This may be far too long of an article, but that should tell you just how awesome this year’s comic con was. So much was revealed that I declare this the best Comic Con in recent memory. Now, I have never been to San Diego Comic Con, but it is definitely somewhere I would like to be someday. It seems a little too crazy for my tastes, but this year’s con proves that it is a worthwhile experience. I am not going to share my thoughts on every panel because I did not watch everything, but I will share my thoughts on the panels that meant something to me.
Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens
This was the first big panel of Comic Con and it did not disappoint. I was upset when I first heard that they would not bring a trailer to their panel, but they brought something even better: behind the scenes footage. Why is this better? Well, because it showed us new footage without spoiling too much. If they showed us a new trailer there would have been some spoilers in it. Even though J.J. Abrahams is very good about not spoiling his films in the trailers, I am sure something would have been put in the trailers that should have been reserved until the film is officially released. The footage showed off the films’ practical effects, and showed off some footage of both Harrison Ford and Carrie Fischer in the film. Thankfully, the film has yet to show us footage of Mark Hamill. The footage also showed some really interesting sequences, along with some great looking aliens. It was also nice to see the entire cast together on stage.
Doctor Who
I saw a bit of the panel, but I am really focussing on the footage that was released. I was blown away by this trailer. I liked Series 8, but I was not completely enamored with it. I did not even feel compelled to review it on this blog. Some episodes were pretty great, but none really stood out like they have in years past. I really like Peter Capaldi as The Doctor, and I think he and Clara have great chemistry. My main gripes with the previous season centered around the plot lines. They did not feel worthwhile, but this trailer showed off some really interesting moments which leads me to believe that this season will in fact be better. As long as the show maintains it’s new dark tone, and does not overdo the campiness from last season (I am looking at you “Robot In Sherwood”) then it will be a much better season.
Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice
This one almost stole the show for me, but I will first tell you what I did not like about the trailer: The CGI. It can be painfully obvious in some shots, but in other shots it is just overwhelming. This is not entirely a problem because the film still has a while before it comes out. It has more than enough time to tweak the CGI. My only other gripe is that the film does seem a bit bloated. There is a lot going on, but it is just a trailer. The film may be able to balance all it’s characters successfully. On the other hand, this trailer had so many great moments. Ben Affleck’s portrayal of Bruce Wayne and Batman, Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman, Superman on trial, the action, the visuals, and Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor are all highlights. I really like the approach they’re taking with this film (from a storytelling perspective). The trailer showed a lot, but it did not feel like it spoiled too much. It merely teased elements of the film, without confirming others. It is going to take a lot of willpower, but I am going to try and resist watching any more footage from this film. I am completely sold, and do not want to know anything else about the film.
Suicide Squad
This may be an unpopular opinion, but this was my favorite reveal of Comic Con. I absolutely love this trailer, and think it is even better than Batman V. Superman. The reason is that I love the tone of this film. Sure both of these DC films are going to be dark, but this film feels more grounded (even though it deals with plenty of supernatural elements). The entire cast looks great. I was a bit skeptical when I first saw them assembled in various pictures, but seeing them in action puts all my skepticisms to rest. Margot Robbie looks fantastic as Harley Quinn, Will Smith seems great as Deadshot, and Jared Leto looks phenomenal as the Joker. Backtracking a bit to Will Smith: There is a shot in the trailer where he is hugged by someone who I assume is his daughter. I love that. This film is not going to portray villains as people who are pure evil (well, maybe the Joker), but they will have layers. Finally, focusing a little bit on the Joker, I think Leto will absolutely kill it. He was not in the trailer for very long, but he looked very menacing. I was not on board with the tattoos, but they have grown on me. As of right now, this film is my most anticipated of next year.
Deadpool
Unfortunately my thoughts on this footage will have to be brief because the quality was very poor, but it looked amazing! I loved the humor, but it looked like the film will also try and incorporate a healthy dose of drama to the film. Ryan Reynolds also looks like he nails the role. During the panel he thanked the audience for pushing this film for being made. He seems like he knows the character very well, and sincerely wants to make a great adaptation. Since the panel Reynolds has confirmed that something (presumably a trailer for the public) will drop in 3 weeks.
X-Men: Apocalypse
I saw this footage in very very low quality, but all I will saw is that it looks pretty good. I like where the story is going, but the quality was so poor that I could not make out too much of it. Hopefully some footage will be released officially within a couple of months.
Arrow
I would talk about The Flash, but there was not too much revealed. However, Arrow revealed the Green Arrow suit for the next season! I have expressed my discontent with the third season (still thought it was alright), but this season seems to be getting the show back on track. I love this costume, and cannot wait to see what the show has in store.