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Emerald City Comicon Day 2

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!

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

Free Comic Book Day

Saturday is Free Comic Book Day! Here’s a link to find a participating store near you. Check with your local store for guidelines and rules. Don’t think you’re getting some leftovers!

The big publishers are going all out with brand new stories by big name creators. DC Comics The New 52 will feature a story starring Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the new mystery villainess, Pandora.

Marvel presents Avengers The Age of Ultron Point One by Brian Michael Bendis and Bryan Hitch.

Dark Horse Comics is giving double doses of sci-fi goodness with a Star Wars/Serenity flipbook. One story of Han Solo and Chewbacca and one Mal Reynolds story in one free book! And there’s a Buffy, The Vampire Slayer/The Guild flipbook.

Here are more FREE COMIC BOOK DAY highlights. Since you’re getting a freebie, why not support your local comic book shop and buy a book or two while you’re there? See you Saturday!

Action Comics Preview

Action 11 — Action Comics #11 courtesy DC Comics

Grant Morrison continues to excite the Superman mythos with Action Comics. DC Comics revealed the cover to issue #11 by Rags Morales that reflects the solicitation for the story:

“Superman’s new secret identity revealed! Lois Lane continues her investigation into the mystery of Earth’s first Superman! Plus, in the backup story: We know where Superman got his armor costume, but where did he get all those “S” T-shirts?”

This months is the start the Batman family crossover Night of the Owls. I hope DC may be plotting a crossover with the Superman family of books – maybe a way to introduce some Kryptonian foes into the New 52?

Emerald City Comicon:This Geek’s Odyssey Day Three

The final day of Emerald City Comicon started with my moment with a sci-fi icon. When the doors opened I started feeling nostalgic and rushed down to the media guest level to meet George Takei. I chose a photo of Hikaru Sulu from Star Trek The Undiscovered Country in which the U.S.S. Enterprise helmsman was now Captain of the U.S.S. Excelsior.

I thanked him for being a trailblazer in his career and in his personal life. It’s amazing to think how he could be a cultural breakthrough decades ago as the first Asian American on a network television series and now being a champion for equality as an openly gay and married man. Sulu is just cool – then, now and forever.

ECCC Day3 026 — I'm Mutant and Proud with Emma Frost at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

Back up to the show floor in search for rare comic book finds I was sporting my “Mutant and Proud” t-shirt starring the X-Man Beast and it really attracted the X fans in costume including Emma Frost and Gambit.

ECCC Day3 003 — Gambit at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

I went in search of autographs from some of my favorite writers and artists including Chris Yost, Dustin Weaver, Georges Jeanty and I got a sketchbook from DC Comics star Phillip Tan.

I had the opportunity to meet up and coming writer Sam Humphries. I bought a copy of his Fanboys Vs. Zombies (about a zombie outbreak at the San Diego Comic-Con) and talked about his new work for Marvel. Humphries will be co-writing with Jonathan Hickman then taking over the Ultimates.

ECCC Day3 024 — Writers of the Marvel Next Big Thing Panel at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

I was surprised to see him again on the Marvel: Next Big Thing panel with other favorite writers (of Punisher, Hulk, Spider-Man, X-Force, Secret Avengers) in a no holds barred question and answer session. I think these panels are the real pulse of a con. It’s the real interaction between fan and creator that leads to praise, pans and always passion about comics.

As the final hour approached I was almost ready to head home when a friend invited me to see Star Trek: Phoenix. This is a fan film written, produced and starring Seattle fans that takes place 42 years after the Star Trek: Nemesis. I went in to the screening on a whim but was really impressed. I left wanting more of the crew of the U.S.S. Phoenix and hope the voyage of these local fans continues. I didn’t plan it but my final day began and ended with Trek.

ECCC Day3 019 — The ECCC Crusader and Crusaderette, ComicsBlend.com

Emerald City Comicon was beyond my expectations. When it comes to cons, always have a game plan but be ready for the unexpected: a moment with a new friend as you bond over the fate of the X-Men, discover a new comic book you want to try or experience the joy of seeing fanboys and girls express their love in costumes and cheers.

Emerald City Comicon: This Geek’s Odyssey Day 2

ECCC 2012 Day 2 005 — Stormtroopers keep the crowd in line at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

My second day at Emerald City Comicon in Seattle was packed with geek fun, great moments and exclusives. Any tiredness from day one was suddenly gone as we got the signal to enter the hall after an hour plus wait packed among hundreds of fans.

ECCC 2012 Day 2 052 — Robert Kirkman get a thank you gift from a fan at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

I immediately raced to the Image/Skybound booth for a chance at getting a ticket to get an autograph from Robert Kirkman, the creator and Executive Producer of The Walking Dead. His story is a geek dream come true. A few cons ago you waited a little while to get his autograph. Now he’s got a hit television series, successful imprint producing hit after hit series, has several con panels dedicated to his work, and you need a ticket for an autograph. Ask any of Kirkman’s fans and you’ll agree he’s earned all his success.

ECCC 2012 Day 2 010 — Multiple lines for several media stars at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

1 eccc ejo — Edward James Olmos from his panel at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com, photo by Cliff Olmstead

I descended into lower level where eager geeks lined up for autographs and photo opportunities with their favorite sci-fi celebrities from television and movies (for a fee.) Edward James Olmos was my number one. The veteran actor of Blade Runner and Admiral William Adama on Battlestar Galactica had a rugged but regal presence. I chose the cast photo and he signed along with writing the quote “Roll the Hard Six…So Say We All…” Admiral Adama. I’m rarely speechless but I finally expressed my love of his performance and the episodes he directed. A handshake, smile and exchange back and I think I was floating, glowing and certainly grinning as I walked away and down the exit line. Fellow Galactica followers still in line smiled back at me knowing their upcoming moment with the Admiral could be just as satisfying.

ECCC 2012 Day 2 013 — A young trooper at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

The 501st is a Northwest group of Star Wars fans who dress up like the iconic characters and take fan photos for donations. After years of trying to meet up with him I finally saw Chewbacca! I’ve always wanted a photo with the coolest Wookie in the galaxy. Luckily this Chewbacca was visiting from the Oregon branch of the 501st. A big win on my geek checklist!

ECCC 2012 Day 2 015 — Chewie Rules! at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

Terry and Rachel Dodson (X-Men, Defenders) Clay Mann (X-Men Legacy) Chris Burnham (Batman Inc) Brian Wood (X-Men, Northlanders) Matt Whitlock and Shane Houghton (Peanuts) Joe Eisma (Morning Glories) were the creators on my quest for autographs and exclusive prints.

A big thank you to DC Comics who gave away so many free issues, posters, buttons and swag. Once again, I had great timing with Dustin Nguyen (Batman, Batman Beyond) offering free sketches for a brief time. I had Chris Burnham sketch Batgirl the day before so I kept it in the Bat family. I was thrilled with Nguyen’s sketch of the Huntress.

ECCC 2012 Day 2 040 — Iron Fist raises his hands for a question at a panel at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

Marvel definitely offered their fans access to top talent: Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction, Rick Remender, Dan Slott were among the writers answering fan questions and giving teases about the future of Avengers, X-Men and Spider-Man in multiple panels.

ECCC 2012 Day 2 024 — Marvel favorites at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

Saturday is always the busiest day with a variety of panels and the most cosplay since the big costume competition is that night. From popular choices like Avengers, Batman, Superman to rare surprises like Dazzler (from the disco era) and the worlds of Star Wars, Trek, and Firefly. Saturday was a star packed, panel filled and costumed crazy day at Emerald City Comicon. The fun doesn’t slow on Sunday with more photo ops, signings and more.

Stay tuned for most posts including a gallery of costumed craziness!

The New Batwoman For Beginners

Batwoman 6 — Batwoman #6 courtesy DC Comics

One of my good friends (not a comic book reader) heard about Batwoman so I wanted to share what you need to know about the new Batwoman – for beginnners or if you’re already a fan.

Batwoman was recently nominated by the GLAAD Media Awards for outstanding comic series. Kate had a tragic childhood. Her mother and twin sister were killed in a hostage standoff. Kate’s father is Colonel Jacob Kane. Inspired by an encounter with Batman, Kate took military technology and body armor to create her costume and launch her own crimefighting career. Kate Kane is now a Gotham City socialite by night and costumed crimefighter later in the night. Kate was romantically linked to Detective Renee Montoya.

Batwoman’s first DC Comics The New 52 story arc Hydrology is now collected in a new hardcover. (See the cover on the side.)

Kate must discover who is stealing children in Gotham City, decide if she’ll train her niece to be her new sidekick, and cope with revelations about her father.

One of the best Batwoman arcs is Elegy by Greg Rucka. Kate must stop a madwoman inspired by Alice in Wonderland from poisoning Gotham City.

This week’s Batwoman #6 kicks off a new story arc. Batwoman, Detective Maggie Sawyer, D.A. Cameron Chase and the new villain Maro are headed for a clash in Gotham City.

By Editor

DC’s Big Three on Earth Two!

EARTH2_Cv1_variant_jasdhfklasd609g — courtesy DC Comics

DC’s Big Three but from Earth Two! The Source revealed cover to the upcoming DC Comics New 52 Second Wave title Earth 2. Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman are in heated battle (with Darkseid’s warriors?) in this variant cover by Ivan Reis and Joe Prado.

Teen Titans Superboy Showdown

Teen Titans is a blast. Engaging story. Dynamic Art. Action. Humor. FUN. I love deep dark mysteries and books that twist my mind and make me think. The new Teen Titans is a pure joy to read and it’s a fun, fast paced escape.

Scott Lobdell’s been building up to this showdown between the teens and Superboy and issue #5 delivers a kinetic, character building battle. There’s a moment between Tim Drake and Superboy demonstrating what heroism is all about. The new character Bunker and revamped Solstice are great elements in the team’s chemistry. The action builds to a conclusion that has me eager for the next issue of Superboy and Teen Titans.

COMICS BLEND

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Tag: DC