Top Secret

Caturday!

Via the good folks at Japanator.com

That's Numberwang!

Are you familiar with That Mitchell and Webb Look? Yes? It's genius, ain't it? No? Well, you've got no excuses as Hulu's now streaming David Mitchell and Robert Webb's British sketch comedy masterpiece. It won me as a fan in 30 seconds.

Go on and waste your weekend with Mitchell and Webb...

http://www.hulu.com/that-mitchell-and-webb-look

SWCV Schedule! Newly Updated With Meater Details!

We’ve updated the SWCV schedule again! Didn’t we just do that? Yeah. Why’d we update it again? We’ll be simulcasting The Main Event to these stages -- Digital Stage, Behind-The-Scenes Stage, Celebration Fan Stage, Star Wars Fan Movie Stage, Collectors Stage, and the Star Wars Classroom. Revised wristband details are coming, but start digesting the latest and greatest CV schedule right here...

http://www.starwarscelebration.com/en/Events/Schedule/

See Us At Otakon!

Are you going to Otakon this weekend? If so, be sure to pop on by the NYAF booth! We're booth 17, and NYAF's Programinatrix Kim is running the show. Go say hi and try to get her to spill the beans on upcoming guests. Or, maybe some details on the costume contest. Or, heck, just hound her for swag, as she's boxes of VAMPS pins.

Star Wars Celebration V Mobile App!

Is there a Star Wars Celebration V mobile app? Is there a Star Wars Celebration V mobile app? Is there a Star Wars Celebration V mobile app? We've gotten this question just a few times. And the answer? Yes. A specially designed app for both the iPhone and the Droid, the Celebration V app juggles all the show information, fits in the palm of your hand, and is completely free. Updates are being made to it daily, and you can grab it now here...

http://www.starwarscelebration.com/en/Mobile-Apps/

The Great Wall of Boxes

A huge, sweaty, packing-tape-covered huzzah and kudos to Marykate Nagurney, Khahil White, and Brian Stephenson for all your help packing and stacking the SWCV shop shipment! Extra special thanks to Georgette Simso for the car and Costco card! And thunderous praise to Kristin Heise for directing the whole endevour!

SWCV is almost here!

NYCC Artist Alley Online!

NYCC's making a guest announcement today. Or, 300 guest announcements. We're very proud to release our preliminary Artist Alley line up. There are more than 300 guests already confirmed, with artists including J.Scott Campbell, Jimmy Cheung, Chris Clarmont, Geof Darrow, Tom DeFalco, Leo Leibelman, Mark Morales, Steve Scott, and Leinil Francis Yu.

To give you some perspective, NYCC 2009's Artist Alley capped out at about 250.

For more information, and to see the complete line up of artists participating in Artist Alley please go to...

http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/en/NYCC/Artist-Alley/

Dude, Where’s My Badge?

Are you still waiting for your Celebration V badge? If you are within the United States and purchased your Celebration V badge prior to July 18, 2010 you will receive your badge in the mail by August 6. Badges have mailed in batches, so they will not arrive on the same day for everyone. If you do not receive your badge by Friday, August 6, please contact our customer services department at 888-334-8719. If you ordered after this date, your badge will be waiting for you at Celebration. Just print out and bring your confirmation to claim it.

If you are outside of the United States, your badge has not and will not be mailed in advance. It must be picked up onsite. For international fans or fans who’ve ordered since late July, you’ll be able to pick up your badge in Level 1 of the B Lobby of the Orange County Convention Center.

AniMiniCon This Weekend! RetCon Next Month!

NYCC and NYAF aren't until October. Need some geekiness now? Hit up this weekend's AniMiniCon or next month's RetCon.

AniMiniCon is a three day, upstart anime con featuring a live musical concert, Lolita tea party, cosplay reception, screenings, dealers, and panel discussions at the SoHo Gallery for Digital Art. It runs July 30-August 1.

RetCon is a fan fun gaming convention in Long Island. It'll feature Board Games, Miniature Games, RPGs, TCGs, and more. It's August 21 and 22nd.

AniMiniCon's site is at www.sohodigart.com/ANIMINICON. RetCon info can be found at www.theretcon.com. Get the lowdown on AniMiniCon, RetCon, and more at www.nerdyorkcity.com.

The Expanded Universe of the SWCV Schedule!

Hop on over to starwarscelebration.com as we've revised the SWCV programming schedule! Newly expanded with our stages fleshed out and filled in, it'll include answers to 99% of your questions. There'll still be an update or two before the show, but this was the big update that fills it all in. I know this message is short and sweet, but that's because we really don't want you reading this. No, we want you over at starwarscelebration.com.

Explore the schedule here...

http://www.starwarscelebration.com/en/Events/Schedule/

Inside the Offices of Moleskin

We here at NYCC/NYAF/SWCV land like Moleskins. Hell, we love Moleskins. Looking at any meeting, notes are taken in either Moleskins or yellow legal pads -- and we've got cases of legal pads dumped into the office, but no bunker filled with Moleskins. Of course, if Moleskin would like to chat with us to talk about a NYCC-branded Moleskin, we'd love to have discuss. Ahem, I'm getting off point. We love Moleskins, and the good folks at Lifehacker have a look inside Moleskin's offices...

http://lifehacker.com/5594252/inside-the-offices-of-moleskine

Prize Patrol

Did you win the Spike or G4 Celebration giveaways? If so, we have your prizes - and we're mailing them today.

The Force in The Flesh

The Star Wars tattoo program returns to Celebration V, but this time with a new twist. Not just displaying works of Star Wars art adorning flesh, bold fans will be able to get tattooed live at the show. Artist Marc Draven is heading up the Celebration live tattooing area, and Shane Turgeon, author of The Force in the Flesh, is returning to Celebration to coordinate another Star Wars tattoo art show. 

We've talked about this before. What's new is that we've updated starwarscelebration.com with information on the appearing tattoo artists. Want to get Yoda or Vader forever inked across your chest, arm, or back? Contact one of our artists to sign up before the show!

Get all the details here...

http://www.starwarscelebration.com/en/Events/Get-Tattooed-Live/

Larger Than Life

NYCC's Rich is at the Javits today, and look what he spotted outside.

Muffins!

We made zucchini muffins last night. Or, rather, the Mrs. made muffins last night while I did some random work at the other end of the kitchen. We got about ten pounds of zucchini from her parents over the weekend, so these zucchini muffins are just the start, with zucchini pancakes, zucchini bread, and baked zucchini next on our list. Here's the muffin recipe we used...

http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/zucchini_muffins/

Any zucchini recipes you'd recommend? (And, yeah, I know this has nothing to do with comics, anime, or Star Wars, but I like muffins.)

J.J. Sedelmaier at MoCCA on Thursday!

If you've seen Beavis and Butthead, Saturday TV Funhouse, Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law, or Stephen Colbert's Tek Jansen Alpha Squad Seven, you've seen the work of J.J. Sedelmaier. Since opening up his White Plains animation studio in 1990, J.J. And his studio have created hundreds of TV productions in an amazing variety of styles, from retro-1950s TV commercials to transforming Garry Trudeau, Don Martin, and Al Hirschfeld's art into animated film form.

J.J. will be appearing this Thursday at MoCCA with animation journalist and author Joe Strike will discuss his influences, career anecdotes, and some of his best known and high-profile cartoons. In addition, J.J. will talk about the forgotten history of the animation industry's early 20th century New York origins.

For more information and events like this, visit moccany.org and nerdyorkcity.com.

This Week in NYC

Here's a simple cheat sheet for NYC geek-related happenings this week from nerdyorkcity.com...

MONDAY
Monty Python and The Holy Grail screens for free in Bryant Park

TUESDAY
Astronomy on the High Line

WEDNESDAY
Dances of Vice Shanghai Foxtrot
Speakeasy at the Museum of The City of New York
Dead Man screens for free in McCarren Park
The Fall screens for free in Riverside Park
District 9 screens for free in Hudson River Park

THURSDAY
Broadway Danny Rose screens for free in The Elevated Acre

FRIDAY
Monsters vs. Aliens screens for free in Hudson River Park
AniMiniCon SoHo

SATURDAY
Ron Marz Signing at Midtown Comics
AniMiniCon SoHo

SUNDAY
Tales from Earthsea Premieres
AniMiniCon SoHo

For details, times, directions and more, visit nerdyorkcity.com.

The Coolest Thing I Saw At Comic-Con

This is the coolest thing I saw at San Diego Comic-Con -- the new Star Wars: The Old Republic trailer. Specifically the 3:37 mark.

Geronimo!

There's a Doctor Who marathon going on all day, and the finale -- The Big Bang -- explodes tonight at 9 PM on BBC America! What are you watching tonight?

Not in San Diego? Swing by Midtown Comics!

Not at San Diego Comic-Con right now? Didn't go at all? Or perhaps you did and then took a red eye home to see Walking With Dinosaurs with your girlfriend. Either way, if you're in NYC right now, hit up Midtown Comics in Times Square for a little Not At Comic-Con Party -- sponsored by Dark Horse Comics and Red Bull. The event runs from 3 to 5 PM.

For details, visit www.midtowncomics.com. For similar events, check out www.nerdyorkcity.com.

If you swing by Midtown, let us know how many Red Bulls you pound. (We'll be at Walking With Dinosaurs.)

Caturday!

It's true.

Win Clash of The Titans from NYCC

New York Comic Con and Warner Bros. are giving away Blu ray/DVD combo packs of Clash of the Titans! How do you win your very own Blu ray/DVD combo pack? Just use the hashtag #TitansClash in your conversations on Twitter.  We'll be selecting winners at random from all those who tweet out this hashtag. 

10 Winners Will Receive The Following:

- 10 Blu ray/DVD combo packs

The Rules of The Game:

- Follow @ny_comic_con on Twitter

- Send tweets – any tweets – with the hashtag #TitansClash between now and 11:59 PM EST on July 27

- @ny_comic_con will be direct messaging the winners between July 30 and August 2 with how to get their prize

Full SWCV Art Show Artist List!

Over the past few months, we've been revealing the scores of artists who'll be appearing at Star Wars Celebration V -- just a few weeks away now -- and we're proud now to put together the entire list. Celebration's Artists will be appearing on the show floor, either in dedicated booths or in the ACME Art Show. All will be offering exclusive, limited prints made only for SWCV.

Ben Curtis Jones
Brent Woodside
Brian Rood
Cat Staggs
Chris Trevas
Clark Mitchell
Craig Howell
Dave Dorman
David Rabitte
Doug Cowan
Erik Maell
Grant Gould
JAKe
Jamie Snell
Jan Duursema
Jason Palmer
Jeff Carlisle
Jerry Vanderstelt
Joe Corroney
John Alvin
Katie Cook
Ken Lashley
Ken Phipps
Ken Steacy
Kevin Graham
Kyle Babbitt
Leah Mangue
Lee Kohse
Malcolm Tween
Marc Wolfe
Mark McHaley
Matt Busch
Michael Golden
Monte Moore
Ralph McQuarrie
Robert Hendrickson
Russell Walks
Scott Erwert
Spencer Brinkerhoff III
Steve Anderson
Tim Proctor
Tom Hodges
Tsuneo Sanda
William O’Neill

The art to the right is Lee Kohse's exclusive print. For all the prints and all the details visit...

http://www.starwarscelebration.com/en/Art-Show/

Star Wars Speed Dating!

Looking for love in all the wrong Cantinas? Come join us at SWCV for Star Wars Speed Dating, filled with good music, great company, and the thrilling potential to meet your own Angel of Iego, or Han Solo! Really. Really, really. SWCV's blind dates last three minutes, but if sparks fly, you're set for a lifetime of love. Two sessions will be held, one on Thursday, August 12th and the other on Saturday, August 14th. Sessions are free for CV attendees, and attendees can register on-site, but to guarantee a place, please sign up online by August 1. At both sessions, host Gi-Ganakin and his intergalactic crew will take you through the easy process of finding your ideal mate at SWCV. Music will be spun by DJ MadKidJedi, with ice-breaking assistance from TD-2709, otherwise known as the Scout Trooper of Love! (Note: This event is for only for Celebration V attendees 18 and over.)

For all the details, click here...

http://www.starwarscelebration.com/en/Events/Star-Wars-Speed-Dating/

Robotech Celebrates 25 Years at NYAF and NYCC! Tommy Yune Comes To Celebrate!

New York Comic Con and the New York Anime Festival are being held together this year. There are some things at the events that'll definitely skew toward anime fans, and there are other elements of the shows that'll appeal more to comics readers. Today, though, we've got a little something that'll pique the interests of both. Robotech turns 25 this year. Yup, 25 years of Rick Hunter, Veritechs, and Protoculture, and to celebrate, Tommy Yune -- Robotech's Creative Director -- will be at the shows, speaking about the past, present, and future of the Robotech saga.

Tommy Yune has worked for over a decade in the comic book and video game industries. His early game development experience includes character design of the pioneering 3D fighting game FX Fighter for the Nintendo SuperFX chip and conceptual design of the award-winning Journeyman Project series. He also wrote and illustrated comic book titles such as Speed Racer, Racer X, Robotech, and Danger Girl: Kamikaze. He now oversees Robotech’s new developments, including Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles, which completed production in 2006.

Star Wars Artists at Celebration V!

Star Wars artists of extraordinary vision will be exhibiting and selling their original prints at Celebration V. We've announced a few rounds of guest artists previously, and we're now proud to reveal another ten names who'll be appearing...

Malcolm Tween
Ken Phipps
William O’Neill
Clark Mitchell
Erik Maell
Craig Howell
Robert Hendrickson
Jeff Carlisle
Matt Busch
Spencer Brinkerhoff III

Mitchell's exclusive print accompanies this story, and you can see all the prints and all the bios online at the Art Show page at starwarscelebration.com. All our guest artists will be appearing either in the Celebration Exhibition Hall or the ACME Art Show.

Star Wars Costume Contest Walk-In Entries

Have you spent the past year creating the ultimate suit of Mandalorian armor? Or do you prefer to simply wrap a bath towel around yourself and claim to be a Jedi? Either way, Star Wars costumers both veteran and amateur are invited to join in for two exciting costume contests at Star Wars Celebration! With two Costume Pageants to showcase the finest costumes in the galaxy, you’ll have more opportunities to model your finery. So make plans to either enter or attend these exciting events!

Celebration's Costume Pageants will be held on Thursday afternoon, August 12, from 4 to 6 PM and Sunday afternoon, August 15, from 3 to 5 PM. And while most slots in the contests have been filled by pre-registration, a select number will remain open for walk-in participants. Want to show off Amidala's finest gown or a screen-accurate Wedge Antilles flight suit but haven't signed up? Come out to room W103AB on Thursday or Sunday mornings from 12 noon to 1 PM. We'll be admitting costumers first come, first served into the competitions both days!

Get Inked! For The Empire!

The Star Wars tattoo program at Celebration V is back, and this time with a new twist. Starting next week, you’ll be able to make an appointment with one of a selection of renowned tattoo artists who will be tattooing live at the event in Orlando. All four days of the show fans can also drop in to see if there is time available to get that awesome Star Wars tattoo they have always wanted.

What better place to get a permanent memento of Star Wars fandom than at the biggest Star Wars Party this side of the Galaxy? Marc Draven is heading up the Celebration live tattoo area. Check back next week for appointment information.

Shane Turgeon, author of The Force in the Flesh, is returning to Celebration to coordinate another fantastic Star Wars tattoo show, schedule for Sunday morning, August 15. Sign up for the event at the Celebration V Tattoo Pavilion on the show floor.

While you are there, check out the many skateboard decks designed and painted by exceptional artists. The decks will be auctioned off for charity at the Celebration Make A Wish Auction Sunday afternoon. Turgeon is coordinating “The Empire Skates Back” project, and has contacted some incredible talent to create these decks. Rare, one-of-a-kind works of art, they are not to be missed!

Scott Pilgrim Midnight Launches

Like Scott Pilgrim? Don't like sleep? You're in luck, as both Midtown Comics and Jim Hanley's Universe are opening at midnight tonight to sell Scott Pilgrim Vol. 6 at the earliest moment possible. Head out to Midtown's Times Square store or Hanley's Manhattan shop to share in the festivities. Both stores will have additional sales going on for the niteowls, too, but be sure you're hitting up the right stores. (Midtown's Grand Central and Hanley's Staten Island outposts aren't opening early... or is it late?)

Get directions and details at nerdyorkcity.com.

George Lucas! Jon Stewart! On Stage! Date and Time!

When's The Main Event? When are George and Jon coming to CV? The hour-long interview between comedian Jon Stewart and Star Wars creator George Lucas has been the subject of just a million or so emails, and today we're happy to provide answers. The Main Event will happen on Saturday, August 14 on the Celebration Main Stage. The event is currently scheduled for 11:00 AM.

Want to go? No extra ticket (beyond your CV ticket) is needed, but a free wristband is needed for entry. For all the information, please follow this link to a wristband overview...

http://www.starwarscelebration.com/en/Events/Questions-For-George/The-Main-Event-FAQs/

Want to submit a question for George and Jon? You still can, too. Head over to...

http://www.starwarscelebration.com/en/Events/Questions-For-George/

This Week in NYC

Recently, NYCC's Peter Tatara (me) decided to start a website indexing NYC geek-related happenings rather than sleep. This site is nerdyorkcity.com, and here's a simple cheat sheet for Nerd York City's recommendations this week...

ALL WEEK
Game Play: A Celebration of Video Game Performance Art in Brooklyn
NYC Summer Restaurant Week

MONDAY
The China Syndrome screens for free in Bryant Park
Midtown Comics and Jim Hanley's open at midnight for the release of Scott Pilgrim Vol. 6

TUESDAY
The Way Forward for Japanese Industry Corporate Breakfast at Japan Society
Astronomy on the High Line

WEDNESDAY
Speakeasy at the Museum of The City of New York
Romeo + Juliet screens for free in McCarren Park
Inkheart screens for free in Riverside Park
The Proposal screens for free in Hudson River Park
Walking With Dinosaurs begins at Madison Square Garden

THURSDAY
Typographic Comics with James Pannafino at MoCCA

FRIDAY
Madagascar screens for free in Snug Harbor
The Goonies screens for free on The Intrepid
The Great Muppet Caper screens for free in Hudson River Park

SATURDAY
Doctor Who: The Big Bang Premieres on BBC America

SUNDAY
Game Play ends in Brooklyn
Restaurant Week ends
Walking With Dinosaurs ends

For details, times, directions and more, visit nerdyorkcity.com.

Go, Speed Racer.

A friend of mine said to me, "whenever Peter Fernandez spoke, there was always a bit of Speed in his voice."

There was. There was always a bit of Speed. And a bit of passion, a bit of adventure, and a bit of youth. Peter Fernandez, the voice of Speed Racer, passed away on July 15th at the age of 83. Part of my job is working with guests. Young guests. Old guests. Hundreds of guests. Some guests I meet only once. Some guests become part of my life. In 2007, when the New York Anime Festival first launched, and discussions began of bringing the voices of Trixie and Speed Racer, I honestly had no clue how to find them. But I did, and I was honored and humbled to have played host to Corinne Orr and Peter Fernandez, and it didn't end there.

Since 2007, I've seen Corinne -- who lives in Manhattan -- every few months. I've fixed her computer, helped her with her taxes, ventured with her to the INS when she became a citizen, and generally eaten at a lot of restaurants. For no particular reason, mostly Greek. The weekend before Peter passed away, though, we were at a Burmese place.

We talked about any number of things, Peter being one of them. The last time I saw him was a year ago, but -- through Corinne -- I kept up. Everyone knows Peter Fernandez as Speed Racer, but -- through Corinne -- I know him, too, as the kindly man who raised chickens in Rockland County. Peter's the immortal voice of Speed Racer, but he was a professional who worked long after the show wrapped, a husband, and so much more, too, and I'm thankful that I was able to see slivers of these other sides of him.

I'll be seeing Corinne again soon. I believe we're going to the Central Park Zoo.

If you have any thoughts, comments, or feelings around Peter and Speed, post them below, and I'll be happy to make sure they find their way to Peter's wife and Corinne Orr.

Caturday!

JapanTown Cool Japan Street Fair this Weekend

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? How about the JapanTown Cool Japan Street fair?

The Cool Japan festival brings New Yorkers a taste of everything "cool" about Japanese culture. From robots to Japanese antiques, cosplay spectacle to mouth-watering Japanese food and sweets galore, visitors of all ages will find something cool about Japan. In addition to fun and games, the JapanTown Cool Japan festival offers visitors a great deal of Japanese street food such as fried soba, okonomiyaki, different varieties of Japanese curry, and Japanese sweets including yakimochi, ices, pastries, and Japanese ice cream. Food vendors include locals such as Otafuku, Cafe Zaiya. Curry-Ya, Go! Go! Curry, and Go Restaurant. International brands such as Hisamitsu are to distribute samples of its products as well.

DATE: July 17, 2010
LOCATION: 4th Ave between 8th and 10th Sts, New York, NY 10003
WEBSITE: http://www.nyjapantown.org/
PRICE: Free

SWCV Bounty Hunt

Ever wanted to be a bounty hunter? Think you’re as good as Boba Fett, Bossk or Cad Bane? The Bounty Hunters Guild is looking for the smartest and quickest trackers at Star Wars Celebration V to compete in one of its Bounty Hunt challenges! Three different Bounty Hunt competitions will be offered at Celebration V: Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. Teams of two to four will compete to rack up bounties in each two-hour event by solving clues and searching the Celebration V grounds for their quarry. Brought to you by the minds behind “The Kessel Run” at Celebration IV, the Bounty Hunt will put your Star Wars skills to the test. Will you and your friends be counted among the galaxy’s most notorious bounty hunters?

For all the details and to enter, visit...

http://www.starwarscelebration.com/en/Events/Bounty-Hunt/

Remember, though, no disintegrations!

Exclusive Postmark Thursday at Celebration V!

Fans of Star Wars and collectors of post office memorabilia will have the exclusive opportunity to get a “Celebration Station” postmark on Thursday, August 12 at the Orange County Convention Center!

Featuring Boba Fett on the iconic logo of Celebration V, the postmark was created especially for the convention. Starting at 3:00 PM on Thursday, fans can visit the Celebration Station Post Office in room W221, to purchase commemorative Celebration V postcards, and have their envelopes and postcards stamped with the exclusive postmark.

The Celebration Station post office will be open from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Thursday, August 12 at Star Wars Celebration V! Don’t miss this historic, and commemorative, opportunity!

Celebration Station Post Office
Thursday, August 12
3:00pm – 6:00pm
Room W2212

Commitment Chapel is Live! (And Love!)

For generations, Star Wars has brought people together in friendship, camaraderie, and even romance. Are you an arrogant young Jedi who—secretly—has a forbidden love for a beautiful Senator? Maybe you’re a Princess trying to choose between a scoundrel and a nice guy…who turns out to be your long-lost brother. If so, the Celebration V Commitment Chapel may be just the place for you! No matter what side you’re on, express your allegiance through a fun, one-of-a-kind ceremony tailored to the “Light Side” or the “Dark Side” of the Force. Join the Rebellion or express your devotion to the Empire: This is your destiny!

We announced the Commitment Chapel earlier this summer, and today we’re proud to let you know we’re now booking ceremonies...

http://www.starwarscelebration.com/en/Events/Commitment-Chapel/

Glitch Hunt: The Final Battle!

This is it, loyal cyber-soldiers, the final day of G4's Glitch Hunt! A rather nasty Sith Virus has taken over portions of G4TV.com, StarWarsCelebration.com, and StarWars.com, and we need your help to stop it. And if saving the internet alone wasn't enough, we've got tickets to Star Wars Celebration, an Xbox 360, and other bribes on the table, too.

To get started, click over to www.G4TV.com/glitch now!

Vampires, Angels, and Voice Actors! More NYCC and NYAF Guests Announced!

It's a busy here at ReedPOP HQ. The Star Wars Celebration -- this August in Orlando -- just announced Mr. Mark Hamill will be coming to the show. Excited? If you want to check it out, head over to starwarscelebration.com. Orlando too far away? No worries. Let's talk about New York Comic Con and the New York Anime Festival, as we've let loose another volley of guests this week...

Comics!
Chris Claremont - Uncanny X-Men, Wolverine, Batman

Movies & TV!
James Marsters - Buffy, Torchwood, Caprica
Katee Sackhoff - Battlestar Galactica, 24
Christopher Judge - Stargate, X-Men: Evolution, Turok.
Ian Whyte - Alien vs. Predator, Clash of The Titans, Solomon Kane
Sarah Douglas - Superman, Space: 1999

Anime!
Rachael Lillis - Pokemon, Utena, Genshiken
Jamie McGonnigal - BECK, Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s
Veronica Taylor - Pokemon, TMNT
Tom Wayland - Utena, GI Joe, Pokemon

Claremont's one of the legendary names that's shaped the X-Men, and we're excited to welcome him now to NYCC. (The dude wrote for Uncanny X-Men for 17 years. 17 YEARS!)

Veronica Taylor, Tom Wayland, Rachael Lillis, and Jamie McGonnigal, are hometown heroes, all voice actors and actresses from right here in NYC. They've attended every NYAF thus far, and we're honored to have them back again to speak about the ever-evolving landscape of anime in America (and NYC).

At least two member of the NYCC team have been hoping and praying for James Masters since NYCC first began, and -- this year -- their prayers have been answered. And, beyond signing in our Autograph Alley, James Marsters will be holding a concert on Saturday night -- with details and tickets coming soon. Swoon.

Finally, Katee Sackhoff, Christopher Judge, Ian Whyte, and Sarah Douglas will all be attending on behalf of Celebrity Authentics. Fans ask and ask and ask about media guests, and while the studios only show their hands very late in the games, thanks to our friends at Celebrity Authentics, we're proud to now begin announcing some of television and film's iconic heroes. Katee and Co. will be signing all weekend in the Celebrity Authentics booth, and more information on them and other Celebrity Authentics guests is coming soon.

SWCV Event Schedule is Live!

Star Wars Celebration is four days of a galaxy far, far away dropped smack dab in the middle of Orlando. But what does that mean, really? It means non-stop presentations, workshops, contests, screenings, and special events in over a dozen stages, panel rooms, and screening rooms. Want to know when Empire Strikes Back is playing? Want to know when to check out the R2 Builders? Or maybe you want to know about the hundreds of other things?

Find out now at...

http://www.starwarscelebration.com/en/Events/Schedule/

We'll be revising and adding to this grid throughout the next four weeks, but start planning YOUR Celebration now!

NYCC and NYAF Special Ticket Packages are Live!

Pssst. NYCC and NYAF Special Ticket Packages are live now at nycomiccon.com and nyanimefestival.com.

Mark Hamill at Celebration V!

You've been waiting for this. We've been waiting for this. Jedi and Sith, Empire and Rebels, we're pleased to reveal actor Mark Hamill, whose portrayal of Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars Saga has captured the imagination of generations of fans, will make his first United States Star Wars Celebration appearance this August 12-15 in Orlando, Florida!

Hamill, whose acting career has encompassed scores of appearances in movies and television shows as well as critically acclaimed appearances on Broadway, will help mark the 30th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back along with legions of fans at the four-day festival at the Orange County Convention Center.

Fans can meet Hamill in person in the Celebration Autograph Hall, run by Official Pix, where he is scheduled to sign autographs Friday and Saturday, with the possibility of extending to additional days. The actor is also scheduled for a rare appearance on the Celebration Stage.

Hamill has starred in such films as Corvette Summer (1978), The Big Red One (1980), and The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia (1981). After the release of Return of the Jedi (1983), he turned his attention to theater. He starred in a number of plays, among them "Amadeus" and "The Elephant Man," before focusing on voice work. He has since lent his talents to countless animated productions, notably "Batman: The Animated Series." Star Wars fans were particularly delighted with his guest appearance on "The Simpsons."

Don't miss Mark Hamill at Star Wars Celebration V!

For more information on Celebration V, go to www.starwarscelebration.com.
For more information about the Celebration Autograph Hall, prices, tickets, and process, please go to www.OfficialPix.com.

Share Your Star Wars Story!

Fans of the Saga will have the unique opportunity to become a part of the Star Wars universe by contributing to Lucasfilm's archive – The Star Wars Stories Project at Star Wars Celebration V this coming August in Orlando. Soliciting movie memories and fan nostalgia, The Stories Project is an ongoing initiative dedicated to chronicling the fan experience by inviting fans - young and old - to share their own anecdotes and experiences through video testimonials. All four days of the convention, fans will have the opportunity to have their fifteen minutes in the spotlight, to tell their story as only they can tell it.

While reserved interview slots for The Stories Project were initially available when the Project was first announced, they've long since filled. This said, what if you didn't get to reserve your time at The Stories Project but have the best story to tell about that time you dressed up as Lobot for Halloween? Or how you named your kids Luke and Leia? The Stories Project will be open to Walk-Ins -- fans without reservations -- all four days as well. To tell your story, just visit room W305 B from 11 AM to 1 PM or 3 PM to 5 PM any day of the convention.

We can't wait to hear your story!

My Super Power

I woke up thinking that if I could have a super power it would be the ability to create musical montages at any time. I’d love to be able to, on a whim, have 9-5 start playing and 2 minutes later my work day is done.

I’ve been on the road nonstop the last month or so and it’s only going to continue. I’m logging miles seeing customers, going to our shows and working to expand ReedPOP into other regions and mediums. In a span of 2 months I’ll have been to Germany, Prague, the UK, Spain, Brazil, LA, Minneapolis, Boston, Maine, San Diego, Orlando, Seattle and who knows where else.

Understand why I’d love for On the Road Again to kick on, and two minutes later I’m home again?

Had questions about the NYCC guest list and if we are too busy on Star Wars Celebration to make announcements and I promise, the guest list is expanding and CV is not stopping that expansion. We usually time guest announcements a little closer to the show than now, but we plan to make announcements through the rest of the summer and then get bigger and more meaty guest announcements at the end of the summer and in early September. This fits with our usually pattern, but we’ll try to kick it up a notch and get some names out there sooner for everyone.

CV is humming along. We have a couple more big announcements to drop on everyone and the first round of programming details will be out this week.

From CV we go right to Boston for our UFC Fan Expo up there and from Boston, just a few weeks later, its PAX Prime in Seattle. It’s a busy summer/fall for us here at ReedPOP, though I don’t think I’d montage through it……

-Lance

The Cultyard at NYCC........

Our main sales dude here at ReedPOP HQ is a fine fella named Larry Settembrini, but more than a sales dude, he is like a curator of the show floor. For the past few months he's been working on a really cool vision for NYCC that would bring in a greater presence of vinyl toys,. street wear, music, art, and general hipness. Well, here is NYCC's curator to tell you himself just what we are announcing today.......

How now! Larry Settembrini here with some really exciting news. Its with great pleasure that I present to you the Cultyard @ NYCC. What is the Cultyard you ask? Well read on....

We've hooked up with a couple of cats from the west coast to help elevate the art, lifestyle, designer toy and urban apparel categories at NYCC this fall. The Cultyard
is a focused pavilion at the show for Art, Design, Collectible Toys, Pop-Tech, and Fashion. New York Comic Con has always had a cool underground vinyl toy area from the likes of Mimoco, Mindstyle, Toy Tokyo, Toy Qube, and myplasticheart among others. 2010 is the year to elevate the scene in NY and give our fans and collectors a cool, chill and fun place to see all of their favorite brands in one place.


I'm also really happy to reveal that the following well-known names from the collectibles space have already pledged to exhibit within The Cultyard pavilion at the show:Tokidoki, Toy Tokyo, DKE, StrangeCo, Tenacious Toys, myplasticheart, Toyqube, andMimoco. Additionally, artists appearing inside The Cultyard at NYCC will already includeSimone Legno, Tara McPherson, and pushead.

Hooking up with Jonathan and Jim (the brainchild of the Cultyard) is something that I'm really excited about. We've gotten tremendous feedback from our friends and partners and I'm super excited to get this baby off the ground.

See you in the Cultyard, Larry Settembrini

How To Upgrade Your NYCC Ticket

Howdy pardners! Have you already jumped on the ticket bandwagon but want to upgrade and get one of our Special Ticket Packages? No problemo! It is actually very easy to upgrade to a Special Ticket Package!

There are a couple of different ways for you to beef up your NYCC/NYAF 2010 experience by upgrading your tickets. If you have already purchased tickets you will be receiving an e-mail this week (sent to the address you used when you bought your tickets) with information and a link to upgrade your tickets. If for some reason you miss the first e-mail with the link don’t sweat it as we will be sending you another reminder right before the special ticket packages go on sale at noon on Thursday July 15th.

If you don’t feel like using the e-mail link we send to you then you can always upgrade your tickets manually. Here are the instructions on how to do it. It’s not a rubik’s cube so don’t be intimidated by all the directions. It is actually really simple. Here are the deets:

-Go to the NYCC or NYAF website
-Click on the “Buy tickets now” link on the upper left side
-Once on the registration page, click on “Check Existing order”
-Fill in your name, email (the same one you used when you purchased your tickets) and zip code and then click continue.
-You will be brought to a page where you can click a button to resend your email confirmation to yourself. Click that button!
-You will then be sent an email that will contain a link to get into your registration and add a special ticket package to it.

There you have it. It’s as simple as that! Just remember that you can’t add a special ticket package until they go on sale at noon on July 15th so don’t try to do it before then as your dreams will be unfulfilled.

Okay so let’s say that you are having a really bad day. You can’t find the e-mail link we sent you. You are too stressed out to follow the directions on upgrading manually and you are freaking out because you just have to grab one of the special ticket packages before they sell out. If all else fails just purchase the special ticket package that you want and then call our customer service department at 1-888-605-6059 in order to get your refund. You should only do this as a last resort as it will take longer to get your refund.

So we have given your three different ways to upgrade your tickets to the special ticket packages. Just to recap here they are:

-Use the link we send you in the e-mail
-Do it yourself manually through our website
-As a last resort just book the package you want and then contact customer service to get your refund

Thanks everybody! We hope you are as excited as we are for the special ticket packages. Get ready to get yours at noon EST on Thursday July 15th. Don’t sleep on these as they will be gone before you know it.

-Lance

Gary Kurtz to Appear at Celebration!

Producer Gary Kurtz will make a first-time appearance in the Celebration Autograph Hall at Star Wars Celebration V! Kurtz, who began his career with writer/director George Lucas as a co-producer on American Graffiti, produced A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back.

In addition to his production duties on Empire, Kurtz shouldered some of the second-unit directing duties of the film. He produced and directed the animated fantasy movie The Dark Crystal, working with Muppet creator Jim Henson and with the creator and voice of Yoda, Frank Oz. Recently Kurtz produced the British television series Friends and Heroes.

Fans at Star Wars Celebration IV in Los Angeles were treated to a first look at the Kurtz-produced ’77, a movie about a young, aspiring moviemaker who gets to go behind the scenes and see some of the making of the magic of the first Star Wars movie.

STAR WARS TICKET MAILING DEADLINE IS TODAY!

Going to Star Wars Celebration? Have you purchased your ticket yet? No? Well, you better step on it. Today -- 11:59 PM EST on July 11th -- is the absolute last day you can order your ticket and have it mailed to your door. If you wait until July 12, you’ll still be able to buy your ticket online, but you’ll need to wait in line on-site to get your physical badge.

Order your Star Wars Celebration tickets at starwarscelebration.com before 11:59 PM EST tonight to get them mailed to your door!

Caturday!

Save The Internet at G4TV.com!

I want to share a little story with you. Two years ago, right before we announced the Venture Bros. were coming to New York Comic Con, we did a little stunt - the Monarch hacked our homepage. Really, we threw up a masthead that was tagged by the Monarch. I thought it was fun. The Venture guys liked it, too. It was a little bit more than just saying Doc and Jackson are coming. The plan was to do a week of the virus, then a week with a Venture Industries Security Patch, and then make the announcement.

Well, a day into all this, the calls began. Customer service started getting bombarded from visitors who were concerned, asking us if the site was safe and if we know someone had hacked it. Really? Yup. Even had a few folks internally get worried.

We explained the stunt, and were aghast that it wasn't immediately obvious. (At the same, we got emails from fans who clearly got the message and got excited.)

We cut the whole thing short.

The point of this story? We haven't really learned anything. Right now, we're running a promotion on starwarscelebration.com, starwars.com, and g4tv.com. The gimmick? A Sith Virus has infected the sites and there are a total of 12 pages spread across em that display glitches. If a fan can find them all, they can win tickets to SWCV, an Xbox 360, and some other goodies, too.

Just to be clear, it's not a real virus. It's a contest. It's fun. You can win stuff. Vader is not trying to infect your computer.

This said, swing by www.g4tv.com/glitch to help save the internet.

STAR WARS TICKET MAILING DEADLINE IS TOMORROW!

Going to Star Wars Celebration? Have you purchased your ticket yet? No? Well, you better step on it. Tomorrow -- Sunday, July 11th at 11:59 PM EST -- is the absolute last moment you can order your ticket and have it mailed to your door. There's no additional cost for postage, and once you get your ticket, just bring it with you and walk right into Celebration without needing to stop at the Registration desks.

Order your Star Wars Celebration tickets at starwarscelebration.com before 11:59 PM EST on July 11th to get them mailed to your door!

Star Wars Celebration V Commemorative Show Guide Cover!

Here’s a quick peek at the art work for the CV commemorative guide, though this really doesn’t do it justice. We’ll have some fancy style treatments figured in and of course what’s inside is what really counts. I’ve been happily thumbing through the proof that made its way to my desk this past week and its going to be really cool. Our pals at LFL have pulled together a beautiful guide, sorry all I can share with you is the cover right now but trust me, its pretty cool…..

You can order yours now by clicking right here or buy em in the show store at CV……

-Lance

More Star Wars Celebration V Merch – These Are For Lovers

Has your relationship lost its spark? Thinking it’s time to renew your vows or perhaps take the romantic weekend trip to a Bed & Breakfast you’ve always talked about? Why bother when all you really need are these awesome CV exclusive t-shirts to put the blast back in your relationship!

Heck, you don’t even need to be in a relationship to buy one or wear one, but they do make a lot more sense as a set. You can order them now and pick them up at the show with a special price, just for lovers…….

Click here to place your order

-Lance

Updated NYCC Ticket Packages

We appreciate all the feedback – and that’s easy to say that when the feedback is positive, but I want you to know that we appreciate it just as much when it is candid. We’ve never claimed to be perfect so when you give us advice, we are happy to listen and whenever possible heed it. In that spirit, we are going to add the benefits of the Special Access Pass to all other ticket packages per the feedback we got from many of you. I’ve copied and pasted the new ticket packages at the end of this post.

As for upgrading, we will have system set up so if you have already bought your weekend pass and want to upgrade to a ticket package, you’ll be refunded or charged less the amount of the ticket you have already purchased. We’ll be sending out details on that process next week.
We are far from perfect over here, but we are always willing to listen to suggestions, ideally these adjustments reinforce our desire to build the show you all want. Will the packages be perfect now? Of course not, but I think they provide a great upgrade for those coming to NYCC that want something extra.

-Lance

Special Access Package
(limited to 350 fans) - $150
For fans who want to be the first on the show floor, want to grab all the exclusives they can carry, and want to keep them safe and sound in a special lounge, look no further than the Special Access Package. You’ll be the first fans into the con each day, and with a separate entrance, you’ll always skip the line no matter when you come back in. Plus, the lounge and coat check will give you places to stow your swag and kick up your feet away from the masses.

-Limited Edition NYCC/NYAF Badge
-First access to the show floor
-Separate entrance to the show floor
-VIP Lounge
-VIP Coat Check
-NYCC or NYAF 2010 poster

IGN Theater Package
(Limited to 100 fans) - $300
The IGN Theater is where NYCC’s and NYAF’s biggest events will be held. From movies and television to the most prolific names from the worlds of comics and anime, it’s all in the IGN, and you won’t need to worry about waiting in line or getting in with this package. The IGN Theater Package will save you a seat for everything in our Special Events Hall all weekend long.

-NYCC/NYAF Weekend Pass
-Guaranteed seating for all events in the IGN Theater/Special Events Hall
-First access to the show floor
-Separate entrance to the show floor
-VIP Lounge
-VIP Coat Check
-NYCC or NYAF 2010 poster

Stan Lee Friday Experience Package -Friday
(Limited to 65 fans) - $400 per ticket
Stan “The Man” Lee. His name is synonymous with comic books. And he’s coming to NYCC. If you’re a disciple of Stan or a soldier in his Twitter army, this Experience Package will assure you time before the master. Stan’s autographings and events will become one of the biggest parts of NYCC, and with this ticket, you’ll not only get to meet Stan the Man, but you’ll get to spend some private time with only him and other VIPs. (Stan is signing both Friday and Saturday, and – as such – this package comes in Friday and Saturday varieties.)

-NYCC/NYAF Weekend Pass
-Meet-and-Greet with Stan Lee on Friday, October 8
-Autograph from Stan Lee
-Stan Lee PopFun Collector’s Glass
-Signed Stan Lee and J. Scott Campbell Lithograph
-Guaranteed seating in all of Stan Lee’s panels
-First access to the show floor
-Separate entrance to the show floor
-VIP Lounge
-VIP Coat Check
-NYCC or NYAF 2010 poster

Stan Lee Saturday Experience Package -Saturday
(Limited to 65 fans) - $400 per ticket

-NYCC/NYAF Weekend Pass
-Meet-and-Greet with Stan Lee on Saturday, October 9
-Autograph from Stan Lee
-Stan Lee PopFun Collector’s Glass
-Signed Stan Lee and J. Scott Campbell Lithograph
-Guaranteed seating in all of Stan Lee’s panels
-First access to the show floor
-Separate entrance to the show floor
-VIP Lounge
-VIP Coat Check
-NYCC or NYAF 2010 poster

Minori Chihara Concert and Masquerade Experience
(Limited to 200 fans) - $150 per ticket
Minori Chihara is best known as the voice of Yuki Nagato in The Melancholy of Haruhi Suyuzmiya. But did you know she’s a singer, too? Ms. Chihara has performed voices and songs in over 40 anime series – and she’ll be contributing the theme song to the upcoming Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya movie coming later this year. With this package, you’re guaranteed to hear her voice as she sings some of her favorite songs Saturday night at NYAF. And, not only does this ticket include reserved seating for her concert, but it also guarantees seating for the Masquerade following Ms. Chihara’s performance!

-NYAF/NYCC Weekend Pass
-Guaranteed, reserved seating for NYAF Concert, Saturday night in the IGN/Theater/Special Events Hall
-Guraranteed, reserved seating for the Masquerade, Saturday night in the IGN Theater/Special Events Hall
-First access to the show floor
-Separate entrance to the show floor
-VIP Lounge
-VIP Coat Check
-NYCC or NYAF 2010 poster

Special Ticket Packages go on sale on July 15th at 12 Noon EST. Standard tickets for NYCC and NYAF are already available and may currently be purchased at www.nycomiccon.com or www.nyanimefestival.com.

Attack of The Prizes

Star Wars Celebration's running contests with our friends at Cartoon Network, Spike, and G4 right now. We're giving away tickets, toys, an Xbox, and a Dream Suite. Have you entered?

If not, please do, as I've got a stack of prizes that need to be mailed. Seriously, I can barely get to my desk.

More Star Wars Artists at Celebration V!

Star Wars artists of extraordinary vision will be exhibiting and selling their original prints at Celebration V. We last month listed the first score of artists who'll be appearing, and today we're proud to reveal the second. Each of the artists listed here will have a limited number of prints available, created exclusively for the show, for sale August 12-15 as part of the Celebration Art Show.

Brent Woodside
Russell Walks
Ken Steacy
Jamie Snell
Tsuneo Sanda
Brian Rood
Tim Proctor
Monte Moore
Lee Kohse
Michael Golden
Scott Erwert
John Alvin

The image accompanying this post is Tsuneo Sanda's original print for SWCV. See all their bios and prints at starwarscelebration.com!

Voice Actress Minori Chihara Comes To NYAF!

NYAF and Bandai Entertainment are today proud to announce Japanese voice actress and singer Minori Chihara will be appearing at the 2010 New York Anime Festival as a Guest of Honor. Ms. Chihara is most well-known as the voice of Yuki Nagato in The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. Her appearance at NYAF will include panel sessions, autograph signings, a concert, and an introduction to the new film The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya.

And in addition to voicing Yuki Nagato in the new Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya film, Ms. Chihara also performs its theme song, "Yasashii Boukyaku". Ms. Chihara's additional starring roles include Chiaki Minami in Minami-ke, Kagura Tsuchimiya in Ga-Rei -Zero-, Toka Ryumonbuchi in Saki, Aya Natsume in Tenjho Tenge, Minami Iwasaki in Lucky Star, Toa in Dragonaut, and Raquel Mayol in My-Otome 0~S.ifr~.

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya proves again and again to win new fans, and we're excited now, four years after the original premiere of the series, to have Ms. Chihara with us as we present the newest chapter of the saga -- The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya. Ms. Chihara has a brilliant voice and amazing talent, and while I know fans across America have become familiar with her on television screens, we want fans to discover her again, this time face-to-face, at the New York Anime Festival.

Ms. Chihara's full schedule will be announced later this summer, and it will include both panel sessions and autograph signings. Bandai will present a special screening of The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya at NYAF, with Ms. Chihara welcoming fans to the premiere. On Saturday, October 9, Ms. Chihara will perform a concert at NYAF. General admission to Ms. Chihara's concert is free and first-come, first-served. For fans wishing to guarantee a seat, paid, reserved seating will be available via the Tickets page at www.newyorkanimefestival.com starting at 12 Noon EST on July 15th.

And now a little more about Ms. Chihara...

Birthday: November 18th
Astrological Sign: Scorpio
Blood Type: B
Hobby: Cleaning the house
Licenses: Calligraphy 4th degree, Penmanship 3rd degree, Chairman of the Committee to Promote Tyrol Chocolate with Kinako Mochi filling (self appointed)
Personality: Shy, indecisive, stubborn
Personal treasure: Family
Happiest moment: Bath time
Place you most want to visit: Okinawa
Animal you're most like: Cat
Favorite perfume: Ultramarine
Favorite fruit: Pears
Favorite food: Chocolate, boiled shrimp, salmon
Favorite book: "Initiation Love" by Kurumi Inui
Favorite artists: Yutaka Ozaki, B'z

STAR WARS TICKET MAILING DEADLINE IS SUNDAY!

Remember, Sunday, July 11th at 11:59 PM EST is the absolute last moment you can order your Star Wars Celebration ticket and have it mailed to your door. There's no additional cost for postage, and once you get your ticket, just bring it with you and walk right into Celebration without needing to stop at the Registration desks. If you wait until July 12, you’ll still be able to buy your ticket online, but you’ll need to wait in line on-site to get your physical badge. Now, would you rather spend your first morning at SWCV waiting in line to get your ticket – or would you rather spend it on the show floor, in a laser tag battle with Stormtroopers, checking out acclaimed Star Wars artists in our art show, or meeting Ben Burtt, Ray Park, and Carrie Fisher?

Order your Star Wars Celebration tickets at starwarscelebration.com before 11:59 PM EST on July 11th to get them mailed to your door!

Just A Few NYCC Guests...

Stan Lee’s coming to NYCC! John Romita, Sr. and Jr. are coming, too! But, who else will be there? As we’re getting into the summer, we’re getting into Guest Season. Fanboys and fangirls, welcome the first crop of comics guests who’ll appear at NYCC 2010. We’ve got a lot of returning faces in the list, as well as some old friends we haven’t seen in a while – such as a little artist named Adam Hughes. Big huzzah and kudos to all the creators who’ll be spending October 8-10 with us. And, this is just the start stay tuned all summer long for more and more announcements...

Adam Hughes
Allison Sohn
Amanda Conner
Jimmy Palmiotti
Steve McNiven
Steve Epting
Michael Golden
Mark Texeira
Renee Witterstaetter
Bob Layton
Whilce Portacio
Jim Valentino
Ben Templesmith
Peter Tomasi
Khoi Pham
Greg Pak
Fred Van Lente
Ryan Dunlavey
Ivan Reis

Troop-Athlon Races Back to Celebration V!

The World Cup is almost over, but the Troop-Athlon has yet to begin!

The stormtroopers of the 501st Legion are back at Star Wars Celebration V for what could truly be called worldwide games. The 501st Legion Troop-Athlon, scheduled for Friday, August 13th during Star Wars Celebration V, will bring together groups of armor-clad troopers from all over, for a friendly competitions to see which Garrison will reign supreme.

This is a fast-paced competition between teams of fully armored troopers who will race – or stumble – their way through a series of challenges that test their skills. Not only their skills, but their skills while wearing armor. Bring your cameras and your younglings to this event for fans of all ages - featuring everything from an “Ewok Toss” to stormtroopers on Segway “speeders.” There will be plenty of prize give-aways throughout the event for lucky audience members.

“Can’t see, can’t sit, can’t shoot: Let the games begin!”

Warwick Davis Comes To SWCV!

SWCV's please to announce film and television actor and seasoned Celebration host Warwick Davis will attend Celebration V, signing autographs and meeting fans in the Celebration Autograph Hall. Davis, who has frequently hosted at the Celebrations, will be able to spend more time with fans at the show in Orlando. Always a favorite with audiences, Davis will also appear on stage to share stories about his fascinating career, and entertain questions from the audience.

Davis has been well known to Star Wars fans since his career-starting performance as Wicket the Ewok in Return of the Jedi, and in the television films Ewoks: Battle for Endor and Caravan of Courage. The young actor moved to a leading role soon after, portraying the title character in Willow. Warwick returned to the galaxy far, far away in 1997 with several roles in The Phantom Menace.

Outside of the realms of Star Wars Davis, has had scores of roles on stage, television, and the big screen. He is currently shooting a new comedy sitcom for the BBC with Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant titled “Life’s Too Short.” Davis is in the core cast of the Harry Potter movies as Filius Flitwick and the Goblin bank teller, and portrayed Nikabrik in Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian. He is a cult favorite as the evil title character in six Leprechaun films. Davis appeared alongside David Bowie in Labyrinth, with Jamie Foxx in the multi-award-winning film Ray, and alongside Ricky Gervais in TV’s Extras.

In 1995 Davis established Willow Personal Management, "The Biggest Agency for Short Actors in the World." For more on the talented actor and his many projects, go to http://www.warwickdavis.co.uk.

Photo by Joe McDonald

NYCC and NYAF VIP Ticket Details!

A month ago we teased the Special Ticket Packages for NYCC and NYAF. Today, we're revealing the details. And -- next week -- noon EST on July 15, they're going on sale. First, a word: General tickets to both conventions are available now and provide attendees access to the show floor, panels, screenings, autographing, and guests. You can get into 99% of everything that goes on, but for fans wanting additional perks, earlier access, or guaranteed seats, NYCC’s and NYAF’s special packages offer added benefits to both shows. Ranging from general packages which supply convenience for fans who seek easy access, to reserved seating for NYAF’s Saturday Night concert, to a Stan Lee Dream Package which supplies exclusive merchandise and a meet-and-greet with Stan Lee, the NYCC and NYAF Special Ticket Packages are designed for fans wishing to get more from the cons.

We listen to our fans and adjust our upgraded tickets every year based on attendee wants and need. This year, we’ve created a number of different packages in order to suit individual tastes and interests. Rather than offer a one-size-fits-all package, we’ve tailored multiple packages to serve the breadth of our fanbase. We want people to have the con experience that they are looking for and these packages allow people to have the flexibility to choose the experience they want.

NYCC and NYAF encourage attendees to buy their packages early as quantities are limited – and Special Ticket Packages have sold out in the past.

Special Access Package (limited to 350 fans) - $150
For fans who want to be the first on the show floor, want to grab all the exclusives they can carry, and want to keep them safe and sound in a special lounge, look no further than the Special Access Package. You’ll be the first fans into the con each day, and with a separate entrance, you’ll always skip the line no matter when you come back in. Plus, the lounge and coat check will give you places to stow your swag and kick up your feet away from the masses.

-Limited Edition NYCC/NYAF Badge
-First access to the show floor
-Separate entrance to the show floor
-VIP Lounge
-VIP Coat Check
-NYCC or NYAF 2010 poster

IGN Theater Package (Limited to 100 fans) - $300
The IGN Theater is where NYCC’s and NYAF’s biggest events will be held. From movies and television to the most prolific names from the worlds of comics and anime, it’s all in the IGN, and you won’t need to worry about waiting in line or getting in with this package. The IGN Theater Package will save you a seat for everything in our Special Events Hall all weekend long.

-NYCC/NYAF Weekend Pass
-Guaranteed seating for all events in the IGN Theater/Special Events Hall

Stan Lee Friday Experience Package (Limited to 65 fans) - $400 per ticket
Stan “The Man” Lee. His name is synonymous with comic books. And he’s coming to NYCC. If you’re a disciple of Stan or a soldier in his Twitter army, this Experience Package will assure you time before the master. Stan’s autographings and events will become one of the biggest parts of NYCC, and with this ticket, you’ll not only get to meet Stan the Man, but you’ll get to spend some private time with only him and other VIPs. (Stan is signing both Friday and Saturday, and – as such – this package comes in Friday and Saturday varieties.)

-NYCC/NYAF Weekend Pass
-Meet-and-Greet with Stan Lee on Friday, October 8
-Autograph from Stan Lee
-Stan Lee PopFun Collector’s Glass
-Signed Stan Lee and J. Scott Campbell Lithograph
-Guaranteed seating in all of Stan Lee’s panels

Stan Lee Saturday Experience Package (Limited to 65 fans) - $400 per ticket

-NYCC/NYAF Weekend Pass
-Meet-and-Greet with Stan Lee on Saturday, October 9
-Autograph from Stan Lee
-Stan Lee PopFun Collector’s Glass
-Signed Stan Lee and J. Scott Campbell Lithograph
-Guaranteed seating in all of Stan Lee’s panels

NYAF Concert and Masquerade Experience (Limited to 200 fans) - $150 per ticket
The New York Anime Festival will present a concert on Saturday night featuring a Japanese voice actress you may have heard of. We’ll be announcing her name in the coming days, but start getting ready now. She has performed voices and songs in over 40 anime series, and with this package, you’re guaranteed to hear her voice as she sings some of her favorite songs Saturday night at NYAF. And, not only does this ticket include reserved seating for her concert, but it also guarantees seating for the Masquerade following the performance!

-NYAF/NYCC Weekend Pass
-Guaranteed, reserved seating for NYAF Concert, Saturday night in the IGN/Theater/Special Events Hall
-Guraranteed, reserved seating for the Masquerade, Saturday night in the IGN Theater/Special Events Hall

Special Ticket Packages go on sale on July 15th at 12 Noon EST. Standard tickets for NYCC and NYAF are already available and may currently be purchased at www.nycomiccon.com or www.nyanimefestival.com.

STAR WARS TICKET MAILING DEADLINE IS SUNDAY!

Going to Star Wars Celebration? Have you purchased your ticket yet? No? Well, you better step on it. Sunday, July 11th at 11:59 PM EST is the absolute last moment you can order your ticket and have it mailed to your door. There's no additional cost for postage, and once you get your ticket, just bring it with you and walk right into Celebration without needing to stop at the Registration desks. If you wait until July 12, you’ll still be able to buy your ticket online, but you’ll need to wait in line on-site to get your physical badge. Now, would you rather spend your first morning at SWCV waiting in line to get your ticket – or would you rather spend it on the show floor, in a laser tag battle with Stormtroopers, checking out acclaimed Star Wars artists in our art show, or meeting Ben Burtt, Ray Park, and Carrie Fisher? You don’t need a Jedi Mind Trick to help you figure out the right answer.

Order your Star Wars Celebration tickets at starwarscelebration.com before 11:59 PM EST on July 11th to get them mailed to your door!

G4 Star Wars Glitch Hunt!

This August, the Star Wars universe merges with our own when Star Wars Celebration V comes to Orlando, FL. The ultimate Star Wars party, from August 12-15, it's a festival for fans of the Star Wars movies, television series, toys, games, and more. Of course, while the Star Wars universe spilling into our own means an influx of Jedi, it also means an invasion of Sith Lords, Smugglers, and Bounty Hunters. In fact, this invasion's already started to take hold of the internet and a Sith Virus is starting to spread, causing glitches across G4TV.com, StarWars.com, and StarWarsCelebration.com.

We need your help to track it down.

There are twelve pages spread across G4TV.com, StarWars.com, and StarWarsCelebration.com that have been infected with this Sith Virus, and if you can decipher the clues, find the pages, and locate the glitches, you'll have helped us save the internet. And you'll have a chance to win a few prizes, too!

One First Prize Winner takes home two pairs of 4-Day tickets to SWCV, two pairs of tickets to Last Tour to Endor at Disney's Hollywood Studios, a Gentle Giant Statue, and a new Xbox 360 Slim from G4.

Ten Second Prize Winners take home a pair of 4-Day tickets to SWCV, a retro Empire Strikes Back action figure from Hasbro, and a limited edition G4 “Geek” shirt.

Five Third Prize Winners take home one 4-Day ticket to SWCV.

Want to enlist? Visit www.G4TV.com/glitch to get started and help us track this virus down!

AniMiniCon SoHo

The SoHo Gallery for Digital Art at 138 Sullivan St. in NYC is hosting a mini anime con at the end of the month. Not going to Otakon? Take a look at http://www.sohodigart.com/ANIMINICON/ for info on the SoHo Gallery's upstart anime event.

Nimble Strong! On iPhones Today!

TheOtaku.com's a fantastic site, pulling together anime artists from around the world, and we're proud to partner with them for NYAF's mascot contest and generally silly stuff around the show. Of course, Adam, the guy behind the site could just be sitting back and watching the site grow. But he's not. Nope.

After almost two years of hard work, Adam's proud to reveal he's been building an iPhone game (and iPod and iPad). What kind of game is it? Basically Phoenix Wright Meets Bartending. Yup. Really.

The game features anime-inspired art, a 3-hour long story, is narrated by Kyle Hebert (the voice of Kiba from Naruto, Gohan from Dragon Ball Z, and Ryu from Street Fighter IV), and will teach you how to make 70+ of the most classic cocktails ever devised.

Seriously. To see a video of the game in action, check out www.nimblestrong.com.

We've seen Adam hard at work on the game throughout its development, and it's amazing to come to today and see it live and in the wild.

Bravo, Adam!

Caturday

Oh, Japan, never change. By way of io9.com.

LEGO Store Grand Opening!

This weekend sees the first weekend of operation of two LEGO Stores in NYC! Both held their grand openings this week, and both feature some awesome, giant centerpieces. The Rock Center LEGO Store's got this larger than life Biggle Apple out front. Meanwhile, the Queens Center LEGO Store's got a giant R2-D2.

Last Airbender Day at Kinokuniya

A blurry Dave Roman and Alison Wilgus - authors of The Last Airbender: Zuko's Story - at Last Airbender Day right now at NYC's Kinokuniya Bookstore.

Sound Legend Ben Burtt at Celebration V!

SWCV's pleased to wrap up the week before July 4th Weekend this this wee bit of news, a Star Wars legend who'll be making his first autographing appearaince at a Star Wars Celebration... Mr. Ben Burtt!

Ben Burtt, the sound designer and supervising sound editor of the Star Wars Saga, will attend Star Wars Celebration V this August. In addition to appearing on the stages to talk about his work in the movies and the industry, Burtt will make a first-ever appearance in the Celebration Autograph Hall, meeting fans and signing autographs each day of the show. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet one of the true icons of Star Wars and of the sound industry.

Burtt is an innovative legend in sound editing and design, and his work has been emulated by aspiring sound artists and editors for years. Fans at Celebration V can hear from Burtt on stage in special interview and question and answer sessions. He will also appear to discuss the upcoming book Star Wars: Sounds From a Galaxy Far, Far Away..., scheduled for release this fall. The book, which highlights his pioneering sounds for Star Wars, is written by J.W. Rinzler and published by Chronicle.

An accomplished filmmaker, Burtt has written, directed and served as film editor on a vast array of projects during the twenty years since Star Wars was originally released in 1977. He has worked with George Lucas on all four Indiana Jones movies and Willow. Burtt is a multiple academy award winner, with Oscars for A New Hope, Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T., Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and nominations for many more.

Recently Burtt designed and edited the sound for Star Trek, and is widely applauded for designing the voices for WALL-E, including the voice for heart-stealing main character of that film.

Collect Them All! Collectibles Free at CV Collecting Panels

SWCV is pleased to reveal this year's give-away at Gus Lopez's Collecting Panels. For fans lining up to get the inside scoop on Star Wars collecting, we've got two scoops of awesome.

From Gus... “We are thrilled to announce the exclusive giveaways. In addition to listening to fascinating talks and panels by some of the leading experts on Star Wars collecting, attendees will receive collectible cereal boxes based on Star Wars character "cereal brands" highlighting each of the sixteen panel topics.”

Chris Georgoulias led the effort working with collectors, sponsors, and artists, who contributed to the concepts, funding, and artwork of this completely fan-sponsored giveaway. There are sixteen cereal boxes to collect, one for each panel, and they are exclusive to Celebration V. The boxes will be handed out at a random times during each panel and will be absolutely free.

Puffy AmiYumi to Perform At NYAF!

Since 2008, the New York Anime Festival along with our friends at Superglorious, have presented the Far East To East Showcase FETES -- a night of music that brings together musical artists from both America and Japan, focusing on the borderlessness of song, and creating an evening appealing to anime fans, audiophiles, and casual New Yorkers interested in something new. Superglorious and NYAF are today proud to reveal this year's FETES will be taking place on Sunday, October 10 in the historic Irving Plaza (East 15th Street, New York, NY) for the first time, and we'll be presenting a roster of performers fully befitting the hallowed concert hall.

Like who? We'll, if you didn't figure it out by the title, Puffy AmiYumi will be headlining the event!

An eclectic, awesome, and prolific musical duo, Puffy AmiYumi, composed of singers Ami Onuki and Yumi Yoshimura, debuted in 1996 with the million selling single Asia No Junshin. Since then, their music has made them household names in Japan, leading to numerous hit songs, commercial appearances, and even their own television show. In 2000, Puffy AmiYumi began releasing albums and touring in the US. In 2004, Cartoon Network created an original cartoon, Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi, which became one of the most watched cartoons in the world -- having been broadcast in 110 different countries. In 2006, Puffy AmiYumi were appointed the Goodwill Ambassadors of the Visit Japan Campaign for the US. In 2009, Puffy AmiYumi performed in Europe for the first time in front of 5,000+ people in Paris's Japan Expo. In the same year, they sang the theme song to the Naruto film Naruto Shippuden 3: Inheritors of the Will of Fire. Their latest album, Bring it!, includes All Because Of You and I Don’t Wanna written by Avril Lavigne and her producer Butch Walker, Hiyori Hime written by the Japanese female rock icon Sheena Ringo, the theme song to the new Genji anime series, and other songs written by numerous stellar song writers.

Puffy AmiYumi will be appearing at the New York Anime Festival and New York Comic Con throughout the weekend for panel discussions and autograph signings before taking the stage on Sunday night at Irving Plaza. Tickets to FETES are $22 in advance and $25 at the doors. Tickets can be ordered at Irving Plaza's Box Office or via Ticketmaster starting July 9th.

Keep your eyes peeled as FETES will be announcing further details and additional acts throughout the summer.

For more, visit...

www.superglorious.com
www.puffyamiyumi.com

Spike Star Wars 4th of July Trivia Contest!

Do you have plans for this weekend? Sun and fun? Or are you the kind of person who prefers to draw the shades, flip on the AC, and travel to a galaxy far, far away? If so, you're not alone, and Spike and Star Wars Celebration V are here to help get you there. Spike is presenting the complete Star Wars Saga - all six movies - on July 3rd and 4th, and throughout the marathon, Star Wars Celebration V is presenting a series of trivia questions. If you can answer all six, you'll have proven yourself a Jedi Master and be entered to win fabulous prizes, including tickets to Star Wars Celebration V this August in Orlando!

What's up for grabs? One First Prize winner takes home Two Four-Day tickets to Celebration V in Orlando, Florida, Two tickets to Last Tour to Endor event at Disney's Hollwood Studios, an Empire Strikes Back Limited Edition Collectible Statue, and Star Wars Original Trilogy and Prequel Trilogy DVD Sets. Four Second Prize winners get Two tickets to Last Tour to Endor event at Disney's Hollwood Studios, a Darth Vader Back Buddy Plush Backpack from Comic Images, a Stormtrooper iPhone Cover from G8R, a Limited Edition Empire Strikes Back Cap by Get Sum Gear, and a Gentle Giant collectible statue. 20 Third Prize winners receive a Hasbro 'Vintage Collection' Empire Strikes Back action figure and Spike Star Wars Poster.

How do you enter? Just watch Star Wars on Spike this weekend, catch the trivia questions on-screen, and then head back to www.starwarscelebration.com to enter! And, to make it easy, here's Spike's schedule...

Saturday, July 3rd:
* 12 PM ET - Episode 1: The Phantom Menace
* 3 PM ET- Episode 2: Attack of The Clones
* 10 PM ET - Episode 3: Revenge of The Sith
* 1 AM ET - Episode 4: A New Hope

Sunday, July 4th
* 9 AM ET - Episode 1: The Phantom Menace
* 12 PM ET - Episode 2: Attack of The Clones
* 3 PM ET - Episode 3: Revenge of The Sith
* 6 PM ET - Episode 4: A New Hope
* 9 PM ET - Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back
* 12 AM ET - Episode 6: Return of The Jedi

You have until 11:59 PM EST on July 11th to enter. Good luck, and May the Force be with you!