July 30, 2007

  • - Sunday + Overall re-cap - San Diego Comic-Con -

    Started off Sunday a lot more relaxed, maybe a little too relaxed. I woke up late and didn't show up in time for the complimentary breakfast. I decided to take that time to pack up my belongings to my car (it took at least two trips), and checked out from the hotel. I didn't arrive at the Comic-Con until at least 11AM, which is different than the past days where I would be there before the doors open. It didn't matter though, this was suppose to be a more calmer day.

    I took this day as my opportunity to finally do my full walk through of the exhibit hall / dealer's room. Lined up for a few booth SWAG (stuff we all get), even bought a rare anime DVD that I've been looking for a long time. I also saw a classic icon; Sargeant Slaughter, and even Birds of Prey / Jericho star Ashley Scott. Then there's the usual unusual sightings at Comic-Con, like an actual real life one legged go-go dancer promoting the upcoming Grindhouse DVDS, or an almost naked man interviewing attendees. Ofcourse I took as many photos of cosplayers as they come by, although I never did get that action pose I wanted to take with Lisa's newest costume (there's always next year). Oddly and almost too appropriate too was that the very last cosplayer I took a picture of, was apparently a stripper handing out some complimentary entry tickets for the strip club she works at. I left the Comic-Con over half an hour before it officially ended, but it didn't matter. Here I am back home and it seemed like it was just a passing dream that had to end.

    There it was, the last day of the San Diego Comic-Con. Once again another successful year, with tons of things going on. Too much stuff going on actually that unless I could split myself into multiple persons, I couldn't possibly be able to do everything I wanted to do. The experience is almost always different each year, and although I've been going to this for more than a decade now, I'm still learning new things when I go to the Comic-Con and Downtown San Diego itself.

    Get a hotel and get it reserved early. Commuting there is a pain, since there are too many people gathering there for the big event. This year it didn't even help that the first season 7 American Idol tryouts are on Monday, July 30, which just adds to the crowd. If you can't help but commute, then it's highly suggested to get there as early as 6AM-8AM to get parking.

    When driving in downtown San Diego, pay attention to the road and don't stare too much at the crowd of people looking for half naked cosplayers. When I was waiting at the intersection to cross the street, somebody actually rear ended a stopped car in front of him. Needless to say, "what an idiot."

    An alternative to get around the city are those man powered bike cart shuttles. What I found amusing is that there's about three to five of those shuttle services driven by hot looking girls. Needless to say, even though it's easy to walk to your destination, as a guy it can be absolutely tempting to get one of those girls give me a ride.

    My hotel was located next to the "Gaslamp district," which is the designated area of downtown San Diego with the most bars. Well past midnight, you'll still see men and women alike, walking from bar to bar, dressed to look good, just out having a good time, hoping to possibly get laid. Pretty cool area.

    Speaking of the city, I honestly could get used to living in that kind of environment, as opposed to the suburban life I live at right now. A city atmosphere has this very hustle bustle adventurous feeling to it, at least that's how it feels like to me. Another way I see it is that it's like actually living in a huge shopping mall, because I can imagine just walking around to shop and eat and then go back home; which would be located just a block away.

    I hate those huge marketing bags that the booths hand out to people. Do you really want to lug around a bag that's practically 4ft x 4ft huge, walking in shoulder to shoulder traffic, through a crowd that's over 100,000 people huge? I know I don't.

    If you are in a really long line for something, make sure you don't break it. You leave that gap in front of you, and you'll find people easily cutting in line. I know I've done it once, and I've seen others done it as well.

    2007 was the first year that registration was completely sold out for all the days, single days, and the special three days passes. It's unbelievable how popular Comic-Con has gotten, and it's primarily due to the huge presence of the movie and TV studios representing themselves.

    p.s. For those of you with an xbox360, check out the xbox live marketplace that actually has coverage on Comic-Con (like a full video of the Warner Bros panel)