Last year I posted a lengthy blog discussing my first foray into San Diego Comic Con International (SDCC for short). It was an amazing experience, and one I hope will become an annual event from here on out. Rather than post one comprehensive guide this year, though, I wanted to post thoughts and highlights for each day instead, however long or short they may be.
The biggest difference this year was flying solo for the most part. Rather than relying on a friend for a place to stay, I wanted the whole experience of going and planning the trip for myself, expenses and all. This was certainly an eye-opening journey into what this convention is all about. Tickets sold quickly this year, with the majority disappearing within 90 minutes of going online. The same can also be said for their hotel system, and thankfully I managed both, staying at the Sheraton Marina. Eventually, I submit my information for Trade Passes and gladly purchased the additional Preview Night.
Today started off with a train trip. After some hassle with the ticket vending machine, a small group of us boarded and made our way in tow. We spoke quite a bit on the way down, and I made two great acquaintences for the trip. Seth Green was also on the train, but that is neither here nor there. In any case, our arrival in SD was mostly uninterrupted and we went our separate ways. I checked in at the Sheraton, where they attempted to charge me almost $300 more than I expected. After getting that taken care of, I discovered my room was small, but quaint and well decorated. Aside from the payment, I do think it is a pretty nice little room.
The biggest change this year will be the 24 hour shuttle service offered by SDCC. The hours were shortened for Preview, but it is very nice to be able to go to my hotel throughout the day if needed. As the first shuttle dropped us at the convention center, I felt a great sense of relief and familiarity. The posters were different, and there was a giant inflatable Jake from Adventure Time outside, but it was great to stroll back to the old halls again.
However, for only being Preview Night, I fear for the size of this convention. I had some issues getting my badge printed and lost half an hour getting the issue resolved. That short time placed me back considerably in line when getting ready for the exhibit hall. The day barely felt like a preview at all, and was honestly just as hard to navigate as one of the normal days. By the time I actually arrived in the hall itself, any chance of getting many free giveaways or exclusives was dashed. So, I mostly just wandered around trying to find some islands of solitude where it was possible to move around and get a few handouts when offered. Our Warner Bros. Bootg was fantastic this year, recreating our famed Stage 16 right in the convention floor. I also managed to snag a sweet spot up front when Jim Lee started giving drawing lessons at the DC booth.
Overall, it's great to be back, but once I get my exclusives early tomorrow, I really do not intend to spend much time on the convention floor this year. It has become simply far too large, and I would expect the count to hit 160,000 easily this year. I got my Man of Steel bag, and I will be in line early Saturday for the Legendary Panels but it hardly seems worth trying to fight the mob in a vain attempt at giveaways this year. Attendees can only really choose one booth they want stuff from, because hopping in line means you will lose out on all of the other booth sales or giveaways. It's honestly ridiculous.
That said, it's part of the Con, and my blog may contradict itself by the end of the weekend. Now here are some photos.
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