awwww GEEK OUT!

WonderCon 2009. Like all cons of such nature, WonderCon is usually dubbed Comic-Con lite. It's true, no con can compare to the Pop-Culture Mecca that is the San Diego convention held every summer, but the reality is that show is burgeoning on becoming an uncontrollable monstrosity allowing for little room to shop, gawk and move among the massive crowds.

As a result, conventions like WonderCon make for a sexy (yeah, I said it! Geeks are hawt. Deal.) alternative that's usually cheaper and allows you more breathing room, figuratively and literally. Of course, that's sans Saturday, where the con often features the biggest fanboy/fangirl movers and shakers to bilk maximum attendance. This year that includes the appearance of the cast and director of Watchmen*, which is reaching explosive heights of anticipation by every person who learned long ago who watches the masked heroes and why (And if you haven't, do it. NOW!).

I chose to go Friday. Less fanaticism, same cool geek chic! There were your obligatory Storm Troopers and c-listers lining autograph booths, but also Will Arnett, Kenan Thompson and Arrested Development creator Mitch Hurwitz! Batmans and Jokers showed up, but also Watchmen, Mike Mignola and Mark Hamill!

Hurwitz, Arnett and Thompson were there to promote their new animated FOX show Sit Down, Shut Up, which sounds like Arrested Development set in a high school. It focuses on the teachers perspectives.

To paint a better picture, Arnett told the crowd, "I play Ennis Hofftard...he's a guy who's more concerned about his physical fitness and how he's doing with the ladies. His schooling of children is more of an afterthought than anything."

It's GOB with a teaching degree! It looks like another win for Hurwitz and crew, including fans. It premieres April 19 on FOX. As for the Arrested Development movie? Hurwitz said it was close to a deal with the entire original cast, but scheduling conflicts are still an issue and he has yet to write the script at this point. But the consensus was, stay tuned!

Outside of the panels, there was the floor. And while the exhibit hall is a mere hint of the draining labyrinth that dominates Comic-Con, the convenience of perusing every booth is a plus.

I'd recommend Wondercon to anyone who's looking to dip their toes in the proverbial geek waters, while it still remains possible. Afterall, if they keep ramping up the star power every year, pretty soon you might find yourself shortended out of that Dark Knight sequel panel--and that is just SOOO San Diego...

*A friend of mine had a chance to catch the movie Saturday morning and declared it "FANTASTIC!" Look for the review this week.