Comic-Con: A hot dwarf, hit shows and everything in geekdom

 

Former America’s Next Top Model Adrianne Curry as Leelo from The Fifth Element poses with a friendly neighborhood storm trooper. The Fifth Element is a sci-fi movie that Mr. and Mrs. Ladywriter really enjoy.

So, I have been looking over the schedule for Comic-Con (with Sunday’s due to be announced tomorrow). Naturally,  I was paying close attention to just when a certain studio’s time block was set for Saturday. And here’s what I found on the official Comic-Con International website:

Comic-Con (Photo credit: Scott Beale

2:30-5:00 Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary  Pictures Preview Their Upcoming Lineups—

Legendary Pictures: Pacific Rim–From acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro comes Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ epic sci-fi action adventure Pacific Rim. When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity’s resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes — a washed up former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi) — who are teamed to drive a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger from the past. Together, they stand as mankind’s last hope against the mounting apocalypse. Pacific Rim also stars Idris Elba, Ron Perlman, and Charlie Day.
Warner Bros. Pictures: Man Of Steel
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey-From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). Jackson returns to Middle-earth in an adventure that begins 60 years before the events depicted in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. The first of two films adapted from J.R.R. Tolkien’s enduringly popular masterpiece, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey follows titular Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), who-along with the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and a band of 13 Dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage)-is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. The film’s ensemble cast includes Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom, Evangeline Lily, and Andy Serkis as Gollum.

What I love here is the fact that after Martin as titular hero and Sir Ian as Gandalf, there he is, Richard Armitage as Thorin,  leading that band of dwarves.  In the newspaper biz, we’d say he got topfold billing. Yeah, I am grinning to myself.  Our man has hit the big time, I do believe.

It’s not mentioned here, but for those who don’t know, TH panelists for Comic-Con are slated to be Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage *squee*, Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Peter Jackson, Andy Serkis (Gollum and, as we know from the videoblogs, a second unit director on TH) and co-screenwriter Phillipa Boyens.  No 13 dwarfs, thank goodness. Not that I don’t love James and Aidan and all the rest, but Richard IS Top Dwarf, after all. He should be there representin’ for all the rest.

Now, Comic-Con  seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. And they do not empty out the halls and rooms after each presentation/panel.  And while there is a space reserved for media, I am not sure if that includes ALL media or just the big publications and networks. And how many of them will be camping out and claming spots they choose not to relinquish?

So it is very possible I will have to make a concerted effort to get into Hall H in the morning and hang out there until 2:30 p.m.  Yeah, it holds 6,500 people–only about a thousand less people than the population of our little hometown–but we are looking at an event that is expected to draw 165,000 people. And in case you haven’t noticed, this whole Hobbit thing is a great big deal with a lot of fans of Tolkien eager to learn more.

The_Hobbit_ An_Unexpected_Journey (Photo credit: Film_Poster)

But my gosh, there is so much to see and do at Comic-Con beyond our beloved Richard. There are panels for attendees to give practical advice on screenwriting for television and film and writing and illustrating graphic novels and comics, panels that focus on popular television shows of the past and those which preview upcoming productions. Hugely popular productions such as True Blood, Dexter (my favorite serial killer with a code!) and Game of Thrones will be represented.  You can try out the Zombie Obstacle Course, attend a virtual drive-in theatre and discover “the naked truth about Tarzan and Jane.”

And what would such an event be without the likes of my all-time favorite ham actor, Captain Kirk himself, William Shatner and the king of low-budget sci-fi/horror movies, Roger Corman, the man who kick-started the careers of such stars as Jack Nicholson? There are seminars on staging combat, making resin casts and silicone molds, the popularity of steampunk, “trailer parks” for upcoming films and so on, and so on . . . not to mention all those colorful, creative, and sometimes scanty costumes many attendees wear. I am certain I will be completely worn out by the time I fly home Monday, but I doubt I will be bored. Even standing in line could be entertaining. I do enjoy people watching.

 

Right now, it looks like I may be hanging out with Quentin Tarantino and the cast of his upcoming film Django Unchained.  Their panel is scheduled for 11:3o in Hall H, where The Hobbit presentation will take place that afternoon. Hey, I like Tarantino, and I am thanking my lucky stars it isn’t Twilight (sorry, all you Twi-hards).

 

It is going to be an experience, that’s for sure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Psssst. Don’t tell Sir Guy . . . but Thorin’s on my mind

Yes, I do have a considerable crush on Thorin. And I’ve been playing with images of him. He really is a most attractive fellow, this two hundred-plus year-old warrior dwarf.  Great hair. Cool threads. A really big, shiny sword which he clearly knows how to use. And a marvelous profile. Not to mention he sings!  I’d follow him on an unexpected journey.

Of course, Martin makes a very cute hobbit, too.

Can’t wait to hear more of Mr. A singing as Thorin.

I love how he still manages to sit tall in the saddle. 😉

Can’t wait to see Thorin’s Creator in the not-distant-at-all future! Comic-Con, here I come . . .

In case you need a wake-up: Technicolor Armitage re BeFunky

Technicolor Armitage . . .  most of these were done with another site I discovered called BeFunky. BeFunky actually allows you to order custom products with the artwork you create–mugs, tees, bags, keychains, magnets and more. I admit I am sorely tempted, once I am not so poor, to create myself an RA mug . . . looks like they do a very high-quality job.   In the meantime, have a flashback to the psychedelic ’60s without having a “bad trip.” 😉

 

Dawn’s lovely winged heart necklaces are garnering rave reviews from the ladies who have so far received them.  Here’s her description from the jewelry website:

A heart with wings represents a joyful, optimistic, and free spirit. Often, love is said to make the heart take wing. This petite charm has a lot of detail in a small package. It makes a great gift for the free spirit in your life.  Sterling silver winged heart pendant is just half an inch tall and less than 1.2 inches wide (30x15mm).  Fine cable chain is wire-wrapped to the springring clasp for greater security. Sized at 16 inches (41cm). If you would like another length, either shorter or longer, just send a convo with your request.   

Dawn generously offered to use these delicate necklaces as a fundraising tool for me and my trip fund for Comic-Con International in San Diego.  They can be paid for via the donate button here on the blog. The cost is $35 including the cost of shipping and Dawn will make them to the specified length. Shipping addresses and requested lengths should be sent to my e-mail addy.  Once again, thanks so much for all your support, financial, moral, spiritual and otherwise.

Oh, and my husband’s oldest brother is VERY jealous of his sister-in-law getting to go to Comic-Con. 😉

    

Top of the morning to you from Mr. A (or whatever time of day it may be)

The best part of waking up? Armitage and a nice cup of coffee. Or tea. Or, just Armitage. Who needs stimulants?

 

 

Mr. A always brings the steam, doesn’t he?

Sir Guy & the Animal Kingdom

Ladywriter was watching her favorite TDHSK. He was sitting in the swivel chair, long legs propped on the end of the bed, a rotund black and white cat sitting in his lap. Sir Guy’s long, elegant fingers gently stroked the feline’s glossy fur.

“You really do like animals, don’t you, Sir Guy?”

He rubbed the bridge of his lovely aquiline nose before giving a slow, thoughtful nod.

“Yeah. I guess I do. You–you know where you are with animals, don’t you? You treat them well, and they respond in kind.” LW saw a far away look mixed with a flicker of sadness in his blue eyes. “It isn’t always true with human beings.”

Poor Guy, she thought. If only . . .

“No, it isn’t.” LW gave him a smile and inclined her head towards the purring three-legged butterball in his lap.

“But it’s clear Thumper appreciates your attentions.  As well as the rest of the pets here. And I truly  loved how you always gave Richie a friendly pat when you dismounted in Robin Hood.”

Sir Guy’s mouth curled into a sweet half-smile. “You noticed that, did you?”

“Oh, I’ve noticed quite a lot of things about you, my dear Sir Guy.”

She glanced down and giggled. “And now you’ve got Thumper doing that ridiculous rapid-fire sticking her tongue in and out thingy. She is certainly happy.”

Sir Guy gave Thumper an indulgent smile. “We understand each other, don’t we, my girl? Yeah. Animals are–animals are OK, Ladywriter.”

 

 

 

 

 

LW, the Dark Knight and Guyday Friday

“You still look tired, my lady.”

LW sighed and, taking off her spectacles, rubbed her rather sticky eyes. Ah, allergies!

“Could have something to do with getting only four hours of sleep.”

” Still excited about seeing the Creator at Comic-Con?” Guy heaved a manly sigh. “I thought I wore you out good and proper–with the pillow fight, dear LW.”

Putting her glasses back on, she smiled up at the dark knight, a distinct twinkle in her sleepy blue eyes.

“And I appreciate that, Sir Guy. It was good fun, wasn’t it?”

Guy’s shapely mouth curved into a lop-sided smile.

“Yeah. It was. So–”  He tilted his dark head, raising a quizzical brow as he ticked off the list with his long and elegant fingers. “You’ve  caught up with your comments, sent in your unemployment certification info and taken your medicine, including your Super-Secret Vitamin. Why not take a nap?”

LW smothered a yawn. “Great minds think alike, Sir Guy. However, I do have something else I need to do first. You know what today is, after all.”

The smile turned into a rather dazzling grin. Breathaking, one might say.

“Guyday Friday,” he purred.

“Right in one, my dear knight . . . and I’ve got new fanart!”

“Well, as Harry would say–there you go . . .”

Comic-Con International is coming to San Diego and Mr. Armitage and I will be there!  *squee*

If you’d like to help with transportation/meal expenses over the six days of travel and CC fun, you may donate through the button on the right. And thanks very much to all who have supported this endeavor. 😀

San Diego Comic-Con International (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Sir Guy considers costumes for Comic-Con (yeah, he’s going)

Sir Guy is contemplating certain costumes and disguises he might don when he joins me at Comic-Con. See what you think . . .

 

And Richard complained about his medieval mullet!

I’d like to take a ride on a magic carpet with this Aladdin.

All hail the conquering hero. Veni, vidi, vici, Sir Guy style.

Dame Edna Gisborne, anyone?

 We might see him in black leather once again.

Of course, he’ll be asking if they’ve been naughty little girls and reward them.

 

Sir Guy noshes whilst LW muses (and attempts to pull herself from the ceiling)

“Ladywriter, you look tired–and yet ridiculously happy.” Sir Guy said, before taking a large bite of his banana, chewing it thoughtfully as he eyed her.    Sir Guy does, on occasion, eat something healthy, it seems.

 

LW tugged her ponytail and grinned at him. “OneRingNet confirmed it. Your Creator is going to be at Comic-Con.” She gave a huge sigh as her shoulders rose and fell.  “Sir Guy, darling, two weeks from Saturday, I am going to be in the same building that Richard Armitage is in.” LW gave a distinctly girlish giggle. “Just think of how excited I was when I knew he was in New York and on the same continent. ”

Sir Guy smiled as he continued to chew. The movement of that stubbled jaw was so–distracting.  LW suddenly remembered the Creator noshing on a banana during Hood Academy.  She watched the bobbing of his Adam’s apple as he swallowed.

“I wonder if there will be water,” she murmured to herself.

Sir Guy raised a brow. “Whot?”

“I–was just wondering if I’ll get to watching Richard drinking water. I’d like that . . .” There was a distinctly dreamy look in her pale blue eyes.

“I’d like to watch him do just about anything. And listen to him. And just–look at him.”

Sir Guy raised the other brow, his lips twitching with amusement.

“Anything would think you fancy the Creator . . .” His voice was a teasing, honeyed rumble.

Ladywriter lifted her chin and eyed him. “Of course I do. Just as I do his ChaRActers.”

Sir Guy smirked as he chucked the banana peel into the wastebasket.  “Yeah. Although you fancy some of us more than others . . .”

He deftly caught the pillow flung in his direction by LW, a wicked gleam in his azure eyes.

“Two can play at that game, my lady  . . .”

LW certainly hoped so.  She needed to thoroughly wear herself out if she hope’d to get any sleep. Richard Armitage. In the flesh.

 

Imagine . . .

http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/06/28/57946-loaded-hobbit-lineup-announced-for-comic-con-includes-jackson-mckellen-serkis-armitage-freeman-boyens/

 

 

You never know where Thorin will appear, do you?

The King Under the Mountain really gets around, doesn’t he?

 

Thoughts on Comic-Con & our little community

Comic-Con (Photo credit: Scott Beale)

Two weeks from today–good Lord willing and the Creek don’t rise–I will be at Comic-Con. Thursday through Sunday, July 12-15, I will be in sunny San Diego, battling the crowds, seeing people dressed in outlandish and amazing costumes, listening to various celebs and industry people speak, recording panels and interviews, writing articles and, hopefully, gleaning information you all will find interesting, informative and just plain fun.  After all, if it weren’t for you all, I wouldn’t be going.

Comic-Con Costume Girls 09 (Photo credit: heath_bar)

First, I have to thank Frenz for providing the link to Comic Book Resource’s article about needing reporters for the event. And once I was accepted by CBR and earned my free four-day pass and the promise of a stipend and all the convention junk food I could eat, it was Frenz who created my donate button through PayPal for my Comic-Con Trip Fund. She and fellow bloggers were kind enough to promote it and readers and fellow bloggers were generous enough to donate to it.  Dawn not only offered practical advice as a Comic-Con veteran, she also provided financial support and offered her lovely jewelry as an additional fundraising tool.

You all are good folks.

When Benny and I were at the salon yesterday, we were discussing the trip while Renee cut his hair. He was telling her how people from all the world had supported me and made the trip possible  (He’s extremely impressed by the RA community by the way). Renee is fully aware of my recent troubles–the unexpected jolt in more ways than one of unemployment and the subsequent car accident–and she is truly happy for me to have this opportunity.

“God has a way of looking after us,” she said with a gentle smile.

Which made me think–is it God, or karma or sheer dumb luck or something else that is leading this to happen?  Were all the stars perfectly aligned?  I don’t know. But I think a lot of credit, obviously, has to go to Richard Armitage. It’s because of Richard that I started this blog and got to know so many of you.  It’s our love and admiration for Richard that has led most, though certainly not all, of us to our intense interest in what happens at Comic-Con, particularly on Saturday in Hall H.

Of course, we are all hoping and praying that Richard will be at Comic-Con; that I will have the opportunity to, at the very least, meet him and better yet, to interview him (and find out what he smells like for all you curious ladies out there).

And I would dearly love to  be able to briefly tell him how I ended up at Comic-Con in the first place.

No matter what happens regarding RA, I think Comic-Con International will be a very eye-opening experience.  And I will share as much of it as I can with you all.

 English: San Diego Comic Con 2010 Joker Cosplay (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Description: Entrance to the San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, historic heart of San Diego, from the Gaslamp Quarter trolley station. Date Created: Thursday, July 24, 2008, 10:46 AM Location: Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, California Event: Comic-Con International: San Diego, Day 1. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

More artistry with Armitage

Richard Armitage is a living, breathing work of art.  He’s poetry in motion and in stillness.  We are captivated by that deep, melodious voice and when he does not speak a word, the eloquence of his mobile, expressive features communicates so much.

The artist in me finds him an ideal subject.  That’s not just because of his obvious physical attractiveness; it’s because of all the goodness of character and innate sweetness that shine through, that bring that spark of intelligence and humor to his eyes, the warmth and genuineness to his smiles.  Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I behold much beauty in Richard Armitage. He should be sketched and painted and sculpted, with that lovely, expressive visage appearing everywhere, from sidewalks to art galleries. It would be a more beautiful world with more Richard, right?

 

I simply couldn’t resist.

But will my darling husband find this as amusing?   He did give me a “Mrs. Richard Armitage” keychain once . . .  hey, it’s all fantasyland, anyhow.

 

Now, if only I had her body . . . well, a girl can dream, can’t she? 😉

Richard as you’ve never seen him before . . .

Wow, Porter is even better at going undercover than we thought.

I came home tonight and dropped off to sleep for an hour or so while watching TV. Literally couldn’t keep my eyes open. Happy to say I am freshly blonded, waxed, trimmed and plucked again. Just in case I do get to meet a certain TDHBEW in a couple of weeks. And speaking of Mr. Sexypants, I’ve been having more fun with Photofunia and Photoshop as I explore some new looks and disguises for our RA . . .

Spinning the tunes at a rave. Who knew?

Well, he does have timeless good looks . . .

But then again, would you want to refuse? Seriously diggin’ the fedora here.

Fedoralady and her crystal ball . . .

Can’t believe Comic-Con is only two weeks away. There’s still a part of me that thinks this is all just a pleasant dream. Maybe it will be akin to Richard’s experience. Maybe I will have to be there looking at Sir Peter and Richard and Martin for it all to sink in.  In the meantime, it’s awfully fun what one can do with the combination of Photofunia and Photoshop Elements. ( My photos in my actual gypsy getup were too large file-wise to work and from the wrong angle, otherwise I would have looked a tad more authentic . . .)

 

 

 

 

San Diego Comic-Con International (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Related articles

• Do you want to give your heart wings? And help give fedoralady wings? (thearmitageeffect.wordpress.com)
• Richard, in the drink yet again. MORE THORIN! (thearmitageeffect.wordpress.com)

Some hearts & flowers for Hump Day

That’s what we call Wednesday in the U.S. It’s the middle of the week and only two days away from Guyday Friday.  I have had a whole 3.5 hours of sleep. I may snooze this afternoon at the hair salon. I always get sleepy when I am being pampered.

Benny and I will both be getting our tresses trimmed. He’s tired of his John Standring curls–well, it is summer and hot weather and he’d like a cooler ‘do–and I’ve got sheep dog bangs and tons of white roots and I surely am NOT old enough to have so much of God’s platinum blonde hair just yet, am I? Well, I like to think so, anyway.  Although, if I don’t get more sleep, I fear I am going to look old enough for every white strand.

At any rate, here’s some images with a “hearts and flowers” feel to them. More fun with various free photo editors along with Photoshop Elements. I hope you all enjoy.  Visit fun.pho.to, photofunia,  photofunny.net or photo fun box to create your own giggles and pretty images.

Two weeks from today I will be flying to San Diego for Comic-Con International. In fact, right about now I should be at Dannelly Field in Montgomery getting ready to board the plane to Atlanta. Thank you to all who have supported my fund for the trip. While I earned the reporter position with Comic Book Resources through my experience and writing samples,  I would never have been able to make the trip without the financial aid of my fellow RA bloggers and fans. 

For those who still wish to donate, the button is still up. And Dawn still offers these lovely winged heart necklaces which she will make to order for you.  You can also purchase them through the PayPal button and send me your address info and the specified necklace length.

This charming little sterling silver necklace can be yours for $35 including shipping, thanks to Dawn, who will make it to your specified length. A generous portion of the sale goes to my Comic-Con trip fund.