SDCC@Home - Day 2

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SDCC@Home continues online today. Every day of the Comic-con, Susan Omand will share her pick of events she's looking forward to, before they happen. Here's Day 2...

With the global pandemic still being a thing, San Diego Comic-con has had to go online this year, same as everything else. So that means we mere mortals who never get to go to it usually, get a chance to access some of the online panels, Q&A's and other exciting stuff without having to wait in line for ages and ages and ages and ages and [yes, we get it - Ed] or, ya know, going to San Diego or anything. 

It's Day 2 and things are really starting to get going now. Today's first events begin at 10 am PDT which is 6 pm UK BST so you shouldn't really miss anything because of the workday. Even if you do though, most events are staying online for at least a short time after they're first aired on YouTube.

Here's just a few (this list could have been SO much longer) that caught my eye for today (use the links below to find and watch the events):


Art and the Holocaust

Art and the Holocaust will present a sampling of artwork and propaganda done during World War II in the U.S. and Nazi Germany, and work done by a child survivor of the Holocaust after the war.
A heavy subject to start I know but with a panel comprising educators, authors, historians and the Holocaust survivor Miriam Katin, who is also a graphic novelist/artist, it should be a fascinating discussion.


Star Trek Universe Virtual Panel

Star Trek broke barriers when it first premiered more than 50 years ago, inspiring people of all walks of life by championing cultural diversity, scientific advancement, and the exploration of new frontiers. Today, this legacy carries on through the Star Trek series on CBS All Access, where Starfleet and new characters alike take on exciting missions and explore uncharted areas of the universe while keeping true to the ideals of "Star Trek" that society needs now more than ever. Join us as we virtually bring together the casts and producers from Star Trek: Discovery, new animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks and Star Trek: Picard.

The first of much Star Trek today, I'm excited to see what announcements come out of this one and if we get any new trailers/sneak peeks. 


Hollyweird Science: Creativity, Correctness, and Collaboration

In addition to a constructive examination of the depiction of science and scientists in TV and film, the Hollyweird Science books explore how onscreen depictions compare to real life: when it's right, when it's wrong, and when it's wrong for the right reasons. The books have also noted parallels in the careers of both working scientists and Hollywood storytellers: in both instances, few who begin the journey find successful careers, and both are very demanding and highly competitive. The common wisdom might be that the comparison ends there - that storytelling is highly creative, or "right-brained", while the life of the scientist is dominated by "left-brained" analytical thinking and reasoning. Our panellists of scientists and Hollywood creatives explore the thought processes, motivations, and inspirations that drive their own careers, and explore the idea that these careers that seem diametrically opposed superficially have much more in common than you might think, and that creativity and analytical thought are complementary, not end members of a spectrum.

OK this one ticks ALL my nerd boxes. I am interested in how the brain works and the left/right brain split for creativity and logic so I will be taking notes. 


All the Starfleet Ladies: Then and Now

From Uhura to Janeway to Burnham, Star Trek has a rich history of portraying complex, powerful female-identifying characters. How do Star Trek authors perceive their role in continuing this legacy in their Star Trek novels? Join Una McCormack (author of Picard: The Last Best Hope), Swapna Krishna (space, tech, and pop culture journalist), author Cassandra Rose Clarke, LJ Jackson (publicity manager at Saga Press), and moderator Kendra James (editor at StarTrek.com), as they examine the ladies of Star Trek from its inception to the present.

Yes, more Star Trek and I think this will be an interesting take on the franchise and its new direction in tie-in novels.


Amazon Prime Video: Truth Seekers

A new original supernatural horror comedy by Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead), Nick Frost (Hot Fuzz), James Serafinowicz (Sick Note), and Nat Saunders (Sick Note). Join as they discuss the making of the hilarious eight-episode series about a team of part-time paranormal investigators who team up to uncover and film ghost sightings across the UK, sharing their adventures on an online channel for all to see. Discussion and Q&A moderated by Empire magazine's Chris Hewitt.

OK, this one isn't for me, I'm not a fan of the casting tbh, but I know that this will appeal to a lot of you so I'm telling you about it but not counting it in my twelve. You're welcome.


Oddball Comics Not-So-Live!

Longtime cartoonist Scott Shaw! (Sonic the Hedgehog, Captain Carrot and his Amazing Zoo Crew!, The Flintstones) once again presents his uniquely hilarious digital slideshow of "the craziest comic book covers ever published!" This acclaimed digital slideshow is a relentless cavalcade of mind-blowing, offensive and hilarious images of vintage comic books from Scott's collection, accompanied by his wry, observational commentary. Stan Lee said, "Wow, True Believers, I thought I'd seen it all, but Scott Shaw!'s hysterically hilarious Oddball Comics is the wildest, wackiest exposé of some of the craziest comic books I've ever seen! Or, to put it mildly, Scott!'s outrageous opuses are a blast!"

If you've followed any of my other film/book festivals coverage before, you'll know I enjoy a random pick just because. This is my "just because" this time and I have NO idea what to expect.


75th Anniversary of Moomin appreciation

Moomins are beloved around the world, these famous characters were created by Swedish-speaking Finnish writer and artist Tove Jansson. Despite leaving us in 2001, her legacy leaves behind a Moomin Museum, Moomin theme parks, (both in her native country of Finland, and one in Japan), countless other ways to experience the joy of her creations: films, comic strips, picture books, and a brand new TV 2019 series featuring the voices of Academy Award-winning Kate Winslet, Taron Egerton, Warwick Davis, and Rosamund Pike.

MOOMINS! What more do you need?



A twisted, eight-episode thriller about a group of young comic fans who discover the conspiracy in a graphic novel is real, and embark on a high-stakes adventure to save humanity from the end of the world. Join a Q&A with writer and executive producer Gillian Flynn (Gone Girl) and series stars John Cusack (High Fidelity), Rainn Wilson (The Office), Sasha Lane (American Honey), Ashleigh LaThrop (Fifty Shades Freed), Dan Byrd (Cougar Town), Desmin Borges (You're The Worst), Javon "Wanna" Walton (Euphoria), and Jessica Rothe (Happy Death Day)

This one looks a lot more intriguing than the Truth Seekers one IMHO, I mean Gillian Flynn and John Cusack with added Rainn Wilson, what's not to like?


This is Not the Apocalypse You're Looking For: Real Life Disasters, Fictional Recovery

Things are rough right now, but we're going to pull through together. Tyler Houston (comic and culture expert), Kelley M. Boston (infection prevention epidemiologist), Bobbiejean Garcia (public health epidemiologist), and Monti Pal (trauma therapist) talk about how disaster events and emergency management are often handled in pop-fiction, and in the real world. Art and fiction give us a way to think about our world as it is now and our future. Science fiction and comics are used as a frame to discuss how humans respond to disaster events, and how individuals and communities move from disaster to healing and wholeness.

Yes more science-y stuff. But it's my nerding and I enjoy it and pop sci-fi culture should, imho, at least have a foothold in reality so this should be very interesting to see if life imitates art or vice-versa.


SYFY: Untold Tales of Todd McFarlane

Comic-Con wouldn't be Comic-Con without Todd McFarlane the innovative artist and entrepreneur who is the subject of the brand new SYFY WIRE documentary film, Todd McFarlane: Like Hell I Won't. McFarlane is the creative mastermind behind Spawnand some of Marvel Comics' most famous characters, one of the founders of Image Comics and is known for (quite literally) breaking down barriers. To celebrate the documentary and these achievements, Marc Silvestri and J. Scott Campbell join McFarlane on a panel as they commend him on his contributions to the industry and have some fun roasting the man who essentially 'raised hell' to get where he is today.

Yes, comics stuff at a comic-con, who'd a thunk it? To be fair this does sound like a cracking documentary about a fascinating man.



The Boys Season 2

Join executive producer Eric Kripke, along with series stars Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty, Jessie T. Usher, Laz Alonso, Chace Crawford, Tomer Capon, Karen Fukuhara, and Aya Cash, with moderator Aisha Tyler, for a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming second season of The Boys. Executive producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg will also make a special appearance. Based on The New York Times best-selling comic by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, The Boys is a fun and irreverent take on what happens when superheroes - who are as popular as celebrities - abuse their superpowers rather than use them for good. The even more intense, more insane season two finds The Boys on the run from the law, hunted by the Supes, and desperately trying to regroup and fight back against Vought.

Loved loved LOVED the first season, can't wait for September and Season 2, so this will help to bridge the gap.


The Science of Back to the Future

Flux Capacitor, hoverboards, flying cars, and time travel. The Back to the Future stories have introduced us to a lot of interesting and futuristic ideas. Join the Fleet Science Center and IDW for a closer look at the Back to the Future comic series and for an exciting reveal of a mind-blowing crossover: Back to the Future meets Transformers! Pow! The creative team behind Back to the Future, Transformers and the new crossover will share how they dream up their fantastic stories and discuss with local scientists if and how the science in their stories might work.

Look. It's Back to the Future. It would be rude not to, okay? Also science, so...


Twenty Years of Harry Dresden

Celebrate 20 years of The Dresden Files with Jim Butcher! Join Jim in conversation with Priscilla Spencer (Industriosa Pictures), as they discuss all things Harry Dresden, including what's in store for Harry in Peace Talks and Battle Ground.

I've been quietly hooked on The Dresden Files since the short lived TV series so I'm really excited for a look back and forward.


From transporters to "tech the tech" to spore drives, Star Trek led in filmed TV sci-fi from its very birth DNA through its sequels with real and projected science, inspiring generations of astronauts and futurists like no other space franchise. And now, every titled science advisor for the Trek TV series since 1991 (season five of Star Trek: The Next Generation) joins "Dr. Trek" Larry Nemecek (Portal 47) to examine that legacy today: Has the old science-vs.-story tension evolved with savvier audiences? 

Star Trek AND science. It's like this panel was made for me. It will be * said in Spock voice * Fascinating.


These are just my choices though, and merely scratch the surface of a busy day. You'll find a lot more on offer as Comic-Con@Home 2020 will feature over 350 separate panels spread out over all five days of the event. There will be something for everyone! You can find the schedule for all of SDCC@Home here or here. Also remember to Print off your badge here (for you AND your pets!) and download your FREE souvenir book here. Oh, and remember to visit the virtual Exhibitors' Hall too where you’ll find company listings, exclusive products for sale, promotional links, and a whole lot more. The Exhibit Hall will be available for all five days of the convention.

Here’s how SDCC@HOME works:

The majority of our panels will also be available AFTER the July 22-26 dates, although there are some that may have a limited time period attached to them. Each panel will contain a link; when you click on that link, you’ll launch another page that has the panel video embedded on it … that video will be available on the date and time listed. When it’s available, simply push play and watch! It’s that simple.

All the panels will also be available on the Comic-Con YouTube channel, so you can also access them there. Subscribe on YouTube.com at https://www.youtube.com/user/ComicCon


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