SDCC, part one

July 13th, Wednesday
ragnarok_now and I made it first to the Marriott right next to the Convention Center. Pretty uneventful flight on SW in group A. Everyone we roomed with would trickle in later in the day with Veronica showing last on Thursday day. Showed up to Preview night and got my exhibitor and pro badges. The hall’s a damn long trek to get anywhere past the Lucasfilm/DC Comics/Disney/Hasbro center. Had late lunch/early dinner at TGIF.

Did almost of my shopping that night for sketchbooks and scoped out where people I wanted to see would be. I bought everything that stride wanted. Brought books from Ronnie and Enrico, picked up Carla’s two new books and an illo, got Frank Cho’s book, and the 3rd Bruce Timm sketchbook. Good thing we have similar tastes. I also picked up Jet and Chris’ sketchbooks. Chris asked me only for 5 bucks as he felt bad taking money from me. I made up for that later in Stride’s benefit. Met Shaun at Carla’s table and showed off my folio. Carla liked my itty bitty Little Kasa.

Most booths were rationing their giveaways to last the whole weekend. Found Team Red Star at the Gentle Giant area. Swung by Stuart Ng Books to get the quick lowdown on what was selling. Denied the Stikfas promo bear, but Ragnarok gave me his. Swung by Electric Tiki to complete my side quest for the mini bust of Hellboy for Alex.

We went to the Ralph’s and picked up some food for the next few days. Eventually, we met up with Llyn and everyone else at the hotel room. We stayed in while everyone else went to a late dinner.

July 14th, Thursday
The next day, I spent almost the whole time cashiering for Stuart Ng Books. I met Peter de Seve, the character designer for Ice Age, who was a guest of Stuart’s and having signing sessions at the booth. Found out that Craig McCracken would be signing on Sunday. “Shunned” by arcana_j at the Modern Tales booth. Figured out where divalea was going to be. Tried again for the Stikfas bear and was denied. Grr.

Whittled the day away writing up receipts and chatting it up a little with the pros from animation and comics swinging by. It was easier taking to them than if I was waiting in line for them for an autograph or something. Not to mention, it was very interesting to see what they were buying to study. It was all about the French imports that Stuart brought over – Wendling books went by quickly along with Tao Bang, Meka, and Belladone by Alary. Everyone was touting the French comic artists/character designers. Perhaps, I should pick up French.

After getting those, many spent time perusing the racks for that certain out-of-print illustration/art book. Most of them stuck around too for the de Seve signing of his sketchbook. Incidentally, Michael Allen, one of my roomies, knew Peter from high school and was very pleased to know that he’d be at the booth. It was nice hooking them up to reminisce. Mike said that Peter still drew the same after all these years since 8th grade.

Got a break and met up with Ragnarok. He won the raffle for a mini Hellboy, so I had it sent to my house for Alex. Huzzah! Side quest fulfilled and I didn’t have to figure out how to take it home in my luggage. Still denied a Stikfas bear. Grr. Checked in with Psycho Mike at Tiger Eye Art. Went back to work and left 30 minutes early to catch Divalea, so I could pick up my I’m Hurting Comics shirt. She commanded that I wear it the next day along with everyone else who had bought one. We chatted about doing dinner sometime, probably Sunday. Carla agreed and also wanted to see Willy Wonka, but Divalea wasn’t all too keen on it.

Left the Convention Center and I was very grateful that the hotel was next door. Ragnarok and I relaxed a bit before heading out to the Westgate Hotel for a CBLDF fundraiser involving Mirrormask. Bumped into Allan on the way. Made tentative plans for lunch the next day. Borrowed my cell to contact Chris with no luck. Later on, at the Westgate Hotel, Chris would call my cell wondering what was going on.

Decided to stop by Ralph’s for a bite as we didn’t know if there would be any food at the fundraiser. Walked in, donated money, and got to see movie props up for Saturday’s charity auction. Very interesting designs. Unfortunately, I left my camera back at the hotel. Snacked on meat skewers, bread and cheese, and a little fruit. Sat down with an animation fan and comic obsessed fan who had limited vocabulary – everything he recommended was either “good” or “really good.” I did point out to him that he recommended various titles that I should buy, not necessarily read, which was what he truly meant.

Anyway, they had a couple door prize raffles and showed the extended trailer for Mirrormask. On the way out, we picked up postcards and an exclusive promo pin in a black bag. Wandered back to the hotel, sorted through things, sleeping arrangements, and then slept.