Jul 09 2015

Oh My, It’s Comic Con Time

To borrow the words of the ever-wonderful George Takei: Oh my, it’s comic con time.

George Takei Oh My

What are we talking about? Why, the San Diego Comic-Con of course. It happens every year.

(Here’s a video of George saying “Oh My” in case you need to hear that. There’s never a bad time to hear George.)

Anyway, San Diego Comic-Con has been around for awhile, but in the past decade, it has become big news. Geekery, as we all know, is no longer a hidden pleasure for many. It’s become a billion-dollar business. Amazon recently introduced their Geek Boutique, which about as mainstream as it gets.

One could debate when this all started, the explosion of so-called geek culture into the real world. I’ve been a Geek Gold Card member for my entire life, but suddenly people actually want to know who the hell Ant-Man is. (If you are one of those people, just ask. I’m nice that way. For example, here’s the latest “Ant-Manmovie trailer, complete with a reference to The Avengers.)

The links below give you more information about the big event than I ever could, and not only because I won’t be there. I’ve actually never attended the San Diego Comic-Con, just the New York Comic Con. But there will be lots of announcements about nerdy stuff (or perhaps I should say formerly nerdy — is something still nerdy if it’s immensely popular?) like movies, TV shows, video games, and yes, even comic books.

Here’s how to follow io9’s coverage of Comic Con. (We like io9.) The Mary Sue is also a good source. For example, here’s Betty White as Wolverine.

And then there’s this, via Polygon.com. Watch it at your own risk.

 


Feb 09 2011

For The Insanely Nerdy Dad In Your Life

Star Wars Luke Skywalker Ceremonial Jacket with Medal Of Yavin

Let’s say you know a dad who is, shall we say, really nerdy. Geeky. Whatever term you prefer. Their particular brand of nerdiness is Star Wars.

If you really love them, have a couple hundred bucks to drop, and they are indeed insanely nerdy about Star Wars, consider the Officially Licensed Star Wars Luke Skywalker Ceremonial Jacket with Medal Of Yavin.

Yes. This is a replica of the jacket Luke Skywalker received at the end of the movie that I call Star Wars, but my children refer to “Episode IV: A New Hope.” It took many years but I have finally come to terms with this fact. It no longer makes me angry. No really. It doesn’t. See? I’m fine. (Deep breathing, deep breathing…)

Here’s the scene where Luke gets the medal in case you somehow don’t know what we’re talking about here.

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VU-mPOrVUYs]

For an interesting (and yes, very nerdy) discussion of the fact that Chewbacca does not receive a medal, read the comments on this version of the same clip on YouTube.

Officially Licensed Star Wars Luke Skywalker Ceremonial Jacket with Medal Of Yavin, $196.70 at Amazon.com. Unless dad is a bit on the large side — an extra-large version will run you $275.