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The international stars of “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” greeted a room of fans at Comic-Con on Friday afternoon, treating them to a preview trailer of upcoming adventures and also offering hints about the upcoming prequel, “Gods Of The Arena” … not to mention the yet-to-be-filmed second season .

Andy Whitfield, who holds the title role on the series, received a particularly warm reception in his first foray at Comic-Con with fans offered their heartfelt congratulations to him after his recent battle with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Whitfield, released now to return to work, thanked “Spartacus” fans for their support.

“I’m grateful to everyone, it was profound and moving” he told the crowd. Eager to return to filming “Spartacus”, he assured his fans, “I’m cherishing the whole thing. I feel better than I have in twenty years. I’m kind of enjoying a little fearlessness so bring it on.”

Whitfield was joined at the panel by co-stars, Lucy Lawless, John Hannah and Viva Bianca, plus executive producer Stephen DeKnight. Looking back over season one, DeKnight said his only regret was killing John Hannah’s character, Batiatus.

“Killing Batiatus was really the cruelest cut," he said. "We loved having John on the show. He was the kind of villain I’ve dreamed of writing.”

Filmed to accommodate Whitfield’s medical absence, “Gods Of The Arena” will flesh out backstories that have been hinted at throughout the first season. Fan-favorite Doctore will be heavily featured.

“He plays a major, major part in the prequel,” DeKnight said. “We really bring him to the forefront.”

Lawless also told fans that they could continue to expect the show’s trademark action in the prequel, revealing that once the adventure starts it never really stops.

“It really hits the ground running,” she said. “You really come out with all guns blazing.”

In its sophomore season, DeKnight said that the show is taking its cues from history and Spartacus’ story will see him looking beyond revenge and beginning a rebellion.

“He’s going to become more and more socially conscious. He will see outside his need for revenge.”

Also promising more love interests, DeKnight heartily assured fans that romance would play a role in the next season. “I think this show lives and breathes on the romantic side.”

Oh, and he also made sure fans knew that they could also count on “all the blood and gore you can handle.”

“Spartacus: Gods Of The Arena” will air on Starz January 2011.