10 things to watch for at 2008 Comic-Con
By Jevon Phillips and Denise Martin, Los Angeles Times Staff writers
Secret’s out: Gwyneth and Robert know it. Hollywood knows it. And now everyone else knows it too. The comic collectors, fanboys and costumed wannabes are the tastemakers. And starting Thursday, they’ll descend on San Diego for Comic-Con.
Look at the the success of “Iron Man,” no doubt helped to its hundred-millions by last year’s showing at the Con. It’s a pop culture paradise, and we’ve picked the must-see items and events from this year’s gathering. (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)
Sideshow Collectibles
Every year, Sideshow has one of the best booth presentations on the floor. They lay out things months in advance, and even print a little map to let you know where and what everything is. Even if figures are not your thing, there are great representations of shows or movies depicting regular people (the Godfather figure is great) and the not so regular (the Balrog from “Lord of the Rings” is pretty cool). Take a quick stroll around the booth and you’ll find something you like, though whether you buy it is up to you. (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)
Fanatics
Always a draw, people-watchers will have their fill at Comic-Con. The stories are true: There are Wookies and wizards and school girls galore. But these made-up marvels are the ones being courted. For the wannabes who indulge in cosplay and dress up, their fervor, devotion and savvy can drive a project’s popularity. Freaks? Only in the sense that it takes freaky skill to customize a life-like Predator costume in your uncle’s basement just from rewinding the movie. The ones who are dedicated but don’t take it too seriously are great fun.
And we’re not even talking about the participants in the Masquerade. (Denis Poroy / Associated Press)
Joss Whedon
We love all things Whedon. From “Roseanne” to “Buffy” to “Firefly” -- love it. Joss, the creator, will come to Comic-Con to impart his wisdom and witty repartee in many different venues. Project-wise, he and Eliza Dushku will present the much-anticipated “Dollhouse,” and with his crew of Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion and Felicia Day, he will talk about the Web series “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-along Blog.” And to top it all off, the convention will end with the slayer’s musical episode “Once more ... with feeling.” (Annie Wells / Los Angeles Times)
