Team Click’s Annual Comic-Con Survival Guide

Attention friends, colleagues, and fellow geeks!

It is time once again for our annual labor of love – Team Click’s Guide to Comic-Con! With the explosion of streaming platforms and the insatiable appetite for genre content, this year’s Guide is busting at the seams with 64 fun-filled pages of movies, TV shows, toys, and more!

If this is your first time checking out our survival guide, we’d like to shed a little light on its origin. Within Click’s first year of existing, we came to understand that many of our colleagues that were required to make the annual trek to San Diego for work were overwhelmed by the sheer volume of content – panels,  street teams, wrapped pedicabs and trains, billboards, building wraps, and pop-up installations. So many new films and TV shows make their debut at the convention and we found that many folks had no clue what a lot of the properties were.

Our solution: The Guide! We peruse the internet looking for announcements, interviews, news, and the occasional rumor about upcoming sci-fi, horror, fantasy, animated and, of course, comic book properties that might grace our screens over the course of the next year. Then we sprinkle in a little commentary and a few fun features, along with artwork from family, friends, and people we meet throughout our travels, culminating in an entertaining and educational breakdown of the coming year.

We hope you enjoy the read, and please feel free to share it with those special geeks in your life, be they family or a team member down the hall. There’s always a little something for everyone.

Your friends at Team Click

Below you will find the most recent Guide, as well as several years past.

To view the full guides, simply click on the cover image!

2019

2018

2017

2015

2014

2013

2012

Avenge the Fallen!!

To celebrate the Avengers: Endgame opening weekend, Team Click would like to share with you some of our favorite “fallen” characters and our thoughts (ahem, feelings) on why each of them deserved to live. Avenge the Fallen!! Now where is that bejeweled glove…….

KERRY

Matthew Crawley ("Downton Abbey”) – Since I binge-watched this show I had no idea Dan Stevens was planning to leave after the third season and was complete shocked! His untimely and might I say, tragic death, was so unexpected. He and Lady Mary had FINALLY gotten together and were happy. In his final episode he was on his way home to see his newborn baby! It was the Christmas episode! Time will tell but fingers crossed he somehow makes an appearance in the movie ☺

CAITLIN

Hodor (“Game of Thrones”) – A FALLEN HERO! Bran messed up big time and can never be forgiven tbh.

DINAH

Leia Organa (Star Wars) – Leia was THE archetype for me growing up: the princess who rescued her rescuers, the level-headed leader, the fearless badass. Carrie Fisher was my hero as an adult—as a writer, as an outspoken advocate for destigmatizing mental illness, and as a damn funny broad. They are intertwined in my heart and mind. Seeing Carrie onscreen as General Leia in this last Star Wars installment will yield some serious ugly crying, folks, regardless of whether the character lives or dies.

MARIE

George O’Malley (“Grey’s Anatomy”) – O’Malley started out as the underdog of the series but you grew to love him. Bailey named her son after him! He operated in an elevator! Your heart broke when he lost his dad. I knew the character was going to leave the show and join the military but I didn’t know they were going to kill him off as well. When Meredith was in the OR with him and he writes out 007 so he could tell her he was the John Doe on the table (he had had been hit by the bus, in order to save a stranger!) I remember literally yelling out “Oh, s#!t!” Couldn’t they just let him leave, join the service and continue to save people instead of kicking us in the stomach by killing him off as well?!

PAIGE

Li’l Sebastian (“Parks and Recreation”) – The moment I thought about characters who deserved to live, I instantly thought about Li’l Sebastian. I guess that goes to show the impact that Li’l Sebastian has had on the lives of many. “Sebastian may have been li’l, but his impact…was anything but li’l”. You say that’s a lie. Well, I say “bullshirt”! Li’l Sebastian embodies all that is good in the world (he served as a goodwill ambassador for Indiana Veterans). He’s a symbol of hope (A champion climber, he was a member of the Great Lakes Ski Patrol and Emergencey Rescue Team) and prosperity (he received his honorary degree from Notre Dame University). Although he was only in a few 30-minute episodes, he’ll live in out hearts forever. RIP Li’l guy. You’re still “5,000 candles in the wind”.

MADISON

Charlie Pace (“Lost”) – Charlie’s journey from a washed-up, drug-addicted rock star to a strong leader, caring boyfriend, and responsible father figure was inspiring and heart-warming, and it was cruel to cut that short just as he was finding his true purpose. His character had so much potential, and I’ll never get over how he was taken away only a few seasons into the show!

SCOTT

Artax (The NeverEnding Story) – If you grew up in the ‘80s and you still don’t tear up just thinking about Artax’s fate in the Swamps of Sadness during Wolfgang Peterson’s classic adaptation of The NeverEnding Story, you may need to go to your doctor to find out if there’s a heart still beating in your chest. Poor Artax didn’t deserve his fate and neither did our innocent little hearts.

MEGAN

JT Yorke (“Degrassi: The Next Generation) – When reminiscing on Degrassi: The Next Generation, aka the greatest Canadian television show of all time, people tend to focus on the famous rapper, Drake's character and his near death experience. However, I truly believe JT Yorke was the shining star of the hit TV show and his completely random and unnecessary death (he was literally stabbed in the back; how cliche) pretty much killed all that was charming and golden about the series. If they had to kill someone off, they could have chosen at least ten other characters that would not have left such a massive dent in the audience's hearts, while still stirring up drama. In fact, Drake's character could have died and it would have been less of a loss. Long live JT Yorke.

MARIO

Boba Fett (Star Wars) – To this day he is still one of my favorite characters in the Star Wars universe. I remember rewinding his scenes as a kid and was upset he was “killed” by the Sarlacc. His armor and mannerisms are so unique, I would love to see him have his own movie on the big screen!

NIKKI

Eddard “Ned” Stark (Game of Thrones) – Lord Ned Stark, the patriarch of House Stark and the King in the North (of Winterfell), faced an un-timely death at the end of S1 via beheading by the worse possible person: King Joffrey Baratheon, the young snot-nosed brat who ascended to the Iron Throne after the poisoning/death by boar of his father Robert, coordinated by his mother, Cersei Lannister. Ned was legendary; a honorable character that every man wants to become and every woman wants to love. His downfall came as a result of him having mercy, by trying to save lives and we miss him because he left a huge impact on us through his 5 children. His death was heart-breaking and tragic because he died for doing the right thing and standing up for his beliefs -- and it was a total shock. It was a sad reminder that sometimes in fact, nice guys do finish last.

I Like Scary Movies Experience

For a company of nerds, we often get amazing opportunities to work on projects we are passionate about. Every so often a project comes along that we lose our minds over.  This. Is. It. We have had an epic time working with Ultra Productions on the PR and social campaigns for the I Like Scary Movies Experience! We can’t get enough of this mind-blowing interactive art installation. 

1..2.. Freddy came for Team Click!

 From building up social channels from zero, to doubling followers from 10K to 20K in less than 24 hours, this experience has blown up the horror fan world and is creeping its way into the hearts of everyone who comes to receive a Penny for their Fears…….

Our staff has had a blast making new friends, surviving the twisted mind (and mouth!) of Pennywise the Clown, waiting for our number to be called, and just plain hanging out!

 And at the end of the day, “They’re just noodles, Michael”

Happy International Bad-Ass Women's Day

In honor of International Women’s Day, our Click Clique wanted to share with you some of our favorite bad-ass ladies who inspire us…

DINAH

Buffy Summers ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) – My list of favorites in this space is long and mighty, and the woman at the top is Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She slays, she leads, she prioritizes her family and takes care of her friends, and she can do it all in platform shoes (it was the 90s).

BRIGID

Carol Peletier (“The Walking Dead.”) – Carol’s confidence, strengths and skills developed throughout the seasons to create one bad-ass zombie killing and civilian saving female!

NIKKI

Sarah Conner (The Terminator: 1984) – When mother Sarah Conner learns of Judgement Day (where machines unleash a nuclear holocaust on humanity), she becomes a badass warrior on a mission: to protect her only son John and prevent Judgement day from ever happening. I think Sarah is badass, because as a mom myself, I can completely relate to the lengths a mother will go to protect her children, doing whatever it takes to keep them safe. This is where the term “Mama Bear” comes from; a mom will unleash holy hell on you if you go after or mess with her kids, and Sarah is badass for doing just that.

KERRY

CJ Cregg (“The West Wing”) – Although some may argue what an action hero is -- C.J. Cregg is just that -- A bad ass woman who voiced her opinion and stood up for what she believed in. The character of Miss Cregg can be considered one of the OG strong and independent women, one that broke the mold whether you look on TV or the big screen. Who else can perform an epic rendition of the jackel all the while keeping the world at bay and speaking for the executive branch of the United States government?? I’ll wait…

MADISON

Hermione Granger (Harry Potter) – My favorite bad-ass woman action hero is Hermione Granger. Growing up, she was one of the first characters I truly identified with. I was inspired by the way she drew strength from books and knowledge, and I continue to admire and appreciate her confidence and leadership.

PAIGE

Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games) – Katniss Everdeen, AKA The Girl on Fire, symbolizes the hopeful soul of social justice and equality during a time of an oppressive elite. She tops my favorite bad-ass women action heroes list due to her unending loyalty, strength in a time of great sadness, courage to stand up to the man and her high-key kick-ass skills with a bow and arrow.

CAITLIN

Nikki Bella (American professional wrestler) – She kicks a** in and out of the ring, has killer abs and runs several businesses with her twin sis!

MARIO

Imperator Furiosa (Mad Max: Fury Road) – She’s intimidating, respected and just an overall badass character that doesn’t take s#*t from anyone and knows how to deal with anything standing in her way. In my opinion, she totally stole the show from Tom Hardy in Mad Max: Fury Road.

MARIE

Hermione Jean Granger (Harry Potter) – Let’s face it, those boys wouldn’t have lasted their first week at Hogwarts. She was the brains of the group!

WINTER

Jean Grey (The X-Men) – Even though Jean is one of the most powerful mutants, she is a nurturing and almost mother-like figure for the X-Men. Jean has always struggled (with the help of Prof. X) with controlling her own mind in order to keep the people around her safe—she is always thinking of others. My favorite power of hers, that people usually don’t talk about is that she can recharge other people’s powers!

EMILY

Okoye (Black Panther) – A fierce, loyal, and dangerous warrior who makes tough choices, fights for what she believes in, and can take out a room full of threats with minimal effort. A devoted leader who protects what she loves, and isn’t afraid to put you in your place with a snide comment if you step out of line.

MAC

Ellen Ripley (Aliens) – A life on Earth can be a harrowing experience, much less one in space, even less so when facing an army of lethal Xenomorphs. The sheer willpower that Ripley exudes as she pushes through her fear - using anything and everything at her disposal to not only survive, but to protect those around her - is superhuman. And yet at no moment do you feel that bravery is unearned, frivolous, or disingenuous. Her heart is on her sleeve, and armed with an M41A Pulse Rifle.

SCOTT

Dr. Michaela Quinn, M.D. (Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman) – Imagine being a female doctor in the late 1800s. Now imagine being a female doctor in the tiny town of Colorado Springs, Colorado in the late 1800s after not being able to find work as a female physician in your native Boston. With all these circumstances plotting against her, “Dr. Mike” ends up becoming one of TV’s greatest female leads because she’s just so completely badass. When no one in town will give her the time of day, she lets the town’s current “doctor” - a man who is actually just the town’s barber and plays doctor once in a while - pull one of her teeth without sedation or anesthesia. Throughout six seasons, Dr. Quinn stands up to racism, anti-semitism, censorship, violence against Native Americans, and a whole plethora of other social issues. All this while keeping the folks of Colorado Springs healthy with some quite primitive medical supplies.

Click's New Shoes!!

“Physician, heal thyself.” (The Bible, Luke 4:23)

It’s a tale as old as time: the professional in his field fills his time so completely doing a job for others, that he runs out of time to help himself.

Here at Click, we’ve joked for awhile that “The cobbler’s children have no shoes.” Any time someone would reference our outdated website or a social media account that hasn’t posted in awhile, we’d throw this old adage out. Then we get back to work on our clients’ projects.

It’s a reasonable approach to some degree. We exist to take care of clients, after all. When it comes to our Core Values, we pour our Passion, Care, and Integrity into our work, for them. 

The problem is that this approach neglects two of our other Core Values: Communication and Growth.

Specifically: it’s been too long since we’ve told people how we’ve grown.

“We thought you were just a small agency of, like, five people or so,” we’ve heard. Yeah, that’s not at all true, or else our office would be a lot roomier (and quieter).

“We thought you only handled digital,” someone might say. That’s still a specialty, but we’ve been full service PR since acquiring Carl Samrock PR in 2017.

“You do social media?” a publicity client will ask, surprised. Yes, very well, for a long time now.

So here we are, healed by our own trade, wearing shiny new shoes in the form of our new site. Please, follow us and chat to us on all of our social media channels. Contact us through our site, send comments on our blog. We’re entering a brave new world here at Click, and we’re excited to tell you all about it.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons