Mark Hamill’s Pop Culture Quest Heads to Comic-Con HQ

Comic-Con HQ, the joint subscription video-on-demand streaming venture between Lionsgate and Comic-Con International that aims to bring the San Diego Comic-Con experience to viewers year-round, has just lured a big name to their platform.

Mark Hamill, best known for these little films you may have heard of called Star Wars, will be hosting and executive producing the series Mark Hamill’s Pop Culture Quest, set to air on CCHQ this fall.

The docu-style series will feature authentic stories about passionate fans and their collections, which is the perfect fit for Hamill, who is been a big collector of memorabilia, including comic books, toys, lunch boxes, records, puppets, original artwork, and much more since the early 1970s.

“I’ve been a collector all my life,” said Hamill. “This show is a natural outgrowth of that passion. Now I have an opportunity to collect other people’s collections! I can’t wait to see what’s out there and share it with the world. Collectibles are a living history of who and what we are, so we just might learn something…but there’s no doubt we’re going to have fun!”

Seth Laderman, EVP and General Manager, Comic-Con HQ, added, “From the moment I started talking with Mark about this idea over three years ago, his enthusiasm was infectious. It had such an impact on me that after I came to Comic-Con HQ, my first call was to him and his team about how to bring this show to our community. Passion is at the heart of all of our original series, with a goal to allow innovators like Mark the opportunity to create and bring their ideas to life. We couldn’t be happier to help Mark’s show find a home.”

If you haven’t already, you can sign up for free beta access to the service through July 25th – at which point it will switch over to a paid platform.

Are you a Comic-Con HQ subscriber? Let us know in the comments.

from San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog http://sdccblog.com/2016/06/mark-hamills-pop-culture-quest-heads-to-comic-con-hq/
via http://sdccblog.com/2016/06/mark-hamills-pop-culture-quest-heads-to-comic-con-hq/

‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ Director James Gunn Teases Possible SDCC 2016 Appearance

Last year, Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn issued the Marvel statement heard ’round the net — that Marvel wouldn’t be heading to San Diego Comic-Con 2015.

However, last night when taking some time out of filming Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 to answer fan questions on Facebook, when asked about an appearance for this year, he had a much more interesting statement.

“Am I going to San Diego Comic-Con?” Gunn said. “That’s a good question. Do you guys want me to go to San Diego Comic-Con? We’ll have to see. I would like to go, that would be amazing, wouldn’t it? I would like to come and see you all at San Diego Comic-Con and bring some friends along. That would be awful fun. That would be awful fun, I would really love to do that.”

Here’s a look at that video, with his answer about SDCC 2016 starting around the 12:12 mark:

Posted by James Gunn on Wednesday, June 1, 2016

While nothing is official, that sounds — to us — much more like a man who is teasing that he’s planning on going and bringing “some friends along” and just can’t officially announce yet. Given Gunn’s candicacy on the subject last year when he knew they weren’t going, it seems even more likely.

And there’s plenty of “friends” to bring along, as the new film stars almost all the returning cast members of the original film (give or take Beneicio Del Toro).  Gunn had previously appeared in 2013 to promote the first Guardians of the Galaxy as part of Marvel’s larger Hall H presence, and cast members Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillen, Djimon Hounsou, Lee Pace, and Beneicio Del Toro were all in attendance — meaning a packed panel certainly isn’t out of the question.

Last year when it was revealed that Marvel Studios wouldn’t be attending the convention, Marvel Studios Present Kevin Feige chalked it up to The Hollywood Reporter as “just timing”. Feige said, “We had done that [media] event in October, when we announced so much. Everyone knows what we’re doing over the next few years. I really have a belief: If you can’t go to Comic-Con and overdeliver, then don’t go.”

Principal photography on Captain America: Civil War was still ongoing during last year’s convention, and with very little else far enough in the pipeline to bring to fans. Even at Disney’s own mega-con event, D23, last year they only debuted footage from Captain America: Civil War, as well as Doctor Strange concept art.

This year, though, Marvel potentially has a lot more on its plate that it could bring to wow fans (and it also doesn’t hurt that this is an off year for D23). Doctor Strange wrapped filming earlier this year, so there would be plenty to show off to fans, and Guardians will be finished shooting by the end of June.

Again, nothing is confirmed yet — but for those who have said Marvel is permanently out of the San Diego Comic-Con game, we certainly wouldn’t count them out yet.

Would you be camping out for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 in Hall H? Let us know in the comments.

from San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog http://sdccblog.com/2016/06/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-2-director-james-gunn-teases-possible-sdcc-2016-appearance/
via http://sdccblog.com/2016/06/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-2-director-james-gunn-teases-possible-sdcc-2016-appearance/

Under the Tents: Kevin Conroy, Mondo, NECA, Wynonna Earp Meetup, Peanuts

It’s already June, which means July will be here before you know it! You can check out our What To Expect in June article to help guide you through what is normally a very busy month.

In the mean time, you can check out news from NECA regarding new merchandise, a look at what Schulz Studio has in store for you at SDCC, a couple book and comic book debuts, a new Troma film, and much more!

Here’s a look at the news you might have missed:

• NECA has already announced one of the most popular exclusives for SDCC this year but they’ll also be showing off some new, non-exclusive merchandise as well. According to a tweet, they’ll be bringing some new Marvel and DC merchandise to SDCC.

new Marvel and DC at SDCC, no new HALO at this time https://t.co/F7OQsZTSR7

— NECA (@NECA_TOYS) May 27, 2016

• Brace yourselves, panel confirmations are coming in by the dozen and the latest is by longtime-SDCC veteran and Troma co-founder Lloyd Kaufman. A recent tweet of Lloyd’s confirms that a Troma panel will be happening at SDCC with footage from a new film.

@Kim_mahoney Yayayaya! Troma has a panel this year,too.Will show some footage from new movie

— Lloyd Kaufman (@lloydkaufman) May 27, 2016

• All around media creator Scott Campbell recently responded to a tweet that he will indeed be at SDCC. You can find Scott and presumably a lot of his work at Booth #2643 this year.

I will be at sdcc all days! Booth 2643. I will be talking to all of you more about it soon. I swear to it. https://t.co/Nep3xc6xG0

— Scott C. (@scottlava) May 26, 2016

• Actor Steven El Ray Parker recently announced on Twitter that the film One Under the Sun will be making its U.S. premier at SDCC.

@SabinaHasNoR the US premier of One Under the Sun will be at San Diego Comic Con this Year, keep an eye out! Congrats on your VO dream btw!

— Steven El Ray Parker (@Steveneparkerjr) May 26, 2016

• Peanuts fans rejoice! Schulz Studio will have an SDCC exclusive at the Snoopy booth this year. A teaser of the exclusive was recently revealed out on Twitter.

Sneak peek at a Schulz Studio comic-con exclusive. Stop by the @Snoopy booth! #peanuts #SDCC #comics #snoopy pic.twitter.com/SsZ9m3ynFL

— Nomi Kane (@NomiRamone) May 25, 2016

• We’ve known for a while that artist Sean Forney will be at SDCC this year, however, Forney updated everyone with his booth info. According to his latest Instagram post, you’ll be able to find Sean at Table AA-15 in Artist Alley.

• Comic book artist and writer Nate Powell showed off a few of the numbered editions of March: Book Three. These autographed editions will be debuting at SDCC and are limited to 500 copies.

Just finished signing these bookplates for a 500-copies-only HC edition of MARCH: BOOK THREE, which debuts at SDCC. pic.twitter.com/WOc4bL3tZc

— Nate Powell (@Nate_Powell_Art) May 28, 2016

• Known to many as the voice of Batman, Kevin Conroy, will be returning to SDCC this year according to a tweet from the voice actor. He’ll likely be appearing for the world premiere of The Killing Joke, which is set for Comic-Con this summer.

@rific33 Yes, I'll be at San Diego Comic con this year

— Kevin Conroy (@RealKevinConroy) May 28, 2016

• We’ve gotten our first clue about a Mondo SDCC print this year. Humanoids, the publisher of the bestselling Incal series, revealed last week that Mondo will be bringing a new Moebius inspired print to San Diego Comic-Con attendees, and showed off a sneak peek on Facebook.

• Heidi Tandy revealed on Twitter that the long-running Harry Potter fandom panel will be returning to San Diego Comic-Con this year.

Omg! Can't wait to talk about @HPPlayLDN at the Potter Fandom Panel at #sdcc! https://t.co/zEmAmGwncT

— Heidi Leia (@travelingheidi) May 31, 2016

• It should come as no surprise that Dark Horse will be holding panels at this year’s Comic-Con, though they told a user on Twitter that this year’s plans are still being finalized as panels always depend on what talent is available.

@TLALOKComicsFan Our panels are still being finalized, so we're not sure at the moment. Panels always depend on what talent is available.

— Dark Horse Comics (@DarkHorseComics) May 27, 2016

• The Location Managers Guild will also be back again this year with another panel, set for Friday, July 22 from 2PM-3PM. Stop by to hear guild members address the behind-the-scenes work that bridges the gap between imagination and reality during the production of major motion pictures.
• Spanky Stokes has revealed that artist Martin Hsu will be doing a plush version of his Black vinyl toy platform for SDCC.

• Do you consider yourself an Earper? Want your opinion heard on the Earper fan meetup at SDCC? The organizers behind the unofficial Wynonna Earp fan meetup tweeted out a link that contains a survey and they want to hear from you!

Calling all #Earpers | Interested in our #SDCC Fan Meetup? Please take a min to fill out this survey! #WynonnaEarp https://t.co/EBUIZNhCdS

— Earper Fan MeetUp (@EarperMeetUp) May 19, 2016

• The Adventures of Miss Miniver, a new comic book, will be debuting at SDCC. You can pre-order the book now and presumably pick it up at SDCC but the details are not clear just yet. You can find the pre-order information, which includes various packages ranging from $5 to $20, on the official site.

Anything we missed? Let us know in the comments, drop us a line or tweet us at @SD_Comic_Con.

from San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog http://sdccblog.com/2016/06/under-the-tents-kevin-conroy-mondo-neca-wynonna-earp-meetup-peanuts/
via http://sdccblog.com/2016/06/under-the-tents-kevin-conroy-mondo-neca-wynonna-earp-meetup-peanuts/

San Diego Comic-Con 2016 Souvenir Book Cover Revealed

Comic-Con International today revealed some new information – including that we can look forward to “new programming venues” (Marriott expansion, anyone?), but the biggest news to come out of this morning’s announcement is that this year’s Souvenir Book cover will feature Wonder Woman, as created by artist Bars Tarr for the event to celebrate the Amazon Princess’ 75th anniversary.

The Souvenir Book is handed out to every attendee at the event, though the process may look a little different this year, as badges are being mailed out. You’ll also pick up your lanyard, WB bag, and other items at the same time.

Tarr’s design will also be featured on the official Comic-Con International t-shirt for this year, and CCI promises that there are multiple shirts coming (including two new logo-design shirts, a new Toucan shirt, and “maybe a surprise or two”).

You can find more information on CCI’s site.

from San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog http://sdccblog.com/2016/06/san-diego-comic-con-2016-souvenir-book-cover-revealed/
via http://sdccblog.com/2016/06/san-diego-comic-con-2016-souvenir-book-cover-revealed/

Get Ready for Comic-Con 2016 with Our Souvenir Book Cover!

OUR COMIC-CON 2016 COVERAGE BEGINS NOW!

Get Ready for Comic-Con 2016 with Our Souvenir Book Cover!

We jumpstart our Comic-Con 2016 coverage with the reveal of our 2016 Souvenir Book cover, featuring Wonder Woman's 75th anniversary by Babs Tarr!

Read more

via http://www.comic-con.org/toucan/get-ready-comic-con-2016-our-souvenir-book-cover

EXCLUSIVE: Entertainment Earth ‘Penny Dreadful’ Exclusive Will Put A Spell On You

Entertainment Earth kicked off their San Diego Comic-Con exclusive announcements yesterday, and we’re following that up with the exclusive first look at a frightfully fun offering for attendees and fans of Penny Dreadful.

Let’s take a look:

Tap into the spirits beyond this world with the Entertainment Earth Penny Dreadful Spell Book Journal – Convention Exclusive from Bif Bang Pow!.

Inspired by the book used by Vanessa Ives from the hit TV series Penny Dreadful, this deluxe journal measures 9.5-inches tall x 7-inches wide and features an embossed front and back cover that securely closes using two snap-close latches – keeping your secrets safe inside! Unique spell artwork as seen in the original prop used in the show is watermarked throughout the 128 parchment-colored sheets (256 pages). The artwork features symbols inspired by Neocromantic lore, a mix of Pagan symbols, and custom designs produced by the show’s own graphic artist Anais Chareyre.

A must-have collectible for Penny Dreadful fans, the rare Penny Dreadful Spell Book Journal – Convention Exclusive is limited to only 804 pieces – each individually numbered with a holographic sticker. Ages 18 and up.

The first opportunity fans will have to grab this limited edition exclusive will be at San Diego Comic-Con on July 20, 2016 in the Entertainment Earth booth (#2343)!

Not attending San Diego Comic-Con 2016? *PRE-ORDER at Entertainment Earth now!

(*NOTE: This item will first be sold during San Diego Comic-Con 2016 at Entertainment Earth Booth #2343. If supplies remain after the show, pre-orders will be filled and shipped to you then – in August 2016.)

Continue to check Entertainment Earth for the latest convention exclusive news.

Shop all Penny Dreadful collectibles from Bif Bang Pow! – only at Entertainment Earth.

Will you be picking this exclusive up at San Diego Comic-Con 2016? Let us know in the comments.

from San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog http://sdccblog.com/2016/06/exclusive-entertainment-earth-penny-dreadful-exclusive-will-put-a-spell-on-you/
via http://sdccblog.com/2016/06/exclusive-entertainment-earth-penny-dreadful-exclusive-will-put-a-spell-on-you/

What To Expect: SDCC Preparation for June 2016

It’s now June, and that means that we can officially state that San Diego Comic-Con is next month. Are you prepared? Well, alright, no one is probably ever completely prepared, but your best option for ensuring you make the most of the behemoth that is Comic-Con is keeping up with the important news. But don’t worry! We’ve got you covered.

Here’s what you can expect over the next month:

More Panel Confirmations

Traditionally, this schedule is released exactly two weeks before the convention, which should mean that we won’t get a peek at the full, official schedule until July 7-10 — but with panel confirmation e-mails going out last week, we should start hearing from a lot of companies about just what they’ll be bringing to the con.

With that said though, the panel confirmations have already slowly started to trickle in, and we’re bound to know plenty of movie, TV, and other panels long before July. We’ve already taken a guess at which movies, broadcast TV shows, cable TV shows, and family network TV shows which we’ll be seeing.

Our continually updated list of Announced Panels will be going up in June as well, to track all the panel announcements for you in one easy location.

Exclusive Announcements & Presales

June will be a big month in the world of exclusives for most of the major companies. We already have details on several of the Comic-Con exclusives from Mattel, though there’s still plenty more to be announced ahead of the June presale (set for June 15-16 for subscribers, and June 17-26 for all access).

Of the rest of the toy companies, we only have one announced exclusive from Hasbro, and Entertainment Earth just kicked off their announcements on May 31. That means we expect to hear a lot more from both Hasbro and EE, as well as companies like Funko (who have said they’ll likely start announcing in late June), Bandai, Gentle Giant, Super7, Dark Horse, and so many others.

Parking

Hundreds of attendees already have their parking for San Diego Comic-Con secured, but if you weren’t so lucky in this year’s parking lottery, then parking will open back up to the general public on June 13 at 9AM PT. Currently, only the Convention Center and Hilton Bayfront lots are completely full — so there should be plenty of options left over for everyone else, even if they’re a bit further out.

Hotel Waitlist

Yes, theoretically, some attendees should begin moving off the hotel waitlist beginning today, June 1. The exact number of attendees that will get to do this isn’t yet known, and very little has been given on timing except that the process will be ongoing for at least ten days — but it’s exciting that it’s happening at all. Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox all month if you were waitlisted.

Offsite Announcements

Expect this to be a big, big month for San Diego Comic-Con offsite announcements. Funko Fundays tickets go on sale this afternoon, and there’s still plenty of other news to be had. There’s this year’s Conan appearance, how the Syfy live show at the Marriott will work, how much blood will have to be shed to get our hands on Star Trek Beyond tickets, and more offsites that we probably know nothing about.

You can always find a list of offsites on our event calendar.

More SDConCast

Although the new season of the SDConCast is already in full swing, we have an exciting schedule of upcoming guests to talk movies, TV, comics, and much more all month. In addition, each week we’ll continue to keep you up to date on all the latest news, to help ensure you’re as prepared as possible for July.

Weekly Newsletter

If you didn’t already know, we have a weekly Comic-Con news round-up newsletter. Every Tuesday(ish), we’ll be sending you all of the SDCC news you might have missed over the last week, to help keep you up to date on the exclusive, panel, offsite, and other news you care about. If you haven’t signed up already, you can do so by clicking here.

Is there anything in particular you would like us to cover or want to know more about for SDCC? Let us know in the comments, drop us a line or tweet us at @SD_Comic_Con.

from San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog http://sdccblog.com/2016/06/what-to-expect-sdcc-preparation-for-june-2016/
via http://sdccblog.com/2016/06/what-to-expect-sdcc-preparation-for-june-2016/