Comicon 2009

Even though I spent a lot of time working (on scripts) at the show, I did venture out into the throng a few times, and a good time was had by all. The Heroes carnival, which happened to be directly across the street from my hotel, was fun and almost always jammed with kids (and parents)... it felt like a small measure of "innocence" in an otherwise sexed up media world.

Since all days of the show were sold out long in advance, there really weren't any "better" or "worse" times to browse... though I will say 9:00AM Friday was amazing. The halls were virtually empty that early and I was able to see a few of the monster booths sans the massive crush.

However, I was turned away from the Sunday Smallville panel because it had filled up immediately and I couldn't locate any (ahem) bigshots to sneak me in. Even the "but I worked on the first three seasons" card didn't work. How soon they forget... oh well. In an amusing coincidence, I was going out to dinner with friends when I got a message from my pal Kelly Souders at Sville inviting me to dinner with their cast and crew. As it turns out, my dinner and theirs were at the same restaurant (!) so two birds and all that...

As usual there have been some postmortem evaluations moaning about the crowds, deriding the "geeks" and all the rest. I guess people have to write about something, but if you don't like that, why go? It's not like any of the news that erupts from the convention doesn't make it on-line instantaneously anyway. And it's not like you haven't been warned that the show is crowded.

The Heroes panel was well attended and the roars from the crowd much appreciated. I've just resumed my part-time consulting duties (the rest of the staff is well into the season) and as usual I am impressed by what's come before and hope to help out with what's coming after...

Ultimately, my only complaints about Comicon this year are that the hotel was pretty darn expensive, and the traffic getting out of town Sunday night was insane. But I knew all THAT going in too, so what the hey...

Harvey Frand

Very sad news... Harvey Frand, the line producer for Battlestar Galactica, passed away yesterday. Harvey kept the production train on the tracks and was hugely responsible for physically making the show. He was also a gentleman, and a gentle man... truly one of a kind. He will be missed.

Basil Wolverton

There's a great article in today's (7/23) New York Times about the wonderful artist Basil Wolverton, whose inspired, lunatic illustrations certainly impacted a young "me" back in the day. There is a gallery show in NYC of Wolverton's drawings and if I had the time I would consider a trip just to take them in.

In a side note, I was lucky enough "as a youth" to actually chat with Mr. Wolverton. He lived in Vancouver Washington, just across the Columbia River from my hometown of Portland, and a relative had met him and mentioned my fascination with all things comics. Imagine my delight when I got a call from Wolverton one evening (this must have been around 1970), where we discussed his art and, as I recall, the details of various wrestlers working the Portland circuit back in the day.

There are several elegant collections of Wolverton's work available, including his truly frightening and apocalyptic Bible series, and they're all worth checking out. Fantagraphics.com is a great place to start. Me, I'm hoping that Marvel eventually gives the deluxe hardcover treatment to Powerhouse Pepper, Wolverton's short-lived (five issues) comic book series from the 1940's.

Bear and BSG In San Diego

For those brave enough to risk the congestion of ComicCon, remember to check out the three, count 'em, three Battlestar concerts taking place at the San Diego House Of Blues, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Thursday night's show is being hosted by Edward James Olmos, Friday is Eddie + Grace Park, and Saturday will be Grace's turn. If you enjoyed BSG's music, you will love this concert!

Updates...

Nothing much to update, I've been in head-down, finish some scripts mode for quite some time now, and that's not going to change anytime soon. I'm guessing there will be news on at least one of the feature projects soon, but until it's officially unleashed, I still can't talk. To quote Plan 9 From Outer Space, "I'm muzzled by Army brass!!" Actually, I'm not, but you get the picture.

But on other fronts, I am told that the fine program Heroes will be doing a presentation at this year's San Diego Con, and with any luck I'll be sitting in the crowd with friends and fans enjoying the festivities. The convention is always a fun, though my time there will be circumvented by the realities of the workaday world. (Not complaining, just explaining...) But definitely come by the Heroes adventure if you get a chance...

Sanford/Baltar...

The seductive powers of the Cylon are awesome indeed...

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