Comic-Con 2007: It's a Wrap

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Here are a few of our personal highlights, low points and some of the projects we saw at Comic-Con that we look forward to catching in the future.

BET on lots of shows

Black Entertainment Television is not known as a popular source for animated programs, but the network is trying to change that with releases featuring the voices of actors Vin Diesel and Orlando Jones.

Announced last year, Diesel's "Hannibal the Conquerer," telling the story of the African king of Carthage famous for crossing the Alps with a herd of elephants, has a release date of February 2008. And "BUFU," an animated sketch comedy show, comes from the minds of comedian Jones and "Everybody Hates Chris" creator Ali LeRoi.

With a slate of 16 new shows coming out on varying dates, BET President of Entertainment Reginald Hudlin says the network is set to release "the biggest array of black programming ever."

"These shows ['Hannibal' and 'BUFU'] will help put people on notice about the new direction that we're going in," said Hudlin. "Everything that's being put on makes a big statement" about the network's commitment to programming.

Senior Vice President of Animation Denys Cowan was encouraged by the "great response" the shows received at their Comic-Con panel. At last year's panel, a short entitled "Bid 'Em High" was a highlight, and although the short called "Read a Book" was out before the convention, it also garnered some attention this year.

"But we're working on some things that will be bigger," says Cowan.

-- Jevon Phillips

A Bionic chat

Michelle Ryan, television’s new “Bionic Woman,” got on a roller coaster that no one totally prepared her for by coming to Comic-Con, and costar “Battlestar Galactica’s” Katee Sackhoff did not help prepare her for the crush.

“Yeah, I didn’t know it was this huge,” said a beaming Ryan in her English accent, winding down from numerous broadcast interviews.  “We’ve [she and Sackhoff] been meaning to go out for drinks....  We’re going to have to have a few girly nights out.”

In terms of the show, Ryan shied away from looking at the original too much.

“I’ve seen a few clips but not much. I see this as an entirely new project.”

Though the show hasn’t aired, it’s being touted as a hit. Ryan knows that it’s a big deal, describing the show as being in the “big leagues,” with the same TV format that she’s used to but bigger budgets, bigger sets, more producers and a more fast-moving production.

With all of the time she’s spending becoming Jamie Sommers, I asked her if there was anything she wanted people to know about Michelle Ryan’s persona.

“I’m really close to my family,” Ryan said, knotting her fingers together to show their solidarity. “And I have a really bad sweet tooth.”

Photo: NBC

-- Jevon Phillips

Sneak peek: Sideshow ropes 'Indy,' debuts 'Buffy,' 'Godfather'

Sideshow Collectibles, one of the largest exhibitors at Comic-Con, has sent in exclusive news and sneak peeks at figurines and collectibles debuting in San Diego next week.

The Thousand Oaks-based company plans to unveil 70 new collectibles on the floor in its "museum style" booth.

It has also struck a new licensing deal with Lucasfilm to produce collectibles from all four "Indiana Jones" films.

Anyone crazy enough can now stick a life-size bust of Indy right in the middle of the living room.

Meanwhile, Don Vito Corleone will be calling a meeting of the families down at Comic-Con -- all 16 pounds and 20 inches of him. They should hand those things out at the Oscars.

Some figurines are of Sideshow's own design, while others the company distributes for friendly vendors. In the latter case, it's showing Electric Tiki's animated-style Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the first 'toon version of Buffy to be released. Long live the Buffy! As you can see, this rendition is very, er ... perky.

Sideshow is also unveiling a line of wee little Hobbits, the new World of Warcraft line, not to mention a much-buzzed-about 12-inch figure for Lucas and "Star Wars." Code name: Storm Trooper on a Speeder bike.

For now, we'll just have to wistfully imagine what it looks like as we polish up our menacing white plastic armor and helmet for the masquerade. I want to see someone ride a life-size version of a Speeder into the convention center.

Photos: Ginny Guzman/Sideshow

-- Sheigh Crabtree

Emmys ... Emmys?

Let's face it, most of the shows that resonate with Emmy voters don't always vibe with the Con crowd.  A diverse group to say the least, there are undoubtedly those who like "The Office," "Ugly Betty" and even "The Starter Wife" -- if you gush over "Jane Eyre," you're on your own. But this year, a few shows that Comic-Con can lay claim to were able to break through and represent.

First and most prominent was "Heroes." Best drama, supporting actor for Masi Oka (left), directing for a drama series, art direction and editing were some of the major nominations. Oka's reaction?

“It’s certainly a much better way to start my morning than yesterday when I spilled hot tea all over myself," he said. "I couldn’t be happier and more thrilled.”

As are we all. Anticipation is high for the series' second-season reveals at Comic-Con, and as the cast and creators embark upon their World Tour, their popularity can only grow.

"Lost" may not have much more growing to do, but it's still getting attention. Of the major awards, it got two acting nominations (Michael Emerson and Terry O'Quinn, far right, with cast, for supporting actors), plus nods for writing, directing and editing.

The other show to get multiple nominations was Sci-Fi's "Battlestar Galactica." With nods for writing and directing for a drama series, the space epic could break through after a couple of years of greatness.

Animated shows that have landed at Comic-Con like "Avatar," "Robot Chicken," "The Simpsons," "South Park" and the "Hellboy" series were also rewarded. And, of course, most of us are also rooting for one of the History Channel's few nominations: directing for nonfiction programming -- "Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed."

-- Jevon Phillips

Photos: "Heroes" / NBC, "Lost" / ABC

Artsy Bart Simpson toys debut at Con, Meltdown

Talk about a meta media moment.

Bart Simpson is getting the designer toy treatment. Dozens of Bart figurines custom-painted by noted artists will make their U.S. debut at the Toy2R booth in San Diego next week.

The artsy toy project must amuse "Simpsons" creator Matt Groening. Die-hard fans will recall "The Simpsons" episode in which Milhouse grills Comic Book Guy about the abundance of Bart Simpson masks in the shop.

Milhouse: Why do you have masks of Bart?
Comic Book Guy: One came free with every box of Bart Simpson action figures.
Milhouse: Why does Bart have his own action figures?
Comic Book Guy: They were a marketing tie-in with the comic book.
Milhouse: Why does Bart have a comic book?
Comic Book Guy: Your questions have become more redundant and annoying than the last three "Highlander" movies.

No surprise then that the big-screen launch of "The Simpsons" on July 27 should come with none other than Bart Simpson action figures. Of the many marketing tie-ins for the movie, the life-size promos known as Kwik-E-Marts may loom largest. But with their 'round-the-block lines and product sellouts, it's not that vexing to skip a Squishee. It's harder to resist the appeal of indie illustrators and artists -- even Groening himself -- transforming blank Bart Qees into personalized baby blue Barts or silver Bartbots.

Those not trekking to Comic-Con can take heart. The Bart Qees are scheduled to land in our neck of the woods at Meltdown Comics in Hollywood on Aug. 1.   

Update: More "Simpsons" product headed our way. Certainly, if Colbert and Willie Nelson deserve Ben & Jerry flavors, then naturally, the Simpsons do too. Ben & Jerry's Homer homage is called Duff & D'oh-Nuts. That's right, beer- and doughnut-flavored ice cream. For a short time the furry ice cream fellas are renaming their Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough as Chocolate Chip Cookie D'Oh!

-- Sheigh Crabtree

Sci Fi channels in on Comic-Con lineup

The SCI FI Channel has set their Comic-Con 2007 schedule, highlighted by "Battlestar Galactica's" spotlight on women that includes Mary McDonnell (Laura Roslin), Katee Sackhoff (Kara "Starbuck" Thrace) and Tricia Helfer (Number Six). No Boomer! Oh well. And, the always prophetic Stan Lee will be on hand for his show "Who Wants to be a Superhero?"

FRIDAY, JULY 27

1:15 – 2:15 STARGATE ATLANTIS

The Stargate legacy continues to burn bright on SCI FI with the fourth original season of Atlantis. Amanda Tapping, one of the most beloved stars in the Stargate universe, travels to the Pegasus galaxy to join the Atlantis cast by reprising her role as television's favorite astrophysicist, Lt. Colonel Samantha Carter. Taking the torch from SG-1 as television's most thrilling adventure series, Atlantis, currently in production in Vancouver, promises to up the ante this season by introducing a powerful new race, welcoming new cast members and mourning the loss of some beloved friends.

Panelists: Amanda Tapping, Lt. Colonel Samantha Carter David Hewlett, Dr. Rodney McKay Joe Mallozzi, Executive Producer/Writer Nora O'Brien, VP, Original Programming, SCI FI Charlie Cohen, Senior Executive Vice President, MGM Studios Robert Cooper, Executive Producer/Writer

Moderator: Gary Jones, Chief Master Sergeant Walter Harriman, Stargate SG-1

4:45 – 5:45 EUREKA A small town with even bigger big secrets this season, Eureka is a community of geniuses assembled by the government to conduct top-secret research. What they've unwittingly created is a place where anything imaginable can happen…and does.

Eureka started off with a bang and remained a must-see dramedy on SCI FI. The season 1 series premiere holds the distinction of being the highest rated series telecast in SCI FI Channel history! Come see what all the buzz is about and get a sneak peak at the season ahead!

Panelists: Colin Ferguson, Jack Carter Salli Richardson, Allison Blake Ed Quinn, Nathan Stark Joe Morton, Henry Deacon Jaime Paglia, Co-Creator & Executive Producer Tony Optican, VP, Original Programming, SCI FI

Moderator: TBD

8:15 – 10:15 SCI FI SCREENING Don't get SCI FI in your hotel room?! Come to a commercial free screening of Eureka and Who Wants to be a Superhero! Come dressed as your favorite superhero!

Colin Ferguson, star of Eureka, will open up the evening's festivities. Catch up on Thursday's premiere of Superhero and watch an all-new episode of Eureka before it airs on SCI FI.

The first 1000 attendees will receive Feedback's Dark Horse comic book!

SATURDAY, JULY 28

10:30 – 11:30 WHO WANTS TO BE A SUPERHERO?

SCI FI Channel has once again joined forces with Nash Entertainment (Meet My Folks, For Love or Money, Who Wants to Marry My Dad?) and legendary comic book creator Stan Lee's (Spider-Man, Hulk, The Fantastic Four, X-Men) POW! Entertainment, to present an all-new season of Who Wants to be a Superhero? This year's winner walks away with their superhero character immortalized in a new comic book from Dark Horse Comics created by Stan Lee himself and a Shocker Toy action figure!

Panelists: Stan Lee, Star/Executive producer Andy Scheer, Executive Producer Feedback, 2006 Winner Hygena, Season 2 contestant Hyperstrike, Season 2 contestant Rob Swartz, VP, Alternative Programming

Moderator: TBD

2:15 – 3:15 BATTLESTAR GALACTICA Room 20 "An instantly addictive, girl-powered show that packs emotional punch, rip-roaring adventure and surprisingly sexy heat." People Magazine, Michelle Tauber

"…sheer hot science friction…" Chicago Sun-Times, Thomas Conner

Come see what all the buzz is about as SCI FI celebrates the ladies of Battlestar Galactica.

Panelists: Mary McDonnell, Laura Roslin Katee Sackhoff, Kara "Starbuck" Thrace Tricia Helfer, Number Six Ronald D. Moore, Executive Producer David Eick, Executive Producer Erik Storey, VP, Original Programming, SCI FI

Moderator: Marc Bernardin, Entertainment Weekly

SUNDAY, JULY 29

11:45 – 12:30 TIN MAN: STORY TIME Room 1AB

This December, SCI FI will boldly re-imagine L. Frank Baum's children's classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in the six-hour miniseries Tin Man. A sometimes psychedelic, often twisted and always outrageous take on the book, SCI FI's Tin Man is the epic tale of DG (Zooey Deschanel), a young woman plucked from her humdrum life and thrust into The Outer Zone (the O.Z.) – a fantastical realm rife with wonder, but oppressed by dark magic. In the adventure of a lifetime, DG discovers her true identity, battles evil winged-monkey-bats, and attempts to fulfill her destiny.

Celebrate Kid's Day at Comic-Con by joining Kathleen Robertson, who plays the evil sorceress Azkadellia, in a reading that pays tribute to L. Frank Baum's original classic and catch a sneak peak of the upcoming miniseries coming to SCI FI this December.

2:30 – 3:30 FLASH GORDON Room 6CDEF

Placing a 21st century spin on a science fiction classic, SCI FI's contemporized version of Flash Gordon follows the all-new adventures of Flash (Eric Johnson) and his companions, Dale Arden and Dr. Hans Zarkov. Ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances, they find themselves as Earth's last line of defense against the forces of the merciless dictator Ming.

Panelists: Eric Johnson, Flash Gina Holden, Dale Peter Hume, Executive Producer Mark Stern, Executive Vice President, Original Programming, SCI FI

Moderator: TBD

We're on watch

Here at the Comic-Con Watch, we'll be updating you on celebrity appearances, panels, and any other tidbits about the con that we can get our hands on. Logistically and program-wise, here are some new additions and emerging trends.

- With Jessica Alba appearing for "Good Luck Chuck" and Seth Rogan showing up for "Superbad," Comic-Con's reputation of showcasing only sci-fi, animated, fantasy, horror, adventure and comic-based material should be slowly chipping away. (Though he is a comic book industry regular, Kevin Smith has brought the "regular guy" funny for a while, though.)

- A 15-minute break will be introduced between panels in the bigger programming rooms. Con brass fight a constant battle in dealing with overcrowding, and this may or may not help alleviate some of the mash-up.

- The Comic Arts Conference and the "Comic-Con Classroom" series of workshops and seminars will be housed in bigger rooms -- in a "classroom" style setting (complete with desks!). For fans and serious comics industry hopefuls, this will be a welcome addition and should make the learning environment more enjoyable.

- For the fans of NBC's "Heroes" out there, the show is making a big push to be active at Comic-Con. They plan to have art by Tim Sale (Issac's stuff from the show) at their booth (#3912), and an hourly raffle for goodies. Even more down and dirty, participants can now go to the "Heroes" Comic-Con site and create a comic book or a music video to enter into a contest. The winning entries will be announced at the con.

-- Jevon Phillips