Comic Con International is an annual event held in San Diego, California. Originally it focused on comic books, but now includes comic books and science fiction/fantasy related film, television, and entertainment elements across many genres, including horror, animation, anime, magma, toys, collectibles, video games, webcomics, and fantasy novels.
Although costumed events abound in southern California, Comic Con participants are more likely to attend for the extensive industry-related panels and numerous television and movie actors who make an appearance.
Yet, that’s not to say that no one dresses up. And that’s the part we like best. š
San Diego Comic Con – Keeping an eye on you.
The first Comic Con, in 1970, had 145 attendees and was held at a local hotel; by 2017, that number had grown to more than 130,000 attendees and was held in fourteen different locations in San Diego. Even as such, Comic Con tickets are notoriously difficult to purchase simply because there are more folks desiring to attend than there is space for. But if you cannot score tickets, do not fret! There are still plenty of unofficial Comic Con events throughout the San Diego downtown area.
We do have tickets, so we are off to Comic Con! Part of the fun of costumed events is that everyone dressed up wants to have their photograph taken. You just ask, and they will pose for you will a big smile — or frown, if appropriate.
Heroes You Expect at Comic Con.
Comic Con is full of people who love fantasy and cosplay. We see many superheroes, including this fetching Supergirl.
Heroes You Donāt Expect at Comic Con.
This superhero probably does something very important, but we are afraid to inquire. Let’s hope he uses his power responsibly.
Comic Con artists (not Comic ācon artistsā).
There are rows and rows of artists booths, people with far more skills than I have. I mean, I’m lucky I can draw a circle.
Celebrities like Paul Scheer chat with the crowd.
Comic Con is huge, and it overflows into the streets. Plain-clothed celebrities mingle with the crowd.
There are people who see things differently at Comic Con.
Everyone has an opinion, and they are welcome to it. It just adds to the craziness of the day.
Some folks are dapper.
And in all the chaos, some of the attendees retain that 1890s feeling.
Princess Leah is in Heaven now.
Princess Leah, rest in peace.
Pan Am, from the Golden Age of Travel.
Comic Con pays tribute to the past, present, and future. These beautiful ladies remind us that Pan Am World Airways was the largest international air carrier in the United States for over 60 years.
Stan, Roger, and Klaus ride a pedicab, the modern way to see San Diego downtown.
Pedicabs, also called cycle rickshaws, are the best way to get around downtown when you are too tired to walk.
The Enterprise-mobile, travel of the future.
Boldly going where no cyclist has gone before.
Get the Gringo, plus a Free Taco!
A free taco!! Is this a great country, or what??
In Mexican wrestling, all moves are legal.
But it’s not just about free tacos. There is a performance where the lucha libre kick some butt on the street.
The lines at Comic Con.
In fact, most folks are at Comic Con for the panel discussions, and the lines are long. Loooooooong. It’s not uncommon to wait 8 hours just to get in one panel discussion. Yikes! Certainly not our style.
No, we like to people watch. And there are lots and lots of people to watch. Enjoy the slide show of just a few of the denizens of Comic Con San Diego.
Let’s have a hand for Comic Con!
Comic Con San Diego is a magical experience. The whole city embraces it and spends a week indulging in fun and adventure. Even if you can’t get tickets, you’ll have a great time. š