Marvel releases alternate opening to The Avengers

The blu-ray/dvd release of Marvel’s The Avengers is just under a month away (Sept. 25th) and Marvel has wasted no time in getting us excited by steadily giving us bits and pieces of what’s sure to be countless hours of special features. While many blu-ray/dvd bonuses include alternate endings, The Avengers will also include an alternate opening. Check it out below:

This might-have-been opening to The Avengers definitely sets a much darker and somber tone compared to the rest of Whedon’s quippy, light hearted action film. It also paints  a different picture of Mariah Hill’s character and hints at a what could be a plot thread that was dropped from this installment of The Avengers and and even its sequels. Thoughts?

Wired Cafe at Comic Con

This year, Babbleon5 had the privilege to be invited to Wired Cafe’s Oasis bar during the Con. We were treated with Game of Thrones themed drinks, snacks, and some awesome swag- all while rubbing shoulders with Celebs and Industry professionals. Definitely, a needed break from the Comic Con craziness. More pics after the jump.

SDCC High’s and Low’s

Here are some of my thoughts on this year’s SDCC. High and Low’s.

High – While waiting in line for Hall H sucks the Saturday panel are always worth it. The Django Unchained panel was amazing and the place went nuts when Quentin Tarantino walked out and he was incredibly energetic and engaging.  Props for showing the fans an 8 minute Hollywood promo real normally saved for industry types.  The cast had good chemistry and were really interesting. I can’t wait for this movie.

Low- The Game of Thrones panel. I love Game of Thrones, it is hands down my favorite show but the panel was just lackluster. George R.R. Martin hosted the panel and I hate to say it but he just wasn’t very engaging. It was too much of the “cute old man” syndrome. The cast didn’t really have much chemistry either. Not sure if this is because they don’t get to act much together, like as Rob and Dany, or maybe it’s just the way it is. This was the same experience with the GoT panel last year as well.

The SDCC Creators Connect.

One of the things I love most about comic-con is the insane amount of creativity that can be found there.  Amidst all of the glam and sexiness of Hall H and Ballroom 20 it can be easy to forget some of the smaller panels yet some of those are the most fun. In particular I went to one called the creators connect and it was really cool.  Basically it works like speed dating but it matches writers with artist. You sit in front of an artist who has their portfolio out while you talk about your writing projects. Ever five minutes you rotate to another artist. If you like what you see then you get their contact info and hopefully you can collaborate on a project together.

I will say as a writer it was really fun just to connect with other creative types and share ideas and experiences. Weirdly enough, the writers way outnumbered the artist. While I have gone to Comic-con for the last 6 years, this is the first time I went to the connect. In fact, I didn’t even know about it until Wondercon. They had to connects, one on Thursday and one on Friday. I would highly recommend them and I was tempted to try and go to both.

SDCC Recap: Neil Gaiman Returns to The Sandman!

Out of all the exciting and surprising announcement to come out of 2012 Comic-Con was this major announcement from DC’s Vertigo. Neil Gaiman is returning to The Sandman series! We repeat, Neil Gaiman is returning to The Sandman series. Additionally, he is being paired with artist JH Williams III from Batwoman.

Easily one of my favorite series ever (maybe my all time favorite,) The Sandman is considered to have fundamentally changed the face of storytelling in the comic book industry. First released in 1988 it has sold more the 7 million copies and is one of the few graphic novels to make the New York Times Best Seller list (along with Watchmen and Dark Knight.) The release will be a mini-series in honor of the 25th anniversary of the series.

If you aren’t familiar with The Sandman go and get familiar with it. It will rock your world. For those who are familiar with it, the story will pick up from the very first issue of The Sandman. As you may recall, Dream starts in captivity, is weakened and dressed for battle. This story explains how we find him in such straits.

I missed out on the original series in 1988. Rest be assured I will not miss out on this one. It is slated for release in 2013.

The Walking Dead Season 3 Trailer

After the disappointing pace of Season 2, I think I’ve lost a lot of interest for this show. I have always been a bigger fan of the comics, but I was optimistic (like many others) for the TV adaptation. Season 3 Premieres October 14th on AMC. Are you excited? Leave a comment below.

The Hobbit from Hall H at San Diego Comic Con

In case you missed The Hobbit in Hall H this year, Peter Jackson’s VLOG takes you behind the stage. I can say that after seeing 12 minutes from the movie, I was speechless!

Power to the Geeks!

Here is a pretty interesting article about the power of the Con in the New York Times. For the record, the Man of Steel panel was kind of lame.

Superman: Man of Steel Official Teaser Trailer #1

The Onion On SDCC:

Even The Onion is getting in on Comic-Con, even though most of their employees probably went. Check out the video!

2012 Marvel Handbook Casually Reveals Peter Parker Uncircumcised

SDCC Interview with X-Play’s Blair Herter

Blair Herter was so kind and gracious to interview with us during the craziness of San Diego Comic Con. We talk briefly about Games, Comics, and the CON.

This was my first ever interview and I was incredibly nervous.

Walking Dead Escape- Johnny’s POV!

I am back and I SURVIVED the ‘Walking Dead Escape’ at Petco Park during San Diego Comic Con. Here’s a POV look at how I ran it!