Plus: Ridley Scott's Graphic Novel Debut, Mobile IDs, Airport Art Fair, and More!
Date: Friday, October 4th, 2024
Welcome to LA Vibe Check where we see "What's Hot, What's Next!" Alright Los Angeles, strap in, this week's Vibe Check is wilder than a Hollywood pitch meeting on espresso. Gotham meets Hollywood as the Caped Crusader receives a start on the Walk of Fame, while LA Comic Con unleashes its super-powered weekend. Meanwhile, our skyline's buzzing with more than dreams - flying taxis might actually be a thing. Ridley Scott's venturing into graphic novels, LA's getting a mobile ID, and two local LA restaurants just landed on the NY Times "Best in the USA" list. This is a vibe check.
What is a "Vibe Check?"
We breakdown all the latest, most-interesting headlines and positive-trending stories in Los Angeles.
The Vibes
We rate each selection with a "Vibe" that fits our personal opinion.
🔥 = Hot
👀 = Worth A Look
🤷 = Meh, Could Go Either Way
😴 = Snooze
🥶 = Cold
7 Trending Stories: Do They Pass the Vibe Check?
1. Would You Ride a Flying Taxi in Los Angeles?
Imagine soaring above LA traffic in a sleek, all-electric air taxi. It's like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, but it's real and it's coming to a sky near you Joby Aviation is leading the charge with their quiet, electric aircraft designed to revolutionize transportation. Think of it like a ride-share service, but instead of cars, you'll be flying over the city in style. It could be the future of commuting.
The Details:
Traffic? What traffic?: With air taxis, you can skip the gridlock and travel at speeds of up to 200 mph. That's like going from the Valley to Downtown LA in just 15 minutes.
Fly like a VIP: Air taxis from Joby Aviation can currently carry up to 5 people, and the company promises a "luxurious" experience with comfortable seating and large windows for taking in the views.
The Future is Now: Joby Aviation is already testing its air taxis in California, with plans to launch commercial services in major cities like Los Angeles.
The Vibe Check: 👀
Who doesn't like the idea of soaring over the gridlock that is LA freeways in rush hour? But before we get too hyped, we still need to see how soon these sky-taxis (and their competitors) will actually be available and whether they'll be more than just a millionaire's plaything... That said, this aerial revolution is definitely worth keeping on your radar.
2. Batman Makes History: 1st Superhero Star on the Walk of Fame
On September 26, 2024, Batman made history by becoming the first superhero to receive a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Caped Crusader joins the ranks of legendary actors, musicians, and directors who have been immortalized on the Walk of Fame.
The Details:
Guinness World Record: Not only is he the first superhero, but he's also officially recognized by Guinness World Records for this groundbreaking achievement.
In the Presence of Greatness: In a twist that would make the Riddler proud, Batman's star will be placed right next to those of TV Batman Adam West and Batman co-creator Bob Kane. Coincidence? We think not.
The Bat Signal Shines Bright: Batman's star will be the 2,790th on the Walk of Fame, proving that even after 85 years, he's still got serious star power.
The Vibe Check: 🔥
It's Batman making history, what's not to love? DC takes a win over Marvel by achieving this honor. Hopefully this translates to DC and Marvel making good movies again...
3. LA Comic Con Weekend is Your Pass to Nerdvana (and Epic After-Parties!)
LA Comic Con is back and bigger than ever this weekend. The Los Angeles Convention Center will transform from October 4th through October 6th into nerdvana for all things pop culture, with celebrity guests, epic panels, gaming tournaments, and incredible cosplay. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, try to score a ticket to one of the after-parties. Just remember: what happens at Comic-Con, stays at Comic-Con (except for the Instagram selfies, which will definitely be posted).
The Details:
Relive Your Childhood: Get ready for reunions with iconic casts from The Addams Family, Back to the Future, and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.
Meet Celebrity Star(Wars): Meet Star Wars movie legends Hayden Christensen and Ewan McGregor on Sunday for rare photo ops and autographs. Check out the LA Comic Con app for the full schedule.
Cosplay Extravaganza: Join the 9th Annual National Cosplay Championship and the Kids’ Costume Contest for a chance to win big and showcase your costumed creativity, then unleash your character at the after party (18+) for more fandom celebrations.
The Vibe Check: 🔥
LA Comic Con weekend is definitely vibing "super-hot." It's basically Coachella for nerds, but with less sunburn and more spandex. By day, you're rubbing elbows with celebs and buying overpriced collectibles. But when the con floor closes, it's time to take to the dance floor in your epic Groot costume that you hope will still be comfortable at 12 AM. We wouldn't miss that for the world.
4. Ridley Scott Just Entered His Graphic Novel Era (and We're Officially Obsessed)
Speaking of comics and graphic novels...Ridley Scott, the visionary director behind Alien and Blade Runner, is about to unleash his genius on the world of graphic novels. Ridley's company Scott Free, along with Jesse Negron and Tom Sanders' production company Mechanical Cake, are teaming up to deliver a mind-bending trifecta of original graphic novel series.
The Details:
Ridley Scott's Graphic Novel Debut: From Alien worlds to graphic novels, Modville: A Sci-Fi/Southern Gothic crime drama set in a future New Orleans, featuring AI humans known as "mods." Hyde: Explores a world where Mr. Hyde lives on, conducting experiments beneath the streets of London. Nick: A Yule war story steeped in arcane Norse legends, offering a fresh take on ancient myths.
Dream Team of Artists and Legends: Mechanical Cake has assembled a team of top-tier artists, including Bill Sienkiewicz, Chris Weston, Dan Panosian, Brian Rood, and Hendry Prasetya, to bring these graphic novels to life. And with comic book legend Dave Elliott on board as Editor-in-Chief, you know these projects are going to be something special.
First Look (and Pre-Orders) Coming Soon: Modville (Book 1 of 8) is complete and will be available for pre-order, along with first-issue previews of Hyde and Nick. You can sneak a peek at all three projects on the Mechanical Cake website (just sign up for future updates).
The Vibe Check: 🔥
The vibe is scorching hot for this one. One of the most iconic film directors of all time bringing together new mediums and artists is certainly something to be fired up about. Plus, who doesn't love Mechanical Cake's mission statement: "Don’t worry about pleasing any of the people any of the time."
5. Your California Driver's ID Just Went Digital (Sort Of)
No need to fumble your ID at the airport anymore. Californians can now add their driver's license to their Apple Wallet, making travel and age verification a breeze. This digital ID pilot program is like having a VIP pass to adulthood, letting you breeze through TSA checkpoints and prove you're old enough for that craft beer without fumbling for your wallet. It's so 2024, even your grandma might think it's "lit."
The Details:
Convenience at Airports: Use your mobile ID at TSA checkpoints at major airports like San Francisco International (SFO) and Los Angeles International (LAX) for a smooth security check.
Age Verification, Made Easy: With the TruAge feature, businesses like liquor stores can scan your digital ID to confirm you’re over 21, making age verification a breeze.
1.5 Million: The pilot program is limited to 1.5 million people, so sign up ASAP if you want in on this digital revolution.
The Vibe Check: 🤷
This feels like a great convenience upgrade but also yet another tracking tool for less and less privacy in today's increasingly monitored world. I have to shrug and go "meh" until proven otherwise.
6. The Other Art Fair Landed in a Santa Monica Airport Hangar
Picture this: a massive, industrial airport hangar (Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, California) transformed into an artistic gallery of incredible art. The high ceilings and exposed concrete floors provide the perfect backdrop for an immersive art exploration that's equal parts gritty and glamorous. Welcome to The Other Art Fair and below are some of our favorite artists we discovered there this last weekend.
The Details:
Underwater Mermaid Photography: Cheryl Walsh's underwater wonderland, where her fine art photography makes you question if mermaids are real (are they?)
CantStopGoodBoy: Also known as Nick Simon, CSGB is like the art world's version of a nostalgia-fueled fever dream, blending vintage, pop culture icons, and fine art into a wildly addictive visual cocktail.
Dare to Be Different, Be You: Johannes Gustafsson's art invites you to look closer, revealing tiny figures within seemingly empty frames, each telling a story about self-discovery, confidence, and the pursuit of dreams.
The Vibe Check: 🔥
Absolute fire. My first time attending The Other Art Fair, and not only was the atmosphere of being inside a massive hanger full of art (with food trucks conveniently right outside) amazing, but the variety of high-quality and interesting art was equally impressive.
7. Two LA Restaurants Just Made the NYT's "Best in America"
LA's culinary scene just received even more accolades. The New York Times dropped its list of the 50 best restaurants in America for 2024, and guess what? Two LA gems took home honors. We're talking about Camélia, a French-Japanese fusion bistro serving up mind-blowing croque-madames, and Azizam, an Iranian haven dishing out soul-warming comfort food that tastes like home.
The Details:
Camélia: This Arts District hot spot is serving up a symphony of flavors with its Japanese-French fusion dishes. Think crispy ham katsu, gooey Mornay sauce, and perfectly fluffy shokupan bread.
Azizam: Craving a taste of home? Azizam's got you covered. Their hearty ash-e-jo soup is a flavor explosion that'll transport you straight to grandma's kitchen.
California King: Hold up, did someone say California love? The Golden State received more spots on the list than any other state, proving that we're the undisputed champions of taste.
The Vibe Check: 👀
Worth a look. I love to check out new food lists (even the ones not from LA Today), especially when they are well curated. And while I haven't visited either LA restaurant, I'm fascinated to try both so this trending headline is certainly tasty.
Which Story is Fire🔥?
Flying Taxis at The Grove
Batman on The Walk of Fame
LA Comic Con Weekend
Ridley Scott's New Graphic Novels
Want more LA vibes? You know you do.
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