July 13, 2005
Comic-Con San Diego Daily Diary
We have arrived
by Stephen Schleicher

We have arrived in San Diego for the largest comic book convention in the world.  What have we seen so far?  Not the convention that’s for sure, but it looks to be a fun time.

We left the high plains of Western Kansas early this morning and had a smooth ride all the way to San Diego home of the International Comic-Con.  This is not your ordinary comic book convention – this is the mother load!  Every major player will be here from the smallest web comic to the largest comic book publishers (Marvel and DC).  90,000 people are expected to attend the show over the next four days from Hollywood elite to the smelliest unwashed soul on the planet.

After signing in at the hotel, Chada and I walked to a local shopping center where we did a bit of shopping and ate sushi (we haven’t had sushi in a looooonnnnggg time).  Needless to say we were not used to the heat that is SD (we are near the equator I hear).  The ocean breeze is nice, but walking to and from the convention center is not going to happen. Thank goodness for free transportation.  If there is one thing I have learned from my many years of Las Vegas conventions it is to take the free rides when they come.

The room is small, but the view is awesome.  Right in front of the hotel is the Star of India.

We’ll be heading off to the convention center shortly, and because we paid early, we’ll attend Preview Night.  Everyone who has gone before claims Preview Night is the best time to go.

I’m looking forward to this show.  Not only will I be filling holes in the collection, but we’ll also learn what Hollywood has up its sleeve for the coming Fall television line up as well as previews of King Kong, and other major motion pictures.  I’m on the look out for man god Bruce Campbell and the lovely Charisma Carpenter.

Throughout the week, check back often as I’ll give a wrap up of what I saw, what I learned, and who I rubbed elbows with.  When I say rub elbows, I’m hoping I mean the big comic names, and not some oily fan boy.