14 Reasons To Love Comic-Con 2010

The Access

Comic-Con (aka Geek Mecca) launches its 40th year in San Diego this Thursday 22 July. And as usual, it is promising another four days packed with exclusive looks at new movies, discussion panels with the big wigs, parties and a raft of geeky talks for those who live to dissect the adventures of their favourite superheroes (or supervillains).

Red

Not only is there a panel with the cast, there’s also an in-depth discussion of the comics themselves on Sunday. Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman and John Malkovich will all be there dishing the dirt on their action roles alongside director Robert Schwentke. They’re also promising some brand new footage, as well as the flick’s final trailer.

The Masquerade

Traditional Saturday night partying generally involves getting dressed up in outlandish costumes and becoming star for the night, and this year is no different. Presented by True Blood (in name alone, we don’t think any of the cast are lined up for official appearances), this year’s Masquerade should feature as many nutso creations as past years.

Tron: Legacy

Appearing for an almost unprecedented third time at Comic-Con, the long-awaited Tron sequel makes its final bow to the audience what loves it ahead of the flick’s December opening. There should be even more brand new footage, and everybody involved will be there to give the film one final boost of publicity.

Jack Kirby Tribute

Dearly departed comic artist/genius Jack Kirby remains alive in the hearts of comic book readers the world over – and Comic-Con are presenting their own special tribute to the man who co-created such iconic characters as Thor, Hulk, Cap’n America and the Fantastic Four.

Dont Be Afraid Of The Dark

Guillermo Del Toro must be gutted he’s not appearing at C-C this year promoting The Hobbit . Still, at least he’s there at all, and any movie he has a hand in we’re dutifully on the edge of our seat for. Here, he accompanies director Troy Nixey to give a first look at their new horror flick Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark .

Let Me In

Early glimpses of Matt Reeves’ otherwise questionable remake of Swedish vamp flick Let The Right One In have been promising. Now the director has the chance to convince us all that his reboot was worth the film on which it was shot, as he debuts some brand new footage for C-C audiences.

Glee

"Don’t stop belieeeevin’!" Ahem. Yeah, alright, we’re sick of hearing that around the office, as well. And, yes, the second half of the Gleesters’ first season failed entirely to live up to the bubble-gum drama of the first. But we hold out hope for the show’s second season.

Sucker Punch

Zac Snyder’s awesome-looking new flick takes its Comic-Con bow, just as his 300 and Watchmen did. No, not the one about owls wearing armour and scratching each others’ eyes out – the one about girls scratching out the eyes of mean men.

Geek Gods

Where is pop culture going? Let’s find out by asking some of the most big-brained boffins out there! Yes, the two and only Joss Whedon and J.J. Abrams will be appearing for a panel called Entertainment Weekly: The Visionaries.

We know what you’re thinking – surely that much geek in one room should create some sort of rift in the fabric of reality, or at the very least a supernova? We imagine they’ll be giving out protective suits before the discussion. Either way, it should be a blast, with the pair set to discuss where superhero movies are going, how technology is shaping films, and what the pop culture canvas will look like in a decade…

Green Lantern & Thor

Entertainment Weekly unveiled some new images from the superhero flicks last week, but we expect a whole lot more from Comic-Con. Word is we’ll be getting some footage from Green Lantern – the first seen ever (quiver) – while ol’ green tights himself Ryan Reynolds will be about to talk up his latest superhero role.

The Walking Dead

Three words… Frank. Darabont. Zombies. If that doesn’t have you groping for an oxygen mask, nothing will. Yep, the man behind one of the most depressing horror monster movies in eons (The Mist) is exec producing a new series based on Robert Kirkman’s crimson-splattered comic book series.

Priest

We’ve been reading the Korean comic in preparation for this panel, and it’s completely mind-blowing – a sweaty, uncomfortable but thrilling mix of goreific fights and faith-questioning head-tapping. Paul Bettany may have gone for the shaved-head route (in direct opposition to the long-haired locks of the comic’s Ivan), but recent pics hint that director Scott Stewart has gone for the misty, dirty look that this adap demands.

Buffy: The Musical

Is there a better way to sign off the four days of festivities than with some old friends for a right good sing-a-long? We can’t think of any. Screening the stand-out musical episode of Buffy ’s sixth season, Comic-Con will be bidding us a friendly farewell with this foot-tapping classic.