Kick-Ass, Shmick-Ass.

I mentioned a few posts ago how excited I was about the development of Mark Millar's Kick-Ass into a movie. Especially so, once I found out that they're sticking with the original story (no sanitizing for the masses), and one of the major players had been cast, in Christoper Mintz-Plasse. But now, disaster has struck.

As in, more players have been announced. Some people of no real working history, blah, blah, and, oh yeah-NICHOLAS CAGE.

Seriously, guys? NIC FRICKING CAGE?!? That guy is like Jack Kevorkian to every worthwhile comic movie. Or any movie in general. I mean, have you guys SEEN Ghost Rider? I understand he's one of the biggest comic nerds in Hollywood (a son named Kal-El?), but seriously who messed up so bad that they decided Nic Cage would be the best person to cast in this situation? I mean, if we're using fandom as a worthwhile reason to cast someone in a movie, then shit-you can call me Jean Grey.

I don't even know that part that he's supposed to be playing, as the character hasn't really been introduced in the book yet (thanks for the spoiler on character development, by the way), but I guarantee that it's a terrible idea.

Dear whoever's in charge of casting,

For your career's sake, I hope somehow, somewhere, there's a National Treasure 17 being conceived that makes him have to leave this project.

Hopefully yours,

-Dina

Humans are people, too

So, I went to the shop yesterday, even though I only had two new issues that interested me come out this week:

Air #1, and Anna Mercury #3.

I needed to go, since I was scared that Air would sell out, and I couldn't remember if I'd added it to my pulls. Once I got to the shop, my (usually)infallible CSG stopped, looked at Air, and said: "I hate to do this, but um..." and I could tell what he was about to say. He hated it.

Now, generally, his reccommendations are spot-on. House of Mystery? House of Awesome. Crooked Little Vein? Twisted Little Book. However, I wasn't willing to accept this and leave it alone. I mean, I'd read the preview-it looked if not just plain good, at least it was different. And interesting. And I'd liked Cairo, her previous work. I bought it anyway.

I'm proud to say that my CSG is now officially a terrible person. This book was great! The characters were engaging and mysterious, the enemy was introduced and appropriately nefarious, and the story moved along quickly enough that it never got boring. Most importantly, I was intrigued. Who is this Zayn, and what does he want with Blythe? How does he afford all those plane tickets? How the heck did he not know that Lancaster was involved with the Etesians when he had their symbol tattooed on his fricking hand? All of these questions need answers! And this is why I will be buying issue #2.

CSG, you're on watch.

Hi There

It's uh...been a while. Sorry about that, I really am. I've just been so unmotivated. Even though I already had my fonal comic-con post all written up, and I really did want to tell you all about how the DC booth was a total disappointment, and Which lines were the most ridiculous, and how I really didn't understand why the Ghosbusters guys were giving out chapstick and Doritos. (Cool Ranch, for those who are curious.) I mean, is there a connection there that I'm missing?

but alas, you'll just have to live with the knowledge that I'll never get to tell you about who the nicest creator/artist duo I met were (Brian Lynch and Dave Crosland, hands down), or which booth was a guaranteed clusterfuck at any givent point in time (Warner Bros., thanks to their elusive giant Watchmen bags).

But hey, you'll live, right?

So now, on to business. I was reading The Hollywood Reporter today (again, every day), and I found out that Millar's Kick-Ass movie, while set to be directed by Matthew Vaughn, was actually passed on by every major studio due to the excessive violence and young age of the main characters. So, instead of raising the ages, or toning down the violence, Vaugh decided to raise all $30 million for the movie himself, and go it alone.

Oh man-can you imagine seeing this thing at Sundance?

Also, apparently Christopher Mintz-Plasse (McLovin') is cast as one of the leads, which is awesome. So excited for this movie!

In other news, the I Am 8-Bit gallery opening was last night. It was sponsored by Colt 45 (free 40's!), and was supposed to be super, super cool. I was pretty excited to go, and rounded up a few friends to take in the sights. Except when we got there at 8:20 (it was supposed to start at 8:00), there was a line three buildings down and around the corner. (And it was already full inside!) So, unfortunately knowing that the fire marshal was going to shut this down was before we would ever get in, we redirected our enegies and instead drank some wine at a nearby French place.

So, moral of the story is: Never underestimate the power of hipsters to show up at any event that has to do with free malt liquor, hot dogs, and art based on video games.

The good news is that on my way back to my car, I passed the gallery again, and everyone was outside-turns out some genius sprayed the fire extinguisher, and everyone inside had to move it on out.

Looks like we had the better night after all!

The Disner Awards, Part 2b

Miscellaneous Costumes, continued! (And I'm not sure, but I have a feeling I saved the best for last...)

Commendation for "Most annoying thing to walk around the con floor while dressed as":And truth be told, I saw this guy the next say, and his left hand was a hammer. He made various attachments! ATTACHMENTS!! (No sign of Woozy Winks, though.)

The "Comic-Con cliche'" Award:

Seriously, no Con is complete without a Goku. I can't believe I went 3 days before seeing this guy!

The "Oh, I get it-that's a pun!" Award:

In case you don't know what Pocky are, click here. Also note, that he was wearing a giant Pocky box on his back, that I failed to photograph. In case you're wondering, that lunchpail was full of sporks. He made me take one.

The "What's sad is this isn't the first time this has been done" Award:Smart money says there's a reason his friend list didn't make it into the costume...

The "I can't believe I saw you here last year" Award:Points for improving the sign? I wonder how much money he would have made if he charged for the high-fives instead...

The "Is that really a SPIKED CODPIECE?!?" Award:

Answer: Yes. Yes it is.

The "Nothing's creepier than a grown man wearing a homemade Pikachu costume" Award:

Actually, maybe if he was holding a sign that said "Free Candy"...

The "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone else in your Star Wars Reenactment Guild where I saw you sneaking off to" Award:

I hope he and his poke balls never find out where I live...

And finally, the Honorable Mention for "If I were the "dressing up for cons" kind of gal, I'd totally wear the crap out of this:

Seriously.

Stay tuned for the General Convention Awards!