Comic-book geek alert!
You read that right. It's that time of year again when legions of fan boys and girls of all ages dig out their comic-book-inspired T-shirts and costumes, and let their freak flag fly high with pride.
The 39th annual Comic-Con International, opening today and running through Sunday, remains the ultimate multimedia extravaganza when it comes to state-of-art comics, movies, science fiction, fantasy and horror. For the next four days, Comic-Con transforms the San Diego Convention Center into the heart of supreme coolness.
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Comic-Con International
When: Exhibit hall opens 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. today through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Late-night programming continues in ballrooms.
Where: San Diego Convention Center, 111 W. Harbor Drive, downtown
Tickets: Sold out
Phone: (619) 491-2475
Online: comic-con.org
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If there is a temporary capital for pop culture, this is it.
Even if you are lucky enough to already have a four-day pass (all days are sold out), it's impossible to see everything. So, your best bet is to create a strategy on how to make it through Comic-Con's perfect storm of the popular arts and fandom in one piece with your sanity intact. That is, of course, if you are sane to begin with.
For starters, be sure to dress comfortably, pack some tasty snacks and plenty of water, and then plan on an early arrival before the convention opens. Don't forget your digital still and video camera since a big part of Comic-Con's appeal is people-watching as you make your way through the exhibit hall.
A word of advice: Save your money and look for parking lots further away from the San Diego Convention Center, and be prepared to walk. Another option to avoid paying downtown parking lots' ridiculous $10-to-$20 fees is to take the trolley and save money on gas to boot.
The massive crowds and momentous lines are just part of the Comic-Con experience. Get over it and have fun!
Some highlights
20th Century Fox's “The Day the Earth Stood Still” and “Max Payne” (today): Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly and others offer a sneak peak at the remake of Robert Wise's 1951 sci-fi classic film. At the same panel, anyone curious about “Max Payne” can hear what Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis and Ludacris have to say about the video-game-turned-movie thriller. (11:30 a.m., Hall H)
“Red Sonja” one-on-one (today): “Grindhouse” director Robert Rodriguez and his former amour, actress Rose McGowan, discuss their efforts to resurrect the fierce and beautiful female warrior for the movies. (2 p.m., Room 6-CDEF)
“Star Wars” Fan Films Awards (today): Lucasfilm and Comic-Con honor the best new “Star Wars” fan films inspired by George Lucas' classic space-fantasy saga. (8:30 p.m., Ballroom 20)
Warner Bros.'s “Watchmen” (tomorrow): Get there early because this panel is a big draw for fans of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' seminal 1986 graphic novel. (11:55 a.m., Hall H)
Entertainment Weekly's The Visionaries (tomorrow): Filmmakers Judd Apatow, Frank Miller, Zack Snyder and Comic-Con favorite Kevin Smith chat about their Hollywood experiences. (5:15 p.m., Hall H) Stick around for Smith's talk at 6:30 p.m. about his upcoming film “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” also in Hall H.
“The Spirit” Presents the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards (tomorrow): Comic-Con attendees can see which comics take top honors at the convention's annual awards ceremony (8:30 p.m., Ballroom 20)
Spotlight on Ralph Bakshi (Saturday): Underground auteur behind the “Fritz the Cat” and “Cool World” films discusses his legendary career as an animator. (10:15 a.m., Room 6-B)
“Lost” (Saturday): Producer and co-creator Damon Lindelof gives fans a taste of what's in store for Season 4 of the popular adventure show. (Noon, Hall H)
Warner Bros.'s “Terminator Salvation” (Saturday): Can you have a “Terminator” movie without Arnold? You can find out more about the new adventures of humanity's savior, John Conner, at this panel. (1:15 p.m., Hall H)
MAD in the '60s (Saturday): Artists Al Feldstein, Sergio Aragones and Al Jafee reminisce about their days at the classic comic magazine. (3 p.m., Room 8)
Spotlight on Ray Bradbury (Saturday): Arnold Kunert interviews the legendary pioneer in science-fiction literature about his career. (3:30 p.m., Room 6-CDEF)
“Tru Blood” Presents Comic-Con International Masquerade (Saturday): For seasoned Comic-Con attendees and newbies alike, this ceremony celebrates the creativity of fans in unique costumes. Be sure to get there early since people start lining up hours before this popular costume contest gets under way. (8:30 p.m., Ballroom 20)
San Diego International Children's Film Festival (Sunday): As part of Comic-Con's Kids' Day, this showcase features a range of live-action, animated and documentary short films selected for children of all ages. (10 a.m., Room 10)
