Category Archives: Events

WonderCon: Interview with Audrey Soffa

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The very chatty Audrey Soffa talked about her web comic, the Bunny System, where adorable things do horrible things. Who knew something so cuddly and cute could start getting into deep things like politics and emotions. She says her series is for those that love animals and violence but is kid friendly, save for some swearing and intimate contact.

Audrey also talked about her series, Sauce, where the main character screams “sauce” and throws up.

Some of Audrey’s influences include Charles Shulz, Bugs Bunny, and poetry.

Check out Audrey Soffa’s work here

WonderCon: Interview with Dave Kellett (Sheldon/Drive Comics)

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Dave Kellett was nice enough to talk to us about Sheldon and Drive Comics. Dave talked about his origins, death of newspapers, the independent artist advantage in the digital age, advice about making a living off giving content away for free, and the inspiration for the pug in his book “Pugs: God’s Little Wierdos”

Check out Sheldon Comics and Drive

WonderCon: Interview with AdaPia d’Errico (for Camilla d’Errico)

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We spoke with AdaPia d’Errico about the works of her sister, Camilla d’Errico. She showed Camilla’s latest creations including Tanpopo and Sky Pirates of Neo Terra, which is coming out as a Facebook game later this month. The game is set in the world of Neo Terra and is described as a “Mario Kart in the sky”.

Check out more of Camilla d’Errico’s work here

WonderCon: Interview with Mantium Industries

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While strolling through the WonderCon floors, we noticed some interesting versions of the Star Wars R2D2 droid that were made of aluminum and carbon fiber. We spoke with Mantium Industries and discovered what they’re up to. A representative from Mantium Industries was kind enough to discuss their building process, customization, and future projects.

While most people will stop to ask about the robots, Mantium Industries also crafts cosplay gear like swords and costumes.

Check out Mantium Industries

WonderCon 2012

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WonderCon has wrapped.  We’ve been out all weekend covering as much of the convention as we can. Stay tuned for the usual good stuff: interviews, panel news, and reviews.

UPDATE

Here is our growing list of coverage:

Interviews

Photos

Talking with Cosplay Fans

WonderCon is Quickly Approaching

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WonderCon in Anaheim, CA: March 16-18, 2012!  It’s vastly approaching and we for one plan to be there!

Registration is still open for the following with the following prices:

3-DAY BADGE:
Adult 3-Day: $40.00 Advance/$50.00 Onsite
Junior/Senior 3-Day: $20.00 Advance/$25.00 Onsite

1-DAY BADGE:
Friday OR Saturday Only:
Adult 1-Day: $20.00 Advance/$25.00 Onsite
Junior/Senior 1-Day: $10.00 Advance/$13.00 Onsite

Sunday:
Adult: $10.00 Advance/$15.00 Onsite
Junior/Senior: $5.00 Advance/$7.00 Onsite

WonderCon autograph list also includes the following:

  • Dino Andrade
  • Sno E. Blac
  • Bobby Clark
  • Creatures At Large
  • Elvira, Inc
  • Lou Ferrigno
  • Ernie “Hardware Wars” Fosselius
  • Tanya Lemani George
  • Marilyn Ghigliotti
  • Richard Hatch
  • Virginia Hey
  • Honky Tonk Man
  • Ilya Salkind Company
  • Herbert Jefferson Jr
  • Mitzi Kapture
  • Jim Kelly
  • Margaret Kerry
  • Donna Loren
  • Peter Mayhew
  • Mister Lobo
  • Cindy Morgan
  • Kristian Nairn
  • Marli Renfro
  • John Saxon
  • John Stanley
  • Shannon Sylva
  • Strephon Taylor
  • Larry Thomas
  • Virgil
  • Bob Wall
  • Chris Warner
  • Tom Wyrsch
  • Celeste Yarnall

This list doesn’t even include the Special Guest Lists!

WonderCon, one of the country’s best comics and pop culture conventions, moves to Anaheim, CA and the beautiful Anaheim Convention Center for 2012. Taking place the weekend of March 16-18 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), WonderCon is coming off its best year ever, with over 49,000 attendees in its 25th annual event in San Francisco in 2011.

For more information go to WonderCon Homepage

2012 Anime Los Angeles Starts Next Friday

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Live in the Los Angeles area and hoping to start the new year with a healthy dose of cosplay action? Anime Los Angeles, a three day event, starts next Friday, January 6, 2012 and ends Sunday, January 8, 2012. Those who hesitated on getting a presale tickets are out of luck and will have to register at the door. Prices are $50 for the whole weekend, $25 for Friday-only, $35 for Saturday-only, and $20 for Sunday-only.

Source

2011 Comikaze: Talking with Cosplay Fans

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Yup. We did it again. Another intimate look at cosplay fans. Check out the clips below and discover who showed up at the 2011 Comikaze.

00:00 Nerfpunk (Nerf + Steampunk mashup) talks about supporting Comikaze because it’s for the geeks, by the geeks. Check her out on the web and on twitter: @MakeUpBySiryn
02:11 A psychology student cosplays Link (Legend of Zelda)
03:13 A sheriff cosplays Pyramid head and explains he loves the character’s darkness.
05:29 A 6th grade student teacher cosplays a deku from Legend of Zelda (Ocarina of Time) and says “no comment” when asked how to solve the education system’s problems
08:01 Ariel (Little Mermaid), cosplayed by a visual effects artist that worked on Arthur Christmas, talks about the use of 3D in movies giving her a headache. Check her out on Facebook
10:51 A TSA agent cosplays Joel Robinson (Mystery Science Theater 3000) says she likes Comikaze because it goes back to the roots of comics. If you’re a friend, add her on Facebook
14:07 Amazing Spider-Man talks reboots, the moral values of Peter Parker, the spark on kids’ face. He’ll be joining the military in a couple of years.
16:18 We weren’t able to get inside the Mark Hamill panel for Sushi Girl, but did talk to some people waiting in line. The first talks about his thoughts on Comikaze as the first convention he’s ever been to. He mentions seeing Stan Lee in person being quite a treat. I ask his buddy about Star Wars who tells me which episode is his favorite and shares thoughts about George Lucas’ revisions.
20:47 This guy was one of my favorites of this convention. I’m so glad I stumbled across this fellow. This Snow Trooper (Episode V) also talks about George Lucas’ changes, using the help of 501st.com to make his costume, and his German origins. I became instantly fascinated with his background and learned he was a marketing student who loves how friendly people are in Califorina but hates the speed limits on freeways.
24:46 A fan briefly explains why he loves the Joker. We weren’t able to talk with him more due to the line moving into the hall
25:02 A fan does a mashup of Simpsons and Dragon Ball Z to create: Hegeta (Homer + Vegeta). He offers a suggestion of how the Simpsons should end the show and talks about why the Dragon Ball Z movie was a flop and how they could make a reboot better.
29:28 We knew there would be plenty of Elvira fans since this was her last convention appearance. I caught up with one fan who explains why she loves Elvira, meeting Elvira, and if anyone else can fill Elvira’s shoes. I asked about her personal life and she explained she’s an assistant editor for a film trailer house, Ignition Creative. Check out her deviantart profile here
32:28 A fan cosplays Rainbow Dash, the fastest pony in all of Equestria, talks about putting her blood and sweat into making her costume. Follow her on twitter: @mkpresson. When I ask her about the craziest thing she’s seen, she points to a guy just to her left who turns out to be playing a character from Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion ride.

00:00 A very chatty, original costume, cosplay fan talks about his custom work, making moccasins, and being a Hawaiian cowboy. Check out his pizza businss on Facebook
03:49 The green man we chatted with earlier ends up in a battle/dance with another full body suit guy. Hilarity ensues.
05:04 Guy Gardner (Green Lantern) loves being a total douche and says he’d reboot the Star Wars movies.
06:50 Steampunk peacock. Check out her steampunk group here and follow her on twitter: @saintchimo
08:51 Girls and Corpses representative has trouble convincing me why people have a corpse fetish
10:39 A pool boy cosplays a Tusken Raider
12:52 Phantom of the Opera talks about being dragged into conventions by her daughter
14:25 Another fan takes method acting very seriously and doesn’t get out of character as Rorschach (Watchmen)
15:07 A college student cosplays Allen Walker. She wants to be a costume designer and we think she’s onto a good start
17:05 The Red Shirt Army from Star Trek. Check out their youtube channel here and follow them on twitter: @inprovence
19:50 A steampunk couple does it right. It’s always nice to see couples get into the spirit of things together and really invest some considerable time and effort into their costumes
23:23 A fan cosplays Speed Racer and talks about his first car. Follow him on twitter: @jaysethan and check out his site
26:19 This fan cosplays Gem (Tron Legacy) and really pulls it off. She works for the Disney Channel as a satellite operator. Follow her on twitter: @annisse
28:57 This guy helps demonstrate why its fun to ask what people do for a living. He’s an optician that cosplays Cyclops.
30:59 I really love watching childhood favorites come to life. This guy obviously put serious money and time into his Predator costume. He does IT work for an elementary school.
32:25 A young industrial design student traveled all the way from Atlanta and cosplays Rydia (Final Fantasy IV). I love that the cute Anya photobombs in the beginning of the video. Follow her on twitter: @mnikalee

00:00 Costume contest: includes Spy Versus Spy, Anya (Gears of War), Rydia (Final Fantasy IV), Mandalorians (Star Wars), Predator, Deadpool, Jurassic Park, Squirrel Girl, Jedi Bob’s Big Boy, Henchman (Venture Brothers), Black Widow, Cloud (Final Fantasy VII), Dr. Doom, Cobra Commander, Joker, Belle (Beauty and the Beast), the same Poison Ivy from the Anime Expo (@megturney), Wonder Woman, Gem, Putty (Power Rangers), Master Chief (Halo), Lloyd Dobler, Pyramid Head, Rainbow Dash, Catwoman, Rogue (X-Men), Cyberman
13:20 Anya (Gears of War) talks about why she loves the game and Comikaze and says what she’ll buy if she wins the $500
14:46 Putty (Power Rangers)
15:53 Squirrel Girl turns out to be a real character in the Marvel World! I also love how animated she is! Add her on Facebook if you’re a friend and follow her on tumblr
19:24 Winners of the costume contest are announced
24:45 Jurassic Park couple
26:22 A gender bender cosplay fan talks about his character being known for being a slut. I can’t make out the name of the character. If you recognize the character, comment below!

Derby Dolls – Sat. Nov. 12th: Sirens vs Varsity Brawlers

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This Saturday night I had my first experience with roller derby.  I knew next to nothing about this sport prior to Saturday night, other than it involves roller skates and not roller blades, and that it’s all female.  My intro in to this sport was vague memories of RollerGames on tv in the 80s (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RollerGames).  That incarnation of the sport was co-ed I think, and more like Pro Wrestling with scripted events rather than a sport.

So roller derby the sport consists of two teams skating around an oval track.  The teams that are on the track consist of five players; four blockers and one jammer.  Points are scored when the jammer breaks through the other teams blockers and skates ahead to rejoin the other blockers.  The jammer then attempts to break through the opposing blockers again, when and if she does, points are gained by each opponent she passes.  All the while the other team has their jammer doing the same thing.

These rounds are very fast and furious, the jammer has one minute to score and the game has two halves, each in twelve minute periods.  You can learn more here http://derbydolls.com/la/

All in all, I was able to learn about something I never knew about before and I had a lot of fun.  The venue/arena is very well organized and I recommend you checking it out the next time you’re in Los Angeles.  Check out a previous entry here http://wu-e.com/2011/11/08/comikaze-interview-with-stefcon-1-from-the-los-angeles-derby-dolls/

Here are some photos from my camera phone, the ladies were skating by pretty fast.

 

 

 

 

2011 Long Beach Comic Convention: Interview with the Creators of Toonhole

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At the Long Beach Comic Convention, we saw many booths where artists, writers, and producers showcased their latest works. One of them that immediately caught our attention was the Toonhole booth. Who doesn’t love Macho Man Randy Savage? Even though he rests in peace, his legacy and iconic voice lives on. We stepped closer to discover a world of funny and clever comics that really appealed to us. Obviously, we had to get a word with the boys behind Toonhole.

Take a look below and learn all about Toonhole in this interview with Ryan Kramer and Mike Nassar. They talk about the drunken mashup that is Toonhole, their origins as animators, the benefits of technology on the comic book industry, plans to publish for the growing tablets market, and offer unique advice for aspiring artists.

Find more about Toonhole here
twitter: @toonhole  / @toonholechris

2011 Long Beach Comic Convention: Talking with Cosplay Fans

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Earlier this year, we gave you guys an intimate look at cosplay fans of the Los Angeles Anime Expo. Well, I hope you didn’t think we’d leave you hanging with the Long Beach Comic Convention, because we did it again!

Have a look and discover what cosplay fans are all about as we ask them questions like what makes the Long Beach Comic Convention different from others, why they love the characters they cosplay, how long their customes took to make, why DC Comics doesn’t release as many movies as Marvel, and what they do for a living. Notice how popular steampunk costumes have become?

00:00 The Joker explain who she is and why it’s fun to be crazy. It’s interesting that she references Batman as a creation by Christopher Nolan rather than Bob Kane. She always weighs in on Twilight versus the Avengers. Don’t try to find her online because she’s got tough security settings.
02:10 John Stewart (Justice League Unlimited) loves being one of DC’s first black characters
03:55 Ash Williams (Evil Dead II)
04:58 Bloodsucka Jones gives us the heads up on the convention being a place to pickup girls
05:42 An rebel X-wing pilot talks about George Lucas’ tweaks to the video releases
08:15 An attorney cosplays Superman and talks about the character being inspirational, leading by example, the DC Comics reboot, and why DC Comics hasn’t made as many movies as Marvel Comics
11:05 Wonder Woman
12:23 a storm trooper tries to take down Felix the Cat
12:49 a steampunk couple explains the allure of steampunk and the convenience of the Long Beach Comic Convention being close to home

00:00 Boba Fett, intergalactic booty hunter, talks about why he’s the 1%, all the girls he’s pulling, and gives advice to the president
01:07 An amazing Deadmau5 helmet that took 10 months to make by a film and visual effects student. Follow him on twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/pwnch
01:58 A computer science student talks about his original character, Ordo Mando, and the challenges of using fiber glass and resin. He mentions deconstructing the helmet taking awhile due to many screws. Check out the forum that helped him make his costume: http://405th.com/
03:40 An insurance claims negotiator cosplays a dalek from Dr. Who and promotes her fiance’s comic book site: Old Dying Kitty Comics
05:22 Captain America gives advice for the president
06:28 An English major graduate student cosplays Henchman 21 from the Venture Brothers and talks about Long Beach Comic Convention being great for checking out panels
08:01 A human services major student cosplays Lina Inverse from Slayers and gives advice for the president and predicts the outcome of a Jersey Shore versus Twilight fight
10:25 Chun-li from the Anime Expo cosplays Jill Valentine from Resident Evil
11:45 Daft Punk
13:05 A geek squad agent (Best Buy) cosplays a more obscure character, Jared Nomak (Blade 2), and shares his thoughts on Steve Jobs’ legacy

00:00 Steampunk cosplay fan talks about her outfit ingredients: Nerf gun, cookie cutter
01:23 Sexy Colonel Sanders and a KFC chicken drumstick. This was my favorite for sure. There isn’t any explanation needed. I even asked the couple if the idea was ironic. I know fast food always gets a bad rap and I initially suspected the couple might have actually been vegetarian. It turns out they’re just fans of the Colonels wonderful recipe.
02:33 A very nervous John Egbert struggles to answer questions. I guess we caught him off guard.

2011 Long Beach Comic Convention: Interview with Joe Russo (Starburns Industries)

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Executive producer, Joe Russo, talked to us about all the latest and greatest things happening at Starburns Industries, producers of Mary Shelley’s Frankenhole.

Joe discusses working with stop motion versus CG, the challenges of working with stop motion, the big dream of Starburns Industries, why he likes Long Beach Comic Convention over other conventions, other projects the company is working on, and the process of finding the right voice for a series.

Watch Mary Shelley’s Frankenhole on Adult Swim
Find out more about Starburns Industries