PopHorror Let's Get Scared
The Los Angeles Convention Center housed another fan packed event this past weekend. Comic Con LA was an exciting comic, gaming, sci-fi and pop culture convention interlaced with horror elements, including cosplay, artists, vendors and guest appearances. Here are some highlights from the panels.
Crypt TV Gives A Sneak Peek Of The Birch
Executive producers Kate Krantz and Darren Brandl shared the Comic Con LA stage with The Birch stars Xaria Dotson (American Vandal) and Dempsey Bryk (Black Mirror, The Silence). Krantz told the audience that supporters who commented on their Facebook page helped shape the creation of the monster and show. The discussion veered towards Dotson and Bryk’s characters, and how they prepared for their roles. Dotson expressed how she resonates with her character as she felt much of what she experienced in the show reflected in her teenage years in high school. It was a pleasant surprise that the birch monster was dressed completely in special effects makeup with practical effects used, something I feel is becoming a forgotten art form.
The Birch Series Synopsis
The lives of three teenagers intersect around the presence of a blood-thirsty monster lurking in the woods, the Birch. Sworn to protect the vulnerable wherever she is summoned, the Birch demands a dangerous toll for her services. Our heroes grapple with the grim realities of making her acquaintance – both as friend and foe.
The Birch series is now streaming on Facebook Watch. Stay tuned for our review on this and other great series in the near future.
Elijah Wood And Partners At SpectreVision Discuss Horror Cinema
Who knew that Elijah Wood was a horror fan? I didn’t! What was interesting to learn at Comic Con LA is that the team’s mutual passion for horror genre films is what influenced the creation for SpectreVision. Lisa Whallen, Director Daniel Noah (The Greasy Strangler 2016) and LOTR’s Elijah Wood (Come To Daddy 2019 – read our review here) discussed the extensive time frame and relentless effort it takes to fund independent films. One thing that PopHorror is genuinely passionate about is the raw creative element used to create movies released independently, and that’s exactly what the team at SpectreVision understands so magnificently.
The trio went on to discuss Daniel Isn’t Real (check out the official trailer here) and made small talk about signing a contract with independent studio, Legendary, for a new television series. There’s so much to look forward to from SpectreVision, including Color Out of Space staring Nicholas Cage, which is loosely based off a H.P. Lovecraft story. Keep your eyes peeled for their podcast and new games. Daniel Isn’t Real is out December 6, 2019 and Color Out of Space is set to be released early next year.
Zombieland: Double Tap Surprise
Director Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland, Venom) brought a special Zombieland: Double Tap surprise to the Comic Con LA’s Main Stage. He was joined by writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick as well as stars Jesse Eisenberg (Zombieland 2009, Justice League 2017), Rosario Dawson (Jay and Silent Bob Reboot 2019, Sin City: A Dame to Kill For 2014), Zoey Deutch (Set It Up 2018) and Avan Jogia (Now Apocalypse 2019). The cast and crew discussed all things post apocalypse – from weapons of choice to noteworthy zombie kills. Despite the rise of the undead (no pun intended) featured on the big screen and televisions since the first film, Ruben Fleischer promises that Double Tap will be true to the first movie and an equally great film.
Fans of the first film are in for a real treat with the returning cast and new additions made to the script. I’m predicting Duetch’s character, Madison, is going to be a favorite among audiences. Equipped with her Valley Girl flare and attitude, the laughs will be endless. The matchup between Albuquerque (Luke Wilson: The Riddiculous 6 2015) and Flagstaff (Thomas Middletitch: Godzilla: King of the Monsters 2019) with Tallahassee and Columbus is sure to be pure entertainment, as Eisenberg and Middleditch are both notorious improvisers. Nevada, portrayed by Rosario Dawson, is characterized as a true badass that’s sure to give Columbus and Tallahassee a run for their money.
Zombieland: Double Tap is out in theaters Friday, October 18. Stay tuned for our full review of the highly anticipated movie.
Spotlight On Gerard Way, Creator Of Umbrella Academy, Lead Singer Of My Chemical Romance
During my high school years, music was taking many twists and turns, with new bands taking their grasps at stardom. My Chemical Romance had a monumental impact on what some would call the post-hardcore and emo pop punk sound. Although the trend was hard to miss, I never followed the steps of those who tread that path; however, I now have a new found respect for Gerard Way. During the Comic Con LA panel, he discussed the struggles he faced in finding his place in the creative realm.
It was the gift from his grandmother that led to a path of comic book art and storytelling. He credits roleplaying games like Dungeons and Dragons, Call of Cthulhu and GURPS Supers for helping him learn how to be a great storyteller and performer. With practice and friendships flourished by art, Gerard had his first short run comic published at 15-years-old. He used these comics to get into the School of Visual Arts in New York. Throughout college, he found solidarity with other outcasts per mutual interests. Gerard would go on to a land job as a toy designer and became an intern for a show on Cartoon Network before gaining popularity as the lead singer of My Chemical Romance.
Writing songs became a form of therapy that Gerard needed while dealing with PTSD and depression. His fame skyrocketed, and, because of his determination and constant drive to quench his thirst for creativity, he’s been able to wear many hats throughout his career.
Season 2 of Umbrella Academy began filming and is expected stream on Netflix sometime in 2020.
Vendors And Cosplayers
As always, a true highlight to any convention is seeing the dedication fans express through their cosplay and art. I want to spotlight the Titans of Terror cosplayers for being the sponsors of the horror section at Comic Con LA. These guys are phenomenal in what they do and provide such a great photo experience for all ages. They definitely pulled out all the stops in supporting horror during this convention. Be sure to check out their Facebook page for upcoming appearances, contact information for events and purchase their calendar – YES, they have a calendar and its rad!
To the vendors, whom I feel do not get the recognition they deserve, thank you for coming out and displaying work made by fans for fans. It takes an immense amount of adherence to do what you do, and it’s very commendable.
Comic Con LA 2019 was such a great experience, and I am so grateful to NRPR Group for the Press Pass and phenomenal assistance along the way. As always, be sure to follow the PopHorror Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram pages for all our media coverage, news articles, and reviews.
