28th July, 2008

KRIS BATHER

Comic books brought me here. It has always been my dream to visit America. I vividly recall watching the animated Super Powers show on TV as an enthusiastic youngster. To me, America was where Superman, Batman, The Flash and co. lived. Technically, it’s Metropolis, Gotham and Central City but the US of A gave birth to superheroes and effectively created comics as the art form we know and love today. Almost every month it seems there is a pop culture convention somewhere on these shores, but San Diego Comic-Con is the largest. It draws the biggest crowds and most attention from the mainstream press. I have hoped and prayed that one day I’d be in the exclusive number, and here I am.

Flying from Perth to San Diego meant almost three days in the air, or on the ground waiting to get in the air. No shower, no sleep and no direct sunlight were my rewards. Travelling alone allowed me to befriend others in Tokyo and LA on the way though. I managed to make some friendly, if temporary, travelling companions, which made the distance seem less daunting.

Being my first overseas trip in a decade I wasn’t sure of what to expect, especially as sense of direction is not one of my strengths. However, apart from a few surly LAX staff, there were no real hiccups. Once I arrived at San Diego airport two days, (or was it three? - it’s hard to tell when your body and your watch are on different time zones) after I left Perth, a Russian cab driver took me to my hotel. Basically an upmarket YMCA, I get a bed, a window and shared bathroom facilities. It’s not much, but it’s cheap. I was blessed to be able to get a room anywhere. After thousands of rooms near the Con were made available on-line back in February, they all sold out within minutes. Much searching and praying later and I found the place I now call home, albeit only for a week. It’s near a 7-11, the beautiful San Diego harbour and right near a stop for the free shuttle to the Con. I’m not complaining.

AN ANIMATED WORLD : Kris Bather met up with some old friends at Comic Con. "With 125,000 people arriving for these five days yearly, the city becomes a mecca for lovers of comics, film, TV and gaming the world over."

SDCC is massive. With 125,000 people arriving for these five days yearly, the city becomes a mecca for lovers of comics, film, TV and gaming the world over. The rumour is that it won’t last much longer in its current location, as the convention centre is just too small. Las Vegas may be its next venue in a few years, but it won’t be an easy choice to make. SDCC is an institution within fandom now. All the big screenings, exclusives and stars are revealed here. Why, in 1977 a small film by the name of Star Wars showed slides to its attendees to generate buzz. Don’t despise humble beginnings, hey?

My first day was somewhat overwhelming. There’s so much to see, buy and do. One of many TV news crews were in attendance polling those waiting in line where they were from. One guy proudly yelled “Texas!” I was tempted to say, “You got nothing on me buddy,” but I had a registration line to get to. And what a line it was. It wrapped around the building and past several streets, but it moved very quickly. It actually took me longer to find the end of the line than I spent in the line.

On my first day I bought many comics, books, shirts and DVDs that I would simply not find back home, though that may change, as the Supanova convention was held in Perth for the first time last month and was a resounding success. But comparing the two would be like swimming in your backyard pool to jumping in the Pacific. Comic-Con is a military sized endeavour. Everywhere I look I see fellow fans jamming the city’s streets.

The shuttle buses are designated one of five different routes and ferry the fans from the Con to various hotels every 10 minutes virtually 24 hours a day. The police, traffic wardens, volunteers, security guards and a multitude of retailers and support staff.

It certainly takes some organising. But the most noticeable thing here is the joy. Everyone is simply happy to be here, and why wouldn’t they be? One hundred and twenty-five thousand people all in one place for the same thing – to show their support for their favourite companies and characters. I’ve met more than a few nice people while waiting in line, or on the bus and all are eager to talk. Of course, my Aussie accent opens doors too. It’s a good icebreaker, and if that doesn’t work, I can just flash my Superman tattoo. I have yet to attend any of the multitude of screenings and panels that are continually in operation, but that allows me to spend more time on the show room floor, talking to independent publishers, seeing the hidden gems on offer and just filling my bag with comic book goodies. The people I’ve seen and spoken to wouldn’t be familiar to most non-comics lovers. People like creator David Mack, writer Mark Waid or DC Comics head honcho, Dan DiDio, but to me they’re royalty. Some more familiar faces I’ve seen also include TV Hulk Lou Ferrigno, 80s movie star Corey Feldman and Firefly actor Nathan Fillion.

The Con will not last much longer, but it has given me memories that will last until next year. I just have to remember to come a day or two earlier then. My inner geek may hunger for all the goodies and new friends, but my body hungers for sleep.

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