Comic-Con to launch own streaming service on May 7

PanARMENIAN.Net - The company behind San Diego Comic-Con is trying to expand its control of geekdom beyond a single weekend in July. It's teaming up with Lionsgate to launch a streaming service with classic sci-fi and fantasy titles, live streams of select SDCC panels, and original programming, including scripted series and unscripted news shows, the Verge reports.

Comic-Con International announced the first substantial details of its streaming service Monday, March 14. It'll be called Comic-Con HQ, and it'll enter a soft launch period starting May 7 (which is also Free Comic Book Day). The service will be free to use at first, but it'll require a paid subscription later on; a price has yet to be announced. Comic-Con HQ will formally launch in June.

Former G4 stars will be heading up some of Comic-Con HQ's programming. Adam Sessler, of the gaming show X-Play, will host an interview series and executive produce other shows on gaming, comics, and science. Attack of the Show's Kevin Pereira will executive produce something akin to a late night talk show, as well as an entertainment news show. Comic-Con HQ intends to make these into daily or weekly programs.

The service's lineup of existing movie and TV shows isn't being detailed yet, nor is the more interesting question of what it'll be streaming from SDCC. Comic-Con HQ will have its own coverage of the show, but the bigger draw will be live streams of the show's panels.