Kick-ass the movie, based on the comic series, comes out in 2010.: Lionsgate

2009 was one hell of a ride. Geeks saw everything we love grow and prosper. But from the looks of it, 2010 is when geeks will inherit the Earth. From games to cons to movies and more, here’s what 2010 has in store.

Comics
• For 2010, the big two have some tricks up their sleeves. Marvel will finish up their “Fall of the Hulks”, in which the Hulk universe gets a shake-up; hopefully picking off some of the members from the over-abundant Hulk family. Marvel also has “Siege” in the lineup. This bad boy culminates everything that’s been going on since “Avengers: Disassembled”. Could this mean Osborn will be kicked out of power? Two things to look forward after “Siege”: the big three back together again and the new “Heroic Age”.

DC will finish up “Blackest Night”, with one more issue left in the series. Superman and Batman both have their origins and first adventures retold in graphic novel form, look for those in “Batman: Earth One” and “Superman: Earth One”. In the Batman universe, Bruce Wayne comes out of his temporal displacement in the “Return of Bruce Wayne” storyline which starts in April. Lastly, it looks like Superman is going to have his own version of “Blackest night” with “War of the Supermen”. Pick up the #0 issue on Free Comic Book Day.

Games
So many titles! The year starts off with a long list of heavy hitters including “Bayonetta”, “Darksiders”, “Army of Two: The 40th Day”, “Dante’s Inferno”, Capcom’s “Dark Void”, “Mass Effect 2”, and leading into February’s huge release, “Bioshock 2”. The collector’s edition is incredibly dreamy, featuring the first “Bioshock” score on vinyl, posters, and a huge artbook. After that we have “Heavy Rain”, which is going to be more of a dramatic thriller; and the new Splinter Cell game, “Conviction”.

After selling 1.1 million copies in a day, March sees the release of the highly anticipated “Final Fantasy XII”, time to saddle up on some Chocobos again. “Just Cause 2” is out in the same month, and after watching dev videos, I can’t wait till I drive a speed boat into a building, propelling myself in the air, landing on a plane, taking it out with explosives, parachuting, and driving away to my next mission.

Big bad Kratos brings us his new adventure in the PS3 guaranteed million seller, “God of War 3”. In April, I’ll probably disappear for awhile with the release of “Super Street Fighter 4” (Tournament anyone?).

That’s only the first quarter of the year; my wallet says no, but my soul says yes. We’re also going to be getting a bevy of games that involve the number two, 2: “Metal Gear Solid” games, “Super Mario Galaxy 2”, “Crackdown 2”, “Dead Rising 2”. “Lost Planet 2”, and “Crysis 2”.

“Medal of Honor” gets a modern entry to combat “Call of Duty”, “Prince of Persia” gets a new entry to coincide with the movie, Team Ninja (“Ninja Gaiden”) takes a stab at Metroid, and the VERY long awaited “Gran Turismo 5” actually drops.

PC (and in some cases MAC) users are also going to have a monumental year. The aforementioned “Crysis 2” will hopefully push PC specs just like the first one. I’ve never been a big MMO player, but the allure of Bioware’s “Star Wars: The Old Republic” is tempting me like the Dark Side (Bounty Hunter class FTW). WoW gets an expansion, hopefully; but Blizzard and PC fans are eagerly awaiting “StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty”.

Wow, that’s a lot of games.

Movies
This year sees another growth in comic book movies and video game-inspired movies. Yes, I’ve ranted before about how bad video game movies are, but after seeing trailers for Disney’s “Prince of Persia”, things might finally be taking the right turn.

This year’s comic book movies are led by “Iron Man 2”, which is also another chapter in Marvel’s huge “Avengers” project. Robert Downey, Jr., Mickey Rourke, Don Cheadle, and Scarlett Johansson provide the star power, while John Favreau is back in the director’s chair. If you couldn’t get enough of Megan Fox in “Jennifer’s Body” (HA!), she’ll be back for Jonah Hex, as a prostitute … I think. But I’m mega excited to see DC’s disfigured cowboy on the big screen.

On the more indie-comics side, look out for Mark Millar’s “Kick-ass”; which really I think will translate better on the big screen. After seeing the trailer, the combination of ultra-violence with that “Speed Racer” feel is highly intriguing. Also, boring-ass Michael Cera will star in a very unlikely role in “Scott Pilgrim”. I just don’t see how Cera’s shy/coy/nerd shtick could fit Pilgrim’s dynamic and cartoony attitude.

I just need two words for this last one: Light Cycles. Yup, “Tron: Legacy” will be out this year.

Fashion

2010 also sees two major brands team up with nerd attire.

First up, Adidas Originals teams up with Star Wars to release an incredible line. Three different waves, including my favorite “Vehicle Package” aim to fully embrace Star Wars in shoes and sport clothing. Make sure to check out the incredible X-wing Pilot shoes.

Disney isn’t the only brand Marvel made a deal with. February sees the comic company team up with Japanese company, Tokidoki. These too-cute designs may be exactly that to some people, but some of them are too cool and unique to pass up. As with all things Tokidoki, expect to pay an arm and a leg for the cuteness.

Cons and events in Houston

Houston doesn’t lack in the cons department, and this year there’s going to be a big one!

For the anime fan, Onicon 2010 will be held during the fall. Last year, I had the chance to go and it was a blast! Also, Delta Con H will be held in April after being postponed last year. April 2-4 will be the dates for Anime Masturi, held up near The Woodlands.

Don’t forget about Video Games Live annual summer stop; and after losing to a 9-year-old in the cosplay contest last year, I’ll be looking for blood. In the fall, remember to support Extra Life by spending 24 hours playing video games for charity.

Rumor has it that the Houston Comic-con will be having it’s installment a little earlier, sometime around summer.
This year, comics geeks will invade the George R. Brown Center with Comicpalooza. This massive 70,000 sq. ft. con will try to bring in every facet of nerddom and try to establish a big mark on the map for Houston. Comicpalooza will be held March 26-28.

For now, get some rest because 2010 is going to be a wild ride.