Comic Con 2006

Comic Con 2006


I decided to actually go to a convention this year where I would NOT be working! Woot! I have a bunch of friends who meet at Comic Con in San Diego every year and get together to attend the con but also to discuss and watch episodes and incarnations of a 70’s Japanese Anime called Kagaku Ninjatai Gatchaman and see if they can find other fans to meet and congregate with.
Comic Con is HUGE! Held at the San Diego convention center it sees anywhere from 70,000 to 110,000 people every year. It is a multi media convention and attracts a lot of top names. If you are in the comic book, toy, manga, movie, or TV industry, this is the place to come to generate interest.

I was able to attend several panels (Battle Star Galactica, Frank Miller’s 300, Bones, TMNT, Gatch viewings, Sergio Aragones, Kyle XY) all of which had previews, interviews, and info. The dealer’s room is gigantic and not only are there goods to buy, but there are giveaways, freebies, and all sorts of things to look at. This year had a replica of the Mark 5 from Speed Racer, a giant Snake mouth for Snakes on a Plane, a statue of a chimney/gargoyle/Batman made of Legos, Robbie the Robot and more! I walked for the whole 5 days and I’ve never done so much walking in my life! And who knows what stuff I still missed.

Weirdly enough, I was not the only Dallasite at the convention! I spotted and talked to John Picacio and saw Ben Bella Books hocking their wares. I felt like I was home! :P
When I left home, we’d been on our 5th or 6th consecutive 100+ degree day. On the plane, they told us it was a measly 85 in San Diego. I was very excited by this till I left the airport. What they did not have in temperature, they made up for in humidity! Oy!

Though I didn’t get a chance to see much of San Diego, I did take one side trip. A friend let me know that Sony Online Entertainment was doing a Block Party and tour on Saturday and would ferry people there and back from the convention. He asked if I would go and take some pictures for his online gaming info group Ten Ton Hammer. I not only took the pics he wanted, but I got the bug and did a write up for him as well. He was ecstatic! (He keeps singing love songs at me online! Lol) If you’d like to check it out, the 2000 word article and pics of the Block Party are here.

I also got to meet two people I had either corresponded with over email for years or had played with online. It’s always great to be able to put a face to name. Overall, I had a real good time! I was sad to leave.

Have a lot of pics of the con.