Those Ol' Convention Blues Got Me Momma...

Spent part of Tuesday on the phone with CCI trying to figure out where the "Digital Webbing" booth will be placed since our first choice was unavailable. I think it'll work out and will wind up saving us a little cash as well.

Also emailed back and forth with Joel (colors on the Dreah story in DWP 26 and now doing stuff for Jim Valentino's SHADOWLINE imprint at Image). Joel's been cool seeing as how my not getting to Mid-Ohio back in November has prevented me from getting him the copies I owe him. He's working on colors for the Miss Vicky pitch in his breaks on the Image book.

Of course he's not the only one I owe books too. Sarge is needing books for an event and since I didn't get my books at the show, I haven't been able to get him copies yet. It's enough to pull my hair out as I think about it. Hopefully some of the guys who split up my copies will be kind enough to ship him a few. (Even though I wasn't able to help at the booth I paid part of. HINT HINT)

To be honest, I'm on the fence about MOC 2006. I've loved going the last few years as it was held at the Hilton by Easton Plaza. This year however it's getting moved to a downtown convention center in Columbus and, as a result, Roger is having to hike the booth/table fees. (Oddly enough, Artist Alley tables will still be cheaper than at a Wizard show.) I'm sure it'll be a solid show, MOC always is, but the move is going to change the atmosphere. I may not decide for sure until after Chicago. We'll see.

Just a few images

Just wanted to toss a few things onto the blog so there would be available down the road as I need to promote things. On your left is the "Marvel Icon" of DREAH Sarge drew up for the cover of DWP #22. I later used it for the DREAH T-shirt (available at Zazzle.com)


And just so we aren't just recycling...up top is a little something I thought might never start rolling again after things stalled in 2002. However, a certain artist I've been wanting to work with forever dug the rewrite enough, we're going to shop it around. I'll let you guess the artist...but the story is the start of my "thirtysomething with capes" project. Meet NIGHTBIRD.

SAN DIEGO TIPS REVISITED

As we inch closer to the event, I thought I’d toss a couple of extra items for those who might be traveling with “civilians” who aren’t into the total immersion comic-con experience. The first item is also a nice option for those skipping Saturday’s insanity.

San Diego Museum of Art will be kicking off an exhibit of the work of Andy Warhol the week of the convention. 125 memorable screen prints by the pioneering Pop artist from the extensive Andy Warhol collection of the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation. From the 1967 Marilyn Monroe print suite to the 1986 Cowboys and Indians portfolio, the exhibition offers a broad and thorough overview of Warhol's printmaking career, as well as a rare opportunity to see a large group of complete print portfolios by Warhol. Looks like a price range of $4 to $10.

MOVIES BEFORE THE MAST: Presented by the San Diego Maritime Museum in the evening on summer weekends. Enjoy a beautiful sunset followed by a feature film. The film series is unique to San Diego; it presents nautical themed films that are shown outdoors on the deck of the tallship, 'Star of India'. The movies are projected onto one of the sails of the tall ship and include a nautical cartoon. Friday night of the con they will be showing K-19: The Widowmaker and Saturday night will feature Mister Roberts with Henry Fonda and Jack Lemmon. Adult tickets are $13.

Another thing that occurred to me that I did not remember having in the previous posts that would be very helpful for first timers…90% of San Diego maps are misleading. Especially the ones for Downtown San Diego. I remember seeing the maps last year and thinking the distances were ungodly…and then walked out on the balcony of the Radisson to see hangers from the airport I had flown into not an hour before. San Diego city blocks (with the exception of the blocks that are home to city and county government offices and courts) are more “small town” sized than “major city.” I’d have to assume it’s due to the city starting as a smaller port and military town. It may be a major metropolitan city now, but back in Wyatt Earp’s day it wasn’t that far removed from being a Spanish settlement. That being said, when you pick up a map at the visitor’s desk at the airport, don’t freak out when you see where Little Italy is in relation to the Convention Center or Seaport Village in relation to the baseball stadium. In reality, you're a short (5 to 15 minute) walk to any location downtown from the convention center and if you're too tired to walk, take the shuttle or the trolley.

San Diego Survival Guide 4

“You Mentioned Panels…”:

Why, yes I did. San Diego is heaven for the comic and sci-fi fan because it’s all there. Films can be made or broken at this show. Legends turn out to be honored here. Where else are you going to find the guys who did Little Archie between Frank Miller and the guy who does the LuAnn comic strip? Whatever your interest, you’ll find a panel. (Unlike the Wizard shows which are usually limited to the big two and whoever is deemed “hot.”) Here’s a few suggestions you might want to check out…

*The Perennials- Nine times out of ten, you’ll find these on the San Diego Schedule.
- Oddball Comics Slideshow with Scott Shaw! If you love the wackier aspects of comic history, you’ll love this presentation by the co-creator of Captain Carrot & the Zoo Crew. Before “Superdickery” there was Oddball.
- The Jack Kirby Panel. 10+ years after his death, he’s still got a panel…take that Bendis. Stories and insight about the King and his work are the focus. A great panel for those who are into the history of the business.
- The Golden/Silver Age panel. Another great one for fans of Comic History. Silver Age legends were added a couple of years back. A good thing as we’re losing them as fast as we’re losing our founding fathers.
- The Quick Draw Panel. Scott Shaw! And Sergio Aragones are mainstays of this contest featuring 3 to 4 artists showing off their skill at artistic improv.
- Publisher Spotlights. The DC and Marvel panels will break some news but essentially be the same as the panels at the Wizard shows. You’ll also get the official word from Image, Dark horse, SLG, Oni and other publishers who might not get this attention at one of the “Chain Conventions.”

*The Movies and TV- ever since the San Diego Con kicked off the buzz for the original Star Wars, Hollywood has turned out at Comic-Con and the recent success of DC and Marvel movies has only heated things up.
- Summer of Singer. With his revival of Superman and the return of his former film franchise this Summer, expect Superman returns and x-3 panels to be hot tickets.
- The Sequels. Expect panels (with maybe some rough footage) for Spider-Man 3, Fantastic Four 2, Sin City 2, HellBoy 2 & Animated, and the next Batman.
- Cable Nets. Sci-Fi Channel, Nick, and Cartoon Network will likely offer sneak peeks of the Fall Schedule as well as hosting panels for Battlestar Galactica and Adult Swim.
- Studio launches. Dreamworks and Disney will be showing off their fall and Winter releases. You’ll also have new Horror and Sci-Fi releases previewed.

*Creator Spotlights- If you check the Comic-con website, you’ll see the list of special guests. Most of these guests will have panels devoted to their work. (I may have to hit the ones for Forry Ackerman and Brian Bolland.)

*The Learning Tree- Last year Comic-Con ran a number of seminars including Comic Book Law School (three classes) featuring noted attorney Michael Lovitz’s seminars on copyright and legal issues. Film making and self-Publishing sessions were also held.

San Diego Survival Guide Pt. 3: Food Glorious Food.

Dining on the cheap:

Between the hotel room, your flight and things you’ll want to buy at the con, you’ll want to watch your cash. But just because you’ll be watching the cash, it doesn’t mean you have to starve. Check out these budget friendly options…

*Ralph’s Supermarket- Downtown of G Street. A favorite of Con goers, the deli at Ralph’s is a godsend for your budget. A full service deli offers sandwiches (grilled if you like), salads, rotisserie chicken along with the usual cold cuts. Ralph’s is also owned by Kroger, so if you have a savings card from a local Kroger store, you can use it here and save on your chips, bottled waters, sodas and beer.

*Dick’s Last Resort- Gaslamp. It’s loud. The servers are rude. It’s chain prices in a touristy area. But the food’s hot, the beer’s cold and it’s one of the most enjoyable spots to have a group dinner. To be honest, the menu prices aren’t that bad. (Bucket O’Wings are 9.99 on the late night menu.)

*Buca Di Beppo- Gaslamp. With the closing of the Spaghetti Factory last year, Buca became one of the better places to take a group for an (essentially) inexpensive Italian dinner. The meal is served “family style” and decor is a little on the funky side. (The name means “Joe’s Basement.”) As chain restaurants go, you could do worse…and how can you pass up eating at a place with the same name as Superman’s monkey during Comic-Con. Average price for a 3 course dinner is $21 to $30.

*Filippi's Pizza Grotto - Little Italy. An ideal spot if you’re staying in the outlying hotels like the Radisson. Fantastic Pizza, Fresh homemade pasta dishes and sandwiches you’ll be able to make two meals out of…plus “local” prices as opposed to the “tourist” bill you’ll likely get eating in the Gaslamp or at your hotel. Even if you’re staying close to the convention Center, it’s worth the walk. You might want to call ahead as it’s a very popular spot in Little Italy. If you have a suite with a Fridge, you might want to get some stuff from the market in the front of the Little Italy location.

*Bud's Louisiana Food Shoppe - Keeping it in Little Italy, Bud’s got a nod in AOL’s “Cheap Eats” Top 10 for the city and might be just the thing for you or your group’s seafood craving if it’s for more than Fish Tacos or Sushi. Shrimp, Oyster or Catfish Po Boys with red beans and rice for an average price under $12. Cups of Gumbo for under $5. The most expensive thing on the menu is the “Taste of New Orleans” combo platter with Crawfish Etouffee and cornmeal battered fried catfish with a ribbon of jalapeno tartar sauce for $16. And if traveling makes you “irregular”, Bud’s may be the only place in SD to get “Dixie Beer,” one of nature’s most consistent “Digestive lubricants.” If there’s a member of your party who isn’t into seafood, there’s the roast beef and Cajun sausage available.
http://budsfoodshoppe.com/

*PANDA INN - Horton Plaza. A California based chain from the folks who gave us the “Panda Express” chain you find in malls nationwide. Similar to PF Chaing in menu and (I assume) in pricing. Depending on your budget, this could be a good choice for your “big meal” if you’re going to do Wendy’s and Subway for the bulk of the trip as it’ll be cheaper than some sit down places. Only real drawback is the location. Horton Plaza is a massive mall in the heart of the Gaslamp and is popular with Shoppers, theatre goers and is easy walking from 95% of the con hotels. There WILL be a wait.

*Kansas City Barbecue- Across from the Hyatt Bar. You might remember it from TOP GUN, it’s a military bar first and foremost, but SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE named it “Best BBQ” over 10 years. The sandwich plate is a little steep compared to what I’m used to locally and I’m not personally a big fan of thicker BBQ sauces, but it’s a good smoked flavor to the meat and for being so close to the convention center you’re not going to find as filling a meal at these prices nearby.
http://www.kcbbq.net/Menu.html

*Greek Islands Cafe - Seaport Village (Next to the Hyatt.) A one-step-above fast food cafe serves gyros, salads and other Greek favorites like moussaka and falafel. Takeout service is also available making it ideal if you want to get out of the Convention Center for a bit but don’t want to walk too far. Great views of the Harbor. One of the perfect “Cheap Lunch” spots during the con. If you look around the web, you might find a “2 for 1” or “20% off” coupon. The first link is for the general Seaport Village site. If you look around, you’ll see a number of inexpensive spots to grab a meal.
http://www.spvillage.com/
http://www.greekislandscafe.com/

*Hennessey’s Pub- Gaslamp. Irish Pub serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week and the kitchen stays open until 1am. Great Burgers. Specials every night and $2 Bloody Mary’s from 7a to 1p on Saturday and Sunday.
http://www.hennesseysgaslamp.com/

*Horton Plaza Food Court- It’s pretty much a mall food court, but when you’ve decided you can’t live without the Alex Ross designed life-sized Hulk bust but didn’t know the next booth over had it for half of what you paid…the food court is your friend. The FC at Horton actually is pretty diverse for what it is. Sure you have your Panda Express, McDonald’s and Hot Dog on a Stick, but there’s also Wonder Sushi, Great Kahn’s Mongolian Festival and Steak Escape.
http://westfield.com/hortonplaza/

“That’s food…where are we drinking?”:

Ah! You’re going to try and “Par-TAAAH” while at the con? Not a bad idea. Just remember…moderation. Comics creation tends to be a pretty solitary thing. Plus, depending on the day job for some of us, it’s been some time since we last did the “social” thing amongst fellow adults. Barcon is fun, but there’s always one or two guys (and gals) who are like the high school junior staying at a frat house during his college visit. (“DUDE! This Everclear stuff fucking RULES!!!”) Please…don’t be that guy.

And with that out of the way, we present Suggested DW approved watering holes.

*The Epic Proportions booth- (we’ll explain later)

*Hennessey’s Pub- Gaslamp. Yes it was in the dining part of the guide, but it deserves a spot here as well. (Plus, you shouldn’t drink on an empty stomach.) Decent selection of beers and mixed drink specials to be found and usually pretty good live Irish music. Not a bad place to start your evening of carousing.

*The Star Bar- Downtown/Gaslamp area. You like dive bars? You want cheap drinks? Head down to the end of E Street to the Star Bar. All prices are labeled on the bottles. If you have any cost questions, we're not responsible for "can't you read?" looks from the bartenders.

*Moose’s Gaslamp- Part of the Moose McGillycuddy chain. Home of the 2005 unofficial DW dinner. Happy Hour from 4p to 8p. One Dollar domestic Drafts and Well drinks all night Wednesday night. ($2 domestic bottles) http://www.mooserestaurantgroup.com/moose_mc/branch1/club/

*The Cherry Bomb- Downtown/Gaslamp. Like the Dive bar but want something a little more Indy/alternative/punk? Staying more towards Balboa Park than the Convention Center? Find this bar between Ivy and Juniper on First Ave. You’ll have found a pool table that costs only a quarter to play. The jukebox playing a good mix of old and new rock, punk and indie staples as well as local acts at a high volume. Mixed drinks run $3.50-$4. The only beer on tap is Budweiser, but for just $3 you can enjoy it in a very tall, 23-ounce glass. If Bud's not for you, choose from a wide range of bottled beers, both domestic and import. You can even get a Shirley Temple, served in a frosty beer mug topped with cherries.

Kansas City Barbecue- Another from the dining list but the cheapest bar close to you if you’re staying at the Hyatt.

*Your hotel or the beach. Face it, the cheapest beer you’ll drink this weekend will be the ones you bought at Ralph’s. Get some friends together…or just buy a case and friends will follow.

*Redfield’s Lounge and Bistro- “The Hyatt Bar”. Actually this is one of three Hyatt bars that will be going during the con. I mention Redfield’s (or as we call it during the con, “Renfield’s”) because it’s my personal preference of the three. Better lit than the “Top of the Hyatt” on the 40th floor of the original tower and more comfortable than the area at the base of the escalators across the lobby. Of course it’s a Hyatt, so you’ll be paying out the ass at all three. I want to say Budweiser bottles were $5 or $6. you’ll find house wines by the glass for $5 from 7 to 9 p.m., and $9 specialty martinis, including a Chocolate Cake Martini if you’re brave enough to go the foo-foo route. Best if you are there on an expense account because you can easily drink away your budget.

“Escape from the Convention Center” or “Saturday’s a frickin’ madhouse.”:

The second title pretty much sums it up. Saturday is when the locals come out to see what the big deal is. It’s also the day of the major spotlight panels. In light of this, a lot of con veterans have chosen to either just do a half day or skip Saturday altogether. If you’re not working a booth, you might want to think about this. Early predictions are calling for between 110,000 and 125,000 people attending this year. With most turning out on Saturday it might be your ideal time to check out the city. And there’s a lot to see.

*Balboa Park/san Diego Zoo- http://www.signonsandiego.com/citysearch/feature/48/maps.html Most of San Diego’s Museums are located in the park, as is the famous zoo. The link can give you details on what all is there as well as scheduled exhibits and (if required) ticket info.

*Sea World- Stretching across 189 acres along Mission Bay, SeaWorld is one of San Diego's most popular attractions. It's famous for its spectacular stadium shows, namely Dolphin Discovery and Shamu the killer whale. The owners of the parks have been adding thrill rides here and at Orlando as well. The drawback is the $53 Adult ticket but you might get lucky with one of the discount coupon offers. http://www.seaworld.com/seaworld/ca/default.aspx

*Padres- While the team will be in San Francisco for the weekend of the con, those who arrive on Tuesday will be able to catch a ballgame or two as the post-All Star homestand will finish up Wednesday with an afternoon game against the Phillies that will let out in time for Preview Night. If you prefer a night game, Tuesdays’ first pitch is at 7:05pm.

*Star Of India/Maritime museum- one of the finest collections of historic ships in the world, including; the world’s oldest active ship Star of India; the 1898 steam ferry Berkeley; the 1904 steam yacht Medea; the 1914 harbor Pilot boat; the HMS Surprise a magnificent replica of an 18th century Royal Navy frigate and Californian a replica of a mid 19th century revenue cutter. http://www.sdmaritime.com/

*USS Midway- the legendary WWII Aircraft carrier that served from WWII through Desert Storm is now a floating museum located up the street from the convention center at Navy Pier. Open from 10a to 5p with Adult tickets for $15. www.midway.org

*US Open Sandcastle building championships- Saturday will be the second day of the competition at Imperial Beach. A number of other activities will be going on, but the works of art in the sand will be the main attraction.

More San Diego Convention Survival Tips

I know...it's not Friday. But I do have those tips promised on Thursday, so let's jump right in.

Convention Essentials:

Sure, you’ve done Mega-Con and Heroes-Con. You’ve done so many Wizard Worlds you are on Gareb’s Christmas Card list. Now you’re about to do your first San Diego Con. Don’t get cocky thinking you’re an old hand at con prep. This show is a completely different beast.

*First things first, start walking NOW! If you’ve ever been wiped out walking the floor at Chicago, you’re going to be useless by Saturday. San Diego is four and a half days of comics and pop culture in the space of roughly four football fields. “Comfortable Shoes” is good advice for any convention. With San Diego, you’re actually better off going that step beyond by training and making sure those shoes are broken in. You’re going to walk the floor multiple times. You’re going to climb steps to get to panel rooms. You’re going to walk around the Gaslamp. You’re going to walk to your hotel or the Trolley stop.

*Cell Phone - These are pretty much a given anymore, but I’m sure there’s a few out there that are ludites or Maybe think they’re “edgy” iconoclasts by not packing a phone. At San Diego you’re better off having one so you can keep in contact with your group in case plans have to change at the last minute. Just snag a TracPhone at Wal-Mart or Dollar General ($20 give or take) and buy some extra minutes to get through the weekend. You can be edgy when you get home or keep it active if you gave anyone that number instead of your regular home number.

*Business Cards - Books and samples can find their way into hotel room trash cans. Business cards on the other hand go into wallets or badge holders. (Not to say you can’t give samples or books…just make sure you do the card swap separately.) As far as the cards themselves, all I can say is make sure you have the info you want on them. An email, a site address, a contact number…all are good. Maybe saying what you do (writer, pencils, lettering) so when they find the card later they’ll have a better idea of who you are and if you might be useful down the road.

*Hit the drug store - There have been times when the Digital Webbing booth has also served as a pharmacy because one of our people had a headache or hangover or con throat. Do yourself a favor and hit the CVS before you get on the plane or the road. Aleve, Chaser and Sucrets are your friends. You might also snag a roll of antacid (Rolaids or Tums) and some mints. Convention Center Pizza is bitch…and a bitter, unforgiving one at that. Some medicated powder for your feet might be wise too in case you didn’t follow the “start training” advise.

*Check the ATM Status - You might be lucky and have a nationwide bank with branches in Southern California. More likely, your bank is regional and if you use your card at the con you’re going to get slammed with ATM fees. Look into using American Express gift/travel cards. There’s a minimum you have to put on to get one (I want to say $500, check your bank) but you’ll be able to use it like a credit or ATM card and you’ll have the usual AmEx protection they offer with the travelers checks if it’s lost, stolen or magnatized. The local Dollar General has a Master Card version of the AMEX cards that can be recharged as well (and isn't as strict on dollar minimums) if you prefer to avoid ATM fees, big Credit Card bills and identity theft but don’t want to pack a wad of cash.

*The Event Guide - When you check in for your badge you’ll get a program, but the Event guide with your floorplan, full list of publishers, celebrities in the autograph area and panel schedule may be a separate publication that you’ll have to track down by the doors. While you can get away with bypassing the program at a Wizard show for the most part, the San Diego Event Guide can save your life. You’ll have what I mentioned above along with capsule descriptions of every exhibitor, information on Con Exclusives, info on portfolio review schedules and how to get your stuff looked over by specific publishers. A daily “Newspaper” is also produced Thursday-Sunday with any schedule changes or last minute guests and panels.

*Backpack, Bottled Water and something to eat for a quick energy boost- The Con prohibits rolling backpacks and handcarts during the show. This is a good thing because (1) there’s a lot more small children at San Diego than at Chicago and I’ve lost count how many times I’m seen kids and adults tripped by someone who decided to use their smaller rolling suitcase to carry their con booty, and (2) there’s nothing more annoying at a con then being in line behind the guy packing three copies of everything [creator X] has ever done and wants the guy to sign every single one of them. If you’re attending as a fan, decide what you REALLY want to have signed and toss it in the backpack. It will be better for you than carting around a “short box” all day or dragging one of those oversized plastic handled Tokyopop bags. You can also use that backpack to save a little money on drinks by keeping a bottle of water (refillable at any water fountain) and maybe an energy bar if you start getting hungry but are a little leery of paying for con-food.

*A Budget- This is important for the first-timer. You’ll have already bought your plane ticket and badge, but you’ll have to pay for your hotel at checkout…eat…and you’re going to an event that will have every comic, toy, statue, and art supply item you’ve ever wanted. Not to mention celebrities with 8 x 10’s and creators with original art for sale. Plan ahead. Make a “Must Have” list…maybe put a price range on it so you don’t go overboard on that replica of the bust that controlled the entry to the batpoles.

*Mailing Supplies- Wouldn’t hurt to take some flat rate Priority mail boxes with you. Especially if you were close to the luggage weight limit on the flight out. There’s a post office at Horton Plaza where you can mail your con booty home from, but it’s a madhouse the Monday after the con. Best to be able to go ahead and pack it all up at the hotel room rather than spend your morning waiting in one line to get the supplies then another to actually mail things out.


“Oh Crap! I forgot…”:

It never fails. For all your planning you’re going to forget something you’re convinced you’ll need. You’ll go into a blind panic trying to get a replacement…unless you know where to go ahead of time. That’s what this portion is for.

Art Supplies- Granted you’ll be able to grab the essentials you might have forgotten on the show floor. But if you need things prior to Preview Night or after show hours, what do you do then? Well luckily there are a couple of handy retail options in the downtown area. Closest to the Convention Center is an OFFICE DEPOT. (825 West E street) while not ideal, you’ll be able to grab an extra Kneeded eraser, microns, battery operated pencil sharpener and pencils of various lead varieties. You can also knock out some extra copies of your samples while you’re there. This location is open until 7pm weeknights and until 6pm on Saturday and Sunday.

If you need something a little more specific, there is a DICK BLICK store in Little Italy. (1844 India Street) http://www.dickblick.com/stores/california/sandiego/ The store is open until 8pm weeknights, 7pm Saturday and 6pm on Sunday. IIRC, there was a “local” sale going on last year during the con. You might sign up for the store’s email list in case they do that again…you might be able to get a better deal on pads of Bristol than on the con floor.

Toiletries- You’re looking at 5 to 7 days in a hotel…likely with one or two roommates. The little soap bar and test tube of Neutrogena won’t cut it. And trust me…You had better shower every day. If you’ve never experienced the “fanboy funk” first hand…Let’s just say it’s not something Rick James wrote about his love for the old Luke Cage comics. You don’t want to be the guy who got sprayed with Febreze when he stopped at the Digital Webbing booth. If you run out or left behind your shampoo shaving stuff or deodorant, you can always run to the Ralph’s Supermarket downtown. At Horton Plaza there’s also a number of places you can grab those items ranging from Long’s Drug Store to the more upscale Bath & Body Works or Gap Body.

Tune in next time as we look at panels at the con and go in depth on the cheaper dining options.