Comic-Con 2012: ‘Fringe,’ ‘Supernatural,’ and ‘The Walking Dead’

Panels on Sunday tend to be more laid-back. They seem to be more about visiting with fans rather than showing off the next big thing, like with Marvel Studios and “The Hobbit” on Saturday). Hall H, the giant room that holds 6,500 people, hosted several television series panels including “Doctor Who,” “Fringe,” and “Supernatural.”

The panel for “Fringe” made some fans emotional since it was the show’s final panel at Comic-Con. It’s entering its fifth and final season. Though Executive Producer J. H. Wyman was vague about giving away any specifics on next season, they did show teasers, and he confirmed the cast already knows how the series will end. Fans who attended the panel, after waiting for hours in line, received special Observer fedora style hats.

It was also the last day of “The Walking Dead” Escape at Petco Park. The location was transformed into an obstacle course infested with the undead. Participants paid to participate and be chased by convincing zombies. They could only survive the infection if they escaped untouched. Staff (a whopping 600 person crew) used a special light to see if any of the zombie laid hands on the humans. I heard about this event multiple times at the convention, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it makes a return next year.