Cable Networks Ready for Comic-Con
By | July 3, 2012
Comic-Con is rapidly becoming a must-attend event for cable networks. Traditionally known for costumes and comic books, the convention has since transformed into a mecca for pop culture. One network looking to capitalize on all the fantasy and fun at this year’s con is G4, which plans to air live footage of celebrity interviews, breaking news and exclusive coverage from the show floor. In addition, it’s offering complete coverage via its website (http://g4tv.com/comiccon), with video interviews, movie and TV trailers in HD, photo galleries, game previews and news.
While G4 is one of the few networks to showcase Comic Con events on air, other nets have not taken a back seat. Here is a look at what a handful are doing for the convention:
Nickelodeon will have panels featuring its shows "T.U.F.F. Puppy / The Fairly OddParents," "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," "The Legend of Korra" and "SpongeBob SquarePants." All will have creator/cast appearances. There will be character appearances, giveaways and sweeps to win an exclusive "Winx" “Gold” Bloom doll, and possibly a character signing by the Power Rangers cast.
Cartoon Network has planned to offer a life-sized, interactive recreation of the living room from "Regular Show." This booth will also serve as a backdrop for fans to record birthday messages in celebration of the network’s 20th year. While "Regular Show" and "Adventure Time" will take the spotlight, Cartoon Network will host star-studded panels and signings along with other featured series "Ben 10:Omniverse", "Annoying Orange," "Dreamworks Dragons: Riders of Berk," "Level Up," "Star Wars: The Clone Wars," "MAD" and many more.
Adult Swim will host panels for: "The Venture Bros," "NTSF: SD: SUV::" (National Terrorism Strike Force: San Diego: Sport Utility Vehicle::), "Robot Chicken," "Aqua Something You Know Whatever/Squidbillies," and "Black Dynamite." The network’s signings will take place throughout the weekend at the Adult Swim and WB booths. The net will also host a huge fan concert event on Friday featuring Dethklok, an animated death metal band, from the show "Metalocalypse."
Returning to Comic Con for the fourth year in a row, USA will bring fan favorite "Psych." At the show’s panel on Thursday, July 12, the entire cast will be present. Joining the cast will be creator and executive producer Steve Franks and executive producers Chris Henke and Kelly Kulchak.
TNT’s "Falling Skies" will be making an appearance at the convention with a cast panel and signings on Friday, July 13. The panel will be moderated by Wil Wheaton ("Star Trek," "Leverage").
The cast and producers of AMC’s "The Walking Dead," "Breaking Bad" and "Comic Book Men" will appear for hour-long panels featuring discussions on what fans can expect from upcoming seasons and the success of each series to date.