Garden Window Decor - Comic-Con

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My garden window decorations usually revolve around seasons or holidays, this time, my theme revolves around an event. It is the holiest of comic weeks, San Diego Comic-Con International, an event like no other!

I went around my place and gathered a few of the items I've purchased at Comic-Con over the years, I had to leave quite a few things because of the lack of space, but this collection is representative of my favorite themes.

First of all are the collectible books from each time I've been to the event....9 in total and I'm lucky enough that I will get to go for a 10th time. The most memorable occasions have been when I've been with my brother and sister, and I really feel like an old timer when I tell people I used to be able to buy tickets the same day! Imagine that!

In the back I have a print autographed by James O'Barr creator of The Crow, I have two of his prints and the graphic novel. Next to the collectible books are Magic The Gathering cards, my new game and obsession.

Here we have Buddy Christ from the movie Dogma, this was so hard to find! I went through every single booth until I found it and it's been with me for at least 8 years now. In the back you'll see a furry brown ball...that's a Tribble, originally seen on Star Trek TOS on the episode The Trouble with Tribbles. This one makes the cute Tribble noises and thankfully it does not breed!

The upper shelf is dedicated to Doctor Who, last year (2012) is when I got most of my collectibles, including a Tardis lunch pail - which I've used to take my lunch to work - sticky notes, a Dalek foam hat and the ever crucial sonic screwdriver!

Last but not least, I painted my nails in Comic-Con colors, which are also reminiscent of super hero costumes.

This year I will only be going on Saturday and Sunday, I know it will be a tiring and painful experience, but it is one I don't want to miss!

Comic-Con 2012: Saturday / Sunday

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OK, so I know Comic-Con is now old news - after all it ended 3 days ago, but my slight OCD won't let me leave this series unfinished. But my OCD will let me do one post for two days! The thing is, Saturday and Sunday were a bit of a blur to me because two things happened that just made everything else minor in comparison:

Saturday

I went into an Epix channel panel promoting two movies. The first movie was Attack of the 50ft Cheerleader by Roger Corman which will be released on August 25th, but Comic-Con attendees had an exclusive showing....oh yeah, and this movie is in 3D...yup a 50ft cheerleader in 3D.

The second movie is a documentary by William Shatner called Get a Life! focused on hard core Trekkies, this documentary will air July 28 as an Epix original.

What was awesome about this panel was that I sat in the second row in front of the panelist table and not only was Roger Corman and William Shatner 10 feet away from me, but the panel was moderated by Kevin Smith!! It was so amazing to hear them reminisce and still talk about current and future projects. And I was right there....dream come true!!

Sunday


I made my riskiest Comic-Con move ever! The Doctor Who panel started at 12:30 PM and I got in the line for Hall H at 11 AM! I was almost certain I wouldn't get in, but I had to try. My original plan was to get there at 6 AM, but I just couldn't do it, and since I was at that panel the year before I wasn't too concerned if I missed.


Luckily I didn't miss it, actually it was very close...the line was cut off 4 people behind me. My line friends and I high-fived, hugged, jumped in joy and as we walked towards Hall H sent our regrets to those staying behind. The panel was great and as always we learned nothing new, Steven Moffat says nothing! All we know - because it's all over the internet - is that the Ponds are out of the series....the question is will they die? All Moffat said when asked that question was "You know me!".....which can mean anything!


OK, one thing that will be coming in the next season.....Dinosaurs in Space!


After the panel there was an impromptu meetup in the autograph area with Dr Who Cosplayers....I Love The Doctor!

This guy was there last year too!!

Comic-Con 2012: Friday

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Today was dedicated to gaming, I left the madness and chaos of the convention center for the refuge of the Marriott Hotel where some of the gaming takes place. This beautiful pic is courtesy of Comic-Con Geek.

I recently started playing Magic the Gathering and now that I've got a taste of table top games, I decided to learn about other popular games. At Comic-Con there are areas where people gather to play, and they also offer tutorials for beginners like me!

Munchkin

I've heard about this game thanks to my Geek Girls of San Diego meetup group, several of them have mentioned they play it so I figured I should check it out. The Munchkin tutorials are offered at 10 AM each day at the mezzanine area of the convention center. The beginner's group consisted of 7 people plus the instructor, we played Munchkin Bites. The rules are not very complicated and it was easy to get the hang of it. Not sure if I would like to continue learning this game, but if my Geek Girls get together I can join and play too!

The mezzanine area is all about people who like to role-play, this is where the stormtroopers sign up, as well as the renaissance actors, sword fighters and such. This gaming area is fascinating, people really let their imaginations run wild to create new worlds and adventures.

Magic the Gathering

Now I'm at the Marriott. I had time before the start of Star Trek 2: Wrath of Khan being shown on Ballroom D to check out the Magic area in Ballroom F. I got a few packs for free but I wanted more so I decided to buy a 2013 Core Set intro pack, which came with some extra freebies and the chance to play for prizes. Here I only bought stuff and spent a nice time looking at my new cards, but as soon as someone wanted to play with me, I coward away....not ready to play anyone other than my Magic teachers!

Dungeons and Dragons

For me one of the most recognizable table top games, of which I knew very little about. Every two hours there's a 'how-to-play' class focused on version 4 - the new one. Our Dungeon Master was pretty cool, it was 6 of us at the table, not including him. This class went on for two hours, I think I got the basics and in this case I will try the game again. In this class I choose to be the dwarf, who pretty much goes up to the enemy and smashes it with his hammer...nice!

Video games

The last time I got into a video game was Guitar Hero, I even bought a PS2 so I could play it more! Before that I used to play Mario Bros....so yeah, you can see I'm not big into video games. Interesting fact, Pong was released at the year of my birth....Pong is awesome!

OK, back to the story, since today was all about gaming I had to try out at least one video game, so I headed to The Behemoth booth, where my friend Larry who works there could play a game with me and call it work. Needless to say, I suck, but at least I played!

Comic-Con 2012 - Thursday

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Today was dedicated to the convention floor and a few panels. Maybe it's because I've been to Comic-Con nine times, but I don't take as many pics as I used to, however I did take the ones that mattered! Here are the highlights from my day:

My very first purchase at Comic-Con was at Cool Jerk's table, Darlene and her lovely husband Paul Horn are very dear friends of mine. This year is their 10th anniversary of having a table at Comic-Con plus the debut of "The Girl with the Donut Tattoo". I just had to have it!

The San Diego Public Library always has a booth (had no idea until now!) so I stopped by and since nobody was there had a nice chat with the ladies at the booth. We talked about the new building, about the convention as a whole and I got the book "Sky of Red Poppies" by Zohreh Ghahremani as a freebie!

"Last Blood" by Bobby Crosby, the premise on this one is that zombies are killing off all humans and vampires are stepping in to protect the humans - the zombies are messing with their bread and butter...literally! The best part is that this graphic novel will be turned into a movie...I bought an autographed book and took a pic with the creator, will have something to brag about in later years! Say "Zombie"!

Stopped by The Behemoth booth, they are a gaming company based in San Diego. Went to say hi to my dear friend and Magic The Gathering teacher, Larry.

I had the most amazing luck to score a very sweet freebie and Dr. Who merchandise from the BBC America booth. Won't add the pics in this post, but you will see them...eventually!

Here are a few cool costume pics I took during the day:

And last but not least, this is another pic taken at the corner of 5th and L Street at 3 PM or so....very different from yesterday!

Comic-Con 2012 - Preview Night

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I can't believe I made it this year, I was already resigned about missing this year since I didn't get a regular pass, didn't get in time to sign up as a volunteer and my press pass application was rejected. My plan was to leave for Vegas and drown my sorrows over there and almost as a miracle last week I received a Guest Pass from a writer friend of mine who will be hosting a panel at Comic-Con. On Twitter I mentioned how getting this Guest Pass was the equivalent of finding the last Willy Wonka Golden Ticket, people liked that comment!

I know I will be uploading pics on Twitter, Facebook and FourSquare, but I'll do my best to blog about the event every day. So here it goes:

Today was Preview Night, which happens on the Wednesday night prior to the event official kick off on Thursday. Only 4-day badge holders, pros and some volunteers are eligible for this event. This is the first year I decide to check it out, just because. But before we get to the pics, here is the manicure I did just for the occasion! It better not chip until Sunday!

This is the view from the corner of 5th and L Street. This was taken Wednesday at 3 PM or so, will be taking one pic every day from this location.

Comic-Con spills outside of the Convention Center, this weekend The Gaslamp will be filled with Comic-Con related artwork and good ol' fashion marketing!

Inside, it's the calm before the storm. This is outside of Ballroom 20, where I went in to see several TV pilot shows from Warner Brothers. The one I liked was Arrow, and not because the main actor is hot, but because it has a Count of Montecristo type plot.

The convention floor was open as well and Holy Crap! I was amazed at how many people were there...this event is supposed to be available only for us few privileged ones....apparently there are a ton of privileged ones!