San Diego Comic-Con. While only the third biggest Comic-Con in the world, its certainly the most prolific. What started off as a modest sized comic convention focused on comic books and trade cards is now the pop culture mecca for fans and entertainers alike.
I’ve already been down there three times before 2011. But this year was the first time my stay was longer than a day. As expected, it was insanity. The Convention Hall? Packed beyond belief. The Costumes? So detailed you wonder why some of these fan boys and girls haven’t taken up careers in costume design. Plus, the AC was cranked up, a godsend to those of us who could do with out the BO stench prevalent in past years.
Now I didn’t get to see any panels, as I was working the whole time. But I did get to peruse the floor, pose with a Voltron statue (WIN) and at times get inspired by the busts and statues at some booths. Even crazier, I ran into an old classmate from the 6th grade working the Nickelodeon both.
Would I go again? Definitely. Would it be for work is possible? Absolutely not. I would like to experience all that Comic-Con has to offer, including more panels. I got into 1.5 panels for the first time at Comic-Con 2009, Glee (partial) and V. Compared to the previous times I’d gone sitting in on panels was an entirely different experience. One that I found myself liking alot.
As interesting as my experience was, the mainstreaming of Comic-Con still irked, still lingered. Restaurants were sponsored by networks, meaning that only if one had a ticket could they even get in. Parking lots were bought out by studios looking to pimp their films. The whole sides of buildings were splashed with movie and game art ala Time Square (the Arkham City promotions were everywhere!)
Yes, Comic-Con is very mainstream and so not about comics and cards anymore. But its still an experience worth having for those who are unfamiliar with it.
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