panels | Geekscape

SDCC 2016: ‘Monster Hunter’ Panel Offers Insight Into Future DLC And Things That Can Kill You

by Natalie KipperJuly 25, 2016

Capcom hosted a Monster Hunter panel at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con with a focus on the recently released title, Monster Hunter Generations. The event was moderated by Tristan Corbett, the Monster Hunter Brand Manager at Capcom. Joining him were two very special guests, Yasunori Ichinose and Shintaro Kojima, Generations’ Director and Producer, respectively.

The discussion quickly dove into upcoming DLC, the first highlight being the Okami-themed armor set for Felynes.

There are many collaborative DLC in Japan and with Generations releasing there first, many DLC have already been made available to Japanese players. However, this DLC is exclusive to players in the West. It was a sort of amusing concept, given that this Felyne-specific armor is based on Okami‘s Amaterasu, a goddess in wolf-form.

The creation of this DLC sparked a poll amongst the development team: “Which is better, cats or dogs?” In the end, cats won. Kojima-san remarked that neither himself nor Ichinose-san participated in the poll.

The second DLC discussed also featured a Felyne-only armor set. The Mega Man set is particularly special because much of the Development team were fans of the series. A trailer was shown highlighting the set and it was noted that the armor will have different color skins depending on what attacks the Felynes use (they couldn’t go into more detail than that). The color change was akin to Mega Man switching weapons and gaining different abilities based on the bosses he defeated.

It should be noted that, as in previous Monster Hunter titles, all DLC is free.

The panel then moved on to how the game’s monsters are designed. The first monster they mentioned was Amatsu, whose mention earned quite a bit of applause from the audience. The monster is an old favorite from Monster Hunter Portable 3rd, a game for the PSP that never saw a release outside of Japan. Its concept is based on the snake-like dragons found in Eastern mythologies.

Amatsu’s eye color changes and chest glows when it enters its “enraged state.”

Amatsu has the ability to fly because its body is filled with gas, which allows it to float. Its fins are used to navigate in the wind. The concept was inspired by kites. Monster designs sometimes draw inspiration from animals. In Amatsu’s case, it was the Leafy Sea Dragon.

Amatsu uses water-based attacks in which water shoots from its mouth. The animation is based on explosive chemical reactions.

The gear that can be forged from materials found when carving Amatsu’s corpse are based loosely on Shinto ceremonial garb. The majority of the armor sets created from “big boss monsters” are bulky but Amatsu’s set does not because it did not fit Amatsu’s image.

The second and final monster discussed at the panel was Nakarkos, a monster that made its debut in Generations. It was inspired by the idea of a dragon zombie. The team pointed out that zombies do not exist in the games’ world and that the concept was strictly for design purposes. Nakarkos is actually a monster that covers itself in the bones of others.

The initial design was more lizard-like but another designer changed it to a cephalopod/kraken-like creature.

Nakarkos’ design fit well with the Jurassic Frontier, a location new to Generations.

Two different armor sets can be crafted from Nakarkos’ materials. The pair are based on the concept of the heroes and villains of American comic books. The “villain” sets can be seen above.

And here are the “hero” sets.

The panel finished off with a trivia contest in which attendees guessed panelists’ favorite weapon class. Those who guessed correctly won a poster signed by Ichinose-san and Kojima-san plus some Japanese badges.

SDCC ’16: ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ to Host VFX Panel!

by jake108July 8, 2016

Along with a Thursday’s full schedule came along this VFX panel for the film, Alice Through the Looking Glass. For anyone who is at the least bit curious to see what goes into creating VFX for a film, this panel should be on your radar.

Presented by HALON Entertainment, the panelists include the VFX team lead Tefft Smith II and VFX Editor Ed Marsh. you can read more about the panel, and what’s in store right here:

Leap into the journey through the VFX process of “Alice Through the Looking Glass.” Alice’s esteemed VFX team leads HALON Entertainment’s Tefft Smith II, and VFX Editor Ed W. Marsh, will lead the audience through scene building, shooting and the final VFX process by breaking down some of Underland’s most complex sequences. This panel will debut exclusive footage not seen in the theater. Won’t you join us?

Granted, for any SDCC attendee, each day is a constant battle of choosing what panel you’d like to see and what panel you’re more likely to get into.

The Saint Mort Show Episode 134: One Slash Wonders Panel (Live at TanoshiiCon 2015)

by SaintmortJuly 25, 2015

The final TanoshiiCon Panel finally sees the light of day. In this final panel Scott and I discuss One Slash Wonders. We break down various films that deserved Sequels but never got them and why.

If you’re curious where I’ve been I’ve been working on my new podcast Horror Movie Club. Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud, Reddit and Geekscape.net!

Follow Saint Mort on Facebook and Twitter and SoundCloud.

If you really like the show get Matt something nice off his AmazonWishList

Subscribe to Us on iTunes

SDCC 2013: A Veteran’s Tips For Navigating The Convention, Plus Some Choice Panels!

by AllieHanleyJuly 9, 2013

San Diego Comic Con has been around for many years, but for me the geek exodus began in 2007. That first year was a blur; I can hardly recall what I saw or what I did. However, with each year that I’ve added to my belt, the experience of navigating the vast crowds, the convention floor and the Hall H line have become a way of life. The plan, -or lack of, because trying to plan every detail of the third largest convention in the world is tough. The reality is, for newbies, just go with the flow and try to pick a few things. For me that means a heavy investment of time in Hall H.

Last year I wrote a piece about the Comic Con experience, Press vs. Fan. I came up with the conclusion that I would rather forego the press tables (mostly happening at The Hilton next door) and focus on the fan experience, so with that in mind here’s a few panels I’m looking forward to, as well as some general tips.

Preview Night (Wednesday). The truth is… preview night is a nightmare. People go nuts. Either you have a plan and a mission (trying to buy an exclusive toy and score an exclusive giveaway) or you just let the crowd push you and pretend you are a leaf floating down a raging river. My crew have a mission. We divide and conquer with runs to Mattel, Dark Horse, and more. <If I tell you any more, I’d have to kill you> For an easier go of it – check out the TV pilots screening up in Ball Room 20.

Comic-Con and Warner Bros. Television proudly continue their annual Preview Night tradition, with exclusive world premiere screenings of the pilot episodes of three of the most highly anticipated TV series of the 2013-14 television season-Almost Human, The Tomorrow People, and The 100-as well as an encore presentation of the pilot episode of The Vampire Diaries spinoff series, The Originals, all in Ballroom 20.

Thursday: In recent years, Thursday has been the day that Con officials slated as the day to get the “Twilight” movie stuff over. This created some really happy campers, and some pissed-off ones. The unhappy ones complained that the “Twi-hards” had bought all the convention tickets and were making the convention even more crowded. The reality, the con is just massively popular. Anyway, this year there is no Twilight and so what did the officials plan this year in its place….what mega blockbuster will we be lining up the night before to sneak peek? ….NOTHING. I had been banking on having some sort of -get it over- blockbuster – lets-kick-things-off Hall H panel but this year the opening panels include:

Ron Diamond (program curator, president of Acme Filmworks and AWN.com) presents the best and newest in international animation. Included is Disney’s Oscar winning Paperman along with 10 animated shorts culled from the most notable festivals from around the world. Shows annually at Pixar, Dreamworks, Disney, ILM, Blue Sky, Sony, EA, UCLA, SVA, USC, SCAD, NYU, RISD, Harvard and CalArts.

Thursday July 18, 2013 11:50am – 12:50pm

Early AM Best Bet – Check out hottie Josh Hollaway from Lost – and the panel the features his new TV show “Intelligence” – As a matter of fact – Ball Room 20 has the coolest big bang – for your back all day Thursday.

Afternoon: However, it may be worth the fight – OR NOT – of heading back over the Hall H after lunch – getting in line – and trying to get in for Ender’s Game and Divergent. Harrison Ford will be on deck as well as that awesome young actor from True Grit, Hailee Steinfeld, as well as Abagail Breslin. Ender’s Game pictured below.

In recent years I’ve seen a lot of cool celebs on Friday. At times, my entire crew has defected to the convention floor and smaller -but noteworthy- panels while I’ve stuck it out in Hall H. It’s a tough call because you want to see all the stuff, but then there’s that actor or director that comes out and makes it all worth it. In recent years I’ve seen Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson on the same panel… followed by Francis Ford Coppola (even had a chance to tell him that I liked his wine! …and I was standing 10 feet from Val Kilmer for about 20 minutes and didn’t even recognize him!)

Friday: I’ll definitely be in the front of Hall H (foregoing my round table experience at the Hilton) to see Simon Pegg and Nick Frost discuss The World’s End. No, it’s not another Pirates movie – it’s a comedy starting at 10 AM.

12:15 – Kick-Ass 2 and Riddick – First off. Loved Kick-Ass. Loved the panel for it a few years ago at SDCC and I can’t wait for it this year, but I will miss Nic Cage but even better is VIN DIESEL and the chic from Battlestar Galactica and the small but cancelled show Bionic Woman – Starbuck herself – Katie Sackoff. Ok, back to Vin Diesel. The epitomy of cool will be talking Riddick. As a fan of both movies, and the cartoon, I’m definitely down. The director David Twohy will be in attendance as well.

Other panels that day include The Walking Dead, which should be ok. I attended last year in the same slot. Next up is Game of Thrones, – saw it last year – same slot. Then Sony Pictures will show off their new stuff, including The Mortal Instruments: City Of Bones – which to me looks pretty good (writers note – I am a young adult writer… so a film like this appeals to me but I know most of my geek friends cringe at the thought!).

However… hang in there because Sony will be showing off ROBOCOP! Loved it as a kid. Loved Peter Weller… loved the whole thing, can’t wait for the reboot. Samuel L. Jackson will be in effect… WILL HE or WON’T He – drop the “F-Bomb”???? I Hope he does!!!

They will also be showing The Amazing Spider-Man 2… – ugh. I know they were losing the rights to remake it – but DAMN, couldn’t we just have had a few more years without it? Cast appearance has not been announced but last year Andrew Garfield showed up in the audience wearing a low-budget spidey costume… and then pretended to be a fan and ask a dumb question. It went over well, and I loved it – but later in the elevator at The Hilton – his press rep (or whomever represents him) was going off about how “F’-ing this” and “F-ing” that went, and causing a commotion in the elevator with everyone listening to his tirade on the phone all the while my ten year old niece stood there silently with huge eyes… shocked at the profanity rolling out of this guys mouth. Oh wait, that was 2 years ago! These things just roll together somehow after a few years.

Now for the biggee of the day!!! METALICA !!! yes, you read it right. The headbangers from back in the day are hosting a panel for their new 3D / IMAX movie Through the Never. All four band members will be in effect.

Saturday: Only a few die-hards like myself will be making it in to the famed Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures line-up.

I can’t wait to see what a year has added to Godzilla. Last year’s tease – literally BLEW MY SOCKS off! Actually, the entire Saturday program last year blew my pants off! The insanity of Will Farrell and Zack G showing up unannounced, The Hobbit, with it’s HUGE triple wide screens, as well as Geekscape friend Travis Beacham’s Pacific Rim just utterly made the convention for me last year.

Besides Godzilla, we are looking at Seventh Son (fantasy adventure – one of my favorite genres!) with Jeff Bridges (will he be in person – not sure) and Julianne Moore…. as well as cutie from Game Of Thrones – Kit Harrintgon (Jon Snow) and the very sexy Djimon Hounsou.

Followed by 300: Rise of an Empire which stars of course – “Women who KICK ASS” Lena Heady (one of my favorite lady actors right now).

Gravity: Starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney (highly doubtful they will be showing up and it’s not noted they are scheduled) however… I remember a few years back when Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie showed up for The Tourist. (or was it… her that showed up for Salt?) Anyway, you never know. If they say there are coming – then the already popular – INSANE day in HALL H would just be R I D I C U LO U S with fans!

Lego Movie – I have nothing interesting to say about this title except Will Farrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Liam Neeson and Morgan Freeman. If any one of them shows up (which I’m sure at least one will) then we are money! None are officially on the schedule… but a little birdie tells me we will be seeing at least one of them. BTW: I once rode a ski lift in Canada with Liam Neeson… nice guy and big!

I know you think this is just awesome but the day is just getting started…

Lionsgate will be showing off I, Frankenstein. with Aaron Eckhart (Two-Face himself!). Can’t wait. The original “Frankenstein” story has so much heart and can still be molded into a story that has meaning today. Can’t wait to see what they’ve come up with.

And then also The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (the best book in the series – hands down). Will the cast be in attendance? Not sure. It’s not listed… c’mon Lionsgate – at least give us an exclusive souvenir or t-shirt!

Last year's 'Women Who Kick Ass' panel. — Last year’s ‘Women Who Kick Ass’ panel.

A L L I E ‘S T O P PICK – W O M E N W H O K I C K A S S

Fierce, fearless and flat-out fantastic, these female actors have left fans breathless. Michelle Rodriguez (Fast and Furious franchise), Orphan Black‘s Tatiana Maslany, Danai Gurira (The Walking Dead), and others open up about the power and privilege of playing women who redefine the rules and refuse to yield.

Incidentally – my wish list actress for this panel would be Sigourney Weaver… however I did see her a few years a go for the “Paul” panel and I loved her! She is ultimate “Kick Ass” actress for me. It would be hard to beat Aliens 2 and Sigourney’s role in it (as well as all the Aliens movies).

20th Century Fox – hasn’t announced their line-up officially on the schedule. but they have blocked 4:14 – 5:45.

6:00 – 7:00 Thor: Dark World and Captain America: The Winter Soldier – “Many surprise guests” listed as who will be in effect.

7:15 After that panel Kevin Smith takes over fielding questions about Clerks 3 and other stuff. I will probably bag out for this.

Sunday: is kids day at the con. Thank God, they outlawed strollers on the convention floor this year. I have been run over, run down, and banged up by those things the past few years and people with their small kids are just out of control on the convention floor. It’s crowded but do you have to use your kid as a ram!? The floor will be packed with lots of kid friendly giveways but other booths will be getting the frantic pass it out – or haul it out – souvenir giveaways. All three days previously they’ve been on reserve…. having to make all the frebbies last…. Sunday is a free for all. Especially around 1 PM. It’s not guaranteed that you will score some uber cool stuff, but instead of giving you 1 item – they will suddenly be giving you several.

Best Bet – Summit and Lionsgate give out the coolest stuff. They change it up every hour, so keep going. Also, it’s a great day to get autographs (free ones) on the floor. Not in the mood for an autograph – just walk by. Tons of TV celebs will be posted every hour, at different booth signing and meeting fans. Just be prepared for families that create walls that block you from walking around. Imagine that irritating RV driving down the 101, and no lanes to pass – FOR MILES! That’s the convention floor on Sunday. The good and the bad of it. Sunday has always been a day that I have nabbed a lot of swag. Go for it.

Be sure to let me know about your experience on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/allie.hanley.5 or follow me on twitter at https://twitter.com/KaBoomSeattle! You can also meet me in person camping out in the Hall H line – Friday night!

Comic Con 2012: Saturday Panel Highlights

by Shawn MaddenJune 30, 2012

So we’ve given highlights for the rest of the days. Now on to the main attraction. Make sure and pack your bags and get in line for Hall H early because it looks like it’s going to be a good year in there.

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 – Room 6A

10:00-11:00 DC: The New Wave With DC Comics

The New 52, Before Watchmen, and The New 52, Wave 2, DC Entertainment is running on all cylinders! But you haven’t seen anything yet-find out about the next exciting event from DC Comics with DC Entertainment co-publisher Dan DiDio (Phantom Stranger) and creators Brent Anderson (Phantom Stranger), Tony Bedard (Sword of Sorcery), Scott Snyder (Talon), and James Tynion IV (Talon) – Room 6DE

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

11:30-12:30 Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained

The Weinstein Company presents a sneak peek at the highly anticipated new film from acclaimed director Quentin Tarantino. Fans will get to see exclusive footage from Django Unchained and take part in a special discussion with Tarantino and the cast. You won’t want to miss this – Hall H

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

12:45-1:30 The Simpsons

Now entering its 24th season, The Simpsons is a living animation legend. Join moderator David Mirkin, creator Matt Groening, executive producer Al Jean, supervising producer Mike Anderson, and the voice of Lisa Simpson, Yeardley Smith, for a lengthy look at the upcoming Treehouse of Horror, a sneak (2D) peek at Simpsons theatrical short The Longest Daycare, and much, much more (okay, 45 minutes’ worth). Ballroom 20

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 Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Onto Season 5

The aftermath of season 4 has left the Star Wars galaxy a very dangerous place: Darth Maul is alive, Asajj Ventress is a bounty hunter, and the Mandalorian Death Watch is deadlier than ever. How will these threads continue in season 5 of Star Wars: The Clone Wars? Find out in this behind-the-scenes panel, which will feature new clips, new insights, and more. Join the discussion with supervising director Dave Filoni and head writer Matt Michnovetz (who wrote season 4’s powerful Umbara arc). Moderated by Star Wars author Pablo Hidalgo – Room 6DE

2:00-3:00 Alphas

Alphas are among us…especially at Comic-Con. A panel featuring the stars of Syfy’s Alphas discuss the show’s exciting new season. Moderated by Geoff Boucher (Los Angeles Times) – Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

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

Legendary Pictures: Pacific Rim-From acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro comes Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ epic sci-fi action adventure Pacific Rim. When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity’s resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes — a washed up former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi) — who are teamed to drive a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger from the past. Together, they stand as mankind’s last hope against the mounting apocalypse. Pacific Rim also stars Idris Elba, Ron Perlman, and Charlie Day.

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

6:00-7:00 Marvel Studios

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

7:15-9:15 Comi-Kev: Q&A with Kevin Smith

For like the millionth year in a row, Saturday at Comic-Con’s not over ’til the fat lady sings…and that fat lady is @ThatKevinSmith! Taking the the Hall H stage like he takes the desserts off your lunch tray, the guy in the hockey jersey will A all of your Qs! Query about Comic Book Men, Spoilers, SModcast.com, his book Tough Sh*t, Jay & Silent Bob’s Super Groovy Cartoon Movie, his Fat Man on Batman podcast, or just ask him about stuff he’s got nothing to do with! But get ready to listen because this fatty is chatty! Warning: Kevin Smith throws around adult language like it’s clever. It’s not, but he loves it. A lot – Hall H

Source: Comic Con

Comic Con 2012: Preview Night & Thursday Programming Released

by Molly MahanJune 28, 2012

Comic-Con 2012 Programming for the Preview Night and Thursday have officially been released on San Diego Comic Con’s official website and there is already a smattering of awesome panels and screenings that my little fangirl mind is about ready to explode from the awesome. I love fantasizing and making schedule mock-ups of the panels I plan to attend (and then going to none of them, due to time and line constraints) each Convention season and this year looks pretty amazing. The worst part, however, is seeing my two favorite subjects being discussed during the same time slot and on opposite sides of the convention hall.

So far, there are two panels I am already squealing with delight for and they are:

Censorship and the Female Artist— Attacks on women’s speech are on the rise in the current cultural climate in realms including politics and pop culture. This panel examines how censorship affects women artists, in realms including library challenges, community dialogue, and the larger cultural conversation. ModeratorAdaPia d’Errico is joined by panelists Anina Bennett, Camilla d’Errico, and Olivia for a freewheeling discussion of their experiences with censorship and observations on how women’s speech is treated in the cultural conversation.

The Future of Superhero Studies— Superhero scholarship has exploded over the past few years. Professors Ben Saunders (CCI 2012 special guest and author of Do the Gods Wear Capes?) and Charles Hatfield (author of the Eisner Award-nominated Hand of Fire: The Comics Art of Jack Kirby) invite you to join them for a frank, free-spirited discussion of superhero studies: its history, challenges, and possibilities. What has been done in the field, what can be done, and where do we go from here?

Also, I just about cried reading that Stallone will be there Thursday promoting Expendables 2. Regrettably, in Hall H, so I doubt I’ll be able to make it. But, you know, a girl can dream …

Oh, and if there’s time I MAY just make it over to see our fearless leader own the stage with some other awesome and (actually) funny dudes for the Comics on Comics panel that evening:

Comics on Comics LIVE! with Jon Schnepp and Chris Gore— Producers Vito Lapiccola and Juan-Manuel Rocha and The Hollywood Improv host another amazing edition of Comics on Comics LIVE at Comic-Con. Host Jonathan London(Geekscape.net) welcomes the return of fan-favorite writer/producer/director Jon Schnepp (Metalocalypse, The Venture Brothers), film guru Chris Gore (Attack of the Show, PodCRASH), and the always-controversial comics journalist Rich Johnston(BleedingCool.com) for another hilarious episode of the podcast where the greatest comic minds meet the greatest minds in comics! And if that wasn’t enough, Comics on Comics presents the world premiere of Schnepp’s Grimm Fairy Tales animated trailer, produced in association with Zenoscope Entertainment and funded via Kickstarter.com. Comics on Comics debuted in 2008 and quickly gained popularity and praise due to its high concept format and memorable guests (including Lost co-creator Damon Lindelof, Dark Knight Rises producer Michael Uslan, and DC Comics CCO Geoff Johns). Find out more at www.ComicsOnComics.com.

What about you guys? Please take a look at the panels and let us know which ones you’re most excited about, so we can be sure to cover it!

Still Not Over Firefly’s Cancellation? Comic Con Has a Panel for You!

by Molly MahanJune 27, 2012

It’s official, and we now have details! As previously reported, Browncoats everywhere can celebrate (while I roll my eyes) at San Diego Comic Con International this year for the 10 year anniversary panel of the one-season wonder Firefly panel. Panelists will include your beloved Captain Nathan Fillion, Joss Whedon, Alan Tudyk, Adam Baldwin, Sean Maher, Michael Fairman and many more! The panel will be held Friday, July 13, at 12:30 PM, and is brought you by SCIENCE (the channel, not the school subject).

Although not much of a fan of the show myself. if Gina Torres makes an appearance then I may suffer the Whedonites and try to find my way in. I love her and her work prior to Firefly and Serenity, and would love to hear what she’s currently doing.

SCIENCE will also be hosting other panels, including one for Dark Matters: Twisted But True and one about Time Travel (F’ yeah!) from the podcast Stuff You Should Know.:

TIME TRAVEL: SCIENCE FACT OR SCIENCE FICTION? STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW WITH JOSH & CHUCK, Thursday, 7/12/12, 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

SCIENCE presents Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant, hosts of the Top 10 iTunes podcast STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW, as they lead a discussion about time travel with some very special celebrity guests for a live from Comic-Con taping of their podcast. Josh and Chuck’s loyal fan following, chemistry and insatiable curiosity are core to the launch of SCIENCE’s upcoming series Stuff You Should Know, as the two pioneer the way for what likely will be more introductions of talent discovered and incubated online finding a place on new platforms. Join Josh and Chuck and the SCIENCE team at Comic-Con for an exclusive sneak-peek of Stuff You Should Know, as well as limited edition Comic-Con exclusive giveaways from SCIENCE.

FIREFLY 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY, Friday 7/13/12, 12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m.

It has been 10 years since the crew of Serenity took flight in Joss Whedon’s short-lived but now revered series, Firefly. SCIENCE will reconvene, for the first time in a decade, Captain Mal Reynolds and the crew from the ship, calling all Browncoats to unite at the 2012 San Diego Comic-Con. The cast ofFIREFLY will talk about the past, present and future of Firefly, 10 years after its debut. SHINY.

DARK MATTERS, Friday, 7/13/12, 7:15 p.m.–8:15 p.m.,

This summer, SCIENCE returns to the laboratory to unearth history’s most sinister tales with the second season of the breakout series Dark Matters: Twisted But True. Join USA Today’s Brian Truitt; John Noble; Executive Producer Rocky Collins; and science historian Michael Stevens as we take a closer look at the forbidden research records on the most shocking scientific studies ever executed. From gruesome lobotomy experiments, to controversial CIA studies, to spine-chilling accounts of live human transplants, the all-new season shows that science fact can be stranger, and even more entertaining, than science fiction. The six world premiere episodes take audiences inside a real-life Twilight Zone, where shocking CGI re-creations illustrate unforgettable tales of genius gone horribly awry. DDark Matters: Twisted But True premieres Saturday, July 14, at 10:00 PM (ET/PT).