I’ve been fortunate to see Neil Gaiman read many times over the years.  He does an amazing job and it adds to his work if you can hear his voice narrating in your head.  This year Reed Exhibitions added “Ultimate Experiences” to their lineup, events with separate tickets that allow access to superstar creators.  Gaiman’s event was a benefit for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.

The program was kicked off with an introduction by actor Bill Hader, who credited much of his success in entertainment to Gaiman’s work — from the quasi-mystical presence of Gaiman’s work while he was auditioning for Saturday Night Live to the conversation about Sandman he had with Seth Rogen that led to him being cast in Superbad. [By the way, if Mr. Rogen is reading this, I’ve slept in Gaiman’s basement and would love to appear in your next film.]

Gaiman began the reading by announcing that all charges against Gordon Lee had been dropped, ending the almost four-year legal battle. He then read some older work, including a piece that had been out of his regular rotation for 10 years and “The Day the Saucers Landed."

Gaiman also provided an excellent Q&A session, telling funny anecdotes including his childhood plan to become a writer by kidnapping writers and having them write for him. He also revealed stories such as his entrance into being a comics reader and rounded out the event by helping a pair of readers get dates. (One of the questions during the session asked if he could get the number of a girl dressed as Delirium.)  The show closed with a reading of the third chapter of his new book, The Graveyard Book, the first time this chapter has ever been read.

The real treat about the reading was that I was able to peer-pressure a friend of mine who was not a Gaiman fan into attending.  He was put off by the legions of adoring fans, mostly girls, who lavish hyperbole-laden praise upon Mr. Gaiman.  However, we assured him the money was going to a good cause and that it would not be excruciatingly boring.  He came out of the reading ready to buy Good Omens and American Gods — such is the power of hearing Gaiman read.

The panel for The Incredible Hulk movie at New York Comic Con had a few big surprises for fans. If you don’t want any minor spoilers, get away from this post right now.

Still with us? Sweet.

A not-quite-finished version of the full length trailer was shown (the completed version will appear before Iron Man). The new trailer had some added scenes showing the Hulk and his enemy the Abomination (referred to only by his real name of "Emil Blonsky" in the film) fighting in New York City and smashing helicopters in the process. It also included a quick clip of a military official referring to Blonsky as a subject of a General Ross’s "bio-force project" who winds up going out of control.

During the panel, a couple of clips were shown with actor Tim Roth as Emil Blonksy. One clip showed him receiving an injection of a blue-colored serum which was supposed to prepare him to take on the Hulk in physical combat.

The second clip involved Edward Norton as Bruce Banner, being cornered by the military. Seeing his beloved Betty Ross (Liv Tyler) in danger, Banner transforms into the Hulk and begins fighting off the soldiers. On the order of General Ross (William Hurt), Blonksy then shows up and challenges the Hulk.

Apparently as a result of the serum he’s been injected with, he is now able to operate with enhanced agility and speed. While not exactly superhuman, his newfound physical prowess reminded me of Captain America in action as he dodged and weaved between the Hulk’s physical attacks while letting loose with guns and rockets. This was a phenomenal action scene and the direction made it feel very personal and in-your-face. (more…)

Just goes to show you never know where you can expect to get news from. While attending the New York Comic Con panel about the X-O Manowar: Birth hardcover, ex-Valiant Comics editor and current Valiant Entertainment consultant Jeff Gomez revealed that his company, Starlight Runner Entertainment, has been commissioned by Microsoft to create a bible for the Halo videogame universe.

If you’re unfamiliar with the term, "bibles" are used by media companies as any reference outline for writers, producers and licensees. Usually in the production of television and movies.