And The Con is now so much more. Maybe nerd culture has transcended itself. Whatever the case, even if the in vogue of being a nerd doesn't last, Comic-Con is not just for the traditionally stereotyped "nerd, geek, dweeb" etc. Let's face it, we all have a little nerd in us even if we don't always want to let that flag fly. And if you don't, you wish you did because us nerds are the driving force of everything you hold dear in life.
Here's a list of a few things at Comic-Con 2011
I'd be shocked if there were not at least a few things on here you are interested in:
Chuck, Dexter, Twilight, Burn Notice, Big Bang Theory, Futurama, Dragon Ball Z, Batman, Adventure Time, Konami, Capcom, Microsoft, Playstation (which had previews of many upcoming games), Comic Books of every kind, Art (painting, sculptures, drawings etc), LEGO
COMIC-CON 2011
I went to Comic-Con in San Diego a few weekends ago and it was great! I was expecting a lot of people but DAMN! It wasn't just a convention, it was like Comic-Con exploded all over downtown San Diego. There were all kinds of events, nerds, cos-players and people just looking to have a good time spread all over the Gas Lamp district. I loved every second of the entire experience. This was my first time attending and I was only able to secure a one day pass for Saturday but here is what I experienced.
FRIDAY
I drove into San Diego Friday around lunch and went straight to the beach. I highly recommend checking this out as it is always beautiful. Found a bar with a patio, grabbed a beer and kicked back to enjoy the unbelievable weather and view. I thought to myself, "I could be a bum here." After soaking in the sun I checked in to the place I was staying and hit downtown. I was riding solo that weekend but the situation didn't particularly bother me as I like the sense of adventure I get exploring things on my own from time to time. I immediately found a South Park setup which was hosting South Park Song Karaoke, a number of food trucks next door, free pictures with characters, create your own South Park character kiosks and Big Wheel Racing! You read that correctly and yes, it was excellent. I also scored a free bag a Cheesy Poofs. 100% delicious. Along my travels I managed to befriend some Irishmen and we met up with a couple friends I have in SD for a night on the town. Drinks were flowing, people were dancing, and let me assure you there is no shortage of beautiful women in Southern California. All in all, it was a fun night and a great way to start the weekend.
SATURDAY: Comic-Con!
I started the day out in line for the limited autograph signings around 9am (WARNING: There are a lot of lines at Comic-Con). It was an incredibly long line but once the doors opened, the line moved very quickly and I actually scored a ticket to get the Mythbusters Autographs (Kari, Grant and Tory)! Who doesn't love Mythbusters? That show is dope! Then on to check out the exhibit hall. I was unprepared for the sheer, massive size of the exhibit hall. It seems to go on forever and is filled with every kind of entertainment you can imagine. There were comics, movies, video games, art, you name it they had it. The very first thing I happened to see? Axe Cop booth. It's a web comic written by a 7 year old, Malachai, and drawn by his older brother, Ethan. It's hilarious, entertaining and probably the best thing I've ever seen. Poked around and talked to a few of the artists and people selling comics before hitting the line for Ballroom 20 and the Terra Nova panel. Some of the panels aren't so large and the line is very manageable but things in the large Ballrooms like 20 and H are going to be super popular so you need to get in line early. As it stood I was a half hour early for the Terra Nova panel at 11am. That didn't cut it, I ended up being shut out of that panel but not to worry as I was actually more interested in the panel after that, Futurama. So I waited, played on my phone, caught a few pictures with some cos-players and scored a seat in the Futurama panel at 12:15. It did not disappoint. The voice actors were very funny and I got to see some sneak peaks of upcoming episodes. On top of that, the panel announced they had just been renewed for two more season! Got out of there and hit the exhibit hall for a bit and I just so happened to see a few people in line to get an autograph. From who? Billy Zane!!! Hell yeah! I got a picture with Billy Zane! Billy motha-fuckin Zane (his official full name, I believe)! Shook his hand, told him I was a fan and he was really nice. Him and Jeffrey Weissman (George McFly, Back to the Future II and III) were raising money for Michael J Fox's charity so I made a $10 donation for the picture. I uploaded that picture, proceeded outside to get some fresh air and grab a bit of food from one of the food trucks while reveling in all the hateful comments from my friends who were jealous I got to meet Billy Zane. It was delicious (the food and the revelry). Hit the exhibit hall again and began exploring. Quick run up to the autograph area for my Mythbusters autograph and then back down to the exhibit hall. So much to see it was almost overwhelming. Snapped a bunch of pictures with cos-players. Those cos-players really broke out the big guns for The Con. A lot of excellent, very well done costumes. I watched a few previews for upcoming movies and games, picked up an art book (autographed with a custom sketch of me by the artist) and scored a free autograph picture from Carlos "El Mariachi" Gallardo who is currently involved with in an animated zombie feature called Zombie Apocalypse. Also ran into Brian Posehn walking around on the floor. Snapped a picture of him while he was talking to someone else, creeper style, but I did overhear him say he always enjoys Comic-Con so I assume he goes every year. Didn't want to bug him for a picture, seemed like he was taking a ton of them with fans already, but it was cool to see him there. Finally retired from The Con for the day and explored the Gas Lamp a little more. Good food a few drinks and Saturday was rounded out very nicely.
Wrap-Up
Sunday I had to make the trip home, and I was sad, but I had such a great time I have vowed to return in 2012 for ALL four days. Apparently I will be attending with a few of my friends as most of them were insanely jealous and mad that I didn't invite them this year, guys and gals alike. Sorry everyone, but it was a last minute thing when I bought my ticket. I assure you, my friends, we shall descend upon San Diego in 2012 with avengeance. Below are a few links to galleries from this year's Con and any updates I think of in the future. Enjoy.
Cos-Play
Famous People, Panels and Cos-Players
