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Comic-Con International => CCI General Discussion => Topic started by: Vapors on June 26, 2022, 10:49:03 PM

Title: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Vapors on June 26, 2022, 10:49:03 PM
Hey all!

I'm looking forward to this year's Comic Con. I missed out attending the Special Edition and while I did check out a few panels on the online versions the past 2 years, it just didn't feel the same. So I'm feeling like my normal self when we get close to the con like in past years, which would be excited. But I can't help but have this nagging feeling like things feel "muted." I am constantly checking this forum along with SDCC Unofficial blog and other online places about news for this year's con, but it just feels like things are not as hyped as in prior in-person years.

Guess I feel this way for a number of reasons, but a few things I feel like this con will be like:

1. I feel like there will be less people inside the con but not a ton less. But how many people are going to be there? Like I'm surprised there wasn't another online sale like in past years. Did we all really roll over the pass from the canceled year in 2020? It also feels like they have started the badge auctions a lot later than normal as well. (Like in 2019, I see in the forums the auctions started back in April, they just started this week which is late June). I guess I can see there being less folks in the center, but not a ton less than the reported 130,000 that's been capped the last few years.

2. While I'm not a big exclusives person, I still manage to pick up a few things here or there if they aren't totally inconvenient to obtain. This year, feels like a lot of the normal players either have fewer items to showcase or none at all. I notice Hasbro and Mattel, two really big exclusive providers for the con in past years, haven't shown anything yet. By this point in normal years, they usually have already started rolling out some early items. Funko, I saw, showcased a ton of stuff like they normally do, but from what I could tell, none of it is really "SDCC" exclusive though. This makes me think a lot of exhibitors will keep exclusives low this year.

3. Different interactions with artists this year. I already know a few of my favorite comic artists I follow will be exhibiting/tabling this year, but a good chunk of them have indicated that they will handle in-person interactions differently such as plastic barriers between them and the fans. Limiting touching of products they bring. One has even flat out said they will no longer do hand shakes/high fives like in past years to limit physical contact. There also seems to be a higher emphasis on pre-booking commissions to limit in-person contact. It's a shame but this is something that seems to be a running theme I am picking up among artists that I follow.

4. Fewer offsite things to do at this year's con. Feels like a lot of offsites will either be paid or they are really keeping things close to the vest this year. But again, like the exclusives, feels like fewer announcements have been made than in past normal years. I do wonder if more recent real world considerations like inflation, higher labor costs and higher gas/transport costs are the main culprits for why there are fewer offsite events we seem to be having this year. Maybe more will be announced this week and next.

5. Lastly, I think there will be fewer "big" studio showcases. This isn't going to be a new thing as already a few studios were already reducing their footprint at the con. I'm glad folks got confirmation for the Marvel panel as that always seems like a highlight for a lot of folks, but what about the rest of Disney/Lucasfilms/Fox? Will DC/Warners be there? Or Sony? Or Lionsgate? Those studios skipped out on Comic Con back in 2019. So this isn't a Covid era consideration, this was something already happening. Anyways, fewer big studios where folks camp in Hall H all day, gave way to more folks rotating in and out back in 2019. I was able to check out a Hall H panel last year because of that. I think that will be something that continues for 2022's version.

Anyways, I don't want to make this a downer of a thread. I'm going to go this year and, like in past year's, I'm going to have a great amount of fun. I think you have to actively work to NOT have fun at a Comic Con. But it's going to be different and I feel like the vibe going into this year is much different than in past years. I'm just curious if anyone's got feelings if this will be a different type of con and what your expectations will be going in this year since, for a lot of us, this is the first normal Comic Con back in almost three years.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Mel on June 26, 2022, 11:49:10 PM
Well, I most big studios probably started planning and working on their booths, offsites and exclusives at least a year in advance. With the past two cancelled and no guarantee of 2022, they probably did not want to sink a whole life of planning and development into it until it seemed certain.

All that in mind, it makes sense things won't be as robust as we are used to and might not have as much PR going. What I've seen is more than expected though.

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Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: rabbitwarren on June 27, 2022, 07:57:28 AM
Quote
Fewer offsite things to do at this year's con. Feels like a lot of offsites will either be paid or they are really keeping things close to the vest this year. But again, like the exclusives, feels like fewer announcements have been made than in past normal years. I do wonder if more recent real world considerations like inflation, higher labor costs and higher gas/transport costs are the main culprits for why there are fewer offsite events we seem to be having this year. Maybe more will be announced this week and next.

Sustainability issues too.  Companies are under a lot of pressure to say they are green and that gets pushed down to their vendors. 
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Old Man Grey on June 27, 2022, 08:38:22 AM
Based on what I experienced at Turkey Con, Wondercon and SW Celebration I would say your pessimism is warranted. I wonder how many of the smaller vendors will be there or if they even survived.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: NCDS on June 27, 2022, 09:44:06 AM
I am going to get to see all my friends, have a few drinks, see a few panels, and buy stuff I don't need. 

It's going to be fun!
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Michaelnaut on June 27, 2022, 09:44:19 AM
My only "real" expectation is on hold until they put out the guidelines for Hall H camping...there's no amount of verbiage CCI can put out that'll restrict peeps from following along as it'd relates to distancing and all that.  For me, it wasn't even on my radar until Marvel Studios announced that they're hitting SDCC...so I wait, and will hold judgement until then...


...in the meantime, my mind's on overdrive :D
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Transmute Jun on June 27, 2022, 09:48:31 AM
It's definitely a hill to climb coming back form the pandemic shutdowns. But I can say that each con I have attended has more and more to offer. While this may be a reduced experience from previous years, it is an important step in coming back, and doesn't necessarily mean that future years will be a lesser experience.

That being said, I agree with Mel that there has been more announced already than I expected, so I am cautiously optimistic.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Jesse O on June 27, 2022, 10:07:34 AM
What NCDS said. At the last regular Comic-Con, I got to hang with my 11-year-old nephew. We had breakfast with a couple of friends every morning at The Broken Yolk. We saw some cool unexpected panels. We bought some stupid toys (not denigrating stupid toys, btw). We went to the Masquerade. We saw Jerry Beck’s annual “Worst Cartoons” presentation. We hung with some of my favorite small press creators.

This year, I get to hang with my now 14 year old nephew. Our breakfast buddies have already confirmed that they’ll be there. I’m already seeing some fun panels popping up. I know that at least two of my favorite small press stalwarts will be there (Peter & Maria Hoey and Lonnie Millsap).

And I’m going to make an effort to meet some of the kind folks from this wonderful forum.

Whatever else happens, it’ll be icing on the cake.

I’m psyched.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Transmute Jun on June 27, 2022, 10:14:46 AM
Don't forget your FoCC breakfast buddies on Wednesday morning! ;)
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: ALF on June 27, 2022, 10:39:18 AM
I think the barometer is not this year but next year. Like Mel said it takes a year of planning.
If it remains the same this time next year, then I think we all might have witnessed the end of the Golden Age of Comic Con.
Less people, Less studios, Less exclusive and  maybe more comic books again? For me I am also getting up there in age with a family instead single life in college. I might pull the plug after next year if it remains watered down and maybe travel the world instead of roughing it out Comic Con. It’s hard not to reminisce the past.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: SDcomics on June 27, 2022, 11:27:55 AM
Just want to point out real quick that SDCC has always been about more than comics.  It was way back in 1970 that Jack Kirby, a special guest at the first show, suggested to the founders that they make the show about  more than just comics and include all the things that fans like.  Movies, TV, science fiction.  So let it be written, so let it be done.  Oscar winning director Frank Capra was a guest at the first show I attended.  In 1976, Lucasfim sent a team bearing posters and slides to promote a new film called Star Wars.  In 1982 we were packed like sardines in the copper room of the old Convention and Preforming Arts Center to see a preview of Return of the Jedi.

There's always going to be a comic con, folks.  As long as there are people who love this stuff, and I mean truly love it, there will be a comic con.  Will it contract and get smaller?  More than likely.  There are a certain amount of people who attend that just want to wear a costume and post a picture on facebook (Gotta get that all important "like" button pressed).  And there are people who go just to buy exclusives so they can flip them on ebay.  Nothing wrong with that, but those are the ones who will lose interest and fade away.  For them, going to comic con is the trendy and profitable thing to do.  That won't last. 

Me, I go because I love comics, movies, sci-fi and fantasy.  That hasn't changed in over 60 years and I don't think it ever will.  I'll keep going until I just can't physically do it anymore.  I'm betting the majority of you folks feel the same way.  And as long we're around, Comic Con will continue.   

I'm hoping to be there in 2049 for the 80th anniversary.  I'll be 91 years old. 

I wouldn't bet against me.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: darqamin on June 27, 2022, 11:58:27 AM
I do want to note that everything has been done later this year, whether it comes to housing lottery, registration of all types including press, etc. So I think there is still time for big off site things and other SDCC related events/items/etc to be announced. I will include a quote here from my press email that indicates the press list is going out on July 1st, so it is possible some of the big emails announcing things are waiting for the first week of July (because as press i have barely got any emails so far which makes sense, most of the press targetted emails have not gone out yet until the press list is finalized)

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Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: chocolateshake on June 27, 2022, 12:12:55 PM
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Did we all really roll over the pass from the canceled year in 2020? It also feels like they have started the badge auctions a lot later than normal as well. (Like in 2019, I see in the forums the auctions started back in April, they just started this week which is late June). I guess I can see there being less folks in the center, but not a ton less than the reported 130,000 that's been capped the last few years.

They started them as early as possible this year considering everything has been late.  They had to wait for the badge refund period to end, then for all the pros to signup and finally for the all the new volunteers to signup.  Shortly after the second round of volunteer signups ended, they started the badge sales.  They've been making up for it in the sheer number of badges they are dropping at a time.  If I remember right, in 2019 it was more of a dribble.  It was less dense.  There was plenty of time to bid as well as plenty of time between auctions to decide if you wanted to try again and bid more.  This time the auctions are up for a shorter period of time and many are ending so close to one another.  They are also dropping more frequently.  Since yesterday they've added 11 more listings.

I think the volunteer signup is a good indicator of attendance.  Since if every volunteer that signed up for 2020 "rolled over" to 2022 then they wouldn't have had to reopen volunteer registration for new volunteers.  Not only was it open to new volunteers but both the interest list signup and the actual volunteer registration went on for a long time.  So long that I can imagine they didn't hit the target.  It had gone on so long that it was just time to call it.

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4. Fewer offsite things to do at this year's con. Feels like a lot of offsites will either be paid or they are really keeping things close to the vest this year. But again, like the exclusives, feels like fewer announcements have been made than in past normal years. I do wonder if more recent real world considerations like inflation, higher labor costs and higher gas/transport costs are the main culprits for why there are fewer offsite events we seem to be having this year. Maybe more will be announced this week and next.

Offsites have been on the decline for years.  I'm big into offsites.  I spend much more time at the offsites than in the convention center.  Peak offsite happened the year there were all those mini-con offsites like Conival.  Then there were all gone except for Conival for one last year.  But even that was a shadow of it's former self.  My fingers are crossed though.  The company that runs a lot of the offsites at comic-con has said that demand is high this year.

Overall I'm expecting it to be a 80% comic-con in all aspects.  I wouldn't be surprised if there are on site badge sales.  The banner has already been made.  Why not use it?
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: debster on June 27, 2022, 01:11:59 PM
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I wouldn't be surprised if there are on site badge sales.  The banner has already been made.  Why not use it?

Ugh, I really wouldn’t want to have to camp out to buy badges again…
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Transmute Jun on June 27, 2022, 01:24:11 PM
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Ugh, I really wouldn’t want to have to camp out to buy badges again…

I think that the implication was badges for 2022, not badges for 2023.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: chocolateshake on June 27, 2022, 11:45:23 PM
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Ugh, I really wouldn’t want to have to camp out to buy badges again…

That's not going to happen.  Since the reason they would have onsite badge sales is if they didn't sell enough badges.  That's what happened at Turkeycon.  There was definitely no line.  I watch some people walk in, inquire and then walk right back out.  The problem was that the only thing for sale was the full set of badges.  There wasn't a daily option.  Why would people buy badges for all the days when there is only 1 day left?  If there are onsite badge sales, I hope they offer daily badges.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: debster on June 28, 2022, 05:30:33 AM
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I think that the implication was badges for 2022, not badges for 2023.

Ah, that makes more sense. I have bad memories of missing a day of con waiting to buy badges for next year.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Vapors on June 30, 2022, 06:12:05 PM
I guess with some of the news this week, I should probably add one more thing that looks like it will be different: a vastly altered exhibitor floor.

I think with news that has trickled on who is out (WB/DC, Dark Horse, Graphitti Designs, Cartoon Network) and changes that are coming (No Hasbro retail) along with a few other changes (Crunchyroll is taking over for Funimation), this year will be a big shock for me in terms of seeing the show floor.

Some changes to the floor will be pretty cool (Funkoville looks pretty neat) but others I will be sad to see go (Dark Horse had a great retail booth and had a ton of great signings for comic artists, ditto for Cartoon Network).

I know that new vendors and companies will take over the spaces left behind, and that'll be exciting to check out. But I expect them to be more understated than the prior companies. Also, there will probably be a number of vendors who couldn't make it out of Covid times along with others who have made the business decision to no longer exhibit since the costs are too great now. I am beginning to wonder if there will be less vendors overall, which may be one way they can enforce distancing as less vendors means they can widen the walk areas. The fact they have not released the exhibitor list with three weeks to go, makes me wonder if this is the case.

Here's hoping I'm wrong but I am trying to check my expectations on who we will see on the floor this year.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Mario Wario on June 30, 2022, 06:33:08 PM
My expectations? Gonna be fun.

Enjoy what this year’s show has to offer, keep the hype level in check, and have fun doing whatever. I’m telling ya, this SDCC won’t be that bad. It won’t be 100% as usual, but be happy we have a show to go to that has some of its usual fun back. :)
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: angi on June 30, 2022, 07:32:46 PM
I expect it to be much more low key and with lower attendence levels.

I expect the lower attendence levels will make the con a much better experience.

I expect people are going to bring and share their love of the con and their active Covid infections.

I'm not super excited about the off-sites this year. I hope more get announced.

I am excited to see my SDCC con pals who I have maintained friendships with since 2013.  Hall H b***hes for life :P

Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: chocolateshake on June 30, 2022, 08:39:09 PM
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I guess with some of the news this week, I should probably add one more thing that looks like it will be different: a vastly altered exhibitor floor.

For me the big thing missing will be the hoards of people circling like sharks hoping to get a glimpse of a celebrity at a booth.  The absence of WB/DC guarantees that that big group of celebrities won't be there.  I doubt any studio will bring their celebrities onto the floor.  It's not worth the risk.

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The fact they have not released the exhibitor list with three weeks to go, makes me wonder if this is the case.

Here's hoping I'm wrong but I am trying to check my expectations on who we will see on the floor this year.

There's reason for hope.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: chachime45 on June 30, 2022, 09:23:10 PM
My mind is on overdrive too … but this is the only con I physically prepare for. I’ve been doing daily 4-mile hikes in the sun, which might be overkill but I don’t want to run out of gas. I was exhausted after one day at Megacon this year.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Cut That Meat on July 01, 2022, 12:54:52 AM
I can't wait to be back. Even if it's not 100% of what it used to be for this year, I'll be grateful and excited to be surrounded by like-minded people, see con friends, and to finally be back in that environment. Well, until I get hosed by line cutters or have to wait for that darn train to fully cross.

For those like me where this is their favorite week of the year (sorry CCSE), we've waited a longer time compared to others who have seen their in-person "thing they miss the most" be available to them again, e.g. going to sporting events, movies, traveling, etc. I loved looking forward to this every July and have it be a carrot on a stick while grinding through the other ~361 days of the year. To not be able to do so the past two years, well, sucked (along with everything else that sucked). So no complaints here that I've been able to resume my annual tradition of being the most unproductive employee in my company for seven or so weeks beginning around June 1.

With regards to how many companies/booths seems to be scaling back their presence this year: I personally have never come remotely close to seeing/doing/buying everything I want to do at every SDCC. At no point during the week am I at a loss of something I want to see or do and I'm guessing the same goes for the majority of FoCC members. So I have absolutely zero concern that I'll find myself bored or not having anything to do, and I'm confident the same will go for all of you. Insert qualifier here because I might turn out to be completely wrong!

I think of SDCC like a buffet: they might have reduced the number of items on the menu, but I have every reason (at this point) to believe there will still be more than enough options to fill up my plate and then go back for more.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Michaelnaut on July 01, 2022, 03:41:38 AM
With the changes in landscape, all this means is that the line at the Marvel booth can be waaaaaay long and not impede other booths :D


As has been said above, I'm just looking forward to being back...panels, friends, offsites...gonna be a great week!
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: marcia29 on July 01, 2022, 07:17:50 AM
I look forward to seeing new companies and entities that have not been able to get onto the Exhibition floor. Years ago, I recall seeing this small table in the back with these big headed little chunky figures...yeah..Funko. 
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: SDcomics on July 01, 2022, 09:19:39 AM
I think the thing I'm looking forward to the most is the sheer joy of being surrounded by people who all love the same things I do.

Growing up, and for many, many years into my adulthood, I had to keep my love of comics, sci-fi and fantasy to myself out of fear of being labeled a "geek", "nerd" and "loser".  Most of my friends had no idea I was a fan and that I collected comics.  It's different now, of course.  Star Wars came along and changed things a little.  You could say you enjoyed Star Wars and not get pelted with insults.  And now in these modern times Marvel Studios has made superheroes fashionable and trendy.  That's very, very cool.

But not so when I was a young man.  I was in the Navy and I was expected to act like a grown up.  There was no way I could talk about the latest adventures of Iron Man or Batman with my peers.

And so, when I first walked through the doors of the old San Diego Convention and Performing Arts Center those 40 years ago, it was the first time in my life that I felt like I truly belonged somewhere.  I could be myself and no one would judge me.  I could share my love of this hobby with people who loved it as much as I did.  I didn't have to hide who I was anymore.

And that is why I still go and why I always will.  It's the love.  That's what it's all about.

Thank you, founders of the San Diego Comic Con for creating this amazing event.  Thank you, Jack Kirby, Ray Bradbury, Forrest J Ackerman and  A. E. van Vogt for being special guests at that first show.  You selflessly gave up your own time and money to join us and you helped put us on the map.

I am SO excited to be doing this again for my 38th time.  Have a safe and happy Fourth of July, everyone.  I will see you all in a little less than three weeks.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Old Man Grey on July 01, 2022, 09:22:06 AM
I wonder if this is the beginning of the end for Comic Con. With DC, Dark Horse and the other big players opting out can we be sure they will ever come back? Once word gets out about the diminished experience that is Comic Con, will fans be willing to pay the exorbitant prices for airfare and hotels. If Turkey Con and this year's WonderCon are harbingers for the future of Comic Con, things look bleak.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: SDcomics on July 01, 2022, 09:35:35 AM
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I wonder if this is the beginning of the end for Comic Con. With DC, Dark Horse and the other big players opting out can we be sure they will ever come back? Once word gets out about the diminished experience that is Comic Con, will fans be willing to pay the exorbitant prices for airfare and hotels. If Turkey Con and this year's WonderCon are harbingers for the future of Comic Con, things look bleak.

No sir.  As long as there are people who love this stuff there will always be a comic con. 

Will it contract and get smaller?  To be honest, I've been expecting that since before covid.  The people who go just because it's the trendy thing to do were going to lose interest sooner or later.  But I don't look at it like it's getting smaller, I look at it like it's getting back to normal. 

I suspect DC and Dark Horse WILL be back.  They're not going to let Marvel and Image steal all the thunder.  Also consider that DC and Dark Horse are already here on the West Coast. 

It's going to be okay.  I think we're going to have a great time, and I think we'll doing it for many, many years.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: marcia29 on July 01, 2022, 09:49:27 AM
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I wonder if this is the beginning of the end for Comic Con. With DC, Dark Horse and the other big players opting out can we be sure they will ever come back? Once word gets out about the diminished experience that is Comic Con, will fans be willing to pay the exorbitant prices for airfare and hotels. If Turkey Con and this year's WonderCon are harbingers for the future of Comic Con, things look bleak.

I believe this may signal a bright new path! New companies, new ideas, new experiences. Yay!
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: chocolateshake on July 01, 2022, 09:51:31 AM
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I wonder if this is the beginning of the end for Comic Con. With DC, Dark Horse and the other big players opting out can we be sure they will ever come back? Once word gets out about the diminished experience that is Comic Con, will fans be willing to pay the exorbitant prices for airfare and hotels. If Turkey Con and this year's WonderCon are harbingers for the future of Comic Con, things look bleak.

I think comic-con will be just fine.  People want to think things are back to normal.  They aren't back to normal.  Companies are still being cautious.  Just yesterday, the indoor mask requirement for TV/Movie production in LA was reinstated.

I think for every fan not willing to fly into comic-con, there will be a local rushing to take their place.  Look at the closing bids on the auctions.  So far, they are going for about more than double face value.

Update: I just checked and someone paid $1,725 for ONE badge set.  I want to say they got carried away since PAIRs of badges have sold for less.  But another auction for ONE sold for $1,676.  Those two should have gotten together and split a PAIR.  :)
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Old Man Grey on July 01, 2022, 10:06:11 AM
If Comic-Con contracts into a regional show it won't be the Comic- Con, we know today. No big names, no Hollywood premiers no exclusives. Now I'm fine with that because I'm local but it won't be the pop culture phenomena that it was. And you can forget about expanding the convention center. Yes, we hard core fans will go but the people that bring in the big bucks for the city and make Hollwood pay attention may not.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: chocolateshake on July 01, 2022, 10:35:34 AM
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If Comic-Con contracts into a regional show it won't be the Comic- Con, we know today. No big names, no Hollywood premiers no exclusives. Now I'm fine with that because I'm local but it won't be the pop culture phenomena that it was. And you can forget about expanding the convention center. Yes, we hard core fans will go but the people that bring in the big bucks for the city and make Hollwood pay attention may not.

I don't think that's happening.  While those big players you listed aren't showing up this year, a massive player is making it's first appearance.  Apple TV+ is coming for the first time.  Comic-con is now much more of a pop culture convention than comics.  The comic aspect of comic-con has been shrinking for years.  Apple TV+ reinforces the "Hollywood" presence.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: SDcomics on July 01, 2022, 10:36:19 AM
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If Comic-Con contracts into a regional show it won't be the Comic- Con, we know today. No big names, no Hollywood premiers no exclusives. Now I'm fine with that because I'm local but it won't be the pop culture phenomena that it was. And you can forget about expanding the convention center. Yes, we hard core fans will go but the people that bring in the big bucks for the city and make Hollwood pay attention may not.

Those are all very good points and yes, I will feel bad for the local businesses.  I talked to the manager of one of the restaurants in the gaslamp a few years ago and she told me that the money they make from Comic Con gets them through the winter.  She said she wasn't sure if they could stay in business without comic con and I get that.

And of course the city will lose a ton of tax revenue. 

So yes, there's that.  I know a lot of people depend on comic con for their livelihoods. 

As I recall, attendance was 5000 people the first year I went.  I have a friend who went in 1973 and that was the first year they hit 1000.  That seemed like a really big deal at the time.  Now it seems like there's 1000 people manning the Image booth. 

Life is change and a series of adjustments.  We had to leave the old Convention and Performing Arts Center to move to the new Convention Center.  Then we had to adjust to the Convention Center expansion.  Then we had to adjust to having to scramble to find a place to park.  Then we had to adjust to the show selling out right before it started.   Then we had to adjust to the show selling out in 3 nanoseconds online months before it started. 

I really don't know what the future is going to bring, except I believe it's safe to say there will always be a San Diego Comic Con.  Because it was never about the money, it was never about the prestige, it was never about the crowd size.  It was a show put on by fans FOR fans and as long as there are people who love this stuff, it will continue.

I almost wish I could build a cosmic treadmill and flash forward 20 years to see what it will look like.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: rabbitwarren on July 01, 2022, 11:19:59 AM
MegaCon has nowhere near the cultural clout of SDCC and there were reportedly over 100,000 attendees this year so I don’t think the mad crowds will disappear.

I do think the days of Hall H mania will disappear. There are really only three properties now that inspire any sort of rabid devotion: Marvel, Star Wars  and DC and the other studios know anything they put out will be ignored once those studios make their reveals. I mean, Hall H was walk-in and half empty when they dropped the Top Gun teaser for crying out loud!  Instead we may get long lines to Indigo or the 6 rooms for the smaller, but more rabid fan bases like Rick and Morty

As for my own enjoyment this years I’m happy with what’s revealed so far. I had very low expectations and right now, I got the 1 panel I really wanted and I’m very happy Apple TV is having a presence.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Cut That Meat on July 01, 2022, 11:52:02 PM
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Hall H was walk-in and half empty when they dropped the Top Gun teaser for crying out loud!

I was so mad at myself for not sticking around after the panel that preceded it (think it was Terminator: Dark Fate) :'( I just checked my phone to see if I was in a rush to make a time-sensitive autograph signing or appointment, but nope, I guess I just really needed to wander the exhibit hall for a couple hours.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: alyssa on July 02, 2022, 07:03:28 AM
Everything sounds amazing, the offsites & properties, etc.
I just don't think I will want to put the effort into seeing them. I see this as a 'me' problem not a con problem.

The only thing on my list is getting a Sig from JMS on a Babylon 5 poster.

Eta
This is what I hope doesn't happen
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220702/4f45916f38e25076e36905fb34826d59.jpg)
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Michaelnaut on July 02, 2022, 07:25:50 AM
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Everything sounds amazing, the offsites & properties, etc.
I just don't think I will want to put the effort into seeing them. I see this as a 'me' problem not a con problem.

The only thing on my list is getting a Sig from JMS on a Babylon 5 poster.

Eta
This is what I hope doesn't happen
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220702/4f45916f38e25076e36905fb34826d59.jpg)
Umm...wow
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: alyssa on July 02, 2022, 08:07:41 AM
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Umm...wow
yeah, look up the acct on twiter, the vid that the snip was taken from is scary
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Transmute Jun on July 02, 2022, 09:41:45 AM
I just watched that video... it looks like people are waiting for the hall to open. They're just standing there. It's not the actual exhibit floor.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: rabbitwarren on July 02, 2022, 09:59:41 AM
Anime Expo has always been notoriously lax about crowd control. 

This was 2017.

(https://s3.amazonaws.com/cult-of-distraction/media/articles/images/anime-expo-1.png)
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: alyssa on July 02, 2022, 10:00:10 AM
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I just watched that video... it looks like people are waiting for the hall to open. They're just standing there. It's not the actual exhibit floor.
the impression i got was the fire Marshal closed down entrance to the floor/hall & those people were waiting to get in. IOW, the floor was full and that was the overflow waiting to get in
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Transmute Jun on July 02, 2022, 10:12:40 AM
According to your screenshot, the video was posted at 9:44 am. That would be before the floor opens, right?
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Car_Low on July 02, 2022, 10:13:28 AM
yeah floor hadn't opened yet
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Vapors on July 02, 2022, 01:53:28 PM
Really cannot be stressed how fortunate we are that SDCC has a competent and organized way to get people into the hall with multiple points of entry and clear queues to funnel people into. Granted, this was almost a decade ago when I came,but from what I can tell, they have not changed a bit. AX basically just lets people congregate on the first floor prior to opening. Exhibitor floor is on the second. So they block off the stairs and escalators. There's no queue, no designated lines, just they let folks mob on the first floor. Glad we don't do anything like that for SDCC. The moment they let the barriers down, its a free for all to the stairs/escalators.

Here's a twitter link with pics from the top of said stairs/escalators

https://twitter.com/TypeZERO_Inc/status/1542900340286058502
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: marcia29 on July 02, 2022, 01:59:15 PM
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Really cannot be stressed how fortunate we are that SDCC has a competent and organized way to get people into the hall with multiple points of entry and clear queues to funnel people into. Granted, this was almost a decade ago when I came,but from what I can tell, they have not changed a bit. AX basically just lets people congregate on the first floor prior to opening. Exhibitor floor is on the second. So they block off the stairs and escalators. There's no queue, no designated lines, just they let folks mob on the first floor. Glad we don't do anything like that for SDCC. The moment they let the barriers down, its a free for all to the stairs/escalators.

Here's a twitter link with pics from the top of said stairs/escalators

https://twitter.com/TypeZERO_Inc/status/1542900340286058502

Good grief, I grew up in NYC, yet these crowd pics at AX are...wildly too much for me. :(
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: CHEYS671Guam on July 02, 2022, 11:19:52 PM
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Anime Expo has always been notoriously lax about crowd control. 

This was 2017.

(https://s3.amazonaws.com/cult-of-distraction/media/articles/images/anime-expo-1.png)

Wow. This is insane.  :o
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: epicaz on July 04, 2022, 06:49:04 PM
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I just watched that video... it looks like people are waiting for the hall to open. They're just standing there. It's not the actual exhibit floor.

Yes, this. AX has an insanely long security line/bag check that funnels directly in to badge entry. The crowd pictured is the result of people being let into the convention space prior to any of the halls/panels opening for the day. If they waited, that line would likely take hours of the actual day (which it also does) in the hot LA sun. But yeah its very claustrophobic once it fills and packs to the brim
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: epicaz on July 04, 2022, 06:57:14 PM
Making a new post as my last wasn't on topic

But I've been a little worried about the lack of announcements for this year's con. Very few exclusives or panels have been hinted at, a few major booths have said they aren't coming.. at least there are promising off sites. I don't always need something to do at each con to have a great time, but over the last 10 years I've definitely relied on seeing old favorites and enough high excitement things happening that make sdcc feel just a little more special than the rest.. whether it be cool happenings or swag or big names doing big things. So I'm a bit nervous that sdcc will feel like a shell of what I remembered as some other cons have for me in the last year.

I'll still love it, I've definitely been having con cravings for the last 2 years of drought.. I just want it all to return to normal after this year at the very least :')


I just figure it's a condition of uncertainty and uncommittal after all the cancelations
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: nootheroptions on July 06, 2022, 11:43:32 AM
The announcements have been coming hot and fast today.  The floor is full, and there's been lots of off sites announced.  So I'm very high overall.  Even if the cons at 80-90% of what it typically is I am stoked because it probably is overcrowded as is. 
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: SDcomics on July 06, 2022, 06:24:10 PM
So apparently there's not going to be a physical souvenir book this year.  It's going to be another "downloadable pdf".

San Diego Comic-Con 2022 Souvenir Book Cover Revealed — And Big Changes (https://sdccblog.com/2022/07/san-diego-comic-con-2022-souvenir-book-cover-revealed-and-big-changes/)

That ... is disappointing. 
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: hipchick on July 06, 2022, 06:48:25 PM
I’m excited but tbh my expectations are low. Partially because it’s been 3 years but also stuff I did on the regular, isn’t happening for me this year (GoT panels are done, I didn’t make it into Fundays this year…). I wouldn’t be surprised to see it less packed based on how Star Wars Celebration was. I was also at VidCon in Anaheim a couple weeks ago for work and that was less packed than the last in person one in 2019. But who knows…SDCC can surprise me.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: SDcomics on July 06, 2022, 07:04:35 PM
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So apparently there's not going to be a physical souvenir book this year.  It's going to be another "downloadable pdf".

San Diego Comic-Con 2022 Souvenir Book Cover Revealed — And Big Changes (https://sdccblog.com/2022/07/san-diego-comic-con-2022-souvenir-book-cover-revealed-and-big-changes/)

That ... is disappointing.

I don't want to harp on this "no physical souvenir book this year" thing,  but I do want to make this point:  I'm not mad or upset with the con organizers about it.  It's no secret that they're hurting financially and I have no idea how much it costs to produce and print this thing.  I imagine it ain't cheap.  If they can't afford it then they can't afford it.  The world's a different place now than it was three years and we have no choice but to deal with it, accept it and move on.

But ... I am a collector.  I have 37 of these things going back to 1982.  This should be my 40th.

Eff you, covid.

Okay, I got that off my chest.  Carry on.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Transmute Jun on July 06, 2022, 08:13:37 PM
@SDcomics (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=4024)  If it really means that much to you, you could color print the pdf of the souvenir book. I know that's not very cost effective, but if it has sentimental value, it might be worth it.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: SDcomics on July 06, 2022, 08:47:46 PM
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@SDcomics (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=4024)  If it really means that much to you, you could color print the pdf of the souvenir book. I know that's not very cost effective, but if it has sentimental value, it might be worth it.

Thank you!  I was actually thinking about that as I was watching Ms. Marvel tonight.  I'll take the file to a printer and see what they quote me.

That Bill Morrison cover is beautiful.  It's a tribute to the late Dave Stevens and the Rocketeer.  Dave was a special guest at the first Comic Con I went to.  He lived here in San Diego for many years.  I love that the El Cortez hotel is in the background.  That was the home of the San Diego Comic Con all through the 70's.

If nothing else, I'll get that cover printed and framed.  Thanks again, Transmute Jun. 
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Mel on July 06, 2022, 08:56:33 PM
I know that the previous 2 years I did see online people get the pdf professionally printed and bound. I don't think it would be too much to do it at a place like Kinko's or Office Depot

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Transmute Jun on July 06, 2022, 09:20:31 PM
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Thank you!  I was actually thinking about that as I was watching Ms. Marvel tonight.  I'll take the file to a printer and see what they quote me.

That Bill Morrison cover is beautiful.  It's a tribute to the late Dave Stevens and the Rocketeer.  Dave was a special guest at the first Comic Con I went to.  He lived here in San Diego for many years.  I love that the El Cortez hotel is in the background.  That was the home of the San Diego Comic Con all through the 70's.

If nothing else, I'll get that cover printed and framed.  Thanks again, Transmute Jun.

Glad to help! It was clear that this was important to you.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Michaelnaut on July 07, 2022, 04:00:44 AM
In the same vein, does anyone happen to know if they have made all of the previous year's books online? That would be a pretty neat collage of covers to make as a single print.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: SteveD on July 07, 2022, 04:51:16 AM
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In the same vein, does anyone happen to know if they have made all of the previous year's books online? That would be a pretty neat collage of covers to make as a single print.
I think for the fifty year anniversary, they posted all fifty covers. You could check the Toucan Blog.

@Michael M (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=2539)  This is what I remember, https://www.comic-con.org/toucan/gallery/comic-con-souvenir-book-covers (https://www.comic-con.org/toucan/gallery/comic-con-souvenir-book-covers)
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Michaelnaut on July 07, 2022, 05:17:05 AM
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I think for the fifty year anniversary, they posted all fifty covers. You could check the Toucan Blog.

@Michael M (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=2539)  This is what I remember, https://www.comic-con.org/toucan/gallery/comic-con-souvenir-book-covers (https://www.comic-con.org/toucan/gallery/comic-con-souvenir-book-covers)
Thanks for this @SteveD (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=3710)
These all look the same size so it should be easy to accomplish. I'll have to whip something up...they don't look hi-res, but 'll see.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: SteveD on July 07, 2022, 05:24:35 AM
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Thanks for this @SteveD (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=3710)
These all look the same size so it should be easy to accomplish. I'll have to whip something up...they don't look hi-res, but 'll see.
They're all approximately 740x??? (???x740), so not hi-res at all. I wonder if CCI even has his-res scans of the old issues?
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Michaelnaut on July 07, 2022, 05:25:41 AM
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They're all approximately 740x??? (???x740), so not hi-res at all. I wonder if CCI even has his-res scans of the old issues?
Yeah, if anything, maybe a desktop wallpaper background...bummer :(
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: sessionka on July 07, 2022, 06:50:32 AM
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I’m excited but tbh my expectations are low. Partially because it’s been 3 years but also stuff I did on the regular, isn’t happening for me this year (GoT panels are done, I didn’t make it into Fundays this year…). I wouldn’t be surprised to see it less packed based on how Star Wars Celebration was. I was also at VidCon in Anaheim a couple weeks ago for work and that was less packed than the last in person one in 2019. But who knows…SDCC can surprise me.

I'm excited as well, but I don't expect it to be as crowded as it was in the past.  I'm OK with that.  I made it to WonderCon this year for the first time.  The pros said it was smaller than previous years, but I still had a good time.  I've also decided, WonderCon will be an annual thing for me.

For what it's worth,   I'm just happy there is going to be an SDCC.  I'm also panicking, because of everything that I have to do to get ready.  I mean, I've only had two (2) years to get ready for God's sake.   :)

Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: lostninja on July 07, 2022, 07:36:34 AM
I'm afraid once the big vendors switch to just order online it'll be a chain reaction, and then only be 2-3 big vendors and filled to look more like LA Comic Con which is fine for what it is, but SDCC is the biggest and best one, so if small average person sets up shop it'll start going that way and chase away all the celebs , freebies and everything else that came with it. Already too many vendors offer online purchase, which takes away from getting an exclusive, I get buying online and picking up at the convention, that's a good idea. Not the other way. :(
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Transmute Jun on July 07, 2022, 08:12:06 AM
After the panel announcements made yesterday, I'm actually hoping the con has fewer people. It would be nice to enjoy SDCC without as much in the way of crowds.

This being said, even if the crowds are reduced, I'm pretty sure I won't 'feel 'it.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Michaelnaut on July 07, 2022, 08:13:48 AM
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After the panel announcements made yesterday, I'm actually hoping the con has fewer people. It would be nice to enjoy SDCC without as much in the way of crowds.

This being said, even if the crowds are reduced, I'm pretty sure I won't 'feel 'it.
75% of 165K is still ~125K...that's still a lot of peeps!
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Transmute Jun on July 07, 2022, 08:18:34 AM
Exactly. And at offsites, there are usually a lot of people who live locally, who don't have badges. So those lines are likely to be long, regardless.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Vapors on July 07, 2022, 12:25:10 PM
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75% of 165K is still ~125K...that's still a lot of peeps!

Where are you pulling 165K? The number most commonly cited the last few years has been around 130K as far as attendance goes. I'm expecting the number to more or less be that for Attendees. It seems most of us held onto our badges.

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I'm afraid once the big vendors switch to just order online it'll be a chain reaction, and then only be 2-3 big vendors and filled to look more like LA Comic Con which is fine for what it is, but SDCC is the biggest and best one, so if small average person sets up shop it'll start going that way and chase away all the celebs , freebies and everything else that came with it. Already too many vendors offer online purchase, which takes away from getting an exclusive, I get buying online and picking up at the convention, that's a good idea. Not the other way. :(

Funny, this has been the dream for a lot of old timers. I remember overhearing conversations about folks lamenting "the Hollywood Takeover" of a Comic Convention. So I guess they'll get their wish, albeit more than a decade plus later though. I think the main thing SDCC has going is that it has a institutional history with a lot of companies and it still has strong history with comic artists, hence, most companies will continue to come. Book Publishers are also still in force (at least based on my review of the exhibitor list). So with comic and book companies still coming, you still have incentives for Hollywood studios to come as they are always trying to mine new works and IPs for shows and movies.

Where I do see a drop off is the toy companies right now. I haven't seen too many pure SDCC "exclusives" and what has been presented doesn't seem to be impressing folks as much either. This year has an obvious caveat in that there are high gas costs and supply chain issues along with the uncertainty of Covid. Toy companies seem to be the ones most affected by this so we'll have to see if this is a blip in the radar or a movement on things to come in how they handle selling at the con.
Title: Re: Everyone's expectations for this year's SDCC?
Post by: Transmute Jun on July 07, 2022, 12:38:38 PM
You make a good point, Vapors. It's been a year now (more) with supply chain issues. it could simply be that companies weren't certain whether or not they would have stock in time for SDCC, and so decided to make exclusives online, so that any production delays could be absorbed into delayed shipping dates.