Comic book legend Bob Hall, cast members from “My Hero Academia” and “The Mandalorian,” were just a few of the fun celebrity guests that graced the Colorado Springs Comic Con panel room. It was an intimate setting for those who were lucky enough to get a seat. Excited attendees enjoyed the opportunity to hear fascinating stories, ask questions, and laugh along with fellow fans. Saturday’s stage also included David Koechner, some of the stars of “Clerks,” “Mayans M.C.,” and Peter Dante. Nerd Alert News sat in on three of Saturday’s panels and wanted to share a few of the highlights.
The Mandalorian Cast: This Is the Way
“The Mandalorian” cast members had great chemistry and spoke highly of their experience on the set. They gushed with joy at how fortunate they all felt to be working in the “Star Wars” universe. One of the first questions came from an adorable little girl who asked Emily Swallow what she thought about learning blacksmithing. Emily actually had a coach for it as she wanted it to look as natural as possible. She also mentioned how she put her faith in Jon Favreau! She also admitted that even though she knew Grogu wasn’t real, she was “reduced to idiocy” by how cute he was in person.
When asked about which “Star Wars” film made an impression on them, Chris Bartlett shared how he built spaceships out of refrigerator boxes saying to himself that one day he would work for George Lucas! Emily Swallow talked reminisced about playing “Ewok Adventures” in her backyard, and how amazed she was that she was now getting paid to be in “Star Wars.”
Misty Rosas (Kuiil) talked about what a thrill it was to play Kuiil and Frog Lady in “The Mandalorian.”
Creating Comic Book Legends with Bob Hall
It was late in the afternoon for Bob Hall’s panel and the crowd was not what it should have been for someone of his caliber. That said, he did fill up more than half the room with fans eager to ask their questions. Hands jumped up into the air as soon as the panel started. The moderator could have had his own panel with his resume. Ian Chase Nichols (The Tick, Ninja Turtles, G.I. Joe, Batman, and more) certainly knew his stuff and asked some excellent questions.
Hall chatted about what it was like “back in the day” when writers and artists had to finish a comic book in two and a half weeks, or it would be considered late. He also mentioned how Marvel’s styles and preferences sometimes changed week to week, and he’d have to adapt. Some artists change the style to remain current. Yet with all his experience, the advice he gave artists was to pick a style and stick with it as “the best inkers have their own style.”
When it came to talking about his time creating Shadowman for Valiant, he said that basically, they needed a writer, and he said OK. It was his first try at writing comics. He loved the New Orleans theme of Shadowman and really enjoyed writing it.
The Many Faces of Peter Dante
Peter Dante is known for his roles in comedies such as “The Waterboy,” “Big Daddy,” “Little Nicky,” and “Grandma’s Boy.” A good friend of Adam Sandlers, Dante is often seen in his Happy Madison Production films, and tends to portray characters that go by the name of “Dante.” He kept it real with his sharing some personal stories. An audience member asked if he had ever had a bad day. “We’re all cut from the same cloth. Sometimes it’s hard to get out of bed, but I have to. I’m just like everyone. Depression. Suicidal thoughts.”
The actor went on to explain how difficult life has been during the pandemic. “Most people aren’t really working right now –unless you’re Brad Pitt.” He did share that he had 4 projects in the works, including getting his marijuana business Dante’s Basement out there. He’d like to bring it to Denver.
When asked what his favorite Happy Madison film was he laughed and said: “Little Nicky” with a resounding yes. He thought it was the most outrageous and had the most fun filming it.
Click here for more coverage of this year’s Colorado Springs Comic Con.
Written by Colleen Bement
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