Los Angeles got a taste of the future on Thursday, October 2nd, as IHEARTCOMIX transformed The Bellwether into a neon-soaked portal straight into the digital realm. The occasion? A spectacular promotional event for Disney’s upcoming film TRON: Ares, hitting theaters October 10th—and true to IHEARTCOMIX’s reputation, it was nothing short of extraordinary.
This marked my third pilgrimage to The Bellwether for an IHEARTCOMIX production. The first was their unforgettable 20th anniversary celebration, which included a rare Interstella 5555 screening and an epic gala. The second was their heartfelt and star studded fundraiser for the LA Give Back event. Now, with ElecTRONica, they’ve delivered yet another unforgettable night. All three events have been absolutely incredible, cementing what I already knew: IHEARTCOMIX knows how to throw a party.
The Bellwether’s industrial-chic architecture provided the perfect canvas for the TRON aesthetic—all sharp angles, dramatic lighting, and that unmistakable fusion of retro-futurism that defines the franchise. The dress protocol encouraged futuristic attire, and attendees delivered, arriving in cyberpunk-inspired looks that would’ve made the film’s costume designers proud.
Two photo booth stations anchored opposite ends of the venue, each offering its own flavor of digital immortality. The first featured a sleek motorcycle straight out of the TRON universe—a light cycle replica that had guests lining up for their moment as a cyber-warrior. The second booth offered something more experimental: a TRON-inspired filter that transformed your image into a digitized avatar, complete with that iconic electric glow.
As the opening DJ set the tone with pulsating electronic beats, the crowd settled into the evening’s rhythm. Then, Franki Chan himself—the founder and creative force behind IHEARTCOMIX—took the stage. For two decades, Chan has been a cultural visionary in Los Angeles, from launching the legendary “Check Yo’ Ponytail” party series to producing the Adult Swim Festival.
Chan introduced exclusive scenes from TRON: Ares, and the room fell silent as footage flickered across massive screens. But the real revelation came next. Chan unveiled a brand new track from industrial rock pioneers Nine Inch Nails, created specifically for the film’s soundtrack. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, who previously won an Oscar for their work on The Social Network, have crafted something that pays homage to the late Daft Punk’s iconic TRON: Legacy score while pushing into darker, more aggressive territory.
What happened next stopped the entire venue in its tracks. A “light” performer took center stage. Even with his face obscured by a traditional Asian farmer’s hat, he bore a striking resemblance to the America’s Got Talent winner—and then delivered one of the most mesmerizing performances I’ve ever witnessed. Synchronized lights and lasers painted the darkness with electric color, precisely aligned with the soundtrack and his choreography.
The photosensitivity warnings posted throughout the venue proved well-justified. This was a show designed to overwhelm the senses in the best possible way, with red strobing effects and rapid light changes that made you feel like you were partying in the Tron universe.
Then came the main event. German electronic music legend BOYS NOIZE took command of the decks, and The Bellwether transformed into a kinetic cathedral of sound. Known for his aggressive, distortion-heavy electro sound and his collaborations with everyone from Frank Ocean to Skrillex, BOYS NOIZE brought exactly the kind of raw, uncompromising energy the TRON universe demands.
What sets IHEARTCOMIX apart isn’t just booking great talent—though they consistently do that—or even the impressive production values. It’s the holistic approach to experience design. Every element feels intentional, from the strategic placement of the photo booths to the flow of the evening’s programming, from the food and drink offerings to the careful balance of spectacle and substance.
Whether it was the intimate Interstella 5555 screening with Daft Punk’s creative director Cédric Hervet and former manager Busy P, the community-minded LA fire fundraiser, or now this razor-edged promo night, IHEARTCOMIX brings the same care and inventiveness every time. They’re not just throwing parties—they’re staging cultural moments.
And credit to Disney: few studios throw down like this. TRON: Ares hits theaters on October 10; if the film captures even a fraction of Thursday night’s voltage, audiences are in for a ride. But for those of us three Bellwether invites deep, the takeaway is simpler: these folks know how to throw a damn good party. Here’s to more of them.
See you on the Grid.
For more information on IHEARTCOMIX’s upcoming events, visit www.iheartcomix.com. TRON: Ares opens in theaters nationwide on October 10, 2024.
Written by Eric Budianto Thornton | Edit by Bernadette
Written by Eric Budianto Thornton | Edit by Bernadette