SDCC 2024: A Triumphant Return with Tony Stark, Unforgettable Offsites, and Comic-Con Magic

So, Tony Stark is back. That will be the big takeaway for those who didn’t attend the 2024 edition of San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC). For those who waited in line after line to attend the Marvel panel on Saturday, it was probably a fantastic moment. But that’s only 6,000 of the 130,000 who enter the exhibition hall on Saturday. That’s not including the 100,000s outside taking part in offsites, parties, signings, etc. So, while we always enjoy a little bit of Robert Downey Jr. in our lives, this year’s SDCC had a lot more for those who may not have wanted to spend Friday in a line in the hopes of waiting in line on Saturday.

In my prior wrap-ups of SDCC, I made note that the COVID-19 pandemic and writer’s strike seemed to hamper things, whether it was the attendees, the celebrities or everyone. 2024 is by no means perfect, there were plenty of messes left and right, but this was the first time since 2019 that things began to feel normal. Yes, there were people wearing masks, but to each their own when it comes to safety. Yes, there was a strike called by SAG-AFTRA against major video game publishers, but the festivities went on, delighting young and old, geeky, nerdy, dorky, and even the local passerbys of San Diego.

While we didn’t make it to the exhibition floor for Wednesday’s preview night, we did make it to several fantastic offsites. While the swag wasn’t available for the press preview, Adult Swim made it’s triumphant return after a one-year hiatus with a pirate party, featuring games and photo opportunities from shows like “Rick and Morty” and “Smiling Friends.” Adult Swim, as they always do, cranked the fun up to 11 in coming days with live wrestling events, daily DJs and swag that might be too big to fit into your carry-on. We also checked out Paramount+’s Lodge, which showcased some upcoming shows, like “Dexter: Original Sin” and “Tulsa King” while celebrating 25 years of Spongebob. Wait…25 years…geez I’m getting old. While both were fantastic events, especially the free drinks and pizza at the Lodge, the “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” activation was a combination of “Apes” history and the magic of modern special effects. Not only did they have a museum of Ape film artifacts, highlighting the rich history that stretches back to 1968, but several actors and crew from the latest film were on hand to talk with fans and press. If you attended, you also could had a few drinks and hors d’oeuvres with them.

The action kept rolling Thursday, although the day began with a bit of a whimper. Focus Features was celebrating 20 years of “Shaun of the Dead” with a Winchester Tavern pop-up. The only problem was, there was no air-conditioning and the free beer couldn’t be consumed on-site. As soon as word spread, it became one of the least frequented offsites of the weekend. Thankfully FX and Hulu’s Animayhem offsite activations were up next and offered some decent swag and reprieve from the heat. Knowing that they’d be under the blaring California sun, FX offered free, customized umbrellas (even if the line was an hour long) before exploring various other portions of their activation. However, FX was a mixed bag as many thought the wait to get into “The Bear” activation wasn’t worth it. Hulu managed to help fans beat the heat by setting up misting fans and overhead awnings to ensure those waiting in line for their activation didn’t leave with a wicked sunburn. The activation featured various activities, food and a collection of pins that fans of “Solar Opposites,” “Futurama” or “Hit Monkey” will treasure forever. While the day could have ended with a load of panels, instead MediaMikes’ first panel of the day hosted by Fandom, ended with us going to Fandom’s 20th anniversary party. You can read more HERE.

With offsites out of the way, Friday and Saturday was loaded with exploring the exhibition hall and attending various panels. The exhibition hall reminds us that while the big players, LEGO, Marvel, and others, take up the most space on the sales floor, fans will always find that small booth, that tiny artist, or that one thing stowed away that will ultimately bring the biggest smile to their face. For me, it was a photo with Lloyd Kaufman. The legendary director/writer/everything gladly talked with those who knew Troma, ensuring everyone who stopped by will remember him as Uncle Lloyd. One stand-out panel from the day was the audiobook preview of “Red Dead History” with Arthur Morgan (voiced by the highly personable Roger Clark) attending the panel and snapping selfies with fans of the 2018 game. While I could continue to gloat about the various panels with their various surprises, it would become a long winded article of me bragging.

What is the big takeaway from this year’s SDCC? Was it perfect? No. Was it amazing despite its flaws? Yes. It usually is. SDCC offers enough unique experiences so that you won’t be bored. Want to check out board games that could one day become the next “Axis and Allies?” SDCC has got you. Want to check out some independent films? SDCC has got you. I say all this because there were rumblings, just like in prior years, that SDCC could go somewhere else. But it’s hard to beat San Diego weather and the Gaslamp district’s amenities. While it’s impossible to do everything, it’s possible to get a life changing experience, no matter who you are or what you enjoy. Scout out those panels, ask those questions when attending, compliment the cosplayers, talk to strangers about the great time or to get some insight on other happenings and most important, put on some sunscreen. As a Midwesterner, where an average summer day feels like Satan breathing down your neck, the mid-to-upper 70s can trick you into thinking you won’t crisp up in a few hours.

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Filed Under: Commentary, Conventions, Misc Tagged With: adult swim, dexter, futurama, hulu, jeremy werner, planet of the apes, ...

Inside Fandom’s Exclusive 20th Anniversary Bash at Comic-Con: Cosplay, Celebs, and Jason Derulo Rocking the Rooftop

We’ve all had that moment in life, you hear about a party that you don’t think you’re cool enough to go to, or you don’t get the invite, or maybe you just hear about it after the fact. Whatever the reason, it has free booze, free food, cool celebrities, a pool, a concert, and it’s all on a rooftop. It’s the kind of party Hollywood glamorizes in various films as a place to rub elbows with greats. Well, at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), for several years now, it’s been Fandom’s annual party. MediaMikes was lucky enough to join the Fandom party for the first time as they celebrated their 20th anniversary.

While one of the most difficult parties to get into at SDCC, the entertainment company still makes it accessible to regular people, whether by invite, social media, or pure chance (like us). While not invited, MediaMikes managed to score some passes at a Fandom panel. That means, if you’re attending future SDCC’s, you should attend as many Fandom panels as you can. This year’s Fandom party was a breathless display of amazing cosplay, a gorgeous view of the Gaslamp district atop the Hard Rock hotel, demos for “Dragon Age: The Veilguard,” and of course, a raucous set by Jason Derulo with various celebrities scattered about the crowd, including Colin Kaepernick, Kevin Durand, and others.

If you couldn’t make it, we took several photos you can enjoy below, but if you want to be part of the excitement, keep track of Fandom on social media, keep an eye on the news leading up to SDCC 2025, and of course, just like we did, try and stump a panel of Fandom experts. A big thank you to Fandom for throwing a party that has become one of the many crown jewels of SDCC, we hope to see you next year.

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Filed Under: Commentary, Concert Reviews, Music Tagged With: colin kaepernick, comic con, comics, dragon age, fandom, jarson derulo, ...

Film Review: “Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose”

Starring: Simon Pegg, Minnie Driver and Christopher Lloyd
Directed by: Adam Sigal
Rated: PG-13
Running Time: 96 minutes
Saban Films

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 Stars

At 2021’s San Diego Comic Con, I attended a panel for “Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose.” I had an actual interest in the panel after having recently listened to Last Podcast on the Left doing an episode on the subject. The film is based on a peculiar incident from 1930s Britain about, well, a talking mongoose. While that seems straightforward, the movie isn’t. Honestly, it’s odd attending a panel where everyone has a difficult time articulating what the film is about. It’s even odder watching the film.

While listed as a comedy, I didn’t laugh once during the film, but I’m not sure the film was written and filmed as a comedy. Sure, you have Simon Pegg as Dr. Fodor, who begins the movie explaining a belief in the paranormal as someone who sees something that no one else can see. In fact, most scenes with Dr. Fodor seem to be moments written for dry chuckles. That’s because he’s a natural skeptic whose life has been debunking every psychic phenomenon, every bump in the night and every scare tactic he can get his hands on. It’s beginning to wear him thin as he glides through life one hoax and alcoholic beverage at a time. That’s when a fellow skeptic and professor, played by the delightful Christopher Lloyd, tells him about Gef, the talking mongoose. With his assistant Anne, played by Minnie Driver, in tow, Dr. Fodor is off to the Isle of Man to unravel a mystery that will never be solved.

I had the knowledge going into this film that Gef remains a mystery. Is it the work of bored playful humans? Was Gef an actual talking creature lost to time? Was Gef the culmination of poltergeist activity? There are way more theories than answers and honestly, the film mimics that true to life story. That could genuinely frustrate anyone looking for an engaging story, much less a comedic one. Since the film isn’t necessarily going to give you answers or a laugh, why can’t I flat out not recommend it?

The film is peculiar in that I was never bored. While the characters talk in hushes and whispers while silently thinking about the day’s event (usually over a drink or two…or three), it seems like someone is screaming something at the top of their lungs, just below the surface. Annie is the only one of the main cast that’s genuinely open minded to the possibility of Gef’s existence, at least, outside of the peculiar townsfolk and family side characters that have allegedly heard Gef. It’s almost like Annie, after years of watching Dr. Fodor unmasking mysteries, is beginning to tire of the dog and pony show. Or maybe she’s warming up to the idea of Gef, and life, being a giant question mark, while Dr. Fodor can’t possibly fathom a question without an answer.

So maybe the film is more than a look at this absurd true-life story, but instead an encapsulation of how we shouldn’t let small things bog us down in life. Especially since Dr. Fodor, who has obvious chemistry with Anne, never seems to act on those sparks. Instead he seems miserably content with being single and skeptical of everyone and everything, as long as he has a stiff drink in his hand. But in a way, that’s why I can’t recommend it. Maybe I’m giving too much credit to a poorly written and directed film that wanders aimlessly for 90ish minutes. Maybe that screaming I sensed underneath the surface was the cast demanding any form of direction. Just like Gef, this film is a tonal mystery.

 

 

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Filed Under: Film Reviews, Movies, Uncategorized Tagged With: adam sigal, christopher lloyd, film review, gef, jeremy werner, minnie driver, ...

San Diego Comic Con Stumbles Out of the Pandemic

“Has it really been three years?” That was my thought as I sat in my cramped, terrible plane to San Diego. Ignoring the terrible aviation service, I had my mind on the prize. While San Diego Comic Con technically came back last November, the turn out by vendors and patrons alike made it seem more like a test run before this summer’s return to glory. Was July 20-24 everything I hoped it was? No, but that’s OK.

The biggest takeaway for those outside the geeky bubble of the San Diego Convention Center and Gaslamp District was the return of Marvel Studios to Hall H. Not only did they unveil footage from “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” Kevin Fiege, the Willy Wonka of the MCU, also unveiled their plans for phases five and six, revealing what the “Multiverse Saga” has in store for eager fans. Oh, and DC showed some new “Shazam” and “Black Adam,” but some are still wondering where Superman and Flash are.

Outside that big news, “Star Trek” had a lot to say, showing a look at “Picard’s” final season as well as info on a live-action/animated hybrid crossover that I’m sure Trekkies are already getting amped for. Outside the convention halls, Star Trek had an offsite experience called Ten Forward where Trekkies and others could partake in food and beverages in a “Star Trek” setting that had fans finally living in some of their favorite moments. Sci-fi wasn’t the only draw as “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” and “Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” rolled out footage that not only got fans pumped, but garnered attention from people who had no interest (me being one of them). D&D also wowed people with it’s offsite bar where people could partake in a fantasy brew while interacting in what can only be described as a cave tavern harassed by dragons.

Out of all the fandoms though, there was quite a bit of disappointment. Fans of Adult Swim’s offsite activations were left wondering where they were only to find a box in a field with a peephole advertising the Adult Swim Festival…taking place on the other side of the country. “House of the Dragon,” a “Game of Thrones” prequel, failed to generate buzz for people in Hall H, while the activation was apparently only for die-hards who left disappointed or content after standing in line for an average of five hours. The “Bob’s Burgers” panel was cancelled last minute, leaving Bob’s fans scrambling to find another favorite moment from this year’s festivities.

A lot of people actually may be signing up for Apple TV after the company’s first foray into SDCC. The fresh-faced streaming service highlighted several shows like “For All Mankind,” “Mythic Quest,” and this writer’s favorite, “Severance.” While not personally attending, the footage from inside the “Severance” offsite was astounding. It truly looked like people were walking into the world of “Severance.” Not only was it the most discussed and favorite offsite of this year, but it maybe the standard going forward for fully immersive rewarding offsites. One of the companies that manages to bring the fun to offsites, FX, returned this year with a maze featuring haunted dolls, muttering lunatics’, a vampire dance party and a chance to win various hot sauces.

Despite the highs of SDCC, something felt off. As a non-profit, it would make sense that SDCC would have to cut some corners and scale some things back with it’s return. But you have to wonder about some of the choices and decisions. One talking point that was (and still is) discussed is COVID-19. Was there a mask policy? Yes. Was it bothersome? Not really. The majority abided by it and it wasn’t like most people haven’t already spent a good portion of the past three years wearing one. That being said, I will flat out say that the COVID-19 wristband policy was stupid. To obtain a COVID-19 wristband, you must either be vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test result that was collected within 72 hours. If either of those requirements were met, you were given a flimsy paper wristband that was supposed to survive five days of sun, showering (maybe not everyone) and whatever else comes there way. The idea behind this is to prevent sick people from coming in, but as we’ve all found out, you can still become sick and a carrier of COVID-19 if you’re vaccinated and can still become infected and become a carrier within 72 hours after said COVID-19 test. So with all due respect, what was the point of the wristband? Another line? A sense of false security? Regardless, it was a completely unnecessary hurdle that frustrated hundreds if not thousands on a daily basis who showed up without a wristband and then had to wait in a lengthy hour-or-more line. I prepared and knew all about this, but not everyone is me and I can relate to the grief of having unnecessary requirements stand in your way of fun you’ve been craving for years.

Was there plenty of things that had me shaking my head in frustration? Yes. Was there plenty of things I enjoyed immensely regardless? Yes. In no way was this year a sign that it’s time for me to quit going and in no way will I say my experience was negative overall. There’s always going to be things I miss and things I will cherish forever. I’ve learned, grown and adapted to the things that happen every year like others…the long lines, the shocking amount of BO from fellow congoers and so on. Here at MediaMikes, we’re fairly confident SDCC 2023 will be better and 2022 will still have been a great year, just not as great as other years.

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Filed Under: Conventions, Misc Tagged With: adult swim, apple, dc, jeremy werner, kevin fiege, marvel, ...

MediaMikes attends San Diego Comic-Con for the First Time

It’s a difficult experience to summarize, but upon arrival back home in Kansas City, I’ve told people that it felt like a nerdy rite of passage. MediaMikes has had the pleasure of attending New York and Kansas City’s Comic-Con’s, but for the first time, we can now add the honor of attending San Diego Comic-Con to that list.

There are inevitable growing pains for those who have never attended the San Diego Comic-Con, no matter how much research beforehand is done. And if word on social media was correct, there are continuous growing pains for regular attendees. The first hurdle was the agonizing wait time to see if we would be one of the lucky few to get into Comic-Con and then came the mad dash for available hotel and AirBnB space. Following that whirlwind is the announcement of events, panels, and celebrities. Some of them announce a few weeks out while others pop-up announce their intentions the day of.

However, that overwhelming spectacle aspect is put on the backburner for opening night on Wednesday. For a handful of hours, the massive vendor and exhibit hall was opened for the tens of thousands already in scenic San Diego. For those thousands, some had waited outside all day, while others, like me, walked in after the initial stampede. A sensory explosion of lights, sounds and excitement filled the halls as the talk on the floor was of SDCC specific goodies already being sold out. I spotted folks who already had multiple bags of merchandise in tow while others waited in lines for exhibits like “The Walking Dead” and “Star Wars.”

Despite the giddy joy within the SDCC halls, the 79 degrees and sunny skies made it hard not to enjoy the various outdoor exhibits around the convention center. They may as well be more popular than the convention center itself because you don’t need a pass and it’s free. Netflix, “The Walking Dead,” “Westworld,” SyFy, Adult Swim and others were on point with their outside exhibits. Not only did they offer up swag, ranging from shirts and bandanas, but some offered legitimate exclusive items along with fresh food and a refreshing bottle of water.

While talking with others exploring the sprawling nerdified cityscape outside, I began to understand the behemoth known as Hall H. For those who don’t know, Hall H is where Marvel, FOX, DC, and others unveil previews and have panels focused on the hottest shows and movies for nerdy pop-culture. When you crunch the numbers, around 5% of attendees are only able to squeeze into Hall H for a panel. Some were lucky enough to step inside, including our very own Lauren Damon. But for those on the outside looking in, waiting in a line to wait in a future line seems like pure insanity when there are other panels at smaller venues.

Because Comic-Con has grown so big, it’s hosting panels in a nearby library, while also packing over 15,000 people into the home of the San Diego Padres, PetCo Park. Multiple panels were even jammed into the nearby hotel meeting rooms, while the nightly festivities spilled into the nearby Gaslamp Quarter. My and Lauren’s experiences have their merits, going balls out for Hall H or enjoying nearly every display and participating into those off the beaten path panels. If you were to ask me or Lauren about our experiences, they’d both be positive for widely different, but solid reasons.

With hundreds of thousands in town, there’s an argument over whether or not SDCC is worth the “Hunger Games” dash for tickets and lodging, the long waits, and the sore feet after four days of walking and standing. We at MediaMikes say it is. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that transcends all ages and turns out to be an unforgettable weekend for all in attendance. There may be times of frustration, but the moments of pure nerdy ecstasy, like watching the latest “Thor: Ragnarok” trailer in a crowd of thousands of screaming people or geeking out over Matt Groening revealing that “The Simpsons” writers have been asked to tone down their criticism of Fox News, make SDCC a lifetime memory.

For those who’ve attended before, you’ve made up your mind about where you stand on attending the world’s largest comic-con. Once may be enough, but from what I gathered from talking with complete strangers on the hall floor, on the street and at the bars, it’s a yearly pilgrimage once you’ve had a taste. But for those who have been on the fence for years about whether or not to attend, just do it. Keep in mind that you have to choose your time wisely because those five days (or fewer) go by quickly. Here at MediaMikes, we’ve gotten our feet wet and can’t wait to dive head first next time.

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Filed Under: Conventions, Misc Tagged With: san diego comic con
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