Ashley & the Adventures at Comic-Con (Part Last)

And we have finally come to the end. This gets to be a hodgepodge of crap about Comic-con thrown together, so advanced apologies for the length!

[adult swim] ice cream truck! You can see Dave of ATHF in the window.

Seth Green signed the van! And did some fun drawings.

Dana of ATHF asking my brother what ice cream he wants.
And yeeep, that's my big bro.

Prooobably one of the best things about this entire event was: FREE ICE CREAM! And not shitty stuff, free Ben & Jerry's!  [adult swim] partnered with a dessert truck from SD and they drove all around San Diego to hand out free ice cream. They'd tweet their location for the next few hours and you had to find them.  A lot of the time they'd have [adult swim] personalities handing them out, like Seth Green or Dana&Dave from Aqua Teen Hunger Force (who can kind of be glimpsed in one of the pictures).

Gotta love San Diego's commitment to the Con: they put up the Trolley signs in Klingon!

You also see weird things like this driving around SD.  And no worries, kids, that's a cutout.

But weird is also good, because these costumes are awesomeeee.  The Ambiguously Gay Duo was my favourite of the entire four days.

The biggest push this year was definitely the movie Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World. In addition to this massive sign on the Hilton hotel, there were panels and signings and secret screenings and a free garlic bread truck (that will make sense if you've seen a specific trailor or when you see the movie) and an entire three-day event called The Scott Pilgrim Experience where one could go in, screen print t-shirts, get flipbooks made, experience a whole slew of Scott Pilgrim-related things.  I unfortunately never made it in, but I heard it was pretty cool. The entire cast of the show (minus Chris Evans) was there for the duration of the Con, and they plus the Scott Pilgrim creator (Bryan Lee O'Malley) and the director (Edgar Wright) would often be seen around and be signing everywhere.

Scott Pilgrim swag. I was technically only supposed to get one pin,
but uh...I may have taken an entire bag.  Which was roughly 15 pins.  Oops?

The third day of the Con, I didn't have a pass to get in--but I'd heard about the last of the secret screenings for Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World going on downtown and set out with my friend to hunt it down and gain entrance.  They'd had two secret screenings the days before (one of which I tried valiantly to get into but did not find the special entrance pin in time) and I had heard such good things about the movie I knew I had to go.

Thanks to Twitter, Sarah for giving me details since she'd gone to both screenings the days before, and my friend Kathy for being patient with me, I was able to secure a wristband to gain entrance to the screening.  It was relatively unnecessary to wait in line around 3:45pm when the movie was at 6:30 since the theatre had 1300 seats, but we decided not to chance it and, thus, had some pretty sweet seats.  Edgar Wright knows how to do it, because everyone got free soda and free popcorn upon entrance.  Free movie, free drink, free popcorn, secret screening...life can't get much sweeter than that!

I'll type up a full review of the movie later in the week, but I thought it was fucking phenomenal.  There's pretty much something for everyone. Granted, I did see it in the Comic-con setting and state-of-mind, but I am definitely seeing it the day it comes out.  Before the movie started, they brought out the main cast: Michael Cera (Scott Pilgrim), Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Ramona Flowers), Kieran Culkin (Wallace Wells, Scott's roommate--and the best in the movie, in my opinion), Anna Kendrick (Scott's sister), Ellen Wong (Knives Chau, Scott's ex-girlfriend) and all the actors who play the 7 Evil Exes (minus Chris Evans, since he'd been away filming Captain America).  At the end of the movie, they all came out again, and Edgar Wright ends up saying there are a few more surprises ready to come out: out pops Chris Evans, who had flown in ASAP from his shoot, another actor from the movie who I'm not going to say, and then BILL HADER AHHHHH!  I love Bill Hader, and it's safe to say I had a minor freakout when he runs out, complete with jumping up and down and perhaps the shaking of poor Kathy standing next to me.  I get that some people don't find it awesome when actors come out since, yes, they are regular people--but I'm not one of those people, and this made me excited.

Some of the celebrities I walked by or saw on the third day of The Con. Kiiinda weird.

After we got out of the screening, we started walking around downtown trying to see what kind of trouble we could get ourselves into. I passed both Jerry O'Connell and Scott Adsit (Pete from 30 Rock) on the street.  Then somehow we stumbled upon the red carpet arrivals to the SyFy/Entertainment Weekly hosted after-party, which we were right at the gates for.  It's kind of odd to see all these celebrities right in front of you; I mean, Ron Perlman (Hellboy and Sons of Anarchy) is WAY shorter than you would think.  Paul Wesley (Vampire Diaries) is much thinner than he appears. Ian Somerhalder is WAY hotter than on TV (which means something, because I think he is smokin' on screen). Felicia Day is seriously adorable. It's just fascinating how Larger Than Life people sometimes really...aren't.

Sons of Anarchy panel. Sorry for the weird angle, the screen was almost on top of us.

It's Always Sunny cast! Dennis, Charlie and Dee
(Glenn Howerton, Charlie Day, Kaitlin Olsen)

More Sunny cast! Waitress, Frank, Mac
(Mary Elizabeth Ellis Day, Danny DeVito, Rob McElhenney)

The last day of Comic-con was the most stressful because of all the families and children running around (Sundays are always kid's days).  Plus, since it's the last day, everyone is so frantic to see and buy.  Everything is so...tense. But I still had a good time--ESPECIALLY because I got into the It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia panel!  I fucking love It's Always Sunny.  I was increeeedibly jealous because the day before my brother and his friends ran into the Sunny cast at their hotel!  Pictures and talking ensued! If I hadn't been waiting for the movie, I'd have been there with them...but oh well, the panel was good for me. They're some funny people, man.  It was preceded by the Sons of Anarchy panel, which is a show I do not watch, but it was fun to watch Katey Sagal and constantly refer to her as Mrs. Bundy.  We also spent a good amount of time debating if the guy second from the left was indeed the hottie with the footballers body in Green Street Hooligans (in case you're wondering, it is. It's Charlie Hunnam).

So that was basically the 4-day extravaganza. All these posts are disconnected and rambling and chaotic--which is actually a pretty decent metaphor for The Con itself. I get that I'm a bit of a celebrity stalker and I'm one of the downfalls to what Comic-con originally stood for; but it's enjoyable and fun and fast-paced and I really love it. And maybe I'm not there for the Magic the Gathering tournament or to find the original first issue of Superman or what have you, but I respect those that are and try my best not to disturb them. I like that there are all different types of people and interests gathered.

I leave you with three of my favourite things from The Con: The free Big Bang Theory bag, Toy Story Lego displays and the Peanuts booth!

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Ashley & the Adventures at Comic-Con (Part the Second)

Since the first day was entirely spent in panels and celebrity watching, I dedicated the rest of the days to the Exhibit Hall to check out all the goodies from artists, web comics (Cyanide & Happiness!), TV stations and production companies.  Most of the stuff they give away is junk: pins that say "I <3 Zombies", tons of movie poster (we currently have 5 posters for "The Other Guys"), fliers, adverts, temporary tattoos, lanyards, odd postcards...yeah.  I usually end up trashing the stuff, but it's fun at the time!

I've also realized that makes me sound as though I walk around simply to get free shit, which isn't true.  I really love going around the booths, especially the web comics and independent artists (not Artist's Alley though, that place kind of gives me the willies).  I mean, things like the Pirate Bears by Travis Hanson (so adorable!), and the fantastic illustrations by Matt Forsythe (I love this illustration he did for Drawn & Quarterly; wouldn't it look stunning on the front of a journal?!), and the discovery of a Montreal-based publisher that focuses on "literary and avant-garde comics" called Drawn&Quarterly that has some ridiculously talented artists, and the cutest webcomic called Tiny Kitten Teeth done by duo Becky and Frank. One day I'll scan the comic Tiny Kitten Teeth had on their advert/business card because it seriously made my day.  What also made my day is that while we visited the booth, one of them (I assume Frank since it was a man, but I can't be sure) drew my friend a comic and it was the most adorable thing I'd ever seen--let's just say it involved an owl, a penguin and a cat.  ADORABLE.

Cyanide & Happiness booth!

Anyhow. So uh...the reason we stumbled upon Tiny Kitten Teeth was because we were in high search for Cyanide & Happiness! A crude, hilarious web comic that I have been reading for what feels like an eternity, I love going to their booth because they draw stuff for you (I feel the need to mention that I find the one on the left to be incredibly attractive. BUT YOU KNOW.), and it's so much fun to watch them create something you love.  I don't have the second drawing that was done for me because it was left in a friend's bag, but the first sketch that was done (by the guy on the right)...wellllllll...let's just say it is the most inappropriate, dirty drawings I've ever come across.  Hilarious, but so wrong. I can't actually post it here because it is so NSFW it's crazy.  BUT, if you would like to see it, please click on the following black box and it shall redirect you to it.

While searching out the C+H booth, I happened to also run into...

Wil Wheaton!

Most famously known for his role as Wesley Crusher in Star Trek: The Next Generation (I can tell you right now he was one of the reasons I watched it with my mom), he's currently on Eureka and has a semi-recurring role as Evil Wil Wheaton on The Big Bang Theory (aka, Greatest Show On Earth).  I was trying to get a photo with him, but he was talking with a few of the web comic personas and was super fanboying it --note his C+H plushie in his hand that he had just bought--so I figured it best not to try and bother him too much.  Surprisingly, there wasn't really a crowd or too many people noticing him.

I should mention that amidst all this fun-having...I was actually probably making my friend's lives miserable.  Because the entire reason I'd even decided to go to Comic-con this year was to go to Friday's Big Bang Theory panel, because holy shit I love that show and Wil Wheaton was moderating and all the stars and producers were there and then the fucking Barenaked Ladies made a surprise appearance to have a singalong to the show's theme song...this is the stuff my dreams are made of, kids. And through a series of poor choices, chronic lateness, and general mayhem...I did not make it to the panel. I had not a chance in hell.  So for all of Friday, I was very honestly upset and may or may not have taken it out on my poor friends.

This post is way longer than planned, so uh...more pictures!

Levar Burton (left) was doing a signing, and it was pretty cool to see LaForge in real life (Star Trek reference).  I was half-hoping my brother would call me while I was standing next to LB because my bro's ringtone is Reading Rainbow, but alas, it did not happen. Truth be told, he was kind of a douche about pictures...but who knows why he had the rules he did, so I won't entirely hold it against him. As soon as I walked into the Exhibit hall I saw Rob Dyrdek (right photo, guy on left) from Rob&Big and Fantasy Factory signing, which was pretty cool. I didn't actually go to talk to him, but he was smiling and seeming to enjoy talking to fans, so that's cool.

For those who recognize him, it's Brian Posehn! Comedian, actor, the mail guy from Just Shoot Me. My brother apparently had to pee next to him in the bathroom (somehow my bro urinates next to famous people often--once it was next to Slash at Disneyland). He was just walking around pretty non-descript, but it happened that when we started going up to him, others started recognizing him and it began to draw a crowd. So, I didn't want to interrupt him more and decided simply to stalkerazzi snap a photo instead--I'm so nice, I know.

And the last of today's bunch: James Marsters, aka "Spike" from Buffy!  I saw him a lottttt during the Con, he had a bunch of signings and is involved with several shows so he was around. Walking through the exhibits, behind booths, doing interviews...yeah. Spike's a big deal here!  I also saw him when I ended up gateside to red carpet arrivals, but that story will be for the next and last part. He was always incredibly nice and affable every time, which makes me happy.

The end is nigh, my dear, no worries! Last part will be up soon.

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Ashley & the Adventures at Comic-Con (Part 1)

I'm going on the assumption that everyone knows what Comic-con is--if you don't, click that link.

Thanks to connected friends, I was able to get a pass for free for 3 of the 4 days the convention is in town.  And on the day I didn't get to actually go into the Convention Center, I was still downtown taking advantage of it at a free screening and somehow managing to work my way into being gateside at the arrivals carpet for the EW/SyFy party.

Michael Cera dressed as Captain America!

Day one started at 4:30 in the morning.  The last time I'd seen 4:30am was the night before...because I'd been up until then.  Having to leave by that time was very odd, and after 2 hours of sleep, it's safe to say I wasn't feeling so hot. Buuuut it's Comic-con, so you power through.  We got to the line to pick up my friend's badge around 6am, were standing in line to get into Hall H around 8am, and were finally in our seats in the Hall at 9:30 or 10am.  So, 6 hours in, and...I'd stood in line.

Pretty standard for The Con, actually.

I have to confess, I don't know shit about comics. Or most fantasy, sci-fi based stuff.  So, yeah, I'm not exaaaactly the type to go...but I dig the celebrity circuit. I am shamefully into all things Hollywood, so it was pretty exciting getting to see all the actors/actresses and see previews of the films. I was in panels for the entire 9 hours of the first day, and got to see a pretty big chunk of a lot of upcoming movies (Tron, MegaMind, The Expendables, RED, etc). 

Because I don't want to shove in 33 photos into a post, I just put them into a slideshow and you can watch them scroll through--they're not incredibly interesting, just the various movie actors that appeared.

(if the slideshow doesn't work, click here)

(I've also realized that it might not show the titles of the pictures, so if you desperately need to know what the actors' names are and what movie they represented, just click to have it go larger and it should show.)

 

General notes:

• Helen Mirren looks astonishingly amazing for her age. Also, she's ridiculously funny.
• Angelina Jolie is a lot nicer than I think she appears on TV.
• I'd still go gay for Tina Fey. She is just as fabulous as I think she is.
• Watching Bruce Willis hug Sylvester Stallone while Stone Cold Steve Austin and Dolph Lundgren look on is a very surreal and odd experience.
• I am still not interested in Tron. I never saw the original, but even after seeing an 8 minute clip of the new movie didn't make me intrigued. Garrett Hedlund (the new Tron), however, is so attractive I may have to go.
• It seemed kind of ironic that Mary Louise-Parker came across high.
• Michael Cera is awkward and hilarious in real life. Just as he portrays in movies.
• Brandon Routh (Superman Returns) = yesplz. Suffice to say I may have 12 more photos of just him.
• I'm a little in love with Edgar Wright (director for Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World). He's so little and British and fabulous.
• Stone Cold Steve Austin literally broke Sly's neck while shooting The Expendables.

So yeah, not the most exciting or detailed first day, since it was literally spent sitting for 9 hours.  But lots of sneak previews, lots of celebrity cheering and a surprising amount of funny actors.

Next post will be the rest of Comic-con since I have fewer photos from then and I am officially 3 hours late to a friend's birthday party.  Have great weekends, everyone!

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I'm just a big fat liar.

I said I would be back yesterday or today with a recap of Comic-con, but I have to confess to you: I lied.

There was an issue with my computer files and camera transfers, so I couldn't get my photos transferred until just now.  Unfortunately, "now" is also about 20 minutes before I have to leave for a coffee break with a friend, then a dinner date with another friend, and my weekly tennis night with other friends.  So, everything's going to have to wait, yet again.  I apologize, since I just know your entire being depends on my mass amounts of name dropping of Comic-con and how I wouldn't mind having a love affair with any of the Evil Exes from the upcoming movie Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World (which I was able to see at a secret screening and have to tell you, it's fucking phenomenal).  I know.

But again, I leave you with this teaser photo, and I'll be back tomorrow:

Sylvester Stallone & Dolph Lundgren from The Expendables panel.

PS. Wait, another lie, that wasn't what I'm leaving you with. Since I didn't touch my computer for about a week, it comes as no surprise that my Reader is backed up again. So um...I'm sorry for lack of reading/commentage lately. The day my Reader goes below 600 unread posts, I'm throwing a fucking party.

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Just a little bit longer

So, if you follow me on Twitter (HINT HINT all), you will know what I've been up to the past 4 days.  For those who don't, let me update you:

Comic-con!

A preview photo for you all: Batman!
Photo by April

It was a fantastic and exhausting time.  No, I did not dress up, and yes, I pretty much have no business being there since I haven't even seen the original Star Wars (let me tell you, don't ever say that loud enough for the others in line to hear you...outrage will be had) among other things.  But it was amazing.

And as predicted, I am wiped.  I feel like I'm going to sleep for days.  And perhaps I will--but anyhow, I just wanted to let everyone know hello! I am here! I will probably do a meme tomorrow for the sake of ease, but Wednesday or Thursday I will be back with a recap of the insanity.  Warning now, it's a lot of name dropping--but what fun would there be without that, right?

I hope everyone had a fab weekend and a great beginning to the week!

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