2022 SDCC No Physical Souvenir Book and Daily Newsletter

[Vapors]

Per SDCC Unofficial Blog, no physical Souvenir Book for 2022. They did show off a Rocketeer cover for the digital publication. There is also promises of articles, pictures and retrospectives for various anniversaries and milestones just like in the past. Just no physical book

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And I sadly get it. Of all the things the con provides guests, the souvenir book is probably the least appreciated. I always notice that once people pick up the book and realize its not a program guide or has any maps, a ton of folks dump it either on top of the garbage bins in the Sales or on some of the random tables there. Its pretty sad really since so much work must go into the book and its well put together with high quality standards. But I get it. Looks like another thing they are trying to cut down for expenses (and maybe due to supply chain issues, it was harder to get a printer to print all the books they need). Hopefully this is a one off year and not something they keep up, but I do feel like this may be a future thing they do unfortunately.

EDIT: Here is SDCC's official word too. You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

This year’s Souvenir Book will be a downloadable pdf, filled with lots of full-color articles, including: centennial tributes to Charles Schulz, Stan Lee, Jerry Robinson, and William S. Gaines; a celebration of the 60th anniversary of Spider-Man; 50th anniversary articles on Funky Winkerbean, Ghost Rider, Kamandi, Swamp Thing, and Luke Cage; and 40th anniversary pieces on The Rocketeer, Groo, and Love and Rockets. Plus: a special look back at Comic-Con’s 1970s El Cortez years!

The cover, a salute to Dave Stevens’ Rocketeer, is by Comic-Con Special Guest Bill Morrison. Bill began his career painting movie posters, including many for Walt Disney, such as The Little Mermaid, Bambi, and The Jungle Book. He subsequently spent several years drawing The Simpsons for all kinds of merchandise, and writing, drawing, and editing The Simpsons and Futurama comics for Bongo Comics. Recently, Bill created a graphic novel adaptation of The Beatles' Yellow Submarine and was executive editor of MAD magazine.

EDIT 2: Retitled the thread name to include news of no Physical Daily Newsletter

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[Cut That Meat]

Bummer. I do love my bookshelf of souvenir books. Hoping at the talk back panel, they won't rule out bringing back the physical version in future years.

[Friends of Comic Cons]

[hikanteki]

This news is extremely disappointing, especially given how cool the cover is.

[Michaelnaut]

It makes sense, for all the points provided. I honestly would not be surprised if they stopped this going forward.  Maybe it'll be a 1-year thing? All I know is that if I was thinking about places to cut costs while still keeping the show, this'd be near the top of that list. And then anything paper.  They had the schedule printed on really thin newspaper-ish paper as well, yes? I be that's not gonna happen this year.

[nootheroptions]

I'll be honest, mine usually winds up in the trash.  I'd imagine there is a ton of paper waste with these and printing costs associated.  While I know some love to collect it, I get it just like I get why they didn't do pins this year (which I feel is the greater loss).

[rabbitwarren]

I'll be honest, mine usually winds up in the trash.  I'd imagine there is a ton of paper waste with these and printing costs associated.  While I know some love to collect it, I get it just like I get why they didn't do pins this year (which I feel is the greater loss).

Yeah.  The books made great reading material when I was waiting in line and I didn't want to use up my juice, but it ultimately went in the trash on checkout day. 

[Old Man Grey]

Every day another announcement of the lessening of the con experience. R.I.P. Comic Con.

[Michaelnaut]

I wouldn't say less, it's just adapting to the times...who's to say if that's what they'll keep doing? Who knows...

This year's a test for them as much as it is for attendees...what worked...what didn't...how to address things...we'll see how it goes...

[SteveD]

So without having a physical Souvenir Program Book, will there still be a way of requesting free autographs in the Autograph Area this year?
It will be interesting to see what the new policy will be for those seeking autographs without the Souvenir Program Book.
Maybe a single personal item instead?

[Transmute Jun]

So without having a physical Souvenir Program Book, will there still be a way of requesting free autographs in the Autograph Area this year?
It will be interesting to see what the new policy will be for those seeking autographs without the Souvenir Program Book.
Maybe a single personal item instead?

That's a really good point.

There should still be a printed program guide (IIRC, that is a separate book). Maybe that can be autographed for free?

[nootheroptions]

I wouldn't say less, it's just adapting to the times...who's to say if that's what they'll keep doing? Who knows...

This year's a test for them as much as it is for attendees...what worked...what didn't...how to address things...we'll see how it goes...

I don't think it's a lessening.  Reduction of waste is not a negative.  What matters is what's on the floor and in the area.  At least IMO. 

[Vapors]

I don't think it's a lessening.  Reduction of waste is not a negative.  What matters is what's on the floor and in the area.  At least IMO.

Agreed. I love the Souvenir Book but in all honesty, I read it once while in line on Preview Night or Day 1 and then that's it. It goes into my bin of prior Comic Cons and gets a glance once every few years at most. It probably would not surprise me if going forward, they elect to continue to make it a PDF if only to cut costs and environmental waste.

[Transmute Jun]

It sounds like there are some people who love it and some who barely look at it. Maybe they could compromise and print a small number, then offer it to anyone who asks.

[semigeekgirl]

Free would be lovely but they could also do a paper copy for, I don't know, $5ish and sell it with the SDCC merch.

[Transmute Jun]

Free would be lovely but they could also do a paper copy for, I don't know, $5ish and sell it with the SDCC merch.

That's a good idea. Charge just enough to cover the printing costs.