Well, I finally made it! Today marked the beginning of San Diego Comic-Con International with their traditional Preview Night.
Once again my day started early and I spent the morning catching up on various emails and pieces for the site – including my list of 10 Tips & Links To Help You Survive San Diego Comic-Con 2011.
I then sorted out my schedule for the convention, packed my bag with the necessary items, and made my way downtown in the early afternoon.
Professional registration looked like it was going to take an eternity, but once the queue got moving it really flowed.
This year Warner Bros have been very generous (and sensible) by giving out their oversized promo bags with the Comic-Con Guide & Souvenir Books when attendees register.
The bag to own this year seems to be the much-coveted Big Bang Theory design, but I was more than happy with my Justice League image … Definitely better than ending up with The Vampire Diaries or something similar.
I went for a quick beer in the Gaslamp Quarter, and before I realised what was happening it was time for Preview Night to begin.
Preview Night only lasts a scant three hours (between 6 and 9pm), but it’s a great time to scout the terrain, make some quick early purchases, and catch up with some old friends.
Here’s a small sampling of the things and people I saw over the course of the night:
A giant Smurf overlooks the new pedestrian bridge leading from Petco Park to the Convention Centre.
A giant banner for the new Batman: Arkham City video game on the side of Petco Park.
Thanks God for the cosplayers! There weren't a lot out on Preview Night, but these girls were great.
A massive queue of people waiting for ... something. Sights like this are not uncommon at SDCC.
The view from the top. Looking down the stairs of the San Diego Convention Centre ... Don't fall!
SyFy's CAFE DIEM has become a regular fixture at San Diego Comic-Con. Anyone for coffee?
The ever-cool Randall Christopher of Kleeman & Mike/Bear & Fox fame ... Go see him at Table F-11!
If you haven’t heard of Randall Christopher or seen his work then you are seriously missing out … His creations Kleeman & Mike and Bear & Fox are amazing properties that should have their own animated series by now. Check them out at www.kleemanandmike.com and bearandfox.com.
Dan Parent hires a bodyguard to protect him from all the new Kevin Keller fans & groupies!
Although no one can deny the influence of Bob Montana and Dan DeCarlo, when it comes to Archie these days it’s Dan Parent who defines the Archie house style. Check out his website at www.danparent.com.
Ian Churchill & his wife get excited about MARINEMAN ... Nice to see the passion's still there!
Definitely one of the most under-rated new series of the year, Ian Churchill’s MARINEMAN is a true all-ages book that I highly recommend. Ian has advance copies of the first trade paperback on sale at the show, so grab one and see for yourself. Find out more at ianchurchillsmarineman.com and ianchurchillsmarineman.blogspot.com.
Batton Lash & Jackie Estrada - the sweetest and best-dressed people in comics. 'Nuff said!
Batton Lash and Jackie Estrada are two people who define San Diego Comic-Con for me. If you’ve never read Batton’s Supernatural Law then do yourself a favour and pick up one of his many books – you won’t regret it. Read more at www.exhibitapress.com and www.webcomicsnation.com/supernaturallaw.
Me with Jerry Ma from Epic Proportions. Visit him at Booth 1221 for the exclusive Cliff Chiang t-shirt!
You might remember my interview with the amazing Cliff Chiang about his new SDCC exclusive t-shirt being offered by Jerry Ma’s Epic Proportions. Well, now you can have one for yourself! Just visit them at Booth 1221 or check out their website: epicprops.com.
