My First Comic Con in San Diego

 

I have relatives that have been to Comic Con many times and have urged me to come. It was through their efforts that I got my badges in November 2025, and on lottery and I got a good deal for a hotel that had shuttles to the event. Then I booked my flights -two one ways were cheaper than round trip! Anyway, I was set and planning for the trip, and I was able to get in partial shape with cardio and weights in the two weeks leading to the event.

My flight arrived on time and I took my first Lyft ride to the hotel for early check in and rest.  The shuttle was no problem, and I lined up to get my badge and freebies like a bag/backpack and program booklet.  The exhibition hall was massive and the displays and merchandise was simply overwhelming. Granted, much of the characters and items were either unknown to me or held no interest. I mean, how many types of Funko dolls could there be? However, there was something for everyone. I first checked on things requested like a friend of friend asked me to look up Tom Richmond who was a caricaturist and did some work on Mad Magazine. I also looked up William Stout who designed record album covers and movie posters including the movie Wizards in the 1970s He signed my mini poster.  I also walked more than ever since Disney World!  There were World War Z books that could be signed later by Max Brooks. The cast of Aliens was there to sign for the 40^th anniversary on the classic.

On the official first day, it was waiting in line again and an enormous crowd (estimates of 135,000 attended) littered with cosplayers dressed in amazing recreation of favorite characters from Star Wars, Marvel, and many other franchises.  There were tables for the cast of Aliens to celebrate its 40^th anniversary, and several creatives behind classic comic books including Mark Waid who did the first issue of World’s Finest recent run and signed my issue. There was Robert Kirkman who created the graphic novel of The Walking Dead and gave tickets for free signed comic issues of Terminal. I wasn’t so lucky getting a lottery for signings by Frank Miller or Todd McFarlane.  I got into the Hall H line for the cast of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe and then a directors table with Zach Cregger of Weapons fame showing clips from his Resident Evil and Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley and their film Mayday. Also, Johnny Depp made a surprise appearance in makeup as Scrooge for the upcoming Ebenezer film.  I also stopped by to see a friend of my stepdaughter named Cate Berry whose boyfriend was a prop designer/supplier Tony Swatton who provided weaponry and props for hundreds of TV shows and films like Hook and The Last Samurai.  His panel included several performers and artists including makeup artist and Oscar winner Ve Neill.

The next day was another wait to enter the exhibition hall where I found Gordon Purcell who was artist on many comics including The X Files which he signed one of my issues Ground Zero #1. Then I waited with my cousin Linda, cousin Lucy’s elder son Ryan, and friend Susan and some of their friends for the legendary Hall H wristbands. Mine was the 11:30-4:30 shift and had shirt and towel to protect me from the sun, and stopped by a closing panel with writer/director J. Michael Straczynski.  When they started giving out bands at 7:30 they checked ID and badges and threw a curveball by having special bands handed out 1 AM and allowing two extra people per band holder. Some of us did not get regular bands and had to go to the end of the line! It was a horribly long line broken up and continued by the waterfront.  Fortunately, Susan and I were in touch with Linda and Ryan who got us food and their friends were up closer in line and they joined other friends even closer in line.  It worked. Despite head counts being made by our line and staff, we were likely among the last ones to get wristbands green D bands not orange A bands.  I caught one of the last shuttles to my hotel and slept only couple hours exhausted. 

On Saturday, instead of the 7:30 am deadline for Hall H, I left early as possible and got there and walked up to a still long line before 6 am, but we beat a lot of other green and even purple bands. Eventually the lines moved under canopies away from the sun. We were lucky that Ryan and Linda saved sections in Hall H for us and Susan and I got great seats easy to locate by the camera stand.  We were committed there all day and the panels were fine through interesting animations, Apple TV and its two-hour audio-visual blowout presentation of its major shows like Silo and Widows Bay. Star Trek celebrated its 60^th anniversary with representatives from each major TV show like George Takei and Michael Dorn headed by creator Gene Roddenberry’s son Rod.  Strange New Worlds had its own panel with its cast.  Finally, at 5:30, the long-awaited Marvel presentation gave masks and green capes to everyone as Dr. Doom.  The event was headed by Kevin Feige who introduced the new Ghost Rider star Ryan Gosling, Jon Bernthal of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the Russo Brothers and their December film, Avengers: Doomsday.  The introduced backrow stage with logos of Avengers and X Men with several stars like Robert Downey Jr (Dr. Doom), Pedro Pascal, Chris Evans, Haley Atwell, David Harbour, Paul Rudd, Anthony Mackie, Simu Liu, and several others.  Ryan Reynolds made surprise appearance as Deadpool in gray. They showed a clip of Doomsday. Ryan Coogler and the cast of Back Panther 3 introduced the new Back Panther actor David Jonsson. Then it was over, but what an hour!  We walked out and caught a few vehicles with stars leaving that excited the crowds. I was so sleepy and tired but satisfied back at my hotel.

Sunday was a day to chill and check out anything of interest in the exhibition hall or any panels. I went to the nearby Gaslamp Quarter with activities and a giant Avengers logo.  I missed Guillermo DelToro, the panels for Lanterns, and other shows due to scheduling conflicts and waiting for the Hall H event, I did sit in on panel with Star Trek writer David Gerrold who I later tracked down in the exhibition hall to buy his Trouble with Tribbles script and have him sign it!  I caught the end of a Jack Kirby panel followed by some of the Steve Ditko panel.  I checked out Impound Comics panel at suggestion of a friend who likes their stuff and even spoke to one of their owners, Brent Sands. I paced myself and rested and snacked. I can’t believe I walked more than Disney World. One day I walked over 16,000 steps!  After a panel on online critics, I did a podcast in front of a Comic Con backdrop and took one last look at an emptying exhibition hall. I met my relatives and friend for dinner at nearby Roy’s and then Lyfted back to my hotel for packing up. I left the next morning ready to come down from a high and exhausted with lots of stories and a reconnection with family and making new friends. Maybe Comic Con 2027?

 

A Gritty, Emotional Spider-Man: Brand New Day

 

The latest webslinger film, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, is well-directed by Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) and features a stellar performance by Tom Holland.  Spider-Man purists will likely love this action-packed adventure that feels more down to earth.

Peter Parker (Holland) has been fighting a solitary, lonely battle as Spider-Man against criminals in New York City while the rest of the world including his closest friends, MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Batalon), have no memory of his true identity (from Spider-Man: No Way Home).  When a mysterious force begins to selectively control people’s minds for an unknown purpose, it points to a new, potential threat that has far reaching implications for the future. As he learns to depend on others like his reluctant companion, The Punisher (Jon Bernthal), Peter is determined to find the truth and save his beloved city.

What is remarkable is that not only is this a gorgeously shot film, the action scenes are masterfully staged and the relationships are what counts. This is a street level kind of story that focuses more on Spider-Man on his own.  The film’s momentum picks up toward the end with an abundance of pathos and good will led by Holland’s wonderful turn as a hero who learns to open up to others and reconcile with his own physiological changes. He is matched by Bernthal’s vigorous support and some amusing appearances by other Marvel heroes including The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo). 

At times funny and touching, the film deftly maneuvers around the struggle by Peter to get his circle of friends back.  The audience is rooting for him, and he never fails to endear himself to the world.  (A cryptic post credit scene has enormous implications.)

***** of ***** stars (for Spider-Man fans)

The Magnificence of THE ODYSSEY

 

Director Christopher Nolan (Oppenheimer, Inception) has brought the classic poem by Homer to life as a film version of The Odyssey, and the result is a thoroughly ambitious spectacle of filmmaking at its most impressive.

Odysseus (Matt Damon) is the king of Ithica and plans to conquer the formidable city of Troy through trickery with a wooden (Trojan) horse. His return journey will engulf years while his wife and queen, Penelope (Anne Hathaway), begins to lose hope amidst a bevy of romantic suitors including the scheming Antinous (Robert Pattinson).  Odysseus’ young son, Telemachus (Tom Holland), becomes a man and is desperate to find news of his father.  While Ithica is without its king, Odysseus and his brave warriors must face harsh weather and seas, deadly islanders, and even sinister, magical forces.  On this perilous journey, loyalties will be tested, and he will realize some truths about his kingdom and his family.

No doubt, Nolan has been influenced to a degree by Stanley Kubrick and classic films like Jason and the Argonauts and Ulysses by mounting a big budget production of immense scope utilizing clever, practical effects, a resounding score, and a dream cast.  This film melds wizardry and an obsessive quest that perhaps, most importantly, encompasses self-redemption amid the carnage, sacrifice, and loss. Further, Nolan famously bends his narrative timeline by flashing back and forth among events to methodically fill in the storyline beginning with the taking of Troy. 

As the first film to be shot entirely in 70mm IMAX, this is a grand adventure (at 172 minutes) with elements of suspense and horror that beckons the audience on a visceral, sensory experience amid carefully composed vignettes, that is well-acted especially by a totally committed Damon.  Destined for Oscar glory.

***** Of ***** stars (A must in IMAX)

Be Careful What You Wish for in a Stunning OBSESSION

Obsession is a deceptively simple, horror film that is a remarkably polished, cautionary tale enhanced by a strong performance by its female lead. 

Bear (Michael Johnston) is a lonely bachelor working in retail and is friends with coworker Nikki (Inde Navarrette) for whom he has strong feelings. One day he is shopping for a gift for Nikki and finds a purported ‘magic willow’ that, when broken, can grant any wish. Naturally, he wishes for Nikki to desire him, and suddenly everything changes for him.  What begins as an awkward change in behavior gradually escalates to creepy, even alarming levels that turn an idyllic scenario into an ominous and finally unadulterated nightmare.  When Bear gets buyer’s remorse, he tries to alter or stop the spell and learns that the ‘magic willow’ has certain, unbreakable rules.  As he realizes the truth, he tries to end this madness, and what follows is a harrowing, horrifying point of no return.

Obsessive females have rarely been depicted this explicitly; not even Play Misty for Me nor Fatal Attraction come close. One might even be reminded of Piper Laurie in Carrie or Linda Blair in The Exorcist!  Credit Navarrette for her outstanding, versatile portrayal of a woman who morphs from a gentle soul into someone to be feared.  It’s an interesting study of interpersonal relationships and the temptation to play God with devastating results. 

The fact that the film looks like a well-polished production and is still impactful belies its microscopic budget. It is a testament to up and coming director Curry Barker, and one can only hope for more films from an obviously talented filmmaker and from Navarrette.

****1/2 of ***** stars (especially the shocking, surreal ending)

The Gang is Back and More in TOY STORY 5

Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the gang are back for Toy Story 5, a thoroughly entertaining, heartfelt adventure that continues the unbroken success of the beloved, computer animated characters and should strike the right note for kids and adults.

Bonnie is a lonely, young girl desperate to connect with a friend so her parents give her a tech toy, Lily (Greta Lee), which turns her attention away from her traditional toys, especially Jessie (Joan Cusack). Lily becomes an adversary to Jessie and the older toys, and when Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) arrive to help, Jessie and her horse, Bullseye, become separated from Bonnie and end up with another family with a daughter named Blaze. As Woody and Buzz track down Jessie in a thrilling finish, can the toys and some new friends band together to bring happiness to Bonnie?  Moreover, can Jessie and Buzz find happiness together at the end?

After a seven year wait, director Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo, Wall-E) and Pixar create another gem. It is remarkable how the toy universe has expanded with old and new, and in this case, Jessie’s story and the girl’s point of view are the center of attention as Woody and Buzz take backseat. Despite the resonating theme of the Computer Age taking over the Age of Toys and the emotions of rejection and acceptance, there are, to be sure, cute, funny moments.  As always, the animation is so impressive that these toys come alive with feelings and pathos.

With Randy Newman and Taylor Swift providing music and song, this compares favorably with the previous Toy Story films.  Stay for the post credits for a possible plot for a sure-to-be Toy Story 6 (which would complete Bonnie’s trilogy.)

****1/2 of ***** stars

Spielberg and His Comfort Zone in DISCLOSURE DAY

 

Steven Spielberg continues his fascination with aliens in Disclosure Day, a diverting, entertaining, and at times inspired adventure sci-fi film. 

Daniel (Josh O’Connor), in possession of an unknown object of potential power, is being pursued by Wordex, a secretive corporate entity led by Noah (Colin Firth) who will stop at nothing to keep the government’s decades old secrets on extraterrestrial encounters.  Another person, Margaret (Emily Blunt), is affected by a force that causes her to possess revelatory powers and foreign speak. Both are targets as they try to reveal a hidden truth that may cost them their lives.

Essentially one long, cross-country chase, it begins as a mystery that starts to connect the dots through its narrative following two individuals who are somehow connected to each other and to a larger conspiracy of silence. There are aspects of past memories and the power of belief. The story has the feel of exposing government secrets like in Spielberg’s The Post.  Having demonstrated a mastery of alien themes in E.T., War of the Worlds and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, which this film serves as almost a spiritual sequel, he may be guilty of covering already familiar ground.

This is the kind of film that may polarize audiences to a degree. While it addresses “the people have a right to know,” it touches on how the exposure of such secrets may have enormous ramifications upon religion and the world.  With a memorable score from John Williams and some thrilling escapes, this film runs a tad long but is constantly engaging to its emotional end.  It may not have quite the impact of Spielberg’s earlier films, but fans will likely embrace it especially for the strong performances of Blunt and O’Connor.

**** of ***** stars (for Spielberg fans)

TV Comedy Master

TV comedy director James Burrows has passed at 85. This legend among legends helped establish sitcoms on broadcast TV for the 1970s through 2000s with such shows as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Will & Grace, Friends, Laverne & Shirley, and many others including the pilot episode of The Big Bang Theory. He amassed Emmy nominations in nearly every year between 1980 and 2005 and won 11 Emmy Awards. Mentored by TV directing giant Jay Sandrich, the two defined modern TV sitcoms for over a half century.

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2 Tries to Live Up to a Classic

 

The Devil Wears Prada 2, the long gestating sequel to the splendid original from 2006, proves that lightning rarely strikes twice, and while this film retains some of the previous cast’s chemistry, the magic is not quite there.   

Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) and her current magazine suffer massive layoffs as the print industry is reeling from industry changes while Runway editor Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) and her ever loyal designer, Nigel (Stanley Tucci), face bad press and an upheaval in ownership that signals a sweeping overhaul. As Andy is tasked with helping to improve Runway’s standing in the press, Emily (Emily Blunt) heads her own company, Dior, a major advertiser with Runway and who may figure in its future.  It all leads to a frantic scramble for corporate survival amid wheeling and dealing. Can Runway survive and stay relevant in an ever shifting environment?

The gang returns in fine form with a familiar dynamic led by Streep’s imposing, yet at times vulnerable Miranda, and Hathaway displays a more mature, experienced Andy.  Lady Gaga makes a brief but memorable appearance, and a couple supporting players return, while others are noticeably absent (Simon Baker).

Naturally, this visual palette is impressive with colorful locations from New York to Europe amid fashion events showcasing gorgeous, haute couture accompanied by a contemporary soundtrack led (again) by Madonna’s Vogue. The film works within its genre as a comedy drama buoyed by its cast, but its plot and pacing come up a bit short. The results are not spectacular but diverting enough as an entertaining, mainstream film.  This follow up (which may yield a third film) should satisfy those with reasonable expectations; just don’t expect too much.

**** of ***** stars (for hardcore fans)

A Tasty YOU, ME & TUSCANY

You, Me & Tuscany comes across as a solid, romantic comedy that hits all the right notes, and that’s fine for fans of this genre which promises love, drama, and humor in equal doses in a picturesque setting.

Anna (Halle Bailey) who once had dreams of being a culinary chef with her mother, is now a house sitter in New York with an uncertain future until a chance meeting with an Italian traveler, Matteo (Lorenzo de Moor), who beckons her to visit him in Tuscany. Throwing caution to the wind, Anna flies to Tuscany and quickly realizes she has gotten herself accidentally drawn into an unlikely scenario with Matteo’s family. Further, she meets his cousin, Michael (Regé-Jean Page), and life becomes increasingly complicated.   

The chemistry between Bailey and Page is palpable, and there is good support from the rest of the cast. (One wonders if there was a bigger star or two playing the leads, how this film could have shined even more.) While there is a standard plot (fish out of water and mistaken identity) with predictable twists and turns, the cast sells it amid the gorgeous scenery and lush musical score. Moments in the film bring to mind Bridget Jones’ Diary.  There is nothing here that you won’t find in a top notch Hallmark movie, which belies the background of its director, Kat Coiro, whose extensive TV and indie background are evident.

With its breezy tone and goodhearted nature, audiences looking for nothing particularly challenging but rather a ‘feel good’ movie should be pleased with this totally inoffensive, entertaining story.  Like good food and fine wine, it tastes delicious during the meal, but afterward, it doesn’t necessarily linger.

***1/2 of ***** stars (add ½* for Rom-Com fans)

 

PROJECT HAIL MARY Aims for the Stars

 

Adapted from the novel by Andy Weir (The Martian), Phil Lord and Chris Miller (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse) direct Project Hail Mary, a sci-fi tale that should delight most audiences who want a unique, satisfying experience.

In the not too distant future, Earth’s sun and other stars are dying, and a desperate, impossible space mission is launched with a teacher/scientist, Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling), entrusted to save the world by traveling light years to a specific star to find a solution. When he awakens alone from hibernation, he encounters a strange spaceship with a crusty alien lifeform he dubs Rocky, who may be searching for the same answers. Can the two of them find a way to communicate and work together to save the universe?

Most closely in its setup to Interstellar, this film also shares similarities with The Martian, Arrival, E.T., and even Close Encounters of the Third Kind.  Alternating with flashbacks on how the mission began, it’s a touching story about bonding and sacrifice filled with humorous and poignant moments that focus on Grace and his relationship with Rocky.  Gosling puts on a heartfelt, one-man show (with good support from Sandra Hüller) as the reluctant astronaut plagued with self-doubt who finds within himself something extraordinary and an unlikely companion.

Best seen on the biggest screen (IMAX), the film’s audio-visual achievements are impressive especially in the imaginative set designs, its practical, puppetry effects, and an ethereal soundtrack. It’s a film with lofty aspirations that’s a tad long with some confusing technical jargon, but for those willing to come for the ride, they will be rewarded with a fascinating, thoughtful adventure filled with pathos and hope. It is certainly one of the best films of 2026.

****1/2 of ***** stars (a must for Gosling fans)