This week marks the return of San Diego Comic-Con, a celebration of comics and virtually everything else that makes up pop culture. Whether you scored badges for all four days (lucky you!) or you are a movie fan who’s never given much thought to checking out Comic-Com — read on. eCoronado.com has tips, tricks, and (free!) events for everyone.
Getting there
If you’re traveling to the Convention Center from Coronado, there’s probably no better option than the San Diego-Coronado Ferry. With boats leaving Coronado’s Ferry Landing for the Convention Center every half-hour, it’s hard to imagine why anyone would drive (and attempt to park) downtown — plus the ride is a scenic attraction all on its own. As always, a one-way trip on the ferry will set you back $4.25.
Not a boat person? Check out the free Comic-Con shuttle schedule here. There are no stops in Coronado, but with the crowds downtown, it definitely warrants consideration if you’re heading to the Convention Center.
Events
First, the bad news: official Comic-Con badges are sold out. If you were lucky enough to score badges, no doubt you’ve checked out the events schedule on the Comic-Con site.
Didn’t get badges this year? Neither did we. But don’t despair; there are a plethora of options for true fanboys and fangirls (or just those who are just vaguely curious) outside the Convention Center.
Comic-Con Interactive Zone:
Once again this year, an unsuspecting parking lot outside Petco park will be transformed into Comic-Con’s Interactive Zone. This year, expect to see booths from the upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Sin City 2 films and the tv series Sleepy Hollow, as well as the return of the Adult Swim funhouse. This year’s Interactive Zone will also feature a “cosplay” contest featuring Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin (pictured at right, in blue, signing autographs at Comic-Con 2013) and The Walking Dead‘s Norman Reedus and Greg Nicotera at the Marriott Courtyard Super Hero HQ, plus a chance to win prizes from Amazon’s new Locker service. A Skylanders Trap Team video game truck and Hello Kitty and Angry Birds booths, plus local food trucks, round out the scheduled offerings. Click here for more information and to see a map of the Interactive Zone.
Nerd HQ:
Hosted by Zach Levi (star of NBC’s Chuck, or perhaps better known as the voice of Tangled‘s Flynn Ryder if you’ve got kids), NerdHQ is a free four day long event that takes place inside Petco Park. In addition to bringing the Comic-Con festivities outside of the Convention Center with fan interactions, video gaming demos, and an annual dance party, NerdHQ will feature a series of ticketed panels with various casts, celebrities, and Hollywood heavyweights (Joss Whedon, anyone?). Called Conversations for a Cause, the proceeds from these events benefit Operation Smile. This year’s panels include cast members and producers of such projects as the upcoming feature film Into the Storm, TNT’s new drama The Last Ship, AMC’s The Walking Dead, and Sesame Street, as well as panels featuring the aforementioned Josh Whedon or Nathan Fillion — see the full schedule and get tickets here.
See highlights from 2013’s NerdHQ below:
San Diego Symphony Events:
On Thursday evening, the San Diego Symphony will tip its hat to video game fans by giving the full “symphonic treatment” to well known video game scores, such as Zelda, Sonic, Metal Gear Solid®, BioShock at Video Games Live. On Friday evening, the music will continue with a concert featuring music composed by Danny Elfman for a number of Tim Burton films, including Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, Batman, Batman Returns, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Alice in Wonderland.
Saturday night promises a one-of-a-kind music and film experience as the San Diego Symphony accompanies a showing of the 2009 blockbuster Star Trek. As the hit film, starring Chris Pine, plays out on the wide screen, the San Diego Symphony will be playing the soundtrack live. This event will feature appearance by the composer, Michael Giacchino, and the actor who plays “Sulu” in the film, John Cho. Get more information about the event, and buy tickets, here.
Other sights (and celebrities sightings):
Even if you don’t have Comic-Con badges or plans to attend any of the offsite events, taking the Ferry across the Bay to see the sights can be a totally entertaining experience. Comic-Con attendees frequently arrive in costumes so elaborate they veer into performance art territory. In fact, the costumes at San Diego Comic-Con present one of the best opportunities in North America to see examples of cosplay. Costumed fans are also often willing to be photographed or to take photos with passersby, so even if you don’t see your favorite film or TV stars wandering around at Comic-Con, you might stumble upon a pretty good replica!
Of course, part of the allure of Comic-Con is that you just might run into the star of your favorite film or TV show as you wander around the area surrounding the Convention Center. Celebrities headed to and from panels, parties, or hotels — or as the celebs themselves are just checking out the Comic-Con sights — are frequently spotted throughout the week. Last year, eCoronado.com spotted several celebrities while wandering around the Convention Center area or waiting to catch the Ferry back to Coronado.
Game of Thrones‘ Peter Dinklage, left, and True Blood‘s Joe Manganiello, right
And, of course, signs of the pop culture homage that is Comic-Con are everywhere. Trolleys, busses, trains, and the buildings that make up San Diego’s iconic skyline are all fair game as canvases for marketers and fans.
Downtown signage replaced by Klingon equivalent at Comic-Con 2010
Even if you don’t head across the bay for this year’s Comic-Con, keep your eyes open around the island this week. In previous years, celebs have been spotted at the Hotel del Coronado, on the beach, and around town.
Have a Comic-Con tip or photos to share? Let us know in the comments.
—————
Brooke Prouty
Community Manager
eCoronado.com
Contact us with your Coronado story ideas.
