With attendance topping 170,000, this year’s San Diego Comic-con is expected to break all records—especially for its 50-year anniversary. The convention has long been maxed out in space, forcing organizers to include satellite locations, including local hotels and outdoor parks. Here’s a rundown of some of the many events I attended. This is just the tip of the iceberg.
“The Boys” presser showed off its top talent. Based on the comic book, the upcoming web-based TV series follows a group of vigilantes as they take down corrupt superheroes who abuse their superpowers.
“Impulse,” returning for Season 2, brought back its key performers, including the show’s lead Henrietta “Henry” Cole (Maddie Hasson). The rebellious 16-year-old, who last year discovered her “jumping” powers must confront those who seek to control her (video interviews to come).
Another exciting new series making its debut is “Emergence.” The family drama centers on a Jo (Allison Tolman), a police chief, who takes in a young child (Alexa Swinton). Found near the site of a mysterious accident, the girl has no memory of what has happened or who she is (video interviews to come).
A new show that’s getting a lot of buzz is the animated TV series “Undone.” After nearly losing her life in a car accident, Alma (Rosa Salazar), discovers she has a new relationship with time and becomes untethered from reality. Guided to use her new powers, she experiences time and space in ways that are impossible (video interviews to come).
Short films can be as entertaining as their feature counterparts. I dropped into the indie showcase auditorium and discovered “Balloon.” The heartfelt drama underscores the brutal battlefield of junior high. After being physically and mentally bullied, skinny introvert Sam (Jonah Beres) discovers he has superpowers. How he uses them reveals his character and offers a lesson to both bullied and bully.
And what Comic-con would be complete without the indie film masters Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes. Known for their roles as Jay and Silent Bob in such iconic films as “Clerks,” “Clerks II,” “Chasing Amy” and “Dogma,” Smith and Mewes were honored with the famous Handprint Ceremony at Theatre Box in the longstanding tradition of TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Smith and Mewes also hosted an advance showing of their latest and much-anticipated movie, “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot,”
Then it was off to a Martial Arts discussion/demo headlined by Mimi Chan. In 1995, she was chosen as the model and martial arts video reference for Disney’s animated feature, “Mulan.” Chan has performed in exhibitions at MGM, EPCOT and Universal Studios.
Starting at sunset, the parties seemed endless. Farscape’s Gigi Edgley Rocked Comic-con fans at the FLUXX nightclub. Best known for her role as Chiana on series “Farscape,” Gigi was originally hired for only one episode (her character was supposed to die at the end of the hour). But not only did the show’s creators keep her around for a few more episodes, but she was also promoted as a regular, appearing in 68 episodes of the series.
Singer-songwriter Tatiana DeMaria also helped fans unwind at the ACID Vault, a new intimate downstairs venue reminiscent of the private little clubs in London and Paris. After establishing her credentials fronting her celebrated punk-pop band TAT and touring alongside such legendary artists and bands as Joan Jett, NOFX, and The Offspring, Tatiana is breaking out in a bold new direction as a dynamic solo artist. With a passionately devoted following on both sides of the Atlantic, Tatiana channels contemporary R&B in her latest lush indie singles “Make Me Feel,” “London Don’t Lie,” and “What It Is About You.”
Finally, running day and night, TopGolf offered press and celebs a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience. Duffers and pros were invited to take their best swings on the deck of the USS Midway, driving eco-friendly golf balls into floatation targets bobbing in the San Diego Bay.
(stay tuned for round table interviews)
Alex A. Kecskes is a published author of "Healer a Novel" and "The Search for Dr. Noble"—both now available on Amazon. He has written hundreds of film reviews and celebrity interviews for a wide variety of online and print outlets. He has covered red carpet premieres and Comic-Con events for major films and independent releases.
