Thursday

So Thursday was a busy day. The morning saw information imparted by some independent creators about an organization they founded and how forming such an organization has helped them realize a success in comics that they otherwise might not have found. It was called the Antidote Trust and I will look into it some later.

From there it was to the Doctor Who panel (sans Russel T Davies who is apparently 'hard at work' writing Torchwood) in which we were treated to Stephen Moffat telling about his enjoyment working on the show and his new position as showrunner. We got to see some clips from his episodes, listen to him be hiliarious and hear some good and terrible questions from the audience. At the end we got to see a trailer for the christmas episode that comes out this year. It involves Cybermen and it is set in Victorian England. And having Stephen Moffat in charge is going to make this season give Russel T Davies previous 3 a serious run for their money.

Next up, the Torchwood Panel began with Jason Barrowman leaping up onto the stage and the very table like a rockstar at his introduction. He was joined by David Gareth-Lloyd and Naoko Mori for what was a very entertaining about working on the show. We weren't treated to anything new really here but I did leave early so it may have come at the end. I did get to hear John Barrowman express his desire to play Captain America though in response to a fan question about it and apparently he's a contender. A good one in my oppinion.

Next came a panel that Entertainment Weekly put together featuring Grant Morrison, Jim Lee, John Cassaday, Mike Mignola, Robert Kirkman and Matt Fraction. It was interesting to hear them all speak about comics, the impact of hollywood on comics, the impact of comics on hollywood. The nice thing is all of them are very down to earth and it was just cool to see these people that could be you or I (except for Grant Morrison who we all know is an alien) sitting up there talking about the future of comics. It was at this point that I started to really get a feeling for just how possible it is to be a comics creator. We also cut off about a hundred other people to be in this panel. It's funny all you have to do is act bewildered and innocent at all times and then the end of the line is anywhere you choose for it to be.

Next up, Richard and I skipped next door to the Afro Samurai Panel and got to hear the man himself, Samuel L Jackson express his liking for the character of Afro and his excitement at being involved with this creation. The RZA was running late but he made it still. I enjoyed hearing him talk about the creative process for the music of the original series and the new movie coming out. He said he was trying to essentially capture the spirit of a crazy bitch in his sound this time since the antagonist is a woman in the movie. We then got to see a trailer and also got to watch the producer for the new video game play some of it. They did an excellent job capturing the feel of the show in the game. and the music is all by the RZA and the voices from the original show returned for the game. It looks really slick production-wise with tons of stylistic blood and samurai action. Worth a rent at least.

The last panel of the day was one about creating a graphic novel. A lot of people were there, the only name I really knew was Stephen Grant but there were some others that I'm sure I'll be embarassed later at not knowing. At any rate, it was interesting enough but mainly amounted to the same advice anyone can give. Create what you want, don't compromise your art for the sake of being adapted to another medium and if you are a writer and want actual good art, be prepared to pay for it. sigh.

The feeling of walking through the exhibit hall is something that can only be expressed through pictures. I'm sorry for not having uploaded them yet. I haven't really had the opportunity but if I can tonight, I will. I've been trying to get as much free shit as possible but so far i've been beaten by the early risers. Today will be no different I'm sure but tomorrow...