SAN DIEGO >> It’s that time of year again. Time to let your imagination soar and prepare to bask in the light of all things nerdy and geeky.
That’s right, it’s the beginning of Comic-Con International 2014.
The four-day convention begins July 24 with a bang and doesn’t let up on the wow factor. Day one mixes legends and classics, with a look at some of the fresh faces on the pop culture scene.
Here’s our top 10 picks for the day from inside — and outside — the convention for badge holders:
“Sharknado 2: The Second One”
What: Admit it, you got caught up in the phenomenon of the first film. Now, the SyFy Channel is back with cast Ian Ziering, Tara Reid, Kari Wuhrer and Judah Friedlander along with director Anthony C. Ferrante and moderator Sam Thielman of Adweek.
When: 7:15-8:15 p.m.
Where: Room 6BCF, San Diego Convention Center.
Information: www.SyFy.com/Sharknado2
George R.R. Martin Discusses “In the House of the Worm”
What: Bestselling author George R.R. Martin, best known for writing the novels the hit television show “Game of Thrones” is based on, will answer questions and discuss his novels as well as upcoming projects including the new “In the House of the Worm” comic book series with moderator William Christensen of Avatar Press.
When: 4-5 p.m.
Where: The Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel.
Information: www.georgerrmartin.com
Dreamworks Animation
What: This panel will highlight the film “Penguins of Madagascar,” plus other upcoming films. Actors Benedict Cumberbatch, John Malkovich and Tom McGrath will be present during this panel moderated by Craig Ferguson.
When: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where: Hall H, San Diego Convention Center.
Information: www.comic-con.org/cci/thursday
Entertainment Weekly: The Visionaries TV Showrunners
What: Entertainment Weekly promises a candid discussion with the showrunners of some of TV’s most beloved series including Julie Plec, Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci and Greg Berlanti. The showrunners will talk about the importance of fan feedback and the future of TV.
When: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Where: Hall H, San Diego Convention Center.
Her Universe Fashion Show
What: Calling all fan girls, this one’s for you. Her Universe, Hot Topic and The Nerdist bring you the latest in “geek couture” with 36 female clothing designers. Plus, don’t miss the Hot Topic after party and a special announcement during the show.
When: 6-9 p.m.
Where: Harbor Ballroom, Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Information: www.HerUniverse.com
NASA’s Next Giant Leap
What: Celebrate the 45th anniversary of the moon landing with this panel as actor Seth Green talks with NASA’s Planetary Science Division Director Dr. Jim Green, retired astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Mike Fincke as well as Jet Propulsion Laboratory systems engineer Bobak “Mohawk Guy” Ferdowsi about NASA’s plans for the future. The group will talk about Orion and the Space Launch System rocket, which will carry humans on America’s next great adventure in space, according to NASA’s website,
When: 3-4 p.m.
Where: Room 6A, San Diego Convention Center.
Information: www.NASA.gov, www.JPL.NASA.gov
Showtime: “Penny Dreadful”
What: The increasingly popular Showtime series will make its debut at the convention with creator and showrunner John Logan, plus stars Josh Hartnett, Reeve Carney and Harry Treadaway. The cast will discuss the first season with moderator Aisha Tyler and promises a sneak peek at the second season.
When: 6-7 p.m.
Where: Ballroom 20, San Diego Convention Center.
Information: www.Penny-Dreadul.com, www.Sho.com
MTV Fandom Awards and Fan Fest
What: The first ever MTV Fandom Awards is sure to be filled with star-studded appearances as the network gives out trophies in categories such as “The Best Fandom Ever.” Directly following the awards show, Lincoln Park will take the stage. The event will air on mtvU.
When: 7-11 p.m.
Where: Petco Park.
Information: www.mtv.com/shows/mtvu_fandom_awards
Batman ‘66
What: As Batman celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, Home Entertainment will release “Batman: The Complete TV Series” in November. The panel, moderated by Ralph Garman, will reunite the cast from the original series that began in 1966: Adam West, Burt Ward and Julie Newmar.
When: 6-7 p.m.
Where: Hall H, San Diego Convention Center.
Greendale Forever: TV Guide Magazine’s Tribute to “Community”
What: “Community” lives! The TV series was recently picked up by Yahoo! after NBC canceled the fan favorite.
Stars Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, Jim Rash and Dino Stamatopoulos will join creator Dan Harmon, executive producer Chris McKenna and moderator TV Guide executive editor Michael Schneider to discuss what comes next for the characters of the show as they attempt to make it to “six seasons and a movie.”
When: 2:15-3:15 p.m.
Where: Ballroom 20, San Diego Convention Center.
Information: tv.yahoo.com/shows/community
For updates from Comic-Con 2014, go to www.dailynews.com/topic/comic-con-2014
