Comic-Con

The massive, Teflon-coated fiberglass sails of the San Diego Convention Center are the most visible sign that Comic-Con has taken over the city. The building sits right on the waterfront in the Marina district, and for a few days each year, its 2.6 million square feet are completely filled by the event. Its presence spills out into the surrounding downtown area – giant promotional posters cover nearby buildings, and themed displays are often set up on the water itself. The adjacent Gaslamp Quarter becomes an extension of the convention, crowded with attendees looking for food and drinks. Inside, the ground floor is a sprawling exhibit hall, home to major publishers like Marvel and DC, film studios, and a dense network of vendors selling comics and collectibles. Separate from the main floor are the numerous rooms for panels and presentations. Hall H is the one that gets the most attention, used by Hollywood studios for exclusive previews and major film announcements – the line to get in often forms the night before. A quieter section is Artists’ Alley, where comic book creators, from industry legends to independent artists, set up to meet the public directly. Cosplay is a huge part of the culture here, and you’ll see people in elaborate costumes throughout the convention center and the surrounding streets. The annual Masquerade is the formal contest, but the informal practice is what defines the atmosphere. It’s a long way from the event's 1970 origins as a small gathering of 300 comic and science fiction fans in a hotel. That initial focus has since expanded to include television, film, and video games, turning it into a major pop culture event that hosts the Will Eisner Awards, the comic industry’s version of the Oscars. The whole thing is organized by a non-profit, and getting a badge requires navigating an online system that sells out almost instantly, months in advance.