate Batman’s 75th Anniversary!

1:30 – 308AB – SPIDER-MAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES 20TH ANNIVERSARY

Spider-Man: The Animated Series introduced a whole generation to the famous web-slinger in the first of his adventures for TV that captured the true spirit of the original comic book.

2:30 – 308AB – RANDOM ENCOUNTERS’ VIDEO GAME MUSICALS

Watch your favorite games and series become Broadway show-stoppers, from an Arkham Asylum rock-opera to a Tim Burton-style Pac-Man musical! WARNING: This show contains catchy songs, nerdy humor and the dreaded Marshmallow Zone. Singalongs are welcome.

4:30 – Screening Room – THE ROOM

Join film-creator Tommy Wiseau at a special screening of his cult classic film!

Sunday

10:00 – 308AB – PUBLICIZING YOUR PROJECT

You’ve got a new comic, a new webseries, a new novel, a new TV show or movie? That’s great. But pretty meaningless if you and your friends are the only ones who know about it. How do you get the word out? Facebook and webpage, sure. That’s what everyone’s doing. What can you do to cut through the clutter and get your stuff actually seen, actually talked about, actually out there so people can see it, read it, watch it, buy it? People who have been getting projects seen dating back to “Star Wars” will give you advice on how you can do it for your project.

12:00 – 308AB – LION FORGE COMICS & IDW PUBLISHING: DIGITAL TO PRINT AND BEYOND!

Lion Forge Comics & IDW Publishing: Digital to Print and Beyond! Lion Forge Editor-In-Chief Shannon Eric Denton discusses Lion Forge titles Airwolf vs. Knight Rider, Miami Vice, Chavo Guerrero, Rampage Jackson, Andre the Giant, Care Bears, Saved By The Bell, Saber Riders & the Star Sheriffs, Punky Brewster and more! Join Shannon and the Lion Forge creative teams as they discuss these properties along with their recently announced print- partnership with IDW Publishing!

1:00 – 308AB – HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN NOVEL: FROM THE FIRST IDEA TO PUBLISHING AND WHAT YOU NEED TO SELL YOUR WORK TO TV AND FILM

Join the Winner Twins while they teach you how to create your own novel step by step, from building your universe to overcoming writer’s block to the different paths to publishing. The Winner Twins will be joined by bestselling author, and renowned actor, Richard Hatch, of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA fame, and Steven-Elliot Altman, author of such novels as DEPRIVERS and BATMAN: FEAR ITSELF.

I’m barely scratching the surface here. There is so much that I’d like to see at this year’s Comikaze, and that’s not even mentioning the show floor, where I’d be bound to spend far, far, far too much money on things that I love.

Also, I’m really, really going to miss Lawry’s Carvery!

Are you hitting up Comikaze this year? What are you most looking forward to? Sound out below!

Calgary Expo 2014 Adds An Additional Day!

by FushnaNovember 5, 2013

Briefly: With Comikaze 2013 now a fond memory (you have checkout out of coverage, right?) of all the good times that were had over this past weekend, we must look forward to the conventions of 2014.

The folks of the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo just announced that they are adding another day of entertainment filled excitement to their calendar. This will be the first year that the Calgary Expo will go for four days like Comic Con International which is very exciting. The 2013 Calgary Expo had numerous events beyond just the con going on, including a Weird Al concert, Dinner with Peter Dinklage and Lena Headey, and a cocktail party with the people of Torchwood (John Barrowman, Gareth David-Lloyd, and Eve Myles) and from the people I spoke with these did not disappoint.

Tickets for the Calgary expo have already gone on sale and they will start announcing guests on December 1st. Stay tuned and we at Geekscape will be sure to keep you in the loop!

The Stan Lee’s Comikaze Panels We’re Most Looking Forward To!

by GeekscapeStaffOctober 22, 2013

Stan Lee’s Comikaze is finally right around the corner (better get those tickets quickly)! A myriad of Geekscape writers will be in attendance at the expo, and of course we couldn’t be more excited to hang out with you at the Geekscape Booth (that’d be Booth #610)!

If you’re attending the expo, be sure to visit us at Booth #610, where we’ll have tons of shirts available and some freebies (and lonely Shane O’Hare would love to talk to you)! We’ll be there all weekend! Now read on!

Juan Carlos Marquez

Any sci-fi-loving kid who grew up in the 80’s knew the drill on Saturdays; you started the morning flipping between CBS, NBC, and ABC, but then you tuned in to Channel 5 (KTLA) and watched the Family Film Festival with Tom Hatten. It was during this afternoon routine in which I was introduced to the glory of Godzilla. I fell in love with way the giant Japanese lizard monster tore apart miniature cities, yet helped defend the poorly-dubbed humans from the likes of Mothra, Rodan, and Mecha Godzilla.

Sunday’s panel, ‘Giant Kaiju Monsters Vs. Men in Suits Attack Japan (And Hollywood)!’ is an absolute can’t-miss for me, especially seeing that George Krstic is going to take part in the panel discussion (as well as our very own Jonathan London). I was a huge fan of Megas XLR and I can’t wait to hear his thoughts on what appears to be the renaissance of the giant monster movie genre.

The panel takes place on Sunday, November 3rd at 2:30 in room 306AB! Here’s the description:

Everyone loves Godzilla, Power Rangers, Ultra-Man, Rodan, Kamen Rider and Giant Robots! And recently, Hollywood has gotten in on the act with Kaiju and Giant Robot films like Pacific Rim and next summer’s Godzilla film. Are these Japanese mainstays the next big thing in American pop-culture (or is it just another Hollywood trend)? Join a panel of working Hollywood professionals for an in-depth discussion on the past, present, future and Americanization of Kaiju and Japanese Men in Suit properties. These properties have long since taken over Japan. Are we next!?!

Participants: Jonathan London (Host of Geekscape!), F.J. DeSanto (Frank Miller’s The Spirit, Cyborg 009, Insurgent), George Krstic (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Action Pack, Megas XLR), Robert Burnett (Free Enterprise, Femme Fatales), Tommy Yune (Robotech)

S.J. Borger

I’ve never been to Comikaze before, though I’ve lived in Los Angeles for years. The panels this year look amazing (especially the panels that our own awesome, glorious leader Jonathan London* is a part of).

The panels span an eclectic and wildly interesting set of topics—I could barely decide between some of them. That being, said, I narrowed it down from ‘all of them!’ since I couldn’t seem to find a handy TARDIS or a Time Turner anywhere.

My (current, to be updated at any time) list of must-see panels:

The Doctor Who 50^th Anniversary Panel: because, well, the Doctor Who 50^th Anniversary special—and the mysterious ‘special guests.” Such a tease, Comikaze, such a tease! – Friday, 4PM, Room 306AB.

The Nerdist Writer’s Panel: Comic Book Edition; I’m a fan of The Nerdist podcast and comic books, so this was basically a done deal. I hope Ben Blacker doesn’t think I’m stalking him, though, since I just realized I’m attending ALL of his panels if I can. – Saturday, 10:30AM, 304ABC.

Icon: Bruce Campbell. I shouldn’t even have to explain this. – Saturday, 1PM, Hot Topic Main Stage.

Blizzard Storytelling: From the corruption of Kerrigan to managing to (by the skin of their teeth) write in Panda Bears and Aliens as beings consistent with their world, Blizzard Entertainment is one of the foremost storytellers of our digital age. I’m looking forward to insights from the minds behind the stories. – Saturday, 3PM, Room 306AB.

In Defense Of: A panel defending the truly ludicrous choices sometimes made in comics, gaming and film (the ones that made you cock your head and say ‘Wait, what? How? Why would you do that?’…for example, all of GI Joe: Retaliation). – Saturday, 4PM, Room 301A.

The Thrilling Adventure Hour: Enough said. Seriously, I’d watch Acker, Blacker, Paul F Tompkins, Marc Evan Jackson, Joshua Malina, Busy Philips and Mark Gagliardi read from the phone book. If they could find one, I guess. It’s not really a great saying, anymore, is it? So um…I’d watch them read from the ITunes user agreement. – Saturday, 5:30PM, Room 308AB.

That works better.

Writing Genre TV: A panel of writers from hit shows like The Walking Dead, Warehouse 13, Alphas, Justified and Once Upon a Time In Wonderland discuss what it’s like to work in genre TV. – Sunday, 3:30PM, Room 306AB.

Zombies! Everything You Wanted To Know But Were Too Alive To Ask! Zombie science, history, fiction and fact. Where else would I be on a Sunday? – Sunday, 4PM, Room 304ABC.

* I take cash or paypal, Jonathan.**

** You’ll take a pass to Comikaze is what you’ll take! – Jonathan

anyone have one of these that I can borrow?

Shane O’Hare

This is my FIRST Comikaze convention. I’ve been a huge fan of the expo and organizaiton (DJing their Comic Con party didn’t have anything to with that praise :P) and have always wanted to go. This year, the planets aligned perfectly and I was able to get off work to join in on the fun!

This being my first trip to Comikaze I really want to check out the booths and the main floor, I love seeing how cons other than SDCC stack up. I also really can’t wait to get to work at our very own Geekscape booth (booth 610) as well!

The Pacific Rim (Friday, 2PM, Room 306AB) and Sharknado (Friday, 4:30, Hot Topic Main Stage) panels on day one are a must see. The Lion Forge panels (Saved By The Bell is Saturday, 11AM, Room 306AB, Knight Rider, Airwolf, Miami Vice & More on Sunday, 12PM, Room 301A) are also a must attend as all their newest books are top notch and I am super excited for all of them.

Come Sunday I find myself stuck in a conundrum. Do I stay at Comikaze or head on down to Anaheim and join the Mega 64 Boyz for their annual Gamedays meetup at Disneyland? Decisions…decisions.

Either way, I am very excited to be attending Comikaze, especially since it’s in LA! My sister better get the couch ready cause baby brudda is coming for a visit!

Kari Lane

This will be my second year attending Comikaze, and there are definitely a few panels/films that I’m really excited to see!

I’m looking forward to the Geek Girls: Sexism Within the Geek Subculture (Friday, 1:30PM, Room 301B) panel because it has been a fairly common discussion topic lately. The Adapting Sherlock Holmes (Friday, 3:30PM, Room 301B) panel sounds cool since I just recently started watching the show (yes, I’m a little behind on some shows because I generally don’t watch live TV and have to rely on Netflix.) The Dollar Baby Film Festival (Saturday, 9AM, Screening Room 411) on Saturday also sounds awesome because it will be short films based on Stephen King stories and I love good horror stories. There’s a Grimm Fairy Tales Animated Pilot (Saturday, 11:30AM, Room 308AB)I am really excited about because I saw their presentation at the Long Beach Comic Con and I’m stoked to see their final product. And, of course, Weird Al will be at Comikaze this year. I’ve seen him in concert at least three times and he never fails to entertain. 🙂 I’m also curious to see Sweethearts of the Galaxy (Sunday, 10AM, Room 304ABC) because I interviewed those two lovely ladies not so long ago and their show seems really fun. There’s also several horror panels I wouldn’t miss such as a Ghosts, Bigfoot and Beyond: Paranormal TV (Sunday, 1PM, Room 304ABC) because who doesn’t enjoy a little paranormal in their life?! And last, but not least, there will be a screening of Legend of the Red Reaper (Sunday, 2:30PM, Screening Room 411) which I have been hearing about for quite some time so I’m really looking forward to seeing it!

Derek Kraneveldt

I absolutely cannot wait to get back down to Los Angeles and head to Comikaze! Of course I’m beyond excited to see all of my fellow writers again (and to meet some new ones too), and also participate in my very first 5K. The whole reason that I’m going down is for the expo however, and here’s what I’m most looking forward to:

It’s called Stan Lee’s Comikaze, so of course I need to meet Stan at some point. I picked up a copy of The Amazing Spider-Man #252 (first appearance of the black suit) at SDCC, and I would love to have him sign it. That being said, getting a photo with Stan the Man would literally make my life, as I’ve idolized the guy since before I could speak! He did say good morning to me at SDCC, but I need more!

I was a big fan of Pacific Rim, so as Shane said up above, the From Robots to Monsters: A Look Into Pacific Rim and Godzilla (Friday, 2PM, Room 306AB) panel is a must see for me. I’m also looking forward to the Full Time Creative on a Part Time Schedule (Friday, 2:30PM, Room 301B) discussion should be an interesting one. Between a full-time day job and my work for Geekscape, I find a hard time doing any of the creative writing that I used to love doing. Maybe this panel will offer some tips on how to find the time?

Later that day, I’ll be headed to the Making A Comic Step-By-Step (Friday, 4PM, Room 304ABC). This should go hand-in-hand with the previous panel, as it’s something that I’ve been interest in for as long as I can remember, but have simply never found the time to do. I’ll also want to check out the Fangasm: The Interns Reunite (Friday, 7PM, Hot Topic Main Stage) as I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the show (which ends tonight) and I’m sure that there’ll be plenty of laughs at the panel.

All that stuff, and that’s just the first day! I’m also looking forward to:

-The Death of ‘Superman Lives’: What Happened? – (Saturday, 2PM, Room 304ABC).
–Inspector Spacetime: The Panel – (Saturday, 6PM, Room 304ABC)
-The Writer’s Journey: Breaking Into Comic Book and Hollywood Scriptwriting – (Sunday, 10AM, Room 306AB)
-Meet The Actor’s From ‘Grand Theft Auto V’ – (Sunday, 11:30AM, Room 306AB)
-So You Wanna Start A Podcast – (Sunday, 5PM, Room 308AB)

I’m sure that I’ll find even more to attend once I get to the expo, but these are the events that immediately stood out to me!

It's my mission to meet this guy. — It’s my mission to meet this guy.

Our very own Jonathan London will also be hosting (and participating in) a few of Comikaze’s most prestigious panels. You know you’ll want to be in attendance for those. The panels are:

– Icon: Edward James Olmos – (Friday, 5:30PM, Hot Topic Main Stage)

The Emmy and Golden Globe-winning, Academy Award-nominated legend talks to the Comikaze crowd about his many appearances in some of the biggest and most recognizable of film and television projects.

– Lion Forge Comics Presents: Saved By The Bell – (Saturday, 11AM, Room 306AB)

It’s time to return to Bayside High! Host Jonathan London will take you on a nostalgic look at the world of Saved by the Bell and he’s bringing along some special guests to help him out. Mr. Belding himself, Dennis Haskins, will be one board to reminisce on the iconic shows past history. Joining America’s favorite principal are writer Joelle Sellner and artist Chynna Clugston who’ll be helming Saved by the Bell’s future with an exclusive look into the new comic coming from Lion Forge Comics.

Participants: Jonathan London (Geekscape), Dennis Haskins (Saved By The Bell), Joelle Sellner (SBTB Comic, Jackie Chan Adventures, Teen Titans, Wonderous), Chynna Clagston (Blue Monday, Queen Bee), Adam Staffaroni (editor)

– Lion Forge Comics Presents Knight Rider, Airwolf, Miami Vice, and Much Much More! – (Sunday, 12PM, Room 301A)

Lion Forge Comics has been hard at work bringing you the best titles in comics and you have a chance to hear first-hand from its creative team about its plans for some of your favorite TV shows from the 80s and other Lion Forge Projects. Also get an exclusive first look at our new project with writer Cullen Bunn (Sixth Gun & Deadpool). This is not your average boring publisher panel filled with press releases and boring home movies. Excitement, Adventure, Giveaways and more Surprises await you at the Lion Forge Comics panel!

Participants: Geoff Thorne (Leverage, Ben10), Brandon Easton (Thundercats, Shadowlaw), Jonathan London (Geekscape), David Gorden (Catalyst Prime: Accel, Catalyst Prime: Quincredible), Jason Johnson (Wetworks), Lorenzo Lizana (Rampage Jackson: Street Soldier), Carl Reed (Miami Vice)

– Giant Kaiju Monsters Vs. Men In Suits Attack Japan (And Hollywood)! – (Sunday, 2PM, Room 306AB)

Everyone loves Godzilla, Power Rangers, Ultra-Man, Rodan, Kamen Rider and Giant Robots! And recently, Hollywood has gotten in on the act with Kaiju and Giant Robot films like Pacific Rim and next summer’s Godzilla film. Are these Japanese mainstays the next big thing in American pop-culture (or is it just another Hollywood trend)? Join a panel of working Hollywood professionals for an in-depth discussion on the past, present, future and Americanization of Kaiju and Japanese Men in Suit properties. These properties have long since taken over Japan. Are we next!?!

Participants: Jonathan London (Host of Geekscape!), F.J. DeSanto (Frank Miller’s The Spirit, Cyborg 009, Insurgent), George Krstic (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Action Pack, Megas XLR), Robert Burnett (Free Enterprise, Femme Fatales), Tommy Yune (Robotech).

Now it’s your turn! Be sure to let us know what you’re excited to see at next week’s Comikaze! You can find the programming schedule here, and head here if you haven’t bought your tickets yet!

Comikaze Expo Featured In New Syfy Reality Series ‘Fangasm’!

by Derek KraneveldtAugust 12, 2013

Briefly: This sounds like a great watch, and some fantastic coverage for Stan Lee’s Comikaze (which we, of course, are HUGE proponents of).

This September, Syfy is set to introduce a new docu-series (is that a nicer word for a reality series?) that follows seven geeky superfans on their quest to obtain an internship with Stan Lee.

Fangasm spotlights seven very different people whose niche uber-obsessions run the gamut from comic books and collectibles to science fiction and fantasy to cosplay and live action role playing. Living together and working together at Stan Lee’s Comikaze Expo, Los Angeles’ largest pop-culture convention, the cast must contend with each others oversized personalities and conflicting passions as they vie for a opportunities within Lee’s organization. Because when different passions come together – you get a real big bang. Fangasm debuts Tuesday, September 24 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on Syfy.

These roommates stop at nothing to prove their fan-cred to each other, debating everything from favorite superheroes, Star Wars vs. Star Trek, and even what they would do in the event of a real zombie apocalypse. And while the claws do come out, this hilarious and loveable group is ultimately bound together by a shared joy of fandom.

Over the course of the season, the eager group dives into their internships at Comikaze as it prepares for the upcoming Comikaze Expo – the comic, gaming, anime, sci-fi, fantasy horror and general pop-culture expo held each November in Los Angeles. The massive convention is a year-round business, run by Lee, Regina Carpinelli (who guides the interns as their supervisor) and Cassandra Peterson (better known as Elvira Mistress of the Dark). The pressure is on for the interns, who all have high hopes of earning an actual job with the organization. Throughout the summer, they are thrust into a myriad of assignments, both in the field and at the Comikaze Expo headquarters. They pitch comic book ideas to Lee, clean a storage space belonging to Elvira, and pull out all the stops to plan for the star-studded Comikaze launch party. Along the way they get to meet the original Mr. Sulu himself, George Takei, a truly emotional and dream moment for one of the interns.

Sounds pretty awesome, huh? Fangasm is set to premiere on September 24th on Syfy, and Comikaze 2013 hits LA on November 1st! Tickets for the convention are on sale now, and if you enter the promo code GROOVY (because Bruce Campbell WILL be in attendance), you’ll net a sweet discount. Be sure to let us know if you plan on watching Fangasm, and read more about each contestant below!

ANDREW DUVALL – 27 – Valdosta, GA (Hometown) and Los Angeles, CA
Andrew always dreamed of being the Captain of the Starship Enterprise, but instead he works for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. When he’s not in his Star Trek uniform watching Star Trek marathons he can be found playing Magic: The Gathering. Sometimes he’ll do both at once. Andrew is self-aware in the best possible way, and loves making people laugh.

DANI SNOW – 26 – Burbank, CA
Dani was raised on the original Star Wars movies and the works of Tolkien. Reading Harry Potter and watching Lord of the Rings did not make her popular, but after high school she blossomed socially, and gravitated towards fellow geeks. She’s played a pirate at a Renaissance Pleasure Faire, and tours the convention circuit with The Damsels of Dorkington, a comedy troupe. She now spends her days doing special effects makeup on short films, performing comedy whenever she can and using her Harry Potter knowledge at her job to help identify copyrighted material online for the franchise.

KRISTEN HACKETT – 23 – New York, NY
Kristin is a single and sexy comic book fangirl living in New York City. She loves that the city she lives in is also the dwelling place of her favorite superheroes, namely Spider-Man and Nightwing. Her three passions in life are blogging geek culture, comics and fashion. With All-American good looks she is often hit on by jocks and meatheads; however, she’s only attracted to super dorky and nerdy guys. Her passion for comics and graphic novels is evidenced by her massive collection and commitment to travel the country to attend every comic convention possible, which she covers for her websites. She admits she is a hoarder when it comes to collectibles, and she was even compelled to create a giant spreadsheet for her collection of 600+ graphic novels. The obsessions are only overshadowed by her closet full of custom cosplay outfits. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, Kristin enjoys designing and creating her own costumes.

MIKE REED – 22 – Ybor City District of Tampa (Hometown) and New York, NY
Mike considers himself the ultimate comic book and superhero fan. He loves all DC comics and wants to live his life like Superman. He’s an active cosplayer and founded his own group called Team Avalanche, making amazing costumes and putting on shows across Florida. Even though he’s a nerd, he has quite the charm on the ladies. By night he will go to the club with a confident swagger, and by day he will sport spandex. Though he just received an amazing promotion at his job, he’s willing to quit for the opportunity to be an intern for Stan Lee’s Comikaze.

MOLLY McISAAC – 24 – Soldotna, AK (Hometown) and Seattle, WA
Molly is determined to show the world that not all fangirls are “the comic book guy.” A self-proclaimed fashionista and cosplay queen, she blasts away nerd stereotypes by being incredibly social and fond of the nightlife. Steadfast in her feminist beliefs, Molly is often labeled a “difficult woman” or “kind of crazy,” but it’s just because she’s incredibly confident and not afraid to be loud if she doesn’t agree with someone or something. This makes dating difficult – especially since she only likes successful, professional geeks! But her social views do not mean her geeky interests fall to the wayside: she’s particularly fond of anime, comic books, cosplay, video games, and LARPing. With incredibly sharp wit, an army of fanboys, and a secret belief that she’s more intelligent than most people, Molly is a powerful force to be reckoned with.

PAUL PERKINS – 22 – Sacramento, CA
Getting this internship would be a double win for Paul. In one fell swoop he’d have a job and move out of his parent’s house. It’s every true nerd’s dream! Paul is passionate about all things comic books, sci-fi and Yu-Gi-Oh tournaments. He is a huge film buff with a massive collection of over 2,000 movies. While Paul is opinionated and outspoken, when it comes to girls he crawls right back into his shell. He lacks confidence around women, which he says is part of the reason he hasn’t had a girlfriend in over four years – that and the fact he likes to dress up as a Marvel superhero.

SALVATORE FRINGO – 25 – Amsterdam, NY
Salvatore is not what you’d call a shy geek. He’s loud and vocal about what he loves, and what he loves are superheroes. While he’s a huge fan of the heroes of the Marvel Universe, he doesn’t discriminate against any characters because of their publisher. He may not be a gifted engineering genius like his comic book idol Tony Stark, but he does teach kids how to create their own superheroes, all while he dresses like Iron Man. He thinks of himself as a new breed of geek because he’s “attractive, funny, cocky…but with a sweet side.” He’s hoping that sweet side will be sweet enough to land him his real life Pepper Potts.

Stan Lee’s Comikaze Expo 2013 Announced, Tickets On Sale Now!

by Derek KraneveldtJune 4, 2013

Stan Lee’s Comikaze, the largest regional multi-media, pop culture, comic, horror and gaming convention around, is coming back for more!

2013 dates have just been announced, and whether you’ve attended dozens of conventions, or have never been to one, Comikaze is an event that you won’t want to miss. Over 45’000 people attended the event in 2012, and this year is set to bring in even more.

Save the date. This year’s expo takes place at the Los Angeles Convention Center from November 1st to 3rd. Highlights for this year include:

-Over 400 vendors and up to 100 panels
-Largest collection of Marvel movie props ever assembled, curated by Stan Lee, including never-before-seen in public items from his own personal collection
-Elvira’s unique pop-up macabre signing area, complete with art gallery and other “spooktacular” delights
-Guest appearances: LeVar Burton of “Star Trek” and “Reading Rainbow” fame, and famed anime voice actor Kirby Morrow (“Dragon Ball Z”), among many others that are soon to be announced
-Cult lifestyle brand, Tokidoki, will host a special area on the show floor, offering one-of-a-kind exclusives
-Famed special effects company Stan Winston’s Legacy Studios (“Jurassic Park,” “Avatar” and “Iron Man”) will be showcasing props
-Cosplay contest with over $5000 cash prize confirmed
-Much much more to be announced.

Tickets are available now, and are bound to sell out fast. For the first 72-hours of availability, $45 will get you a 3-day pass, while $20 will cover a single day. Head here for more information, and here to secure your tickets!

Comikaze CEO Regina Carpinelli recently sat down with Jonathan on Geekscape 275: her episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in Comikaze, or conventions in general. Check it out here!

Are you planning to go this year? We’ll be there!

Featured image by Heather Mairi Photography