Comicon 2008, Pot-Bellied Superheroes, Steam Punks, And The Director Of ‘24′
July 27th, 2008by N.L. Belardes
BAKERSFIELD, CA-
There’s that one line from the new Dark Knight Batman movie that I keep stumbling on. It sticks in all the commercials. I hear it from my family. I read it in grafitti. It squeaks from comic book action figures: “Why so serious?” Maybe it’s because Comicon 2008 in San Diego is a place of spandex god worshippers who want their asses signed with celebrity lightning bolts. I mean, that’s gotta seriously hurt.
Take a gander through your imagination. Then step back because you’re standing in the way of legions of obsessed fans. The masses of comic book people at the San Diego Comicon 2008 event are serious… They’re serious about collecting photos of freaks, dressing up, buying merchandise, getting free swag, having celebrity sightings and finding new and old comic book heroes. They come in all shapes, sizes and ages and they’re not all dressed normal. I saw steam punks posing like 19th Century industrial garb-wearing rock stars, Jokers with over-painted crazy grandma smiles, fat hairy Chewbaccas, a couple on their honeymoon dressed as a rebel fighter and Death Star employee, pot-bellied Ghost Busters, pirate pranksters, Batmen pieced from black-stained straight jackets…
Arriving at Comicon, local fan Lou Landeverde showed me the way...
These were some of the more plain 'steam punks'. I prefered the half-nude chick versions.
And let’s not forget the hermit crab-like freaky single men feeling empowered. My writer intuition told me many of them slipped from their mother’s house for that once-a-year be somebody moment of enlightenment. Is Comicon a haven for pedaphiles? I don’t know. Could be. But then again, one look at maps on the Megan’s Law website and you realize those bastards are on every street corner in America.
And then there’s people like me.
Sure, I’m just as weird as the next person. I just don’t have a costume and I somehow maintain having a girlfriend. And for me, a big kid who still spills orange juice on the living room carpet once in a while, forget the people, Comicon is sensory overload and filled with toys! The giant LEGO Indiana Jones? I wanted it. The giant fat slimy Jabba The Hut? I wanted it. The Force Unleashed video game. Can I have one? The hot ’steam punk’ chick nobodies who wanted to be somebody? OK, they’re exceptions to my toy rule (sorta). I imagined them defending me in some kind of dark alley media war against television anchormen.
I didn’t intend on being so serious myself. It just happened that way. I came down to help Brenda Knight of Insight Editions get a little promo for their Hollywood-related book line. I was amazed at some of their books on funky-killer movie and pop culture art: The art of the Force Unleashed video game, Iain McCaig’s forthcoming art book (He developed Darth Maul art ideas and tons more, including ideas for the upcoming John Carter of Mars film), Will Eisner’s pop-up graphic novel for The Spirit, The sell-out sensational Art of Kung-Fu Panda (Yes, a sell out!), a future book with Guillermo Del Toro, “Frames” (a giant limited edition Star Wars book sold at, gulp, $5,000 a copy. Buy two and you have enough walls for a new home). And then there was the book I took a peek at: “24: Behind The Scenes.”
Jon Cassar With '24' Fan
I started watching ‘24′ last season. I also started watching ‘Lost.’ I’m way behind. I didn’t watch television for years and now I’m into some of the good writing I’m finding on TV. I spoke with Jon Cassar, director and executive producer of ‘24,’ who along with a few other ‘24′ crew members, collected years worth of candid photos and put them into book form.
You should have seen Cassar looking at the Star Wars book, “Frames.” He was as googley-eyed as the next guy (me) and wanted one. He said he would make Lucas a clean trade…
Video: Interview with ‘24′ Director/Executive Producer Jon Cassar
I thought one of the most interesting writer-related footnotes Cassar made during his book signing was how not to let the writers of shows like ‘Lost’ and ‘Heroes’ fool you. Like ‘24,’ he said the writers barely stay ahead of the game and never know what’s going to happen to the storyline at the end of the season even when halfway through shooting and writing.
So if anyone thinks we writers have anything all figured out. Well we don’t. Doesn’t mean writers aren’t thorough creatures or great at their craft. But even Kiefer Sutherland said on the Comicon ‘24′ panel that the show’s writers have a daunting task to write the equivalent of 12 feature films per year. And they try to keep fans happy by integrating their ideas at the same time. So how could they write an entire season ahead? Ouch.
Brenda Knight of Insight Editions post Comicon
Even though the locals must go crazy from all the insanity, Comicon is one of those rare places where people who aren’t normally celebrities can be a star. Whether you knew people in a booth, were posing like a superfreak, or chasing celebrities, I think the potential was pretty high for people to feel special. Barbara Vey of Publisher’s Weekly’s “Beyond Her Book” blog wandered into the Insight Edition booth like a blog star herself (Read more of her blog to catch up on the event) . She had been doing interviews and it was nice to see that she was a real promoter of books…
Barbara Vey Of Publisher's Weekly Was Looking Starry-Eyed
Later I ended up at an Irish bar talking to Brenda Knight. Our waitress, an Irish woman with a thick accent told us she had come to America just to babysit the owners children. What? She hadn’t moved to San Diego because of superheroes? I wasn’t too sad about that. Superheroes can’t be everybody all the time…
Comicon Freak Question: Would The Ladies Do A LEGO Jones?
Tags: 24, 24 Exile, Clone Wars, Comicon 2008, George Lucas Book, Indiana Jones, Insight Editions, Jon Cassar, Kiefer, Palace Press, Star Wars
I love this article! It just makes me wish even more that I would’ve gone. I would fit in perfectly with the freaks, comic geeks & celeb admirers. And yes, I would do the LEGO Indy Jones. Lol. I want to go to next year’s Comicon & go into sensory overload!
Sounds like a lot to take in and digest and like an amazing time.
Do LEGO Indiana Jones? Nah–he’d fall to pieces.
“Comicon is one of those rare places where people who aren’t normally celebrities can be a star.” - That’s it! That’s the big attraction. I understand now. Thanks for this article. Even though I’m not a comic book person, I have wanted to go to Comicon for the last 2 years - to see the bloggers for real. I really felt like a dork writing that.
Man I’m sorry I missed you there! I was only in on Saturday. I adore ComicCon, and it’s about geeks, but it’s also about professional geeks…
Great article, were there any X-Files people there!?!?
the “pot-bellied ghost buster” made my gut bust!
that was funny!
I’m not big on super heroes but Comicon sounds entertaining for sure!
Maybe one of these days my hubs will drag me to one.
Just now, on the street corner, I saw a very convincing Captain Jack Sparrow.
Are you still in town?
chingpea: nasty!
A fan: Poor indy. Think of the clean up.
Carol: I’ve been wanting to go for a long time. I want to go next year too.
Tabitha: It’s totlally geeky and I felt right at home. I think for me it is because of the unsurmountable creative energy. The best artists on the planet create artwork that makes geeks really happy.
Friend: I saw one wolverine. But the guy who I walked with from the parking garage to the event said it was his 6th time and he came because of his love of the X-men.
Missy: Superhero wanna-be people-watching is to die for…
Kaytie: Darn, we should have met up for a brewski. I’m back in Bakersfield…
I sure miss going to ComiCon! Maybe next year…
I don’t know if I would DO the LEGO Indy, but I would definitely have him spy on me in the shower!
I’ve been to two SDCC, and lord help me I hope never again. No, they weren’t bad, just exhausting. And I like chicks in barely anything, but for every one of those you get 20 fat slob males in Wolverine or Batman.
I liked the article Dad; wish I would have gone. It would be a real privilege to meet such famous people.
Ah, it just makes me miss San Diego.
i’ve definitely been curious about the expectations of people going into these things. I like to think it’s just people want to have fun and connect with the story and ask a few questions, get a few - hopefully quality, not shitty - photos and out. Mostly what I hear from these events isn’t that and I just wonder if the undertow of “regular” gets ignored.
ComiCon sounds like a blast! I would love to go and stalk actors! I saw on E network that Keanu Reeves and Hugh Jackman were there too. Serious star stalking opportunities.
Great article, wish I could have been there.
PS, Hi Howard. Are you at Comicon?
PPS What does “24″ have to so with Comicon?
What a lot of fun! Thanks for the terrific write-up!
Templestark: ‘24′ represents sort of a superhero character in Jack Bauer. I mean, the guy never uses the bathroom and never eats and he still saves the day in TV real-time. Seriously, the Hollywood TV and film machine is a huge part of Comicon. There’s big money in product marketing and in what’s very popular to Comicon: celebrity worship, hero worship, spandex god worship. It’s what society does–finds these heroes to worship like gods of old. There were many television entities there. Fox had a giant booth as did ABC, the BBC and more… Even Robert Culp was there promoting the very aged, Great American Hero….
Sorry I wasn’t there. Sounds like a great time!
Oh, the envy I have for you N.L. Going to Comic-Con is on my bucket list. One of these years…one of these years!!!! And Five Grand for a Star Wars book, if it was worth it and I had the money, I would be buying it.
You lucky dog you!!!
Popeye’s World
WTF? No one over the age of twelve - or in the case of males, fourteen, should be reading comics. Why are all these losers going to Comicon? Get a life!
As far as “24″ is concerned, it is more fantastical than - let’s see - “Nancy”. Please, everyone. Get a life and tune into reality.
@ N.L. Glad you thought that was funny.
And Greatest American Hero? I still known the theme song lyrics by heart.
@Keiko I’m pretty sure it takes more energy to write an obnoxious comment than to just roll your eyes and move on. Guess you had nothing better to do?
I wish I could have gone…
I’ve always wanted to go to Comicon even though I am not a big comic fan. It just seems like all the crazy going on’s would be a fun site to see.
Me likes me some steam punks.
Y’all are batshit crazy. Who cares about superheros? Give me a wicked love story. Thren I’m a whole man.
I’m really interested in the Steampunk genre; was it just people dressed up?
Sounds like a great experience and it was covered by all media outlets this year too– strange, no?
ComicCon looks like such fun! One of these days, I seriously need to go check one of these out. Perhaps by then, I will have made a decision about what character I should dress up as.
Nice one, N.L.
Also, did you end up going home with that hunk, Lego Jones?
Christmas: There were steam punk comics, cartoons and many toys… I remember seeing a toy manufacturer with the coolest sculptures including a life-size blunderbus sort of rifle that a rep was showing off. Only it was cartoon-looking like it just popped from the pages of some steam punk fantasy comic book or cartoon. I’m guessing you would have been in heaven with all the costumes, strange breathing apparatus and sight apparatus people wore. Is the steam punk world filled with toxins people can’t breathe or see through? Was funky for sure… Did I mention the ladies were hot!
Rich: You know I couldn’t just show up at home with a giant LEGO Jones. I’d get sloppy seconds after everyone else got snap-happy on the poor fella.
It would have been awesome to have been there amongst all the pageantry.
Director up close and personal….. priceless! Fabulous article.
Not sure about doing the Lego Indy. Although the whip he’s carrying could entice me.
Bakomom: Jon Cassar was very gracious, kind and he loved the name ‘The Nervous Breakdown.’ So hats off to Brad Listi for having a great site name… Oh, and the whip looked real, not LEGO at all, which means it could hold up to a good whiptastic time… I mean, who would want to get smacked with LEGOS??
Who would like to get smacked with LEGO’s. I might know about couple girls who would be into that, and I got numbers. Shoot me a mail.
And great post.
I’ll shoot you two mails!
I’ll be there next year with bells on my feeties! I was on vacation that weekend, but not close enough to be in SD.
Oh, how I would have to loved to walk, drink some brewhaha and marvel in total nerddom! HEAVEN!
Comic book boys can be hot.
Or maybe, “hot guys who also like comics are extra-hot!”
And … I’m so jealous of you for being at Comiccon.
Did you get to see internet sensation Unemployed Skeletor?
God I love ‘cons.
You’re a bigger man than I Nick…I’ve wanted to go to Comicon for years…but I doubt I’d tell anyone about it, should I actually make it (I try to keep my nerd-dom in the closet). Hopefully you got ABC to pay for the trip, too?
On a side note…
Did you just refer to “24″ as having good writing? You know Karl Rove writes that show when he’s high on percocet and kiddie porn, right? They should just re-title that show “Love My Bush”….
Matt: As the king of Bakotopia, you should be there!
Autumn: Damn, I missed the Unemployed Skeletor. Forget ‘24′ and Star Wars books, I suddenly feel like I missed out on the big whopper story.
John B: TV ain’t literature. But compared to daytime soap operas and all the terrible writing going on with so-called reality TV and idol-istic contestant shows, I’d say ‘24′ is one hell of a Shakesperean play. Kudos to the writers of ‘24′…
I gave up superhero worship at the age of 7-3/4, when I went to the local supermarket to meet Batman. My hero! (Adam West, not the new plastic versions). But it was not to be. In place of the Caped Crusader was a man, fatter than my Dad, almost as drunk, and with more whiskers.
But nevermind…wow - I’ve heard rumours of such gatherings for years, but never thought in a million years that someone I knew - had actually talked to - would be able to attend this gathering of celebs, wanna-be’s and geeks. It sounds as if the event had an effect on you that could only be described as a mix of peyote and Christmas. Most sane people would have turned away - but not you. Instead, you walked into the belly of the beast and got sucked into the fanfare that only a plastic-block Harrison Ford can arouse.
Now I can understand your fascination with 24. Watching the Lost Boy grow up and use his evil powers for the sake of the corporate overlords has to make for good TV, But ‘Lost’? Isn’t it just Gilligan’s Island without the slapstick?
But I digress, I should have been there - under the same meds you were - and submitted to our pop culture heroes. After all, it was for a good cause, and I would have to keep asking myself, “Why so serious”.
I absolutely love your style of article writing. It was very entertaining and informative. I’m sorry I missed the convention… now more than ever. I will have to make it a point to be there next year. Ya gotta love those “pot-bellied-superheroes”
Keep me informed on the new Star Wars book. For $5,000.00 a book, I am dying to see what it entails! I also really like the steampunk subculture. Somehow I can relate to the edgy style and Victorian romance of a time that should have been. Keep up the great articles!
Wonderful article. Do they hold these things once a year? Maybe I’ll find my next boyfriend at one of them… *winking* LOL!
Oh man….I don’t know which I like better…the articles or the comments…
How come I never run into any of YOU at the MarketPlace?
Then again…maybe I do….but I’m thrown off by the ‘No Fear’ baseball caps, or the raised Chevy trucks???
OMG Nicky Lets all go to Aftica ! This is a great article I wish I was able to go . I love it and thanks for writing it for me to share with you . I loved the video tooooooo… you have such a sexy voice ahahahah I know I’ve gone off topic here Goooooooooo Nickadoodle !
Art: See–that’s it! “Why so serious?” It’s everywhere. It’s haunting me, man… Sorry about the fat scruffy grocery store Batman. That’s devastating and would taint me for life too.
A.K.: You are more gracious than I deserve. Will you buy me a Star Wars book?? LOL.
Chelle: I’m thinking half the attendees would be available. And that’s a low estimate.
John B: Doesn’t matter which you love more, they’re both better than raised Chevy trucks.
Maura: I’ve been working on my sexy radio voice for a few years. The best thing I ever had for it was when I got a hockey stick to the throat in a game 7 or 8 years ago. Voice has been sexy ever since!
I agree with Maura, N.L. your voice is super hot. Thank God for that stick to the throat.
Nick I have to say I’ve heard your voice, but ’sexy’ wasn’t one the adjectives that would’ve come to mind. I mean sure, you have beautiful eyes…. you’re articulate, darkly poetic and introspective - a practical dreamboat.
But you’re no Morgan Freeman or anything….
Not that I think Morgan Freeman has a nice ass or anything.
Cause that would totally be gay…
I would definitely buy one of the Star Wars books, if I were able to get one before it sells out. I’m a collector and would love to have proof that a $5,000.00 postmodern millennium book can really exist! LOL
these comments are great! there’s just as much entertainment here as there was in the article.
i’m coming out to share my nerd-dom! i want to go the next Comicon! see you there!
Anonymous: I’ll make sure to have someone karate chop me in the throat so I can sound like Kiefer yelling “Dammit!” on ‘24′.
John B: Sounds like you’ve already pegged yourself as a Morgan Freeman stalker. Thank God I didn’t tell you I saw him signing comics in the ’speedo only’ booth.
A.K.: One of my upcoming articles will be about “Frames.” I was sitting in an Irish bar talking with the guy who helped Lucas with the book. I was jealous of him as he’s the second person I’ve known who has worked with Lucas on a project. In a funny sidenote, I was going to go as Iain McCaig to the Lucas Darkhorse party but didn’t make it. I think it’s funny I was going to pose as someone who has worked with Lucas. I just need to take the extra step and work for him! Who knows, maybe the animated movie I’m writing right now… it’s good to dream…
chingpea: Next year we need a geek squad at Comicon for sure…
I can’t believe that everyone has missed the point of the Lego Indiana Jones… with Legos you could make him as “BIG” a superhero as every woman wants!!! Give me a Lego anotomically enhanced Indiana Jones and I’d take him home with me without thinking twice about it!
Matildakay: You need to watch more ‘24′. And buy the book. Kiefer has a guitar!!
Oh N.L. tempting me with guitars! You know how much I love rock stars.
Hello… Kiefer!
The only thing funnier than Comicon fans are SCA’ers who dress up like knights and whack on each other with swords and maces and give themselves Arthurian titles… is real life so boring they gotta escape to fantasy?
As for Lego Jones, I keep thinkin about all those lil sharp corners… a french tickler it ain’t
I’ll let you do comicon duty and live vicariously thru your adventures and save my traveling for Hawaii and Niagra Falls.
Thanks for another informative article Nick
This makes me all atwitter! I wish I could go back in time and relive ComicCon. Jon Cassar, exec director and producer of 24 is also the nicest man in the world!
You are a funny man nicky b.!!! Your thoughts about the fans are comical. Who knew such an introverted child could grow up to be so great. Keep it coming……. As for the fans, if it floats your boat, go for it!
Brenda: Jon Cassar was super nice. And the book is clean with bitchin’ photos… can’t wait to do my Star Wars article. Tell George Lucas I need an interview!
Shasta Lake Anna: Auntie, who says I ever stopped being an introvert? Ay… I’m so happy my auntie left a comment!!
Hayjulz: Can I go to Hawaii too? And Niagara? As Cameron on Ferris Bueller once said…I’ll go, I’ll go, I’ll go…
I have to say the comments are as entertaining as your article!
I’m afraid I’m not as geeky as everyone else here because I have no idea what a steam punk is.
And hmm, never thought about Lego Jones the way Matildakay so poignantly “positioned” him. I would most definitely like to build an extra large Lego Jones for sure. And if anything odd “happens,” I can guarantee the ER doctors will only then be able to say they have seen it all.
Gettin married in Hawaii on Friday 3-13-09. Tell the station you need to cover it…lol… (People who aren’t superstitious er sumthin) or you think you can squeeze into a suitcase?… Airfare is outrageous, but second suitcase is only what $50?…
Niagra falls, Sept 16th, meet us in Providence RI and we’ll be driving from there… the Boyfriend wants to stop off at some restaurant in Buffalo that originated the buffalo wing (exciting huh?) Do we know how to party?
Ferris Bueller is one of my all time fav movies… I’ll bring it along to watch on the laptop..
Later
Hayjulz…aka Mischief from Myspace
Yes, it does hurt, that’s what separates the real groupies from the wanna-bes, and I’ve got the scars to prove it.
I can’t believe I’m late for this blog party!
Looks like you’ve broken the record, eh, n.l.?
Fun from top to bottom…. I don’t know about Lego Jones but I’d do this blog again
:::wink:::
Anon: As a result of this blog, women all over America are going to start constructing their own LEGO Joneses. ERs will be chaotic dens of LEGO mania…
HayJulz: I can fit in a suitcase. I’ve been watching lots of Yoga on YouTube.
Josie: It’s all in the foreplay of Kiefer Sutherland, ‘24′ and LEGO Jones references… I think 4 times a day should be minimum. And don’t forget to buy “24: Behind the Scenes” for the pictures! double wink!
Spandex god worshippers, freaks, legos and ending it all at an Irish pub? Hell yeah! Good times at Comicon! P.S. Always love your photos, too.
Couldn’t handle all the spandex and unwanted packages dangling around me….BUT for a Hugh Jackman sighting and possible snuggle, I’d go. Yes, I’m shallow.
Can you provide more information on this for the rest of us far-away (Europe) Bills fans?