San Diego Comic-Con Highlights

SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON HIGHLIGHTS
By Emily Towsley

Now that the International Comi-Con is starting to wind down, it’s time to take a look at some of the things that happened at the “nerd prom” that not all of us got to attend. The lucky few that did, let it be noted that I am extremely jealous of you. However, that even you oh lucky one, probably missed a few things. So let’s get down to business. 

COSPLAY AND CONSENT
In a previous article I outlined the issues female cosplayers have been documented having at conventions. Over 1 in 4 women polled have admitted to being harassed about their attire at a convention. This year at SDCC,  an anti-harassment policy was included in the handbook, and attendees were assured there would be security on hand and swift responses to reports. The Verdict? Still out. Since Comic-Con is just wrapping up, we haven’t heard much about the present state of harassment at San Diego. But, I am still very impressed that their anti-harassment policy made it to the handbook. I am especially glad that this problem is finally being addressed as a problem, not just something girls should “dress less slutty” to avoid. 

VENDORS 

Besides the awesomely beautiful items that were SDCC exclusives, the LA weekly reported some distinct trends that emerged in the buying patterns of our fellow nerds – Jon Snow’s Direwolf Ghost as Funko sculpture was a popular item, as were the anniversary items for Alien, Ghostbusters and Hello Kitty. Even though most vendors limit the amount of items each person can buy in order to eliminate too many resellers, some of the more popular booths ran out of their inventory early in the day. The most prepared fans camped out before the doors even opened in order to get their prized items. For that Direwolf, I completely understand. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were so many, here is a link  to a list with a run-down of every category. I'll share a few here, but be warned- possible SPOILER alerts ahead.

Game of Thrones held a panel, and led with an amazing bloopers reel! Whether you’re as big of a fan of GOT as I am or not, seeing these seriously intimidating robed characters goof off on screen is definitely a good time. George R.R Martin will not be writing an episode this season, or possibly even visiting the set, as he is seriously buckling down on his novel writing.  While Martin’s presence will undoubtedly be missed,  the Thrones family will be growing by 9 this year including legendary character actor Jonathan Pryce, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine alum Alexander Siddig, and Academy Award Nominee Keisha Castle-Hughes. 

Marvel Comics expanded on their previous announcement that Thor puts down his hammer, and a woman is to take the role next. "This all goes back to when I launched Thor: God of Thunder, it's all been leading up to the moment where Thor can't pick up his hammer. I wanted someone to pick up that hammer, and not be just for a moment or a scene, but for the foreseeable future” said Aaron Daughterman about the future changes, “The idea is to follow her as she carries his hammer, and not just picks it up to whack somebody for a couple of pages.”  During the Marvel Cinematic panel Saturday night, the crowd was treated to the first clips from Avengers: Age of Ultron as well as a July 28th 2017 release date for Guardians of the Galaxy 2. 

Warner Brothers and DC Comics held several panels to show off their big and small screen accomplishments. A teaser trailer for Batman V Superman was overshadowed by the premiere of the first official images of Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman.  On the TV side,   the Arrow teaser trailer was recut between Friday and Saturday to reveal that Ra’s al Ghul will be making his way to the CW this fall.  

As the news continues to roll in about the SDCC panels and the overall atmosphere of the Con, I’ll continue to read it – and daydream about the day when I too can go to “nerd prom”. Until then my nerd-lettes, that’s a wrap! 

Emily Towsley, can be found either teasing her cat, or philosophizing with a customer over coffee in her second-life as a barista. Messages of support regarding her addiction to Netflix, and news of vintage teacup sales can be left on her twitter. (https://twitter.com/emtowsley) Her spare time is spent reading copious amounts of books, (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/7246432-milie) or working on her latest blog. (http://spineonline.ca/emily-towsley/)