One of the things that attracts people to Comic-Con International is the ability to be first in getting the latest scoop on their favorite publishers, characters, and creators. Publishers and creators know this too and have used the opportunity to make some of their biggest announcements of the year at Comic-Con International. There are often universe shattering news and jaw dropping announcements each and ever year, not to mention the new rumors and slip ups that get us talking and creating new buzz. This is a list of some of the top stories to break at this years Comic-Con International 2010.
1. Marvel Resurrects Crossgen
Joe Quesada teased the crowd at the Cup O' Joe panel with the Crossgen sigil blasted on the screen. He later confirmed that Marvel is planning on exploring resurrecting some of the material in the Crossgen universe. Disney bought the material back in 2004 when Crossgen went bankrupt and now that Disney has acquired Marvel as well, they have turned the keys to Crossgen over to the hands of Marvel.
Source - Robot 6
2. Watchmen 2
Copyright DC Comics
While not confirmed directly, it has been known that DC Comics was interested in doing a Watchmen 2 series, with Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons at the helm. It definitely looks like Moore is not interested, but Didio mentioned at the Con that they are exploring all their franchises to be expanded upon, and see Watchmen as one of their pinnacle comic achievements. Okay, so maybe this is really just wild speculation on our part and we are totally taking Didio's words out of context, but we'd all be interested in the spectacle of a Watchmen 2 comic. Either from the way Moore would react to how they could even think of pulling it off without the original crew, either way fireworks would fly.
Source - CBR
3. Bruce Wayne Returns!
Copyright DC Comics
I think we all knew it wasn't a matter of if Bruce Wayne would return, but when. It was announced at the Grant Morrison panel that Bruce Wayne is indeed coming back and would return in a new series entitled Batman Inc. The series will feature a new costume for Batman, designed by David Finch. Morrison didn't give a lot of details other than saying, "All I'm going to tell you is that this is a kind of a team book--I was looking at the Brave and the Bold cartoon, which I love, and I kind of wanted to do that kind of thing, Batman with other people. We came up with a structure that allows us to do something like a team book."
Source - Techland
4. Fantagraphics Grabs Mickey Mouse
Fantagraphics made an announcement that had many classic comic fans smiling. Gary Groth told panelists at the Comic Reprint Revolution panel that they had (just hours before) acquired the rights to re-publish Floyd Gottfredson's entire run of "Mickey Mouse." We're talking 45 years of comic strips here and it looks to be one of Fantagraphics biggest projects to date. They are planning on keeping the entire material intact, even the material that would be cosidered racist by today's standards.
Source - Techland
5. Marc Guggenheim Starts Collider Entertainment
Television and comics writer Marc Guggenheim announced at the Image Comics panel that he is forming Collider Entertainment and will be publishing two of their first comics through Image. The first is "Utopian" co-written by Guggenheim and the other is "The Mission" by Jon and Eric Hoeber.
Source - Comics Alliance
6. Joss Whedon To Direct The Avengers
Copyright Marvel Comics
Joss Whedon is known for his love of sci-fi and comic books. His film and television work showcase this, making him one of the geek "it" guys. His work has garnered praise, respect, and a rabid following of fans. There were rumors surfacing that Whedon was going to be attached to the Marvel Avenger's film, and Whedon let the bomb fall at a more obscure panel. Ripples of the announcement spread like wildfire and many fans are excited to see what he will bring to the culmination of the Marvel Studios endeavors. I just hope he doesn't kill everyone off, like he does in most of his series. (I miss you Wash!)
Source - Spinoff
7. Oni Press and CBS Team Up For A First Look
Oni Press, the publisher behind fan favorites like Whiteout, Scott Pilgrim, and Queen and Country, has inked a "First Look" deal with television studio CBS. This basically means that CBS gets first crack at any of Oni Press' current lineup of comic books, as well as any future ones down the pipe. Who knows what CBS paid for such a deal, but I'm sure it will only help Oni to get more talent into their pool of already spectacular creators.
Source - Comics Alliance
8. 2000AD Material Seized By The DEA
In what has got to be a more unusual situation, the material the British publisher 2000AD planned to sell at CCI was seized by the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency). They had some other material that made it through, but the whole situation reeks of odd. There is still no mention of why the content was seized, but it has been released and should be there sometime during the convention.
Source - Bleeding Cool
9. Stan Lee and BOOM!
Copyright Stan Lee
Stan Lee showcased three new upcoming comics in a partnership with BOOM! Studios. The comics will be co-penned by Mark Waid, Paul Cornell, and Chris Roberson. The three titles are The Traveller, Soldier Zero, and Starborn, respectively. All three series will hit shelves by the end of this year. Could be a really great collaboration.
10. Panel Line Violence
There have been complaints about the line setup at Comic-Con for quite some time, and it would seem an individual took it way too far this time. In the line over by Hall H it was first reported that one panel goer was stabbed in the eye with a pen. According to the San Diego Examiner, it was more of a minor scuffle and the victim was scratched near the eye. The nearby panels were delayed for about 40 minutes but things got going again soon after. Overall, there has been little to no violence like this at the convention, as it would seem more con attendees prefer to take their rage out on their keyboards afterwards rather than attack one another.
Source - San Diego Examiner
11. Con Attendees Counter Protest Protesters
When it was found out that members of the Westboro Baptist Church were coming to Comic-Con, not as attendees mind you, but as protesters, The members of the con gathered together and out protested the protesters. Of all the things that could be protested, it seems odd to me that they would choose Comic-Con, but hey, its a free country right? It was just amusing to hear how the con fought back and won the day from these obviously angry people.
Source - iNEWP
12. DC Universe Online Finally Online
It feels like I've been waiting forever for this game to materialize (really its been about four years) and there is finally a great cinematic teaser trailer with announcements that the game is coming to us in November of 2010. There are opportunities for you to get in on the beta for the game for both PC and PS3 users. Just go over to Gametrailers.com to see the trailer and the DC Online site and check out the beta.
Source - DC Online Site
