The Shout Factory bringing G.I. Joe, Transformers and Middleman to Comic-Con 2009

The Shout Factory, purveyors of the coolest cult classic DVD box sets, this side of Cybertron, will be slamming into Comic-Con, bringing along guests for rare appearances and signings. One of the highlights of their events will be an appearance of the creator of the show The Middleman, Javier Grillo-Marxuach, along with the cast, including Natalie Morales, Matt Keeslar, Mary Gleason, Brit Morgan and Jake Smollett.

The ABC Family Show The Middleman revolved around Wendy Watson (Morales), a 22 year-old art school graduate struggling to stay afloat at a series of dead-end jobs. Living with her best friend Lacey (Morgan) in an illegal sublet, she bounces from one temp job to another while putting off her mother’s daily inquiries to what she is going to do with her life. Wendy’s situation takes a drastic turn during a routine temp assignment at a local laboratory, when she is thrown into the middle of a science experiment gone very wrong. If that weren’t bizarre enough, who should show up to save the day, but a mysterious, handsome, gun-wielding stranger who introduces himself only as The Middleman (Keeslar) – a covert hero who neutralizes any and all danger humanity isn’t prepared to face, the milk-drinking, ruggedly wholesome Middleman is in need of a new colleague in the fight against other worldly evil and thinks Wendy fits the bill.

After a series of tests that would make grown astronauts weep and Navy Seals beg for mercy, Wendy is quickly recruited into the Middleman ranks. Now fighting criminals under the guidance of her new boss, Wendy tries to wrap her head around the new and definitely weird situation. But the Middleman is sure she can do the job, even though his cranky robot assistant Ida (Gleason) questions his choice every step of the way.

Soon Wendy learns that there will always be another unfathomable peril to contain and focusing on her painting will be easier said than done. Now living a double life, Wendy tries to balance an undercover Middleman mission with a “normal” life in her offbeat circle of artist friends.

The Middleman panel will feature exclusive table read of the lost 13th episode The Doomsday Armageddon Apocalypse, which was never produced for television but will be available as a graphic novel from Viper Comics.

Also along for the ride this year will be Gregg Berger, who played the voice of Grimlock in The Transformers and Spirit in the G.I. Joe animated series.

Also, Shout will be presenting Comic Con exclusive lithographs with the purchase of the G.I. Joe A Real American Hero: The Complete Series Collector’s Set or The Transformers:25th Anniversary Matrix of Leadership Edition Collector’s Set.

Below is a complete schedule of events.

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2009
The Middleman Panel
When: 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Where: Room 6A
Talent: Show creator Javier Grillo-Marxuach and cast (Natalie Morales, Matt Keeslar, Mary Gleason, Brit Morgan and Jake Smollett)
The panel will feature exclusive table read of the lost 13th episode The Doomsday Armageddon Apocalypse, which was never produced for television but will be available as a graphic novel from Viper Comics.

This July 28, Shout! Factory will release The Middleman: The Complete Series box set. Available for the first time, The Middleman: The Complete Series DVD box set contains all 12 one-hour episodes that aired on ABC Family in 2008 and a payload of DVD bonus content featuring commentaries with the cast and crew, alternate scenes, web featurettes, gag reel, audition footage, The Complete “The Palindrome Reversal Palindrome” table read, a gallery of The Middleman photography by Ralph King and much more!

Based on the series of graphic novels by acclaimed writer Javier Grillo-Marxuach (Lost, Medium), the popular ABC Family live-action television series “The Middleman” star Matt Keeslar (Snowglobe), Natalie Morales (CSI: Miami), Mary Pat Gleason (I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry), Brit Morgan (Buried Alive) and Jake Smollett (Eve’s Bayou).

When: 12: 30 PM
Where: Shout! Factory Booth #3749
The Cast & Show creator signing for The Middleman
Show creator and graphic novelist Javier Grillo-Marxuach and actors Natalie Morales, Matt Keeslar, Mary Gleason, Brit Morgan, Jake Smollett

SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2009
When: 1:00 PM
Where: Shout! Factory Booth #3749
The Transformers (original animated) and G.I. Joe (Original animated)
Special rare appearance signing by Gregg Berger (“Grimlock” in The Transformers and “Spirit” in G.I. Joe) as well as artist Andrew Griffith.

SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2009
When: 1:00 PM
Where: Shout! Factory Booth #3749
The Transformers (original animated) and G.I. Joe (Original animated)
Special rare appearance signing by Gregg Berger (“Grimlock” in The Transformers and “Spirit” in G.I. Joe)

To see all of the events I’ve posted for San Diego Comic-Con 2009 so far, CLICK HERE.