Name That Dragon!

 

courtesy EMP Museum
courtesy EMP Museum

   Games of Thrones has three dragons but Seattle’s EMP Museum has welcomed its own magnificent dragon! The scaly resident is part of the collection of music, pop culture and fantasy but needs a name. This giant animatronic dragon is one of the main attractions featured in EMP’s upcoming exhibition Fantasy: Worlds of Myth and Magic opening on April 27, 2013.

EMP is asking the public to share their name ideas for the dragon by going to EMP’s Facebook page .  Submissions will be accepted through 11:59pm on Sunday, April 21, 2013.  The top names will then be presented to the public to cast a vote for their favorite.

Built by Seattle Opera Scenic Studios, the dragon will spend most of its time guarding the gallery in a state of slumber, but will interact with visitors by purring softly when its tail is gently stroked and will snap its eyes open and let out a loud roar when it feels threatened.

The dragon is made out of wood, steel, aluminum, various types of both rigid and flexible foams, fabrics, upholstery materials, synthetic skin, and two glass eyes.

courtesy EMP Museum
courtesy EMP Museum

The dragon’s head is approximately six feet long. If it were to open its jaws, it would have a “bite” just a bit bigger than a Great White Shark.

The dragon’s claw has a grasp of 18”, its tail is about the length of an adult saltwater crocodile, and if it were to open its wings, they would stretch to more than 36 feet; slightly more than the wingspan of a Cessna airplane.

  Fantasy: Worlds of Myth and Magic is the first exhibition of its kind to examine the proliferation of the fantasy genre in literature, film, television, and video games.  From classic folklore to epic tales of good and evil, the exhibition content spans more than four centuries and includes an authentic 16th century suit of armor, rare costumes from the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, and original hand-edited manuscript pages Continue reading Name That Dragon!

Music Meets Comics in TOMORROWLAND

Tomorrowland #1 courtesy Titan Comics
Tomorrowland #1 courtesy Titan Comics

The world’s biggest music festivals inspires a brand new comic book by acclaimed writer Paul Jenkins (Spider-Man, Darkness, Sentry, Inhumans, Wolverine: Origin, Batman.) Titan Comics and Atomeka will launch the brand-new series Tomorrowland – a four-part comic book story by Jenkins and Stellar Labs this July.

Tomorrowland, is set to expand for the first time outside of Belgium to Chattahoochee Hills, GA, USA in September 2013. The annual festival, which takes place at the end of July in Belgium, has already sold out all 180,000 tickets in under one second. In 2013 Tomorrowland will welcome attendees from 214 countries from around the world.

The TomorrowLand comics series, by Eisner Award-winning Continue reading Music Meets Comics in TOMORROWLAND

Emerald City Comicon Day Three

Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com
Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com

Emerald City Comicon saved the biggest and best for the grand finale! Sir Patrick Stewart was welcomed by a packed house to share memories in the final hour of the eleventh annual event. The man who played Captain Picard shared insights into his stellar career including Star Trek: The Next Generation, X-Men, Excalibur, Dune, Family Guy and Shakespeare! What a resume! We cheered and laughed and then marveled when Stewart confirmed he will be reprising his role as Professor Xavier in X-Men: Days of Future Past.

Sir Patrick Stewart at Emerald City Comicon photo by Josh Lewis courtesy KOMONEWS.COM
Sir Patrick Stewart at Emerald City Comicon photo by Josh Lewis courtesy KOMONEWS.COM

Chris Claremont penned the classic story that’s the basis for the next film. The longtime X-Men writer was among the legendary creators that inspired long lines of eager fans. I’m thrilled to share I now have Avengers Annual #10 (first appearance of future X-Man Rogue) signed by Claremont and Michael Golden!

Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com
Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com

Dirk Benedict made the crowd howl with stories from his time on Battlestar Galactica and The A-Team, Danai Gurira was spotlighted in her second panel of the weekend talking The Walking Dead and her breakthrough role as Michonne. A fan of the katana wielding zombie killer dressed up as Michonne and had two friends as zombies to recreate the iconic entrance of the character to the series.

Boom Studios, DC, Dark Horse, Image and Marvel hosted panels giving previews of upcoming stories and giving fans a chance to ask burning questions. After three days the energy starts to fade but then you see a spirited cosplayer (sometimes an entire family in costume) or get face to face with your favorite creator or star and you’re just as excited as the first moment you entered the show floor!

As we say celebrate the eleventh and biggest Emerald City Comicon yet let’s take a look Continue reading Emerald City Comicon Day Three

Emerald City Comicon Day 2

Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com
Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com

Day two of Emerald City Comicon exploded like a super nova with the addition of sci-fi icon Sir Patrick Stewart! A galaxy of stars of science fiction, horror and fantasy await fans on the 6th floor for a chance to have an autograph and celebrity moment. I opted for the Professor Xavier photo from X-Men. My best friend and Navy veteran continued his Star Trek tradition by having the actor who played Captain Picard and Walter Koenig (Chekov from the original series) join the list of Trek stars on his memorabilia from an actual U.S.S. Enterprise her served on in the Navy! Along with the photo ops and autograph sessions fan can pack the panel rooms for a chance to ask questions, cheer and celebrate the fans and shows we love.

DC Comics, Image Comics, Dark Horse Comics and Boom Studios were among the publishers with huge booths with freebies, exclusives for sale and a chance to meet the favorite writers and artists. Marvel Comics brings an army of popular writers, artists and editors to meet eager fans. Panels including the Marvel’s annual tradition: Pint of C.B. (Editor C.B. Cebulski and a team of creators) DC Comics: The New 52 featured a huge roster of favorites. This is the chance for to get sneak peeks at upcoming books and ask burning questions that you may get a definitive answer or a coy tease! ECCC Spotlight Lounge Presents Secret Origins of… are a series of panels starring some of the legendary creators and today’s top talents.

Emerald City Comicon is the chance to own original art from your favorite comic book artist! You can either have everything full blown commission to a quick sketch. Check with each artists or their representation for rates. Many artists are signing books and giving free sketches for your donation to the Hero Initiative. Mike Choi is one of my all time favorite artists. I picked up Rogue and Gambit prints plus a Medusa (of the Inhumans) sketch and in addition to Hero Initiative, Choi is donating to Make-A-Wish.

Sunday’s big event is the Sir Patrick Stewart panel – arrive early for this one! Danai Gurira (Michonne of The Walking Dead) Dirk Benedict (Starbuck of Battlestar Galactica) will be spotlighted with panels plus new sessions with your favorite comic book stars and everything from how to build your own R2-D2 to Star Trek Improv pack the final day!

Now enjoy some of my favorite cosplayers from day two!

Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com
Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com

 

Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com
Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com

 

Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com
Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com

 

Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com
Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com

 

Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com
Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com

 

Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com
Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com

 

Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com
Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com

 

Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com
Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com

 

Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com
Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com

 

Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com
Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com

 

Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com
Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com

 

Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com
Emerald City Comicon photo by ComicsBlend.com

Click for one of the most surprising cosplayers since this is relatively new character but you can never underestimate the popularity of…. Continue reading Emerald City Comicon Day 2

Batman Death and More Comic Book Picks for February 27, 2013

Batman Incoporated #8 courtesy DC Comics
Batman Incorporated #8 courtesy DC Comics

Batman Incorporated #8 Grant Morrison is going to rip out my heart, try to make me cry and maybe make me furious with him! Bruce and Talia Al Ghul’s war for control of Damian ends with a heartbreaker that will affect the entire Batman family!

Doctor Who: Prisoners of Time #2 The second Doctor stars in this chapter of the year-long adventure starring all eleven versions of the Time Lord. What classic enemy will this Doctor face?

FF#4 She-Hulk has a list of romantic conquests including Hercules but who is pining away for the Jade Giant and how will Jen handle the unwanted affection?

Injustice: Gods Among Us #2 What tragedy turns hero against hero in this series based on the upcoming video game starring DC’s Finest from makers of Mortal Kombat.

Uncanny X-Force #2 courtesy Marvel
Uncanny X-Force #2 courtesy Marvel

Uncanny X-Force #2 Psylocke and Storm’s undercover mission led them to Alpha Flight’s Puck and a showdown with Spiral but the big enemy is one of their own! Bishop is back! What’s on the rogue X-Man’s agenda? Plus, what was up with the Fantomex on Fantomex kiss?

Note: It’s a big Uncanny week – here are previews of Uncanny Avengers #4 and Uncanny X-Men #2.

By Editor

Emerald City Comicon 2013 Preview

Hulk Win Contest! at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
Hulk Win Contest! at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

Like Bruce Banner transforming into the Hulk, Emerald City Comicon is getting bigger! The Seattle celebration of comic books, science fiction and gaming takes over the entire Washington State Convention Center this year giving eager fans more celebrities, more panels and more everything!

Sci-Fi legends Sir Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: The Next Generation, X-Men) Gillian Anderson (The X-Files) Walter Koeing (Star Trek) Billy Dee Williams (Star Wars) and Christopher LLoyd (Back to the Future, Star Trek: The Search for Spock) will shine for adoring fans in panels, photograph and autograph sessions where they could how about a real life space traveler? Astronaut Clayton “Clay” Anderson will be appearing in the ECCC Kids! area.

Adam West as Batman, courtesy Emerald City Comicon
Adam West as Batman, courtesy Emerald City Comicon

Pop Culture Icons Adam West and Burt Ward (Television’s Batman and Robin) are sure to inspire huge lines. Television’s Dynamic Duo will appear at a screening of the Batman film at Seattle’s Cinerama on Thursday night before the con begins and the Mayor will declare Mayor Adam West Day in Seattle in honor of the Walla Walla, Washington native.

    The Walking Dead is killing it on television! Stars of the zombie comic book turned smash series Danai Gurira (Michonne) and Michael Rooker (Merle Dixon) will face the hordes of fanatic fans. The Walking Dead artist Charlie Adlard will be appearing too. True Blood star Kristin Bauer, Dirk Benedict of Battlestar Galactica, Michael Shanks of Stargate and Misha Collins of Supernatural are among many other television actors shining for the fans.

Uncanny X-Men #135 cover courtesy Marvel.com. Art by John Byrne
Uncanny X-Men #135 cover courtesy Marvel.com. Art by John Byrne

Along with the stellar roster of celebrities folks can meet comic book legends who have made uncanny impacts on the heroes we see on the big screen. I’m most excited to meet Chris Claremont, writer of the X-Men series and creator of characters like Gambit, Emma Frost, Rogue, Sabretooth and Kitty Pryde. Claremont wrote my first comic book, Uncanny X-Men #116, and his work on the mutants is the comic book equivalent to the soundtrack of my life! The man gave us The Dark Phoenix Saga and Days of Future Past, inspiration for the upcoming X-Men sequel!

Denny O’Neil is another living legend famous for his runs on the Green Lantern/Green Arrow and Batman series with fellow guest Neal Adams. O’Neil was the Marvel editor of Frank Miller’s classic Daredevil run and returned to DC as editor of the Batman family of books to oversee modern classics Continue reading Emerald City Comicon 2013 Preview

Emerald City Comicon Flashback!

Claremont/Byrne era Phoenix & Nightcrawler at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

Emerald City Comicon 2013 is almost here!

Pop Culture Icons: Patrick Stewart, Adam West, Burt Ward, Billy Dee Williams, Gillian Anderson. Dirk Benedict, Carrie Fisher, Christopher Lloyd, Walter Koeing plus stars of True Blood, The Walking Dead, Stargate and Supernatual!

Comic Book Legends: Chris Claremont, Denny O’Neill, Neal Adams, Howard Chaykin, Kurt Busiek plus writers and artists of today’s most popular comic books.

Seattle (my home) becomes geek paradise for lovers of comics, cartoons, gaming, sci-fi, horror and cosplay! (This was my favorite cosplayers from 2012!)

Still on the fence (tickets are going fast) or not sure what to expect? Here’s a Continue reading Emerald City Comicon Flashback!

DC, Arkham City and Injustice: Gods Among Us Toys Revealed!

courtesy DC Collectibles and DC Comics
courtesy DC Collectibles and DC Comics

“Where does he get it all those wonderful toys? Jack Nicholson as the Joker in Tim Burton’s Batman.

You can get these toys at the upcoming New York Toy Show! DC Collectibles and DC Comics unveiled a geek-tacular lineup of action figures they will unveil at the big show!

I love Dick Grayson as Nightwing in the current series but I must admit Continue reading DC, Arkham City and Injustice: Gods Among Us Toys Revealed!