Comic book writer Peter David is nothing if not hilarious. His career certainly depends on it. So it was little surprise when he and fellow Disney collaborators of the new Mickey Mouse video game, “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two,” donned Oswald ears and led a panel audience at Comic-Con 2012 in a rowdy rendition of the Mickey Mouse song. David was just one of dozens of industry icons representing Valley companies at Comic-Con 2012 held July 12-15 at the San Diego Convention Center. The annual convention showcases the latest and greatest in comics, gaming, animae, film, television and fantasy novels. Valley companies such as The Walt Disney Company and Warner Bros. Pictures are among the major participants each year. Also making an appearance at the four-day event was Oscar-winning filmmaker of the blockbuster “Lord of the Rings” trilogy Peter Jackson, just back from shooting in New Zealand for his new film, “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” opening Dec. 14 from Burbank-based Warner Bros. “I was at first reluctant (to undertake the new project) more out of superstition,” Jackson told an interviewer at the convention. “But the worry about repeating myself never happened. …I was surprised at how much I loved it.” Warner Bros also used Comic-Con to give fans a taste of the new Superman movie, “Man of Steel,” opening June 14, 2013. Directed by Zack Snyder, who also directed “Watchmen” and “300,” Snyder was on hand to discuss his newest project. “Superman is a big responsibility,” Snyder told fans on a panel discussion, “But he needed to be reintroduced to a new generation.” Snyder said the main challenge was making the super hero, who is perceived as a “big blue boy scout,” seem human and approachable. – Judy Temes, Staff Contributor
Studios Shine at Comic-Con
