It seems like fans are still a bit steamed over Marvel Studios decision to not have a Hall H panel this year.

I’ve already had my say about this in several episodes of ourpodcasts (here and here), but truth be told, it’s not the only big franchise to not have a BIG comic con panel.

Starting 2001, here is a list of some of the most popular Geeky film franchises that didn’t do the whole comic con song and dance show. You might be surprised to find out what big movie properties didn’t participate.

First, I made some simple rules.

1. They must have at least Director AND/OR Important Cast members be at the panel. Sorry, a producer or supporting cast member won’t cut it.

2. Exclusive footage must be shown here. That’s THE reason to be at these panels.

3. It MUST be held in the biggest room available (Hall H now, Ballroom 20 in the old days.)

Now….on to the list! (No particular order…)

-GI Joe/Transformers

I decided to lump these two together because they both represent the geek 80′s toy nostalgia that studios are trying to get to see their films. Hell, these are THE franchises that represent that era. Outside of a truck display to tease fans in 2005…

Michael Bay and Shia LaBeouf never set foot on Comic Con soil. Three films (and nearly billions of dollars in Box Office cash) later, they still haven’t

G.I. Joe will get a sequel and who knows, maybe next year there will be a panel…

- Harry Potter

There was some hope that MAYBE they would have a Panel at Comic Con last year for Deathly Hallows. No such luck. You know, considering that it’s one of the most popular franchises of all time (right up there with Star Wars, Lord of the Rings and Star Trek) Comic Con was probably something they never though about going to.

-Batman Begins/ The Dark Knight

Many people were upset that THE DARK KNIGHT RISES didn’t show up this year, but it actually has sadly been this way since Batman Begins. Director Chris Nolan very much likes to keep things to himself, and it seems like for him, Comic Con is not a big concern.

-James Bond (Casino Royale/ Quantum of Solace)

You can’t get more iconic then this character. While ironically Casino Royale’s director Martin Campbell and it’s star Daniel Craig were at Comic Con last year (Campbell for Green Lantern, Craig for Cowboys and Aliens) there has yet to be a big James Bond presentation at Comic Con yet.

-Star Trek (2009) aka The J.J. Abrams version

Big ass shock when THE geek property, Star Trek, did not have a panel at comic con in 2008. I thought this was interesting since this was the one that almost needed the Comic Con fanbase to help convince people this was going to work. 

Those are some pretty big name movies that would have easily KILLED at Comic Con. In the end, the cold hard truth is….they still made money.

Lots of money.

These films obviously didn’t need to be at Comic Con and while fans would have loved to have had an AVENGERS panel, they will see the film regardless.

Fair enough…that being said….can someone PLEASE explain to me why the hell GLEE has a panel at Comic Con???