STACK NZ Aug #76

EXTRAS COMIC-CON

visit stack.net.nz

Comic-Con fact... SDCC was originally called the Golden State Comic Book Convention

2016

Hogan, will be returning in August with a shorter season of 10 episodes, which will ramp up the pace and put an end to the criticism that its vampire apocalypse is unfolding at a snail’s pace. Friday brought the first of the big Hall H panels, with fans sleeping out to be first in line for TheWalking Dead panel – one of the hottest attractions at Comic-Con. STACK passed on camping rough and got in early with the show’s cast and producers at a press breakfast held on the rooftop of the nearby Andaz Hotel, where the intimate setting allowed for a more relaxed Q&A session with the zombie slayers about the recent season cliffhanger and beyond. A new trailer for TWD’s seventh season was unveiled, as well as one for the second half of spin-off series Fear theWalking Dead ’s sophomore year. Like the previous Comic-Con, the Game of Thrones panel couldn’t provide any clues on what’s next for the inhabitants of Westeros following an explosive sixth season, as the show is yet to resume production. But a gag reel kept the crowd entertained, as did the cast’s anecdotes, reflections and speculation on where the show might be headed now that winter is finally here. Starz presented the first look at its much- anticipated TV adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s American Gods , which is based on the author’s 2001 novel about warring deities,

The Game of Thrones panel couldn't provide any clues on what's next for the inhabitants of Westeros

EXTRAS

under the banner ‘Heroes, Magic and Myth’, followed by Anniversary panels for Star Trek ’s 50 th and Aliens ’ 30 th , with Marvel closing the day. STACK ’s first port of call, however, was the Hilton Bayfront to sit down with Ash vs. Evil Dead stars Bruce Campbell, Lucy Lawless, Lee Majors, Ray Santiago, Dana DeLorenzo and producer Rob Tapert to talk about the second season. Ash returns to his roots in Elk Grove, Michigan, only to find the events of the first Evil Dead film have made for an unhappy homecoming. Veteran actor Lee Majors joins the cast this year as Ash’s estranged father, with Campbell noting, “Who else would I want as my father but The Six Million Dollar Man?” Then it was straight to Hall H for the Warner Bros. show, which unfolded in spectacular fashion with a 180-degree screen enveloping the audience, and every director and hero involved in DC’s Justice League universe assembling on the stage. This was followed by the first footage

both old and new. The trailer looks remarkably faithful to the book, not to mention exceedingly dark; this could well be amongst next year’s must-see TV. Hall H was the place to spend Saturday, and not just to escape the heat. Traditionally the biggest day in terms of back-to-back panels, the Hall was hosting the Warner Bros. presentation

AUGUST 2016

10

jbhifi.co.nz