Celebrate The Art Of ‘Persona 5 Royal’ & ‘Catherine: Full Body’ With Lead Artist Shigenori Soejima

by Josh JacksonAugust 1, 2019

Atlus and Gallery Nucleus have announced that an art exhibit celebrating the upcoming Persona 5 Royal and Catherine: Full Body, complete with a panel and autograph signing with lead artist Shigenori Soejima.

Based in Alhambra California, Gallery Nucleus routinely showcases artwork from video games, movies and film, including past events for Spider-Man: Into The Spiderverse, Final Fantasy and Naughty Dog. The impending release of the Catherine remaster, (which thoroughly impressed us at E3 this year), and the updated version of one of the best RPG’s of all time in Japan with Persona 5 Royal mean that this is the perfect time to give these titles the Nucleus treatment.

Originally released in 2011 partially as a technology test to set the stage for Persona 5‘s engine, Catherine is a puzzle platformer / visual novel hybrid where your character, Vincent Brooks, fights for his life in his sleep while he struggles with choosing between the married life with his longtime girlfriend or staying with the mysterious Catherine, who he had a drunken affair with by day. Praised for being a creative, mind bending puzzle game that masterfully integrated the game play experience with the engrossing narrative, there has yet to be a game that has matched its boldness. It’s easy to see why many people consider it one of the best games of the PS3 and Xbox 360 generation. With more puzzles, new challenges and a third love interest, Full Body is the perfect way to experience Catherine for the first time or to fall in love all over again.

Persona 5 followed suit in 2017 with a stylish, engrossing tale of a group of high schoolers who gain the power to change the cognition of criminals to force them to confess their crimes. Hailed as one of the best games of the RPG genre, this title especially has launched the once niche title closer to the mainstream that it has ever been thanks to spin-offs, anime, films and a shocking appearance in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. With a game that already had hundreds of hours of content, the beloved game will be receiving an updated version later this year in Japan, while the West will get their hands on it in 2020.

Some of the exclusive merchandise made for the show.

The gallery will be on display from August 17 to September 1 with exclusive prints and merchandise up for sale… Assuming any of it lasts beyond the first day. During opening day, Shigenori Soejima will be present for an autograph session and panel, which will have a pre-registration period starting on August 2 at 10 AM PST. Door prizes will be given out while supplies last, so make sure to sign up, get there early, hang out with like-minded fans and enjoy celebrating these two unforgettable games.

Further details can be found at the Gallery Nucleus event page.

Exclusive Pokémon Boutique Is Returning To Los Angeles!

by Matt RodriguezJanuary 27, 2016

JapanLA’s wildly successful pop-up shop from last year, the Pokémon Boutique, is making a returning for a second appearance! Last year, this awesome (and free) event offered free Pocky, appearances by Junichi Masuda himself, special Pokémon fashion merchandise for sale, and much more! I was able to see many great cosplayers as well–and meet more Pokemaniacs!

Details can be found on JapanLA’s Instagram and Facebook page, and it consists of the following activities:

-New @JapanLAClothing Pokémon Collaboration release!

-Pokémon Pop Up Shop inside JapanLA!

-Free Exclusive Pokémon Tote Bag with purchases over $30! (while supplies last)

-Free Pokémon Photobooth!

-Pokémon Trivia and Prizes! (while supplies last)

-@RidgesChurroBar Food Truck! Yum!

-Free to attend! All Ages!

Attendees are also encouraged to arrive dressed up in their favorite Pokémon cosplay or inspired fashion. The last time I went to the event, there was an after-party as well (at a nearby venue), so be prepared for anything!

It is also worth noting that this event lands on Pokémon Day–February 27, and it sounds like a great way to celebrate! I certainly will be going! Are you in SoCal and attending this event? Did you enjoy the last event? Please let us know in the comments!

Source: JapanLA Instagram account

Tickets Are Now Available For WonderCon 2016 In Los Angeles!

by Natalie KipperDecember 14, 2015

For attendees of geeky conventions, March often means migrating to Anaheim, California for WonderCon. However, this year the venue for the convention has moved North a little bit to Los Angeles. WonderCon 2016 will take in place in the Los Angeles Convention Center on March 25 through 27.

Planning on going? You can purchase your badge now but be aware that you must have a Comic-Con member ID (you can register for free today). It will say Comic-Con on the header because the events are run by the same company.

What do you think of the switch in locations? Are you attending WonderCon this year? Tell us in the comments!

Geekscape Exclusive: Free Tickets To The Premiere Of ‘COMIX: Beyond The Comic Book Pages’ In LA!

by Shane O'HareJuly 20, 2015

At the end of last year we told you all about the Kickstarter for the documentary COMIX: Beyond The Comic Book Pages. We now have some amazing news for you, our Geekscape fans!

The project is DONE, and it is premiering July 30th in LA at the Regent Theater. The creators of COMIX have reached out to us at Geekscape to offer you ‘scapists passes to the premiere!

That’s right! If you’re in the LA area, or are very series about getting to the Regent Theater on time, you can get your hands on a pair of tickets to the premiere!

All you need to do is email info@comixthemovie.com , give them your name and tell them you heard about it on Geekscape! That’s it! Hop on it now, as seating is limited and we don’t have that many passes available!

Be sure to check out their official website HERE! And be sure to peep our exclusive new poster as well!

https://vimeo.com/102490209

COMIX: Beyond the Comic Book Pages is an exciting new feature film documentary about the world of comic books told through the thoughts and images of the creators, artists, writers, collectors, store owners, independent publishers, and especially the passionate fans who have made it the phenomenon that it is today.

COMIX includes exclusive one-on-one interviews with icons from the comic book industry, like Stan Lee (Spiderman, X-Men, Fantastic Four), Frank Miller (Sin City, 300), Neal Adams (Batman, X-Men, Green Lantern/Green Arrow), Mark Waid (Kingdom Come, Superman, Justice League of America), Mike Richardson of Dark Horse Productions (Hellboy, Sin City, Goon, and Concrete), Marc Silvestri of Image Comics and Top Cow Productions (Tomb Raider, Hunter Killer, Witchblade), and Todd McFarlane (Spawn). COMIX also includes interviews with fans, many dressed in full costume, as they talk about their love for the characters and cosplay, at conventions like Comic-Con, Wizard World, and more.

Here’s The Awesome Comic-Con Poster For ‘Fear The Walking Dead’

by Derek KraneveldtJune 29, 2015

Briefly: So this poster is awesome.

AMC today debuted the official San Diego Comic-Con poster for this Summer’s anticipated The Walking Dead spinoff, Fear The Walking Dead. We’re bound to see this poster everywhere next week, as The Walking Dead typically has a huge presence at the convention.

We know the series is set in Los Angeles, and this poster features a pretty big LA landmark, along with the tagline ‘fear begins here’. The ominous footprints are what really make the image, however, as those are clearly not the steps of a regular, un-infected human.

Take a look at the image below, and let us know what you think! Fear The Walking Dead premieres later this Summer!

Watch A New Teaser For ‘Fear The Walking Dead’!

by Derek KraneveldtJune 25, 2015

Briefly: We’re finally less than two months away from the highly anticipated premiere of AMC’s Fear The Walking Dead, and today the network debuted a new, 30-second spot for the upcoming series.

In the video, an upset boy talks of ‘reports in five states’, and of people killing each other, and naturally… the adult tells him not to worry about it.

Are you looking forward to the series? I’m really excited to explore the beginning of the outbreak, and see just how the world becomes, well, the world from The Walking Dead.

Take a look at the teaser below, and let us know what you think! Fear The Walking Dead debuts this August!

Here’s The First Poster For AMC’s ‘Fear The Walking Dead’!

by Derek KraneveldtJune 10, 2015

Briefly: Production on AMC’s Fear the Walking Dead is currently underway (which is great, because it’s set to premiere this Summer), and the network has just debuted the first poster for the upcoming series.

The first season will consist of six episodes, and a second season has already been confirmed.

I’m certainly interested to see how the series will turn out, especially as it explores the ‘early’ days of the infection, which is an avenue not explored in any medium that The Walking Dead has taken thus far.

In any case, take a look at the poster below, and let us know if you’re looking forward to the series. Again, Fear the Walking Dead will premiere on AMC in late Summer!

‘Fear The Walking Dead’ Begins Production, Go Behind The Scenes!

by Derek KraneveldtMay 11, 2015

Briefly: AMC’s The Walking Dead spinoff, Fear The Walking Dead is now in production (and it better be, as it’s set to debut this Summer), and AMC has officially shared the series’ first behind-the-scenes video.

The video features creator Robert Kirkman and producers Greg Nicotero and Gale Anne Hurd talking about the completely different nature of this series, and how they envisioned it being completely standalone while fitting in the universe that we already know and love.

It’s short and sweet, but in any case, it’s pretty interesting. Take a look at the video below, and let us know if you’re looking forward to the premiere!

A Strange Virus Is Going Around: Watch The First Teaser For ‘Fear The Walking Dead’!

by Derek KraneveldtMarch 30, 2015

Briefly: AMC finally revealed the official title just a few days ago, and now we officially have the first teaser for this Summer’s Fear the Walking Dead.

Back when franchise creator Robert Kirkman revealed the first details about the spinoff series, it certainly sounded like Fear the Walking Dead wouldn’t be the full-on prequel that many were hoping for. Fans, more than they wanted to see another side of the United States, wanted to see how this whole shitstorm began, but when Kirkman stated that “The timeline is taking place a little bit earlier than the original show,” it didn’t sound as though we’d be getting the origin story many were hoping for.

The first teaser however, makes us feel differently. It’s very short, but highly revelatory on the timeline of the series (or at least its beginning):

Interesting enough, the teaser’s voiceover states that ‘a strange virus is going around.’ Is just being infected enough to turn someone with a weak immune system into a walker? As we all know, we are all infected, and for most it’s, well, actually dying that turns one into a walker, so it’ll be interesting to see how the first full on zombies come to be.

Fear the Walking Dead is set to debut this Summer, and I’m definitely more excited for this series now that we know just when it’ll begin (timeline wise). How do you guys feel about the spinoff? Sound out below!

Robert Kirkman Details ‘The Walking Dead’ Companion Series!

by Derek KraneveldtMarch 16, 2015

Briefly: Fans of AMC’s The Walking Dead have been wondering for some time just how the upcoming spinoff series will relate to the already established universe, and this weekend at SXSW, The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman spilled finally let loose some details.

Via EW:

“It’s not going to relate to the comics at all,” Kirkman said. “From the beginning of the show one thing we’ve heard is, ‘What’s going on over here or there.’ So the intent of the new show is to expand that world and show another corner of the United States and what’s happening there. The timeline is taking place a little bit earlier than the original show. Rick Grimes woke up from a coma and was like, ‘Oh, man, zombies, weird!’ We’re going to possibly see that unfold a little more in the other show. But I wouldn’t call it ‘prequel’ because the entirety of the show is not going take place before [The Walking Dead]. It will eventually form a path running concurrently.”

”One thing that we’re doing with the new show that we’re trying with everything is it’s not derivative,” he said. “It’s standing on its own. You can watch it by itself and get your own experience. But if you are watching both shows there are things like, ‘Oh they discovered this, or they discovered that in a different way.’ There are a lot of things about The Walking Dead world these characters have to learn or figure out to get by. And there may be some things that are discovered in the companion show that haven’t been discovered in the other show yet. So there could be like a thing where, ‘Oh, they encountered a zombie in season 4 in The Walking Dead that could do this and now we know why that was.’ So we’re going to be doing things like that are going to be pretty cool, but for the most part [the two shows] should be able to stand alone.”

Based on Kirkman’s quotes, it sounds like the new series (whatever it’s called) won’t be the beginning-of-the-apocalypse tale that many were looking forward to, but will instead be set just slightly before the original series. I was wondering just how connected it will be to the already established show, and I’m glad to read that this series is mean to be standalone, since ain’t nobody got time for two versions of The Walking Dead.

The yet untitled series will premiere its first six-episode season this Summer, with a second season set to premiere in 2016. Are you looking forward to the spinoff? Or is one series enough? Sound out below!

AMC’s ‘The Walking Dead’ Spinoff Gets Two Season Order, Premiere Revealed!

by Derek KraneveldtMarch 9, 2015

Briefly: AMC’s The Walking Dead spinoff still doesn’t have a title, but the network has just committed to two seasons of the anticipated drama.

Little is know about the series at this point, but it is set to take place in Los Angeles, and will star Cliff Curtis (Gang Related), Kim Dickens (Gone Girl), Frank Dillane (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince) and Alycia Debnam Carey (Into the Storm).

The series’ six-episode first season will premiere this Summer, while the second season won’t debut until 2016.

AMC president Charlie Collier states that “We take incredibly seriously the notion of building a satisfying companion series to the number one show on television. From the beginning of ‘The Walking Dead’ on AMC, we’ve been asked questions about what was going on in other parts of the zombie apocalypse, and what it looked like as the world really did ‘turn.’ Through this new series, we’re going to find out. Robert Kirkman, Dave Erickson and their writing team, along with an incomparable set of producers, cast and crew have created something remarkable and clearly distinct. We respectfully follow the request of Monty Python as we bring out (the latest of) our Dead.”

“We feel empowered by this two-season commitment, a serious show of faith from our network partner AMC,” Kirkman said. “I personally take it as a sign that they believe, like we do, that we’ve accomplished our goal of developing something original that can pay tribute to the original show and expand the world I created while at the same time having something new to say with this story. I’m very grateful that we now have the opportunity to tell this amazing story and show the fans that we really haven’t scratched the surface yet when it comes to ‘The Walking Dead.’”

Are you down for another The Walking Dead series? Or is one enough for you? What do you hope to see? Sound out below!

‘The Walking Dead’ Spinoff Will Be Set In Los Angeles!

by Derek KraneveldtDecember 16, 2014

Briefly: We still don’t know much about the anticipated The Walking Dead spinoff in the works over at AMC, but Now that the series has cast a few pivotal roles, I guess it’s time we learn its setting.

According to TV Line, the walkers are headed to Los Angeles.

As previously rumoured, it’s still thought that the series will tell of the early days of the infection and zombie apocalypse, which is definitely something I’m into seeing.

When the pilot was announced, Kirkman stated that “There are many corners of The Walking Dead universe that remain unseen in the shadows. Being given the opportunity to shine a light into those corners and see what lurks out there is an absolute thrill. I know the fans are anxious to hear what Dave and I have been cooking up for this new universe of The Walking Dead, and I’m happy to be one step closer to sharing it with them.”

Are you looking forward to the proposed spinoff? Or is one The Walking Dead series enough? Sound out below!

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!

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!

Free In LA Next Weekend? Head To ‘Comic Jungle’ At The LA Zoo!

by Derek KraneveldtMay 25, 2013

The Los Angeles Zoo is kicking things up a notch.

Hot on the heels of this weekend’s awesome Donkey Kong event, the Zoo has even more in store for you loyal Geekscape readers (well, and everyone else who likes awesome things). June 1st and 2nd, from 10AM to 4PM is Comic Jungle, an event that brings exhibitors, artists, GI Joes, and some of Marvel’s heroes to LA’s beautiful menagerie.

We had a ton of fun at the park this weekend: whether you’re an LA local, or just visiting the area, Comic Jungle is a celebration that you shouldn’t miss! Check out the list of artists, exhibitors, and guests below, and head to the LA Zoo’s official website for more information!

Maybe we’ll see you there!