“I love it when a plan comes together” – The A-Team. After one evening and four days of programming, panels, purchasing and parties, San Diego Comic-Con 2024 has come to an end. This would have been my 20th show if not for the pandemic and every year is different in what you do, see and who you spend time with. Sometimes you wonder if you’re getting too old for this sh!t but not yet. It was a terrific return to excitement with Hollywood studios bringing so many projects and surprises while comic books, artists, writers, animation, gaming and so much more got their spotlight too.
On the way to the convention center the first stop was the Art Show at neighboring hotel the Manchester Grand Hyatt, where professional and amateurs exhibit their various pieces across drawing, paintings and sculpture. Next to that is the Marriot Marquis where SDCC’s Merch Shop, Stern’s Pinball Lounge and tabletop gaming rooms were. Behind that it was a stroll by Hulu, Voodoo Ranger and FX’s outside activations, open to the public and running 3-4 hour standby lines. Yes, you can wait in line a lot at Con but yes, you have the choice not to and still find plenty to do.
Inside the convention center I stumbled upon Headlocked Comics who had Sgt. Slaughter signing, I opted for the “show special” with a tee-shirt, signed photo (G.I. Joe: The Movie!) and picture together. Slaughter was very chill and after signing my photo, recited his opening lines from the Joe movie, which I think I was supposed to record on my phone but did not. Pretty sure he called me a “maggot” after shaking my hand, it was a fun encounter. Picked up some more comics, including tie-in graphic novels to The A-Team movie that Eoin and company recently discussed. Stopped by The Kirby Museum booth, the good folks carrying on legendary creator Jack Kirby’s name and astonishing work.
Meant to take in more panels but only ended up at Spotlight on Tom Sito, a lifelong animator who has worked on Damme near everything from Masters of the Universe to The Lion King to Shrek. Sito was bestowed an Inkpot Award early in the panel, Comic-Con International’s acknowledgement to individuals for their contributions to the worlds of comics, sci-fi, film, tv and animation. Back on the show floor to close things out, I got some comics signed in Artist Alley and made a few last purchases. I had seen a JCVD figure Saturday but was now replaced by a Bruce Lee Kato one, gotta be quick at the con! And just like that, we were being kicked out, the sun setting on another glorious year.
There’s been much chatter about Comic-Con’s future in San Diego as many local hotels do not want to provide a convention rate to help keep costs affordable and the show outgrew the convention center a decade ago. Contracts are signed for 2025 to keep the show in San Diego and here’s hoping it doesn’t move as you could not replicate the magic anywhere else.
