Warner Bros. Entertainment and DC Entertainment Celebrate Batman's 75th Anniversary

A Super Hero For Every Generation

Warner Bros. Entertainment and DC Entertainment Celebrate Batman’s 75th Anniversary

 New Batman 75th Commemorative Logo Unveiled

To mark the milestone 75th anniversary of DC Comics’ Batman, Warner Bros. Entertainment and DC Entertainment have revealed plans for a year-long celebration befitting the world’s most popular Super Hero.  Highlights of the anniversary program, which starts today, include a new commemorative 75th anniversary Batman logo and an exclusive “Cape/Cowl/Create” art exhibit, featuring 20 contemporary artists’ interpretation of The Dark Knight’s iconic cowl headpiece and cape from the upcoming Batman: Arkham Knight videogame.  There will also be 75th anniversary-related activities across all of Warner Bros. Entertainment throughout the year.

First appearing in the comic book Detective Comics #27, which hit newsstands on March 30, 1939, featuring artwork by Bob Kane and a script by Bill Finger, Batman emerged from the shadows to become the world’s most popular Super Hero and dominate all media.  In feature films, TV shows, radio, video games, publishing and merchandise, this most human of Super Heroes has battled some of fiction’s greatest villains using his intellect, cunning and an arsenal of gadgets to further his quest for justice.

“Batman is an incredibly important property with multi-generational appeal across all of the Studio’s businesses, and we’re proud to celebrate this milestone anniversary,” said Kevin Tsujihara, Chief Executive Officer, Warner Bros. Entertainment.  “From billion-dollar blockbuster films to TV, home entertainment, video games and consumer products, The Dark Knight continues to resonate with audiences worldwide and rightfully deserves his place as a global pop culture icon for the ages.”

Batman is the single most successful Super Hero film franchise in history and there have been more theatrical movies released based on Batman than any other comic book character.  In video games, the Batman Arkham franchise is also the most successful Super Hero game concept ever.  Batman consistently breaks records in every incarnation of his character and remains the gold standard by which all other comic book sales are measured.

“Batman is one of the greatest characters ever created, in comics or elsewhere, and even after 75 years he continues to wildly fascinate fans.  He is an integral part of pop culture and has successfully captured the imagination of the entire world,” said Diane Nelson, President of DC Entertainment and President & Chief Content Officer, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.  “The origin of Batman, Bruce Wayne and the famous citizens of Gotham are legendary and likely a story you know inside out, even if you’ve never picked up a comic book in your life, and that speaks volumes to the character’s immense popularity and the constructs of the original mythology.”

The first published adventure of The Bat-Man (as he was then known) was in the May 1939 issue of  Detective Comics #27, conceived of and drawn by a 22-year-old Kane with his frequent collaborator, Bill Finger, scripting the story. The character was so successful, that one year later the first comic book devoted exclusively to the Caped Crusader’s adventures, Batman #1, hit newsstands. In that issue, Batman battled The Joker and Catwoman for the first time.

Now, DC Entertainment and the Studio’s various divisions, including Pictures, Television, Animation, Interactive Entertainment, Home Entertainment and Consumer Products, will mark this extraordinary 75th anniversary with a range of highly anticipated events and products.

The new commemorative logo, also released today across social media and websites, takes its cue from the famed Bat symbol, and features block-style lettering of “75 Years.”  The mark will be rolled out on Batman-related promotions, products and initiatives. 

Key activities planned for the Batman 75th anniversary celebration include:

• DC Entertainment – DC Entertainment has an action-packed year filled with new Batman titles, commemorative issues and variant covers, including the recently released special edition of Detective Comics #27 commemorating Batman’s first appearance in the book in 1939, the new weekly series Batman Eternal launching April 9, and upcoming exclusive Batman variant covers planned for San Diego Comic-Con International in July.


• Batman Day – DC Entertainment is also partnering with thousands of comic retailers, book stores and libraries for “Batman Day” on Wednesday, July 23. Each location will host a Batman 75th anniversary celebration and offer fans a free, special edition Batman comic.


• Interactive Entertainment – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has invited celebrated fashion designer Asher Levine to create a cape and cowl based on the Batsuit of the recently announced Batman: Arkham Knight videogame developed by Rocksteady Studios.  Favorite contemporary artists will have the opportunity to use the replicas as a blank canvas to produce their own, original interpretations of Batman’s iconic attire for an all new “Cape/Cowl/Create” art exhibit that will be showcased at San Diego Comic-Con International in July.


• Home Entertainment – Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will bring fans an array of new Batman titles throughout the year, including the highly anticipated release of the Batman ’66 TV series for the first time ever. Other new releases include animated films Son of Batman (May 6) and Assault on Arkham (summer 2014). Additionally, a 25th Anniversary Edition of Tim Burton’s Batman feature film will be released in the fall.


• Animation – Warner Bros. Animation has created two all-new Batman animated shorts set for debut in April, with fan-favorite producers Bruce Timm (Batman: The Animated Series) and Darwyn Cooke (Batman Beyond) each presenting a unique and familiar take on the Batman animated universe. In addition, Timm will participate in a Batman 75th all-star panel at WonderCon in Anaheim on Saturday, April 19, which will also feature an exclusive premiere of Cooke’s animated short based upon Batman Beyond.


• Television –Warner Bros. Television is in production on the pilot episode of the highly anticipated Gotham, a new one-hour drama for FOX which explores the origin stories of eventual police commissioner James Gordon and the villains that made Gotham City famous. In Gotham, Detective Gordon (Ben McKenzie – Southland) will encounter a familiar cast of characters – including a young Bruce Wayne – as he fights to keep the city safe. Executive producer Bruno Heller (The Mentalist, Rome) wrote the pilot, which is being directed by executive producer Danny Cannon (CSI series, Nikita)


• Pictures – As Batman’s 75th anniversary is celebrated in 2014, Warner Bros. Pictures will begin production of Zack Snyder’s untitled Superman/Batman film starring Henry Cavill, who reprises his role as Superman/Clark Kent, and Ben Affleck as Batman/Bruce Wayne. The film, slated for release summer 2016, will bring the two most iconic Super Heroes of all time together for the first time on the big screen.


• Consumer Products – Warner Bros. Consumer Products has partnered with an array of licensees to celebrate Batman’s 75th Anniversary through special edition and limited-release products. From the classic 1960s TV series to modern day comics, Batman’s presence will be larger than ever in celebration of his legacy through everything from toys to t-shirts.


• DCComics.com – For the latest information and exclusive content celebrating Batman’s 75th anniversary, visit www.Batman75.com. The dedicated section on DC Comics’ website launches today with the Batman 75 Sweepstakes which offers one lucky fan a one-of-a-kind prize package.

DC Phase 5: Life and Death in the DC Universe

A recurring theme in the DC Universe is life and death.  In this phase, we will look at this.  In the comics, many major characters have died and come back to life, and we have already done this with Superman.  Now we will do it with other people in the DC Cinematic Universe.  We also have the first time where ordinary people oppose the actions of the heroes because they are unaware of how bad things would be without the actions of the heroes.  In the end, we leave everything stable, allowing for a new arc of movies to be developed following these.

Green Lantern: War of the Rings

The Guardians are at odds over how to deal with the appearances of the new corps, each wielding rings which allow them to tap into the power of part of the emotional spectrum.  Some of them want to guide and nurture them, others want to destroy them.  The Guardians split over the issue, with some choosing to stay and try to integrate the corps together, and others leaving to forge a new police force to protect the universe … inhuman, unfeeling machines called manhunters.  It is up to the Green lantern corps assisted by members of the other corps to put aside their differences in order to stop the manhunters from destroying them all.

In a post-credits scene, we see a manhunter, damaged and failing invade the mind of Jean Loring, the wife of the Atom.  Fade out on Jean’s eyes glowing with the glow of the manhunter’s powers.

Superman: New Krypton

Braniac arrives on Earth with a message for Superman.  He has “preserved” a Kryptonian city and has found a suitable planet where they can rebuild a new Kryptonian society.  Superman decides to visit new Krypton and is attacked and imprisoned.  He learns that Braniac and a group of Kryptonian villains are conquering planets, and Earth is next on their dance card.  With the help of a Kryptonian resistance, Superman escapes back to earth, where, aided by his new friends, he defeats Braniac’s forces, who are taken back to New Krypton to be imprisoned for their crimes.

In a post-credits scene we see three Kryptonians who died rise wearing black rings.  The leave New Krypton and start flying towards Earth.

Batman: Identity Crisis

Investigating the death of a close friend of the Flash, Batman discovers that this is just the latest in a strong of murders involving those close to super heroes.  His investigation takes him into the depths of the criminal mind, where he learns a terrible secret: that none of the heroes’ secrets are safe.  One of their own has chosen to hunt them down, starting with their closest confidantes.  Jean Loring, the wife of Ray Palmer, known in the super hero community as the Atom is working to kill as many heroes as she can in preparation for a war that will threaten the very existence of life itself.

In a post credits scene, we see one of the loved ones killed during the movie rise with a black ring on their hand.

Justice League: Blackest Night

The Justice League joins an epic war between the forces of Life and Death.  The forces of Death, wearing black rings seek to exterminate all life from the universe.  To accomplish this, they are raising the dead and sending them out to kill.  To defeat them, the Justice League must seek out the Force of Life, the white light of creation itself, which had been split apart into the colors of the emotional spectrum and created the color corps that are led by the Guardians.  Some of that power must be reintegrated into a new lantern corps to defeat death.

In a post-credits scene, we see the white light of life casting about the universe for a new host and we hear a voice chanting life must be served, life must be served.

Wonder Woman: Amazon Queen

Wonder Woman must join her sisters as they are caught in the middle of a schism between the gods.  The war on the eternal plane threatens to destroy the Amazons, along with all of humankind unless Wonder Woman and the Amazons can find a way to stop the war of the gods from spreading.  They learn that Hades is the one who started it all, but stopping him is not enough.  They have to battle the gods themselves and seal them in the eternal realm where they can’t threaten the mortal world any more.

In the post-credits scene, we see the god Mercury looking at the world and stretching his hand out at a red blur and he says speed is my gift, it is mine to reclaim.

The Flash: The Need for Speed

Battling with Professor Zoom, the Flash suddenly comes to a stop.  The speed force, which he and Zoom tap into to achieve their super speed has disappeared.  The Flash tries everything to regain his powers and discovers that the seed force has been drawn together and given life as the Speed Demon.  Faster and stronger than the Flash ever was, the Speed Demon is going to go back in time and stop humans from ever evolving.  The Flash gets thrown back in time to battle the Speed Demon and reclaim his mantle as the fastest man alive.

In a post-credits scene, we see as if through a fisheye lens ringed with white light, Flash brings a murderer into the police station and we hear a voice saying “this one will do fine.”

Green Arrow: Social Justice

With the world at peace, Green Lantern has little to do since the end of the Blackest Night.  When he helps put out an apartment building fire, he is stopped by an older African American gentleman who asks him why he helps aliens but has done nothing to better the situation of people on his own planet.  Facing a crisis of conscience, he seeks out the advice of his friend Green Arrow, who has made it his heroes’ business to help those he believes to be oppressed.  The two collaborate on a case where GL learns that sometimes it is better to follow the spirit of the law rather than the letter of the law.

In a post-credits scene, we see the murderer from the post-credits scene at the end of Need for Speed being sentenced to death.

Justice League: Brightest Day

A killer is put to death, but then is enveloped by a white light and disappears.  Later, long dead people start to return to their lives as if they had never died.  The White Light of Life has claimed the killer as the White Lantern, which brings life from death.  Realizing that the world will be thrown into turmoil if this continues, the Justice League seeks to de-integrate the white light of life and return balance to life and death, but they find themselves opposed by not only the White Lanterns, but by everyday people as well, who don’t want to lose their loved ones again.

In a post credits scene, we see the colors of the emotional spectrum circling in the darkness being joined by the white light of life.

DC Phase 3: It’s a Magical Universe

At the close of phase two, Apokalips was defeated, but the devastation was vast.  There is great fear of the power of “super heroes”, but even more fear of the malevolent forces that battle them.  That fear causes the government, and even some in the hero community to take action to monitor them.  All the while, mystical energies, made more powerful by the energy released in the battles with Apokalips bring forth the next world-threatening crisis, as some seek to harness those magical forces for their own gain…

Wonder Woman: Gods among Men

The war with Apokolips is over, but there is still much to do.  Wonder Woman is hunting for Steppenwulf, one of the denizens of Darkseid who escaped the destruction of his armies.  In his search for a way off the Earth, he terrorizes the communities around Cape Canaveral.  Steppenwulf turns some homeless people into human Apokorats, and Wonder Woman is soundly defeated.  Realizing that the power of the gods has failed her, she seeks answers from the gods themselves.  Being told that her mortal form cannot contain and channel the power of the goods in its fullness, she seens their help to defeat Steppenwulf.  In the battle, the gods fall, one by one, each weakening Steppenwulf enough for Wonder Woman to finally destroy him.

In a post-credits scene, we see the gods pass through a dimensional barrier to an alternate earth, and as they die, they bestow the last remnant of their powers upon human of that Earth… Earth-2.

Batman: The OMAC Project

The war with Apokolips has revealed that the number of humans with the superpower metagene is much larger than initially thought.  The US Government has initiated a new project called Checkmate to monitor these super heroes and enlist some of them into government service.  Not trusting them, Batman sets up his own monitoring system, called OMAC using technology reverse-engineered from leftover technology from Apokolips.  Unfortunately, the system achieves self-awareness, and Batman must seek help to stop it from killing super heroes from none other than Checkmate itself.

In a post credits scene, we see a being of darkness offering Felix Faust eternal life and power beyond imagining … the only cost is his soul.

Shadowpact

In a mystical bar, in a backroom, the members of Shadowpact meet.  They learn of the death of a magic wielder, who was stabbed with the Spear of Destiny, a magical item that had been stolen by the Nazis during World War II and never recovered.  They decide that someone has to recover all of the mystical items captured by the Nazis that are now in the hands of the descendants of Hitler’s inner circle and giving them power that they don’t mind using for their own purposes.

In a post-credits scene, we see a police officer named Jim Corrigan gunned down.  As the gang members who killed him walk away, a green glow surrounds his body.  He levitates to a standing position and goes to confront them, turning into the Spectre in front of them.  Fade out on the Spectre lunging towards them and their screams of terror.

The Hand of Fate

Doctor Kent Nelson, an archeologist opens a tomb and encounters the spirit of Nabu, one of the ancient Lords of Order, whose job it was to balance the Lords of Chaos and prevent worldwide destruction.  Nelson tells Nabu of the recent troubles of the world, and tells Nabu the world needs him now more than ever.  The spirit of Nabu offers him his magical amulet, cloak and helmet, telling him that he is fated to be Nabu’s replacement.  Kent refuses to believe him until he finds the statue of Nabu wearing the vestments.  He removes the helmet and finds that he looks just like Nabu.  Wearing the vestments of Nabu and calling himself Doctor Fate, he fights petty crime.  When he witnesses a murder, he decides to bring the killer to justice, but comes into conflict with the Spectre who has singled out the killer for vengeance.

In a post-credits scene, the other-dimensional bar used by Shadowpact is seen destroyed with various magic wielders lying dead around it.  We see Felix Faust walking away, glowing with barely-contained magical power.

Justice League: Hearts of Darkness

Shadowpact seeks the assistance of the Justice League to investigate the deaths of Magic Users.  The League and Shadowpact face off with Felix Faust who is turning humans into Parademons to attack magic users and steal their powers.  When the League falls and Felix Faust starts to absorb their powers, the Spectre and Doctor Fate join in the battle, defeating Felix Faust, and the Spectre regresses him to infancy to give him a second chance.

In a post-credits scene, The Wizard Shazam is seen looking into the world from the Rock of Eternity, talking to a council of spectral beings about choosing a new champion to serve the Lords of Order.

Creating a Universe: Part 1

Some great discussions happen at comic book shops, let me tell you.  Recently, we were talking about DC’s seeming lack of ability to establish an interconnected movie franchise the way Marvel has.  However, what is always forgotten is that even in the standalone films, there are sly references to the other heroes.  Consider Captain America’s shield in Iron Man 2, or the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents questioning whether the destroyer was “one of Stark’s” in Thor.  What DC needs to do is have a story arc in place that they can use to weave random threads into the standalone movies, the way J. Michael Straczynski did with Babylon 5.  One of the things that was remarked on was the fact that DC has a stable of far more iconic characters than Marvel does, and that those iconic characters, both major and minor, deserve to have their part in the movies.  However, to make this work, a single person, someone with a mind like Straczynski’s would be needed as a producer in order to ensure uniformity and continuity between the movies.  It is a tall order, but here is how I would envision Phase I of a new DC Movie Universe unfolding.

SYNOPSIS:

The rationale behind the structure of Phase One is to establish the interconnectedness of the DC Universe films.  The movies should occur in fairly rapid sequence, with the movies being filmed consecutively, reusing many sets and characters between the movies.  It will incorporate events from the Dark Knight Trilogy, Green Lantern, Man of Steel and the forthcoming sequel featuring Batman as part of the shared history of the DC Film Universe.  Flashpoint should precede the three standalone films by approximately six months, with the other three films being released at four-month intervals.  The final film of Phase one would be released six months after the Superman film.

Flashpoint will open as the comic book opens.  The events of the series will be followed more or less accurately.  Flashpoint will end with the Flash telling the story of the alternate timeline to the members of the Justice League (minus Batman who refuses to join and serves as a tactical and technical advisor).  In a post credits scene, we should get our first glimpse of Doomsday.

Batman: War Games will be a standalone movie which will feature Batman trying to break down gang warfare in Gotham.  As the story progresses, glimpses will be gained into the actions of other heroes in TV news reports and newspaper headlines.  In a post credits scene, we should get a tease of the Justice League working to save people from a natural disaster.

Wonder Woman: Paradise Lost will focus on the invasion of Paradise Island by terrorists seeking an advantage over the world’s democracies by trying to steal the power of the Amazons.  Wonder Woman is still in “Man’s World” fighting Cheetah who is working with the terrorists.  After defeating Cheetah, she learns that she was just a diversion and rushes off to Paradise Island to help her sisters.  The terrorists are eventually defeated, but not before exploding a dirty bomb on the Island.  Zeus intervenes and gives the Amazons a new home: Themyscira.  In a post credits scene, we get a glimpse of Lex Luthor and a US attorney striking a deal to hold Superman accountable for the destruction in Man of Steel.

Superman: Grounded will focus on an overzealous United States attorney who wants to see that Superman is held responsible for the destruction caused by his battle with Zod in Man of Steel.  Superman is imprisoned in a red-sunlight cell designed by tech mogul Lex Luthor, which weakens him enough for Luthor to obtain a tissue sample.  He then tries to replicate Superman’s powers in himself, which causes him to go insane and lash out against humanity, seeing himself as a god.  The Justice League is otherwise engaged, and the authorities release Superman to deal with Luthor, who is imprisoned in his own red-sunlight cell until his powers wear off.  In the post-credits scene we see Doomsday’s arrival on Earth as seen in the comics.

In Justice League: The Death of Superman, Doomsday begins his mindless rampage across America, starting in Smallville, Kansas and heading towards Metropolis.  Superman Battles Doomsday and is defeated.  While Superman regains his strength, the Justice League battles Doomsday.  The League is soundly defeated, but before Doomsday can move in for the kill, Superman arrives and engages in a furious battle.  Superman and Doomsday beat each other to death.  The movie ends with Superman’s funeral.  The post-credits scene contains five flashes: Cyborg Superman, Superboy, Steel, the Eradicator and ends with a darkened shot of Superman’s chest, a silver shield on his black burial suit, and we hear a single heartbeat.

At the end of Phase One, allow for a six to nine-month period to build up the Reign of the Supermen movie that will kick off Phase II.

HOLY NIAGARA FALLS COMIC CON, BATMAN!

(Niagara Falls, ON) April 2013 – Niagara Falls is best known for their famous waterfalls, but this June, tourists will head to the honeymoon capital for Niagara Falls Comic Con, a two day celebration of pop culture, nostalgia, celebrities, comics and more. 

The event is set to take place on Saturday June, 8^th and Sunday, June 9^th at the Scotiabank Convention Centre, which is located a stones throw away from the majestic Niagara Falls.

“There is no other event like this one in Niagara Falls,” said Chris Dabrowski, Show Manager for Niagara Falls Comic Con.  “Niagara Falls is an amazing getaway and vacation destination on its own, and being able to offer such a unique and cool event for visitors to the area is a bonus and one-of-a-kind experience.  It makes for an amazing weekend in the City,” he added.

Niagara Falls Comic Con will feature more than 100,000 square feet of exhibitors, movie screenings, workshops, seminars, movie screenings, a video gaming arena, the first-ever Falls Horror Fest presented by FANGORIA, celebrities, movie cars and helicopters and more. 

Celebrities confirmed to date include:  Adam West (TV’s Classic Batman); Lou Ferrigno (Incredible Hulk); Corey Feldman (The Goonies, Gremlins, The Lost Boys, Stand by Me); David Prowse (Darth Vader, Star Wars); Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett, Star Wars); Tim Russ (Commander Tuvok, Star Trek: Voyager); Kane Hodder (Jason Voorhees, Friday the 13th); Sam J. Jones (Flash Gordon); Pat Mastroianni (Joey Jeremiah, Degrassi High); Lee Meriwether (Catwoman, 1966 Batman); Mick Foley (WWE Legend); The Million Dollar Man; Tom Savini; Larry Thomas (Seinfeld’s Soup Nazi), as well as Madison Lintz from The Walking Dead.

“Fans will also have a chance to get their picture taken inside the original screen used Batcopter from the original Batman film, as well as a replica of the original 66 classic Batmobile.  There’s something for everyone of all ages at this year’s event,” Dabrowski added.

Early bird discounted tickets are available online for $20 for Saturday or $20 for Sunday.   A weekend combo pass is $30. Hotel packages are also available online. 

For tickets, hotel and more information, visit www.NFComicCon.com

Geek-o-Rama's Geeky Gift Guide Part 2

- Kotobukiya Harley Quinn Bishoujo Statue

List price of $59.99

Official Kotobukiya Store

I absolutely love Kotobukiya figures.  I especially love the ones that treat comic characters to the Japanese stylization, and to have that done with my favorite villainess is wonderful.  They did Harley proud with this figure, posing her in her classic black and red outfit and straddling her giant hammer.

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- Kotobukiya Rei Ayanami Plug Suit Style 1/7 Scale Figure

List price of $69.99

Official Kotobukiya Store

As my all time favorite character, anime or otherwise, my list could never be complete without at least one Rei item.  Yet again, my love for Kotobukiya holds true with this figure.  Seen in her iconic plug suit upon a rubble stand, this fantastic PVC figure is a must have.  Kotobukiya plus Rei is pretty much epic win.

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- The Walking Dead Compendium Vol 2

List Price of $59.99

Various prices on Amazon.com

Admittedly, I joined the Walking Dead fandom late, and by watching the show first.  Once I started reading the books though, I was even more hooked.  So it really comes as no surprise that the next volume to collect the individual issues needs to be on my shelf.  Plus, it’s just easier to have them in such handy compendiums.

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- The Batman Files

List price of $100

Various prices on Amazon.com

Batman has and always will be my favorite superhero.  I won’t bother getting into why, that’s for another time and place.  When I first heard about this book coming out, I knew I had to have it.  I geek over things easy, but to have a mock up collecton of files, dossiers, etc from the Batcave is another level of geeking out.

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- Batman: The Complete Animated Series

List price unknown

Various prices on Amazon.com

Needless to say, with how big of a Batman fan I am, having the whole series of BTAS is a long standing wish of mine.  I religiously watched this show growing up, and would gladly rewatch it again and again.  This is such an amazing collection of one of my all time favorite cartoons and some day, it hope to see it among my other DVDs.

Wizard World Austin 2012 Wrap Up Part 1

I love cons. It's no real secret. Whenever I'm presented with the opportunity to attend one, I don't think I'll ever say, "No, I have to wash my hair that weekend." Seriously, I love cons. It's not just the fact that I love what I do. It's also the fact that I just plain love people and what better place to meet new people or to people watch than a place jam packed with people who love something that I do. Ok, airports are also awesome but none of you want to hear about my experiences at airports.

So...on to the con! This was my first time ever in Austin or in Texas. I'm going to leave out the drama of getting there or the insane way my gps couldn't figure out the road system in that city. I'm not going to talk about Thursday or anything that happened that day. Why? The con started on Friday. That's why!

Friday started really early for me because they decided to paint the outside hotel walls right outside of my room window. The added bonus of that was that it gave me time to not have to rush like a mad person down to the convention center and I actually got to semi-leisurely enjoy an exciting breakfast at Denny's. I know..I try not to do do chain dining when I'm on a trip but my hotel seriously couldn't recommend anything local. Keep your eyes glued to the site though. I'm working with a local Austinian...Austinonian...person from Austin to put together a dining recommendation list which I'll not only share with all of you but that will hopefully come in handy for next year.

After my gps again tried to get me lost and I rebelled and went on a hunch, I managed to find the parking garage and after making a new friend (someone who knew where he was going!), I headed over to the convention center. As with Columbus, getting my media bracelet was simple enough and I headed on into the show. The turn out for a Friday wasn't too bad.

I have to stop right here and tell you that I love that Wizard World includes a comfy lounge area at their conventions. It's a great place to stop and relax when there's an available chair, but it's also a great place to meet people because it's right inside the doors!

Now, do you see who I see right behind the lounge? It's my friends from Zenescope! They had a fantastic spot right inside the door and because I got to go in early, I got the chance to stop and say hi. Ok, let's face it. I'm lucky they never chase me away. I stop by with the intention to say hi and ages later, I'm still standing there. It's their own faults for being awesome. Plus, Pat convinced me to do my Zenescope shopping on Friday so I took the time to not only do that, but also to take some pictures for them. You know, maybe that's why they never chase me away...I buy things. I take pictures for them. I pimp their things and sell their product for them...that's a pretty sweet deal they have going there!




Once I managed to break away, it was time for me to get to work. I started walking the floor, introducing myself and talking to a crazy variety of people who were there working. Honestly, this is my favorite part. I love meeting new people. I handed out a ton of business cards and talked until my voice was all raspy but I still had a blast. I admit that Austin didn't turn out to be as big of a show as I had originally expected it to be but the bonus of that? I get to finish my floor work sooner which allows me to attend panels and spend a bit more time talking with folks that I know.

Friday's show seemed to whip by in a flash and before I knew it, it was time to pack up my gear and trudge back to the car..which I couldn't remember which floor of the parking garage it was located..after a few wrong floors, I did manage to track it down and headed back to the hotel where I changed into pjs and had a bed picnic with my take out.  While I envy those who get wined and dined and always have people to do things with at cons, there is a certain loveliness in being able to just go back and relax before preparing for the next day. I have a feeling that I should enjoy this while it lasts. I've noticed that people are getting to know me more and more and 2013 might not be so relaxing. I can't complain though! It just means that I'm doing my job well.

For today though, I leave you with a few more pictures from Austin 2012: Friday...make sure you come back tomorrow when I tell you about the weird floor layout, what Zenescope is up to and just how many Pat Packs did Pat sell? (Bonus points for you if you leave a comment on this post answering any of those points or if you can tell me who bought one of the first Pat Packs. Actually, you know what? How about a free copy of Robyn Hood #1 for the person who answers the most correct. You have 4 questions...go!)

Until tomorrow...I'm still your roving reporter (what people started calling me in Austin because I didn't have a booth..People thought we should have a booth. I love people.)