What I Did on My Summer Vacation: Comic Con ‘08 (Inside: Supernatural, Fringe, Joss Whedon Encounter)

Vicarious Living Makes My Skin Glow

Let’s be clear, first off. Little ol’ me? I didn’t actually attend the San Diego Comic Con ‘08. But I have been able to experience the con in my own way (which I know can’t measure up to actually being there, but still). This got me thinking about how I hear people say that we’re less interactive as a society in this age, how we’re isolated, and so forth. But maybe those cheesy ads for companies with the message of how the Internet brings us together to communicate is actually more relevant than I’d realized.

For those of us who didn’t get to attend Comic Con, and let’s be honest - not every fan (or super fan) could go, we’re still able to find ways to appreciate it. From pictures that are flooding message boards and websites, items for sale on eBay, YouTube vidoes of panels, or even official panels - the Con has expanded past California.

As soon as NBC.com released official videos for The Office and Heroes I was e-mailed a link and I posted them for you guys as I watched. I watched the Supernatural panel on YouTube - and it’s hilarious so I advise you do the same if you’re even a semi-fan of the show. Oh, a certain spoiler I said here turned out to be a prank pulled by Eric Kripke! He got us good. Sabotage! (Anyone wanting info on Jared Padalecki’s upcoming film Friday the 13th can check out what Empress Eve wrote at GeeksofDoom.com. Very cool site, btw.)

I highly encourage you to check out what the amazing Cynthia at SFUniverse.com has written so far about the SPN (Supernatural) Con interviews she had. The Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles interviews are up to view so far. Stick around the site to read lots of other cool stuff. I keep thinking I’m not a fan of Sci-Fi, but then one of my friends will be like, “Hey, stop me when I name a Sci-Fi show you don’t like. Heroes. Firefly. Dollhouse. That Muppets in Space book.” … Okay, so I like them all. Is it time to start calling myself a Sci-Fi fan?

Dollhouse isn’t out yet, but I’m really pretty sure I’ll love it. At least I’m hoping I will. I have doubts that are trying to tug at me, but I’m not going to even consider them until I’ve at least seen one episode to start garnering some real opinions that I can back up with more than just news, possible spoilers, and a few previews that I’ve seen on YouTube. But, if you do want to indulge your doubts (and start bracing) Brian on SFUniverse.com has written a fair assessment of facts surrounding the show. For Con info about Dollhouse, Justine at Tahmohpenikett has you very well covered.

Meeting Joss Whedon: The Man, The Myth, The Musical-Lovin’ Genius

Anyway, another aspect of the Con is hearing the the stories you get from people who were there. My friend, Myk, attended Comic Con and he had a very fun story for me when he got back. He was in the Watchmen panel, and as he was leaving he got a nifty surprise. Most people were too busy about rushing out to apparently spot Nathan Fillion or Joss Whedon walking out with them. To be fair, they were doing an inconspicuous act.

Here is his account in his own words:

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Win “Enchanted” or “P.S. I Love You” on DVD from Sofachip.com

Here’s the sitch- Sofachip.com is giving away a free DVD. How do you win? It’s really very easy - just spin around clockwise 50 times, with a book on your head - while reciting the entire pilot episode of The Office (doing all the voices). Okay, is that too much? Fine! All you really need to do is leave a comment on this post (make sure you fill in your e-mail) with:

Your name: (First name, last initial)

State:

Age:

Which one of the two DVDs you’d like to win:

Your favorite TV show that is no longer on the air (unless it’s reruns):

Here are your two DVD choices:

Amy Adams from The Office and Buffy the Vampire Slayer is in Enchanted. I adore her, she’s fantastic, endearing, and can act like the sweetest girl - or the nastiest. She’s always been memorable in her roles. Ever see the 90’s comedy Drop Dead Gorgeous? And please tell me that you’ve seen her in Junebug!

OR:

James Marsters, from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Smallville and Torchwood, is in P.S. I Love You. Who doesn’t have a crush on him? WHO? He’s yummy. And talented. Did you know he sings?

I will use this Custom Random Number Generator to - you guessed it, randomly pick what numbered comment wins a DVD! Since the comments don’t get numbered on their own, I’ll be counting them by hand. Woe.

We will be purchasing this for you from Amazon.com. Deadline: 11:59 a.m. of May 3rd, 2008.

Edited to say: This contest is only for people who live in the US, we’re sorry.

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Stealing Hearts and Kissing Poodles

That’s what James Marsters is doing now. Or at least his new character is. (Or wants to do.)
Marsters played a platinum-haired vampire on Buffy the Vampire Slayer (where he first won me over, I can’t seem to resist sexy vampires*), and now he’s playing a brunette Time Agent (read: thief) on Torchwood.

Torchwood is a spin-off of the BBC show Doctor Who. It airs on BBC America and BBC Two. It is currently in its second season. That means you can catch up. Yay! (Under the jump I’ve put links for the DVDs.)

Marsters plays Captain John Hart. Tvguide.com recently had an interview with James about this role. He told TVguide that Torchwood is, “… a funny, subversive show like Buffy. I feel very much at home.”

There is also this gem of a quote:

“My character is way beyond bisexual. Spike was a romantic; this guy would do anything that moved. I cast a lustful glance at a poodle!”

This leads me to my

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