Michael D Hamersky On Comics Reviews: The 2011 Marvel Film 'Thor'! Which Opens Today... Friday, May 6th, 2011 At A Local Theater Near YOU In the USA! Sheesh!  Has It Been That Long Since I First Blogged About This Then Upcoming Film?  September 29th of 2007!  No Wonder It's Not My #1 Choice Of  The 4 Comic Book Movies To See in 2011!  I haven't blogged all that much about the new THOR film... Because I haven't really been that excited about seeing it, to tell the truth! You may find that strange, coming from a guy who has been there since the 'beginning of Thor' in the Marvel Comic title, 'Journey Into Mystery' #83, but I'm not alone in that feeling!  At the April 2011 Semantink's Comic Savvy Meetup in San Diego, only 12% of the attendees placed this film as their #1 choice of the 4 comic book movies they most wanted to see. (Between Thor, Green Lantern, Captain America, and X-Men.)     Of course, it was a different matter for what those same attendees, who are into comics, thought that 'mainstream America' would want to see of the four films. They figured that a whopping 44% of those 'mainstreamers' would place this film as their #1 choice!     So we will see how the Opening Weekend does... Will the vast amount of publicity that really started at the Comic-Con International in 2010 work?!  I know that I for one, had to sit on the Odin Throne during the SDCC!  But hey, I am a Big Kid at heart! This blog is being formatted prior to my going to the Big Theater with Tina in the mid-afternoon.  So that all I have to do is to write my review in the main body of this blog below the blog number (#). For more general info on the film, (SPOILER ALERT!), You can check the Wikipedia entry for Thor via this link. There is probably TOO much info there prior to seeing the film itself, thus the SPOILER ALERT!   Just for fun, you can also check out the Journey Into Mystery comic book covers starting with Thor at this link from the Grand Comics Database starting at issue #83!    - THE THOR INTERNATIONAL RELEASE FILM POSTER! This film poster seemed to sum it up best for me, as the film is more than just about the 'Mighty Thor' - - CAPTAIN AMERICA & THOR FREE COMIC BOOK DAY (FCBD) COMIC - PUBLISHER: MARVEL COMICS - To capitalize on this brand new Thor Film, and the upcoming Captain America Film... Here is the FCBD comic book just in time for both during the FCBD event: (W) Roger Langridge (A) Chris Samnee - From the fan-favorite creative team of Thor: The Mighty Avenger comes a time-twisting tale of Camelot-craziness. When mischievous Loki's machinations throw Thor and a World War II-era Steve Rogers into King Arthur's court, it's an adventure neither noble Avenger will ever forget! - - Journey Into Mystery #89 - Starring The Mighty Thor - PUBLISHER: Marvel Comics - 1963  - (W) Stan Lee (A) Jack Kirby (I) Dick Ayers - Yes, I realize that 'The Mighty Thor' feature started in Journey Into Mystery #83 in 1962, but this front cover is far more representative of the early issues of this feature.  WoW!  I still can recall those early years of the Thor feature, along with the 'Tales of Asgard' strip.  Those were the Days! - - AFTER SEEING THE THOR FILM - REGULAR VERSION (NOT 3D) - Okay... So you can see by the photo above that somebody liked it... but what 'comic book grade' did Tina and Michael individually give this film?  Well, in this blog #3407, you'll find out Michael's comic book grade... But you'll have to 'toon' back in again for Tina's!

TODAY'S FEATURE - Blog #3407:

Okay... Tina and I are back from watching the 'Thor' film on the Big Screen at a local theater during an afternoon matinee run.  Afterwards, we had to do some quick shopping for the weekend, (FCBD is tomorrow!), and have a quick bite eat here at home before finishing this blog.  I had templated all the above info & pics in the above section, with a revision using a different photo above with Tina & myself instead of a previously selected photo...

So... "What's My Take On The Film?" you ask?!

Well, since I've already given you the 'basics' of what this film should have been based on, (the comic book feature that started in Journey Into Mystery #83 that started in 1962), and what problems the screenplay for this film ran into... I'll jump right in without any further ado!

First, I can't help but say this... The film was FAR BETTER than what I expecting it to be!  Seriously!  As this film was not my personal #1 choice to 'must see' of the four films previously mentioned:  Thor, Green Lantern, Captain America, and X-Men. 

That's because the trailers I had seen previously showed a lot of what was happening in Asgard, and I knew that would be a lot of CGI.  Which usually means not a lot of character development.  And that I would probably hear from my wife, Tina, who has never read a 'Journey Into Mystery' comic book, or even a 'Thor' comic!

But I'll let her tell you her 'Point of View from a mainstream movie goer' in her own blog post!

Now it's time for the SPOILER ALERT!

DON'T READ BELOW THIS ROW, UNTIL YOU SEE THE RED FONT FOR 'END OF SPOILER ALTERT' UNLESS YOU WANT TO BE INFORMED OF THE FILM BEFORE GOING - 'NUFF SAID!

Okay... here's 'My Take' on the storyline, cast, direction, etc., etc., as much as I have time for...!

STORYLINE - I went in thinking okay... So Jane Foster is a scientist, not a nurse... So where's Donald Blake?  The answer was quite evident that someone knew enough to include that name in the film.  THANK YOU for that!  The story kept up with moving the film along... And the cutting back and forth between Midgard (Earth) and the other Realms was done quite well!  Very good post-production values!

STAN LEE CAMEO - Yes, Stan (The Man) Lee got his cameo, and a line!  And early on, so we didn't have to keep waiting for it!

WARRIORS THREE -  Loved Fandral & Volstagg characterizations and looks... But I missed Hogun's horned helmet... just didn't seem the same for me.

SIF - Pretty much the same Sif that was in the early years... kind of just there for the most part, as it was Jane Foster's turn in the 'spotlight' in this film.

FACEBOOK - Good plug for Facebook... where everything I do now is uploaded to, including this blog!

S.H.I.E.L.D. - Better usage of the agency, although the rank & file of the S.HI.E.L.D. agents seemed to be too easily beaten by a non-powerful Thor...

SUPPORTING CHARACTER DARCY LEWIS - Played by Kat Dennings, brought the younger mainstream movie-goers into the film, especially if they were dragged to this film by their comics loving boyfriend!

SUPPORTING CHARACTER CLINT BARTON - Yes, THAT Clint Barton... Looking good for a minor role in this film.  I dug the inclusion of the character for this film!

SUPPORTING CHARACTER HEIMDALL - Idris Elba really brought this role into the spotlight.  I enjoyed what the actor did in this film. 

MAIN CHARACTER JANE FOSTER - Perfect casting by Natalie Portman.  Take away the fact that she didn't play a nurse, as the role originally was back in 1962... I thought she was excellent!

MAIN CHARACTER THOR - I have to admit, this guy can act, both as 'Thor' and as a 'mortal' on Earth.  Excellent portrayal by Chris Hemsworth.

MAIN CHARACTER ODIN - I believed I really was watching 'Odin'.  Great casting of Anthony Hopkins in this role!

MAIN CHARACTER LOKI - Tom Hiddleston played this role just right.  Not over the top, and not underplayed either.

SHOUT OUTS TO OTHER NON-MARVEL CHARACTES - Loved it when certain individuals (Warriors Three & Sif), in this film were called 'Xena', 'Jackie Chan', '____' and 'Robin Hood'!  Some great funny moments in this film repeatedly!

GREAT MOMENTS  - Yeah, it brought a tear to my eye, when early on, a now-powerful Thor couldn't lift the hammer... That was great!

TRUE TO THE COMICS? - Yeah, not everything was true to the original comics, but I enjoyed the explanations given for Bifrost, Heimdall's powers, etc.

CREDIT TO WHERE CREDIT WAS DUE?  - Yes, at the end of the film, during the rolling of the credits, the three who had the most in the early creation of the Thor character in Journey Into Mystery were credited, Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, and Jack Kirby.  (Would have been nice to see some of the inkers like Joe Sinnott & Dick Ayers mentioned also but...).

CONTINUED... - Yes, 'Thor' will return... In the Avengers Film in 2012, as shown at the end of the film scenes... So will there be a sequel to Thor...?

THE CODA - The Final Scene At the End of the Credits -  No, I'm not telling what it was here... You gotta sit through it too, LOL!

END OF SPOILER WARNING!

END OF SPOILER WARNING!

That's it for 'My Take' on this Thor film!  I was very pleased with this film on the Big Screen.  It was definitely worth my 'investment' of 2 hours plus $$ to see it there in my local theater.  Would I see it in 3D?  I don't know...

So what's my 'comic book rating' for this Thor film?

Well... Quite honestly, up until the final scene, which went on too long IMO, I was giving this film a Near Mint, believe it or not!  However, it just had to have one more CGI fight scene, like in the 1st Iron Man film, which knocked it down a notch for me.  To a NEAR MINT MINUS (NM-) 9.2 out of a 10.0 possible comic book grading scale.

For comic book fans of the original Journey Into Mystery, and then the multiple Thor comics... I would have to say... Go See It!

For mainstream movie goers... I believe that you could catch on pretty quick what the producers / director / cast members are presenting on the Big Screen. If CGI is your 'thing' then you'll be pleased.  If you don't like 'CGI' then there is probably a little too much of it at the end.  But still a good storyline for those that don't know anything about the 'Thor' in the comics!

That's it for tonight's blog from me as... It's definitely a busy weekend for Tina and me... What with the new Marvel Film, 'Thor' that came out today, (Friday), Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) occuring on Saturday, and then Mother's Day on Sunday!  Whew!  After attending the Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con last weekend, and the Long Beach Comic Con Expo the weekend before that... I'm having way too much fun!  But I'm 'hanging loose' as Stan (The Man) Lee used to ask us ol' Marvelmaniacs to do... LOL!

BTW, You can 'follow' this Blog by clicking the 'Follow' Button at this NetworkedBlogs app!  We currently have over 2,411 'Followers'!  Thanks to ALL of YOU that have already clicked that button! 

And for those of YOU that haven't yet... I would appreciate it if YOU would!!!

~ Michael D Hamersky

If I have it... You can find it 'Under The Big Top Of Comics' at:  

http://www.ComicBooksCircus.com/ 

Web Page Note:  This blog post is written for the IE Browser standards.  Chrome, Safari, Netscape, Firefox and the other browsers serve the page up differently, sorry about that!

The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768 on your laptop or desktop computer.

NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.

Comics Creators: If you are breaking into, or already work in the comic book industry or other pop culture productions, you are welcome to email or mail us press releases, news items, and updates that you feel would be of interest to our blog readers. Including YOUR own works!

To mail printed items to us for possible review, send to:

Make It So Marketing Inc., PO Box 130653, Carlsbad, CA 92013

 Also, if you are a Facebook member, I would have liked you to send me a 'Friend Request'. However, I have reached the maximum limit of 5,000 Facebook Friends and Fan pages already, so I've added a New 'Facebook Fan Page' so that even more of YOU can 'Like' what I am doing, and be interactive with me and others there.  Here is the link to that 'Facebook Fan Page': Michael D Hamersky On Comics! Please click the 'Like' button on that page! 

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Michael D Hamersky On Comics Suggests: That You Attend The 10th Anniversary Of Free Comic Book Day (FCBD)! Which Should Be Happening Saturday, May 7th, 2011 At A Local Comic Book Shop Near YOU! Tina & Michael At One of the Thirteen LCBS They Visited During the 2009 Free Comic Book Day!  I have blogged about Free Comic Book Day several times in the last few years of this blog, (as seen in this link). So you know where I will be this upcoming Saturday, May 7th, 2011... Somewhere that FCBD is being celebrated! So what is FCBD? Here's a link to the Wikipedia entry about that very topic!  In past years I have blogged about FCBD being celebrated in the San Diego Metro Area in different venues.   For example, in 2009, Tina LoSasso and I traveled to 13 different LCBS in San Diego County that were 'celebrating' FCBD in some way, and reported on them in Part I & Part II of that series.     In 2010, I blogged and mobile Facebooked from one of the major LCBS in San Diego, Southern California Comics, as seen in this link. This year, 2011, I am taking my youngest son with me to some of the LCBS in San Diego County to see what's changed since 2009, when I last did that. There will be a follow-up blog on that after May 7th. (Tina & I are going to see the Thor film tomorrow, so there will probably be a two part blog series on that first.) Anyways, this blog is about FCBD, so in the main body of this blog are links for you to check out before this Saturday arrives so you can figure out what FCBD edition comics you would like to pick up for Free.   As most of the LCBS don't have all of the 10 'Gold' comics and 27 'Silver' comics to give away. Usually there is a limit at each LCBS as they have to pay for each of the 37 different comics they give away for Free!    - CAPTAIN AMERICA THOR - PUBLISHER: MARVEL COMICS - (W) Roger Langridge (A) Chris Samnee - From the fan-favorite creative team of Thor: The Mighty Avenger comes a time-twisting tale of Camelot-craziness. When mischievous Loki's machinations throw Thor and a World War II-era Steve Rogers into King Arthur's court, it's an adventure neither noble Avenger will ever forget! - - GREEN LANTERN FLASHPOINT SPECIAL ED - PUBLISHER: DC COMICS - (W) Geoff Johns (A) Ivan Reis, Andy Kubert - This is the perfect jumping-on point for new readers who can't wait to see the Green Lantern major motion picture from Warner Bros.! Discover how and why Hal received the power ring that changed his life forever with this reprinting of Green Lantern #30, a pivotal chapter of the Green Lantern: Secret Origin graphic novel by Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis. Plus: No comic fan can afford to miss this exclusive first sneak peek of Flashpoint, DC's blockbuster event of 2011, by the all-star team of Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert! - - MISADVENTURES OF ADAM WEST #1 - PUBLISHER: BLUEWATER PRODUCTIONS - (W) Reed Lackey (A) Russell Dauterman (C) Matt Bellisle - The Man, The Myth, The Amulet? Legendary star of the small and silver screen, ADAM WEST, has his career youth-enized in this hip-whimsical,trans-dimensional epic of an adventure. When a mysterious fan delivers an exotic amulet to Mr. West's doorstep he is Dorothy-fied on an odyssey that will change his career, his love life and inadvertently make him the man that saves the universe! - - INSPECTOR GADGET - PUBLISHER: VIPER COMICS - (W) Dale Mettam (A/C) Jose Coba - Inspector Gadget, Penny and Brain are back... but so is M.A.D.! On what should be a peaceful vacation aboard the Orient Express, Gadget must locate Professor Sagan-Heisenberg and escort him safely back to Metro City. But with M.A.D. agents everywhere, perhaps this time, Dr. Claw will finally beat his nemesis. Go-Go-Gadget-Adventure!

TODAY'S FEATURE - Blog #3406:

As mentioned above... This year my youngest son and I are going to drive to several of the Local Comic Book Shops (LCBS) in the Metro San Diego Area, to see how their owners are celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Free Comic Book Day, (FCBD)!

With the price of gas as high as it is here in San Diego, ($4.29 gallon for regular), we won't be covering the full area from North County to the South Bay to East County, like Tina and I did in 2009.  See this link for Part 2 of that blog series, which has a link to Part 1.

Please Note:  I don't know of any LCBS 'locator' web page that has ALL of the LCBS that are in existence, as the industry is still experiencing the economic slowdown with store closings & openings, so you may want to try other resources besides this link that is on the FCBD web site. As it does state this disclaimer: "This list contains comic shops participating in Free Comic Book Day and is not necessarily a comprehensive list of all shops in your area. For a more complete listing of your local shops visit comicshoplocator.com".

For those of you that don't know the history of the Free Comic Book Day event, here is the Wikipedia entry that has a pretty good background.

For how much fun that Tina and I had back in 2009, here is a special photo album of that day in 2009 at my own Facebook Fan Page, 'Michael D Hamersky On Comics'. More photos will be transferred from my Facebook Group Page in the days to follow to that album, as Facebook has made another one of their changes this very week, in that they are changing the 'group page' format, where no photo albums will be seen in the 'new group page format'.

For how I spent my day during the 2010 FCBD, here is the link to that special photo album, also at my Facebook Fan Page. Same situation here, in that I have to transfer over the pics from my Facebook Group Page, which may be discontinued, because of the format changes.

Talking about Facebook, here is the link to the FCBD Facebook Fan Page, where you can post what you did on FCBD itself, as wall posts are encouraged there.

As for the Free Comic Book Day comic book editions for 2011, here is the link to the 10 'Gold' comics, and the 27 'Silver' comics. It is very doubtful that any of the LCBS near you will be giving away all 37 of them to each and every person that shows up at their doors!  Because these 'Free Comics' cost the LCBS owners $$ to buy to give away as promotions.  Several of the LCBS I visited in 2009 had limits of 3 different FCBD comics to an attendee.

As a 'heads up', my son, Vinnie, has already seen a preview copy of the FCBD edition comic from Archaia Entertainment, the Mouse Guard / Dark Crystal Flip Comic Book,  which he has review blogged here. Definitely one that you should pick up first, if your LCBS has a limit on how many you may choose!

As for what else is happening at the LCBS, besides their giving away FCBD comic book editions, there are several LCBS that do have comics creators signings and other events.  To see if there are any LCBS that have that near you, be sure to at least check this link.

Sadly, once again, I don't know of any San Diego Metro Area LCBS that has any signings going on... For a city that has the largest Comic Con in North America each Summer... This is a really sad state of affairs!  And please, if you are a LCBS owner that reads this and has one in the Metro San Diego Area, feel free to post that at my Facebook Fan Page, so that I can share that with others.  And if you, dear reader, are in the area and know of a signing or an 'event' at your LCBS, besides just distributing FCBD comics, feel free to do the same!

I do want to note however, that Southern California Comics is also having some other tables outside in their parking lot that feature local collectors selling toys and other items.  I had a good time at Southern California Comics last year, when they presented a Million Dollars Worth of Comics at their LCBS, and allowed photos of attendees to be standing next to the rare comics!

That's it for this blog post this morning.  It's a busy weekend... What with the new Marvel Film, 'Thor' coming out tomorrow, (Friday), FCBD on Saturday, and Mother's Day on Sunday!  Whew!  After attending the Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con last weekend, and the Long Beach Comic Con Expo the weekend before... I'm having too much fun!  LOL!

BTW, You can 'follow' this Blog by clicking the 'Follow' Button at this NetworkedBlogs app!  We currently have over 2,411 'Followers'!  Thanks to ALL of YOU that have already clicked that button! 

And for those of YOU that haven't yet... I would appreciate it if YOU would!!!

~ Michael D Hamersky

If I have it... You can find it 'Under The Big Top Of Comics' at:  

http://www.ComicBooksCircus.com/ 

Web Page Note:  This blog post is written for the IE Browser standards.  Chrome, Safari, Netscape, Firefox and the other browsers serve the page up differently, sorry about that!

The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768 on your laptop or desktop computer.

NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.

Comics Creators: If you are breaking into, or already work in the comic book industry or other pop culture productions, you are welcome to email or mail us press releases, news items, and updates that you feel would be of interest to our blog readers. Including YOUR own works!

To mail printed items to us for possible review, send to:

Make It So Marketing Inc., PO Box 130653, Carlsbad, CA 92013

 Also, if you are a Facebook member, I would have liked you to send me a 'Friend Request'. However, I have reached the maximum limit of 5,000 Facebook Friends and Fan pages already, so I've added a New 'Facebook Fan Page' so that even more of YOU can 'Like' what I am doing, and be interactive with me and others there.  Here is the link to that 'Facebook Fan Page': Michael D Hamersky On Comics! Please click the 'Like' button on that page! 

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Michael D Hamersky On Comics Covers: The Fantastic Four AND Doctor Doom As Seen April 30th, 2011 At The Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con!       It was Clobberin' Time! As seen at the Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con this past weekend!  I was fortunate to meet several of the stars of the 1994 Fantastic Four film once again!  I hadn't seen most of them since 1993 when several of them were at the 1993 San Diego Comic Con International promoting their then upcoming movie!  Although my latest published work was in the 'Gotham City 14 Miles' book (as mentioned in blog #3404), my favorite comic book title of all time was The Fantastic Four, created by Stan Lee & Jack Kirby!   I was surprised, (and pleased!), to see so many of the actors from the 1994 FF film at this convention. I'm going to mention a little bit more of each of them in the blog main article section below.    I will be sharing more photos from meeting all of these fine actors in the special photo album at my own 'fan page', along with other pics taken at the Anaheim Comic Con! My thanks again to those at Wizard World for giving me the opportunity to cover this Con and for sponsoring the special panel. Especially Jerry Milani, Peter Katz, and Stephen Shamus!    - The Fantastic Four (Minus One) AND Doctor Doom At Their Booth 17 Years Later! - - Alex (Mr. Fantastic) Hyde-White Holding A Copy of the Magazine I'll Never Sell! - - Carl (The Thing) Ciarfalio! - - Rebecca (Invisible Woman) Staab! -   - Joseph (Doctor Doom) Culp! -   - From the Same Year (1993) That I First Saw Several of the Film Stars From the Then Upcoming (1994) FF Film... Stan (The Man) Lee and I at the San Diego Comic Con!

TODAY'S FEATURE - Blog #3405:

As mentioned in a few previous blogs... This past weekend, Tina LoSasso and I attended the 2nd Annual Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con, held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Orange County, California.

I wanted to make sure that we attended this comic con for several reasons.

Sure, one of the major reasons for coming again to this con, was that we had attended the 1st Anaheim Comic Con last year, and obtained photos of several actors & actresses who had played roles in the 1966 Batman TV Series.  I had told each of them that there was a new book coming out at the end of 2010 that I would have written a chapter for.  They were gracious enough to pose individually for pics, plus ones with myself.  This year I wanted to share with them the fact that the book had come out.

Just before I attended that special 45th Anniversary of the Batman TV Show Panel... I saw that several of the film stars of the 1994 Fantastic Four Film were in a special booth!

Being a long time Fantastic Four fan, (since 1962), I immediately stopped to talk with them, and find out what had brought them to this convention.  I also asked for photos to go along with this blog post, some of which I have already posted above at the top right of this blog.

Alex Hyde-White, who portrayed 'Mr. Fantastic' in the film, was the first one I talked with.  Alex's IDMb page can be found here. The Wikipedia entry can be found here. I found Alex to be very excited about his latest project, 'Three Days', which is written and directed by him.  The film is a Hamlet-based documentary about fathers and sons, mothers and uncles, nature and nurture. 

Carl Ciarfalio, who portrayed 'The Thing' in the film was a great guy to meet.  Here is his IDMb page.  Carl was recently seen on 'The Green Hornet' as a stunt performer. He is well known as a stunt co-ordinator, stuntman, as well as as an actor.  You can see more of what he is doing on his own web site, CarlCiarfalio.com!  And I have a CD to listen to of his 'The Making of The Thing'!  Thanks again, Carl!

Rebecca Staab, who portrayed 'The Invisible Woman' in the FF film, has also been active in films since 1994.  Here is her IDMb page.  (I hadn't known that she had been 'Miss Nebraska', and placed 6th in the 'Miss USA' pageant!) She most recently played the role of 'Jenny' in 'The Perfect Ending' film, which is in post-production.

Joseph Culp, who I have met most recently at the San Diego Comic Con a few years back, is in the film being directed by Alex Hyde-White that I mentioned above, 'Three Days'.  Joseph played the role of 'Doctor Doom' in the 1994 Fantastic Four film.  Other projects since then are shown at his IDMb page. Joseph is also a writer, and a film maker, as well as being an actor.

Jay Underwood, who I met at the 1993 San Diego Comic Con International, and who played 'The Torch', was not present at this booth on Saturday.

Neither was Michael Bailey Smith, who played 'Ben Grimm' and not the alter ego of 'The Thing', which was portrayed by Carl Ciarfalio, as mentioned above.

Of course there is the question that I've been asked multiple times since 2005, when the supposedly 'first' Fantastic Four film was released. 

What did I think of the two different FF films with their different storylines and cast.  I've already covered that in an earlier blog, which was later reposted here. 

A lot of 'mainstream' film goers are still not aware of this earlier 1994 FF film, which was never released on the Big Screen or DVD.  I myself had to get a 'bootleg' copy.  I am also the proud owner of one of the rare 'One Sheets' / Film posters, that hangs prominently on my home office's wall to day!.

There are more pics of these film & TV stars, which will be shared in due time at the special photo album link.  I don't just upload photos, as I have promised the actors and actresses that I would also include links to their books and / or next projects, so that is why it takes a bit of time to upload pics after a large comic con such as this one...

My thanks to the above four actors for taking the time to talk with me and pose for pics.  This was definitely one of the highlights of this year's Anaheim Comic Con for me!  I hope I wasn't too much of a 'Fanboy' talking with all of you, LOL!

-------------------------

Again, here's the links I want to point out for you about this special panel and on the Anaheim Comic Con itself:

First, here's my special photo album on the 2011 Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con that is at my own Fan Page.

Second, here is the special photo album on the 2010 Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con, that I wanted to share with you on my own Facebook Fan Page, to see who I met there last year. 

Third, here's the link to the Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con Facebook Fan Page, where the guests and creators who attended are shown and talked about.

Fourth, here's the link to the 2011 Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con event page on Facebook,  where you can find out reactions from attendees on just this event.  More Facebook event pages for those exhibitors that set up their own event pages can be found in this link.

Fifth, here's the link to the Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con's own web site, where there is even more info on where and how you can purchase tickets for next year's con.

Lastly:  The pics that were uploaded during this con went to my personal Facebook Profile Page, which is now maxed out for me to add anyone else. However the majority of the digital camera pics are being uploaded to my Facebook Fan Page - Michael D Hamersky On Comics, which is titled '2011 Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con', so that ALL web users can see, as it is a 'public' web page.  I encourage YOU to click the 'Like' icon there for easy access each time, and to bookmark it.

Again, my thanks to those at Wizard World for making this a Fun Event to attend once again, especially Jerry Milani, Peter Katz, and Stephen Shamus!

We are looking forward to attending the upcoming Wizard World Los Angeles Comic Con in September, that was just announced this past week!

BTW, You can 'follow' this Blog by clicking the 'Follow' Button at this NetworkedBlogs app!  We currently have over 2,409 'Followers'!  Thanks to ALL of YOU that have already clicked that button! 

And for those of YOU that haven't yet... I would appreciate it if YOU would!!!

~ Michael D Hamersky

If I have it... You can find it 'Under The Big Top Of Comics' at:  

http://www.ComicBooksCircus.com/ 

Web Page Note:  This blog post is written for the IE Browser standards.  Chrome, Safari, Netscape, Firefox and the other browsers serve the page up differently, sorry about that!

The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768 on your laptop or desktop computer.

NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.

Comics Creators: If you are breaking into, or already work in the comic book industry or other pop culture productions, you are welcome to email or mail us press releases, news items, and updates that you feel would be of interest to our blog readers. Including YOUR own works!

To mail printed items to us for possible review, send to:

Make It So Marketing Inc., PO Box 130653, Carlsbad, CA 92013

 Also, if you are a Facebook member, I would have liked you to send me a 'Friend Request'. However, I have reached the maximum limit of 5,000 Facebook Friends and Fan pages already, so I've added a New 'Facebook Fan Page' so that even more of YOU can 'Like' what I am doing, and be interactive with me and others there.  Here is the link to that 'Facebook Fan Page': Michael D Hamersky On Comics! Please click the 'Like' button on that page! 

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Michael D Hamersky On Comics Covers: The 45th Anniversary Of The Batman TV Show Panel Held April 30th, 2011 At The Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con!       I have been fortunate the past couple of years to be associated with a great new book that recently was published. The title of the book is 'Gotham City 14 Miles', edited by Jim Beard with contributions from 14 essayists,  (including myself!). Each one of the fourteen essays in the book represent one of the fourteen milestones to Gotham City from the Batcave. That is the reason I've had so many blogs on the 1966 Batman TV Series in this Blog of mine. So I was very pleased to be present at the 45th Anniversary Panel at the Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con this past weekend! That is where the photos in this blog post are from. Plus the ones I'm sharing in the special photo album at my own 'fan page'! My thanks again to those at Wizard World for giving me the opportunity to cover this Con and for sponsoring the special panel. Especially Jerry Milani and Stephen Shamus!    - Michael D Hamersky with The Batmobile and a copy of 'Gotham City 14 Miles' (GC14M). - - Julie (Catwoman) Newmar with a copy of 'Gotham City 14 Miles' - - Tina LoSasso in the front row for the 45th Anniversary of the Batman TV Show panel - - The 45th Anniversary Panel of the 1966 Batman TV Show - Featuring (L-R) Julie Newmar, Burt Ward, Adam West, and Lee Merriwether! -   - Cutting the 45th Anniversary Cake Ceremony -   - After the Panel - Lee (Catwoman) Merriwether with a copy of GC14M!

TODAY'S FEATURE - Blog #3404:

This past weekend, Tina LoSasso and I attended the 2nd Annual Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con, held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Orange County, California.

I wanted to make sure that we attended this comic con for several reasons.

One major reason was that we had attended the 1st Anaheim Comic Con last year, and obtained photos of several actors & actresses who had played roles in the 1966 Batman TV Series.  I had told each of them that there was a new book coming out at the end of 2010 that I would have written a chapter for.  They were gracious enough to pose individually for pics, plus ones with myself.  This year I wanted to share with them the fact that the book had come out.

I was able to do so with Julie Newmar and Lee Merriwether, who are pictured above.  Also with Malachi Throne, of which that photo will be shared at the special photo album.

I met Julie Newmar before the panel started, at her own booth, and she was pleased to see this book, and brought to my attention that her own book will be coming out soon!  It is titled: 'The Conscious Catwoman Explains Life On Earth', and I'll post a link to that when it is available for pre-order.

Somehow, Tina was able to guide me off the exhibit floor before the panel started!  So, Tina and I caught the 'intermission act' of 'Jedi Elvis' before the 4PM special Panel on Batman.  Thus we were able to obtain front row seats, as seen in the 3rd photo from the top right of this blog post.  (Tina is holding the GC14M book, while I take a pic of the crowd before the panels starts.)

There are more pics of the stars who came in for the panel, which will be shared in due time at the special photo album link.  I don't just upload photos, as I have promised the actors and actresses that I would also include links to their books and / or next projects, so that is why it takes a bit of time.

The special Batman panel started timely after 'Jedi Elvis' left the 'building', (wink!).  There was an introduction on the special event by the moderator of the panel, and then he proceeded to bring in the guests, Lee Meriwether, Julie Newmar... Followed by Burt Ward, and then Adam West!

The audience loved each and every one of them, and showed it by tremendous applause! Lots of camera flashes went off, and it was a great beginning!  Right away, the panel took multiple questions from those standing at the mic in the center of the room. 

When too many of the early questions were asked of just Adam and Burt, the moderator posed a question to Julie about her upcoming book that she already mentioned to me.

There were more questions asked, and Lee was asked her fair share of questions by those standing at the mic.

Tina and I noticed that Adam 'played' Batman a lot during this panel, answering a lot of the questions as if he was still in the role.  He appeared to have great fun replying this way to those asking questions. 

Whatever tensions had been between Burt and Adam in the past seemed to have subsided, as when the question about Burt's own book, 'Boy Wonder: My Life in Tights', was brought up by an audience member, he and Adam sort of laughed about it.

Lee Merriwether was the 'purrfect' panel guest.  I have appreciated her roles in so many of the TV shows that I've liked during the years, including Time Tunnel.  She explained how her role as the Batman film 'Catwoman' came into being... Stating she was being filmed by the 3rd day of her accepting the role. Great story with mentions of Frank Gorshin, and Cesar Romero. 

Julie told several stories also... And kept her fans in the audience enthralled as always!

The four on the panel came off the stage to cut the special 45th Anniversary cake, and gave the audience additional chances for photos by the cake before leaving. 

Because there was another panel scheduled right away in the same hall, Jerry Milani moved the cake table to outside of the hall, where I proceeded to take more pics and share a piece of the 45th Anniversary Cake with Tina!

Afterwards, I caught Lee Merriwether as she was leaving the Comic Con, and asked for her photo with the GC14M book, which was happy to do, as I had told her about it last year as well.

That's about it, exept for additional pics I'll be sharing at the special photo album on the Anaheim Comic Con. I have been at this blog post for several hours already...!

My thanks to all of those involved in organizing and presenting this panel.  It was one of the highlights of this year's Anaheim Comic Con for me!

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Again, here's the links I want to point out for you about this special panel and on the Anaheim Comic Con itself:

First, here's my special photo album on the 2011 Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con that is at my own Fan Page.

Second, special photo album on the 2010 Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con, that I wanted to share with you on my own Facebook Fan Page.  There are several Batman actors / actresses that attended last year that are shown there and / or my blogs since then.

Third, here's the link to the Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con Facebook Fan Page, where the guests and creators who attended are shown and talked about.

Fourth, here's the link to the 2011 Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con event page on Facebook,  where you can find out reactions from attendees on just this event.  More Facebook event pages for those exhibitors that set up their own event pages can be found in this link.

Fifth, here's the link to the Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con's own web site, where there is even more info on where and how you can purchase tickets for next year's con.

Lastly:  The pics that were uploaded during this con went to my personal Facebook Profile Page, which is now maxed out for me to add anyone else. However the majority of the digital camera pics are being uploaded to my Facebook Fan Page - Michael D Hamersky On Comics, which is titled '2011 Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con', so that ALL web users can see, as it is a 'public' web page.  I encourage YOU to click the 'Like' icon there for easy access each time, and to bookmark it.

Again, my thanks to those at Wizard World for making this a Fun Event to attend once again, especially Jerry Milani and Stephen Shamus!

We are looking forward to attending the upcoming Wizard World Los Angeles Comic Con in September, that was just announced this past week!

BTW, You can 'follow' this Blog by clicking the 'Follow' Button at this NetworkedBlogs app!  We currently have over 2,407 'Followers'!  Thanks to ALL of YOU that have already clicked that button! 

And for those of YOU that haven't yet... I would appreciate it if YOU would!!!

~ Michael D Hamersky

If I have it... You can find it 'Under The Big Top Of Comics' at:  

http://www.ComicBooksCircus.com/ 

Web Page Note:  This blog post is written for the IE Browser standards.  Chrome, Safari, Netscape, Firefox and the other browsers serve the page up differently, sorry about that!

The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768 on your laptop or desktop computer.

NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.

Comics Creators: If you are breaking into, or already work in the comic book industry or other pop culture productions, you are welcome to email or mail us press releases, news items, and updates that you feel would be of interest to our blog readers. Including YOUR own works!

To mail printed items to us for possible review, send to:

Make It So Marketing Inc., PO Box 130653, Carlsbad, CA 92013

 Also, if you are a Facebook member, I would have liked you to send me a 'Friend Request'. However, I have reached the maximum limit of 5,000 Facebook Friends and Fan pages already, so I've added a New 'Facebook Fan Page' so that even more of YOU can 'Like' what I am doing, and be interactive with me and others there.  Here is the link to that 'Facebook Fan Page': Michael D Hamersky On Comics! Please click the 'Like' button on that page! 

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Michael D Hamersky On Comics Reviews: The 2011 Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con! It Ran Friday, April 29th thru Sunday, May 1st - In Anaheim, California!       - Above: The 45th Anniversary Panel of the 1966 Batman TV Show - Featuring (L-R) Julie Newmar, Burt Ward, Adam West, Lee Merriwether! - Above: An unofficial 17th Reunion of the 1994 Fantastic Four Film Stars at the 2011 Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con in Anaheim, California!! (L-R) Rebecca Staab (Invisible Woman), Joseph Culp (Doctor Doom), Carl Ciarfalio (The Thing), and Alex Hyde-White (Mr. Fantastic)! I remember just like it was yesterday at the 1993 SDCC when most of them were there promoting their upcoming film for 1994...!

TODAY'S FEATURE - Blog #3403:

This past weekend, Tina LoSasso and I attended the 2nd Annual Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con, held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Orange County, California.

The Convention Center is next to Disneyland, but it has been at the Convention Center that I've enjoyed the most fun in the last two years!

That's because the Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con is actually more of what I call a 'pop culture con' than a 'comic con' that the mainstream American public thinks of a 'comic con'.

Here is 'my take' / 'review' of the 2011 convention:

Parking at the Anaheim Convention Center:  Friday night was easy to get to Car Park 1.  Which was great, because as soon as we were out of the underground parking structure, we walked right by the 'Arena' to Hall 'A' where the Wizard World show was being held.  However, Saturday was a different matter.  In Halls 'C' & 'D' there was the Pri-Med Convention that was also running.  So of the five available halls, only three were being used.  Yet, we had to drive around the Halls and park... Not at Car Park 1 or 2. but at Car Park 4.  Which was way around all five halls inside the building.  That was a trek!  And we were cut a 'break' because we were 'Press', and able to walk through the back of the building.  Definitely not good for someone attending the convention intending on picking up say... a box of comics they were hoping to purchase!   I won't give a 'comic book grade' for this, as Wizard
World can't have control over it.

Hall 'A' - This was the location for the Anaheim Comic Con.  The two rooms above this hall held the two tracks of panels / programs that were being held during the three days.  That was good, because it was the best place to sit down with carpet under your feet.  The Hall 'A' floor was concrete, no carpeting, and Tina was already tired from the first night, when the comic con was opened on Friday from 5PM to 9PM.  (Note: Tina has been at this convention center before for non-comic cons, and can't imagine how it could compete for the Comic Con International that has been held in San Diego since 1970.) I won't give a 'comic book grade' for this section, as Wizard World does not have full control over it.

That being said... About the parking and the convention center facilities... I still have fond memories of the 2010 Anaheim Comic Con which was also held there, and I left the 2011 convention with good memories.

That's because the folks at Wizard World once again threw a really good 'comic con'!  Special thanks to Jerry Milani, who took care of our registrations, and to Stephen Shamus, who found us on the exhibit floor and came over and introduced himself and made sure we were having a fun time!  Which we were!

Please note that I say 'comic con', which is the true name of this event.  However, as I've said before, this is more like a pop culture con, which what the Comic Con International: San Diego has evolved into, although on a smaller scale.

I find that those that are really into 'comics' can bring their friends to cons like this one that Wizard World held in Anaheim, because there is more than just comics.  That's why I am going to review some of the features of this con right now:

Artists Alley - I was really pleased how this section was set up this year.  It was more expansive and was easy to walk through.  Tina LoSasso and I spent a lot of time going through this section.  I said 'hello' to those that I had met before, and to those that are 'Facebook Friends' that I had never met before, but have networked with.  Additionally I met a lot of comics creators and other artists that aren't 'Facebook Friends' and introduced myself to them, and briefed them on what I do, at this Blog, and my Facebook Fan Page. I was given several dozen comics / graphic novels / TPBs for possible review blogs. My thanks to all of them for introducing me to their works.  Seeing this section in a 'comic con' is why I attend conventions such as this.  Comic Book Grade: VERY FINE / NEAR MINT (VF/NM) 9.0 on a 10.0 comic book grading scale.

Celebrity Guests Rows - This section is always so varied... And interesting in so many different ways.  However, attendance by the 'guests' was a little sparse on Friday night.  Then there were the 'photo ops' booth that several would be away from their own booths.  This section is always hard to 'control', as the 'guests' from TV shows and films seem to make their own hours to be there.  Plus even their own reps can't have them there at opening time, or have them stay till the end of each day.  So this section is always a roller coaster type of event, no matter what comic con you attend.  Some guests, like Richard Herd, were there before the opening on Friday night, setting up their booth, because they know how to present their booths for maximum exposure to ensure autographed pictures.  Others were there for the first time at any con.  Some were as young as the Winner Twins, who are already pros at this, and had a busy stream of attendees stopping at their booths.  My 'comic book grade' for this section is a VERY FINE (VF) 8.0 grade.  Again, this is presented more as a 'pop culture' section.  Which is why a comics fan can bring their friends who aren't into comics into this Wizard World con to have fun.

Gaming section - Quite honestly, Tina and I did not go into the gaming section, as my youngest son wasn't with us.  However, Tina did mention as we walked by, about the variety of gaming going on.  No comic book grade given for this section.

Dealer 'section' - The comic book dealers didn't appear to have a 'true' section to themselves.  Their booths were interspersed with other booths. However, there appeared to be sufficient numbers of dealers for those looking to get their new comics 'fix', or for those looking for older back issues.  As well as attendees at these booths.  I did notice several boxes of $1 comics, and one booth that had boxes & boxes of 50cent comics. No comic book grade given for this section, as I did not stop at each of the comics dealers, as I have multiple boxes of comics of own that need to be uploaded to our own online comic book shop.

Publisher 'section' - Same as for the 'Dealer section' - not a 'true' section.  There were some publishers in attendance.  Being that I'm already on a few indy publishers review lists, and that I received so many comics from self-publishers in the Artists Alley to possibly review blog... I didn't fully check these publishers out.  Thus, no 'comic book grade' given.

Promotional sections - Now this is something I really enjoyed and spent time at!  Of course, since I'm 1 of the 14 essayist on the new book 'Gotham City 14 Miles', I had to have my photo taken with the Batmobile that was featured at the front of the exhibit hall!  In addition I took photos of KITT, and Magnum P.I.'s car, and the other cars that were exhibited at the back of the exhibit hall.  Which I'll be sharing later in the special photo album link. Plus, Tina and I just had to become 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' at the Acura booth.  That was pretty cool!  These two booths alone were among the hi-lights of the Anaheim Comic Con for me!  'Comic book grade' for this section(s), had to be a NEAR MINT (NM) 9.4, but I am a little prejudiced on this, LOL!

Panels / Programs - Tina and I didn't attend many panels, basically because I tend to talk a lot with new comics creators that I meet at Artist Alley, and to those that I already know.  Plus, since I always wear one of the half dozen indigo colored polo shirts with 'Comic Book Collectors Blog.com' on it, I'm easily recognizable, and am stopped quite a bit by persons wanting to say hello, becauswe they have either been 'following' this blog of mine and / or are 'fans' of my Facebook Fan Page. Which I truly enjoy!  Anyways... back to the panels.  We took in one of the Jedi Elvis performances on Saturday, which were staged to occur between the major panels in Room 'A'.  I liked the performance, which was 'Jedi Elvis' signing Elvis songs with Star Wars references.  Darn good!  Here's a link to one photo.  Then the 'main course' if you will...!   The panel we were there to mainly see was the 45th Anniversary of the Batman TV Show from the 1966.  THAT was worth the price of admission alone for any Batman fan of the show!  Here's a link to just one pic that has already been uploaded!  I'll be further blogging on that tomorrow!   Suffice to say... I am giving this a VERY FINE / NEAR MINT (VF/NM) 9.0 comic book grade!  In addition, Tina and I were very thankful we didn't have to camp out for hours in line just to get in, and sit through several other panels we didn't want to see, just to see this one!  Kudos to the Wizard World organizers for this!

I believe that just about wraps up 'My Take On' the Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con for 2011.  The 'combined comic book grade' for this con is a VERY FINE PLUS (VF+) 8.5 including the location at the convention center and the parking being taken into consideration. I'm looking forward to attending next year's con, that's how much I liked this year's!

Again, here's the links I want to point out for you:

First, here's my special photo album on the 2011 Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con that is at my own Fan Page.

Second, special photo album on the 2010 Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con, that I wanted to share with you on my own Facebook Fan Page.

Third, here's the link to the Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con Facebook Fan Page, where the guests and creators who attended are shown and talked about.

Fourth, here's the link to the 2011 WW Anaheim Comic Con event page on Facebook,  where you can find out reactions from attendees on just this event.  More Facebook event pages for those exhibitors that set up their own event pages can be found in this link.

Fifth, here's the link to the Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con's own web site, where there is even more info on where and how you can purchase tickets for next year's con.

Lastly:  The pics that were uploaded during this con went to my personal Facebook Profile Page, which is now maxed out for me to add anyone else. However the majority of the digital camera pics are being uploaded to my Facebook Fan Page - Michael D Hamersky On Comics, which is titled '2011 Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con', so that ALL web users can see, as it is a 'public' web page.  I encourage YOU to click the 'Like' icon there for easy access each time, and to bookmark it.

Again, my thanks to those at Wizard World for making this a Fun Event to attend once again, especially Jerry Milani and Stephen Shamus!

We are looking forward to attending the upcoming Wizard World Los Angeles Comic Con in September, that was just announced this past week!

BTW, You can 'follow' this Blog by clicking the 'Follow' Button at this NetworkedBlogs app!  We currently have over 2,406 'Followers'!  Thanks to ALL of YOU that have already clicked that button! 

And for those of YOU that haven't yet... I would appreciate it if YOU would!!!

~ Michael D Hamersky

If I have it... You can find it 'Under The Big Top Of Comics' at:  

http://www.ComicBooksCircus.com/ 

Web Page Note:  This blog post is written for the IE Browser standards.  Chrome, Safari, Netscape, Firefox and the other browsers serve the page up differently, sorry about that!

The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768 on your laptop or desktop computer.

NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.

Comics Creators: If you are breaking into, or already work in the comic book industry or other pop culture productions, you are welcome to email or mail us press releases, news items, and updates that you feel would be of interest to our blog readers. Including YOUR own works!

To mail printed items to us for possible review, send to:

Make It So Marketing Inc., PO Box 130653, Carlsbad, CA 92013

 Also, if you are a Facebook member, I would have liked you to send me a 'Friend Request'. However, I have reached the maximum limit of 5,000 Facebook Friends and Fan pages already, so I've added a New 'Facebook Fan Page' so that even more of YOU can 'Like' what I am doing, and be interactive with me and others there.  Here is the link to that 'Facebook Fan Page': Michael D Hamersky On Comics! Please click the 'Like' button on that page! 

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