So what is there to keep a horror and Halloween fan entertained at San Diego Comic-Con? Well, it turns out there a LOT, writes ANDREA BEATTIE
We could have done without the crowds, the lines and for the most part, the sun, but what an absolute thrill it was to attend San Diego Comic-Con after years of having it on our bucket list.
By all accounts SDCC was a little different this year, after COVID put a stop to it after the 2019 event. Everything was COVID-safe (well as safe as it could be with thousands and thousands of people converging in one place) and most people were very conscious of other people’s space.
But what’s Comic-Con like for a horror and Halloween fan? Turns out it’s pretty great! There were SO many panels geared towards the horror fan – creators of comics, blogs, fiction, non-fiction, films, docos and more were pretty well represented throughout the week.
Some of our favourites were listening to a panel featuring Seanan McGuire (also known as Mira Grant), Sandy King (of Storm King, and partner of fellow writer and legendary director John Carpenter) and the standout, for us at least, The Bold Voices of Contemporary Horror.
Returning for its sixth year, the panel featured some of the most knowledgeable and influential voices in horror today discuss the state of indie and studio horror films, as well as the rise of horror in television and streaming services.
There was also some sweet little sneak peaks, with the highlight being a look at Halina Reijn’s Bodies, Bodies, Bodies, due out in the next few weeks.
There was also a first look at Sundance hit Resurrection starring Rebecca Hall and Tim Roth.
Panelists included screenwriter Akela Cooper (Malignant), director Chloe Okuno (Watcher), director/producer Sam Wineman (The Quiet Room, co-host Aughsterion) XYZ Films senior VP of sales and acquisitions Pip Ngo, Blumhouse TV VP of development and programming Robin Jones, and director Reijn. It was moderated by brilliant horror expert and producer Jordan Crucchiola (host, Feeling Seen, Aughtsterion podcasts).
Alongside these smaller panels, there were the BIG ones, of course, with Marvel, Dwayne Johnson and Keanu Reeves the main drawcards.
But it was wasn’t just the big names that drew big crowds … while most people are drawn to the mythical Hall H where the aforementioned ‘big name’ stars hold court, lots of smaller panels and rooms felt the love too. Maybe folks wanted to avoid bigger crowds and longer lines, or maybe they just wanted to play it safe? Who knows, but we didn’t have any trouble getting into most of the panels we were keen on.
The floor was chockers most days, with big-name pop culture brands Loungefly, Funko, Mondo and Marvel drawing massive crowds and selling out of most exclusives.
Artist’s Alley was also heaving with horror and Halloween-inspired artists and we also met author and illustrator of The Halloween Kid, Rhode Montijo.
All in all, it was brilliant to be able to experience San Diego Comic-Con, welcome back cons, we’ve missed you!
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