So, not too many of you live in Austin, but if anyone is interested in seeing the movie of Avengers on May 6th, I guess (I just realized we have a graduation party to attend on Saturday, so its got to be Sunday), let me know.
We'll hit one of the Alamo locations to ensure the bestest experience for seeing the movie. And if you're Aaron, I think I promised you a ticket.
Am I excited for Avengers? No, not really. I am probably more excited for this than, say, Tintin, but less excited than I was for... lots of other stuff. I mostly get excited at about the 30 minute mark if a movie hasn't let me down yet. That's how, these days, I deal with the crippling disappointment that comes with trying to enjoy superhero movies. People, I saw both Fantastic Four movies, a Ghost Rider and Daredevil in the theater. This is the only sane reaction.
If you want to join me and the missus (who is revealing herself to be more into all this than you'd think), contact me anyway you like, and we'll sort it out.
Leading up to the movie, I think its only fair I do something in honor of the men and women who paved the way for Avengers to become a huge, tent-pole type movie. So do not think I will diss Jack and the gang as we head towards big summer fun.
If you'd like to join in by writing about Jack Kirby, Walt Simonson, Joe Simon, Stan Lee, etc... just let me know! I'd welcome the participation.
Film. Comics. Sci-Fi. Superheroes. Pulp. Noir. History. Superman. 20th Century Archaeology.
Showing posts with label events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label events. Show all posts
Monday, April 23, 2012
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Signal Watch attends: Staple! - The independent media expo
So, every year since moving back to Austin I have wanted to attend the Staple! Independent Media Expo. That's the name, but its really mostly about self-published comics on a regional level. That doesn't mean that Austin's KO-OP radio didn't have a table, and a few others things like The New Movement Theater.
But, mostly, self-published (and self-stapled - thus the name) comics.
I have mixed feelings on the whole thing, but a few caveats:
1) I attended by myself
2) I have mild social anxiety issues, so I really didn't talk to anybody there
3) As at all conventions (including the ones I've attended for work), I am not a huge fan of the table approach. I don't know how to improve it, but there's really no polite way to approach a table and explore what is on said table without clearly raising the hopes of the seller or without feeling like you need to buy something. There's some weird desperation going on there. And if its not, then there's just a very bored person sitting behind the table contemptuously eyeing you for spending time at their table and not buying anything.
You cannot win.
But I figured if I was going to be serious about sticking around comics even if I'm pulling out of the monthly superhero thing, I should probably check out what's going on with indie books.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
SUNDAY: Witherd Wuhrld - Authtin! Comicth! Thelebritieth! Geekth! Cothtumth!!
On Sunday I'll be heading down to the Austin Convention Center for Year 2 of the Wizard World Austin Comic Convention.
I won't be going Friday because: work. Saturday I've got less important things to do (kick-off is at 11:00 AM, FX is carrying the game). So, Sunday is when I'm going.
Last year was weird, truth to be told. I had a great time hanging out with Matt, Phil, JackBart and Jason, and I got some good deals on Jimmy Olsen comics. But the tone of the Con was strange. I am not entirely comfortable with the "celebrities" kept in pens like veal. I still think I did something wrong when I went to talk to Erin Gray and get her autograph (but no regrets. It was Erin Gray.).
This year promises a colorful line-up of the kids from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, now all grown up (sadly, Augustus Gloop has canceled), Jake Lloyd of Star Wars fame and both Kyle Reese AND young John Conner will be there in the forms of Michael Biehn and Edward Furlong. Peter Mayhew (you know him as Chewbacca), the cheerleader from Heroes, and Kevin Sorbo.
Frankly, its not an awful line-up, if I actually wanted to meet any of them (well, maybe Michael Biehn).
Last year I wandered the tables in artists' alley, but it was sort of odd. The truth is, there's a lot of talent at those tables, both names you do and do not know. But I'm not a wealthy man, and its not a reading library. I'm the same guy who can't stop at a gas station just to use the restroom without feeling obligated to buy a bag of peanuts and a soda, so I don't like lingering and just staring at the artists and creators like animals on display. And, certainly NOT buying something is some sort of judgment, I think.
Anyhow, I plan to make it a quick trip. If you're in Austin on Sunday and want to tag-up at the Con, let me know. I'll be there for a while sometime after the lunching hour.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Reminder: "War of the Worlds" (1953) showing at Alamo South on Saturday
SimonUK reminded me today - the Alamo Kids Club is showing the 1953 version of War of the Worlds at Alamo South on Lamar on Saturday.
You can see info here.
The showtime is 11:45, but I'll be there a full hour early. Why? The show is free! And that means lots of folks come early to ensure they get a seat.
If you've never seen the 1953 War of the Worlds, its an incredible movie. I like it enough that my b-day present to myself this year was a scale model of one of the Martian ships.
I confess, I find a bit weird to show this to small kids as I remember it spooking me a bit even when I saw it in 6th grade (I was not raised on horror movies and was a sensitive child, I guess). But the effects are fan-freaking-tastic, and the aliens are not kidding around with their plans to heat-beam us all into smithereens.
I hope to see you there!
You can see info here.
The showtime is 11:45, but I'll be there a full hour early. Why? The show is free! And that means lots of folks come early to ensure they get a seat.
If you've never seen the 1953 War of the Worlds, its an incredible movie. I like it enough that my b-day present to myself this year was a scale model of one of the Martian ships.
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| they are here to chew bubble gum and heat blast earthlings. And they're all outta bubblegum. |
I confess, I find a bit weird to show this to small kids as I remember it spooking me a bit even when I saw it in 6th grade (I was not raised on horror movies and was a sensitive child, I guess). But the effects are fan-freaking-tastic, and the aliens are not kidding around with their plans to heat-beam us all into smithereens.
I hope to see you there!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Join Us for the Seminal Films of My Youth: Buckaroo Banzai and Commando!
You are either with us or against us tomorrow evening at the double-bill screening of Them! and Godzilla (I recommend "with". We have mutant ants and a 30 story-high radiation-breathing lizard on our team.).
But if you can't make that:
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eighth Dimension
July 17th at 7pm at The Alamo Ritz
If you've never seen Buckaroo Banzai, I pity you. Peter Weller plays the titular physicist/adventurer/rockstar, and the cast includes a very young (and attractive as always)Ellen Barkin, Jeff Goldblum, John Lithgow, Christopher Lloyd, and even Clancy "Lex Luthor" Brown.
To explain the movie is like trying to explain the 8th Dimension its very self. But, its sort of a 1980's tongue-in-cheek take on old school Sci-Fi ideas like Doc Savage and his team of adventurers. Also: trans-dimensional aliens, rockbands, and jet-propelled mini-vans. Its... an amazing bit of movie-making that utterly flopped at the box office (although I saw it in the theater, natch), and has become a cult favorite of nerds everywhere.
Commando
July 21st at 7pm at The Alamo Ritz
To me, this is the quintessential modern action film. I don't love this movie because it is good, or even for nostalgic reasons. I love this movie because it is absolutely pure and sincere in what it is (sincerely ridiculous), and you can pretty much demonstrably prove that every action movie that came before or after this movie somehow touches this movie as either leading to Commando or as a descendant of Commando (or, the era that produced Commando. And, of course, this is the ultimate movie of that era).
I literally talk about Commando at least once per week. Partially because EVERYBODY HAS SEEN COMMANDO. This is a rule. Everyone has seriously seen this movie. Want to talk about the dull characterization popular in action films? Commando. Want to talk heroes who do more damage than good by anybody's measure? Commando. Want to talk about stripping down to your skivvies for no reason other than that you've hired Mr. Universe for your action picture? COMMANDO.
COMMANDO!
Plus, they're gonna set off fireworks in the theater.
But if you can't make that:
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eighth Dimension
July 17th at 7pm at The Alamo Ritz
If you've never seen Buckaroo Banzai, I pity you. Peter Weller plays the titular physicist/adventurer/rockstar, and the cast includes a very young (and attractive as always)Ellen Barkin, Jeff Goldblum, John Lithgow, Christopher Lloyd, and even Clancy "Lex Luthor" Brown.
To explain the movie is like trying to explain the 8th Dimension its very self. But, its sort of a 1980's tongue-in-cheek take on old school Sci-Fi ideas like Doc Savage and his team of adventurers. Also: trans-dimensional aliens, rockbands, and jet-propelled mini-vans. Its... an amazing bit of movie-making that utterly flopped at the box office (although I saw it in the theater, natch), and has become a cult favorite of nerds everywhere.
Commando
July 21st at 7pm at The Alamo Ritz
To me, this is the quintessential modern action film. I don't love this movie because it is good, or even for nostalgic reasons. I love this movie because it is absolutely pure and sincere in what it is (sincerely ridiculous), and you can pretty much demonstrably prove that every action movie that came before or after this movie somehow touches this movie as either leading to Commando or as a descendant of Commando (or, the era that produced Commando. And, of course, this is the ultimate movie of that era).
I literally talk about Commando at least once per week. Partially because EVERYBODY HAS SEEN COMMANDO. This is a rule. Everyone has seriously seen this movie. Want to talk about the dull characterization popular in action films? Commando. Want to talk heroes who do more damage than good by anybody's measure? Commando. Want to talk about stripping down to your skivvies for no reason other than that you've hired Mr. Universe for your action picture? COMMANDO.
COMMANDO!
Plus, they're gonna set off fireworks in the theater.
A 4th of July fantasy
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| Steanso's 2 Favorite People celebrate FREEDOM |
- Full bar? Check?
- AmyD's Independence Day enthusiasm at 110%? Check.(note celebratory kitten shirt for full evidence)
- Pontificatin' Hat on backwards? Check.
- Wagner in a phenomenal topper of her own? Check.
- Julia and I in matching shirts? Check.
- PaulT and Jamie framing the picture? Check.
That's Independence Day at League HQ.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
5 Planet of the Apes Movies in about 9 hours
Well, goodness.
What can you say about the Planet of the Apes Pentilogy that hasn't already been said?
I love these flicks, enough so that in 2001-ish, Target had the original Planet of the Apes for sale on DVD on a big display with the Statue of Liberty and everything, and I caused a pretty serious ruckus in the video department when I re-enacted this scene from the original POTA.
Like Nova, Jamie remained silent.
SO, this morning I arrived at the Alamo Ritz at 9:35 this morning to see Planet of the Apes unspool in glorious 35mm on the big, big screen. And all of its 4 sequels.
What can you say about the Planet of the Apes Pentilogy that hasn't already been said?
I love these flicks, enough so that in 2001-ish, Target had the original Planet of the Apes for sale on DVD on a big display with the Statue of Liberty and everything, and I caused a pretty serious ruckus in the video department when I re-enacted this scene from the original POTA.
Like Nova, Jamie remained silent.
SO, this morning I arrived at the Alamo Ritz at 9:35 this morning to see Planet of the Apes unspool in glorious 35mm on the big, big screen. And all of its 4 sequels.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
So on Sunday I'm watching, like, 10 hours worth of Apes movies
A while back I mentioned that The Alamo Drafthouse is having an all-day Planet of the Apes Movie Marathon. Man, no, I don't know what is wrong with me, but whatever it is, Simon's got it, too, because we're spending all day at The Alamo Ritz taking in 5 (count 'em! FIVE) Planet of the Planet of the Apes movies.
I've never actually done a movie marathon in this manner. Usually watching two movies is a row is a bit taxing, and I recall being utterly worn out at the end of my "Let's watch the first two Lord of the Rings movies, and then go see Return of the King in the theater!" brainstorm. Of course, all that LOTR's was actually more movie than a POTA marathon as we watched those extended, 4 hour versions on DVD.
That said, I am aware: Its just so much damn Apes.
I like to think, however, that if anyone is man enough to just sit there for 10 hours in the dark eating pizza and slowly getting drunk starting at 10:00 AM and then slowly getting sober so he can get home, I AM THAT MAN.
And I am aware that this is sort of a stupid thing to do. So, I am also trying to think of what I can do to tip the cosmic scales a bit back into balance. More on that after Ape Weekend gives me time to ponder my karmic accounting.
I've never actually done a movie marathon in this manner. Usually watching two movies is a row is a bit taxing, and I recall being utterly worn out at the end of my "Let's watch the first two Lord of the Rings movies, and then go see Return of the King in the theater!" brainstorm. Of course, all that LOTR's was actually more movie than a POTA marathon as we watched those extended, 4 hour versions on DVD.
That said, I am aware: Its just so much damn Apes.
I like to think, however, that if anyone is man enough to just sit there for 10 hours in the dark eating pizza and slowly getting drunk starting at 10:00 AM and then slowly getting sober so he can get home, I AM THAT MAN.
And I am aware that this is sort of a stupid thing to do. So, I am also trying to think of what I can do to tip the cosmic scales a bit back into balance. More on that after Ape Weekend gives me time to ponder my karmic accounting.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
FCBD 2011 at Austin Books
Hey! Today was Free Comic Book Day all 'round the world!
As has become tradition, Jason, Jamie and I headed down to Austin Books and Comics to see what was going down.
The line wrapped around the building from about 8:00 AM until sometime into the very late afternoon.
Jamie is a sport. I don't know that she actually likes FCBD too much, but she goes pretty much every year.
As has become tradition, Jason, Jamie and I headed down to Austin Books and Comics to see what was going down.
The line wrapped around the building from about 8:00 AM until sometime into the very late afternoon.
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| This goes on just all day long on FCBD at Austin Books |
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| Jamie is cos-playing as Super-Jamie's alter-ego, Jamie |
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Two Signal Watch Invitations: Green Lantern-a-thon and POTA-thon
Although not a frame of the new Superman movie has been shot, I have already promised myself that prior to the release of the movie, I will host a SUPER-MARATHON. At this marathon, we will watch the following:
Frankly, and this may surprise some, I own quite a bit of Superman media. I haven't run the numbers, but I figure if I added up all the cartoons, movies, live TV shows, etc... I've got on hand, we could go for about a straight month without pausing (not really, but we could last for a few days). So, you know, I'm trying to be merciful.
Anyway, I plan to watch all the stuff in the list, sleep, and then go see the new Superman.
Its Not Easy Getting Green
But prior to this, we have the Green Lantern movie coming up. And so I am considering a Green Lantern-mini-marathon
So, coming soon (once I clear this with Jamie), I will put out a schedule and the drill will be that you can come by and join me in the marathon if you're here in town, coming and going as you see fit.
APES FEST
I will also be looking into a possible Ape-a-Thon prior to the release of this year's Planet of the Apes sequel. I now have 10 hours of Apes movies on Blu-Ray, and its hard to see me NOT watching all of the Apes movies back-to-back in a 10 hour stretch of pure primate-madness.
But I am also considering a 2-part Apes-a-Thon.
Part 1: All five original Planet of the Apes movies and the cartoon, if I can secure it.
Part 2: APE FESTAPALOOZA: an appreciation of primates in movies
This is actually a preliminary list
If you want to participate in any part of the Marathons, let me know!
- The first installment of the Kirk Alyn-starring Superman serial
- The first episodes of the George Reeves Superman TV show - aka: The Adventures of Superman (also known as Superman and the Mole Men)
- An episode of the 80's Superman cartoon
- An episode of Lois and Clark
- The pilot movie for Superman: The Animated Series
- Superman: The Movie
- Superman II
- Superman III
- Superman IV (yes. Superman IV)
- Superman Returns
Frankly, and this may surprise some, I own quite a bit of Superman media. I haven't run the numbers, but I figure if I added up all the cartoons, movies, live TV shows, etc... I've got on hand, we could go for about a straight month without pausing (not really, but we could last for a few days). So, you know, I'm trying to be merciful.
Anyway, I plan to watch all the stuff in the list, sleep, and then go see the new Superman.
Its Not Easy Getting Green
But prior to this, we have the Green Lantern movie coming up. And so I am considering a Green Lantern-mini-marathon
- the Superman: The Animated Series Green Lantern episode introducing Green Lanterns and Sinestro
- an episode of Superfriends retelling the Green Lantern origin
- key Green Lantern-centric episodes of Justice League and Justice League Unlimited
- Green Lantern: First Flight from Warner Animation
- Green Lantern: Emerald Knights from Warner Animation
- I will also try to secure a copy of the little-seen Justice League live action pilot featuring a dopey Guy Gardner/ Kyle Rayner hybrid
So, coming soon (once I clear this with Jamie), I will put out a schedule and the drill will be that you can come by and join me in the marathon if you're here in town, coming and going as you see fit.
APES FEST
I will also be looking into a possible Ape-a-Thon prior to the release of this year's Planet of the Apes sequel. I now have 10 hours of Apes movies on Blu-Ray, and its hard to see me NOT watching all of the Apes movies back-to-back in a 10 hour stretch of pure primate-madness.
But I am also considering a 2-part Apes-a-Thon.
Part 1: All five original Planet of the Apes movies and the cartoon, if I can secure it.
Part 2: APE FESTAPALOOZA: an appreciation of primates in movies
This is actually a preliminary list
- Any Which Way But Loose
- King Kong (the original and/ or the 1970's version)
- Might Joe Young
- Gorillas in the Mist
- Greystoke: the Legend of Tarzan
If you want to participate in any part of the Marathons, let me know!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Star Wars Day at Austin Books and Comics
Today was a pretty cool day at Austin Books and Comics. Actor Richard LaParmentier was in town and came by Austin Books to do a signing. If you're wondering who Richard LaParmentier is, let me remind you:
He's the only guy you see in the the original trilogy talk smack to Vader, and, of course, things go poorly for him.
Once Mr. LaParmentier was on the bill for Saturday, it kind of became a thing, and Austin Books held a very special Star Wars Day! I couldn't believe the crowds, and I really couldn't believe the numbers of kids. Man, little boys and girls still really like Star Wars. And that's pretty cool.
I'm not the Star Wars fan I was until, well... Episode I was released. But I still like a good Storm Trooper, and I'll always have a warm spot in my heart for the original trilogy (and Princess Leia).
I realize looking at these pictures that I waited too long between haircuts, but this is me getting an autograph from the man himself.
I'm not going to scan it, but the picture I had him sign was his profile with the Death Star. He drew a neat little arrow and wrote "my office", pointing to one of the little blips of light on the Death Star. Very clever guy.
He's not looking at the lens in the picture because Jamie and The Doug both lifted cameras at the same time. So, stereoscopic pics, I guess.
Speaking of Jamie and Doug, they got to meet one of their favorite stars of the movies.
I ran into ObiWan while he was looking at some prestige art books. He was kind enough to have his pic taken, but I got to say... I think I have a foot on the Jedi Master.
What I also learned is that when Vader and the 501st show up, you don't take a page from General Motti's book and confront Vader about his policies and hokey religion.
Luckily, Vader did not choke me out.
Anyway, it was a really fun time! And it was great to see so many folks out enjoying the nice day and the fun ABC put together.
I didn't stick around for the signing by the comic writers for the Star Wars comic (not sure when that happened) and I didn't stick around when BioWare came by to recruit for QA personnel. But I think we had a grand time. Austin Books has been a great shop for years, but now its becoming also a hub of pop culture madness here in town. And its kind of great.
And, we wrapped it up this evening with a screening of Return of the Jedi with RiffTrax.
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| The fellow on the right, General Motti |
Once Mr. LaParmentier was on the bill for Saturday, it kind of became a thing, and Austin Books held a very special Star Wars Day! I couldn't believe the crowds, and I really couldn't believe the numbers of kids. Man, little boys and girls still really like Star Wars. And that's pretty cool.
I'm not the Star Wars fan I was until, well... Episode I was released. But I still like a good Storm Trooper, and I'll always have a warm spot in my heart for the original trilogy (and Princess Leia).
I realize looking at these pictures that I waited too long between haircuts, but this is me getting an autograph from the man himself.
He's not looking at the lens in the picture because Jamie and The Doug both lifted cameras at the same time. So, stereoscopic pics, I guess.
Speaking of Jamie and Doug, they got to meet one of their favorite stars of the movies.
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| Doug and R2 both keep flamethrowers in their torsos |
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| Ben Kenobi was really very cool and I think was having a good time |
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| right before they led me to the Squad-Speeder for booking |
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| late edit: Doug sends along further evidence of Imperial Injustice |
Luckily, Vader did not choke me out.
Anyway, it was a really fun time! And it was great to see so many folks out enjoying the nice day and the fun ABC put together.
I didn't stick around for the signing by the comic writers for the Star Wars comic (not sure when that happened) and I didn't stick around when BioWare came by to recruit for QA personnel. But I think we had a grand time. Austin Books has been a great shop for years, but now its becoming also a hub of pop culture madness here in town. And its kind of great.
And, we wrapped it up this evening with a screening of Return of the Jedi with RiffTrax.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Noir in Austin - "Out of the Past" and "Laura" at the Paramount on Sunday
Out of the Past starts at 2:00 and Laura starts at 4:00. I believe one ticket will get you into both shows.
I'll be there at 1:40 or so. Email me if you're going.
I'll be there at 1:40 or so. Email me if you're going.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Signal Watch Events - January/ February 2011
Signal Watch Events is a standard service to alert Signal Corps members of movies, concerts, sporting events that we are considering attending. You can also check the Signal Watch calendar (see the tab above) or click on this link.
If you plan to attend an event or would like to suggest an event, please contact us and let us know!
Please note: While we have the best of intentions, we don't actually make it to all events. We would like to put our best foot forward, so if you plan to join us, please email us so we can discuss.
Also, we're usually up for dinner or something coordinated with an event, so just ask.
If you plan to attend an event or would like to suggest an event, please contact us and let us know!
Please note: While we have the best of intentions, we don't actually make it to all events. We would like to put our best foot forward, so if you plan to join us, please email us so we can discuss.
Also, we're usually up for dinner or something coordinated with an event, so just ask.
- January 13 at 7:00 - Out of the Past at The Paramount Theater
- January 14 at 7:00ish or something - Girl Talk at the Austin Music Hall
- January 16 at 2:00 - Out of the Past at The Paramount Theater
- January 16 at 4:00 - Laura at The Paramount Theater
- January 16 at 7:00 PM - Alamo Cinema Club: Some Came Running hosted by Richard Linklater at Alamo Downtown (a 3 movie marathon seems like a bit much, so the outlook on this isn't great)
- January 19 at 10:00 PM - Tough Guy Cinema presents: Robocop at Alamo Downtown
- January 22 at 7:00 PM - Abbot and Costello Meet Frankentsein at The Paramount Theater
- January 22 at 9:00 PM - Frankenstein at The Paramount Theater
- January 28 at 11:55 PM - The Room at Alamo Village
- January 30 at 6:00 PM - Texas Rollerderby at the Palmer Events Center
- February 13 at 7:00 PM (alternate times considered) - Zzang!! presents Big Trouble in Little China at Alamo Downtown (you are pissing me off to no end!)
- February 20 at 7:00 PM - Alamo Cinema Club presents Bigger than Life at Alamo Downtown
Monday, December 20, 2010
Stay Up Late or Interrupted Sleep? Lunar Eclipse Tonight!
I think I'm just going to stay up late, but this evening will see a total lunar eclipse around 12:30 AM Central time.
I plan to see this as a sign that the gods are angry with us, and use this as an excuse to smite the non-believers.
For more info on the Eclipse, check out the Star Date website.
I plan to see this as a sign that the gods are angry with us, and use this as an excuse to smite the non-believers.
For more info on the Eclipse, check out the Star Date website.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Noir City Christmas
There are many reasons I wish I lived in San Francisco/ The Bay Area. Its prominence as a world hub of innovation and technology. The amazing mix of cultures. Sea lions. So many sea lions. Architecture and history. Increased opportunity to pop in on Steven and Lauren and eat all their food. Could secretly live in Dug and K's basement for weeks before they'd notice. Local law-enforcement's encouragement of recreation of scenes from "Bullit". All the sourdough and Rice-a-Roni one could eat. Would see it on local news when Mythbusters finally accidentally blow themselves up.
But today: I wish I could be in town for the Noir City Cruel Yule and back again in January for the Noir City Film Festival.
What better way to ring in the holidays than with dangerous dames, pistols and tough talk?* If you're in the Bay Area, I highly recommend checking out the programs Eddie Muller and co. have put together to keep one of the great cinematic traditions alive.
*actually, this may be my Christmas with Jamie, anyway
But today: I wish I could be in town for the Noir City Cruel Yule and back again in January for the Noir City Film Festival.
What better way to ring in the holidays than with dangerous dames, pistols and tough talk?* If you're in the Bay Area, I highly recommend checking out the programs Eddie Muller and co. have put together to keep one of the great cinematic traditions alive.
*actually, this may be my Christmas with Jamie, anyway
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
I actually left my house and saw a show: Dresden Dolls
A few years ago I believe I misspoke, and as we strive for accuracy at the Signal Watch, I want to correct myself. In 2009 I said:
I mostly no longer talk about music on this site as, seriously, its like arguing your favorite color. But I did go see Dresden Dolls here in Austin on Sunday night. For a two-person combo, they more than managed to knock my socks off and fill the stage. They played 3 hours straight (after a really solid set by San Antonio's Girl in a Coma, who I will be making Jason go see) and I guess I knew 70-80% of the material. But if I had any doubts, their finale was a cover of Sabbath's War Pigs, which...
Well, it was weird. I attended the show with a work colleague who mentioned the band Warpaint, and it was loud in there, and I thought she said "War Pigs", and so I had "War Pigs" on the brain, anyway... and so when they actually played "War Pigs"... it kind of melted my brain. Apparently this is an old number from pre-hiatus, but I didn't know that.
And then I just downloaded the new album from Girl Talk (its free, btw), and what's the first track he uses?
Sabbath is haunting me at every move.
Dresden Dolls also covered Neutral Milk Hotel's "Two Headed Boy", "Pirate Jenny" from the actual Threepenny Opera and a few other tunes.
That's not to say they didn't play their own stuff. And, apparently (according to the band themselves online today) Dresden Dolls played their longest set ever in Austin. So, go figure. I guess they just liked the crowd.
Palmer and Viglione are surely putting on a rock show, but, yeah, if you think you can pick up someone's love of showtunes off the recording, on stage, its just cranked up to 11. In a way, even if you don't love their actual music, its a good show, and that's not something too many bands know how to do.
What really surprised me was how they killed on some of their songs I like best, like "Delilah" (for which they brought out Nina, from Girl in a Coma), "The Jeep Song" (for which they brought 20 or so folks from the audience onto the stage), "Ultima Esperanza" and "Mandy Goes to Medschool". I didn't expect them to NOT play them well, but I was just surprised that they seemed like showcase pieces in the set. So... there you go.
Anyway, a fun night. And while I wasn't the oldest one at the show, it was definitely true that the audience was definitely a bit younger. Kids. Ah, well.
Have been listening to "Who Killed Amanda Palmer?" which sort of begs the question of how necessary the other half of "Dresden Dolls" really isI fully retract that statement and think its a good time to point out that the recordings and albums of Dresden Dolls don't do justice to Brian Viglione's actual skill, talent and showmanship. Dude isn't just technically proficient, he's also just as much a part of the show as Palmer, which is saying something.
 |
| this is a rock show as seen by my crummy camera in my phone |
Well, it was weird. I attended the show with a work colleague who mentioned the band Warpaint, and it was loud in there, and I thought she said "War Pigs", and so I had "War Pigs" on the brain, anyway... and so when they actually played "War Pigs"... it kind of melted my brain. Apparently this is an old number from pre-hiatus, but I didn't know that.
And then I just downloaded the new album from Girl Talk (its free, btw), and what's the first track he uses?
Sabbath is haunting me at every move.
 |
| Palmer from someone else's much better camera |
Dresden Dolls also covered Neutral Milk Hotel's "Two Headed Boy", "Pirate Jenny" from the actual Threepenny Opera and a few other tunes.
That's not to say they didn't play their own stuff. And, apparently (according to the band themselves online today) Dresden Dolls played their longest set ever in Austin. So, go figure. I guess they just liked the crowd.
Palmer and Viglione are surely putting on a rock show, but, yeah, if you think you can pick up someone's love of showtunes off the recording, on stage, its just cranked up to 11. In a way, even if you don't love their actual music, its a good show, and that's not something too many bands know how to do.
 |
| Viglione takes aim |
What really surprised me was how they killed on some of their songs I like best, like "Delilah" (for which they brought out Nina, from Girl in a Coma), "The Jeep Song" (for which they brought 20 or so folks from the audience onto the stage), "Ultima Esperanza" and "Mandy Goes to Medschool". I didn't expect them to NOT play them well, but I was just surprised that they seemed like showcase pieces in the set. So... there you go.
Anyway, a fun night. And while I wasn't the oldest one at the show, it was definitely true that the audience was definitely a bit younger. Kids. Ah, well.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Austin Comic Con Wrap-Up (Year 1)
So, this was the first year Wizard World had brought a Con to Austin. There were certainly highs and lows, but its a great start and something this part of the state can use and obviously support.
My day today was very different from Day 1 as I actually spent time with people I knew.
Jamie decided to bail on me to spend an afternoon with PalNicole, so Jason took me up on the ticket.
At the Con I met up with Corpsman MattA. MattA and I go way, way, waaaaaaaay back. He informed me I was responsible for his first purchase of a comic circa 5th grade when we were both reading West Coast Avengers (I know, I know). Anyway, I hadn't seen Matt since 1990 when I moved from Austin to the Houston area. This was all pre-email and whatnot, so, younger readers, it used to be possible to lose track of people.
Anyhow, Matt had brought his daughter, who was terribly sweet, and we all sought out R2-D2 together. (There was a full-sized R2-D2 replica driven by remote control. It had all sorts of moving parts and was may as well have been the one used in the movies. Just great detail.).
I also met up with JackBart and his friend (whose name I can just never remember). I also ran into a high school pal, Phil, who I hadn't seen in... man, I don't know.
The floor was busier today, and it seemed like the dealers had gotten a little more serious with their inventory since Friday as some (not even most) of the booths looked like they had new and more stuff out. I spent far less time today around the autograph tables just gawking, mainly because I'd already fulfilled my primary objective of obtaining Ms. Gray's autograph.
It definitely seemed like there were more people in costume and far more kids, something I hope the vendors alter the show for next year. If kids are going show up, it seems like vendors could better cater to the little miscreants.
I picked up 3 prints from an artist named Terry Huddleston. He has something of a cartoony, almost Jeff Smith-ish style that I really dug. So I now have pics of Superman, Wonder Woman and The Atom that I'm going to have to figure out where to hang.
In addition to the Jimmy Olsen and Superman back issues I found on Friday, today I found a copy of The Great Superman Book. Its not exactly the holy grail of Superman collecting, but I'd never seen a copy of the book before (its basically a big Superman reference book from back in the day).
Artist's Alley was full of people working on independent stuff, name artists (Greg Horn, Mike McKone, etc...), and just a lot of folks who just want to be in the game one way or another. I came very, very close to getting a Dean Trippe sketch, but he looked very swamped. Next time. I want to see what he does for Krypto.
And... local Austin artist Tim Doyle was in attendance with his own work and the guys working with Intergalactic Nemesis, a sort of comics/ live-action/ multi-media project. I really want to get some of Doyle's work, but I can never figure out where it could go...
I was stunned to learn that JackBart knows nothing about Jack Kirby's New Gods series, and so he was a bit baffled when this happened.
It sounds like Wizard World was happy enough that they've already rented the space for the same weekend next year. That's good news. I can only hope this thing continues to grow. Austin can fully support an event like the Comic Con.
If I had one beef, its that the stars of the show, Burt Ward and Adam West, were mostly available yesterday in what was officially dubbed "Batman and Robin Day" by Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell. Its not the fault of anyone but myself for not paying attention to the signing schedule, and, of course, I chose not to attend yesterday.
I'd lie if I said that the Con isn't good people watching. It is, indeed, generally a good time seeing people in a good mood doing their thing, whether its looking for comics, meeting celebrities or dressing up in a convincing Catwoman suit. And, sincerely, whether you're into comics or not, there are worse ways to kill a few hours on a Sunday.
The local CBS affiliate did some stories and interviews on Comic Con.
My day today was very different from Day 1 as I actually spent time with people I knew.
 |
| Okay, technically, I don't "know" Captain Marvel |
At the Con I met up with Corpsman MattA. MattA and I go way, way, waaaaaaaay back. He informed me I was responsible for his first purchase of a comic circa 5th grade when we were both reading West Coast Avengers (I know, I know). Anyway, I hadn't seen Matt since 1990 when I moved from Austin to the Houston area. This was all pre-email and whatnot, so, younger readers, it used to be possible to lose track of people.
 |
| ...Seriously, had not seen the dude in 20 years. Comics, bringing geeks together. |
Anyhow, Matt had brought his daughter, who was terribly sweet, and we all sought out R2-D2 together. (There was a full-sized R2-D2 replica driven by remote control. It had all sorts of moving parts and was may as well have been the one used in the movies. Just great detail.).
 |
| a semi-anonymous child, R2D2, MattA's loud shirt and Jason's leg and sandal |
The floor was busier today, and it seemed like the dealers had gotten a little more serious with their inventory since Friday as some (not even most) of the booths looked like they had new and more stuff out. I spent far less time today around the autograph tables just gawking, mainly because I'd already fulfilled my primary objective of obtaining Ms. Gray's autograph.
It definitely seemed like there were more people in costume and far more kids, something I hope the vendors alter the show for next year. If kids are going show up, it seems like vendors could better cater to the little miscreants.
 |
| And then, suddenly... Phil! |
I picked up 3 prints from an artist named Terry Huddleston. He has something of a cartoony, almost Jeff Smith-ish style that I really dug. So I now have pics of Superman, Wonder Woman and The Atom that I'm going to have to figure out where to hang.
In addition to the Jimmy Olsen and Superman back issues I found on Friday, today I found a copy of The Great Superman Book. Its not exactly the holy grail of Superman collecting, but I'd never seen a copy of the book before (its basically a big Superman reference book from back in the day).
 |
| Cosmic Boy must have used his Legion Time Bubble to bring 80's black-suit Spidey to 2010 |
And... local Austin artist Tim Doyle was in attendance with his own work and the guys working with Intergalactic Nemesis, a sort of comics/ live-action/ multi-media project. I really want to get some of Doyle's work, but I can never figure out where it could go...
I was stunned to learn that JackBart knows nothing about Jack Kirby's New Gods series, and so he was a bit baffled when this happened.
 |
| Despite what Jason and Jack believed, this guy is actually not just a crazy hobo |
If I had one beef, its that the stars of the show, Burt Ward and Adam West, were mostly available yesterday in what was officially dubbed "Batman and Robin Day" by Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell. Its not the fault of anyone but myself for not paying attention to the signing schedule, and, of course, I chose not to attend yesterday.
I'd lie if I said that the Con isn't good people watching. It is, indeed, generally a good time seeing people in a good mood doing their thing, whether its looking for comics, meeting celebrities or dressing up in a convincing Catwoman suit. And, sincerely, whether you're into comics or not, there are worse ways to kill a few hours on a Sunday.
The local CBS affiliate did some stories and interviews on Comic Con.
- KEYE visits Austin Books in anticipation of Austin Comic Con (aka: Brandon patiently deals with insane local reporters)
- KEYE interviews Gil Gerard and Erin Gray
- KEYE's reporter with the eye-lift interviews Adam West (what a swell guy)
Friday, November 12, 2010
Austin Comic Con Day One
So... Today was the start of the Austin Comic Con. We haven't had a real Con here that I can recall in years and years. Back in the day the cons were at the Holiday Inn on the river, and I was twelve and I had no idea what the hell was going on. I do remember that it was at one of those conventions that I learned of Jimmy Olsen's solo series and his past as Turtle Boy. And my little mind was blown.
Its probably not an argument worth having whether this is a "real" Con. Or what a "Con" is supposed to be. As this one is run by Wizard World, it takes on a certain format of heavy emphasis on celebrity autographs, no presence from major publishers, and no panels to speak of. Its mostly a convention floor with lots of booths and lots of nerds running around.
The most important detail I want to share about my attendance at the Con today (I went for about 2.5 - 3 hours) is that I shook the hand of Erin Gray and got her autograph.
This likely means not a whole lot to you, but I just totally high-fived six-year old me.
In the 1970's, Ms. Gray played Col. Wilma Deering on TV's Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. Like Ms. Lynda Carter, and Ms. Carrie Fischer, Ms. Gray was instrumental in my understanding of the awesomeness of ladies.
Anyway, Ms. Gray's booth was trafficked pretty well, but I eventually got over there and got a copy of the above photograph signed. She was terribly nice and, honestly, Ms. Gray is still a looker. Mostly I just stammered and smiled politely, because I do not do well in situations where I meet Erin Gray.
I also have to admit to feeling bad that I didn't pay out the sheckles to get Gil "But I was actually the star of Buck Rogers" Gerard's autograph . Sorry, Gil.
I didn't see Adam West or Burt Ward today. Perhaps on Sunday when Jamie and JackBart and I join forces and head to the Con.
I did see: Lou Ferrigno, Lindsay Wagner, Ernie Hudson, Lee Majors, Nicholas Brendon (we almost collided on the floor, actually), Peter Mayhew and Joan Severance.
Some notes if this if your first Con since the invention of debit cards and since you legally obtained a credit card:
1) Bring cash. I can only imagine how fast and loose these retailers are playing with their IRS claims of earned income, but most of them don't take credit cards. I found this a little frustrating at first (until I found an ATM), as I don't carry more than $20 or so at a time. But I also don't usually want to carry around the hundreds in cash that would be necessary for higher priced items. That I can't afford, anyway, so I guess that's moot.
2) Bring a camera. I kind of wish I hadn't just counted on my crummy camera on my Blackberry for Day 1.
3) Bring a friend. There are two reasons for this. A) You're going to want someone to hold the camera so you can get your picture taken with that nigh-nude girl dressed as Poison Ivy, and B) You're going to want someone along so you can discuss all you see. Its one thing to say "oh, look, Lou Ferrigno!" to one's self. It's something else to turn to your friend and say "Holy smokes, its Lou Ferrigno!".
There may also be an added bonus of having someone with you who helps you remember "You do not need that $200 item".
A shout out to the good folks at Austin Books and Comics. They had the showcase booth of the event, complete with their new mascot, Sidekick Girl. I was impressed. And I bet they took credit cards.
The comic booths ran the gambit. ABC was on the high end, and from there you could go all the way down to what appeared to be a collection of super-hero-ish stuff someone must have kept in their basement and tried to sell every two or three years.
There's no question there were some impressive comics on display (I briefly held a copy of Action Comics #252 in my hands, a comic I have always dreamed of owning, but was... sigh... going to be $200). And I got some decent deals, one of which I think I swung because the guy at the booth completely failed at basic math.
Because I have tickets to the Oklahoma State/ UT matchup this weekend, I am not going to attend Saturday's Con.
But we'll be back on Sunday for a little while, and I'll do a more complete report at that time.
Its probably not an argument worth having whether this is a "real" Con. Or what a "Con" is supposed to be. As this one is run by Wizard World, it takes on a certain format of heavy emphasis on celebrity autographs, no presence from major publishers, and no panels to speak of. Its mostly a convention floor with lots of booths and lots of nerds running around.
The most important detail I want to share about my attendance at the Con today (I went for about 2.5 - 3 hours) is that I shook the hand of Erin Gray and got her autograph.
This likely means not a whole lot to you, but I just totally high-fived six-year old me.
In the 1970's, Ms. Gray played Col. Wilma Deering on TV's Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. Like Ms. Lynda Carter, and Ms. Carrie Fischer, Ms. Gray was instrumental in my understanding of the awesomeness of ladies.
 |
| Ladies, the way to a man's heart is with a lycra spacesuit and a laser pistol |
I also have to admit to feeling bad that I didn't pay out the sheckles to get Gil "But I was actually the star of Buck Rogers" Gerard's autograph . Sorry, Gil.
I didn't see Adam West or Burt Ward today. Perhaps on Sunday when Jamie and JackBart and I join forces and head to the Con.
I did see: Lou Ferrigno, Lindsay Wagner, Ernie Hudson, Lee Majors, Nicholas Brendon (we almost collided on the floor, actually), Peter Mayhew and Joan Severance.
Some notes if this if your first Con since the invention of debit cards and since you legally obtained a credit card:
1) Bring cash. I can only imagine how fast and loose these retailers are playing with their IRS claims of earned income, but most of them don't take credit cards. I found this a little frustrating at first (until I found an ATM), as I don't carry more than $20 or so at a time. But I also don't usually want to carry around the hundreds in cash that would be necessary for higher priced items. That I can't afford, anyway, so I guess that's moot.
2) Bring a camera. I kind of wish I hadn't just counted on my crummy camera on my Blackberry for Day 1.
3) Bring a friend. There are two reasons for this. A) You're going to want someone to hold the camera so you can get your picture taken with that nigh-nude girl dressed as Poison Ivy, and B) You're going to want someone along so you can discuss all you see. Its one thing to say "oh, look, Lou Ferrigno!" to one's self. It's something else to turn to your friend and say "Holy smokes, its Lou Ferrigno!".
There may also be an added bonus of having someone with you who helps you remember "You do not need that $200 item".
A shout out to the good folks at Austin Books and Comics. They had the showcase booth of the event, complete with their new mascot, Sidekick Girl. I was impressed. And I bet they took credit cards.
The comic booths ran the gambit. ABC was on the high end, and from there you could go all the way down to what appeared to be a collection of super-hero-ish stuff someone must have kept in their basement and tried to sell every two or three years.
There's no question there were some impressive comics on display (I briefly held a copy of Action Comics #252 in my hands, a comic I have always dreamed of owning, but was... sigh... going to be $200). And I got some decent deals, one of which I think I swung because the guy at the booth completely failed at basic math.
Because I have tickets to the Oklahoma State/ UT matchup this weekend, I am not going to attend Saturday's Con.
But we'll be back on Sunday for a little while, and I'll do a more complete report at that time.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
So what the @#$% was Wootstock?
A while back CanadianSimon suggested I check out Wootstock when it came to Austin on November 2. There really wasn't much information about Wootstock online, but I considered it. After all, the hosts were to be TV's Wil "Wesley Crusher" Wheaton, Adam "Mythbusters" Savage and then some comedy/ musical guys I'd never heard of, Paul and Storm.
The tickets were actually fairly reasonable, but went on sale when I was in a bit of a crunch, so I didn't think we'd wind up going. Leave it to the great and giving The Dug to swoop in. "Merry Christmas", he said, and suddenly Jamie and I had two tickets to Wootstock (good seats, too!)
And while I heard that Wil Wheaton couldn't attend (for vague and mysterious reasons), he was replaced by Neil Gaiman, who most people remember from his role as "Neil" on the mid-1980's sit-com Monkey Shines, but who has subsequently dabbled in comics writing with Sandman and a bit of fiction, such as Anansi Boys (I loved that book, by the way).
Having actually now sat through Wootstock Austin 2010, I'm not sure I'm any better prepared to say what the show actually is other than what it contains. Its sort of an entertainment show for hardcore geeks, and the whole feel of the evening rang vaguely of a distilled day of web surfing. I don't mean that in a negative way, but when your show includes two sets by artists of novelty/ comedy songs, readings by Neil Gaiman, readings from a Windows support guy, dozens of Youtube clips, a conversation with the writer and artists of the newspaper strip Foxtrot, Mary Jo Pehl making an extended Crisis on Infinite Earths joke, Adam Savage telling random stories about life and working with Jamie Hyneman... It was the kind of stuff that folks spending their life in front of a monitor can develop a taste for.
Obviously I was part of the target audience as my face hurt from laughing and the unfortunate cold I've been carting around for a few days.
I figured this kind of show would bring out a certain audience, and the geeks do not disappoint. Geeks all over the chart and touching on multiple points of the geek Venn Diagram made an appearance.
Nerds have come up in the world and the era of the internet has given new confidence to nerds as they realize they're a community, not lone spazs getting wedgied by jocks in the hallway at school. In fact, I don't even know that younger geeks really understand that there was a time and place where you were unlikely to know many people who shared your love of comics, Dr. Who, Star Wars trivia, technology, etc... and there certainly weren't too many women who fell into that camp. All of that has, of course, changed. Viva la internet.
I have plenty of geek credentials befitting my generation. I'm a consumer of classic monster movies. I've watched my fair share of Star Wars and Trek. I can talk comics pretty much all day. I'm less credentialed in certain web celebrities, not at all in video games, BSG, and I'm "meh" on Whedon.
That said, I was wearing a Mister Miracle T-shirt, which none of the geeks I was talking to quite understood.*
Wootstock seems to rotate around, and I'll definitely attend again if they're in town or I'm in town where they're at. Honestly, it was a genuinely fun time, and a little weird to see all these folks in one spot (I forgot to mention the drummer of PUSA was their drummer). I recommend.
Anyway, it was a really fun time, and I think some of you guys are prime candidates for the audience at this thing.
Unfortunately, I was feeling pretty awful through the whole show, so I can't say I recommend showing up with a head cold.
*and I pity you if you do not know and love the wonder that is Mr. Miracle.
The tickets were actually fairly reasonable, but went on sale when I was in a bit of a crunch, so I didn't think we'd wind up going. Leave it to the great and giving The Dug to swoop in. "Merry Christmas", he said, and suddenly Jamie and I had two tickets to Wootstock (good seats, too!)
And while I heard that Wil Wheaton couldn't attend (for vague and mysterious reasons), he was replaced by Neil Gaiman, who most people remember from his role as "Neil" on the mid-1980's sit-com Monkey Shines, but who has subsequently dabbled in comics writing with Sandman and a bit of fiction, such as Anansi Boys (I loved that book, by the way).
Having actually now sat through Wootstock Austin 2010, I'm not sure I'm any better prepared to say what the show actually is other than what it contains. Its sort of an entertainment show for hardcore geeks, and the whole feel of the evening rang vaguely of a distilled day of web surfing. I don't mean that in a negative way, but when your show includes two sets by artists of novelty/ comedy songs, readings by Neil Gaiman, readings from a Windows support guy, dozens of Youtube clips, a conversation with the writer and artists of the newspaper strip Foxtrot, Mary Jo Pehl making an extended Crisis on Infinite Earths joke, Adam Savage telling random stories about life and working with Jamie Hyneman... It was the kind of stuff that folks spending their life in front of a monitor can develop a taste for.
Obviously I was part of the target audience as my face hurt from laughing and the unfortunate cold I've been carting around for a few days.
I figured this kind of show would bring out a certain audience, and the geeks do not disappoint. Geeks all over the chart and touching on multiple points of the geek Venn Diagram made an appearance.
Nerds have come up in the world and the era of the internet has given new confidence to nerds as they realize they're a community, not lone spazs getting wedgied by jocks in the hallway at school. In fact, I don't even know that younger geeks really understand that there was a time and place where you were unlikely to know many people who shared your love of comics, Dr. Who, Star Wars trivia, technology, etc... and there certainly weren't too many women who fell into that camp. All of that has, of course, changed. Viva la internet.
I have plenty of geek credentials befitting my generation. I'm a consumer of classic monster movies. I've watched my fair share of Star Wars and Trek. I can talk comics pretty much all day. I'm less credentialed in certain web celebrities, not at all in video games, BSG, and I'm "meh" on Whedon.
That said, I was wearing a Mister Miracle T-shirt, which none of the geeks I was talking to quite understood.*
Wootstock seems to rotate around, and I'll definitely attend again if they're in town or I'm in town where they're at. Honestly, it was a genuinely fun time, and a little weird to see all these folks in one spot (I forgot to mention the drummer of PUSA was their drummer). I recommend.
Anyway, it was a really fun time, and I think some of you guys are prime candidates for the audience at this thing.
Unfortunately, I was feeling pretty awful through the whole show, so I can't say I recommend showing up with a head cold.
*and I pity you if you do not know and love the wonder that is Mr. Miracle.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Austin Comic Con November 12-14
Nerds in Texas may want to know that the Austin Comic-Con begins November 12th. I've got my pass and will be going for a bit on all three days, I think.
I'd previously mentioned that Paul Levitz would attend the Con, and that no longer seems to be true. There's some talent showing up, certainly, but this blogger is a little sad to see Levitz struck from the list of attendees.
However, they've announced some additional guests.
Adam West AND Burt Ward!!!! That's worth the price of admission right there!
Bill Sienkiewicz! - if you guys knew me at all back in the day, you'd know what a fan I am of this guy's work.
Lee Majors and Lindsay Wagner!
And the dude playing John Stewart in the upcoming GL movie: Nick Jones! That's cool.
Peter Mayhew!
Doug Jones! - he was Abe Sapien and the SIlver Surfer
Walter Koening!
The Soup Nazi!
Lee Leffingwell - Mayor of Austin? (no, I have no idea why)
Oddly, I have not been asked to do a signing or host a panel, which I find shocking. With readership as high as up to 18 readers, you'd think The Signal Watch panel would be a draw of up to 2 people, and that's gonna move some tickets.
Oh, well. maybe in 2011.
This thing is going to be absoludicrous.
I'd previously mentioned that Paul Levitz would attend the Con, and that no longer seems to be true. There's some talent showing up, certainly, but this blogger is a little sad to see Levitz struck from the list of attendees.
However, they've announced some additional guests.
Adam West AND Burt Ward!!!! That's worth the price of admission right there!
Bill Sienkiewicz! - if you guys knew me at all back in the day, you'd know what a fan I am of this guy's work.
Lee Majors and Lindsay Wagner!
And the dude playing John Stewart in the upcoming GL movie: Nick Jones! That's cool.
Peter Mayhew!
Doug Jones! - he was Abe Sapien and the SIlver Surfer
Walter Koening!
The Soup Nazi!
Lee Leffingwell - Mayor of Austin? (no, I have no idea why)
Oddly, I have not been asked to do a signing or host a panel, which I find shocking. With readership as high as up to 18 readers, you'd think The Signal Watch panel would be a draw of up to 2 people, and that's gonna move some tickets.
Oh, well. maybe in 2011.
This thing is going to be absoludicrous.
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