I started ComicsBlend.com last November in time for my birthday after years of friends saying you should do something creative with your love of comics! This year at Emerald City Comicon it was my first time as a fan and a blogger! I had t-shirts made and on a whim I took one along with me as I asked for writer and artist autographs. I had my amazing shirt framed and it’s back! Thanks to all the creators I got to meet, the awesome crowd at ECCC for producing an amazing event and especially all the fans and friends of my blog!
Big thanks to Matt Fraction, Kelly Sue DeConnick, Ed Brubaker, Marc Silvestri, Gail Simone, Chris Burnham, Greg Capullo, Terry & Rachel Dodson, Joe Eisma, Adi Granov, Shane Houghton, Georges Jeanty, Robert Kirkman, David Mack, Clay Mann, Dustin Nguyen, Rick Remender, Sam Humphries, Phillip Tan, Dexter Vines, Dustin Weaver, Matt Whitlock and Christopher Yost.
Marvel is promoting Carol Danvers to Captain Marvel this July. Kelly Sue DeConnick and artist Dexter Soy will pilot Ms. Marvel into a new series.
I love Carol Danvers, in part, because of her history. I talked with DeConnick at Emerald City Comicon this weekend in Seattle and asked about her approach for the new title.
“This is going to be her moving forward but we’re not forgetting her past at all in fact we’re really focused on her history as a pilot. My pitch was Carol Danvers as Chuck Yeagher. It’s about her as a flyer,” DeConnick told me.
Carol Danvers has been sporting the one piece bathing suit and thigh boots with long flowing hair for a while. I asked about the upcoming makeover and change in uniform designed by Jamie McKelvie.
Captain Marvel #1 courtesy Marvel.com
“I don’t have any vendetta against the old uniform. It was gorgeous.”
“As we had the opportunity to redesign and I was getting into the head of this character. I was working on a funeral scene and just the notion of her and just the notion of her going to a funeral in a swimsuit and thigh boots was a little odd. So we kept thinking of it as this is her uniform. She has a military background.”
“This is a pilot. This is a flight suit. This is her uniform.”
Kelly Sue DeConnick had made Captain Marvel logo buttons for lucky fans at her table.
For Castle fans (the ABC show starring Nathan Fillion) I asked about a follow-up to Castle: Deadly Storm.
“Yeah I’m working on it. I’m writing pages on it right now,” and that the project will come out in October.
I know I’ve dreamed and brainstormed with fellow geeks about surviving an undead invasion in Seattle. An up and coming writer is taking this geek fantasy and created an outrageous adventure with: Fanboys Vs. Zombies.
Feuding friends with baggage reconnect at the world’s biggest comic book convention when a zombie outbreak erupts. Fanboys and girls who think they know zombie survival skills from comics and videos are put to the test in this hilarious adventure from Boom Studios.
This weekend I met writer Sam Humphries at Emerald City Comicon. I was in a geek haze when I the Fanboys Vs. Zombies cover caught my eye (I wish I had got the ECCC variant now!) and recognized his name at the booth signage from my blogging. I talked with Humphries about this project, grabbed a copy, got his signature and talked with a rising star. Humphries is co-writing Marvel’s Ultimates with Jonathan Hickman then taking over the book.
I’ve been reading that he’s the next big thing and sure enough Humphries was on Marvel’s Next Big Thing panel with Dan Slot, Jeff Parker, Rick Remender, C.B. Cebulski, Chris Yost and Greg Rucka.
Not only is Fanboys Vs. Zombies a fun read from two rising stars (Jerry Gaylord’s art reminds me of Humberto Ramos from Gen 13 and DV8 days) More selling points: this issue is only a buck! I haven’t paid just a dollar for a comic book in years! Fanboys Vs. Zombies #1invades local comic stores this week. Grab it. Devour it. Stay alive for next month’s issue.
Iron Fist will play a significant role in the upcoming Avengers Vs. X-Men epic. Marvel has revealed images hinting at Danny Rand’s connection to the Phoenix Force and Hope Summers.
Iron Fist fan at Emerald City Comicon, ComicsBlend.com
In earlier Emerald City Comicon post I revealed the fanboys who dressed up as Iron Fist in Seattle. The fan favorite character was on the top of many minds. The mention of him generated talk from creators on panels and applause from the audience.
Ed Brubaker made an excellent casting choice. During the AvX panel with C.B. Cebulski, Matt Fraction and Brubaker a fan asked about a Marvel film they would like to see.
Brubaker responded with Armie Hammer as Iron Fist referencing how when he saw The Social Network that Danny Rand could have been the third Winklevoss. (Hammer played the billionaire twins who sued the founder of Facebook in David Fincher’s movie.)
“And Jeremy Renner as Steel Serpent. Of course he’s already Hawkeye in The Avengers but have you seen Renner in the new Jason Bourne movie trailer.”
I apologize for not having exact quotes. I was so thrilled as a fanboy by this idea I didn’t have my camera on to record!
This Geek’s Opinion: I still want a Marvel Knights trilogy: Daredevil, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist solo movies with Jessica Jones as the character who appears in all three. Then Matt, Luke and Danny team up against the Hand – this would be like the game plan Marvel has used for the Avengers movie.
And if you’ve never experienced Brubaker and Matt Fraction’s Iron Fist series or trade – get it!
Note: As far as I know Marvel Studios and Marvel Publishing are two different entities. I don’t know of an Iron Fist film in development. This casting idea above is simply hypothetical…but very cool.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The craziest, busiest day of Emerald City Comicon brought out devoted fans demonstrating their geek love with cosplay. Here are some highlights of the costumed super fans at Seattle’s big event:
Promoting that small indie movie you may have heard about? Iron Man & Captain America at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
Amazon Princess in Seattle at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
Darth Maul at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
Venom at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
Classic & New Dr. Who
Black Cat, Batgirl,Lil Cyclops, Hope and Dad Cyclops at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
I grabbed an arrow with Green Arrow (AJ Roberts) at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
Iron Fist is ready to fight at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
Batgirl, Nightwing, Deathsroke, Red Hood, Robin and Alfred at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
Rogue, Punisher and Kid Deadpool at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
X-Women Hope & Storm at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
Classic & New Avengers at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
My favorite X-couple: Colossus & Kitty Pryde at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
Iron Fist and Captain Britain in a Marvel panel at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
Edgy Batman family at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
Claremont/Byrne era Phoenix & Nightcrawler at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
Let's hear it for Xorn at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
Disco Dazzler at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
Hulk Win Contest! at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
Stargate Atlantis Wraiths Attach at ECCC, ComicsBlend, photo by Cliff Olmstead
Bat family at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com, photo by Cliff Olmstead
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.
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.
Multiple lines for several media stars at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
Colossus and Kitty Pryde together again at Emerald City Comicon, ComicsBlend.com
Colossus and Kitty Pryde are my favorite mutant couple so I was charmed and impressed by this couple at Emerald City Comicon. During the Marvel: Pint O’ C.B. Panel, the costumed X-fans approached the microphone to ask the panel about Marvel’s most on again and off again mutant couple. The young man asked with a Russian accent, “vat’s going to happen wiv Peterrrr and Kitty?”
Writer Matt Fraction responded, “You are going to love Avengers Vs. X-Men #5.”
Moderator and Marvel Talent Scout/Editor C.B. Cebulski asked, “Hey Kitty, have you told Colossus about Iceman?” which triggered laughs from the panel and audience.
Colossus and Kitty question the Marvel panel at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
Just in case you’re not caught up with the X-books, Kitty broke up with Peter after he assumed the power of the Juggernaut. Kitty moved back east with Wolverine to reopen the Jean Grey School in Wolverine and the X-Men. Iceman recently made a move and planted a big frosty kiss on Kitty.
