I had a great time in San Diego. Make no mistake about that. But toward the end of the convention, I acquired a bronchial congestion that has taken me some days to get over. Still coughing a bit, but it’s clearing out (which is a good thing, since I’m going on another trip soon!).
Comic Con for me begins around noon on the Wednesday of Preview Night. Across the road from the Convention Center is a restaurant called the Tin Fish. They have a clam chowder that I enjoy, and a lovely patio sitting area, where you can view the Convention Center and mediate on all the walking you will be doing in that huge building.
San Diego Convention Center 2008
That picture only captures a portion of the building.
One of the things to while away the time, waiting for registration to open is to watch the fountain on the plaza. It had a barrier around it this year. In fact, when I arrived at the Tin Fish, some men were working on it.
Fountain in front of the Tin Fish
It was amusing to watch the local birds (not just pigeons, mind you) playing in the water spray. There was one that seemed to particularly delight in getting a shower.
But eventually, the convention hall opened, and the thousands of attendees flowed into the huge hall. I made a bee-line for the DC Comic booth, and found my friend Gail Simone planted behind the signing table, greeting fans and signing autographs. I got this great shot of her when a couple of people opened up a bit of space for a moment: isn’t she bright and cheerful? (And fabulous looking too!)
Gail Simone
From there, on my way toward Artists Alley, I stopped at the Image pavillion, to finally meet face to face the charming Colleen Doran, whose own site and blog I visit regularly. The deluxe edition of the Tori Amos Comic Book Tattoo had arrived at the booth, and fans were snatching up the expensive (but gorgeous) volume. In this picture, Colleen is autographing the story she did the artwork for.
Colleen Doran
From there, I trudged the distance through the teaming masses (I’m not kidding!) to visit with a couple of friends in Artists Alley.
The first was illustrator Sue Dawe. She and her husband live in the San Diego area, so she sells prints and such at ComicCon.
Sue Dawe
I then stopped to chat with my friend Steve Lieber. Always cheerful, we caught up on what each of us has been doing. And I made a playful whine that his wife, Sara Ryan, had not written a new chapter to her entertaining “Flytrap” series (with reason, Steve told me she’s been working on a novel).
Steve Lieber
Back I trudged to the center of the Hall, and located the booth that Coppervale Studio was sharing, expecting to find James Owen planted there. Instead, I found his trusty brother, Jeremy, holding down the fort. Coppervale Studio would have a hard time functioning without the management skills of Jeremy. But he’s also an entertaining guy – and writer working on his own novel – as well.
Jeremy Owen
Eventually, James showed up, to sign various things for the fans that came buy copies of his novels, or Starchild volumes, or prints of artwork.
James A. Owen
There was a lot to see and do. Many interesting panels. But pictures of panels are hardly entertaining. I also have not quite gotten the knack of taking pictures of all the folks in costumes, even though there were a lot of very interesting ones.
Pikachu
I did take a picture of a Pokemon. I pitied the person who had to wear it all weekend.
Line of folks waiting for J. Michael Straczynski
And then there’s the always entertaining J. Michael Straczynski. He actually had two sessions: the first was specifically about writing, the second just holding forth on whatever folks asked him about. I try not to miss any session he has; it’s always worth the wait in line.
J. Michael Straczynski
