The Value in Comic Con's Decline

[Blue2th]

I drove from my hotel to Old Town, took the trolley as Tycho suggested. This was two years ago, but it worked out the best for me. Never had a problem with parking or finding a spot at all it was a breeze. Of course I went fairly early but not too early both days I was there.

Spent the third day at Pacific Beach body surfing. I was suprised how few people were at the beach. Had a great time, but the drive back to Albuquerque was agonizing because I was so sore from swimming so much.

[Maradona]

At least parking is better these last two years than it used to be. I've done the trolley from Qualcomm before and that works well...as long you aren't carrying half a ton of toys. To that end, I try to get all the exclusives on the first day, but I can't remember when that ever happened. So having a car nearby helps when you want to drop things off instead of carrying them around or placing them on the seats next to you during panels. For the most part, my Fri's and Sat's are spent in Hall H, with exceptions here and there. By the response to last year's Thursday Hall H panels, I suspect there will be programming on Thursdays from here on out, which hopefully will thin out the competition lining up in front of me.

[Bel-Cam Jos]

All righty, I've got my tickets now!

... so I don't have to worry about parking or lodging. Or dinner. Just lunch.

I wonder how Comic-Con was when it was actually a comic convention? It certainly isn't "just" that anymore. But you can still find some amazing deals on paperback collections on Sunday.

My first Con was some time in the mid-'90s, and I could navigate it fairly easily. The last two times I went, it was by myself. I leave home around 5am (I'm about a 2-hour drive north of SD) and find parking pretty easy. I then break out a SW book (there's always one out around that time of the year ) to wait in line before they open the doors. And I always bring a snack, that lasts me all day, until I drive back home and snag a fast food drive thru.

But my interest has waned a bit lately. Tycho, you have been the only confirmed SSGer I've met, and that was at a Con within the last 5 years (when the panel spilled the beans about what has become the 9-book Legacy novel series).

[JediTricks]

I am not an early riser, so the prospect of going extra early just for a parking space holds no appeal for me. I'll drop the extra $8 for an extra 3 hours in bed.

[DarthBobul]

I got my tickets to the New York Comic. However Im not very happy about it. There seems to be a an overall lacking in the Star Wars department, which is my main reason for going in the first place. Last year there were a few celebs doing autographs and photos (Ray Park, Mayhew and Dan Logan). Nothing has been mentioned thus far about anything like that. I also had the chance to meet Jan Duursma who does alot of work on the Legacy comics. She did a wonderful sketch for me. I recently emailed her, and it does not look like she will be there this year. ast year the NY Jedi were out in full force with demos and lightsaber battles in the main entrance.

In recent weeks I have not come across any news of anything Star Wars taking place at this years Comic Con in NY. Im totally bummed about this. $35 bucks a ticket, the ferry to NY from NJ, parking. It all adds up. Its as stated before that they are cramming so much other crap into this thing and not really programming to entertain the guests.

The first Comic Con had Kevin Smith and the great Stan Lee. This year. zip. Unless you want to consider the preview of Hellboy 2 by director Guillermo del Toro and Ron Perlman. But as compared to years past, this years programming is a total waste. I sense that this could in fact be my last East Coast Comic Con.

If SirSteve or anyone at the site needs any kind of coverage at the NY Comic Con, please let me know. I will have camera in hand and am willing to do whatver you need.

[JediTricks]

Ray Park and Daniel Logan were at Wizard World LA last weekend, I got to meet them, say a few words and shake Park's hand (Logan was signing some stuff). I can't imagine them not doing NY CC if they'd do Wizard World LA, a smaller con.

I think Steve's doing NY CC, but I'll pass that info along.

[DarthBobul]

Please do. Would love to help in any way for you guys.

[JediTricks]

Ok, email SirSteve on that: sirsteve@sirstevesguide.com

[Darth Cruel]

Almost forgot to get my ticket. This will b e my first time going to the press night. I am looking forward to that. I will likely be down there all 5 days. Despite the madness...I still very much enjoy the con.

[Deoxyribonucleic]

I LOVE IT! This will be my 8th year and it IS the one thing I look forward to for my yearly vacation, with a vacation after

But I do understand the frustrations of not being able to get into certain panels. Two years in a row my friends and I went to the Battlestar Panel, only to be denied last year after waiting in line for about an hour Maybe things will be situated better this year.