Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at 5:58PM This past weekend I hit-up Comic-Con and all this happened. I started out giving out tips, but halfway through I got distracted and started talking to people doing cosplay. I had a hell of a time. Also thanks to all the people I met! You guys were awesome.
1 Comment | Share Article tagged Comic-Con, Mike Alfaro, Reporting, Video in Comics, NERDALERT!, Nerd, Personal, video Friday, July 24, 2009 at 8:47PM The footage shown at Comic-Con for the upcoming Tron Sequel, Tron: Legacy just popped up online. I'm glad they decided to drop the awful name it had for a while Tron 2.0 even if this one falls on the more generic side. I actually like the trailer, but for some odd reason I feel like at any point its going to turn into a Gillette for men commercial. Don't know why, but it just does.
Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 5:29PM This is the first of many videos for MikeAlfaro.com where I try to become a better nerd. So before I head down to Comic-Con this weekend I wanted to learn more about Warhammer and the popular Lord of the Rings Strategy Game. Did I learn something new? Yes. Did I dance? Yes. Dds I look like an idiot? Yes.
Enjoy.
Post a Comment | Share Article tagged Comic-Con, Lord of the Rings, Mc Warhammer, Mike Alfaro in NERDALERT!, video Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 2:51AM
Just in time for Comic-Con, Vice Magazine has released "The Vice Guide to Comics." While its not really a guide but more of a collection of facts, its still a pretty good read. I definetly suggest checking out Gary Panter's Top 10 Comics. As the name states, the famed artist who designed Pee Wee's Playhouse and made the album art for Frank Zappa counts down his fave ilustrated stories, and I actually learned a thing or two. Such as Tarzan looks like the guy who fixes cars in the corner of Lemon and Grand.
The issue also features an interview with Gerard Way where he discusses Umbrella Academy and Comic-Con, and most of it is available online. So if you got a few minutes before you start salivating over all the Comic-Con footage soon to be release, go get your learn on with Vice Magazine.
Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 1:32AM 
Check out this cool shirt that can transform you into a zombie (assuming you are the strange type of nerd that is quite comfortable with showing some skin). But if you are, you can get this zombie shirt for zero American dollars. Yep, you heard me, $0! The catch...you have to be going to comic-con and play Resident Evil 5 at the Capcom booths. All you have to do is bring a friend, play through one of the levels in co-op mode, and then you and your partner get to walk away with your very own zombie shirt. Simple. Make sure to thank the people over at Capcom for this awesomeness.
Thursday, July 9, 2009 at 4:14PM
Today the Thrusday schedule for Comic-Con has been released, and while its phisically impossible to attend everything, I have compiled some of the highlights of Thrusday's schedule. So start making your plans nerd and geeks. Its going to be one hell of a time. For the full schedule go to http://www.comic-con.org
10:15-11:15 Summit Entertainment: Astro Boy— A superhero origin story set in a futuristic world, Astro Boy is an all-new CG-animated feature film based on the classic manga about a young robot with incredible powers and his adventure-filled journey in search of his identity and destiny. Director David Bowers, producer Maryanne Grager, and stars Freddie Highmore (Astro) and Kristen Bell (Cora) debut footage exclusive to Comic-Con 2009 and answer your questions about bringing this beloved hero to the big screen. Room6BCF
11:00-12:30 Disney: 3D Panel— Walt Disney Pictures presents key filmmakers, select cast members and previously unseen footage from its upcoming slate, including Disney’s A Christmas Carol, Alice In Wonderland and Tron. Special guests include Robert Zemeckis, Tim Burton, Sean Bailey, Steve Lisberger, and moderator Patton Oswalt. HallH
11:30-12:30 World of Warcraft: Epic Loot— Get your game on outside of Azeroth! Join a panel of Blizzard Entertainment decision makers along with their proud licensed partners for an all-out discussion/unveiling of World of Warcraft–inspired product awesomeness. Moderated by Cory Jones, Blizzard Entertainment's director of global business development & licensing. In attendance: Chris Metzen (Blizzard Entertainment sr. VP of creative development), Nick Carpenter (Blizzard Entertainment cinematic creative director), Hank Kanalz (VP/GM of WildStorm and World of Warcraft monthly editor), Troy Lewter (Tokyopop editor on the Warcraft manga), Scott Gaeta (Upper Deck director of new product development and organized play), Margeaux Doremus Sullivan (Upper Deck brand manager on World of Warcraft minis), and Sean Gailey (J!nx creative director). Room6BCF
11:30-12:30 Hasbro: G.I. Joe— The Hasbro design and marketing teams—Aaron Archer and Michelino Paolino (Hasbro Design), and Jeff Labovitz (Hasbro Marketing), discuss the upcoming release of the G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra movie, the new toy line hitting shelves, the new video game, and much more! This panel will include special guests that you won't want to miss, plus Q&A time. Room7AB
11:45-12:45 DC: Superman: Two Worlds— Torn between New Krypton and Earth, the Man of Steel has only just begun his latest adventure. You've seen the stories: a new planet of Kryptonians; scores of super-powered beings. The people behind Superman's future are here to face the most trying times in his life. Meet the talented folks behind Superman as they give you a glimpse of what is in store for our favorite Super-family. Featuring Superman group editor Matt Idelson, writers Geoff Johns (Adventure Comics, Superman: Secret Origins), Greg Rucka (Action Comics), James Robinson (Superman), Sterling Gates (Supergirl), Renato Guedes (Superman), and more! Room6DE
12:30-1:30 Dante's Inferno— Jonathan Knight (executive producer, EA), Ash Huang (art director), Brandon Auman (writer), Christos Gage (writer), and Diego Latorre (artist) talk about the adaptation of this literary classic into pop culture. They will discuss how they translated the various aspects of The Divine Comedy into a video game, an animated feature, and a comic series, where they were faithful and where they invented, and how each of the mediums differs. Also get a peak at EA's game in development, and also watch the world premiere trailer for the animated feature Dante's Inferno co-produced by EA and Starz Media. Room8
12:45-2:00 20th Century Fox and James Cameron present Avatar— In this first public screening of footage in 3D from his much-anticipated action/adventure/fantasy, James Cameron, producer Jon Landau, and cast members take you to a spectacular new world beyond imagination. Conceived 14 years ago and over four years in the making, Avatar breaks new ground in delivering a fully immersive, emotional story and reinvents the movie-going experience. HallH
1:45-2:45 Assassin's Creed II: Video Games and Hollywood Converge— Yannis Mallat (CEO, Ubisoft Montreal), Pierre Raymond (president & head of operations, HYBRIDE Technologies, a VFX studio involved on 300, Sin City), and key team members discuss the convergence between Hollywood and video games, featuring the fastest-selling new franchise in video game history: Assassin's Creed. This session touches on the evolution of creating and distributing content while highlighting the bridge between two different spheres—gaming and entertainment—to create the Assassins Creed II universe. Plus, panelists reveal new information on the new Assassin's Creed II series coming out this fall. Room6A
2:00-3:00 Sony Pictures Animation: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs— In 2009, Columbia Pictures' and Sony Pictures Animation's Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs will be the most delicious event since macaroni met cheese. Inspired by the classic children's book, the film focuses on a town where food begins to fall from the sky like rain. Bill Hader (Saturday Night Live, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian) is the voice of Flint Lockwood, a young inventor who dreams of creating something that will improve everyone's life. Anna Faris (The House Bunny) takes on the role of Sam Sparks, a weathergirl covering the phenomenon who hides her intelligence behind a perky exterior. James Caan plays Tim Lockwood, Flint's technophobic father. SNL's Andy Samberg plays Brent, the town bully who has plagued Flint since childhood. Bruce Campbell plays Mayor Shelbourne, who figures out that Flint's invention can put the town, and more importantly himself, on the map, and Mr. T plays the by-the-rules town cop, Earl Devereaux. Bobb'e J. Thompson (Role Models) is Carl Devereaux, Earl's son. Appearing in person: Anna Faris, Bill Hader, Andy Samberg, Bobb'e J. Thompson, and directors Chris Miller and Phil Lord. Room6BCF
2:15-3:15 Summit Entertainment— Summit Entertainment presents a sneak peek of exclusive footage of some of its upcoming major film releases! HallH
Astro boy—A classic superhero origin story set in a futuristic world, Astro Boy is an all-new CG-animated feature film about a young robot with incredible powers and his adventure-filled journey in search of his identity and destiny. Join Freddie Highmore and Kristen Bell as they premiere the final trailer for Astro Boy before it's in theaters. HallH
Sorority Row—When five sorority girls inadvertently cause the murder of one of their sisters in a prank gone wrong, they agree to keep the matter to themselves and never speak of it again, so they can get on with their lives. This proves easier said than done, when after graduation a mysterious killer goes after the five of them and anyone who knows their secret. Join the cast of Sorority Row as they debut footage from the film exclusive to Comic-Con 2009. HallH
The Twilight Saga: New Moon—Summit Entertainment is proud to present the panel for The Twilight Saga: New Moon, the highly anticipated sequel to last year's box office smash Twilight. Surprise members of the cast will answer your questions about the second film in the series and debut never-before-seen footage from the new film. HallH
4:30-5:30 The Best and Worst Manga of 2008–2009— What was the best, worst and weirdest manga published in the last year? Sparks will fly as manga critics Deb Aoki (manga.about.com), Kai-Ming Cha (Publishers Weekly), Ed Chavez (marketing director, Vertical Inc.), Gia Manry (Anime Vice), Tom Spurgeon (The Comics Reporter), Jason Thompson (Manga: The Complete Guide), and Eva Volin (chair, Great Graphic Novels for Teens) give the thumbs up and thumbs down in this "Manga State of the Union Address." It's Siskel & Ebert, Overlooked Manga Festival, and a manga celebrity roast all in one! Room3
4:30-5:30 The Halo Franchise: What's Next— Frank O'Connor (franchise development director for Halo) will be joined by a number of special guests to discuss how Halo is evolving into a robust entertainment franchise and what's coming in the future. Room6BCF
4:45-5:15 Terry Gilliam's The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus— Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of both Comic-Con and Monty Python, we welcome the sole American Python, the great animator and director Terry Gilliam (Time Bandits, Brazil, 12 Monkeys) to introduce you to his new film starring Christopher Plummer, Johnny Depp, Heath Ledger, Colin Farrell, Jude Law, Verne Troyer, Tom Waits, and Lily Cole. Dr. Parnassus is a fabulous anachronism, touring the streets of modern-day London in a horse-drawn carnival wagon accompanied by his beautiful daughter, devoted dwarf, and neophyte barker. On stage Parnassus plays a holy man whose Imaginarium can realize the innermost fantasies of all who dare to enter. Backstage, he is a drunkard, a gambler who centuries ago lost a wager with the Devil and must now pony up with his daughter once she turns sixteen. Tomorrow. Yet, there may still be hope for the Doctor and Valentina in the person of Tony, a well-dressed amnesic they rescue from a perilous fate and invite into their world of unrelenting magic and possibility. HallH
5:30-6:30 Uncharted 2: Among Thieves: The First Active Cinematic Videogame— Representatives from Naughty Dog, the premiere Playstation 3 developer, discuss how they utilize the Naughty Dog 2.0 engine to hit a turning point in technology innovation by recreating reality and capturing human emotion. Creative director Amy Hennig and various cast members of Uncharted 2: Among Thieves discuss how for the first time, through high-quality cinematic presentation of scenes, characters, and dialogue, players become an active participant in the cinematic experience. Room6A
5:45-6:45 Kick-Ass— World premiere footage from Kick-Ass, based on Mark Millar's bestselling comic, is presented by director Matthew Vaughn (Stardust, Layercake). Joining him on the panel are Nicolas Cage, Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Superbad), and comic co-creator John Romita Jr., among others, including a surprise guest. You don't want to miss the chance to be the first to experience this gritty, brash, and funny actioner. HallH
8:00-10:00 Dr. Horrible's Sing-along Blog— The California Browncoats host a screening of the original three acts, followed immediately by Commentary! The Musical. See why Joss Whedon's (Dollhouse, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) first foray into webisodic "television" was the talk of the town with critics and fans alike in 2008. Be prepared for a night of singing and surprises hosted by the fans who know what you like best. Dr. Horrible stars Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother), Nathan Fillion (Castle, Firefly), and Felicia Day (The Guild) and is written by Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon (Dollhouse), Zack Whedon (Fringe), and Maurissa Tancharoen (Dollhouse). Room6A
8:00-9:30 Green Lantern: First Flight World Premiere— Warner Home Video, Warner Premiere, DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation proudly present the World Premiere of Green Lantern: First Flight, the fifth DC Universe animated original PG-13 movie. Green Lantern: First Flight finds Hal Jordan recruited to join the Green Lantern Corps and placed under the supervision of respected senior Lantern Sinestro. The earthling soon discovers his mentor is actually the central figure in a secret conspiracy that threatens the philosophies, traditions and hierarchy of the entire Green Lantern Corps. Hal must quickly hone his newfound powers and combat the treasonous Lanterns within the ranks to maintain order in the universe. Christopher Meloni (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit) leads the cast as the voice of Hal Jordan aka Green Lantern. The cast includes Emmy Award nominee Victor Garber (Milk, Titanic), Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galactica), Michael Madsen (Reservoir Dogs), Juliet Landau (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), and John Larroquette (Night Court). Produced by animation legend Bruce Timm, Green Lantern: First Flight is directed by Lauren Montgomery (Wonder Woman) and scripted by four-time Emmy Award–winning writer Alan Burnett (The Batman). Warner Home Video will release Green Lantern: First Flight on Blu-ray Hi-Def and DVD on July 28, 2009. Ballroom20
9:30-12:00 Halloween Comes Early: Trick 'r Treat Screening— Be among the first to see writer/director Michael Dougherty's (Superman Returns, X2) creepy, darkly comic celebration of the scariest night of the year. Trick 'r Treat takes the Creepshow/Tales from the Crypt approach to nefarious new depths with four interwoven tales set on Halloween night: a high school principal who moonlights as a vicious serial killer; a young virgin whose quest for that special someone takes a gruesome turn; a group of teens who carry out a cruel prank with disastrous consequences; and a cantankerous old man who battles a mischievous trick-or-treating demon. Prior to the screening, Ain't It Cool News mogul Harry Knowles will moderate a panel featuring Michael Dougherty and members of the cast, including Anna Paquin (True Blood, X-Men), Tahmoh Penikett (Battlestar Galactica, Dollhouse), and Brian Cox (The Bourne Identity, X2). A collection of creepy stories that mixes fun with fear, candy with poison, and laughter with screams, the critically acclaimed Trick 'r Treat will be released on Blu-ray Hi-Def and DVD and On Demand by Warner Home Video in October. Ballroom20
Thursday, July 9, 2009 at 2:18PM 
Today the schedule for Disney movies at Comic-Con was released and fans of the Mouse have a lot to look forward to in Hall H this year. The movies that will be previewed include Tron2, Toy Story 3, Ponyo, Beauty and the Beast 3D, The Princess and the Frog, Alice in Wonderland, and A Christmas Carol. The best news is over half of their movies will be presented in 3D!
Fellow Phi Tau, Patton Oswalt will be moderating the panel discussion which will include the likes of PONYO director Hayao Miyazaki, Robert Zemeckis, and Tim "Fucking" Burton. The Disney 3D Panel which includes Tron2, Alice in Wonderland, and A Christmas Carol, will take place on Thursday at 11 am in Hall H and everything else will take place on Friday at 12:45 p.m.
