Comic Con 2012
A Review by Jennifer Benton
2012 Comic Con International, San Diego
A Review by John Benton
Staff Writer
Each July, the San Diego Convention Center and the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego are transformed into a nerd's dream. Comic books, movie memorabilia, music, life size dioramas of scenes from movies and television shows, SWAG (free stuff), and costumed fans of all genres, the Con, which has become MUCH more than a comic book show, offers something to please the nerd in all of us. PHOTO: The San Diego Comic-Con 2012
If you are a fan of comics, either the golden or silver ages (1930's to the 50's and 1950's - 70's, respectively) or modern comics, Comic Con has it all. Many attendees come to the Con to complete a collection they've begun or to meet the artist of their favorite series and get an autograph. The large publishers (DC, Marvel, Darkhorse, etc.) have amazing booths designed to make the fans gape in awe at the amazing sights. PHOTO: A scene from Batman, Dark Knight
Comic Con has become a huge venue for movie and video game companies to advertise their upcoming releases and get free advertising SWAG into the hands of the rabid fans. This year, some of the spotlighted movies were Ironman 3, Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2, Resident Evil: Retribution, Total Recall(2012), The Dark Knight Rises, and The Hobbit. Often the movies being talked about at Comic Con are Science Fiction or Superhero films, but sometimes a comedy or drama sneaks in. This year, famed filmmaker Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly) was on hand to promote his upcoming film Much Ado About Nothing as well as his hit Dr. Horrible. PHOTO: Iron Man 3
In addition to movies, Comic Con has become famous for its draw to television promoters and celebrities. Pay channels HBO ands Showtime are standards, introducing the stars and creative geniuses behind shows like Dexter, True Blood, and Game of Thrones. Fans go crazy over seeing their favorite celebrities and asking questions at panels. Even network and cable channels have joined the brouhaha. AMC hosted Walking Dead and Breaking Bad, two hit series that have brought them a huge fanbase.
Comedy Central hosted a panel and after party with the cast of Workaholics, a new thirty minute comedy. Of course, Cartoon Network had a huge booth showcasing their famous shows: Star Wars The Clone Wars, Adventure Time, Level Up, Ninjago, Teen Titans, and of course the late night adult shows of Adult Swim. The term "cosplay" has become more and more widely recognized. Basically it means dressing up in costumes - not for trick-or-treating. Comic Con has become one of the biggest cosplay events in the US. From just a character themed headband (Naruto) to a full on Star Wars Darth Vader costume, many fans feel almost obligated to dress up for one or more of the 4 days of the Con. PHOTO: CNET
This year, the Tardis of Dr. Who fame was very popular with women. The 501st Legion, a Star Wars fan group, was in full "force" with dozens of fully 
decked out Storm troopers. Many costumes centered around The Avengers movie as well as Iron Man. There is also a large number of younger fans dressed as their favorite Manga (Japanese Animation) characters. For those that didn't come dressed, there were also plenty of costume sales booths offering replicas from shows and movies at prices upwards of $1000. Comic Con brings together sources that many fans have trouble finding anywhere else. PHOTO: 2 Clone Troopers from the 501st Legion and the writer's daughter
Similar to the costumes available for sale, Comic Con is also an invaluable resource for toy collectors. Toys from favorite movies, comics, and shows have become a standard "must have" for nerds, child and adult alike. It is often hard to find that exact action figure your or your child has been looking for. There are many vendors at the Con who come fully stocked in hard to find toys and collectibles, knowing full well fans will spend top dollar to get their hands on a rare piece. Many of the "toys" at the Con are nothing less than works of art, statues locking a favorite scene in time. Like the costumes, many of these sell for more than you'd think. There are also auctions throughout the Con offering very rare pieces to collectors. PHOTO: A costume from Sherlock Holmes
Comic Con is one of the most anticipated Pop Culture events in all of the US. People come from all around the world to take in its rarities and excitement. This year, attendance was around 130,000 fans throughout its Thursday through Sunday run. That being said, obtaining tickets is a daunting task. All tickets (four day passes or single day) are sold online months before the event. Anyone trying to purchase a ticket at the door would be out of luck as tickets sold out for this year's event in less than three hours. If you are interested in learning more about Comic-Con International, or their other comic conventions, visit them at
www.comic-con.org
Comic Con 2012
A Review by Jennifer Benton
Staff Writer
It is that time of year again when the freaks and geeks gather in San Diego in droves. 10 years after the explosion of what was once a small comic book show minimally attended, over 140,000 people came through he convention center this July, dispersing tens of thousands of dollars into the San Diego community. The comics, the celebrities, the costumes, oh my! Every year is a circus for the eyes and I delight in seeing the new, innovative costumes. Some complete with remote control, including an R2 unit and some Pokemon. Walking the convention floor and seeking out some cool art or a limited edition comic or shirt has been our focus in the past. PHOTO: Comic-Con 2012 in San Diego, by John Benton
This year, however, I decided to attend a panel with my son, Logan. A panel is where the creators, and oftentimes the cast, of a show or film are available to meet and ask questions. They talk about their journey and future plans. After our amazing experience meeting the cast of Workaholics, I have and will continue to attend as many of the panels as possible! They were friendly, hilarious, and very welcoming to their adoring fans who waited hours in line to have an opportunity to meet them. The cast talked about everything from meeting crazed fans and the fear in their hearts that accompanies that, to the road that led them to their overnight success. They finished up their panel with a wizard rap, in full blue velvet wizard robes; it was hysterical!
After my first panel experience, I decided to also attend the Monster High (MH) panel, which was also full and spectacular. Nothing means more to me than when celebrities appreciate and warmly interact with their fans. They recognize that without us they wouldn't be there. MH, three years after their launch at Comic Con, have now officially reached a new level of success; their dolls sold out each morning in mere minutes. This is a serious bone of contention for me as I was unable to purchase my own Comic Con Exclusive doll this year. Toy distributors go early and purchase up to 50 dolls! My heart broke for my daughter as she was turned away, in full costume, empty handed. I believe for the sake of the fans who come from so far to support the myriad of companies represented at Con, toy purchases should be limited to MAYBE 5 each? If it weren't for the kindhearted nature of a complete stranger, Jaina wouldn't have often a doll at all. Photo by Jennifer Benton: Creator of Monster High with daughter Jaina Benton
One woman, who had purchased several dolls for friends, said she would rather a sweet little girl dedicated enough to show up in costume, have the doll. She sold it to us at cost!! I would've paid double. Her selflessness and generosity warmed our hearts and my six year-old daughter hugged her excitedly. She got lucky but there were many, many fans who did not. I urge Mattel© to rethink their priorities and the companies they represent to remember that without their fans (especially those willing to MAKE costumes and travel to be there), they wouldn't be so successful.
Nevertheless, I've not met kinder, more modest people than the brother duo who, together with their amazing and talented design team, have brought Monster High to 35 countries worldwide and shown us all that being different isn't always a bad thing. They are generous, worth their time and genuinely interested in their fans' ideas. Children all around the world are learning to take pride in their own special differences, and their cultures, thanks to Monster High. This year MH will reveal two new international dolls from China, and Mexico and we got the first peek! During the MH panel, we were also able to see a sneak peek of their debut film Ghouls Rule! which is due to launch domestically on October 9, 2012. We were the first audience in the world to see it and we all jubilantly took it in, eagerly anticipating seeing it in its entirety. To view the entire line of products and watch short animated films of MH, visit Thor website at www.monsterhigh.com Photo: Jaina Benton (R) and a costumed girl at Comic-Con, by Jennifer Benton
The last panel we attended was for Joss Whedon. Mr. Whedon is such a funny, sarcastic, über talented man, I hardly know where to begin. He announced the release of Dr. Horribles Sing-A-Long for this fall on the CW and it will be the first time it has ever been televised. He is excited about the possibility of an Avengers II and delighted in the idea of a musical stage production but indicated nothing on terms of which story said musical may be about. In a nutshell, Joss is exceptionally talented, appreciative, and juggling many projects at the time. He is so sought after that he oftentimes needs to hire a ghost writer to get it all done. He contributes a lot of his success to the people he has surrounded himself with, including (quite adoringly) Nathan Fillion, who stars in many different genres of work produced by Whedon. Joss encouraged anyone trying to get into the business to adopt a DIY yourself mentality and just keep making stuff and posting it, never compromising your vision or throwing in the towel.
Joss Whedon, who I've come to learn was a women's studies major, has a deep respect for women and appealed to toy manufacturers to make women action figures and sculptures in a more accurate and respectful manner. I, for one, am hopeful they will heed his advice. The strong, kick-ass women in his stories inspire us all to hold our heads higher and settle less; to stand up for ourselves and take action when we are mistreated or endangered. I admire his message and am happy to have a daughter being raised at a time when women are not hoping for but taking charge of a better, more equal future instead of quietly waiting in the wings.
Her Universe, the company created by Ashley Eckstein (voice of Ahsoka Tano or "snips" from The Clone Wars) launched some new products sure to please the geek girls out there, myself included. She is expanding her universe to include items from Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, and Dr. Who. Hoodies, T-shirts, jewelry, and more! I immediately and ever-so-excitedly purchased my limited edition R2-D2 charm, which I love! To see all of the wonderful products she had made available (finally!) for us geek girls, visit www.heruniverse.com We all had so much fun this year and are already anticipating next year's trek down to the Con. If you're at all interested, get your tickets the day they go on sale and book your hotel soon after or you'll be out of luck! Tickets typically sell out within two hours. Visit www.comic-con.org for dates the tickets go on sale, the pricing, and a sneak peek at who will be there.
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