2007 Comic Con International Panel Picks
Going to a convention can be a very unusual experience. There's so much one can do! Panels, shopping, guests, and more. The panels to this years Comic Con International is a veritable who's who of the comic book world. There are so many to choose from, how to you pick just one? Here are my picks for the panels and events that I think are good bets for comic fans. These are just my suggestions. For a full list of events, go to the Comic-Con website. The Comics Reporter has a nice breakdown of just the comics related events as well. What follows are the events, with the text from the CCI website, with commentary by me.
"Jim Lee, Erik Larsen, Mark Silvestri, Jim Valentino, and maybe even a surprise guest panelist or two reunite for Image's remarkable 15th anniversary. Join the conversation as they explore Image Comics' beginnings, impact, and future in the comics industry. Moderated by George Khoury (author of Image Comics: The Road to Independence from TwoMorrow Books)."
Commentary: It has been years since all of these guys have been in the same room. Their angst against each other is the stuff of comic book meltdown legends. Will they play nice or brawl it out. Either way, it will be interesting to see what goes down and comes out of this panel
"Featuring the new documentary currently being produced that looks at Stan Lee's Marvel-ous life both then and now. The film explores Stan's broad influence on modern pop culture and will try to discover the secret to Stan's youthful energy! Join Stan Lee and other special guests for this event."
Commentary: This is a great opportunity to meet the comic legend that is Stan Lee. It is one I wouldn't want to miss.
"The 19th annual Eisner Awards, the "Oscars" of the comics industry, will be given out by celebrity presenters, including Reno 911's Tom Lennon and Ben Garant, comedian Brian Posehn, cartoon voice actor Maurice LeMarche, British TV celebrity Jonathan Ross, and author Neil Gaiman...The master of ceremonies is Bongo Comics' Bill Morrison, who will be aided by the Go-Gos' Jane Wiedlen. Admission to the Eisners is free to all Comic-Con attendees -- just be sure to bring your badge. Doors open for pros and VIPs at 7:30 and for attendees at 8:15."
Commentary: One of the biggest events in comics is this night. See who is a winner and who was just glad to be nominated.
"2007 has already been a major turning point for all things Marvel! Marvel creators, editors, and special guests discuss World War Hulk, Annihilation: Conquest, and all things Marvel!"
Commentary: This looks to be the biggest panel for Marvel.
"Come one, come all, rise up and join the DC Nation! Meet Dan DiDio, senior VP/executive editor DCU, as he invites you to be part of the revolution! Discuss surviving 52, living in a multiverse guarded by Monitors, and trying to discover the secret of the cosmic chess game as the DCU counts down. Rise up and shout -- The Nation is waiting!"
Commentary: This looks to be the largest panel for DC.
"Your friend and ours Brian Posehn (The Sarah Silverman Show) hosts a panel featuring all your favorite Image Comics superstars! See what Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead), Mike Oeming (Mice Templar), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), Matt Fraction (Casanova), Gerry Duggan (The Infinite Horizon), Phil Noto (The Infinite Horizon), and Jay Fotos (Frank Frazetta's Death Dealer) have planned for the future of creator-owned comics. Learn what gives them the drive to pour their energies into their own creations. You may get inspired to do some of your very own! Plus, some startling announcements and previews from many Image favorites!"
Commentary: There are a lot of Image guests in this one so don't miss it.
"One of Comic-Con's most popular guests returns to spend his weekend with you. Neil Gaiman talks about this busy year, including upcoming films Beowulf, Coraline, and Stardust (set to premiere Comic-Con weekend in L.A.), that little ditty called Death looming on the horizon, and tons of other great stuff he has in the works."
Commentary: A one on one with one of comic's greats? Count me in.
"Warren Ellis (Authority, Black Summer) is not only one of the most critically acclaimed writers of comic books but also one of the most outspoken. Don't miss this chance to see him talk about everything from modern technology to how he crafts a tale, and get special sneak peaks of his new Avatar titles Doktor Sleepless, Black Summer, and some amazing surprise project announcements!"
Commentary: Warren Ellis is pretty much the man these days. He has a huge amount of books coming out and this will be an interesting look into the mind of the Transmetropolitan creator.
"With the hugely successful release of Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 for Dark Horse Comics, Joss Whedon (Fray, Astonishing X-Men) talks about picking up where the TV series left off, his other projects, future plans, and possibly even a few surprises. A sneak peek from the upcoming Serenity -- Collector's Edition DVD will be shown."
Commentary: This guy is bringing a lot of press to comics these days. Launching the 8th season of Buffy in comics? Serenity lives on? Runaways becoming a smash hit (although it kind of already was)? All reasons to sit down with the Joss.
"Let's face it: when it comes to comics, it's Kirby's World and we just live in it. 2007 has seen a bumper crop of Kirby projects, including the first volume of DC's deluxe chronological reprinting of all the Fourth World stories, a major documentary about Jack on the Fantastic Four DVD, and Mark Evanier's upcoming art book Kirby, King of Comics. Join Evanier as he talks to Neil Gaiman, Erik Larsen, Darwyn Cooke, Mike Royer, and members of the Kirby family about the lasting influence of the undisputed King of comics."
Commentary: Another legend in comics with panelists that are achieve legendary status as it is? Count me in.
1. Image Comics: The Founders
Friday 10:30-11:30 Room 6A"Jim Lee, Erik Larsen, Mark Silvestri, Jim Valentino, and maybe even a surprise guest panelist or two reunite for Image's remarkable 15th anniversary. Join the conversation as they explore Image Comics' beginnings, impact, and future in the comics industry. Moderated by George Khoury (author of Image Comics: The Road to Independence from TwoMorrow Books)."
Commentary: It has been years since all of these guys have been in the same room. Their angst against each other is the stuff of comic book meltdown legends. Will they play nice or brawl it out. Either way, it will be interesting to see what goes down and comes out of this panel
2. Stan Lee: True Believer
Thursday 1:45-2:45 Room 6CDEF"Featuring the new documentary currently being produced that looks at Stan Lee's Marvel-ous life both then and now. The film explores Stan's broad influence on modern pop culture and will try to discover the secret to Stan's youthful energy! Join Stan Lee and other special guests for this event."
Commentary: This is a great opportunity to meet the comic legend that is Stan Lee. It is one I wouldn't want to miss.
3. Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards
Friday 8:30-11:30 Ballroom 20"The 19th annual Eisner Awards, the "Oscars" of the comics industry, will be given out by celebrity presenters, including Reno 911's Tom Lennon and Ben Garant, comedian Brian Posehn, cartoon voice actor Maurice LeMarche, British TV celebrity Jonathan Ross, and author Neil Gaiman...The master of ceremonies is Bongo Comics' Bill Morrison, who will be aided by the Go-Gos' Jane Wiedlen. Admission to the Eisners is free to all Comic-Con attendees -- just be sure to bring your badge. Doors open for pros and VIPs at 7:30 and for attendees at 8:15."
Commentary: One of the biggest events in comics is this night. See who is a winner and who was just glad to be nominated.
4. Mondo Marvel
Thursday 4:45-5:45 Room 6A"2007 has already been a major turning point for all things Marvel! Marvel creators, editors, and special guests discuss World War Hulk, Annihilation: Conquest, and all things Marvel!"
Commentary: This looks to be the biggest panel for Marvel.
5. DC Nation
Friday 6:00-7:00 Room 6A"Come one, come all, rise up and join the DC Nation! Meet Dan DiDio, senior VP/executive editor DCU, as he invites you to be part of the revolution! Discuss surviving 52, living in a multiverse guarded by Monitors, and trying to discover the secret of the cosmic chess game as the DCU counts down. Rise up and shout -- The Nation is waiting!"
Commentary: This looks to be the largest panel for DC.
6. The Image Comics Show
Friday 1:30-2:30 Room 5AB"Your friend and ours Brian Posehn (The Sarah Silverman Show) hosts a panel featuring all your favorite Image Comics superstars! See what Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead), Mike Oeming (Mice Templar), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), Matt Fraction (Casanova), Gerry Duggan (The Infinite Horizon), Phil Noto (The Infinite Horizon), and Jay Fotos (Frank Frazetta's Death Dealer) have planned for the future of creator-owned comics. Learn what gives them the drive to pour their energies into their own creations. You may get inspired to do some of your very own! Plus, some startling announcements and previews from many Image favorites!"
Commentary: There are a lot of Image guests in this one so don't miss it.
7. Spotlight on Neil Gaiman
Friday 2:00-3:15 Room 6CDEF"One of Comic-Con's most popular guests returns to spend his weekend with you. Neil Gaiman talks about this busy year, including upcoming films Beowulf, Coraline, and Stardust (set to premiere Comic-Con weekend in L.A.), that little ditty called Death looming on the horizon, and tons of other great stuff he has in the works."
Commentary: A one on one with one of comic's greats? Count me in.
8. Spotlight on Warren Ellis
Saturday 9:00-11:00 Room 6CDEF"Warren Ellis (Authority, Black Summer) is not only one of the most critically acclaimed writers of comic books but also one of the most outspoken. Don't miss this chance to see him talk about everything from modern technology to how he crafts a tale, and get special sneak peaks of his new Avatar titles Doktor Sleepless, Black Summer, and some amazing surprise project announcements!"
Commentary: Warren Ellis is pretty much the man these days. He has a huge amount of books coming out and this will be an interesting look into the mind of the Transmetropolitan creator.
9. Dark Horse Presents: Joss Whedon
Saturday 4:45-5:45 Ballroom 20"With the hugely successful release of Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 for Dark Horse Comics, Joss Whedon (Fray, Astonishing X-Men) talks about picking up where the TV series left off, his other projects, future plans, and possibly even a few surprises. A sneak peek from the upcoming Serenity -- Collector's Edition DVD will be shown."
Commentary: This guy is bringing a lot of press to comics these days. Launching the 8th season of Buffy in comics? Serenity lives on? Runaways becoming a smash hit (although it kind of already was)? All reasons to sit down with the Joss.
10. Jack Kirby Tribute
Sunday 10:30-11:45 Room 1AB"Let's face it: when it comes to comics, it's Kirby's World and we just live in it. 2007 has seen a bumper crop of Kirby projects, including the first volume of DC's deluxe chronological reprinting of all the Fourth World stories, a major documentary about Jack on the Fantastic Four DVD, and Mark Evanier's upcoming art book Kirby, King of Comics. Join Evanier as he talks to Neil Gaiman, Erik Larsen, Darwyn Cooke, Mike Royer, and members of the Kirby family about the lasting influence of the undisputed King of comics."
Commentary: Another legend in comics with panelists that are achieve legendary status as it is? Count me in.
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