Albuquerque Comic Con Day 1

Forget the naysayers, and there were many of them. They never could have predicted to immediate reaction that Albuquerque fans would have to be able to attend an event that is just for them. They didn't have to fly to San Diego, New York or Chicago. They were able to stay right here and have the world of Geek Fandom come to them. That after all is what the haters are missing. No, this isn't San Diego Comic Con. It isn't as big, It isn't as wild, but dammit, It's ours. From the moments the doors opened until late in the afternoon, the line to get into Albuquerque Comic Con was out the door, around the corner, and down the street. Denizens of the 505 turned out in droves to embrace the phenomenon that is Comic Con!

The Star Wars presence was actually far larger than we had expected. there TONS of 501st Legion members who also helped out as crowd control.During the 501st Legions panel they announced an interesting tid bit that we had not been aware of... New Mexico has recently become it's own Garrison within the organization. Previously the New Mexico area had originally been a part of the Mountain garrison but membership in our fair state had demanded the expansion! The 501st's informative panel instructed attendees not only on the skill set necessary but also the financial commitment as well as a dedication to uphold the expectaions of not only Lucasfilm but of the general public who expect the 501st to look like they just walked out of the Star Wars universe.

During a Star Wars Q&A panel Dickey Beer, the former Stunt coordinator for Return Of The Jedi revealed an interesting fact that may surprise many fans. "I didn't know I was Boba Fett." He explained that during his career he has rarely if ever watched the films that he has been involved with. He said it wasn't until years later that his daughter came to him with a book and said "See, You played Boba Fett." To which he replied, "Oh Yeah I was the guy in the suit that fell in that big hole."
Deep Roy best known to fans as all 157 Oompa Loompas in Tim Burton's remake of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, credited that role as being the most difficult role he's ever had. When we asked the two men what their dream projects would be, Dickey was modest in responding. "What I do is my dream job. I make movies and i love what i do." Deep Roy on the other hand seemed to be campaigning for a new job. "I want to be a James Bond villain, seriously of all the things I have done in this industry, thats what I want to do." We here at DisFanReview totally endorse that idea!!!

In the afternoon Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus, and David Della Rocco, the stars of Boondock Saints took to the panel room and gave the standing room only crowd exactly what they wanted. It's clear that Reedus and Flanery really do have a strong friendship and they totally energized the Albuquerque crowd.

Reedus was also on hand to talk about his successful AMC show The Walking Dead. The show's first season just came to an end, but Reedus said that Season 2 has been greenlit for 13 episodes. Thats double the size of it six episode inaugural season.
Reedus was also asked about the rumors that he may be starring in the reboot of The Crow films. "The thing about IMDB is, that anybody can write what ever they want there. No, I haven't been approached, but i would love to do it. that would be awesome."

If Comic Con is about anything, it is about the costumes! From THOR and Captain America to Disney fare like Ariel and Prince Eric to The Mad Hatter and the Red Queen. As well as all of those amazing Star Wars costumes.


-Admiral Duke

Local News Profiles Albuquerque Comic Con

Albuquerque Comic Con Full Schedule Of Events

The Albuquerque Hilton Hotel, 1901 University Bl. NE, Albuquerque, NM


FRIDAY
Pre-registration Party at Borders: 12pm-6pm
Launch Party at Imbibe: 10pm-2am

SATURDAY January 15 11am-6pm
Gaming
10am: Tournament Registration
11am: Open Gaming (RoomA) Warhammer 40k registration (RoomB)
12pm-5pm: L5R CCG Sealed Deck Tournament, Hero Clix Tournament (RoomA) 40K Tournament (roomB)
5pm: Warhammer Fantasy (roomB)
6pm-12am: Magic The Gathering Tournament Legacy Format (roomA)

Panel Room
10am: Breaking into Comics
11am: Self Publishing 7000 BC
12am: Battlestar Galactica/Buck Rogers
1pm: Star Wars Actors Q&A
2pm: Armor Building with 501st Dewback Brigade
3pm: Boondock Saints
4pm: Taking comics to Film Brian Pulido- Andy Kuhn
5pm: Breaking into Film- Casting Director Darlene Hansen

Film Screening Room
Comics In Film Festival
11am: David Dirks and Chris Harrington Panel Discussion
12am: Film Festival begins
12:30-2:00: Films
2:00-2:30: lunch
2:30-5:30: Films

Saturday late night event
Uptown Bar and Grill
9pm-2am: Official After Party

SUNDAY January 16 12pm-5pm
Gaming
10am: Open Gaming (RoomA+B)
11am: Tournament Registration/ Scheduling (roomA+B)
12pm: Magic the Gathering Type 2 (room A) L5R tournament Current Block (roomb)

Panel Room
11am: Walking Dead
12pm: Lou Ferrigno
1pm: Mixed Martial Arts with Herb Dean and Michael Westbrook
2pm: Comic Art by the experts
3pm: 12 Gauge Comics Boondock Saints Cover Contest judging
4pm: Comics in Film Festival Award Ceremony

6pm: Convention hall closes

Official Wrap Party at Exhale Albuquerque
8pm-12am: Karaoke

7 Questions For AbqCC Organizer Jim Burleson

If you don't live in Albuquerque then it's probably a little difficult to understand why we here at DisFanReview are so excited about this event. The last comic book convention in Albuquerque was in the 90's and it was nothing like this. Currently, the film industry is a major staple in the state and the comic book industry is bigger than ever. So, taking a note from the world famous San Diego Comic Con, AbqCC organizer and owner of comic book retailer Tall Tale Comics, Jim Burleson decided to create an event that wasn't just about comic books, but a broader event that covers comics, film, and popular culture as a whole. While furiously preparing for the event Jim was able to take some time answer our seven questions.

DFR - Its been over a decade since there has been a comic book convention in Albuquerque, and there has never been an event like this. Why is now the time for Albuquerque Comic Con?

J.B. - Well in 1996-1997 comics were just being introduced to the mainstream with the massive growth of the industry inside itself. Companies like Image and Valiant and Dark Horse started to sell record number of books throughout the comic world. For years that popularity began to grow even beyond itself with films like spiderman, batman, hulk and others. It was felt that the industry was outgrowing itself and leaving it's fans behind. Only when people realized the loyalty the industry had for it's fans, did the industry embrace growth. Stan Lee, Jim Lee, and countless others who could have left the fans behind instead gathered them up in thier arms and carried them into the world of $300 million in box office success and film after film of such detail paid to the desires of the fans that the industry, through it's strengthened foundation, has grown to be able support shows the size of Albuquerque comic con in every major city in the US. However what wouldn't have succeeded is a much smaller event trying to draw on the industry success without putting in the energy and momentum of such a major promotion. I think Albuquerque was ready and I lucked into having passion for an industry and experience in event promotion that all the pieces fit together to bring Albuquerque a real and great Comic Con.

DFR - The Comics In Film Festival seems like a very exciting prospect given New Mexico's blossoming Film Industry. How did that come about?

J.B. - Well as you said, new mexico's film industry has grown to such a high level, inside our talent base exists creators and crew able to bring us films like No Country For Old Men, Transformers, True Grit, Thor, and even Avengers. How exciting is it to think we may have the next block buster creator in our city through either comic creator or film maker. So many films have been made and became huge successes from the creative juices of comic creators. We want to explore that in this first ever Comics In Film Festival.

DFR - Having numerous actors from the Star Wars films all together in one panel discussion seems like a tall order, especially with the eclectic group coming to ACC. How did that come together?

J.B. - Believe it or not the film industry is a small world, and after working on films with several of our scheduled guests it wasn't hard to get the one and two degrees of separation to all the stars in Hollywood. Dickey Beer was the stunt coordinator on a film I worked on who was great friends with deep Roy from indiana jones and all from star wars in some episode. Daniel logan and deep have the same booking agent and dickey played the same character. Peter Mathew is such a huge supporter of his fans he sought us out to appear. The star wars artists who have agreed to come all stepped up to support the show after seeing the other confirmed guests. I was just really lucky they saw the quality of show we were trying to put on.

DFR - AMC's Walking Dead is one of the best received television shows in years, and with it's very limited run has already made it something of cult hit. How on earth were you able to put together the Walking Dead panel?

J.B. - Well Sean Patrick flanery and I worked on a film together and I helped him at his first couple of conventions so when I asked him 8 months ago to come to a show I was planning and to bring his buddy norm along to promote the boondock comic. I again lucked into the amazing success of the walking dead and having already booked Norm. Even after his invitation to attend the golden globes on sunday night he adjusted his schedule to keep his committment to the Albuquerque comic fans. The other 2 actors James and Anthony reached out to us, again to support a great event.

DFR - What are your biggest hopes for ACC?

J.B. - I just want to do the best I can for the charities we are servicing with this event and bring awareness to the support of our military, our police, and our fire fighters. I want everyone to have a good time and come back next year.

DFR - Do you think the recent announcement of The Avengers being filmed in New Mexico will generate interest for ACC?

J.B. - I promised not to discuss the Avengers or any of the films we have spoken to about thier New Mexico plans. The film industry is a bit volitile now with a new administration so I will keep those talks under wraps till we know more about the future of film in New Mexico. I can tell you though I am pleased with the direction the current governor is taking. Well informed and capable.

DFR - Any chance we will see any Avengers movie related surprises at ACC?

J.B. - Hmmmm.....
- Admiral Duke

Video Madness 1/10/11 #AbqCC Week

This weekend, The first ever Albuquerque Comic Con gets underway and DisFanReview will be there. This week we thought it would be fitting to bring to you a collection of videos that will represent some of what you will see in our coverage of the event.

Our first video is the debut episode of the 1967 Spiderman animated series that was the first screen incarnation of Spiderman. Spiderman was the first Marvel character to transition from comics to screen and Albuquerque Comic Con will include the "Comics To Film" film festival where local film makers have made and will showcase films inspired by comic book themes and the comics industry. Also, the series happens to be one of my favorite cartoon delights.

There will be plenty of famous faces. Yes, Lou Ferrigno the legendary HULK from the '80's television series will be there. As well as stars from other 80's tv shows Buck Rogers, and the original Battlestar Galctica.

On Sunday morning AMC will be presenting a Walking Dead panel with some stars of the show as well as folks involved with shows production will appear. Do you have any idea how hard it is to find a Walking Dead video that DOESN'T have zombies in it? I mean this is, after all, a mostly family friendly website.
>
Uhhhh... Having said that, on Saturday There will be a Boondock Saints panel where the three major stars of this hyper violent cult classic will make an appearance and speak about both Boondock Saints films, the possibility of a 3rd and the Boondock Saints Comic from 12 Gauge Comics. Speaking of the comic there will also be a Boondock Saints Comic Book Cover art contest that will get one lucky artist the chance to have his art work on the cover a Boondock Saints comic book! be sure to check back at our DisUnrelated page for full coverage.
-Admiral Duke

Announcing The 2011 Albuquerque Comic Con

Over the past three years DisFanReview has covered numerous events in Los Angeles, Denver, and Orlando. Sure, we love traveling. However, it is a special treat indeed when we can cover an awesome event locally. So, you can imagine our excitement when we found out about this years Albuquerque Comic Con. It is the first event of its kind in the state of New Mexico. Sure it's no San Diego Comic Con, but it's a pretty big event none the less. AND It's getting bigger every day. In addition to the celebrity guests listed on the above flyer, Lou Ferrigno(1970's TV Incredible Hulk), Peter Mayhew(Chewbacca, in the Star Wars films), and a few other celebrities and events have been added. We have also been assured by event organizers that there are still more surprises to come. Make sure to stay tuned to DisFanReview.com and our Twitter feed for full coverage leading up to and during the first ever Albuquerque Comic Con. All future tweets about Albuquerque Comic Con will have the hash tag #AbqCC.

(This post originally appeared in DisFanReview.com's November 18th 2010 Random Notes post. Coincidentally, that date, was the 18th anniversary of the release of Superman #75. This was the epically climactic "Death" issue in which Superman and the monster Doomsday beat each other to death. The storyline was an unprecedented success and is widely regarded as one of the most popular comic book story lines of all time. Unfortunately it mas made into a rather lame animated movie and has never been faithfully adapted to screen... Note to Zack Snyder.)