SALT LAKE COMIC-CON RETURNS…WITH NAME INTACT!
Article by Adam Mast
It appears that just about every major city in the U.S. has its own version of Comic-Con. Most of these events–which are primarily geared towards movie, t.v., gaming, and comic book fandom– even go by the same name. For whatever reason though, Comic-Con International in San Diego decided to single out a very young but incredibly popular Salt Lake Comic-Con by slapping them with a lawsuit.
Article by Adam Mast
It appears that just about every major city in the U.S. has its own version of Comic-Con. Most of these events–which are primarily geared towards movie, t.v., gaming, and comic book fandom– even go by the same name. For whatever reason though, Comic-Con International in San Diego decided to single out a very young but incredibly popular Salt Lake Comic-Con by slapping them with a lawsuit.
Comic-Con International claims that SL Comic-Con confuses fans into thinking that both conventions are affiliated with one another. Silly, isn’t it? Where does all of this juvenile contention come from? Perhaps Comic-Con International is still miffed that programmers in Salt Lake held their Fan Experience event the same weekend that Anaheim, CA hosted Wonder-Con? Or maybe they’re upset because team Salt Lake had a SLCC advertisement vehicle drive through the heart of San Diego during a very crowded convention weekend earlier this summer. Whatever the case may be, this lawsuit feels petty.
Doesn’t Comic-Con International have better things to do with its time then to pick on a Con that’s 750 miles away? Are organizers behind the biggest Con in the world really that scared that this Northern Utah based event is going to steal business away from their lucrative empire? Isn’t there enough love to go around? It’s all so ridiculous!
Comic-Con International is coming across as the school yard bully in this scenario, but the joke may be on them because all this lawsuit has done is bring more awareness to one of the fastest growing Cons in the country. SL Comic-Con brought in an estimated 72,000 fans during its September 2013 inaugural gathering, while April’s Fan Experience brought in over 100,000 attendees. This year’s event, which takes place at the Salt Lake Convention Center from September 4th-6th, is expected to top those numbers with what is sure to be a sold out crowd.
Don’t misconstrue what I’m saying here. I love Comic-Con International! I’ve been attending for the past 13 years. Most likely, I’ll continue attending. Guess what though? I’ll be going to SL Comic-Con too…Even if they are forced to change their name. Having said that, I’ll be really surprised if this seemingly silly lawsuit sticks.
Even if by some crazed miracle it does, I doubt a name change will have much of an effect on the overall popularity of Salt Lake’s 2 year old Con. Our very own John Pugh– a veteran Comic-Con International attendee– had noting but nice things to say about Salt Lake’s epic Fan Experience. While John was quick to point out that the event was low on high profile movie presentations–give it a few years–he loved the intimacy of the experience. He was also quick to point out that the overall vibe was surprisingly similar to San Diego’s annual gathering only in the case of Salt Lake, the proceedings were a little less chaotic because there was a slightly smaller crowd. Highlights from John’s Fan Experience included a spirited Adam Baldwin (FIREFLY, FULL METAL JACKET, MY BODYGUARD, etc.) panel and a lengthy chat with GREMLINS star Zach Galligan. For John, it was all about accessibility.
What can attendees expect from SL Comic-Con 2014? Well, there’s a plethora of iconic guests expected. For an extra premium, you can get an autograph or a photo. Personally, we’re more interested in the panels. Here’s a look at some of the guest speakers, panels, and events we’re most excited about;
ALAN TUDYK
Alan Tudyk is a convention fan favorite. This wonderfully likable actor has done a ton of vocal work for animated projects but he is, perhaps, most beloved for his role as Wash in Joss Whedon’s short lived cult hit “Firefly”. He’s also a blast in the creative white trash horror opus “Tucker and Dale Vs. Evil”.
Click (NSFW)– https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Bruce Campbell is a legend, plain and simple. Why this guy never became an A-list actor is beyond me. Having said that, he’ll always be an A-list actor in my book. Be it his outstanding work in Sam Raimi’s original “Evil Dead” trilogy, his infectiously likable turn in “The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.”, or his unforgettable performance as Elvis in Don Coscarelli’s brilliantly insane adaptation of the Joe R. Lansdale penned “Bubba Ho-Tep”, Campbell is the personification of awesome!!
BRUCE CAMPBELL
Bruce Campbell is a legend, plain and simple. Why this guy never became an A-list actor is beyond me. Having said that, he’ll always be an A-list actor in my book. Be it his outstanding work in Sam Raimi’s original “Evil Dead” trilogy, his infectiously likable turn in “The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.”, or his unforgettable performance as Elvis in Don Coscarelli’s brilliantly insane adaptation of the Joe R. Lansdale penned “Bubba Ho-Tep”, Campbell is the personification of awesome!!
Click; https://www.youtube.com/watch?
When I think of Cary Elwes, three words come to mind; “As you wish!” While most modern audiences know Elwes for his work in “Saw”, folks of the 80’s remember him as dashing Westley in Rob Reiner’s enchanting (and quirky) fantasy, “The Princess Bride”. I was also a big fan of his work in the stirring Civil War drama “Glory”.
CARY ELWES
When I think of Cary Elwes, three words come to mind; “As you wish!” While most modern audiences know Elwes for his work in “Saw”, folks of the 80’s remember him as dashing Westley in Rob Reiner’s enchanting (and quirky) fantasy, “The Princess Bride”. I was also a big fan of his work in the stirring Civil War drama “Glory”.
Click; https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Clearly, Danny Glover ain’t too old for this shit. At least, not where SL Comic-Con is concerned. “Lethal Weapon’s” Roger Murtaugh himself will grace the Con with his iconic presence. Perhaps he’ll share some “Predator 2”, “Witness”, and “Color Purple” stories too.
DANNY GLOVER
Clearly, Danny Glover ain’t too old for this shit. At least, not where SL Comic-Con is concerned. “Lethal Weapon’s” Roger Murtaugh himself will grace the Con with his iconic presence. Perhaps he’ll share some “Predator 2”, “Witness”, and “Color Purple” stories too.
Click; https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Eric Roberts was all over the 80’s with memorable roles in films like “The Pope of Greenwich Village” and “Runaway Train”. He also appeared in “The Dark Knight”. And how is this for prolific? Roberts will appear in over 50 projects between now and 2018!!. In fact, he’ll premiere his new movie, “L.A. Slasher”, at SL Comic-Con. In this satire, a killer takes it upon himself to rid the world on annoying reality t.v. stars. Unfortunately, Roberts isn’t playing the killer here. Instead, he’ll be playing the mayor…which is the next best thing.
ERIC ROBERTS
Eric Roberts was all over the 80’s with memorable roles in films like “The Pope of Greenwich Village” and “Runaway Train”. He also appeared in “The Dark Knight”. And how is this for prolific? Roberts will appear in over 50 projects between now and 2018!!. In fact, he’ll premiere his new movie, “L.A. Slasher”, at SL Comic-Con. In this satire, a killer takes it upon himself to rid the world on annoying reality t.v. stars. Unfortunately, Roberts isn’t playing the killer here. Instead, he’ll be playing the mayor…which is the next best thing.
Click; https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Who ya gonna call? Ernie Hudson! The famed Ghostbuster will be on hand just in time for the 30th anniversary of Ivan Reitman’s comedy masterpiece. Hudson has a career that goes far beyond his role as Winston though. “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle”, “Oz” , “The Octagon”, “Diff’rent Strokes”, “Spacehunter”, “The A-Team”, “Cop Rock”, “No Escape”, “The Crow”, etc. Quite the resume.
ERNIE HUDSON
Who ya gonna call? Ernie Hudson! The famed Ghostbuster will be on hand just in time for the 30th anniversary of Ivan Reitman’s comedy masterpiece. Hudson has a career that goes far beyond his role as Winston though. “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle”, “Oz” , “The Octagon”, “Diff’rent Strokes”, “Spacehunter”, “The A-Team”, “Cop Rock”, “No Escape”, “The Crow”, etc. Quite the resume.
Click; https://www.youtube.
Any “Breaking Bad” fans out there? You’re not alone. As drug king pin Gustavo “Gus” Fring, Giancarlo Esposito proved to be both sensible and menacing in equal measure. Simply put, this terrific actor created one of the all time great t.v. villains. Oh, and Esposito was in “The Usual Suspects” too so he’s going to have plenty of cool stuff to talk about.
GIANCARLO ESPOSITO
Any “Breaking Bad” fans out there? You’re not alone. As drug king pin Gustavo “Gus” Fring, Giancarlo Esposito proved to be both sensible and menacing in equal measure. Simply put, this terrific actor created one of the all time great t.v. villains. Oh, and Esposito was in “The Usual Suspects” too so he’s going to have plenty of cool stuff to talk about.
Click (Huge spoiler! Don’t watch if you haven’t seen the series); https://www.youtube.com/watch?
“Thunder Lips! The ultimate male vs…the ultimate meatball.” Hulk Hogan is a wrestling icon. For all his pro wrestling bravado though, it’s his role as a–surprise–wrestler in “Rocky III” that left the biggest impression on me. I also get a kick out of his little cameo in “Gremlins 2: The New Batch”.
HULK HOGAN
“Thunder Lips! The ultimate male vs…the ultimate meatball.” Hulk Hogan is a wrestling icon. For all his pro wrestling bravado though, it’s his role as a–surprise–wrestler in “Rocky III” that left the biggest impression on me. I also get a kick out of his little cameo in “Gremlins 2: The New Batch”.
Click; https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Ian Ziering may have got his start on “Beverly Hills 90210”, but “Sharknado” will be his legacy. I can only hope Ziering gets his own panel. If he does, there’s no way we’re missing it.
IAN ZIERING
Ian Ziering may have got his start on “Beverly Hills 90210”, but “Sharknado” will be his legacy. I can only hope Ziering gets his own panel. If he does, there’s no way we’re missing it.
Click; https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Veteran actor James Hong has been working steadily in the business since the 50’s but his role as David Lo Pan in John Carpenter’s “Big Trouble in Little China” is the stuff of legend!! I saw Hong speak at another convention a while back and he was a bundle of energy. This is a panel you wont want to miss.
JAMES HONG
Veteran actor James Hong has been working steadily in the business since the 50’s but his role as David Lo Pan in John Carpenter’s “Big Trouble in Little China” is the stuff of legend!! I saw Hong speak at another convention a while back and he was a bundle of energy. This is a panel you wont want to miss.
Click; https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Back in the 80’s and early 90’s, director Jim Wynorski was sequel king! What made him unique though is that he was almost exclusively a sequel maker and he only liked to follow up schlockly movies. “Return of the Swamp Thing”, “Big Bad Mama II”, “Death Stalker II” , “976-Evil 2”, “Sorority House Massacre II”, etc. Every now and again though, he’d deliver an original, and of those precious few, “Chopping Mall” (aka “Killbots”) might just be his best. How can you dislike a movie with the catchphrase; “Where shopping will cost you an arm and a leg.”
JIM WYNORSKI
Back in the 80’s and early 90’s, director Jim Wynorski was sequel king! What made him unique though is that he was almost exclusively a sequel maker and he only liked to follow up schlockly movies. “Return of the Swamp Thing”, “Big Bad Mama II”, “Death Stalker II” , “976-Evil 2”, “Sorority House Massacre II”, etc. Every now and again though, he’d deliver an original, and of those precious few, “Chopping Mall” (aka “Killbots”) might just be his best. How can you dislike a movie with the catchphrase; “Where shopping will cost you an arm and a leg.”
Click; https://www.youtube.com/watch?
2004 was a banner year for comedies. Within 5 weeks, “Anchorman”, “Team America: World Police”, and a little independent film called “Napoleon Dynamite” graced screens all around the country. “Napoleon Dynamite” stood out a bit because it had a mild PG rating and was shot on an extremely low budget. In honor of its 10th anniversary, actor Jon Heder (Napoleon himself) will be on hand to mingle with attendees. If you’re really nice to him, perhaps he’ll share his tots with you.
JON HEDER
2004 was a banner year for comedies. Within 5 weeks, “Anchorman”, “Team America: World Police”, and a little independent film called “Napoleon Dynamite” graced screens all around the country. “Napoleon Dynamite” stood out a bit because it had a mild PG rating and was shot on an extremely low budget. In honor of its 10th anniversary, actor Jon Heder (Napoleon himself) will be on hand to mingle with attendees. If you’re really nice to him, perhaps he’ll share his tots with you.
Click; https://www.youtube.com/watch?
As a kid, few t.v. shows excited me as much as “The Incredible Hulk”. Bill Bixby was so great on that series because he brought such warmth and humanity to his role as do-gooder David Banner. Being that I was 8 years old though, it was all about Lou Ferrigno for me. Watching Bixby make “the change” was cool, but watching Ferrigno take down the bad guys was even cooler.
LOU FERRIGNO
As a kid, few t.v. shows excited me as much as “The Incredible Hulk”. Bill Bixby was so great on that series because he brought such warmth and humanity to his role as do-gooder David Banner. Being that I was 8 years old though, it was all about Lou Ferrigno for me. Watching Bixby make “the change” was cool, but watching Ferrigno take down the bad guys was even cooler.
Click; https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Max Headroom is coming to SL Comic-Con! Yes!! This wonderfully quirky character actor has other awesome titles to his credit including “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” but it was the affectionately weird t.v. series “Max Headroom” that truly put Frewer on the map.
MATT FREWER
Max Headroom is coming to SL Comic-Con! Yes!! This wonderfully quirky character actor has other awesome titles to his credit including “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” but it was the affectionately weird t.v. series “Max Headroom” that truly put Frewer on the map.
Click; https://www.youtube.com/watch?
As is the case with Bruce Campbell, Ron Perlman might not be an A-list actor in the rest of the world’s eyes but he’ll always be an A-lister to me. The “Hellboy” star garnered a slew of underground fans after appearing in the t.v. series “Beauty and the Beast” with Linda Hamilton. More recently, he turned in a memorable performance in “Drive”. Suffice it to say, I was pretty pumped when I discovered Perlman was a last minute SL Comic-Con addition. Yet another solid reason to make the trip.
RON PERLMAN
As is the case with Bruce Campbell, Ron Perlman might not be an A-list actor in the rest of the world’s eyes but he’ll always be an A-lister to me. The “Hellboy” star garnered a slew of underground fans after appearing in the t.v. series “Beauty and the Beast” with Linda Hamilton. More recently, he turned in a memorable performance in “Drive”. Suffice it to say, I was pretty pumped when I discovered Perlman was a last minute SL Comic-Con addition. Yet another solid reason to make the trip.
Click; https://www.youtube.com/watch?
This Salt Lake based make-up effects wizard shot to fame by way of the make-up effects competition series “Face Off”, but it’s his brilliant creations that will take his fame to the next level.
RUSS ADAMS
This Salt Lake based make-up effects wizard shot to fame by way of the make-up effects competition series “Face Off”, but it’s his brilliant creations that will take his fame to the next level.
STAN LEE
What can you say about this living legend that hasn’t already been said? The icon behind the Marvel universe is the Hugh Hefner of super hero properties! And he’s coming back to Salt Lake City!
Click; https://www.youtube.com/watch?
WHAT WE KNOW AND WHAT WE THINK WE KNOW ABOUT STAR WARS EPISODE VII
No one from the actual film production is expected to be on hand for this panel. Still, this should be a very entertaining discussion about that highly anticipated film involving a galaxy far, far away. Having said that, if you hate spoilers, you may want to stay away from this panel because there’s sure to be plenty of those.
JOHN CARPENTER: THE MASTER OF HORROR
The master himself is not expected to attend, but a fan can dream, right? This panel promises to be an insightful discussion on all things John Carpenter. While widely known for the slasher opus HALLOWEEN, Carpenter fashioned what I consider to be the all time great horror film in the 80’s updating of THE THING. For my money, he’s one of our directors. Whenever you watch a Carpenter film, there’s always something distinctively John Carpenter about it. That’s the mark of a great film-maker. He has a style all his own. I can’t wait for this one!
BREAKING BAD
One of the greatest series in the history of television is over but its memory lives on. No telling what might go down at this panel but hopefully, Giancarlo Esposito will make an appearance, and hopefully, the upcoming spin off series, BETTER CALL SAUL, will enter into the equation.
SPIKE & MIKE’S FESTIVAL OF ANIMATION (18 AND UP ONLY)
If you haven’t been to a Spike & Mike Festival program, then you’re missing out on one of the finer things in life. Particularly if you’re a fan of sick and twisted animation. I was introduced to the perversely mean spirited but righteously funny YES TIMMY, THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS at a SAMFOA several years ago, and I’ve never been the same. This should be a lot of fun.
BACK TO THE DELOREAN TIME MACHINE: THE FUTURE’S MOST CELEBRATED FILM PROP
This is sure to be a lively discussion about one of the cinema’s most unique and talked about transportation vehicles. While I’m really bummed that Christopher Lloyd had to cancel his appearance because of a film shoot, I’m incredibly excited that BACK TO THE FUTURE will still be very well represented.
SASQUATCH: LEGEND MEETS FACT
I know…This is a weird one. The truth is, I have a friend who’s writing a novel about a Bigfoot-like creature so I’m curious. Furthermore, with the Sasquatch-centric movie WILLOW CREEK gearing up for release, it’s looking like Bigfoot is going to be the go-to -monster of the near future.
MUPPETS
What can I say? I love THE MUPPETS. Will Kermit and the gang show up? Doubtful, but I’m still looking forward to hearing what Muppet adventures might be in development.
ARROWSTORM ENTERTAINMENT
Given that I reside in Utah, I’m a big champion of film production here in our beautiful state. Arrowstorm Entertainment represents such production by way of crafty and creative sci-fi/fantasy movies shot almost exclusively in Utah. Members of Arrowstorm Entertainment are expected to be on hand to chat about upcoming projects.
THE FILMING LOCATIONS OF ALFRED HITCHCOCK’S PSYCHO: THEN AND NOW
The heading says it all! PSYCHO is one of the great thrillers of all time and the Bates Motel is a key to its overall effectiveness. Getting to see images of these iconic locations of the past juxtaposed with images of the present locales should be quite a treat for Alfred Hitchcock fans.
THE DEATH OF SUPERMAN LIVES! WHAT HAPPENED? DOCUMENTARY
Back in 90’s, Tim Burton was set to direct a SUPERMAN reboot written by Kevin Smith and Wesley Strict, with quirky Nicolas Cage in the title role. Despite a rigorous pre production, the film never actually made it to the physical production phase. In the new documentary THE DEATH OF SUPERMAN LIVES, audiences will get a glimpse at what could have been by way of a peek at breathtaking conceptual art and interviews with key members of the film-making crew. This should be fascinating stuff.
MOVIES SO BAD THEY’RE AWESOME
This panel is going to be special. I’m one of those crazy individuals who believe a really bad movie can be just as entertaining as a really great movie! SHARKNADO is a prime example! I can’t wait for this one!
STEPHEN KING
No, King himself is not expected to attend but his spirit will be all over the place. Stephen King is arguably the great horror novelist of his generation and he’s has countless books and films to prove it. Whether or not his entire career can be covered in a brief 50 minutes remains to be seen, but one thing is certain; A short King panel is better than no King panel at all.
DISNEY’S HAUNTED MANSION: A HISTORY
Few rides at Disneyland are as monumentally awesome as The Haunted Mansion. This panel will delve into every conceivable angle of this attraction’s iconic history.
THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES
Peter Jackson’s epic journey through Middle Earth is about to come to an end. What can we expect from THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES? A lot of action, that’s what. While I doubt anyone from the cast will be on hand, I’m holding out hope for a little bit of footage. Maybe we’ll even be treated to one of Jackson’s entertaining on set video blogs.
MARVEL: PHASE III
Marvel has the two highest grossing films of the 2014 in CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER and GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY. And even though THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 and X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST were distributed by different studios, Marvel had a big hand in those pictures too. Translation; Marvel owned the 2014 box-office. What might Phase III have in store for us? Hopefully, this panel will pull back the curtain and clue us in.
GHOSTBUSTERS
GHOSTBUSTERS is currently celebrating its 30th Anniversary and this panel will continue that celebration. With Ernie Hudson on hand for SL Comic-Con, perhaps he’ll take part in the festivities. I suspect GHOSTBUSTERS 3 rumors will be addressed too.
EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL
That’s right! EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL is coming to SL Comic-Con!! Based on Sam Raimi’s popular independent film series, this one has to be seen to be believed. If you’re a fan of the movies, it’s a must. Be warned though…If you sit in the first free rows, you’re going to get wet! And it ain’t going to be water!
Here’s a peek. Keep in mind that this spot wasn’t created specifically for the SLC production but it’ll give you a little taste of what to expect; https://www.youtube.com/watch?
THRILLER
The Odyssey Dance Theatre returns with THRILLER, an entertaining theater production that fuses brilliant dance with amazing visual effects. And it’s all set to the backdrop of the creepy (and magical) holiday that is Halloween. THRILLER has been a Utah staple for a long time and this year, expect a handful of new surprises to go along with THRILLER standards.
Keep in mind that this article only scratches the surface in terms of what SL Comic-Con has to offer. For an extensive look at guests, events, panels, and ticket information, be sure to check out their site;
Comments are closed.