Article and Photos by Suzanne Philips
“STAR TREK” star Zachary Quinto and “True Blood” star Michael McMillian joined “Chuck”s Zachary Levi at Nerd HQ at the 2011 Comic Con in San Diego to talk comics and support Operation Smile.
Levi founded a website that he calls “a hub for all things nerd” called The Nerd Machine (www.thenerdmachine.com). Having been to Comic Con as an attendee and seeing how little access fans actually have to their favorite stars, he decided to start Nerd HQ – a place for fans to be able to interact with the stars in a more low-key, intimate arena. In addition to offering a unique experience, Nerd HQ affords Levi a chance to support his favorite cause, Operation Smile, which provides free surgeries to children suffering facial deformities around the world.
Zachary Quinto and his production company partners in Before the Door Productions and Archaia Comics donated their time to speak to fans about their comic releases “Lucid” and “Mr. Murder is Dead”. Michael McMillian, who plays the Reverend Steve Newlin on HBO’s “True Blood” was also on hand to discuss the comic book he writes, “Lucid”.
The audience of about 200 people were appreciative of the off-con location at Jolt’n Joe’s Restaurant and the laid-back and intimate atmosphere. “This is access that very few people ever get to their favorite celebs” an attendee commented. “Everyone is so cool and friendly and it’s a nice change from the hectic pace of typical Comic Con programs.”
Quinto and company took questions from the audience and answered questions about upcoming film and tv projects as well as Archaia’s newest release “Mr. Murder is Dead”. The comic is a throwback to the old strip comics and is presented in a fantastic bound book that fans were going crazy about.
The panel was telecast live over the web for those that were unable to attend. The celebs signed autographs and met with fans in a lounge area after the event.
As we see more events moving away from the San Diego Convention Center during Comic Con, Nerd HQ is the first on the block to offer fans access and allowing them to donate to a very worthwhile charity at the same time.
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