Day 1 of my San Diego Comic-Con adventures began with a new experience of entering the San Diego Convention Center through a general admissions door near Hall H. In the past press had their own entrance which gave me a quick route to Ballroom 20, ahead of the masses. Fortunately, even though the line wound its way AROUND the outdoor Hall H corral, it went fast. However, where one used to be able to grab a con bag and books at the kpress’ section, this year I had to choose between detouring to the Sails Pavilion into another line for bags and program books or beelining to Ballroom 20. The bags are a great souvenir but I figured I could grab one on the way out at the end of Day 1. Plus it was one less thing to worry about hauling around.
Even though Thursday is typically a light day attendee-wise (most people are interested in the Hall H and limited signing lines) beelining to Ballroom 20 paid off and I snagged an aisle seat in the middle section of seats 7 rows from the stage.
Day 1 schedule in Ballroom 20 included:
The 18th Annual Animation Show of Shows – A curated program of new animated shows including works from 11 countries presented by Ron Diamond. Diamond’s enthusiasm for animation is infectious and he showcased some of the most unique and thought-provoking animated short films. Some were downright confusing, but fascinating nonetheless. The Oscar-award winning Pixar favorite, Piper, was on the list to my great delight.
Medinah: World Premiere Sneak Peek – The audience was presented a sneak peek at the first episode of Medinah, the first-ever sci-fi/fantasy series from the Middle East created by Ahmed Al Baker. The series stars Eric Roberts, Natasha Henstridge, Rick Ravanello, Tamoh Penikett, Eyad Hourani. This is a promising new series that introduces the world to many talented actors from the Middle East.
SYFY Hosts: The Great Debate – Celebrity geeks debated movies, TV shows and video games. John Hodgeman moderated a lively panel that included Adam Savage (Mythbusters), Orlando Jones (American Gods), Aisha Tyler (Archer), author Charlie Jane Anders (All Birds in the Sky) and John Barrowman (Archer). It was a raucous exchange of arguments made for and against Marvel and DC universes, the best John Williams theme and deciding which universe one would wipe from existence: Star Wars or Star Trek . A big takeaway is that the audience strongly agreed (with a Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down paddle, that conveniently doubled as a fan) with the argument that while you can date Star Wars, you want to marry Star Trek.
Battlestar Galactica Reunion – I didn’t realize how much I missed BSG until I witnessed this panel. The panel had Michael Trucco (Anders), Tricia Helfer (Number Six), Tahmoh Penickett (Helo), Aaron Douglas (Chief Galen), Grace Park (Boomer), Mary McDonnell (President Roslin), with executive producers David Eick and Ronald Moore. The producers provided great insight into how the new BSG came to be and “the plan” that never really existed. It was very apparent that the camaraderie remains strong between the former castmates who shared funny stories about the physical requirements of their roles. One of the funniest was how Douglas found out he was a Cylon and how Trucco had to improvise the basketball-type game his character was supposed to be the best at playing. One of the most touching was Moore’s story about how the late Richard Hatch came to serve as an ambassador to help bring around the old BSG fans to Moore’s vision of BSG. Edward James Olmos also joined the panel via recording, leading a moving battlecry of “So say we all!” in tribute to Hatch.
The Strain Screening and Q&A – Heading into their final season, The Strain presented a sneak peak at the intro to the first episode, highlighting Dutch’s story as a captured breeder. Ruta Gedmintas who plays Dutch, was joined on the dais by Corey Stoll (Ephraim), David Bradley (Abraham), Kevin Durand (Vasiliy), Richard Sammel (Eichorst), Max Charles (Zach) and writer-producers Chuck Hogan and Carlton Cuse. Both writers and actors agreed there was a luxury in knowing they will conclude their stories.
Legion Screening and Q&A – This was my first real look at this TV series as it remains on our “To Binge” list. I have to admit the sizzle reels and the creator Noah Hawley’s sense of humor have me even more intrigued. Hawley was joined onstage by Jeremie Harris (Ptonomy), Bill Irwin (Cary Loudermilk), Amber Midthunder (Kerry Loudermilk), Jean Smart (Melanie Bird), Aubrey Plaza (Lenny/Shadow King), Rachel Keller (Syd), Dan Stevens (David/Legion). Also on the panel were executive producers John Cameron, Jeph Loeb, and Lauren Shuler Donner.
Marvel Television: Marvel’s Inhumans – My day 1 ended with Jeph Loeb who is an excitable moderator for Marvel shows. He knows how to get the audience to remember premier dates by having them compete against each other in yelling the dates out. So, thanks Jeph, I know that the first 2 episodes of Inhumans will premier in IMAX theaters on September 1 and on ABC on September 29th. Inhumans brings to TV some of the most enigmatic superheroes from Marvel comic history. “Royal” intrigue, a mute leader, mysterious super powers and a 2000 lb bulldog named Lockjaw. How can you not be curious about this show?
Joining Loeb on stage were director Roel Reine, creator Scott Buck, Mike Moh (Triton), Sonya Balmores (Auron), Ellen Woglom (Louise), Isabelle Cornish (Crystal), Eme Ikwuakor (Gorgon), Ken Leung (Karnak), Iwan Rheon (Maximus), Serinda Swan (Medusa) and Anson Mount (Black Bolt).
