 WonderCon 2017 Preview
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Preview All the Excitment of WonderCon 2017 Written by: Abel S. Pinedo
March 27th, 2017
It's the most WonderCon time of the year! Bad pun aside, WonderCon returns to Anaheim after a one year relocation to Los Angeles. Got your backpack and comfy shoes ready? Let's go. WonderCon primarily focuses on comic books and their creators, whether they be writers or artists. There are several panels throughout the weekend dedicated to many behind the scenes aspects of the comics industry. Everything from how to break into comics to portfolio reviews to stories from some of the biggest names in the industry today talking about how they got their start. The best part is that so many of the creators are highly approachable and enjoy talking about their craft. So if you've ever been curious about how to get your start, see if one of your favorite artists will be at the show and don't hesitate to ask questions. Who knows? In a few years, you could be on the other end of one of the tables at Artist Alley! Friday:
Friday begins with a hearty breakfast. Well for me, at least. Seeing as how the Con doesn't open until noon on Friday, there's plenty of time to rest up and get situated. Once I arrive at the Anaheim Convention Center, I'll walk the general area looking for helpful signage of where to go. I'll also spend some time taking pictures of the myriad of cosplayers who have already gathered out front by the fountains. Once the doors open, it's go time!
Think you know everything about Star Trek? If you haven't already picked up Mark A. Altman's exhaustively researched two volume set, The Fifty-Year Mission, he'll be on hand to discuss all things Trek as well as the future of the beloved franchise. If mystery is more your speed, then you'll want to see the presentation of the new series Riverdale with the cast in attendance discussing the continually evolving storyline of this season. If you were a fan of the hit Fox series Prison Break, you won't want to miss the panel dedicated to the upcoming relaunch with several of the cast members in attendance. Need a serious Buffy the Vampire fix? Then listen in as the authors of the upcoming behind the scenes book, Slayers and Vampires, discuss the history of the show, story lines that never made it to air and what the future could possibly hold for. When Kevin Smith, Batman and ABC television collide, you get a special episode of the hit sitcom, The Goldbergs. Smith and the cast will be on hand to discuss and present the Smith-directed episode looking back at the 1989 Tim Burton Batman film and how it affects the titular Goldberg family. Jim Lee is no stranger to comics fans. During a special one hour panel devoted to his career, watch as Lee brings your favorites to life as he sketches and talks about his storied career. Heads up, he often gives away a sketch or two during the panel! If you were ever curious about Valiant Comics but didn't know where to begin, members of the creative team behind many of their titles will present an introductory type of panel to give you a crash course on some of their more popular heroes. Gamers take note, if you were ever curious about the origin of Q*bert, (I know I am!) then I'll see you at the panel listening as Warren Davis, the original game designer, tells all about our favorite long nosed pixelated arcade fuzzball.
Friday night ends with a special presentation. Warner Brothers Home Entertainment will feature the world premiere of the newest title in the DC Animation slate, Teen Titans: The Judas Contract. Several of the voice talent as well as members of the creative team will be on hand for a Q&A. Prizes will be awarded for the best questions! Saturday:
I was a huge fan of WildStorm's Stormwatch series from the 90's so I'm really looking forward to the 25th anniversary panel dedicated to WildStorm's titles and creative team. There's sure to be some good stories to come out of this panel. Marvel Studios concept artist Andy Park will be the subject of a retrospective panel. Having been involved with every Marvel film of the last seven years, he's sure to have some very interesting stories. Rob Liefeld and Brian Crosby will be discussing the upcoming Deadpool graphic novel, Bad Blood. Who is Thumper and what does he have in store for our favorite Merc? Get the scoop at this panel! Fan favorite Ernie Hudson will be joined by fellow cast members for a look at the new Fox drama APB. If you're a fan of Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. then you won't want to miss out on the panel discussion as season four heads to its conclusion. Several cast members will be in attendance as well as executive producer Jeph Loeb.
Can you believe it's been 30 years since Hadouken entered our lexicon? Come celebrate the anniversary of Street Fighter with a sneak peak of the upcoming product releases to celebrate the milestone. Warner Bros will present a 90 minute mystery panel Saturday afternoon. I say mystery because no further information is available at this time. Might we get a new trailer for Wonder Woman? I'm betting on King Arthur: Legend of the Sword and some other big surprises. We'll see if I'm right. Saturday night ends with two major events. First up, for you Whovians, there will be the U.S. premiere of the Doctor Who spin off series, Class. If that's not to your liking, there is also the ever popular Masquerade. Come and be amazed at the creativity of your fellow peeps. Sunday:
Warner Brothers Animations begins the day with the world premiere of DC Super Hero Girls: Intergalactic Games. After the screening, the voice talents and members of the creative team will answer your questions or just take your praises! Several Star Wars fan groups will be honoring the memory of Carrie Fisher by sharing stories of how she has touched their lives. Come to the panel and maybe even share a story of your own.
Ever look at a striking comic book cover and wonder how that came into being? Several prominent comic book cover artists will share the spotlight at a panel devoted to this crucial aspect of every comic book you've ever held. A tradition continues as WonderCon winds down with the ever popular Dr Horrible's Sing-Along Blog! Check back with me next week as I give you the rundown of all the awesomeness I experienced during my three day WonderCon weekend. See you at the show! Further information can be found via the official website: https://www.comic-con.org/wca Essential WonderCon 2017 Links: http://www.comic-con.org/wca/programming-schedule About the Author: Abel S. Pinedo a.k.a. "Honest Abe" has written reviews for Dark Horizons, JoBlo and MusicTap. He has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. He can usually be found at his keyboard ranting and rambling about the human condition or watching Beavis & Butthead.
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