ID10T Music Festival & Comic Conival has revealed its full weekend schedule of music, comedy sets, panels and more. Con Man and Futurama have been added to the impressive lineup of confirmed panels alongside Portlandia, Mystery Science Theater 3000, Harmontown, Animaniacs LIVE!, The Magicians, and Stan Against Evil. A number of intimate themed panels and podcasts have also been announced, including live Nerdist Podcast tapings, panels from Valiant Entertainment and AfterShock, tech panel Robots Among Us: Fantasy vs. Reality, and many, many more. The groundbreaking, first of its kind event created and hosted by Chris Hardwick, will take over the Shoreline Amphitheatre and surrounding grounds in Mountain View, CA on Saturday, June 24th and Sunday, June 25th.
Panel additions include:
Con Man, featuring guests Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk, moderated by Chris Hardwick.
A decade has passed since Wray Nerely (Alan Tudyk) was an actor on the hit (well, cult hit) sci-fi show, Spectrum. Wray’s career has stalled in the vacuum of space while his best friend and former co-star, Jack Moore’s (Nathan Fillion), has hit warp speed. Aided by his truly certifiable convention booker, Bobbie (Mindy Sterling), Wray navigates the sci-fi convention circuit alongside a host of colorful who’s-whos and has-beens. He struggles with the trappings of a stagnant career, the adoration of a rabid fanbase, and an industry that only sees him as a quirky spaceship pilot.
g5pu_ID10TPanelConMan1080x1080–1.jpg
Futurama, featuring guests Billy West, Maurice LaMarche, and Phil LaMarr.
Hatched from Matt Groening’s brain, Futurama follows pizza guy Philip J. Fry (voiced by Billy West), who reawakens in 31st century New New York after a cryonics lab accident. Now part of the Planet Express delivery crew, Fry travels to the farthest reaches of the universe with his robot buddy Bender and cyclopsian love interest Leela, discovering freaky mutants, intergalactic conspiracies and other strange stuff. The panel will feature West (Philip J. Fry), Maurice LaMarche (Morbo) and Phil LaMarr (Hermes Conrad).
g5pu_ID10TPanelFuturama1080x1080–1.jpg
Nerdist Podcast: Join Chris Hardwick, Jonah Ray, and Matt Mira for a live recording of a Hostful Nerdist Podcast!
g5pu_ID10TPanelNerdist1080x1080–1.jpg
Previously announced panels include IFC’s Emmy nominated comedy Portlandia, featuring guests Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, moderated by Chris Hardwick; award-winning comedy television series Mystery Science Theater 3000, featuring guests Jonah Ray, Hampton Yount, and Rebecca Hanson, moderated by Wil Wheaton; SYFY’s The Magicians featuring guests John McNamara, Sera Gable, Olivia Taylor Dudley, Hale Appleman, Arjun Gupta, and Summer Bishil, moderated by Chris Hardwick; Animaniacs Live! featuring original cast members Rob Paulsen (Yakko, Pinky from Pinky and the Brain), Maurice LaMarche (Brain from Pinky and the Brain), and Emmy-award winning composer Randy Rogel, moderated by Chris Hardwick; Harmontown, featuring guests Dan Harmon (Community, Rick & Morty), Jeff B. Davis (Whose Line is it Anyway), and Spencer Crittenden (HarmonQuest), plus special guests; and IFC’s original horror comedy series Stan Against Evil, featuring guests John C McGinley (Scrubs), Janet Varney (You’re the Worst), and Dana Gould (The Simpsons, Parks and Recreation), moderated by Jessica Chobot.
Additionally, ID10T has announced a number of themed panels happening in the Artist Alley, along with a number of podcast tapings in the Monster Energy Comedy Tent. Guests and descriptions are as follows:
Breaking Into Comics: Saturday guests include Phil Hester, Justin Greenwood, Brent Schoonover, Robert Wilson, and Morgan Beem, moderated by Matt Hawkins. Sunday guests include Nick Dragotta, Garry Brown, Robert Wilson, Jai Nitz, and Gerry Duggan, moderated by Jarrett Melendez. Ever wonder what it takes to break into the comic industry? Let these veterans tell you how they did it and how you can too!
Music Influencing Comics: Featuring guests Becky Cloonan, Ivan Brandon, Brenden Fletcher, and Andy Kuhn, moderated by Matt Horak. Learn how music has inspired, motivated and influenced comic book stories and art from some of today’s leading creators!
Drawing and Writing for Comics, TV, and Film: Featuring guests Mike Costa, Tom Fowler, Mark Sable, Blair Shedd, and JK Woodward, moderated by Jarrett Melendez. Often times the comic book world crosses over into the land of television and film. Come see how these creators have navigated that transition successfully.
Creator Owned Comics: Featuring guests Rick Remender, Gerry Duggan, Nick Dragotta, Matteo Scalera, Farel Dalrymple, Ivan Brandon, and Justin Jordan, moderated by Ben Blacker.
AfterShock Panel: Featuring the Babyteeth team of Donny Cates and Garry Brown, moderated by AfterShock.
Valiant Entertainment: X-O Manowar and Beyond: Jump into the largest independent superhero universe in comics right here with a guided tour through the foundations and future of Valiant’s most acclaimed series! From X-O Manowar and Faith, to Shadowman, Ninjak, Harbinger, Quantum and Woody, and beyond, discover where to start and what’s coming next for the award-winning comic book publisher that Buzzfeed calls, “a universe full of your new favorite superheroes!” With multiple new series kicking off this summer, don’t miss your chance to see what’s coming next for Valiant’s biggest comic book icons with an all-new presentation packed with sneak peeks and exclusive artwork!
Robots Among Us: Fantasy vs. Reality: Featuring guests Omar Abdelwahed (Head of Studio for SoftBank Robotics America), Alonso Martinez (Technical Director at Pixar Animation Studios), and more. Today we’re embarking on a new industrial revolution led by emerging technology breakthroughs in fields of artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things, and autonomous vehicles. While we are still years away from a real-life C-3PO, robots are becoming an integral part of our lives. Come hear a panel of experts discuss how the burgeoning robotics industry is getting us closer to making C-3P0 less of a fantasy, and more of a reality. Walk away with a deeper understanding of how robotics already plays a role in our daily life, and how society will shift to become more comfortable with the idea of co-existing with robots and interacting with them on a deeper level. This panel will take a deep dive into how movies, books, art and entertainment have played a significant role in the development of today’s robots, and how fantasy is becoming reality as social robots become more prolific and technologically advanced.
Nerdist Comic Book Panel podcast: Host Ben Blacker discusses the business and creative process of making comics with other comics creators. Come hear Aftershock Comics’ Editor-in-Chief Mike Marts, Donny Cates, and Garry Brown talk about Aftershock’s place in the world of creator owned comics.
Nerdist Writers Panel podcast: The Writers Panel series is an informal chat moderated by Ben Blacker (co-creator of the Thrilling Adventure Hour; writer for Supah Ninjas, Supernatural, among others) with professional writers about the process and business of writing.
Nerdist Bizarre States podcast: Join Jessica Chobot and Andrew Bowser as they lift the veil and showcase the hauntings, urban myths, unsolved murders and general oddities that everyone has experienced but no one wants to talk about.
Tickets are still available for ID10T, and kids 10 and under are free with accompanying paid adult admission. With something sure to appeal to the whole family, Lionsgate, in partnership with Nerdist, will power a Laser Tag course themed to Saban’s Power Rangers in celebration of the film’s June 27 release on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD. Two teams of five players each will compete head to head, with surprises lurking around every corner. Just outside of the Laser Tag course, attendees can also look forward to giveaways, costumes from the film, demos of the Power Rangers: Legacy Wars mobile game, and a special appearance on Sunday by the Yellow Ranger and Blue Ranger themselves, Becky G and RJ Cyler! Don’t forget to come dressed as your favorite Power Ranger for a chance to win some morphtastic prizes! Additionally, there will be table top gaming tournaments, a number of Toyota fan experiences (including a Cinderella-themed infinity photo booth, interactive beatbox, and live caricature station, to name a few), and much more!
Doors open at 12:00 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, with panels running from 12:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., comedy from 4:30 p.m to 8:00 p.m., and music from 4:00 p.m to 11:00 p.m., attendees can expect a full day packed with entertainment, all in an outdoor setting. The full schedule for ID10T is as follows (subject to change).
Saturday, June 24th
Shoreline Amphitheatre Main Stage
9:45 p.m. – Weezer
8:15 p.m. – OK Go
7:10 p.m. – Lord Huron
6:05 p.m. – Car Seat Headrest
5:15 p.m. – The Mowgli’s
4:25 p.m. – Ron Gallo
3:40 p.m. – Tank & The Bangas
Mad Decent Stage in the Festival Tent
9:40 p.m. – Madeon
8:35 p.m. – Jai Wolf
7:40 p.m. – Gryffin (live set)
6:30 p.m. – Ape Drums
6:00 p.m. – John Beaver
Panels in the Festival Tent
4:30 p.m. – 5:20 p.m. – Nerdist Podcast
3:30 p.m. – 4:20 p.m. – Stan Against Evil Panel
2:30 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. – The Magicians Panel
1:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. – Con Man Panel
12:30 p.m. -1:20 p.m. – Mystery Science Theatre 3000 Panel
Monster Energy Comedy Tent
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Demetri Martin, Michael Ian Black, Jonah Ray, Dan Mintz & Irene Tu. Hosted by April Richardson.
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Nikki Glaser, Greg Proops, Matt Braunger, Hampton Yount & DJ Real. Hosted by April Richardson
2:30 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. – Robots Among Us: Fantasy vs. Reality Panel
1:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. – Bizarre States Podcast
Panels in the Artist Alley Tent
4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. – AfterShock Comics Panel
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Creator Owned Comics Panel
2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. – Breaking Into Comics Panel
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Valiant Entertainment: X-O Manowar and Beyond Panel
Sunday, June 25th
Shoreline Amphitheatre Main Stage
10:00 p.m. – Girl Talk
8:40 p.m. – TV On The Radio
7:20 p.m. – Animal Collective
6:00 p.m. – Crystal Castles
5:00 p.m. – Robert DeLong
4:10 p.m. – Mothers
3:30 p.m. – Sweet Crude
Mad Decent Stage in the Festival Tent
9:40 p.m. – Zeds Dead
8:35 p.m. – Troyboi
7:30 p.m. – Party Favor
6:45 p.m. – 4B
6:00 p.m. – Wax Motif
Panels in the Festival Tent
4:00 p.m. – 4:50 p.m. – Harmontown Panel
3:00 p.m. – 3:50 p.m. – Portlandia Panel
2:00 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. – Animaniacs Live! Panel
1:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. – Futurama Panel
Monster Energy Comedy Tent
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Michael Che, Mike Phirman, Brent Weinbach, Marcella Arguello & Adrian McNair. Hosted by April Richardson.
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Garfunkel & Oates, Brian Posehn, Yassir Lester, Marcella Arguello & Natasha Muse. Hosted by April Richardson.
2:30 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. – Nerdist Comic Book Panel Podcast
1:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. – Nerdist Writers Panel Podcast
Panels in the Artist Alley Tent
4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. – AfterShock Comics Panel
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Breaking Into Comics Panel
2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. – Drawing & Writing For Comics, TV, and Film Panel
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Music Influencing Comics Panel
Information on tickets, pricing, VIP packages, and more is available at www.ID10TFest.com, along with a limited number of Fantastic Four-Packs with four tickets at only $55.00 each, plus fees. ID10T boasts a massive festival area directly adjacent to the amphitheatre’s music stage. All tickets, including festival general admission, reserved seating and VIP, have free roaming access to the festival area, which includes the panels and music in the Festival Tent, Monster Energy Comedy Tent, and full exhibitor village.
ID10T is produced by Live Nation and Synergy Global Entertainment (SGE).
ID10T is proud to partner with the following sponsors in its inaugural year: SiriusXM, Monster Energy Drink, hosting the ID10T Comedy Stage, Toyota, the exclusive automotive partner, Snickers, Krave Jerky, Peet’s Coffee and Tea, Musicians Institute, Lyft, and many more.
For more information on ID10T Music Festival & Comic Conival, please visit:
http://www.ID10TFest.com
http://www.facebook.com/id10tfest
Tweets by ID10Tfest
http://www.instagram.com/id10tfest
TV
Did JD from Scrubs Have a Dark Past?
TW: Discussions of child abuse and neglect.
The sitcom Scrubs ran from 2001- 2010 delighting viewers with the escapades of daydreaming Dr ‘JD’ Dorian and his friends. Unlike most TV sitcoms Scrubs perfectly balanced the comedic and the tragic. Being set in a teaching hospital with most of the main cast being doctors; there was plenty of fodder for some truly heart-wrenching storylines.
Like with most sitcoms, if you look under the jolly veneer (and have too much time on your hands) a much darker story emerges. In Scrubs, I would argue, this may be the past of its titular protagonist JD (played by Zach Braff). Some fans (ok, me) speculate that not only did JD have a less than ideal childhood but an abusive one.
Hints of this could be interpretated throughout the series:-
1. Attachment to Dr Cox
One of the most popular aspects of the series is the oddly touching relationship between mentor and mentee: Dr Cox (John C McGinley) and JD. It’s perfectly normal to admire and want to emulate an older colleague. But JD’s admiration of Dr Cox always seemed to go a step further. JD looked to the older doc as not only a mentor but a father figure.
JD explicitly states this throughout the series. Most notably in the finale; when during his much sought after hug JD claims Dr Cox smells “like a father figure”. This is odd as Dr Cox is only about 13 years JD’s senior. We know JD’s biological father (played by the late John Ritter) was pretty much absent during JD’s childhood. Is this yearning for a parental figure a way to fix JD’s damaged childhood?
As loathe as I am to criticise a fan favourite but Dr Cox openly mocks and belittles JD, almost never referring to his protégé by name. Instead by a vast archive of disparaging nicknames. The show does establish that there is love and respect om both sides, from Dr Cox deep down (deep, deep down). But why does JD not only put up with as well as seek out this treatment? Very masochistic. Or, has JD been subconsciously taught that taunts and aggression equate to love?
2. Feels Affinity with Dr Cox and Elliot
The show establishes early on that Dr Cox had an abusive homelife as a child. He openly reminisces about his parents being violent alcoholics. Is this the real reason that JD clamours for Dr Cox’s attention? Does JD see Dr Cox as an inspiration of someone who came from a similar background to his and became a well-respected doctor and family man?
Is the same true of JD’s on/off girlfriend, future wife and fellow doctor; Elliot? The show establishes that Elliot’s parents are mentally, emotionally, and financially abusive. Are JD and Elliot drawn to one another (partly) because they are both traumatised by their past? Even when it is proven time and time again that they are not suited.
3. Hostile Relationship with Older Brother
JD’s older brother Dan (Tom Cavanagh) appears several times in the show. Despite regularly visiting his kid brother, JD makes clear that these visits are not welcomed. JD’s ire is uncharacteristic as he’s shown as an ardent people pleaser throughout the show. Yes, Dan did bully JD throughout their childhood, though it’s unclear whether this was normal sibling rivalry or more.
In Series 3 Episode 5 ‘My Brother, Where Art Thou?’ JD attempts to cut off contact with Dan claiming that Dan never looked out for him. Even as children of divorce why is JD so upset his brother didn’t protect or “come through” for him? In the same scene JD comments about how their mother “married anyone that rang the doorbell”. Reading into this (hey, it’s what we’re here for) did Dan not protect JD from these multiple husbands?
4. Audience Never Actually See JD’s Mother
To me this is the most obvious that something is suspicious about the Dorian matriarch. Despite seeing every other cast members mother (except Dr Cox but its implied that his parents are dead) we never see JD’s. He, at the very least, seems to have a good relationship with his mother. Mostly speaks highly of her and she calls often. It doesn’t follow the trope many sitcoms use; having a character the audience never physically sees being used for comedic effect.
We hear JD’s mum (Barbara) speak in a flashback (Series 3 Episode 21 ‘My Self-Examination’). While Barbara was tucking young JD into bed she was saying some quite toxic things to her child, like how no women will ever be good enough for him. It is clear this scene is supposed to be somewhat creepy as Barbara is stroking the child’s face in an inappropriate manner. Adult JD even refers to his mum as “sexy” in the same episode. Very Freudian but in the light of everything else we are discussing: very disturbing!
5. JD’s Mother Drank
Linked to number 4 JD admits in Series 8 Episode 2 ‘My Last Words’ JD admits his mum “drank a lot”. Does this statement answer some questions about JD’s odd childhood?
6. JD is a People Pleaser
As we have already mentioned JD is a pathological people pleaser (what’s that like?). As a doctor he goes above and beyond for his patients. He does everything from finding patients estranged family members (Series 4 Episode 11 ‘My Unicorn’) to shaving his head in solidarity with a chemo patient (Series 5 Episode 15 ‘My Extra Mile’). Of course this is all very commendable but JD particularly enjoys the gratitude. Why does he need this validation? Is this a coping mechanism from a turbulent background who had to go above and beyond to get the love that should have been unconditional?
7. Extremely Tactile
Another of JD’s character traits is he extremely tactile. This is of course played up for comedy with his ‘sneak hugs’ (Series 6 Episode 13 ‘My Scrubs’) delivered to the stand-offish Dr Cox or the fact he has his friends on a ‘hugging schedule’ (Series 5 Episode 8 ‘My Big Bird’). Is this someone trying to seek the love and affection he never received in childhood? Or reassure himself that the people he loves won’t disappear?
8. Self-Sabotaging
A common reaction to childhood trauma is self-sabotaging behaviour. In his romantic relationships JD has this in spades. Throughout the run of the show JD has more romantic partners than the rest of cast put together. It is acknowledged that JD goes from relationship to relationship with alarming speed and breaks them off for shallow reasons. Again, he may be trying to seek the love and security he never had in childhood.
JD’s damaged psyche is put on full display when after spending the majority of the series chasing Elliot she finally leaves her loving boyfriend for him. JD immediately decides he doesn’t want her anymore to many fans outrage (Series 3 Episode 20 ‘My Fault’).
9. No Therapy
As well as never actually seeing his mother, we never see JD engaged in any kind of therapy. All of the other characters attend various types of therapy throughout the series. JD does not, despite arguably needing it the most. Is JD perhaps too scared of what therapy might uncover or not want to deal with his trauma head on?
10. Overactive Imagination
During Scrubs entire run (except the final series thou shalt not be named) hinges on JD’s overactive imagination. His outlandish fantasies make for excellent comedy and unique sequiturs to break up the storylines. But what if this was yet another coping mechanism for the hapless leading man?
Children from challenging background often disappear into elaborate fantasy worlds in order to escape their surroundings. Is this a habit JD could never quite kick? It would explain why he doesn’t seem to have a lot of control of his daydreaming despite being an adult. It is a comfort and a way to deal with the difficult stuff life throws at him.
If any or all of these speculations are true Scrubs goes from being a mere half-hour sitcom to a story of one man’s triumph over his dark past. Despite his flaws and failings JD has still made something of himself and is surrounded by his chosen family; all of whom love him for who he is. This is extremely inspiring.
Movie
‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Will Leave You Breathless
“Mufasa: The Lion King” is a visually stunning addition to the beloved Lion King franchise, offering a fresh and emotionally resonant take on the origins of one of Disney’s most iconic characters. The film beautifully explores Mufasa’s journey, balancing heartfelt moments with touches of comedy that lighten the mood and make the story accessible to audiences of all ages. The animation is breathtaking, capturing the vibrant landscapes and lush environments of the Pride Lands, adding depth to Mufasa’s character and his relationships.
The storytelling is compelling, effectively pulling at the heartstrings while providing insights into Mufasa’s character before he becomes the legendary king. However, the setup for Scar’s betrayal feels somewhat underdeveloped, lacking the deeper motivation that could have enriched their complex brotherly relationship. This missed opportunity leaves a slight gap in understanding Scar’s actions, which could have elevated the dramatic stakes.
The musical score is impressive, featuring memorable songs that enhance the emotional impact of pivotal scenes. While there are several standout tracks, one song, in particular, resonates deeply and is sure to linger in viewers’ minds long after the credits roll. Overall, “Mufasa: The Lion King” is an amazing film and a worthy addition to the Lion King lore that manages to deliver both laughter and tears, offering a rich tapestry of storytelling that fans will appreciate.
Movie
Is ‘Kraven the Hunter’ a Total Letdown?
“Kraven the Hunter,” directed by J.C. Chandor, aims to introduce a beloved Spider-Man villain to the big screen, but unfortunately, it falls short of expectations. The film suffers from noticeable issues, notably an overuse of ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement), which detracts from the authenticity of the characters’ interactions and contributes to an uneven audio experience. This technical flaw is compounded by rough storytelling that feels disjointed and lacking in coherence, leaving viewers struggling to connect with the narrative.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson delivers a commendable performance as Kraven, showcasing the character’s gritty nature and complex motivations. His portrayal has potential, and it’s evident that he could elevate the character far beyond what is presented with a stronger script and direction. However, the absence of Spider-Man, a central figure in Kraven’s lore, leaves a void that the film struggles to fill. Without this critical connection, the plot meanders and fails to create the tension or stakes that fans of the superhero genre crave.
Additionally, including Rhino as a villain feels like a missed opportunity; he is presented more as a gag character with limited screen time, undermining any sense of threat or depth. For the average moviegoer, “Kraven the Hunter” might entertain but ultimately feels like a mediocre viewing experience. Comic book fans, however, may find disappointment in this lackluster attempt to create a solo character film. Instead of an exhilarating dive into Kraven’s world, the film presents a watered-down version, leaving audiences wishing for a more cohesive vision that honors its comic book roots.