San
Diego Comic Con 2014
Still
recovering from this past Comic Con, I am writing this in Zombie Mode, but I need to get this done before I forget. I
only had tickets for Thursday and Friday. I spent most of my time at NerdHQ.
Thank you to Zachary Levi and the entire Nerd Army at The Nerd Machine. You can
watch all of their panels on their YouTube Channel.
Highlights: Thursday: First Zachary
Levi Panel on and seeing Adam Baldwin in the Last Ship Panel. Friday: Sitting in Ballroom 20, Craig
Ferguson moderating the Big Bang Theory Panel, Legend of Korra, David Boreanaz
was a riot during the Bones Panel, Marvels Agent Carter and Agents of
S.H.I.E.L.D. Saturday: Alan Tudyk Panel at Nerd HQ and the Thrilling Adventure
Hour Welcome to Night Vale Crossover Show. Sunday:
The Thrilling Adventure NerdHQ Panel
Wednesday
All
I wanted is to get down to San Diego as soon as possible. I always take the
train and leave what happens up to chance. I carpooled with Mom, I dropped her
off and then left the car at the train station. I got there in time to purchase
my ticket, go to the restroom and even run back to my car for my travel mug
that I left on the top of my car. Taking the train is so nice and relaxing, no
traffic lots of beautiful scenery and you can take a nap if you want. I arrived
in Old Town Station and then bought a 5 day Comic Con Trolley pass. The plan is
to take the trolley to the station closest to my friend and wait to be picked
up. She lives about 45 minutes by trolley from the Convention Center. I ended up
waiting at a Starbucks for an hour. I love waiting at Starbucks so it was fun
just resting and not rushing. It felt like the calm before the storm. It turned
out that most of my friends were coming in later in the day, so I had plenty of
time.
All
I had to do was get back to Town & Country to pick up my badge for Comic
Con. I was waiting until my friends arrived so that I could meet them there.
Barb and Norm are from Portland and I only see them at Comic Con. Once I got
call and went back to the trolley to make my way to Town & Country. They
arrive sooner than I did so they had to wait for me to get my badge. The line
was superfast, too fast for me to time it. I just walked through grabbed my
badge, badge holder, books and then the famous Comic Con bag. There is a show
coming soon called iZombie and that was my bag. It had 3 snaps across the top
and back pack straps, very comfy. I found Barb then Norm and we went off in
search of food. Town & Country is a resort hotel with many dining options.
We decided to dine at Trellises Garden Grille. It was delicious, it was nice
catching up and taking a moment to sit before the hectic pace of Comic Con. We
were also waiting for one more friend to come, Saxon and her daughter Jessica
and another friend I just met Nicola a lovely girl. Once they arrived it was 2
hours later so it was time for me to return to where I was staying. Wednesday
was the best day to spend with my friend at her house since she was not joining
me for Comic Con fun.
Thursday
Pamela,
her 2 kids, and myself have stayed together for at least the past 5 years,
possibly longer. Our host was a co-worker so staying with her is a chance to
catch up, however briefly. Thursday we left early, we needed to find parking
and the earlier the better. Pamela has issues walking so she has a disability
placard she is able to park in a lot that is full near the Convention Center
and across from Nerd HQ!!! We went to breakfast in the Hard Rock at Ascension Café.
Now I had actually already eaten but I ordered a bagel and cream cheese.
Now its 2 weeks later and I still have not finished
this report, my apologies for the delay.
Thursday began with Nerd HQ Zachary Levi panel and
progressed to the Exhibit Hall and ended back at Nerd HQ Last Ship Panel with
Adam Baldwin Zachary Levi’s Panel was great. Zac puts so much work into making
this a successful event for the fans, for the guests and most of all for the
cause of Operation Smile. Everything that you spend at Nerd HQ go to Operation
Smile. I spent a lot of money, well a lot for me. I bought 2 tickets to various
panels because I thought my sister was coming then she was not coming and
finally she came but only on Saturday. There was a line outside Nerd HQ just to
get inside and it was both Conversation people and general attendance people
supporting the cause. The girl next to me did not have a ticket to see Zac but
she was a fan so I was able to spread a little Comic Con unexpected magic and
make her day. She bought the ticket off me at cost. I told her whatever she felt
she could afford and she paid me the right amount. So I made some of my money
back on that one.
I remember the first time I discovered Zachary Levi
in the show Less Than Perfect. He was such great comic relief and I loved his
“unlovable” character. Then I saw him at the first Chuck Panel at Comic Con. I
have been fortunate to attend all 4 Nerd HQ and I remember at the first one I
thought that Zac is incredibly smart with and amazing heart. This panel
solidified every good thought I ever had about him. He was charming and funny
and even sang a little. The Nerd HQ YouTube Channel and The Nerd Machine
website have all the panels. One thing that Zac said that made me sad is the he
feels like he fails when people get upset with something he has done. He works
so hard at being nice and funny and generous to those around him and when
someone makes a negative comment he feels like he failed in some way and it
hurts him and that just hurt me. Zac brings great joy to so many people that he
should be able to feel all of that joy.
Here is the link to Zachary Levi’s Panel on Thursday
the first panel of Nerd HQ 2014 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPUI9PY_5io&index=26&list=PLIZcsQNeOU4DgsRmX77XlclDGp7rfKX4X
After the Panel I had to charge my phone so I just
sat in Nerd HQ and checked my Twitter and Instagram. Finally had the
opportunity to meet one of my followers Justin, He was looking for me as he
entered Nerd HQ. It felt nice meeting someone in person that I have only seen
online. He was asking me about a 3rd friend and she was in the
Exhibit Hall at the Jason Palmer Studios booth in the Exhibit Hall. I have been
a longtime fan of his work and was planning on stopping by his booth next so
this was perfect. Justin and I made our way and finally found CB. She had a
friend with her that has never attended Comic Con so they were sticking
together. CB was in line for an autograph. Justin and I made my way to Jason’s
booth. I met Jason and Yelena in 2003 Firefly DVD Release at the LA Comic Con.
Jason made a print of the Firefly Crew. He creates a lot of artwork from Dr.
Who to Harry Potter to a beautiful Once Upon a Time. He also has created
buttons of some of his characters. I don’t wear costumes to the Con but I do
show my fandom through t-shirts and buttons.
For some reason I misplaced my Firefly lanyard that
I use to wear all of my Firefly buttons. It is what I wear to all Cons and I
felt like I was missing something by not having it on. SO I had to go and
replenish the buttons. Yelena was there to take care of me. I also bought a
Jayne T-shirt since I was going to see Adam Baldwin later at Nerd HQ. I almost
bought the Wash Leaf on a Wind t-shirt but sine I had a TeeFury Wash shirt I
decided on Jayne. Still feel like I need the Wash shirt. Once I had everything
I needed to make it all the way to the California Browncoats booth. We were at
4400 and I needed to go all the way to 300.
There is A LOT to see in the Exhibit Hall. It is
really a barrage of overstimulation; so many displays, freebies, celebrities
signing at booths. Justin had to go the
opposite way because he was trying to get someone’s autograph. CB, her Friend
and I made our way through the Exhibit Hall. I only had 2 days at the Con so
this was the day to walk the Exhibit Hall floor. There are so many costumes
that are just so well done or simply adorable. Posing with characters is an
acceptable practice. So is stopping people and asking to take their pictures,
people in costumes work hard and like having the attention; that is why I do
not like wearing costumes. I enjoy being comfortable and just showing my
fandom. My niece loves My Little Pony so she asked me to buy something
specific. I have 3 nieces so I found some niece small plush ponies and bought 1
for each girl. Now I have 5 nephews and 2 live with me and they love Skylander
and Godzilla. The other 3 are a bit older and I do not know what they are truly
interested in aside from video games. I did find a squishy Tardis so I bought
that for myself. I was almost to the California Browncoat Booth it was row 600
and that is where I saw it: a large, 3ft plush, classic Godzilla. He looked
like the Godzilla I grew up with. My brother recently bought 2, hard to find,
3ft tall plastic toy Godzilla one for each boy. So I saw it and I knew I had to
have it. I asked the price and the guy explained it was $60, he told me
normally it goes for over $100. I said ok, I need 2. He seemed a little in
shock that I purchased both. So I was very happy. I felt like I scored. Then
right next door I saw a box with the post it $3 for a mystery Godzilla figure.
It showed that it could be any one of 4 for I said I wanted 4 and that is what
he had left so I asked for the box but it had a display Godzilla so it was also
$3. So I bought them all for $15!!!!
I finally made it to the California Browncoat booth.
They did not have the leather Firefly lanyard I was looking for so I bought a
different one. The leather one they usually have a Dragon Con so I will buy
another one there. I did not buy anything else because although I do tend to
forget I do not have as much money as I wish for everything I want to buy and
it was still the first day. I knew I would be spending money at Nerd HQ so I
was done with the Exhibit Hall. It was lunch time I was able to connect with my
ride and leave my purchases in her SUV. After that I met up with Barb and Norm as
well as Saxon, Jessica and her friend Nicola at the Hilton Bayfront Fox Sports
Grill. It is really nice to sit, with friend you have not seen in a while.
After that we all made our way to Nerd HQ for the Last Ship Panel. It was a
really nice reunion, I found Tabin, Faeryqueen waiting as well. We all sat in
different sections for the panel. Barb, Norm, Saxon, Jessica and Nicola had
attended the Last Ship panel at Comic Con and they all had a personal encounter.
Here is the link to the Last Ship Panel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6JjLuSi0pI&index=25&list=PLIZcsQNeOU4DgsRmX77XlclDGp7rfKX4X
When you get to 37:40 they are talking about Adam’s
character was almost someone else’s. Then the producers say it couldn’t be
anyone else but him, then again contracts have not been signed for Season 2.
Then Adam goes on to say, “always appreciated in the now and you take the end
of that stick and you take it.” He morphed his answer into a Firefly quote. It
was completely random and I believe caught everyone by surprise. I laughed and
I was within Adam’s line of site. I have been fortunate enough so have met him
many times and he know my name and my face. IT’s not like we hang out but he
does like to shout my name in greeting and give me a hug. So when he said, “…take
the end of that stick sand take it. …See, see it’s over Rosie. Adam was giving
me a shout out that Firefly is over since there was not a big reaction to that
statement! Adam has such a beautiful joyful smile. It was a wonderful moment.
As he was walking off at the end he blew a kiss as I blew one to him as a
goodbye.
Another great fundraiser at Nerd HQ is Smile for
Smiles. They have a photo op opportunity with a guest. I went to get in line
for Adam’s Smile for Smiles. The line was too long. It felt like it was 2 hours
long and Adam was only doing one hour. SO I decided to head back and see if I
could catch Adam on his way to the photo op. I was standing to the side, not
blocking anything hoping for a chance to get a hug. Saxon was with me, the
others were not nearby. Adam saw us and made for Saxon. But I already told
Saxon she already got a hug and this is my turn. I figured it had to be quick
since he is enroute to the photo op. So Saxon directed Adam to me and said her
turn. Adam shouted, “ROSIE!” and gave me a big hug. He has always been a
sweetheart and a gentleman to me, kind and warm. I told him I was going to get
in line for the photo-op but the line is like 2 hours long and he was only here
for 1 hour. He looks up at the line and
then just grabs my hand and leads me to the photo op. That was truly unexpected
and incredibly kind to me. We took a quick pic and I left. I was in a bit of a
Cloud 9 moment and I vaguely recall him kissing my cheek goodbye. THAT was my
highlight for this ComicCon. I always have a lot of wonderful things happen and
that moment from the shout out, to the air kiss, to the hug and the photo op is
something I will never ever forget.
Thank you, Adam Baldwin, for always being such a good man to your fans.
After this it is hard to remember. I hung out at
Nerd HQ because the party for Nerd HQ began shortly after that. I do remember
that I was just sitting near the Smiles for Smiles booth and saw Zachary Levi
taking pics so I decided to get one. Since there was no line and I did not get
to say anything to Zachary Levi during the panel I asked for permission to
speak. He nodded and then I told him about how much joy he brings to so many
people. He had shared during the panel that when people make negative comments
about what he is doing it brings him down. I told him about the show Undateable
and that they pantomime a lot. One guy said something that negative things
bounce off him “Ping” and he pantomimed the negative thing bouncing off. Zac
smiled and I told him he needs to do that. He has used his talent and ability
to do good for those that benefit from Operation Smiles as well as the fans of
all of the Celebs. Zac pointed up to God and I said, “Yes but you are the
instrument God is using.” We then took the pic and I moved on.
Then I don’t think I did anything else except to
hang out at Petco Park charging my phone. My ride Pamela and her kids were at
the MTV Awards going on at the park adjacent to the stadium, Lincoln Park
performed. We ended up leaving around 11pm.
Friday
This
was Ballroom 20 Day. Here are the panels for the day:
10:00am Inside
The Big Bang Theory Writers' Room
11:15am
Nickelodeon: Legend of Korra: Book 3
12:30pm Bones
1:45pm Entertainment Weekly: Brave New
Warriors
3:00pm Marvel Television Presents
The first panel was the Big Bang Theory Writers Panel. I really wanted to get in to this
first panel. We left early and arrived at our parking garage around 7:30am. I
went straight to the Marriott adjacent to the San Diego Convention Center
because it is one of my ritual go to places. It feels like home to me and the
selection is better than inside the Convention Center. I exited through the
back to walk along the Marina because I figured the line wraps all the way
there. I was wrong. This time it did not even make it down the stairs yet. As I
was walking I spotted someone with a humongous Simpsons bag and had to get that
for my brother. It bulky and not easy to walk around with but I was happy to
get one. I took the back elevator up to connect to the end of the Ballroom 20
Line. Judging from previous experience I was close enough to get in for the
first panel. Well I needed to charge my phone so I sat in the back and plugged
in until someone said we are not allowed to plug in to the wall.
I was not expecting anything great because it’s the
writers and not the actors. However they always have a wonderful clip montage
about the show that I enjoy immensely. They did this year as well. However the
real surprise was that this panel was being moderated by Craig Ferguson. He is
just a delight, hilariously funny. It was definitely a great panel. I can’t
remember much but I do remember laughing at many things that Craig said.
The next panel was the Legend of Korra and it was very good. I enjoy the show, the art work
and the voice acting. It was nice putting faces to the voices. Korra is voiced
by Janet Varney. They had a full episode for us to watch and then the Q&A.
Apparently it is going to become a web series and no longer shown on
Nickelodeon.
The
Bones Panel was also super hilariously funny. Bones
and Castle are very similar shows. Bones has been on longer and it has been
said that Castle takes from Bones. I stopped watching Bone s when the young
assistant was arrested. It has been a long time. This will be Bones 10th
season and the clip montage they showed makes me want to start watching again.
What made this panel so funny was watching David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel
interact and eventually they began to sing a jingle, “Fan, fan questions, fan
fan question yeah!” David I think started it and Emily kept it going for each
fan question. I did not know that David Boreanaz was so absolutely funny. I was lucky enough to have found a front row
seat for this panel.
After this panel I heard that one of my favorite actors
from General Hospital was on the Exhibit Hall floor selling graphic novels he
wrote. The actor’s name is Michael Easton. I was told he was at his booth and
no one was around. One of the great things about Ballroom 20 is the bathroom
pass. During a panel you can get a pass and you must return during the same
panel in order to be allowed back in. I decided that I really really wanted to
meet Michael Easton so I made my way out to him. My battery life was low but I
still had enough to get a picture. I got to the booth in record speed and then
proceeded to explanation to Michael how big a fan I was of his by leaving
Ballroom 20 and coming to meet him. I bought one of his graphic novels and he
was kind enough to autograph it. Then we
had a quick pic and I rushed back to my next panel.
The next panel was Entertainment Weekly: Brave New Warriors. I only knew one actor
Theo Rossi from Sons or Anarchy. Also on the panel were Tom Mison from Sleepy
Hollow, Freddie Highmore from Bates Motel, and Brenton Thwaites from the Giver
and Jon Bernthal from Fury. I remember being impressed by Tom Mison and his
story of faking knowing French in order to get a commercial and the camera man
who helped him make it though.
Finally the big ticket item for me was the Marvel Television Panel I really
enjoyed the preview of Agent Carter and the clips from Agents of Shield. I have
to say I was truly disappointed not to see Joss at Comic Con this year. He is
usually a highlight. But the panel was great and I was happy to have made it once
again to Comic Con. My favorite thing in this panel was the clip with Patton
Oswalt telling us about the ID’s we were given.
After this panel I made my way over to say hello to
my pal James aka Danregal. He was hanging out in the Hall H line for Saturday.
I made my way out to him and then I went to the parking garage my ride was
waiting for me to leave. We made our way out of the Gaslamp Quarter and ate at
a Souplantation. Everyone e3lse I knew was going to the Last Ship Party. They
were hoping to see Adam but there were too many people trying to get in. I was
happy to get an early night.
Saturday
I only had Thursday and Friday Tickets for Comic
Con. Saturday and Sunday were Nerd HQ Days. We ate Breakfast again at the Hard
Rock Café then we split ways. I walked over to the Nerd HQ line and was waiting
for my sister Carol. I was able to get Walking Dead Nerd HQ Tickets for her and
her boyfriend. She was running late but arrived with a few minutes to spare.
I was looking forward to the panel after that which
was the Alan Tudyk Panel. Alan and Nathan work much better off each other.
However Alan was great he brought a bag of stuff to auction off. Usually Alan
gives these items as a reward or incentive for asking a question but these
panels are all about raising money for Operation Smile. Alan decided that he
should show people what there was to bid on so he presented each item after
each question. He had a lot of items varying in from pictures behind the scene
of Tucker and Dale vs. Evil to a Serenity box light. He kept taking questions and showing off
stuff and we almost ran out of time. He also still wanted to give people
something for asking a question so he started giving out dollars. Then he ran
out of dollars and people from the audience gave him money to give away. Alan
Tudyk is absolutely adorable and extremely entertaining. It was sheer joy
watching him answer and interact with the fans and then auction items. There
was a problem with the behind the scenes pics because he had 20 and someone
wanted to buy all as a set. They ended up going for $20 each and I was lucky
enough to get one. I recommend going to the Nerd Machine You Tube Channel to
see all the panels.
Here is the link to Alan’s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSTzibaosBA&index=14&list=PLIZcsQNeOU4DgsRmX77XlclDGp7rfKX4X
My sister Carol’s boyfriend was waiting for her and
we called him to get in line for the photo op because the Smiles for Smiles
line gets too long. He was great about following direction. He told Carol that
he was in the merchandise line for Nerd HQ almost the entire time. The
merchandise line was always long. He had 2 people ahead of him when he got out.
I felt bad he got out after waiting so long but I was also very happy he did
not delay and we were among the first 30 to get our picture taken. I presented
my Tucker and Dale picture for an autograph and then we all took a picture with
Alan. It goes very quickly since time is limited and the line is long.
After that Carol and her boyfriend took off for
Comic Con. I was just hanging out waiting for someone to show up at Nerd HQ.
Then I was offered tickets to a Nerdist Podcast Panel at a local theater
nearby. I didn’t know what to expect but I am a fan of Nerdist and took the
tickets offered. I had to go pick them up outside the Convention Center. Then
make my way to the theater downtown on foot. I sent messages to people I knew
and finally found one person that was able to join me. She did not have Comic
Con tickets either. The panel was interesting there was even an 11 year old
that has his own podcast on the Nerdist Podcast Network. I must confess I was
hoping that Chris Hardwick would be moderating the panel, he was not. Ben Acker
and Ben Blacker were on it though. I can’t remember everyone. It was an
enjoyable and the air conditioning was nice.
After that I grabbed some food. I made my way to
Nerd HQ. The plan was to drop off the big Godzillas for my sister to pick up
and take back home since I was going back via the train. First I had to get
them from the SUV and then I had to go up and drop them off at the bell desk of
our friend CB’s hotel. She was waiting for me but I took too long getting the
Godzillas out of the SUV. I made my way up to the Courtyard Marriott. I work at
a hotel so I am very particular about hotels and this one was gorgeous. My
favorite thing was this high table with a lamp and charging stations!!! The
world needs more charging stations.
Once I dropped off the bag I made my way to the main
event for the evening the Thrilling Adventure Hour Welcome to Nightvale
Crossover Q&A. It is a large theater and there were several rows plus
people scattered about. Not too many people lining up to ask questions so I
did. I told them that I go about twice a year to watch them perform at the
Largo theater. I admitted that I was not
a podcast person. I was asked why not and I said that I miss the facial
expressions in the Podcast! Marc Even Jackson laughed and made a joke about
there being 40% less facial expressions in the podcast. Mark Gagliardi was kind
and told me to do myself a favor and listen to the podcast. He said it very
sweetly like it was for my own good. I am glad he did because I have been doing
it and I am very happy listening when I can.
After the Q&A I went to get something to eat
nearby at the Horton Plaza. Everyone seemed to be busy. I went back to the
Courtyard Marriott. Met my sister there and was able to give her the bag that I
checked in. I showed off my purchases. I took advantage of the charging station
and had a Cosmo from the lobby bar after she left. Then I went to the Thrilling
Adventure Hour Welcome to Nightvale Crossover show. I really enjoy the cast and
skits of the Thrilling Adventure Hour. However this is was a crossover with Welcome
to Nightvale so it was a little different. I have to say I enjoyed it but I
really missed Frank and Sadie Doyle Beyond Belief. Once the show was over I
ended up crashing at the Courtyard Marriott down the way. It was after 11pm and
I did not want to bother anyone to come and get me.
Sunday
I called my friend and asked her to bring my luggage.
Luckily I am a person that keeps everything together and does not explode all
over the place so it was easy for her to grab my things and place them in the
car. I met them for breakfast once more. After that I decided to walk along the Hilton Bayfront to find the displays. I heard they had a Godzilla one, They also had a lot of Simpson displays including a Dome. There was a humongous ling to get into the Dome. There was a zip line as well as a Godzilla display. I took a few pics and then made my way back to Nerd HQ. I only had one panel The Thrilling Adventure Hour Panel at Nerd HQ. It was
a lot of fun as always and I was happy to have bought my tickets for this.
I took the trolley soon after that to make my train
home on time.
I have to say that NERD HQ just keeps getting better
and better. My favorite thing about Comic Con is the expected things you
discover.
