Tending San Diego Comic-Con 2011
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With four large bags full of swag, discount graphic novels and exclusive nonsense, I am well done with the 2011 San Diego Comic-Con International. Yet, nothing in those bags is more treasured than the memories shared and insight gained from Comic-Con's 42nd year.
This alternative pop-culture geekfest of epic proportions is still worth the the price hikes and traffic jams to get here. The SDCC has expanded well beyond its sequential art foundations, covering fandoms and mythos across all motion and interactive formats. Here, over 800 special programs including screenings, panels and workshops awaited the 120,000-plus in attendance. With an exhibit hall seemingly the size of a football field, surely such an extravaganza is capable of pleasing a massive audience as a whole.
Well, that is, if you spend your time wisely. The biggest downside to an event of this magnitude is its magnitude - there are lines everywhere. To ensure that Rodimus Prime Masterpiece Toys"R"Us pre-release Transformer or another exclusive collectible, one must wait in an hour-long line. For a seat at this year's "True Blood" panel or some other well-known show, one must often wait either two hours in line or sit through previous panels. If you want a free "Thundercats" T-shirt at the Warner Bros. booth, expect nearly three hours on preview night... that is 20 minutes at the booth, 20 minutes slow walking in the exhibit hall and over two hours in the post registration line. Don't even start with the special Wayne Casino poker chips at the DC booth, where massive lines are constantly closed. Some stood in a sub line for a chance to wait in another line which could end up closed.
Why subject oneself to such agony? The show panels can be enjoyed on YouTube, the exclusives can be bought on eBay for a little more and the free swag... how much is your time worth? This is not to say one should not take part in such nonsense. After all, standing in line is a wonderful way to meet a new friend.
However, Comic-Con teaches many a valuable lesson. There are only four-and-a-half days possible to take in all the fandom and collection. Doing it all is impossible, so spend your time carefully. For the exclusives, I spent time at the dealer stands finding books and toys not so exclusive, perhaps harder to obtain otherwise. Even better, I visited the booths hosted by the creator artists and writers. Greeting and perhaps getting a sketch or book signed is a far more valuable experience than taking part in a free poster dog pile to a movie that will probably disappoint. Choose very carefully and plan ahead. I grabbed many free comics, which came in handy for the long lines.
As for pictures and fan interaction, panels are nice for cheering in unison to your favorite obsessions. But, taking part in a fan gathering or snapping pics of those in fantastic costumes is an enhanced experience to the SDCC. Every year, the cosplay determines what is truly fantastic. This year, steampunk style is bigger than ever, as fancy goggles and curious iron weapons are prevalent. "Doctor Who" fans are often sighted, many bearing TARDIS dresses and cool bow ties. Patriotism runs rampant with so many Captain Americas, just in time for the new movie. Meanwhile, meeting a gal proudly posing in her own Power Girl outfit, admiring a well detailed Boba Fett or nodding to your favorite Street Fighter - these are far better Kodak moments than the celeb sightings many hope for. (Just take a look at our pictures.)
Meanwhile, many of us in attendance have our SDCC objectives. Many wish to break in to the industry. Some with art portfolios looking for a review, others with DVD samples detailing animating, movie directing skills. As a writer, I feel a bit more excited after meeting others. The multiple panels, insiders and workshops have plenty of big door opportunities and wonderful advice. However, sacrifices have to be made. Some lines will have to wait themselves out for the lifetime chances SDCC offers to become more than a spectator.
For those of us who love our Comic-Con, tickets for 2012 will probably sell out even faster than 2011. Just keep an open mind on your experiences and don't be afraid to change them. And make every line worth it.
