Gather the Mini Demi-Gods of Comic-Con

Joss Whedon. Stan Lee. Morgan Spurlock. Harry Knowles. If you are a full time geek, you know the names...and now...you can pit them against Sentinels, Jason Voorhees, Hellboy and a horde of Smurfs for a battle the likes of which you could never imagine before! These 4 tiny titans can be yours in the four-figure exclusive Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope DVD set!

Available this July for a limited North American brick and mortar store release, this exclusive DVD and HeroClix combo pack will contain four HeroClix figures not found anywhere else, and a Region 1 coded DVD. The four HeroClix figures included in this exclusive combo-pack represent key figures who helped make this movie possible. A limited quantity will also be available at San Diego Comic Con as well, so please visit the NECA booth if you’re attending!


















For those new to these lil suckers, HeroClix is set up to be like D&D without all the note taking. Players can game with each piece containing all the stats right in the base/dial. WizKids put out plenty of tiny gaming collections including Hellboy, Freddy Vs Jason, Marvel & DC Comics, HALO and more. NECA picked up the brand and went INSANE with the concept, adding Gremlins, Star Trek, Street Fighter, Smurfs, Batman movies, Lord of the Rings and on and on! Visit Heroclix.com for more details.

Don't feel like playing? Can you live without Morgan and Joss? NECA has an exclusive, limited edition DVD of Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope packed with two also-way-limited mini-figures. Each copy comes with the regular DVD (also available separately), as well as two of its Executive Producers: the Godfather of comic book culture, Marvel’s own Stan Lee, and Ain’t It Cool News founder Harry Knowles.












Apparently ONLY 20k are available and MAY be sold for the first time at San Diego Comic Con, so keep an eye out for more news on that front. I'd expect a signing of some sort would be in the works!

Wizard World Comic Con: Philadelphia 2011

The events are coming waaay too fast now to keep up with on a weekly basis, so I'll be throwing random coverage at you whenever I can! With that in mind, I've just put up over 100 pics from the recent Wizard World Philly Comic Con. This year's show was packed from the entrance to the back wall. What did they do different? I HAVE NO CLUE! We asked around the show and no one could pinpoint where the surge of fans were coming from but one thing is for sure, our thoughts that there are too many cons on the east coast competing with each other for your hard won dollars were unfounded. Good news for NY Comic Con I'm thinking!

Since the show essentially had a lot of the same guests and companies you are used to seeing after years of coverage, we scoured the isles for original artists and new projects to talk about. Here's what we turned up...

LickmyKicks.com - Joshua Peters strayed away from the usual sneaker enthusiast events that would normally be the ideal place to show his excellent work to be among the true geeks, and it seemed to be paying off. Designs inspired by Harry Potter, Hellboy and Dexter, among others, caught our attention and had him heading home with plenty of custom orders.

Effigyskateboards.com - Among the rows of DC and Marvel comics art, it is refreshing to see a crew with some original designs with vibrant colors and a killer artistic eye. I'd buy comics featuring this style in a heartbeat. If you were a skater back in the day, Effigy is the ideal company to provide you with a beautiful new deck to display on your wall as art...now that you are too old and may break a hip

TalesofIsolation.com - Claymation + Zombie Apocalypse = Good Times. Need I say more? Take a look...



We also caught up with friends Sarah Richard promoting her book Zomb Ebomb! and sketching like a pro, Xenescope pushing their new titles Fly? and Monster Hunter's Survival Guide, and The Black Bastard himself!
Check out the FLICKR gallery for images of everything we say throughout the day!

Of course, there were more than a few celebs on hand as well, but with nearly triple the number of guards in the area and 30 signs demanding there be NO photography in the area at all, we resigned ourselves to just saying hello and kept the cameras tucked away as to not be pummeled by security. I will give a shout out to Jennifer Blanc-Biehn and Michael who are promoting their new movie The Victim, as we love the indies here and hell, they are family! If you can't abuse your power on the Internet for friends, what good is it? I'll also mention Chandra Free, excellent author and mondo Venture Brothers fan who was pushing The God Machine and all her spooky arts.





































Since the show was so packed, me and my crew were often split up so, sadly, the adventures were at a minimum. We couldn't even take time to rescue Cherie from the Philly Ghostbusters (you'll note she was "busted" last year), but as we entered the show we found her already free. She's hot and well..they are Ghostbusters, so the math isn't very hard to figure. We did take time to visit the Norton Antivirus Captain America booth where we were equal parts inquisitive and utterly ridiculous, as always. There you could snap a picture of yourself as a S.H.I E.L.D. trainee and then, almost 10 seconds later, switch sides and watch as Hydra agents take Captain America off to his doom. It was a roller coaster of emotion, I tell you.

Special thanks to the Philly Wizard World Comic Con crew for access! Whatever you did to bring in that crowd, keep it up!

New York Comic Con Extended to Four Days

After hosting nearly 100,000 fans, guests, and professionals at the 2010 edition of New York Comic Con (NYCC), organizers of the annual event have decided to extend the length of the show by an extra day in 2011 in order to accommodate even more attendees as well as provide additional programming and business opportunity for the artists, creators, and exhibitors who are the foundation of the show’s success. New York Comic Con has experienced exponential growth since it was launched in 2006. The show now occupies the entire Jacob K. Javits Center and the addition of another day of activity assures that the convention can continue its expansion into one of the largest annual events in New York City. New York Comic Con is a celebration of the pop culture universe, covering comic books, anime, movies, television, toys, and games. It attracts fans from around the world, exhibitors and guests from the full spectrum of popular culture, and tremendous media attention -- almost 4,000 members of the press attended the show in 2010 and stories appeared in hundreds of outlets ranging from blogs to live national TV broadcasts.

The dates for the next New York Comic Con are Thursday, October 13 – Sunday October 16, 2011. The show will be open to the public for the first time for three full days – Friday (10/14), Saturday (10/15), and Sunday (10/16). This will mean more hours and opportunities for fans to interact with their heroes throughout the popular culture universe and allow show organizers to expand the Cultyard and New York Anime Festival -- two shows-within-the-show -- which serve the burgeoning indie toy and anime and manga communities. NYCC’s additional day of convention activity will take place on Thursday (10/13) with academic programming beginning at 12 noon. The convention floor will officially open for professional hours and a new fan preview night on Thursday from 4pm – 7pm. NYCC’s professional hours provide a quality business atmosphere for exhibitors while providing VIPs and media a chance to see new products and merchandise in an exclusive setting. For the first time, a very limited number of dedicated and committed fans will also have access to the convention floor during this professional time. These fans will only be admitted if they purchase the new, limited quantity, full 4-day pass to NYCC. Tickets will go on sale on February 7 at 12 noon Eastern Time. Further details are below.

In other ReedPOP news, officials note that their international expansion, which is an essential component of the group’s business and its embrace of the pop culture universe, has had a marked success with the recently concluded Singapore Toy, Games & Comic Convention (STGCC) which took place December 10 – 12, 2010 at Suntec Convention Center in Singapore. ReedPOP acquired STGCC in April, 2010. The global pop culture appetite is growing significantly in the region, and the chance to meet comics creators at STGCC was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many fans. Critically acclaimed comics writer and STGCC guest Gail Simone commented after the event: “STGCC is a world-class pop culture event in one of the most amazing places on Earth. I can’t wait to come back!”

“NYCC’s expansion to four days is in response to our immense growth,” notes Lance Fensterman, Group Vice President for ReedPOP. “Our show has simply gotten too big to take place in three days. Additionally, the evening hours for professionals on Thursday will provide even more flexibility for both exhibitors and other industry pros to participate in this key part of the show. Meanwhile, our success in Singapore, coming hard on the heels of our success with NYCC, has been incredibly energizing. Our international growth is central to ReedPOP’s core mission to open up new markets for our exhibiting customers and guests and to spread the currency of cool to fan boys and fan girls in all corners of the globe where popular culture thrives. Further, our global approach allows us to broaden our offerings at every event we organize. The success of STGCC is closely linked with the success of NYCC because pop culture is universal, and what we learn in Asia may be applied to NYCC and vice versa. We want to delve into all areas where pop culture exists, from fashion to comics, from books to film, and we want to learn from other cultures. I am ecstatic that this philosophy seems to be working so well for ReedPOP. The physical growth of NYCC, the expansion to four days in 2011, and the recent success of STGCC are milestones in the growth and extension of ReedPOP as a brand serving passionate fans and dedicated professionals. We are humbled by the support we have received and excited to continue our mission in the year to come with new additions to our stable of events.”

As noted, a limited number of fans will be provided access to professional hours from 4 to 7pm on Thursday, October 16th at NYCC in 2011. A total of 10,000 4-day passes are available for purchase, and this 4-day pass includes admittance to the convention floor both on NYCC's three dedicated public days as well as on Thursday during professional hours. There will be no single day tickets sold for Thursday. There will be 3-day passes available for purchase for Friday – Sunday, and there will be single day passes available for Friday – Sunday, as well. Tickets for NYCC will be sold via www.nycomiccon.com beginning at 12 noon Eastern Time on February 7.

In addition, tickets for the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2), which is also organized by ReedPOP and which will take place at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center, March 18 – 20, 2011, are now available via the C2E2 web site, www.c2e2.com. Further information about all ReedPOP shows and activity is available through Lance Fensterman’s blog, www.mediumatlarge.net.

The Costumes of New York Comic Con

Ahhh..the power of costumes. On a hot woman, the geek elements of her Zatanna outfit draw you in and give you an excuse to take a picture of her whilst her boobies keep you transfixed until it has become somewhat uncomfortable for both of you. Now take the same costume and put it on a somewhat hairy guy and you've got instant and epic comedy. Double Rainbows have nothing on a man in fishnets and a top hat. With all this fun, there is also horror. For instance, a child sized Flash costume should not be worn by a 300 lb man. The result looks as if he might explode at any moment, showering the crowd in peanut MnMs. There is also the horror of the rushed, unskilled costumer who is so desperate to get in on the fun, nothing will stop them. Many a duct tape warrior has fallen prey to this thinking. I'll also point out that, while we appreciate your willingness to be naked in public, JUST duct tape..or blue paint..does not a costume make. At least glue some fur to your bits and be Felicia from Darkstalkers if you need to show your goodies to the geeks of the world.

With all that said, I salute the Cosplayers of New York Comic Con and welcome you to click THIS LINK and enjoy them for yourself! Special thanks to Jordana Mariel who snapped a lot of these and was the cutest Hula Hooping Silk Spectre ever.

Entertainment Earth Hosting Dexter, Robot Chicken, Venture Brothers, LOST & More at SDCC

Entertainment Earth – http://www.entertainmentearth.com – drives San Diego Comic-Con International (SDCC) to new heights of exhilaration with celebrity appearances, photo opportunities, and 23 exclusive or new product debuts from The Venture Bros.™, Lost™, The Twilight Zone™, Dexter™, and Eastbound & Down®. Also, during the show, Spectre Toys is presenting one SDCC Exclusive and two product debuts from Dark Shadows™, and NBC Universal will debut "Beyond Caprica - A Visitor's Pocket Guide to the Twelve Colonies" and an all-new Caprica™ T-shirt available for purchase at the booth. Additionally, Toys“R”Us® is offering three SDCC Exclusives and a product debut at the Entertainment Earth booth, including products based on Ghostbusters™, Halo: Reach™, Robot Chicken™, Transformers™, and Wild Grinders™. Show attendees will want to visit Entertainment Earth's booth #2343 in San Diego July 22-25!

Celebrity Appearances: Meet celebrities from some of the world's most popular movies and TV
series. Get your figures signed by The Venture Bros.™ creators Jackson Publick and Doc Hammer, Spawn™ creator / McFarlane Toys visionary Todd McFarlane, Robot Chicken's™ Seth Green and Matthew Senreich, Lara Parker from Dark Shadows™, Wild Grinders'™ Rob Dyrdek, and Caprica™ star Alessandra Torresani accompanied by accomplished writers Jane Espenson and Bob Harris. Celebrity appearances subject to change. Visit sdcc.entertainmentearth.com and the booth for specific talent, dates, and times… and surprise guests.

Exclusive Merchandise and Product Debuts:
(Prices include sales tax. Per-person limits may apply at the show. Pricing and availability subject to change without notice.)

• The Twilight Zone Travel through another dimension with this unbelievable array of SDCC Exclusive bobble heads and retro-style action figures based on fan-favorite episodes of the iconic TV series. These bobble heads, licensed from CBS Consumer Products and crafted by Bif Bang Pow!, are made of resin and stand about 7 inches tall:

Talky Tina Talking Bobble Head – In Color. Limited edition of 504 pieces. ($20)
Gremlin Bobble Head – In Color. Limited edition of 504 pieces. ($15)
Kanamit Bobble Head – In Color. Limited edition of 504 pieces. ($15)
Invader Bobble Head – In Color. Limited edition of 504 pieces. ($15)
Mystic Seer Bobble Head – In Color. Limited edition of 1,500 pieces. ($15)
For the very first time, 8-inch scale action figures – all in black and white – are available for fans to take home! The 1970's style SDCC Exclusive Talky Tina and Willie Action Figures present two of the most spine-chilling characters ever seen in The Twilight Zone™. Fully articulated, these killer figures are made in conjunction with EMCE Toys in the 8-inch scale, but on the approximately 6-inch tall "child" body type with episode-true fabric clothing. Also making their debut at Comic-Con are the rest of the all-new The Twilight Zone™ 8-inch action figure series, including The Gremlin, Kanamit, Jason Foster, and The Devil. And they're all just as creepy as the original characters! ($20 each)

• The Venture Bros. Fans can now own the first-ever line of action figures from Adult Swim's The Venture Bros.™, created by Bif Bang Pow! in conjunction with EMCE Toys. Debuting at Comic-Con will be highly articulated, retro-style figures of Dr. Venture, Brock Samson, The Monarch, and Dean Venture, as well as two SDCC Exclusives: Henchman Number 21 and Henchman Number 24. All six 8-inch figures bring sensational detail and authentic fabric clothing, and each captures that distinctive action-comedy mix that's synonymous with the toprated television series. ($20 each)

VENTURE BROTHERS creators Doc Hammer and Jackson Publick will be signing on Saturday, July 24th at 4:30 to 6pm.

• Eastbound & Down "I play real sports." With more heat on it than a Kenny Powers fastball, this 7-inch talking bobble head of the has-been pitcher curses and speaks 5 unforgettable phrases taken from the HBO® hit comedy series Eastbound and Down®. It's made of resin and features the Kenny Powers character in a baseball uniform. ($20)

• Lost Celebrate the end of an era with brand-new collectibles from ABC's mega-popular TV series Lost™. The SDCC Exclusive Claire Littleton Bobble Head features crazy, squirrelly Claire – and her "baby" – in superb detail. Sporting rugged island gear and a shotgun, she's made of resin and stands 7 inches tall. Limited edition of 1,500 pieces. ($15) And don't miss the champions of good and evil… Jacob and Man in Black Action Figures! Both are SDCC Exclusives crafted in retro, vintage-style sculpting with real fabric clothing. Standing on the EMCE Toys 8-inch scale action figure body with multiple points of articulation, the mysterious Jacob and his equally enigmatic nemesis, the Man in Black, are here to keep the memory of The Island alive. ($20 each)

• Dexter Since 2008, Showtime Network's Emmy-nominated drama series Dexter™ admirers have flocked to pick up Bif Bang Pow!'s fantastic exclusives at Comic-Con. Not shying away from our responsibilities, we've upped the ante this year to bring fans two all-new items that are sure to become instant hits. Dexter – and his son Harrison – make their way to Comic-Con in resin form in a cute 7-inch Dexter and Harrison Double-Bobbling Bobble Head SDCC Exclusive ($15). Action figure fans won't be left out either with the debut of the 7-inch Dexter in Jumpsuit. It eatures the part-time serial killer in cloth scrubs and cloth apron, and comes with a handsaw and welder's mask with a flip-down visor. ($20)

• Toys“R”Us San Diego Comic-Con Exclusives and First Reveals Toys“R”Us is offering three San Diego Comic-Con exclusives and the first chance to purchase a limited edition item before it’s available in Toys“R”Us stores nationwide: Ghostbusters™ "We're Ready to Believe You" Minimates Set ($17), Halo: Reach™ Noble Seven ($20), Robot Chicken™ 5-Inch Nerd Figure ($20), and Transformers™ Masterpiece Grimlock ($70).

ROBOT CHICKEN creators Matt Senreich and Seth Green will be signing on Friday, July 23rd at 11am to 12pm.

• NBC Universal Product Debuts from Caprica NBC Universal will debut "Beyond Caprica - A Visitor's Pocket Guide to the Twelve Colonies" ($10) and an all-new Caprica™ T-shirt ($20), available for purchase at Entertainment Earth's booth. Here's your chance to own a piece of the hit Syfy channel drama set in the Battlestar Galactica™ universe.

CAPRICA star Alessandra Torresani will be signing on Friday, July 23rd from 2:30 to 4:30. CAPRICA creatives Bob Harris (writer) and Jane Espenson (co-executive producer) will be signing Saturday, July 24th from 1pm to 2:30pm and Sunday, July 25th from 11am to 12pm.

• Spectre Toys SDCC Exclusive and Product Debuts from Dark Shadows From the supernatural gothic soap opera that made daytime television history, the mysterious unknown of Dark Shadows™ comes to life with these frighteningly realistic action figures from Spectre Toys. They stand 8 inches tall in fabric clothing. You don't want to miss these!
Werewolf Action Figure – SDCC Exclusive ($20)
Barnabas Collins Action Figure – SDCC Debut ($20)
Angelique Bouchard Action Figure – SDCC Debut ($20)

DARK SHADOWS star Lara Parker will be signing Saturday, July 24th from 3pm to 4pm.

ALSO SIGNING are Todd McFarlane and Rob Dyrdek. CLICK HERE for full details.