COMIC CON 2014 -- the con is camaraderie (with links to fun finds!)

This post is first of two "wrap-up" posts on Comic Con  2014. This one is the re-cap. The 2nd one is my mini-rant. Following the "Your Guide"post are the four "epic" posts on this years con, with lots of pics and links. Enjoy!

To recap this year's con, let's review what its SUPPOSED to be all about...

Here is the current "mission statement" for SDCC as it appears on their website.

MISSION STATEMENT
Comic-Con International: San Diego is a nonprofit educational corporation dedicated to creating awareness of, and appreciation for, comics and related popular artforms, primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture.

© 2014 SAN DIEGO COMIC

Comic Con's foundation is the core elements of education and awareness. You'll find the best of the con in panels, programs and events that highlight educational efforts to raise awareness of and appreciation for comics and related art forms.

Comic Con is a place to celebrate artists .... and for fans to enjoy the company of others who appreciate their shared interests.

Let's highlight some of the charm and fun that you can still find at SDCC...

Little kids can still make memories at comic con. This little toddler enjoyed dancing along with the large cat character from the Skelanimals booth.When she would dance, the cat would mimic her. The crowd around them was delighted. Classic family-friendly con moment (see more Skelanimals characters at their website:  http://skelanimals.com/





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Comic Con is a place where fans can gather support for efforts to preserve the history of pop culture...
This booth highlighted a proposed museum of Sci-Fi ....http://www.hollywoodscifi.org/

and comic con is still a place where attendees and exhibitors can get into the spirit of adventures in imagination ...

Comic con attendees endure long lines, increasing expenses .. and complicated logistics .... but they still enjoy the rush of being first into the hall when the doors open ...

And seeing the range of artists in attendance ... from Emmy winners ... (like long-time SNB pal Paul Wee http://paulwee.blogspot.com/ )

to up and coming talent like Genevieve Tsai  http://charicreatures.blogspot.com/

There's still a feeling of there being room for all levels of talent --- and it's encouraging to see so much skill and enthusiasm all around the convention hall ...

While the huge studio and company pavilions continue to grow and spread their influence ... there are still little corners and booths where indie talent holds their ground and get a chance to find new fans ...

like long-time Comic-Con exhibitors, indie artists Loter Inc ... http://www.loter.com/
Their Blue Unicorn T-Shirt was a big hit!

Here's their booth:

And a pic of the artists -- John and Shelley Loter

Another fun find... Alaska Robotics (short films and comics -- YES actual Comics at comic con!) check out their website here: http://alaskarobotics.com/

and here's another tiny booth full of goodies!
Furry Feline Creatives http://furry-feline.com/

also enjoyed Mike Yamada and Victoria Ying's booth with their "Extracurricular Activities" cute prints and paper products ... http://eca-la.com/

I don't have a picture for the booth for "Unshelved" -- but the artist for this webcomic that takes place in a library was there with a variety of wares. I especially enjoyed his "Library Ranger" series of Merit Badges. Collect them all ...  read more and see video here: http://www.unshelved.com/store/Fun%20Stuff/Badges

here's a pic of sample badges .. 

 and info on one of the badge sets ...

Meeting up with friends old and new is a big part of Comic Con. The Con's growing statue makes it THE PLACE for fans and colleagues to meet-up once a year and get inspired. Many of our SNB patrons will remember the amazing Mary .. who was on our staff for 4 years, but left recently to start law school. She will be a great lawyer! We lured her back for 1 day at SDCC this year. I miss Mary!!!

If you get a chance to attend Comic Con ... don't spend all your time standing in lines. Walk the floor. Visit the artists areas ... There's more to see than just the big names that everyone knows ....

That important vibe of friendship and discovery still exists at Comic Con  ..... You just never know what you might find ... 

... or when you might meet your next best friend ....