Wondercon post mortem: Stay north, young con

Big place, isn't it?
The Anaheim Convention Center easily fit Wondercon and a volleyball tournament without batting an eye. It would be the ideal size to hold Wondercon, or even Comic-Con.
Maybe, though, it's a bit too big, not including the arena next door. They thought it was a good idea to have a shuttle for those who parked at Angels Stadium a few miles away. Comic-Con has a bus system, so why not Wondercon?

Sounds right, but people were used to the coziness of the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Maybe they didn't like to walk so far to get from the action figures to the ballroom where all the big panels were. Maybe they preferred a real downtown, not the one that Walt Disney built near its amusement park entrances.
(Edited to add: apparently there was also a cheerleading competition, which meant major parking problems for three events at once).
It still would have been wet and cold in San Francisco if Wondercon was there as usual, but people liked the arrangement: going north in the spring, and south in the summer. What's more, they're in cities with very good public transit. In Anaheim, the tour buses have a bigger schedule than public transit.

So, Wondercon in Anaheim was a good idea, but I heard from some people that they hope to be heading back to the Golden Gate in 2013.

As for the programming, it's too bad we didn't have any other movie premieres aside from The Cabin In The Woods. Nothing on Men in Black 3 aside from an electric marquee at the UltraLuxe. Dark Shadows also a no-show except on the Hero Complex magazines that were given away. The Avengers had a big ad, but no Hunger Games presence aside from a girl I saw who wore a shirt that said "District 13 Mockingjays"...and some action figures and posters for sale. In fact, swag was a bit light. I did get some Once Upon a Time journal books and a CitW shirt. Not bad, but the real find was getting autographed Bianca Lawson Buffy figures for ten bucks each. I got two.

Also this nice surprise:



The Fringe gang (Blair Brown, John Noble and Joshua Jackson) signing for fans before their panel. They talked up the rest of the reason and hopes of one more year. Now that Terra Nova is extinct, that could happen. Too bad I missed the Snow White and the Huntsman panel, which had to be moved ahead, darn it. While Charlize Theron and Kristen Stewart are two good reasons to go, they'll be happy that Chris Hemsworth will bring his Thor Nation to the theaters.

And, as I promised, some Disney California Adventure pictures...



This one is from the top of Mickey's Ferris Wheel..



This is a preview of Buena Vista Street, with this building a recreation of the theater that premiered Snow White and the Seven Dwarves



Hula hoops of the future! Thanks, TRON



and Paradise Pier at night



The whole Wondercon album can be found here.

Now I am glad to be home. I've packed everything away, and am now preparing for the big show known as Comic-Con. That's going to be wall-to-wall Twi-Hards as they prepare for the final act in November. We'll be getting first reactions to Amazing Spider-Man (based on the trailer, they'll be sequels, but who can be Mary Jane?), and many will pray for an early premiere of The Dark Knight Rises. That, of course, is only for starters.
In any case, I can't wait for this. At least bus service is better and you don't have to worry abut rain.

Wondercon, Day 3: I Left My Heart in SF

As we head to the final day of Wondercon 2012, it's clear the Anaheim Convention Center has some advantages of being the home of Wondercon: Disneyland, hotels and some chain restaurants within walking distance.

There is one big drawback: from what I have heard, the shuttle between the con and Angels Stadium hasn't been as convenient as people thought. It's faster than the county bus, but still a problem if you want to keep out of the rain, or just get to somewhere on time. Just like San Diego, there are big lines, especially for the movie panels. They had to make a few changes in the schedule so Charlize Theron could plug Prometheus and Snow White and the Huntsman in the same panel. I still go to see this gal, though...



Emma Stone, the once and future Gwen Stacy in Amazing Spider-Man. She was really cool, and got along well with Andrew Lincoln,. They also showed the trailer, and it will make you forget Toby Maguire. It's also a different origin story than the one we always known, and very good, too.

I also attended the Geek and Sundry panel plus the Cabin in the Woods showing,. Those will be elsewhere in the 'net.

Today should be interesting. Fans of Fringe, Community and Once Upon a Time are sure to pack the ballroom, along with Lost fans who want to see Jorge Garcia in the Alcatraz panel. It'll be different than last year, where two TV panels expressed hope they would have another season, but didn't. This year, Fringe may feel more confident about another season, while Alcatraz and Community are crossing their fingers. It all ends with Dr. Horrible, but Jane Espenson has her panel at the same time. I'll be taking that one.

On Monday I'll have my Disney CA Adventure pictures, including hula hoops of the future.

Wondercon: Going South

So what's like moving Wondercon south while San Francisco's Moscone Center is under construction?

Well, when you're at a place which includes an arena next door, you have a very big place. It's still more isolated than the Moscone Center, despite also having Disneyland and way too many chain restaurants. While comics, sci-fi and fantasy fans wander around, a big volleyball tournament is being held. There's not much overlap, except here....



The Last Airbender with a couple of volleyball-benders. Imagine that.

Also, we had three girls either dressed up for the Tardis Prom or a very interesting wedding...



and a guy dressed as Abe Lincoln, Vampire Hunter. Now THIS is the candidate the Republicans really need. You know he'd use the axe for something other than killing the undead. He might aim that towards certain media pundits, and serve those Tea Party guys some real wisdom.



I did see this three-D picture of the Firefly cast. Looks great...



As far as swag is concerned, not much has been given out yet, although Naruto has been giving out teriyaki. More should be available soon.

As I said before, I somehow got a ticket to the Cabin in the Woods showing tonight. To make it clear, I'll be really vague about the story. I will comment on the performances, and whether any of the scenes could have been converted to 3-D but not ruin the movie. Then, I'll reveal what Joss and Drew Goddard said in the post-movie discussion. I'll also show that I still have some of those mini-posters from three years ago. I'll probably be one of eight people. Someone must have brought back those posters.

Later on, I'll have a post on my four hours or so at California Adventure. I needed more, plus a park hopper ticket to Disneyland. I'll consider it if I can get more discount tickets. It is a great place at night, though.

Wondercon, Day 2: My NCAA Bracket is ruined!

But I'm OK. This is why.



I actually got this before the con. So, expect coverage at Whedonopolis this weekend,

The first day of Anaheim Wondercon was interesting. They wanted to start off with some nice appetizers. There was only one I wanted, namely 21 Jump Street. I was surprised Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum showed in in their cop uniforms.



They wanted to pass the word about how cool this new version of an old Fox favorite would be. Jonah did his samurai bit from SNL, and was stunned to find out a baby was there. This was more surprising...



He called himself Captain Comic-Con. I wonder if Nathan will try this if he shows up at a Joss Whedon panel, and wants to ask a question about himself

So, day 2 means movies, Felicia Day and going here....



Seeing horror at a near Imax screen. Should be fun

Does Anaheim Want Wondercon If It Can't Have Comic-Con?

Wondercon's brief detour to Anaheim is coming this weekend, and it looks like the organizers wouldn't mind if it stayed there.

Usually it's in San Francisco, but the Moscone Center is under construction. That means no cable cars, fog, or dozens of bars within walking distance.
However, it does mean ducking out to Disneyland, but when? Aren't we supposed to talk about comics, new movie and what coming up on TV?

Well, it looks like the organizers have come up with that. They are selling discount tickets to Disneyland and California Adventure. Considering I can spend eight hours in Disneyland for 45 bucks, that's not too bad. Then again, using it at California Adventure is less of a bargain if it's only good between four and nine p-m. They have full-day tickets which are still at discount, but they'll probably be used during the first day by anyone not interested in 21 Jump Street, Chris Hardwick or a new Superman animated movie. They may alsohave to check the weather forcast, since rain is expected.

They're also offering discount movie tickets to something I never heard of, the UltraLuxe Anaheim Theater. Ir's not Imax, but you have a chance to drink beer while watching The Lorax or sit on special "enhanced seats" while seeing John Carter. I fully expect a lot of drunk guys watching Breaking Dawn II at that theater. It's basically a high-end version of the AMC multi-plex at Downtown Disney. It's odd, though, that they're not selling tickets to movies during Wondercon weekend. Could we have a secret premiere, perhaps....about a house in the forest with some guy who looks like Thor? You know the one.

The biggest hint, however, is that they're offering free shuttle service from Angel Stadium's parking lot. They don't even offer that in Comic-Con. Why? Because San Diego has light-rail.

So, is that enough? I will admit there are some things about the area around the Convention Center I never knew about, like the Gardenwalk. I also learned that Wal-Mart, Target and Food4Less are relatively close to Wondercon but not as close as CVS and Ralph's are to the San Diego Convention Center.

So, the Wondercon organizers are trying their hardest to offer perks to get people to consider Anaheim as a better place for the con than San Francisco. I still say it's better to have Wondercon in SF then Comic-Con in July. That's perfect balance, and it also preserves Wizard World's traditional Spring spot.

Besides, since the movie moguls don't have to travel so far this year to Wondercon, how come no panel on The Hunger Games, which are coming a week later? How come the Avengers aren't assembling? Where's Grimm? Sure, Emma Stone is plugging Amazing Spider-Man, and we get something on Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter and Snow White, Game of Thrones, er and the Huntsman. Still, can't we at least have a special giveaway on Mockingjay pins?

Next year, keep Wondercon in San Francisco. That is its true home.

Wondercon Preview: TV and Spider-Man, at least

Wondercon is two weeks away, and it's taking place in Anaheim this year while San Francisco's Moscone Center is getting renovated.
It's an interesting choice since Anaheim's Convention Center has often been seen as the future home of Comic-Con because of the facility's size. This may be he city's chance to maybe get the big convention someday, even though San Diego officials are finally starting preparations to expand their convention center. It's safe to say fans will at least have some breathing room as they move from one panel to another, but more Southern California fans will be packing the place.

I'll be there for Whedonopolis, hoping that maybe the Man Himself (Joss, who else) will give us a preview of The Avengers, and the long-awaited sneak peak of The Cabin In The Woods after it gets its premiere at the South by Southwest event.
As for March first, though, no word yet. It looks like the big attraction will be Amazing Spider-Man, with a guaranteed Emma Stone sighting (le sigh). As far as TV is concerned, the list of shows will be more optimistic than last year. Remember when the cast of V was optimistic about a third season that never came? Not this year...while one show may be facing the end, others will be announcing big news about a future which will definitely come.

Friday's schedule has 21 Jump Street, which premieres that day. It's still a chance to see Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum. There's also a premiere of a new DC animated feature, Superman Vs. The Elite.

Saturday is Movie Day. Fox will have a panel, and it may include Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter and Prometheus. There'a another one on Snow White and the Huntsmen and Battleship. Sony's panel will talk Spider-Man, but also the latest Resident Evil movie.
Notice anything missing? Yup, no panel on The Hunger Games, which premieres a week later, or The Avengers, which kicks off the summer season. Hopefully, that will change. At least do what happened last year, when people got their own SHIELD badges.
Whedonopolis will be looking at a panel that promotes Felicia Day's new YouTube channel Geek and Sundry. She's going beyond the Guild now, although we hope there's some info about whether we'll have one more season.

TV will dominate Sunday. The main ballroom will have panels on Alcatraz, Fringe, Once Upon a Time, and Community. The last one may get the most interest, because it'll be held just a few days after its return to NBC. The weekend will close with Dr. Horrible, but Jane Espenson, who is now with Once Upon a Time but is one of the major writers of the Whedonverse, has a panel at the same time. I'll probably go to that. I have Dr. H in my iPod on DVD.

It'll be the first time I've stayed in Anaheim. I was at a Wizard World event. While the center is really big, the area lacks several things that downtown San Diego has: public transit, nice local restaurants, more theaters, and at least one CVS within walking distance. While there is a Downtown Disney, complete with multiplex that doesn't meet up to the Metreon, it's not the same as a real downtown. Petco Park si also within walking distance, and it's becoming more of a part of Comic-Con these days. SO, I'll be glad when Wondercon heads back north next year. It's a NorCal thing while Comic-Con can stay a San Diego thing.

Now, the schedule will likely change, and I hope Joss will head down to Disneyland to give us big surprises. It's been years since he's been at Wondercon, and this year he doesn't have to drive very far. Just sayin'.

Wondercon Heads South

San Francisco is usually Nerd Central every Spring, because it's Wondercon season. I loved going here because it's easier to get to than Comic-Con, and it's in my neck of the woods.

Well, in 2012, that will change. Wondercon is headed to Anaheim around St. Patrick's Day weekend. With the beer flowing, and NCAA March Madness about to emerge, it would be a heck of a time to have the event.

Now, I've been to the Anaheim Convention Center when I went to one of those Wizard World cons. It wasn't too bad, but it had less events compared to Wondercon. You also had to walk a mile and a half to get to a grocery store. You were surrounded by other hotels, chain restaurants and Disneyland. If only there was a Ralph's.

Hotel prices weren't too bad, if you stayed for a weekend. I'd need four days: three for the con and an extra day to get use from my Universal Studios Annual Pass. If I suddenly got a Disneyland pass, I'd reconsider. Also, there's only one multiplex at Downtown Disney. That's not a big problem, since Wondercon used one multiplex, too.

To afford this, I will have to make some sacrifices. I was thinking about going to the annual Doctor Who convention in February, but that is now out the window.
Of course, I could skip this con and save all my cash for Comic-Con, but that wouldn't be a wise idea. The con would be an ideal spot to start the buzz for The Avengers, especially since Joss Whedon is directing. The Cabin In The Woods, also a Joss production, would be a month off. There's The Hunger Games a week after the con, Dark Shadows, Men In Black 3, and Battleship. It would be wise to be there, especially if they throw in Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. I should be there, and I hope to add an extra day for my Universal Studios pass. If I can squeeze in a quick L-A trip in December, especially if Southwest Airlines has another cheap air sale, I can adjust.

I've also learned that Wondercon will go back to San Francisco in 2013. It's just that I've been used to going there every fall for this event, it will be quite different to be in the same con but about 425 miles south. I would skip this, but the new location will make it easier for the movie studios to start summer buzz with this event, especially since Joss will be involved, too. So, I gotta go!

Well, March is still two seasons away, but I should be thinking about it.

Anaheim: Home of Lots of Hotels

I'll say this...the Convention Center is big.
Aside from the predicted sea of celebs who will just happen to show up for Anaheim Wizard World this weekend, there's also another convention devoted to chocolate and coffee, at least. One of the security guys told me it's not unusual to see four conventions at once.
Well, it's just two this weekend. I will say Anaheim's argument that it has a mountain of hotel rooms, is a good one. Here's another: more affordable restaurants aside from the chains. Little shops. Maybe a Vons store.
Then again, if L-A wants Comic-Con, it should also get a Vons downtown. All it has is the Staples Center and a Rite-Aid. The fact there is a Metro hub nearby is helpful, but not enough.

So far, I've talked to Doug Jones, Camden Toy and Mark Lutz (aka Groo from the Pylea arc on Angel). The big guns, especially Jewel Staite, start today. Hope they have time. I especially want to hear from Miracle Laurie, and whether she thinks she can make a good Wonder Woman, as one blogger says.

I am also careful not to spend too much on action figures designed to be eBay bait. I got a Matt Smith, and may get another Buffy figure. We'll see. There are always Sunday bargains.
I just wish there were more giveaways, especially Kick-Ass. If I somehow snag a signature from Stan Lee, years after I got a picture of him at Comic-Con, that would also be cool. But first, have to get those interviews!

The Battle For Comic-Con's Future

Well, the fight to house Comic-Con has reached "Keep the Colts in Baltimore" levels.
Facebook is already in the fight thanks to two new pages: one who wants the event to move to Anaheim in 2013, and one who wants the place to stay. There is another that has less fans but the only difference is that it has no exclamation point. I guess that proves the importance of a catchy title in your Facebook page.

So far, the Anaheim page has more people making clear arguments for a move. They claim it's bigger, close to Disneyland, and there are more hotel rooms that won't rip your wallet to shreds. I've never been there, although I will soon. The best thing about San Diego is that there are a lot of places to go and eat in between panels. There's also a CVS and a Ralph's. It was great for me when I first went to Comic-Con, but not when it's getting so crowded.
Those who favor keeping Comic-Con in San Diego rely on tradition. It's been around for 40 years. It's more iconic that the Padres, but not as much as the Chargers. Besides, there's light rail. Anaheim doesn't have that.

I see this as a city hoping to attract a sports franchise who isn't happy with its stadium anymore. I've seen this before with the Raiders going to Los Angeles for a few years, the Colts leaving Baltimore, the Rams leaving L-A, and the Kings leaving Kansas City for Sacramento. Currently, Comic-Con has had to rely on a new hotel for some of its events. Hall H isn't enough anymore, and...well...waiting for panels that attract a modest following is becoming too much like waiting in line at Disneyland for anything.

San Diego officials are aware of the problem. They have asked nearby hotels to add more available space while they try to get the center expanded...and that may be easier said that done. They know Comic-Con means Ewoks, Zombies, Slayers and such in bars and restaurants..and that also means money. They want Comic-Con to stay in San Diego.
But, as Walter O'Malley decided Ebbets Field was just too small and antiquated for his Dodgers more than 50 years ago, Comic-Con officials may look at the San Diego Convention Center the same way. Besides, while San Diego may try to expand its facilities, just moving will get that extra space immediately. Thus, we may have to practice saying Anaheim Comic-Con in 2013.

Personally, I think moving to the Los Angeles Convention Center would be a perfect compromise. It's also big, and you can use the subway, which is better than you think, to get there. It also widens the number of convenient hotel spaces a lot...and who wouldn't like to use the Nokia Theater as the new Hall H? Maybe by 2013they can also add a few fast food places, too.

We may know for sure just after Wondercon ends next week. At least the Moscone Center in San Francisco is still big enough for that event.