Our Comic Con 2006 report

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By Erik Martinez and William David Lee

More than just what some enthusiasts might consider nerd prom, the annual San Diego Comic-Con unleashed a whirlwind of film, DVD, video game, pop culture and, of course, comic book related events. This year was heralded by sneak peeks at films such as "Spiderman 3", Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino´s "Grind House", "Ghost Rider", Snakes on a Plane" and many more.

Held from Thursday July 20th to Sunday July 23rd (not including Wednesday´s preview night) an estimated 150,000 people attended this year´s comic-con hoping to grab a glimpse of some of their favorite stars, pick up some discounted comic swag and discover some new artists/creators hoping to make a name for themselves amidst all the mayhem. The event has become so popular over the years that they shut down ticket sales on Saturday, where hundreds of people had to be turned away because fire marshals were afraid of overcrowding, a Comic-Con first.

One of the highlighted panels in Hall H, which seats 6,000 people, was a "Spider-Man 3" panel which featured Sam Raimi, Tobey Maguire, Topher Grace, Thomas Hayden Church, Kirsten Dunst, and Bryce Dallas Howard. A preview with some unfinished FX was shown. It starts with Eddie Brock (Grace), disheveled and sweaty, walking into a church, crossing himself. He kneels before the altar and prays, "Please kill Peter Parker." From there the action is fast and furious: Peter throwing a pumpkin bomb at Harry, Spidey punching Sandman in the face and his jaw bursting into sand, Spidey rubbing Sandman's face against a passing subway train, Harry flying around on a new Goblin Glider, cops firing at Sandman as he turns into a giant sandstorm, then the "3" logo appears. Everybody thinks it's over and then began cheering when they cut to the black costume oozing onto Brock turning him into Venom!


Collectable figurines such as Spider-Man and Iron Man are on display for attendees at San Diego Comic-Con International 2006.

The panel revealed that "Spider-Man 3" closes off several storylines while leaving others open-ended in case of more sequels, none of which have been discussed. Raimi is still planning on "The Evil Dead" remake, which he will produce and allow a young filmmaker to direct and reinterpret. For you fan boys, Bruce Campbell returns, but no word on who he will play. No confirmation on the rumor that he might be Quentin Beck (aka Mysterio).

Also featured in Hall H earlier in the day was a presentation by directors Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez serving up some footage and news for their exploitation double feature "Grind House" Tarantino provided fans with news over the casting of the killer in his portion of the double bill, announcing Kurt Russell as the murderous stuntman Mike in his "Death Proof", which starts filming in four weeks in Austin. Russell will stalk a bevy of beauties including Zoe Bell, Rosario Dawson, Sydney Poitier (daughter of Sidney), Mary Elizabeth Winstead ("Sky High"), Marley Shelton and Rose McGowan, (the latter two also appear in Rodriguez´s "Planet Terror").


Sydney Poitier, left, Rosario Dawson, Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez hype up Grind House.

Rodriguez is almost done filming his portion and brought along a clip from his zombie flick that really gives you an idea about the vibe the films are hoping to achieve. What those in attendance where privy to was an onslaught of exploitation carnage and cheesy goodness. The footage included a deputy played by Tom Savini complaining to a sheriff (Michael Biehn) that a suspect in his police cruiser bit his finger off. When they arrive outside to check the car, they find the cars window smashed and the perpetrator gone. A handcuffed criminal played by Freddy Rodriguez stands in the door watching the proceedings.

This was followed by a "fake trailer" for "Machete", featuring Danny Trejo a badass hitman and ladies man, who sports a leather trench coat that holds dozens of machetes which he uses to get his job done. Plus there is a quick shot of him tearing around atop a street hog motorcycle with a chain-gun mounted on the front. Then we get a quick montage of scenes from "Planet Terror" showcasing the various actors in the film, the highlight being Freddy providing Rose McGowan´s character (whose had her leg amputated) with a machine gun/ grenade launcher combo for a leg. The result? We´re talkin' Tony Montana in "Scarface", with the grenade launcher. We see her riding on the back of a motorcycle gunning down zombies with her machine gun leg. There´s loads of gratuitous mayhem and gore, all of which is backed by John Carpenter sounding musical score, (who Rodriguez is hoping to get to provide music for the film) and a grainy scratched look that further captures the grind house movie theatre going experience.

In Superman news Bryan Singer was in attendance with Richard Donner. The next Superman film is planned for 2009. In Singer's words, he'll go "Wrath of Khan" on the next one with "scary sci-fi [umm stuff]." The long awaited Donner-cut of "Superman II" will finally come out on DVD in November. Almost everything Donner needed was available, except for one scene which he recreated with screen test footage of Margot Kidder and Christopher Reeve. A scene was shown with Lois looking at Clark and drawing a hat and glasses on a photo of Superman. She then jumps out a window to prove Clark is Superman. Which, when compared to the original cut of Superman II feels like a complete 180. The scene is very Lois and Clark in terms of banter; it looks like we´ll be getting an almost entirely new film with this version.


Director Richard Donner talks about Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut, which will be released Nov. 28.


Matt Rios' Superman has one weakness -- a wardrobe malfunction -- which his aunt, Francine Hollenbach, fixes.

Brief TV News:
A "Battlestar Galactica" panel was also on hand, providing fans with an exclusive look into the upcoming season (debuting in October). Series co-creator Ronald D. Moore told the crowd that one of the main arcs in the new season will focus on life in base star, giving us insight into Cylon society. Moore also confirmed that some of the characters (human and Cylon alike) probably won´t be making it to Season 4. Edward James Olmos (Admiral Adama) also commented that the end of Season 2 will feel lighthearted compared to what´s in store for the intrepid crew of the Galactica. In other related Galactica news, writer-producer Remi Aubuchon ("24") will be acting as show runner on the BSG spin-off series "Caprica", which serves as a prequel to the events in the current series.


Battlestar Galactica's James Callis (Dr. Gaius Baltar) and Lucy Lawless (D'Anna Biers) clown around during the show's panel at the Comic-Con.

The annual "Lost" panel was crashed by a "protestor" claiming that the Hanzo Corporation was real and show's creators were accepting their blood money. But, the commotion was all a fun, publicity stunt to promote a "Lost"-based online game and website. It was revealed that video diaries of Hurley will be released to appease fans during the hiatus in the middle of Lost: Season 3. Damon Lindelof mentioned that time on the island may not be passing at the same rate as the rest of the world, which shocked not only the audience, but members of the cast as well. Libby will return in flashback episodes. Apparently, Walt's dog, Vincent, will get his own flashback episode. Oh and the Lost action figures? Look awesome.


Malcolm David Kelley (Walt of the Lost series) signs a fan's poster.

In "Star Wars" news, the live-action "Star Wars" TV series will be set in-between Episode III and IV and will arrive before the end of the decade. The CGI Clone Wars series will debut sometime in 2008.


TIE fighter pilots join a parade of Stormtroopers in the lobby of the San Diego Convention Center. The hard plastic gear is easily one of the more popular costumes for attendees.

Assorted movie news
A "Ghost Rider" panel was held, attended by Mark Steven Johnson, Eva Mendes, Avi Arad and Nic Cage. A full-blown new trailer was shown. It starts with Peter Fonda (as Mephisto) gloating as Johnny Blaze's hands are stuck to his motorcycle's handlebars. We finally see the transformation as Blaze's flesh burns off turning him into Ghost Rider. Words will not describe the weirdness of Nicolas Cage, who looked like a cross between Albert Einstein and Elvis. He must have been stoned. At one point, he started talking about Karen Carpenter and a martini glass full of jelly beans. At another point, he went off on a tangent about goth music.

"Iron Man", directed by Jon Favreau is planned for release in 2008. Iron Man's origins will be updated from Vietnam to Afghanistan. The Mandarin will be the main villain. Movie will be part Robocop, Tom Clancy, and James Bond.

"Ant-Man" directed by Edgar Wright ("Shaun of the Dead") is also planned for 2008. The film will feature Hank Pym during the Cold War with the Ant-Man outfit passed down to Scott Lang. No super-villains in this one. The film will not be a parody, but will be light-hearted adventure.

Louis Leterrier was there as well, having just been announced as the director of "The Incredible Hulk" The film will be more action-oriented than the Ang Lee version. Leterrier has already storyboarded several action sequences. The Abomination will be the main villain. He has also spoken with Lou Ferrigno, who has expressed interest in voicing the Hulk.

Samuel L. Jackson was present on Friday for "Snakes on a Plane", along with director David R. Ellis, co-star Keenan Thompson, and snake wrangler Jules Sylvester, who brought along a bunch of snakes. They showed 10 minutes from the film featuring snakes wreaking all kinds of havoc. The CGI pretty much sucked, but whatever... When asked if those snakes deserved to die, Jackson replied, "Yes, they deserved to die and I hope they burn in Hell!" Words cannot describe just how awesome Samuel L. Jackson was.


Samuel L. Jackson, with director David Ellis, answers questions about the upcoming film Snakes on a Plane.

In Frank Miller news, a trailer for "300" was shown and this will definitely not be approved for general audiences. This looks like a "Sin City" version of "Gladiator", with tons of swords, spears, and a load of arrows flying through the air. Miller will also make his solo directing debut on Will Eisner's "The Spirit". Will not be done exactly like Sin City, but will have the same 40's style and use of color.

First footage of Pirates 3 debuted. This looks like a big mess, so it'll fit in perfectly with the other two. Chow Yun Fat looks totally awesome as the villain though.

Animation News:
Tarantino is planning on producing a pair of anime "Kill Bill" prequels. One will focus on the origins of The Bride, while the other being the origin of Bill.

A "Family Guy/American Dad" crossover this fall. "Family Guy" will celebrate its 100th episode with Stewie joining the CIA and meeting Stan Smith.

The next DC animated series will be the upcoming "Superman & The Legion of Superheroes". A clip was shown featuring the Legion showing a young, inexperienced Superman how to use his freeze breath.

Bruce Timm will be in charge of producing a series of direct-to-DVD animated films based on DC stories. The first is the already announced "DC: The New Frontier". The next ones will be "Superman/Doomsday" (an adaptation of The Death of Superman), and "Teen Titans: The Judas Contract".

Oh and the comics…
For anyone looking to delve into some new indie books there was an assortment of titles to choose from. Everything from a rock band turned crime fighters in "The Amazing Joybuzzards" (www.mrhipp.com) to demon fighting super babes in "Scarlett´s Curse" (www.praxiscomics.com) to a reimagined world of Russian military and mysticism in "The Red Star" (www.theredstar.com). Also of note "Storm Bringers", which features a bevy of African-American super folk (www.strombringers.com); An elite group of Navy Seals does battle with the kingdom of Atlantis in "SOCOM: Seal Team Seven" (www.mzacharysherman.com).


A Comic-Con attendee walks the floor sporting "bloodied" angel wings.


A trio of Star Trek Klingons wait patiently in the convention center's food cou

All photos by Russell Gearhart special to DVDTown.com
(www.gearhartphoto.com)

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