International Comic-Con: San Diego 2014 - Some Background and Batman

It's 'bout that time of year...San Diego International Comic Convention.  And, while I know ABCWednesday's Round 15 is only at "B" week, I thought I'd give some background to this truly iconic cultural event and share my schedule with you.

BACKGROUND:

Comic-Con International: San Diego

Comic-Con International: San Diego began in 1970 when a group of comics, movie, and science fiction fans -- including the late Shel Dorf, Ken Krueger, and Richard Alf -- banded together to put on the first comic book convention in southern California. Comic-Con started as a one-day “minicon,” called San Diego’s Golden State Comic-Minicon, on March 21, 1970 at the U.S. Grant Hotel in downtown San Diego. The purpose of this single
-day event—which included two special guests, Forrest J Ackerman and Mike Royer, and drew about 100 attendees—was to raise funds and generate interest for a larger convention. The success of the minicon led to the first full-fledged, three-day San Diego Comic-Con (called San Diego’s Golden State Comic-Con), held August 1–3, 1970, at the U.S. Grant Hotel, with guests Ray Bradbury, Jack Kirby, and A. E. van Vogt. Over 300 attendees packed into the hotel’s basement for that groundbreaking event, which featured a dealers’ room, programs and panels, film screenings, and more: essentially, the model for every comic book convention to follow.

From the beginning, the founders of the show set out to include not only the comic books they loved
,but also other aspects of the popular arts that they enjoyed and felt deserved wider recognition,  including films and science fiction/fantasy literature. After one more name change (San Diego’s West Coast Comic Convention, in 1972), the show officially became the San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) in 1973 with the fourth annual event. In 1995, the non
-profit event changed its name to Comic-Con International: San Diego (CCI).
The show's main home in the 1970s was the fondly remembered El Cortez Hotel in downtown San Diego. In 1979
,Comic-Con moved to the Convention and Performing Arts Center (CPAC), and stayed there until 1991, when the new San Diego Convention Center opened. Comic-Con has been at home in that facility for over two decades.
With attendance topping 130,000 in recent years—in a convention center facility that has maxed out in space—the event has grown to include satellite locations, including local hotels and outdoor parks. Programming events, games, anime, the Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival
,and the Eisner Awards all take place outside of the Convention Center, creating a campus-type feel for the convention in downtown San Diego.

Photo by Kevin Green
© 2012 SDCC

Over the years, Comic-Con has become the focal point for the world of comics conventions. The event continues to offer the complete convention experience: a giant Exhibit Hall (topping over 460,000 square feet in its current incarnation); a massive programming schedule (over 600 separate events in 2012), featuring comics and all aspects of the popular arts, including hands-on workshops and educational and academic programming such as the Comics Arts Conference; anime and film screenings (including a separate film festival); games; the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, the “Oscars” of the comics industry; a Masquerade costume competition with prizes and trophies; an Autograph Area; an Art Show; and Portfolio Reviews, bringing together aspiring artists with major companies.
Comic-Con has presented literally thousands of special guests at its conventions over the years, bringing comics creators
,science fiction and fantasy authors
,film and television directors, producers, and writers
,and creators from all aspects of the popular arts together with their fans for a fun and often times candid discussion of various art forms. The event has seen an amazing array of comics and book publishers in its Exhibit Hall over the years. Over it
’s four
-decade-plus history, Comic-Con International has continually presented comic books and comic art to a growing audience. That love of the comics medium continues to be its guiding factor as the event moves toward its second half-century as the premier comic book and popular arts style convention in the world.

- See more at: http://www.comic-con.org/about#sthash.eGzdw4Nl.dpuf

 Comic-Con International: San Diego began in 1970 when a group of comics, movie, and science fiction fans put on the first comic book convention in southern California. It began as a one-day mini-con called San Diego's Golden State Comic-Minicon held on March 21, 1970 at the U.S. Grant Hotel, downtown Dan Diego. There were two guest speakers (Forrest J Ackerman and Mike Royer) and 100 guests.  This was so successful that they had another - this time a full-fledged, three-day Comic-con (San Diego's Golden State Comic-Con) Augutst 1-3, 1970 (also at the U.S. Grant Hotel) with guests Ray Bradbury, Jack Kirby, and A.E. van Vogt with over 300 attendees packed into the hotel's basement.

After one more name change (San Diego's West Coast Comic-Convention), in 1972, the show officially became the San Diego Comic-Can (SDCC) in 1973, and then became Comic-Con International: San Diego in 1995. The show's main home in the 1970's was the El Cortez Hotel in downtown San Diego. In 1979, as crowds expanded Comic-Con moved to the Convention and Performing Arts Center from 1979-1991 until the San Diego Convention Center opened and now hosts the event.

Comic-Con International: San Diego began in 1970 when a group of comics, movie, and science fiction fans -- including the late Shel Dorf, Ken Krueger, and Richard Alf -- banded together to put on the first comic book convention in southern California. Comic-Con started as a one-day “minicon,” called San Diego’s Golden State Comic-Minicon, on March 21, 1970 at the U.S. Grant Hotel in downtown San Diego. The purpose of this single-day event—which included two special guests, Forrest J Ackerman and Mike Royer, and drew about 100 attendees—was to raise funds and generate interest for a larger convention. The success of the minicon led to the first full-fledged, three-day San Diego Comic-Con (called San Diego’s Golden State Comic-Con), held August 1–3, 1970, at the U.S. Grant Hotel, with guests Ray Bradbury, Jack Kirby, and A. E. van Vogt. Over 300 attendees packed into the hotel’s basement for that groundbreaking event, which featured a dealers’ room, programs and panels, film screenings, and more: essentially, the model for every comic book convention to follow. - See more at: http://www.comic-con.org/about#sthash.eGzdw4Nl.dpuf

Comic-Con International: San Diego

Comic-Con International: San Diego began in 1970 when a group of comics, movie, and science fiction fans -- including the late Shel Dorf, Ken Krueger, and Richard Alf -- banded together to put on the first comic book convention in southern California. Comic-Con started as a one-day “minicon,” called San Diego’s Golden State Comic-Minicon, on March 21, 1970 at the U.S. Grant Hotel in downtown San Diego. The purpose of this single
-day event—which included two special guests, Forrest J Ackerman and Mike Royer, and drew about 100 attendees—was to raise funds and generate interest for a larger convention. The success of the minicon led to the first full-fledged, three-day San Diego Comic-Con (called San Diego’s Golden State Comic-Con), held August 1–3, 1970, at the U.S. Grant Hotel, with guests Ray Bradbury, Jack Kirby, and A. E. van Vogt. Over 300 attendees packed into the hotel’s basement for that groundbreaking event, which featured a dealers’ room, programs and panels, film screenings, and more: essentially, the model for every comic book convention to follow.

From the beginning, the founders of the show set out to include not only the comic books they loved
,but also other aspects of the popular arts that they enjoyed and felt deserved wider recognition,  including films and science fiction/fantasy literature. After one more name change (San Diego’s West Coast Comic Convention, in 1972), the show officially became the San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) in 1973 with the fourth annual event. In 1995, the non
-profit event changed its name to Comic-Con International: San Diego (CCI).
The show's main home in the 1970s was the fondly remembered El Cortez Hotel in downtown San Diego. In 1979
,Comic-Con moved to the Convention and Performing Arts Center (CPAC), and stayed there until 1991, when the new San Diego Convention Center opened. Comic-Con has been at home in that facility for over two decades.
With attendance topping 130,000 in recent years—in a convention center facility that has maxed out in space—the event has grown to include satellite locations, including local hotels and outdoor parks. Programming events, games, anime, the Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival
,and the Eisner Awards all take place outside of the Convention Center, creating a campus-type feel for the convention in downtown San Diego.

Photo by Kevin Green
© 2012 SDCC

Over the years, Comic-Con has become the focal point for the world of comics conventions. The event continues to offer the complete convention experience: a giant Exhibit Hall (topping over 460,000 square feet in its current incarnation); a massive programming schedule (over 600 separate events in 2012), featuring comics and all aspects of the popular arts, including hands-on workshops and educational and academic programming such as the Comics Arts Conference; anime and film screenings (including a separate film festival); games; the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, the “Oscars” of the comics industry; a Masquerade costume competition with prizes and trophies; an Autograph Area; an Art Show; and Portfolio Reviews, bringing together aspiring artists with major companies.
Comic-Con has presented literally thousands of special guests at its conventions over the years, bringing comics creators
,science fiction and fantasy authors
,film and television directors, producers, and writers
,and creators from all aspects of the popular arts together with their fans for a fun and often times candid discussion of various art forms. The event has seen an amazing array of comics and book publishers in its Exhibit Hall over the years. Over it
’s four
-decade-plus history, Comic-Con International has continually presented comic books and comic art to a growing audience. That love of the comics medium continues to be its guiding factor as the event moves toward its second half-century as the premier comic book and popular arts style convention in the world.

- See more at: http://www.comic-con.org/about#sthash.eGzdw4Nl.dpuf

Comic-Con International: San Diego began in 1970 when a group of comics, movie, and science fiction fans -- including the late Shel Dorf, Ken Krueger, and Richard Alf -- banded together to put on the first comic book convention in southern California. Comic-Con started as a one-day “minicon,” called San Diego’s Golden State Comic-Minicon, on March 21, 1970 at the U.S. Grant Hotel in downtown San Diego. The purpose of this single-day event—which included two special guests, Forrest J Ackerman and Mike Royer, and drew about 100 attendees—was to raise funds and generate interest for a larger convention. The success of the minicon led to the first full-fledged, three-day San Diego Comic-Con (called San Diego’s Golden State Comic-Con), held August 1–3, 1970, at the U.S. Grant Hotel, with guests Ray Bradbury, Jack Kirby, and A. E. van Vogt. Over 300 attendees packed into the hotel’s basement for that groundbreaking event, which featured a dealers’ room, programs and panels, film screenings, and more: essentially, the model for every comic book convention to follow. - See more at: http://www.comic-con.org/about#sthash.eGzdw4Nl.dpuf

Comic-Con International: San Diego began in 1970 when a group of comics, movie, and science fiction fans -- including the late Shel Dorf, Ken Krueger, and Richard Alf -- banded together to put on the first comic book convention in southern California. Comic-Con started as a one-day “minicon,” called San Diego’s Golden State Comic-Minicon, on March 21, 1970 at the U.S. Grant Hotel in downtown San Diego. The purpose of this single-day event—which included two special guests, Forrest J Ackerman and Mike Royer, and drew about 100 attendees—was to raise funds and generate interest for a larger convention. The success of the minicon led to the first full-fledged, three-day San Diego Comic-Con (called San Diego’s Golden State Comic-Con), held August 1–3, 1970, at the U.S. Grant Hotel, with guests Ray Bradbury, Jack Kirby, and A. E. van Vogt. Over 300 attendees packed into the hotel’s basement for that groundbreaking event, which featured a dealers’ room, programs and panels, film screenings, and more: essentially, the model for every comic book convention to follow. - See more at: http://www.comic-con.org/about#sthash.eGzdw4Nl.dpuf

Comic-Con International: San Diego began in 1970 when a group of comics, movie, and science fiction fans -- including the late Shel Dorf, Ken Krueger, and Richard Alf -- banded together to put on the first comic book convention in southern California. Comic-Con started as a one-day “minicon,” called San Diego’s Golden State Comic-Minicon, on March 21, 1970 at the U.S. Grant Hotel in downtown San Diego. The purpose of this single-day event—which included two special guests, Forrest J Ackerman and Mike Royer, and drew about 100 attendees—was to raise funds and generate interest for a larger convention. The success of the minicon led to the first full-fledged, three-day San Diego Comic-Con (called San Diego’s Golden State Comic-Con), held August 1–3, 1970, at the U.S. Grant Hotel, with guests Ray Bradbury, Jack Kirby, and A. E. van Vogt. Over 300 attendees packed into the hotel’s basement for that groundbreaking event, which featured a dealers’ room, programs and panels, film screenings, and more: essentially, the model for every comic book convention to follow. - See more at: http://www.comic-con.org/about#sthash.eGzdw4Nl.dpuf

Here is a short YouTube video of the history and impact of SDCC:

TODAY:

In recent years, attendance has topped 1300,000 requiring the expansion of events to satellite locations.  Since 2011, tickets to the convention have sold out the first day and the weekend events pump over $180,000,000 into San Diego itself.

There is a giant Exhibit Hall (with over 460000 square feet) where comic books, Hollywood and television studio promotions, magazines, games and pop-culture paraphernalia can be seen and had by all.  SDCC also hosts:

•  A massive programming schedule (over 600 separate events in 2012); 
• Anime and film screenings (first initiated in 1976 with a new science-fiction movie just made, Star Wars); 
• Games - including a Walking Dead Zombie Run; 
• Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards; 
• A Masquerade costume competition (an annual parade of fan-clad costumes with large prizes awarded to winners - which was first hosted in 1974); 
• An Autograph Area; 
• An Art Show and Portfolio reviews.

THIS YEAR: 
The mega-convention of almost everything pop culture runs July 24-27 and the southern California city will be awash with outrageous costumes, A-list stars, informative panels, limited-edition merchandise, fan-based art and yes, of course, aisles of rare and hard-to-find comic books.

Aside from my four panels (below), here are some other major attractions this year:

• Lucasfilm is promoting its latest offering from a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. "Star Wars Rebels" is a new animated series which will air on Disney XD in the fall. It's set five years before the events of "Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope" and tells the story of the Rebellion’s beginnings while the Empire spreads tyranny through the galaxy.

• To honor the 45th anniversary of the moon landing, NASA is making its first official landing at Comic-Con with panel featuring Buzz Aldrin (Apollo 11 Astronaut), moderator Seth Green (actor, writer, director and producer), Dr. Jim Green (NASA's division director of Planetary Science), Mike Fincke (NASA Astronaut), and "Mohawk Guy" Bobak Ferdowsi (Curiosity and Europa Missions).

• Batman  turns 75 and DC Entertainment is all set with a slew of panels, previews, promotions and exhibits to help fans of all ages celebrate. Here are some highlights, but for more, check out http://finance.yahoo.com/news/dc-entertainment-celebrates-75-years-173200065.html
  

  •  Comic icons Frank Miller, Grant Morrison, DCE Co-Publisher and renowned Batman artist Jim Lee (BATMAN:HUSH), DCE Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns (BATMAN:EARTH ONE), current BATMAN creative team, writer Scott Snyder and artist Greg Capullo, along with vintage superstar BATMAN team writer Denny O’Neill and artist Neal Adams in an in-depth discussion on the legendary character’s explosive adventures in comics both past and present. Thursday 3:30-4:30pm Room 6BCF
  • Delve into how Batman has been brought to life in comics, TV, movies and video games with Lee, Johns, BATMAN ’66 MEETS THE GREEN HORNET co-writer and KROQ radio personality Ralph Garman, the legendary voice of Batman Kevin Conroy (Batman: The Animated Series, Batman: Arkham Knight), producer and writer Paul Dini (Batman: The Animated Series), and Peter Girardi, Senior Vice President, Creative Affairs, Warner Bros Animation. Saturday 4-5:00pm Room 6BCF
  • Debut of Batman: The Complete Television Series with a can’t-miss panel featuring Batman on-screen legends Adam West, Burt Ward and Julie Newmar. Thursday 6-7pm Hall H
  • DC Entertainment’s interactive 4,500 square foot booth (#1915) will hold costumes donned by those who famously brought the legendary hero to life on film including Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, and Christian Bale. Plus, the booth will host signings with top talent including Jim Lee, Geoff Johns, John Romita Jr., Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo and more, along with a full slate of free giveaways, fan events and on-stage demonstrations.  
  • Attend the world premiere of Warner Bros. Television and FOX’s upcoming show Gotham during the star-studded “A Night of DC Entertainment” Hall H panel on Saturday evening from 8:00–11:00 p.m.

  

If you, your friends, and/or family plan to be there, I hope you'll stop by at least one of my four panels and say hello.

While the crowds are REALLY large, and at times overwhelming, it is definitely worth a look if you're in the area. It is truly an EVENT.

If you're around, please come say hello at one (or all) of my panels.  

In the meantime, thank you for your visit, and please leave your comic-con experiences or reactions in the comments below.