San Diego Comic Con returns again to the San Diego Convention Center. The Friday’s programming schedule has been revealed and listed below are what I am most interested in seeing, although whether I attend them is anyone’s guess at this point. There’s no telling what factors will pull me in as of yet unforeseen directions once I am within the convention grounds.
Walt Kelly’s Pogo – 12:30pm – 1:30pm – Room 10
The brilliant newspaper strip Pogo was created, written, and drawn by one of the great geniuses of comic art, Walt Kelly. It’s currently being reprinted in full in a series of books from Fantagraphics, one of which is up for an Eisner Award tonight. Meanwhile, fans of Mr. Kelly and his zany swamp denizens can gather to discuss him, his work, and what it was that made his cartooning so very special. Come hear from artist Steve Leialoha, scholar Maggie Thompson, Kelly archivist Jane Plunkett, and the co-editors of the current reprint series, Eric Reynolds and Mark Evanier.
I have not read any Pogo but have long been curious about the legendary strip. This panel will likely change that.
Rick and Morty 10th Anniversary – 2:00pm – 3:00pm – Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
It hasn’t been 100 years quite yet, but join the cast and crew as they celebrate 10 years of Rick and Morty adventures and family shenanigans! Plus, get a first look at the upcoming seventh season.
I am very curious about this to see how the panelists and audience react to the removal of Justin Roiland, the show’s co-creator and voices of both titular characters.
Celebrating Popeye with the Comic-Con Premiere of The Art of Popeye: Masterwork of the Medium – 3:00pm – 4:00pm – Room 32AB
The Art of Popeye: Masterwork of the Medium is the first comprehensive monograph about the history of the pop culture icon. The panel will begin with a video featuring numerous examples of original Popeye comic strips, animation art, comic book artwork, advertising, and product art, which will then lead into the panel, moderated by Daniel Herman (publisher of Hermes Press, Silver Age: The Second Generation of Comic Book Artists). Panelists include Jerry Beck (The 50 Greatest Cartoons, The 100 Greatest Looney Toons Cartoons), Randy Milholland (current artist and writer on the Popeye comic strip), and Brian Peck (John Buscema: Michelangelo of Comics). The author of the book, R. C. Harvey, recently passed away and the panel will also present a brief tribute to him.
I only know Popeye from the cartoons, the Fleischer Studios are my favorites, but I am very curious about his origins in the Thimble Theatre.
Sharknado 10th Anniversary – 7:00pm – 8:00pm – Room 6BCF
It’s the 10th anniversary of the pop culture phenomenon Sharknado, and the creators are bringing on the celebration. The Asylum stars Ian Ziering, Tara Reid, Cassie Scerbo, director Anthony Ferrante, and other surprise panelists come together to announce a special one-night theatrical release of Sharknado: The 10th Anniversary Edition, featuring an all-new 4K Version with never-before-seen kills and thrills! Catch the release date announcement along with exclusive clips of newly restored iconic moments from one of cinema’s greatest cult classics. The panel will also feature a live performance of the Sharknado theme song, and attendees will have the chance to win exclusive prizes. Oh, and yes, there will be a special announcement about Methgator.
What’s fascinating about Sharknado is what helped make it such a “pop culture phenomenon” was the unplanned Twitter watch party that formed and helped drive viewers to it. I might attend the 10th anniversary screening but will definitely be watching Methgator.
Justice League: Warworld – 9:00pm – 11:00pm – Ballroom 20
Be among the first fans to see Warner Bros. Animation’s all-new, feature-length film Justice League: Warworld at this world premiere screening. In this R-rated film, DC’s Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman find themselves in mysterious lands and precarious circumstances with no memory of how they arrived there and only vague recollections of their true selves. In addition to the screening, filmmakers and key cast members will hold a panel discussion and audience Q&A. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, Justice League: Warworld will be available to own on Digital, 4K Ultra HD, and Blu-ray on July 25..
Am very curious why our heroes earn an R rating in this outing. Violence? Language? Other?
