Marti Noxon

With hundreds of thousands of people attending San Diego Comic-Con every year and the July 20-24 event kicking off this week, The Hollywood Reporter chatted with the big names in television to discuss their favorite memories and tips for attending the annual event. THR’s Live Feed will talk Comic-Con with actors, writers and producers in the days leading up to the event so check back soon for interviews and the latest news on panels and screenings.

Marti Noxon

Geek Cred: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Prison Break, Upcoming: Glee

Comic-Con panels: Fright Night, Friday 2:45, Hall H; Girls Gone Genre, Friday 6 p.m., Room 25ABC.

THR: What was your first impression of Comic-Con?

Noxon: I’ve been going almost every year since I started on Buffy, so about 15 years. The very first time I attended – Season 2 or 3 of Buffy – I went with Joss Whedon. I went to Comic-Con with Elvis. I came from a horror/supernatural world but I wasn’t a comic book reader – my secret shame was that I read Archie and Richie Rich. We walked on to the floor and within moments there were a hundred people asking for autographs and the next thing I knew, there was a security guard there with us. I had no idea what being in Hall H meant.

THR: What’s your craziest experience from Comic-Con?

Noxon: About three years ago I was on a panel with a bunch of other writers and actresses including Lucy Lawless and it was in one of the big ballrooms. I decided for the first time to bring my son, who was 5 or 6 at the time. I thought it was time to initiate him into full geekdom. We took the train and thought we’d have plenty of time to make the panel. The train broke down three times on the way down. We got off the train and hooked up with friends who were driving down, raced the train and got stuck Comic-Con traffic. My son and I got out, pretended we were superheroes and ran through downtown to the Convention Center and I arrived 40 minutes late for the panel. My son, who only knew me as mom, saw a thousand people scream for my arrival. My son thought, “My mom reallyis a superhero.” It was a funny and dramatic entrance for a panel that I said little to nothing on since I was out of breath. It was the only way I’d get any recognition next to Lucy Lawless.

THR: What panel would you stand in line all day for?

Noxon: Sam Raimi. Or if I didn’t know Joss, I’d wait all night to talk to him.

THR: Who would be on your dream panel?

Noxon: Steven Spielberg, Joss Whedon, Sam Raimi, Isaac Mizrahi, John Lasseter, J.J. Abrams, Emma Thompson and Michelle Obama.

THR: What tips do you have for those attending their first Comic-Con?

Noxon: Spandex is very binding. If you’re wearing a costume, bring talcum powder. Don’t make a costume that is too wide; if you’re going to be Yoshi, keep it small.

THR: What do you recommend fans not ask at panels?

Noxon: “Are you wearing underwear” is never good (laughs).

THR: What are you looking forward to seeing this year?

Noxon: Jonah Nolan’s Person of Interest. And I want to go to the costume ball. I’ve never gotten to see it but hear it’s great. And I really want to go to Cowboys and Aliens.

THR: If you could reboot any show, or bring any show back from the dead what would it be?

Noxon: I’d wish My So-Called Life was in its 20th season.

THR: Looking ahead withGlee, how much have you talked about Season 3 with Ryan Murphy and company?

Noxon: We’ve had very preliminary talks.