San Diego Comic Con is the time of summer for entertainment. While games have E3, movies and television shows gather at SDCC to talk about their projects. This is the best time to reveal new material, and so far we've had "Fantastic Beasts," "Justice League," "Wonder Woman," "Black Panther," "The 100," and many more play trailers for us.
Then, there's "American Gods." The Starz television show, based on Neil Gaiman's award-winning novel, has been a long time coming for Gaiman's fans. I heard about it this spring when Ricky Whittle, who plays Lincoln from "The 100" was cast as the main character Shadow Moon. I immediately read the book and I've been on the edge of my seat since. Now there's a trailer.
1. Ricky Whittle is the perfect Shadow Moon.
OK, so hear me out. The first things about Ricky that makes him a great Shadow is that he fits the main character's description. Neil Gaiman knew not to whitewash his character (not that he ever wanted to) and I think he chose the right guy. Ricky's character in "The 100" is really similar to Shadow in my opinion; they are both characters who just want to love but happen to be really good at fighting. They're quiet but inquisitive, and in "American Gods," there's a lot to wonder about. I admit that he seems skinnier and darker than he did in "The 100," but that may be because of the way he's dressed.
2. I also thought Ian McShane was a good choice for Wednesday.
Wednesday is supposed to be charismatic, and McShane does that and manages to seem ageless. He doesn't seem young, but he doesn't seem old. He seems like a god. I also think that when he gets angry it will be pretty scary.
3. They included 'puppy'!
Even if it's just a few times, one of the most memorable parts of the relationship between Laura and Shadow is that she calls him her "puppy." It's cute, and I really hope they give us a flashback of why that's his nickname, just because I want to see it on screen.
4. Technical Boy does bother me a little.
A new god, meant to represent the Internet, Technical Boy was a really fat guy. His actions seemed grotesque and creepy in the book, but the character cast (the one in the car) is so skinny and so I imagine him seeming like a spoiled brat. I know that this was done on purpose, and probably so they wouldn't be alienating plus sized people (even though it is a pretty strong stereotype of America) but I'm kind of worried about how that will translate.
5. Gillian Anderson?
I like her, I do, but I'm a little lost as to why they cast her as Media (who basically tries to seduce Shadow). I don't want to be that person because I know she's still beautiful, but I'm thinking that being 47 will make her character seem more desperate than alluring. We'll see.
6. It's a television show.
Listen, I'm glad it's not a movie. With a movie, you are guaranteed to miss out on huge aspects of the story. But with a television show, I'm afraid they'll be tempted to keep adding to it. And I know Neil had so much more to go into the book, but what will that mean for us?
7. THERE'S SO MUCH WE HAVEN'T BEEN SHOWN.
I need to see Czernobog, and the Zoryas, and Samantha (because she has the best quote in the entire book) and the town Shadow hides in. I want to see the slow parts as much as I want to see the action. I want even more of Mr. Ibis and Mr. Jacquel (please don't mess them up) and I'm excited to see Laura as a ghost.
You know what? I'm not sure I could be mad at this show even if I tried. Especially with Gaiman having such a hand in it himself, I know it is what he would want. I'm keeping an open mind, and I'm can't wait.
After all ...
