Marvel continues to do it right. After witnessing the Marvel/Netflix Luke Cage panel a couple days ago, i was able to witness and experience the amazing display that Marvel prepared for it's theatrical branch. MC's by the always amazing Chris Hardwick and led by Marvel's Kevin Feige, what followed was a cavalcade of jaw dropping appearances and announcements: They began by introducing the slick new Marvel Studios logo. The original animated logo featured images from various comic book panels that were usually pulled from the source material of the property that the production card was attached to. The new logo incorporates both the original comic book panel, but also the recent theatrical history representing a richer history of the company. Most were impressed, some were unimpressed, and there were a few that thought the production card didn't need to be changed at all. I actually like it as it is less comic book based and represents the growth of the company. Next, they brought out the director and cast of the Black Panther (2018), which does not start shooting until January. This movie was fueled largely by Chadwick Boseman's performance in Captain America: Civil War. His presence alone drew praise from fans of all walks and it was easy to see that Marvel could build the movie around him. So, when they introduced the cast, the crowd was even more excited at the prospects of the upcoming movie. The trick being, they won't start filming until January for a 2018 release. I don't know if I can wait that long. Just to give you an idea, the cast includes: Lupita Nyong'o, Michael B. Jordan, and the incredible Danai Gurira. The talent on this project so far is amazing, and under the direction of Ryan Coogler, this could be one of the better movies out there. Second was introducing the next Thor move, Thor: Ragnarok (November 2017). They were only about a weeks worth in to shooting so there was no final footage to build a trailer to. Instead, they had a humorous short featuring Chris Hemsworth explaining Thor's absence from Captain America: Civil War. Seeing Thor attempting to adjust to normal life, living with a human, joining him at work, and waiting for someone to call him. It was a fun little short, which led to some movie specific footage, mostly background footage showing elements of the new Thor movie. Nothing was complete, but we saw Hulk in gladiator type helmet and armor like Planet Hulk. Can't say enough about how jaw dropping that was. After loud applause from the crowd, we were treated to a spectacle: the screens seem to expand, like Warner Brothers' presentation, but then mist started to fall from the ceiling, creating several mist screens and digitally animated mystical symbols were projected, created a feeling of magic and elemental changes. A voice, familiar from the initial Doctor Strange (November 4, 2016) trailer, and the symbols started to rotate and move until they all formed the symbol that is the window to Doctor Strange's Sanctum Santorum. The crowd went nuts, as did I. When the house lights went back up, Benedict Cumberbatch was on stage and the crowd didn't stop cheering. This was not unlike a college basketball game when one of the star players is announced and the crowd cheers and the band plays. Then, they introduced the full cast and everyone had a chance to answer a question or say something to the crowd. Hearing Benedict Wong say that he did not want to portray a servant version of the character Wong was refreshing, It was more amazing to hear that Marvel was very accommodating, ensuring that Wong would have a more important role within the movie and plot. And then we saw a full scene, featuring Doctor Strange and his first meeting with the Ancient One. It was an amazing scene and established Cumberbatch's fit for the role. This movie is going to be amazing. Even Cumberbatch was wowed by the footage. As if that wasn't enough, after the Doctor Strange cast left, the house lights went down and on the screen was the high tech Spider Man logo, first introduced at the end of Captain America: Civil War. The crowd went nuts again as the screens showcased several Spider Man scenes from that movie. Next, they introduced Spider Man himself, Tom Holland. The director, Jon Watts, described this as a high school movie, and then showed footage featuring Peter Parker's life in high school, juxtaposing regular teenage life with his secret development of becoming Spider Man. And then there was this short tag with a mechanized bird figure that could only be The Vulture, a villain that has been promised from other iterations of the franchise. The movie title? Spider Man: Homecoming (Summer 2017). I can't wait. The crowd knew there must be more, and then from the side of the hall, costumed ruffians from Guardians of the Galaxy, Volume 2 (May 2017) appeared, in full characters, joking with each others, throwing insults back and forth. It was hilarious seeing two give each other crap while on stage. What really drew me in, though, was not the full cast who appeared on stage, including Kurt Russel, but the footage! The scene featured Yondu and Rocket breaking out of a cell with the help of an adorable Baby Groot. There were a lot of "awws" which just shows how well they set him up. The break out scene was funny, brutal, and satisfying, much like all of the first movie. I know many are wondering if the soundtrack might fall short, and it might, but the track (I forgot the title) flowed with the battle scene just right. I have no fear of this movie falling short of any expectation. I really can't wait until next May. Then there was a surprise announcement that there would be a Guardians of the Galaxy themed ride at Disneyland, replacing the existing Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. This was met by less than enthusiastic cheers, but they showed some footage of the actors filming the scenes that would be used on the ride. We shall see, Disneyland, we shall see. Finally, that was it. Then Kevin Feige asked for every cast member that was still there to come on stage for a super group photo ... including the actress who will be playing Captain Marvel, Brie Larson!
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We didn't really think we would get in to this panel, but we were pleasantly surprised - and we were so fortunate that we did. Ballroom 20 was only about 85-90% filled, and all were treated to a spectacular series of trailers, teasers, talent, and surprises. First came a triptych teaser whic asked the question, "What does it mean to be a hero?" featuring all of the Netflix Marvel characters, to date: Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage. It was a great introduction to the new Luke Cage series. Then there was a tag featuring the Punisher which also brought down the house. Soon after the lights went up, Jon Bernthal appeared next to Jeph Loeb, looking very serious, and to the delight of the fans. He was 'encouraging' Jeph to show the teaser again. Jeph acquiesced. As my brothers says, and I agree, Marvel just knows how to do things right: first was the cast of Luke Cage which consists of seasoned character and lead actors like Frank Whaley, Simone Missick, Theo Rossi, Mahershala Ali, Alfred Woodard, and Mike Colter as Luke Cage. Show runner, Cheo Coker, shed some light on his approach to the show, even linking the show to what's been going on recently, saying that maybe it's time for there to be a bulletproof black man. he also remarked that the 13 episodes were all named after different Gang Starr song titles. Next was the series of scenes that showcased the dramatic elements and the strength of the cast. There were more questions about how the cast came to the project and their thoughts on the characters. After they wrapped, Joe Quesada appeared to confirm that Daredevil was confirmed for a 3rd seasons. Then, a surprise teaser showed some scenes from the upcoming Marvel/Netflix show iron Fist which brought even more enthusiasm to the room. And right when we thought it was all over, Marvel did it again: lights went down and the teaser trailer to the new show Defenders came on screen, driving the fans mad. My brother said it, and I agree: Marvel knows how to do things right. Luke Cage: Sept 30th, 2016 iron Fist: Coming Soon Defenders: 2017 Daredevil Season 3: TBA After a day of pure free-form convention going, we were able to join a few friends in Ballroom 20 in anticipation for the Marvel Luke Cage panel at around 5:30 pm. Based on our previous experiences, however, we showed up a little early and was able to enter Ballroom 20 for the Teen Wolf panel. Drew and I are not too familiar with the show, but found the panel to be full of good people and amazing fans. As an FYI, before they brought the cast out, they showed an exclusive clip from an upcoming MTV show called "Sweet Vicious". From the clip, the cast is introduced as being college students, having stereotypical college life, but then some clips showing sexual assault of one of the main characters. What follows were a series of shots introducing a masked vigilante attacking the rapist and the impact that the vigilante has on the campus and main characters. The trailer features a lot of action, and some serious moments bringing up the helplessness of victims attempting to report rape on campus. Together they also introduce the question of the value of vigilantism while reports continue to be ignored. This is a timely topic and I hope it doesn't let the reason for the vigilante be buried under oversimplified action and humor. I believe this show has a lot of promise and should generate real discussion on the very real topic of rape on campus. After that trailer, they showed a clip of Teen Wolf Season 6 which featured a group of riders on horses, known as Ghost Riders, coming through the town and making people disappear. It is up to the group from Beacon Hill to save the town. The crowd loved it and then the MC introduced the cast: Creator Jeff Davis, creator; Tyler Posey; Cody Christian; Holland Roden; Dylan Sprayberry and Khylin Rambo. Dylan O'Brien was not able to attend as he was still recuperating from his Maze Runner injury. Jeff Davis started the panel with a heartfelt thanks to the fans and gratitude that Season 6 will also feature their 100th episode. He followed this stating this would also be the best time to end the show and confirmed that Season 6 would indeed be the final season of the show. While each actor held their own on stage, Tyler was easily the most energetic and gregarious of the group. His entrance alone was a clue to what we should've expected: he was announced as being a big fan of the movie Flashdance. As he reached his seat, he poured a bottle of water over himself while doing a little dance, ala Flashdance. Throughout the panel, Tyler dominated every answer, sometimes cutting others off and speaking out of turn. Yet, the rest of the cast didn't seem to mind. In some ways, this was a fitting farewell to the fans. Even with the introduction of two other actors, Ian Bohen and JR Bourne, Tyler dominated the panel. Holland was wearing a t-shirt, "You Can Pee Next To Me", in support of transgender rights and restrooms. Holland expressed her support of trans equality and urged the fans to support as well. The rest of the panel focused on the show and what was going to happen in Season 6. What came through, however, was that this was a cast that enjoyed working together, grew together as a family, and genuinely loved the fans of the show. The fan questions at the end were of better than average quality, and also showed the reach of the show as several of the fans were from overseas, including Russia and South America. I may not be a fan of the show, but can see that there was a lot of quality moments that the fans would remember for a very long time. OMG, it's actually happening. As you can see, I'm so excited, I used an acronym on this blog post!
Ok, Weebly is set up and working so look forward to regular posts daily. Also, I will eventually be uploading my archived pages from previous versions of my site. Thanks to BlueHost for the assist on that. Ok, we're off! Be excellent to each other! Yesterday, I realized that San Diego Comic Con is starting this evening. I have passes, I've made accommodations, I've made travel plans, I've made vacation requests, I've even spoken about it ad nauseum with my friends and colleagues.
Then why am I so under-prepared? There are many reasons, namely I have a wonderful woman in my life, a family that is growing, and all of the changes that come with having a solid relationship. To be honest, there's also the element that I will no longer have all of the room to buy the stuff I usually get, so there is that, too. Above all, however, this will be my fourteenth or fifteenth Comic Con and I have a better idea of what to expect, even with all of the planned changes and the new badge process. I know what I need to bring to be prepared and I know I will have most of it ready quickly. I am, in fact, in the process of doing my last bit of laundry, including getting my Star Trek Deep Space Nine costume ready to go. I can almost hear my girlfriend wince a bit at that last part. Really, though, she may not be a fan, but she's very supportive. Soon, my brother and I will be making our annual trek to the land of Comic Con and whatever happens will happen. That's the magic of Comic Con and that's why we will always try to attend every year. See some of you there, and ... Be Excellent To Each Other! |
AuthorWith a couple of degrees under my belt, I have chosen to pursue writing after working in the private sector for many years. It is so refreshing to see how poorly I've retained rules of grammar and other tools of the trade. Good luck reading my blogs. Archives
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