San Diego Comic Con is a beast that I would have imagined could not be killed. However, a global pandemic has made the event a virtual-only experience that some did not enjoy as they missed rubbing elbows with other nerds. Now that things have gotten better, the convention wanted to pull a special event to help raise funds for the next real convention and serve as a holiday event for the nerds who crave in-person experiences.
Many of the big names and studios are not going to be able to attend or will be broadcasting virtually at the same time as in convention. It’s forced a lot of the movies and Hollywood out of the convention. This might be the closest this convention will be to what it was originally over 50 years ago.
With a lot of the options people love gone, we are sharing some of the favorite things that are still at the convention!
Before we get into that though, we have a promise to keep. When dealing with in-person events, we have to remind people that we are still in a pandemic, just on the downswing. So you should probably check out article “If You Should Go Out” Here. This is a public event with a lot of attendees. Masks are required indoors, but it’s still risky. You can do your best to protect yourself by being vaccinated and making sure to keep your distance and cleaning your hands. That being said there is still a risk.
With that out of the way, let’s jump into things happening at the convention.
Exhibitors
With a lot of the big vendors checking out for the convention, there will be a lot more comic book shop stalls selling comic books. However, if you are looking for alternative nerd gear, check out our list of exhibitors we are going to check out while at the convention!
Cryptozoic Entertainment – Booth 2424
Cryptozoic Entertainment produces unique tabletop games, collectibles, and trading card games based on licensed and original IP meeting the desires of thier fans in the pop culture world. They will be at the convention showing off their wares.
First Person Clothing – Booth 1410
Selling traditional high-quality shirts, with a geeky theme. If you are looking to pick up some nerd swag with your favorite fandom on it, then you should stop in on First Person Clothing.
Hero’s Armory – Booth 2626
We’ve actually talked about them before, specifically at Los Angeles Comic Con, see our article Here. This is a company that specializes on key blanks-themed like classic fandom items. Imagine a Master Sword that unlocks your front door. Hero’s Armory makes it a reality.
Legion M – Booth H-17
Legion M is a fan-based studio where everyday people can purchase shares and be part-owner. The amazing company allows their own users to help pick what movie from Sundance they should pick up, and options like being involved in the production of movies and shows are available to investors. You can even check out our most recent interview with Terri Lubaroff Here.
The League of S.T.E.A.M. – Booth 2350
League of S.T.E.A.M. is a group of monster hunters and paranormal investigators within the world of Steampunk. They have an amazing web series, live stage shows, and much much more. You can check out their wares and even buy some swag at thier booth within the convention.
VICIOUSKILL – Booth 1204
We always love to show off the amazing works of VICIOUSKILL every time we run into them at conventions. This custom shirt company makes unique shirts with exclusives per the convention live on site. Check out our prior coverage of them at Los Angeles Comic Con Here.
Panels
With a lot of the big companies and activations not coming for the Special Edition, one of the staples that are sticking around is the panels of the convention. There are tons of great panels available for this convention, and here is what we suggest you check out!
How to Be a One-Person Comic Company
Friday November 26, 2021 2:00pm – 3:00pm @ Room 2
- Learn from award-winning Brian Haberlin (co-creator of the Witchblade series) how to leverage the world around you, including technology, to make your own comics, collectibles, and animations. He will even discuss how you can promote and sell your work.
Couples Who Cosplay
Friday November 26, 2021 5:30pm – 6:30pm @ Room 26AB
- With all the tough up close time we’ve spent with our loved ones during quarantine, we are all a bit stressed out. Hobbies you can share together is a great way to connect with your partner, this panel will talk about the benefits of cosplaying with your lover. Moderated by Leana Ahmed, Lucy and Miguel Capucino, Wendy and Trevor Newton, and Lisa Lower and Shawn Richter (actual couples) will share their adventures.
Studio Ghibli Spirited Away 20th Anniversary Screening
Friday November 26, 2021 6:15pm – 8:45pm @ Room 6DE
- There is nothing quite like enjoying something with a large group of others who share your interest. Now you can share your love of Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away with a large group for a special 20th-anniversary screening.
Designing Tabletop Games: Designer Roundtable
Saturday November 27, 2021 11:00am – 12:00pm @ Room 23ABC
- This panel will have industry professionals like B. Dave Walters (Demiplane RPG), Kailey Bray (Pixel Circus), Christian Shelton (Sheltonshire Games), Jonathan Ying (Bargain Quest Games), and Spenser Starke (Alice is Missing) give tips and hints as to how independent designers can designing tabletop games.
How to Create Safe Spaces in the Geek Community during Traumatic Times: Survive the Zombie (COVID) Apocalypse
Saturday November 27, 2021 1:00pm – 2:00pm @ Room 2
- An interesting concept, comparing the quarantine to a horror/zombie movie. Giving suggestions for people who need physical and emotional safe experiences in this new world.
Roddenberry and The Comic-Con Museum!
Saturday November 27, 2021 2:00pm – 3:00pm @ Room 29AB
- Roddenberry is a name that is so deeply connected to Sci-Fi, now Rod Roddenberry (CEO, Roddenberry Entertainment and son of Gene), Trevor Roth (COO, Roddenberry Entertainment), Eddie Ibrahim (Comic-Con International), Chris Ryall (Syzygy Publishing), and Rita Vandergaw (Comic-Con Museum) discuss how Roddenberry Entertainment and the Comic-Con Museum are working together to give San Diego natives access to the history of the event all year long.
Secrets to Successful Self-Publishing, from Concept to Audiobook
Saturday November 27, 2021 2:00pm – 3:00pm @ Room 2
- Author Michael C. Grumley (Breakthrough) and narrator Scott Brick share tips and secrets to help people successfully self-publishing their novel, sell it, and release on audiobook.
The ABC’s of NFTs
Saturday November 27, 2021 2:00pm – 3:00pm @ Room 7AB
- Still need to learn about NFTs? Rob Prior (artist) will educate artists, producers, and managers about NFTs, and will even create and mint a 1/1 NFT.
Destination Fear: To Hell and Back
Saturday November 27, 2021 4:00pm – 5:00pm @ Room 6DE
- Are you a fan of Destination Fear on discovery+? Meet Dakota Laden, Chelsea Laden, Tanner Wiseman, and Alex Schroeder as they share tales from their recent road trip. Abandoned buildings, asylums, and prisons, and more will be highlighted. There will even be an exciting giveaway.
STEAM Superstars
Saturday November 27, 2021 5:00pm – 6:00pm @ Room 25ABC
- Meet Dr. Beata Mierzwa (molecular biologist), Jasmine Sadler (rocket scientist), Dr. Claire Meaders (assistant teaching professor), Dr. Kimberley Miner (climate scientist), and Sam Wynns (conservation biologist) and moderator by Dr. Crystal Dilworth (neuroscientist) as they talk helping girls and youth find their own STEAM careers, education, and superpowers.
Bat in the Sun
Saturday November 27, 2021 6:30pm – 7:30pm @ Room 6DE
- We love Bat in the Sun’s amazing Super Power Beat Down, and if you did too, then this is your chance to meet the crew! Aaron Schoenke, Sean Schoenke, Kevin Porter, and Vera Bambi will talk about their prior and future projects.
The Grant Imahara Tribute Panel
Sunday November 28, 2021 11:00am – 12:00pm @ Room 6DE
- If you still miss Grant Imahara, then this panel will be filled with people who feel the same way, as Fon Davis (Fonco Studios) shares stories of his friendship and projects like Battlebots with the moderator Melissa Miller. While he passed away in 2020, Grant’s workshop at Fonco Studios still to this day remains intact.
Legion M Fans Unite to Take over Hollywood
Sunday November 28, 2021 12:15pm – 1:15pm @ Room 6DE
- We love Legion M, but now you can see why with a panel talking about the fan-owned entertainment company with the companies executives David Baxter and Jeff Annison invites special guests to talk about the work of the studio.
Special Guests
There aren’t a lot of guests this year, but one guest we always love is Kevin Eastman, we interviewed him prior, and is always a pleasure to talk to. See our prior interview Here. During the event, you’ll have the chance to meet, talk to and purchase signatures from this legend at his booth #2436.
Gaming Department
Every year there are a lot of things to do, and we feel sorry we don’t get to spend as much time as we’d like in the Gaming department of SDCC. With fewer options this year around, we’re happy to share a bunch of things we’ll be checking out this year for the Special Edition.
Pokemon Go
Check in with the Gaming Room 14AB to make sure you start Pokemon Go’ing right. Every year they have a contest to see who can achieve the most catches, spins, and more. Lets see what they pull off this year!
Rough The Card Game
Running on Friday from 12:00 p.m. through 6:00 p.m., and again Sunday from 12:00 p.m. through 3:00 p.m., come join the multiplayer high-speed fun game of Rough. Full disclosure, I created the game with a couple of the other people from the site, but if you’d like to meet me, I’ll be there specifically on Sunday!
Stargate RPG
The awesome show Stargate had a fun and recent Kickstarter for an RPG game based on the tv series world(s). If you didn’t back, or just haven’t had the chance to play it, then you’ll be happy to know that they will be running stories throughout the convention from Friday through Sunday.
So who are you going to check out at the convention? Should we keep an eye out for you?
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