AMC's "Fear the Walking Dead", 2017 SDCC, The Interview, Friday, July 21, 2017

Convention.Life was fortunate enough to score some face-to-face time with the cast and creators of AMC's hit show "Fear the Walking Dead" at this year's San Diego Comic-Con.  We were joined by actors Kim Dickens, Colman Domingo, Mercedes Mason, Michael Greyeyes, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Frank Dillane, Dayton Callie, Sam Underwood and Daniel Sharman, as well as series writer and producer, Dave Erickson.  We took a few minutes to catch up with our survivors, as they head into the second half of season 3 of the apocalypse.

"Fear the Walking Dead" Mercedes Mason, Colman Domingo, Kim Dickens and Dave Erickson.  Photo by Joel Feria

SPOILERS AHEAD! 

Season 3 finds our survivors separated.  

The Clark Family (Madison, Nick and Alicia) have cautiously taken refuge in a community of doomsday preppers run by a tough-as-nails rancher named Jeremiah Otto.  Jeremiah's two sons, Troy and Jake, have differing ideologies when leadership of the ranch is thrust upon them, with Jake being the level-headed peacemaker in direct conflict with Troy's hot-headed sociopath.  The ranch is built on Native American land, and is under siege by the tribal owners, demanding its return.  Ofelia has returned, but on what terms?  To make matters worse, The Clark Family's moral compass, Travis, is gone, and is probably not coming back. 

Strand is wandering, looking for friends in the apocalypse.  He finds out very quickly that friendships of the old world don't necessarily translate into the same friendships in this new apocalypse.  In the end, he drives around in a Jaguar and celebrates the end of the world on his yacht, so things may be looking up for him.

Finally, a ghost from the past makes his return to the land of the living dead.  Daniel Salazar is looking for his daughter, and he is prepared to kill a few people to find her.

"Fear the Walking Dead" Alycia Debnam-Carey. Photo by Joel Feria

"Fear the Walking Dead" Kim Dickens. Photo by Joel Feria

CONVENTION.LIFE:  From season 1 to season 3, how has your character evolved to adapt to the apocalypse?

KIM DICKENS:  For Madison, she's definitely become more of a merciless character.  In the beginning, she was probably a merciless high school counselor, but she was really beholden to her morality, her compassion and her heart.  By season 3, she realizes the currency is more brutality when required.  Her main goal throughout has been to survive and protect her family.  And now, it's at a higher cost.  I think Madison has been quick to realize that.

CONVENTION.LIFE:  One of the themes of "Fear the Walking Dead" is that they can't seem to stay, or find a home or place to rebuild.  Is there hope that this crew can rebuild somewhere?

COLMAN DOMINGO:  I think there's always hope.  I think that's the nature of all these characters, that you're constantly going to this new place to build and rebuild.  And you see them fall apart, like great civilizations crumbling down.  That's just the nature, the humanity that we're exploring in the show.  That we're always hopeful, and seeking this place we can build on.

KIM DICKENS:  The nature of the human spirit is resilience.  That's a human instinct to survive.

MICHAEL GREYEYES:  The narrative also plays with the tension created when people are homeless.  It asks, "What do you do when you don't have a home?"  It presses on the nerves of the audience, and I think it immerses us in that kind of tension.

MERCEDES MASON:  I think it's more exciting for the fans, too.  I remember, in "The Walking Dead", when they're stuck in one location for too long, I'm like, "C'mon, c'mon!  Let's move on!"  I love getting to see all of the different places.

"Fear the Walking Dead" Dayton Callie. Photo by Joel Feria

"Fear the Walking Dead" Sam Underwood. Photo by Joel Feria

CONVENTION LIFE:  At this point in the show, we all know that no one is safe from being unexpectedly killed off for the sake of progression of the story and characters.  If the producers of the show came to you and said, "We are going to kill of your character tomorrow, but you get to decide how your character dies", how would you choose to go?

DAYTON CALLIE:  I don't have a choice, do I?

(LAUGHTER, AS WE REALIZE THAT DAYTON'S CHARACTER HAS JUST BEEN KILLED OFF IN THE MID-SEASON FINALE)

SAM UNDERWOOD to DAYTON CALLIE: How WOULD you have wanted to die?

DAYTON CALLIE:  Heart attack... with Alycia.

(LAUGHTER)

SAM UNDERWOOD:  I love that this show is such a female-driven, female-empowering show...

(LAUGHTER)

SAM UNDERWOOD:  There was a lake that I took Alicia to in episode 5, and one of the things that wasn't left in the episode was that was the lake where I was taught to swim.  I had this line with Alicia about how you start learning to swim, and you drown a couple of times, but you keep going.  So, I think poetically, if Jake was to die, it would kind of be cool if he walked into the lake, and just kept walking into the lake.  That would be cool.

ALIYCIA DEBNAM-CAREY:  I would think being a zombie is too much hard work, to be honest.  That's all I've decided.  Doing the whole makeup, the eyes, everything.  I don't want to have to do that.  It seems really hard.  So, I'd have Madison shoot me in the head or something.  That would be crazy.

"Fear the Walking Dead" Mercedes Mason.  Photo by Joel Feria

CONVENTION.LIFE:  What is one key thing to know about your character in the second half of the season?

ALYCIA DEBNAM-CAREY:  We get to see (Alicia) stake out her path.  I am really looking forward to her character's journey.

DANIEL SHARMAN:  Finding out who Troy is.  Finding out what it is he really wants out of life.  

SAM UNDERWOOD:  Assuming Jake wants to lead or be a leader is not necessarily true, but we'll see how that plays out.

DAYTON CALLIE:  I don't know this, but I think the camp is gonna' go to Hell without me.  I don't know this, but I think so!

FRANK DILLANE:  I have a 9mm, now.  With notches on it.  I'm gonna' use it.

CONVENTION.LIFE:  Looking forward to it.  Stay alive.  I'll find you.

- CONVENTION.LIFE

"Fear the Walking Dead" returns on September 10, 2017, and can be seen on Sunday nights on AMC.  Check your local cable provider for time and channel.

2017 COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO CONVENTION CENTER, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

Check out our coverage of this year's Comic-Con international San Diego in our gallery!  Or this guy will show up at your house.  Yes, the guy behind the Joker.

The Law Before Preview Night

Most fans start San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday. The hardcore SDCC-goers get in a little early with Preview Night the Wednesday before. The super-nerds (two thumbs pointing at this guy, then they point to the side at Joel, who’s pointing at himself) kicked off SDCC week on Tuesday. We attended The Lindley Lecture of Law & Comics: The Business of Comics, at the San Diego Public Library, hosted by San Diego Law Library.

The panel was made up of Ryan Benjamin (20 year comic book illustrator and creator, one of the original artists behind the start of Image Comics/Homage Studios), Rob Salkowitz (author of Comic-Con and The Business of Pop Culture), and Stu Rees (Specializes in newspaper cartoon syndication contracts).

This experienced panel covered a wide range of legal questions and scenarios for new creatives trying to get into the comic industry. One thing they all agreed on was the rise of the digital age and how it has changed the landscape for comic creatives, writers and illustrators, to their benefit.

Unlike the music industry where digital pretty much destroyed the stores, digital only helps the creatives more while leaving room for physical comics and stores to thrive. A new pattern out there is getting your work (Web comic, or as an artist, on Instgram or DeviantArt) out into the digital world. Over time your work builds a following, the work gets noticed, and then you’re approached to either join a creative staff or get your story published. You have work, you have an Internet connection, then you have a chance to get your work noticed.

I’m an Art Director by trade and love what I do in advertising but now I’m just tapping into my writing side and have been slowly creating stories I plan on sharing later down the line. Panels like this help me make smarter decisions about how to put my work out there. It’s one thing to be a great artist, it’s rare combination to be a great artist and business person.

With the first panel for SDCC week in the books, it’s time to hit the ground running at Preview Night tomorrow. Hope my fellow nerds warmed up and stretched it out, ‘cause I’m coming in hot for some panel-learnin’ and toy (ahem, collectible) buying!

.Life Behind the Scenes, Mike Tyson

"Expect nothing, and you have everything to gain."

One of the biggest lessons I have learned from covering conventions is that while you can try, to the best of your ability, to prepare for everything coming your way, the reality is that you can only take what the day gives you.  The Con gods are fickle like that.  At the end of each day, you walk away with your victories, and move on to the next opportunity.  It's not a game of win-some, lose-some, because it's never good to dwell on the things that didn't pan out. Spilled milk and what not.  Instead, it's a game of enjoying the victories you rack up during the limited time you're given, and being satisfied.

Mike Tyson taught me this.  Well, not directly.  Mostly by example.  But with some words.  And a little bit of Fear-Of-God sprinkled in.

When someone tells you that you have the opportunity to meet boxing legend Mike Tyson, you drop everything and make the time in your schedule.  It's not every day that you get to meet "Iron Mike", "Kid Dynamite", "The Baddest Man on the Planet", the youngest man to ever win a heavyweight boxing title, and the only heavyweight to simultaneously hold the WBA, WBC and IBF titles and successfully unify them.  

Sports icon.  OG video game final boss.  Convict.  Ex-con.  Movie star.  Broadway darling.  Author.  Entrepreneur.  Seeker of Redemption.

When someone hands you that opportunity, you just go. No-brainer.  You just go.

That day in 2014, Mike Tyson was attending San Diego Comic-Con International in San Diego, California.  He was promoting his new cartoon, "Mike Tyson Mysteries", in which Mike, the ghost of John Douglas the 9th Marquess of Queensberry, Mike's adopted 18-year-old Asian daughter, and a talking, alcoholic, sexually deprived pigeon go around, solving mysteries. Imagine Scooby Doo, but filtered through the wacky minds of Adult Swim.  At 3 seasons, it's still running strong.

So, I stroll into the press room, and carve out my little piece of the universe in the line of photographers and videographers.  Mike walks into the small room, and everyone grabs their gear, like it's 1988 again, and we're in the locker room after Mike's 91-second, first-round knockout of Michael Spinks for the title.  I'm here to cover a cartoon, but I'm all jittery and more anxious than I should be.  Mike's wearing a tight, white t-shirt and a WB Comic-Con attendee backpack.  "Supernatural", I believe. He's lean, and arguably in the best shape he's been in since his fighting days.  The face tattoo takes on a life of it's own when you're up close.

Mike only stops for a handful of photos and moves right along to the interviewers.  Did I get my shot?  Absolutely not.  Did I miss my opportunity.  Unfortunately.  Was I done trying?  No friggin' way.

At this point, you may be thinking, "What about all that talk a few minutes ago about 'walk away with your victories, and move on to the next opportunity' or 'it's never good to dwell on the things that didn't pan out'?"  C'mon.  This is MIKE TYSON. I'm not walking away from this.  If this is the day I get punched in the face by Mike Tyson, then I am going to get a photograph of him doing it.  The lesson is coming.

So, there I am.  I'm just waiting around.  Maybe he'll get done with the interviews early, and will come back for photos.  Maybe I can snap a few photos of him during his video interviews.  Maybe he will see me lingering, and he'll take pity on me.  

I decide to be proactive about the situation and make small talk with one of Mike's handlers.  I ask his handler very politely that if Mike has a few moments, could he spare them for a few more photos.  His handler kindly says that Mike's time is limited, but he'll ask.  15-20 minutes roll by, and Mike is finishing up his video interviews.  Most, if not all, of the photographers have left.  His handler turns to me and says, "Since you've been so patient and have been so nice about it, we can do a couple more photos. Just hang back here."  Score.

"Expect nothing, and you have everything to gain." 

Mike strolls over to me and he is happy.  This isn't the stone-faced killer I expected, stalking his way down to the ring with the towel draped over his head.  I shake his hand, and he smiles.  "Nice to meet you, Champ".  To which, he responds in kind.  I tell him I'm a big fan of his boxing career, as well as his Broadway show, which brings an even bigger smile to his face. He is funny, introspective, inspirational and verbose.

I pick up my camera.  I want to make these photos count.  I want to impress my editor with shots that no one else is getting.  I want something iconic that I can be proud of.  I don't want to waste this opportunity with mike Tyson.

This is about the time I almost royally screw things up, and throw my victory out the window.

I politely ask him to simply flex for me.  I immediately get stopped by his handler, and told that Mike doesn't do that anymore.  Mike's face has turned from smile to annoyance, and I know he's on the verge of leaving if I can't salvage this.  He's looks nervous now.  Uncomfortable.  I swear, there is a flash of light, a glow, that briefly envelops his entire body, and I freak out, knowing that a series of Razor Uppercuts might be coming, and my game will be over.  I am Little Mac, and I don't have the secret code to make this moment happen again.

I don't understand why it's such a big deal, but he's knocked people out for a living, and I've been in two fights my entire life, so I relent.  I apologize and say, "Sorry, champ.  It's just that you're in amazing shape.  Like, fighting shape."  The steam goes out in the room, and he lets me grab a couple of shots of his choice that I'm more than happy with.  The smile comes back to his face, and his handler is no longer kicking himself for extending me some courtesy.  Mike and I exchange a few more words about boxing and Broadway, and I wish him the best on his cartoon.  I just met Mike Tyson.  I just inadvertently pissed off Mike Tyson.  And I'm still alive.  Buster Douglas.  Lucky, lucky Buster Douglas.

I didn't let the opportunity pass me by, but I knew that I needed to take my small victory and walk away.  You take what the Con gods give you, and move on to the next opportunity.  I didn't get the photo I planned on getting, but I got my photos nonetheless, and was satisfied.

"Expect nothing, and you have everything to gain." 

In hindsight, I think the lesson also applies to my subject, Mike Tyson.  He has seen countless opportunities in his life, and has squandered some of them.  He's had some victories.  He's had some defeats, both professionally and personally.  He planned for greatness, but has taken what the gods have given him, and made the best of it.  He came up from nothing, and had everything in the world to gain.

One of the best moments I've ever had at a convention.

.Life Behind the Scenes, Olivia Munn

"Deer in the headlights".  At the time of the above photo, I wasn't completely sure if that phrase applied to me or to Olivia Munn.

With the release of the major motion picture blockbuster "Wonder Woman" by Warner Brothers this weekend, I felt that this photo was somewhat apropos, given that she has always held a public admiration for the comic book icon. 

2009 was the first year that I had the opportunity to shoot for Fox 5 News San Diego at Comic-Con international San Diego, and I was nervous.  I hadn't gotten my sea legs yet as a working photographer, and I was surrounded by professionals who had been at this for years.  These pros knew who to look for, where to look for them, and how to get them to stop for a photo - all the while, with poise and professionalism, choking down any fanboy excitement that we all knew was just simmering below the surface.  I, on the other hand, was still secretly following people down the exhibit floor aisles, deciding whether or not I was going to summon up the courage to ask them to stop.  Sometimes I did. Sometimes, I missed out.

One of the first celebrities I ever had the opportunity to shoot at Comic-Con was Olivia Munn.  At the time, she was riding high off the success of her television show, "Attack of the Show" on the G4 network.  She was the cute girl-next-door that grew up and became a sex symbol for the new nerd generation. Nerd girls wanted to be her, and nerd boys wanted to be with her.  One moment, she could be broadcasting in a Chun Li or Princess Leia cosplay.  The next moment, she could be dancing seductively with a dead octopus stuffed down her shirt, or trying to figure out exactly how many sausages she could fit into her mouth.  Complete package. Smart, funny, beautiful and down-to-earth.  Belle of the Nerd Ball, as it were.

And this was BEFORE she would go on to write a best-selling book entitled, "Suck It, Wonder Woman! The Misadventures of a Hollywood Geek". This was BEFORE she would date Green Bay Packers superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers.  And this was definitely BEFORE she would move on to Hollywood, with memorable roles in "Magic Mike", "Iron Man 2" and "X-Men: Apocalypse" as fan-favorite mutant ninja assassin / psychic Psylocke.

Knowing this, I decided that this was going to be a defining moment for me behind the camera.  It was time to decide whether or not I was going to do my job, or let the opportunity fall by the wayside. 

I choked down my inner fanboy, took a few steps ahead of her, flashed my press badge (to help avert the notion that I was just a "creepy guy with a camera"), and politely asked if I could take a few photos.  I took 5 or 6 photos, the last of which, my favorite, is the one you see above.  She was friendly and generous with her time, which luckily, in the end, made the experience of my first celebrity photo easy for me.

Unfortunately... for Ms. Munn, our encounter lasted a little longer than it should have, as she was then mobbed by a thousand people wanting selfies (or whatever people called them in 2009).  Yeesh.  Seriously.  My bad.

 I like to think that her expression in the photo is one of awkward understanding, knowing that I was new to this element, and she was trying to help me "fake it until I make it."  I was a deer in the proverbial headlights, and she was going to slowly pump the brakes, and gently nudge me off the road.

In reality, her expression was probably more indicative of the fact that I just stopped Comic-Con's most sought-after deer in the middle of the road, asked her to wave, and invited a thousand cars, with a thousand headlights, to run her over... one at a time... for the next ten minutes.

A learning experience for me on multiple fronts: 1) If you don't step up, the opportunity won't happen. 2) Act like you belong there, and most people will unknowingly believe it.  3) Be ready with your camera, because moments are fleeting. 4) Be quick but efficient with your photos, mostly because nobody really wants to wipe deer blood off of their windshield.

Well done, CCR17. See you in 2018.

When you read a company’s About page, or their Mission Statement, it’s usually something they spent months on to help position themselves in a market. They find their space to own, to show how they're different from the rest. Then when it finally comes down to execution, some companies worry too much about what the competition is doing. They resort to copying the competition because, "Well, if it works for them." Then all that time and effort to set them apart is lost and they are just another one.

Comic Con Revolution (CCR) states in their Info page, "Comic Con Revolution was founded on very simple principles. We are excited to celebrate comics and the creative arts. At the absolute core of what we do are the creators themselves. The people who create the comics, games, toys, film, movies and more that we all love. Without their tireless dedication to creating the fantastic worlds we all get lost in events like Comic Con Revolution would not be possible.” After experiencing CCR's first showing, they did just that and lived up to their brand promise. The physical center of attention, and floor, was Artist Alley. It felt like most of the exhibitors were presenting something new of their own creation (a few highlighted here), and the panels where filled with creators sharing tips on how to get to where they're at. From learning more about writing to pro tips on how to shoot cosplay photography to how to start a podcast, CCR kept their focus on the creator, even more, how to be a creator.

Walking around I felt the excitement from the exhibitors to the attendees, it was as if we were all thinking the same thing, "Wow, this is really nice. Like, it's really well organized, this is legit. Are we in on something cool?!" Many of us gave each other that look, there may have been some unspoken high-fives. Speaking with some of the exhibitors who've worked with Atomic Crush Events (ACE), they were not surprised. Because ACE was putting this event together, they said it was a no-brainer to participate. What's amazing is the team put this together in about three months. I'm excited to see what they can do with a full 12 months to prepare and even more room to play in 2018.

With an official count of 5449 attendees, excluding exhibitors and staff, CCR was no doubt a hit. The Inland Empire has a Comic Con of their own and it's something to be proud of. With even better news, CCR has announced, "Comic Con Revolution will grow in 2018 taking over both exhibit halls as well as the Mayoral Ballroom." and staying true to make the show about the creators, "The event will add additional features including a Professional Creator's Summit on Friday, May 18th, play host to the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles as they complete their Comic Book Artist badge while growing the exhibitor and guest lists."

It wasn't all work for the Convention.Life team. I got to meet my favorite color artist Dean White! (Yup, I follow colorists. A great artist is a great artist) If you like Rick Remender's Uncanny X-Force or the earlier issues of Black Science, you've seen his amazing painterly approach to color. The best part was when we discovered we went to the same small art school in Sherman Oaks, CA at the same time. 

I caught The Strength of Independent Comics, an insightful panel, with Ray-Anthony Height, Ron Marz, Karl Altstaetter, Joshua Hale Fialkov, and Hope Larson. Moderated by Beth Scorzato.

I couldn't leave a comic convention empty-handed. Only a monster would do that. I met Derek Fridolfs and picked up the second volume of his and Dustin Nguyen's Secret Hero Society for my son, we had such a great time reading the first one together. Derek was kind enough to sign and sketch it for my boy. If you aren't POP! hunting in any way at a convention, you're not living. I found myself a very rare Chuck D for my collection. And I had to remember this inaugural event with a souvenir pint glass. With that, I raise this cold beverage to you for making it to the end of this post. If you want more on this event, be sure to check out the gallery of cosplayers here and be sure to follow us on Instagram.

Comic Con Revolution 2017: Locally Sourced Talents

The inaugural Comic Con Revolution in Ontario, California had no shortage of commercially packaged collectibles and mass-printed comic books, both are staples and are important to have in the makings of a comic convention. What makes each convention unique is the showcase of local artists. Even more fun than discovering these talented creatives is purchasing their wonderfully crafted pieces. Because we all love to hear our friends ask, "Wow, where did you get that?!"

 

CrochetGiftsbyCielo

"I crochet all things cute!" is the first thing you read on Cielo Pinawin's Etsy store. That pretty much nails it. Each of these creations are handmade by Cielo on her own time when she's not on the job as a respiratory therapist. Yup, I asked her exactly what you're thinking. How long do these take? If it's a brand new idea, from concept to final takes about a week. If it's repeat design, it takes about one day.

Cielo started crocheting 10 years ago and used her talent to make gifts for friends. After hearing "you should sell these" enough times, she did just that. It's been two years of selling and the demand grows, along with the amount of inventory she brings to each show. Check out the links below to learn more or even buy a few. She takes custom orders.
Etsy: CrochetGiftsbyCielo
CrochetGiftsbyCielo@gmail.com
Facebook.com/CrochetGiftsbyCielo
Instagram.com/CrochetGiftsbyCielo
 

 

Fiendish Thingies

When I first stepped into Owen Klaas' booth I felt like I left the convention and entered a gallery. I almost shushed myself for talking too loud. Looking at all these amazing paintings that float between dimensional and strong graphic composition, I was inspired by a wide range of emotion. I couldn't help but get drawn in. While soaking in the framed artwork, Owen was off to the corner seated and kept to himself. He was not overly pushy and definitely not shy. It looked like he was used to people connecting to his work, and he didn't want to interrupt.

Owen is married with three kids. He had been sculpting for 15 years while painting for six, when he decided to go full-time with his passion to paint. He explained that each one of his acrylic pieces are inspired by life experiences happening at the time of painting, they aren't overt but they all have a deep personal connection with him. Visit the links below and find your connection with his works.
fiendishthingies.com
isaeli@verizon.net
Etsy: Fiendish Thingies
Facebook.com/fiendishthingies
Instagram.com/FiendishThingies

GoCarved

Have you ever thought of quitting your job to go full-time selling phone cases? Well, somehow Ted Pinhirun not only figured out how to do it but how to make it fun and unique at the same time. His niche, in the world of cell phone protection, is using a precision laser to create intricate designs on wooden cell phone cases. The laser designs can be directly etched on to a wood case or laser cut out of a black finished wooden case then revealing the grain underneath supporting the design.

In the early stages of learning the craft, he had to translate his pixel based Photoshop skills to a linear vector based approach in Illustrator. Judging by his Roaring Lion King case, he's mastered vector art. But Ted's skills doesn't end at just cell phone covers. He also laser etches coasters, jewelry, and trivets/Hot Plate Mats. If your phone can use new clothes in a wooden form, see the links below.
Etsy: GoCarved
Instagram.com/gocarved/

Parting message

The next convention you attend, avoid the long lines and use that time to chat up a local artist, maybe purchase one of their works. They're equivalent to that farm-to-table concept that's all the rage, they're locally sourced artisanal…creatives trying to share their world with you.

COMIC CON REVOLUTION, ONTARIO CONVENTION CENTER, ONTARIO, CALIFORNIA

Check out some of our coverage of the inaugural Comic Con Revolution in the "Photos" section. And then, "Get my hatchet."

Viva la Comic Con Revolution!

The Comic Con Revolution is having its inaugural opening this Saturday and we're looking forward to seeing what Ontario has put together. With a robust list of guests and a packed day of programming, this first year is looking like they're living up to their promise to celebrate comics and the creative arts with the creators at the core. A ribbon cutting by Ontario Mayor Paul Leon will kick things off and they'll cap off the event with the 1st annual Cosplay Revolution Costume Contest, with a $500 prize on the line!

Here's what we plan on attending:
Bringing Comics to Screen with Matt Hawkins, Doug Jung
Hosted by John Nguyen & Mike Villareal

The Strength of Independent Comics with Hope Larson, Ray-Anthony Height, Joshua Hale Fialkov, Ron Marz, Karl Altstaetter
Hosted by Albert Ching

Pro Tips for Digital Art and Illustration by Patrick Scullin

This is a small taste of what we'll be doing outside of the normal comic/toy hunting and cosplay high-fiving. You can get your tickets here to join in on the fun. If we don't see you there, follow us on Instagram to enjoy the Comic Con Revolution with us.

"We are viewing SDCC as our coming out party for the METALS brand."

METALS is forging their lineup (see booth #3746 at SDCC)

In our recent visit with Anime Expo, we had the awesome surprise of running into the METALS display for Jada Toys. Their footprint was impressive, even more so was the amount of eye candy in the display cases. We were able to talk with Darryl Li (eCommerce Manager) and Michael Jimenez (Creative Services/Marketing Manager) to learn more about Jada Toys, the METALS line and their plans for SDDC.

METALS pre-production samples from Suicide Squad

For those just discovering METALS with Batman vs. Superman, Civil War, and Suicide Squad, can you tell us more about Jada Toys? 

Jada Toys is a leading manufacturer of authentically licensed and highly stylized toys, games, and collectibles. Jada works closely with major entertainment and vehicle brands to produce the innovative, patented items that our fans have come to expect. 

How did Jada Toys get started with licensed character properties and METALS?

The METALS line was born from the idea of changing the way fans and collectors perceive collectibles. We saw an opportunity to create something new that could differentiate us from the rest of what is currently being offered. Because Jada has always held expertise when it comes to working with die-cast, we saw it as a perfect opportunity to create something completely new. 

That Hulkbuster though…

Where do you want to go with these licensed properties? 

As with any brand, we look to continue to expand our vast portfolio to continue to bring to market everyones favorite characters in true METALS form. 

Upcoming lines for METALS: WWE and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Does METALS have other plans for exclusives at conventions or retail stores, other than the SDCC sets? 

Yes, we will be offering more exclusive items to be featured at different retail stores coming later this Fall. 

Anime-Expo was a great showing! What can we expect for SDCC and beyond? 

We will have many new properties and characters coming to the METALS line on display at SDCC. We are viewing SDCC as our coming out party for the METALS brand. Some properties to be on display include WWE, Star Trek, Dr. Strange, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles just to name a few. 

Find these 4" SDCC exclusive 2-packs at booth #3746. $30 each or both for $50!

Darryl Li has been with Jada Toys for two years as the e-Commerce Manager.
Michael Jimenez has been with Jada Toys for over 11 years and is currently the Creative Services/Marketing Manager.

To learn more about METALS follow them on Intagram at Instagram.com/Metals_Diecast or visit their website.

RFID, SDCC, and You.

We were told a new RFID enabled badge will be used for San Diego Comic-Con in 2016. For those of us who went to WonderCon we got a taste of what the new-fangled bagdes might look like and what the process of using them will entail.

Front and back view of RFID badge outside of badge holder. Awesome artwork by Jason Fabok.

Side view of RFID badge. Slightly thicker to hold all the technological goodness.

RFID badge held snugly in it's own pocket and is then clipped in with the lanyard so it won't fall out.

If you work in a corporate office, it's just like swiping your I.D. badge, except if you don't swipe your badge on the way out you may not be able to get in without going to customer service to reset your badge, and you'll need a picture I.D. to confirm it's your badge.

We didn't get to WonderCon early enough to deal with the door-busters who have to get their exclusives, so we didn't experience any slow entrance traffic. During the day, the process of swiping in and out was as smooth it should be, just a simple beep as you go through and tap.

The good: It will cut down on counterfeit badges which should result in shorter lines to anything you will be waiting in lines for.

The bad: I didn't see any but again I wasn't there for the morning rushers. They shouldn't be running and stampeding in the first place.

I'm sure it won't be perfect but it shows SDCC making moves to ensure those of us who got our passes fair and square don't get cheated by those who try to go around the system. It's also another way for them to track our movement! #ForTheConspiracyTheorists

WonderCon 2016 Gallery

Check out some of our coverage of 2016 WonderCon in the "Photos" section. Or he'll do it.

Convention.Life Spotlight: San Diego's Energy 103.7 Fm "The AJ Show" AJ Machado

The folks here at Convention.Life had the amazing opportunity to catch up with one of San Diego's most beloved personalities: AJ Machado, from San Diego's Energy 103.7FM's "The AJ Show."

As a long-time resident of San Diego, and an unabashed fan of everything pop culture, AJ shared his thoughts on SDCC San Diego Comic-Con, comic books, movies, Con swag and helping the kids. -JF

CL:   When was the first time you ever attended San Diego Comic-Con, and how many years have you been attending?

AJ:   I moved to San Diego in 2001 and was thrilled to attend my first Con that year. I haven’t missed a year since. 

CL:   What comic books or graphic novels are you currently reading, and what can you recommend to someone looking for the “best thing they’ve never read?”

AJ:   Lately I’ve been getting caught up on Saga which I was totally missing out on! I’ve really been liking Suicide Squad since the “New 52” , I’m always down with all things Batman and I follow too many Marvel titles to mention. As far as my “Best thing you’ve never read” recommendation: If you somehow missed out on “Locke and Key” you need to run through that series. On a more obscure note, “Global Frequency” was a super fun and original series written by Warren Ellis. “The Map” is a fun new post apocalyptic title written drawn and distributed by Chad Cavanaugh who I should say in the interest of full disclosure, is a friend of mine. I’d like to add that one of my favorite geeky reads of the last couple years wasn’t a comic at all….it was the novel “Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline.

CL:   Typically, part of the universal pre-Con ritual is packing in preparation for long days and countless miles of walking up and down aisles and standing in panel lines.  As a veteran of comic convention life, what would be your ultimate survival Pro Tip for attendees new to the scene?  Something you could not survive a Con without? 

AJ:   I always wear a backpack. Yes, some would consider it sacrilege to pass on the giant collectible Con back but I like having my hands free to maneuver the floor.

CL:   What would you consider your most treasured item picked up at Comic-Con? 

AJ:   I thought about this and laughed because the item that came to mind was actually “the one that got away.” Several years ago, I came across a set of limited edition Alex Ross “World’s Greatest Heroes” prints with matching numbers at a great price. My friend and I BOTH almost picked them up and we both walked away and every year we talk about them like they are are own personal Moby Dick.

CL:   Conventions are ultimately more enjoyable when attended with friends - people to hold your bags, stand in line for you, maximize your chances at exclusive Con swag, etc.  Do you usually attend as a lone wolf, or in a pack of wild, nerdy beasts? 

AJ:   I generally roll with a pretty small pack may up of my buddies Vernon, Dave and I. I have two daughters who haven’t been old enough for the Con yet, but that’s going to change soon!

CL:   Favorite place to eat when attending Comic-Con? 

AJ:   We usually hit up The Old Spaghetti Factory. 

CL:   Best comic book movie adaptation?  Most anticipated comic book movie adaptation?  What would you love to see adapted? 

AJ:   I’m going to avoid picking a single movie and say that everything Marvel has done since Iron Man 1 is the best comic book body of work ever. I loved Nolan’s Batman series but it was a whole different genre…it was the comic book trilogy that did everything possible to not feel like a comic trilogy. As far as things I’d like to see adapted, I like the idea of Runaways being part of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe. I’s also like to see Fables as an HBO series.

CL:   A-List celebrities and legendary comic book creators all breathe the same air and occupy the same personal space for four magical days at San Diego Comic-Con, allowing for the possibility of a chance meeting with one of Geek-dom’s elite.  Favorite person you ever had the chance to meet at Comic-Con? 

AJ:   Meeting celebs is never a huge part of my agenda, but as a big martial arts/MMA fan I did get a kick out of running into Randy Couture, Gina Carano and Cung Lee.

CL:   Winding down from Comic-Con can hold its own set of obstacles, like trying to rid yourself of the collected germs of your 130,000 fellow attendees.  How long does it typically take you to recover from the post-Con plague that has affectionately been dubbed the “Nerd Flu?” 

AJ:   I fight the good fight against Nerd Flu by taking plenty of Emergen-C and using hand sanitizer like a maniac.

CL:   2014 was the inaugural year for Crane Con, a comic book / toy / cosplay mini-convention held in conjunction with your AJ’s Kid’s Crane toy drive for charity.  Both events were highly successful in helping you achieve your goal of raising over 100,000 toys for charity.  How fun was that to be able to bring together two things you love, comics and kids?

AJ:   It was amazing. At the end of the day, geeks are just people who made it to adulthood without losing our childlike enthusiasm for the things we love. Seeing so many people who love toys and costumed heroes and stories and comics come together to celebrate all of those things so that kids at the hospital could get more of them….it just felt like we were looking out for our own. When I got on the mic and asked if everyone wants to make “Crane-Con” and annual tradition and that sea of glorious geeks went nuts!!…………total goosebumps

CL:   Thanks, AJ!  Great spending some time with you! Keep up the good work on "The AJ Show" and with the Kids Crane!  Looking forward to 2015 Crane Con!

You can find AJ and the rest of the morning show crew every morning on "The AJ Show" on San Diego's Energy 103.7FM.

ArtOfficial SDCC 2015 – Thursday (Thinking outside the Con)

8:50am – Ran into La Bamba on our way to claim our Conan O'Brien tickets. Then we became best friends.

My wife, my buddy Joel, and I were about three blocks from the box office and I saw La Bamba just standing at a corner, people watching, drink in hand. After getting a picture with him, La Bamba decided to join us on our walk to the studio. It was weird, I was hanging out with La Bamba for about 10 minutes. I think that makes him my best friend. This is now the third time I've run into La Bamba at a convention, twice at SDCC and another time at WonderCon.

9:13am – Joel realized we were waiting in line with Ken Lashley right in front of us. Ken wanted to see what kind of hair products I use.

9:35am – Ken Lashley decided to kill time by sketching on one of my backboards. And I love it.

9:42 – SUCCESS!!

Joel and I visited the Hot Topic at Horton Plaza on the way back to the Con. This morning Hot Topic got select SDCC Funko POPs. It was a wonderful bounty, all the POP! vinyls we wanted from the Funko booth were available.

12:43pm – Took a break from the Exhibit Hall to get some food, a Coke and a smile

4:45pm – Watching Katniss curse up a storm, for a good cause.

5:58pm – In line for Nerd HQ's Supermansion panel. We want to see who's the one who knocks.

6:50pm – We learn about Bryan Cranston's favorite part of Albuquerque, it's a person not a place. (See clip here)

8:13pm – Drinks and dinner with friends at Lion's Share to celebrate SDCC and other great news.

9:06pm – Kristen Schaal!

4:23am – The booty.

I only really got an hour inside the Exhibit Hall but it was one of the best Con days I've ever had.

ArtOfficial SDCC 2015 - Preview Night (& Day)

9:00am – Kicked off SDCC week with a Johnnie Christmas signing at my LCS (Yesteryear Comics) and hanging with Justin. Smiles fueled by earlier inappropriate jokes.

1:47pm – Badge in hand, waiting for Exhibit Hall to open. Surrounded by my GDNs.

2:29pm – Delirious, an hour and half doesn't sound too bad a wait to bust through those doors.

5:27pm – "MOOooo..." Yay, we're being herded to enter!

Sometime during Preview Night – It was such a blur I forgot to take pictures.

Joel and I were so close to the front of the line before entering we swore we'd make it to the Funko booth. The line moved us in, we walked briskly (did not run) then as we settled into the Funko line, security capped it about 12-15 people in front of us. As the night went on I came by a few times to see if the line opened, and noticed it was the same person at the back of the line. It never reopened. Funko is trying something different this year to make the line more manageable but it's just too popular, the madness can't really be contained.

I took that as an opportunity to check out my favorite independent publishers. Basically, any publisher not named Marvel or DC, they'll get the loving attention they deserve throughout the week. I picked up a few free, and not-so-free items, while checking back at Funko. To fill the deflated need, I picked the two Marvel Collector Corps boxes in a different Funko booth. Their line was quick and easy. A quick and easy menu with fast and dependable service, like In-n-Out.

9:10pm – Met up with Justin for a quick drink while chatting up the good people of Comics Bulletin.

2:56am – The booty.

Tomorrow's agenda is jam-packed with goodness. Hint: Coco, I'm the one who knocks, and bats.

WonderCon Anaheim 2015 Badges Are Now On Sale

Badges for WonderCon Anaheim 2015 are now on sale.  WonderCon Anaheim will be held at The Anaheim Convention Center from April 3, 2015 through April 5, 2015.

You can purchase your badges here:  http://www.comic-con.org/wca/purchasebadges

Marvel's Ant-Man Teaser Trailer

"Armed with a super-suit with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, con-man Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), plan and pull off a heist the will save the world." -IMDB

Watch Ant-Man in theaters July 17, 2015.

Walt Disney Studios 2015 Movie Slate

JANUARY 23, 2015 - Strange Magic

FEBRUARY 20, 2015 - McFarland, USA 

MARCH 13, 2015 - Cinderella

APRIL 17, 2015 - Monkey Kingdom

MAY 1, 2015 - Avengers: Age of Ultron

MAY 22, 2015 - Tomorrowland

JUNE 19, 2015 - Inside Out

JULY 17, 2015 - Ant–Man

OCTOBER 9, 2015 - The Jungle Book

OCTOBER 16, 2015 - The Untitled Steven Spielberg Cold War Spy Thriller

NOVEMBER 25, 2015 - The Good Dinosaur

DECEMBER 18, 2015 - Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens Teaser Trailer →

The official teaser trailer for Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens awoke the internets this morning from their turkey induced slumber. Looks promising, and we here at CL are downright excited! Is this the movie we were looking for? I think so. Thank you, J.J. Abrams, for shining your light (flare) on this project.

The force awakens in theaters December 2015.

Welcome to CONVENTION.LIFE

CONVENTION.LIFE is a new multi-author blog about conventions, comic books, toys, video games, pop culture and everything in between! Our authors are seasoned convention attendees. Their combined experience will bring you the best each convention has to offer including: first looks, exclusive merch, press insights, pro tips, personal views, photos and more! Be sure to follow us on instagram @convention.life for real time information and photos. We bring the convention to you!