Let the 2019 Comic-Con fun begin!

Superman and Martian Manhunter are battling it out on a passing bus!
Superman and Martian Manhunter are battling it out on a passing bus!

Preview Night is upon us!

2019 Comic-Con is just about ready to get underway! I walked all around downtown San Diego this afternoon taking it all in.

Are you ready?

Yes?

Then let the fun begin!

Supergirl is ready to fly to the rescue a few hours before 2019 Comic-Con Preview Night begins!
Supergirl is ready to fly to the rescue a few hours before 2019 Comic-Con Preview Night begins!
Onyx Nightclub has a cool banner.
Onyx Nightclub has a cool banner.
It was media day at the Amazon offsite. Crowds will surge through here tomorrow!
It was media day at the Amazon offsite. Crowds will surge through here tomorrow!
Cleaning the fountain at Childrens Park. A nice clean FOX Fan Fair will be enjoyed by one and all.
Cleaning the fountain at Childrens Park. A nice clean FOX Fan Fair will be enjoyed by one and all.
Madness is rampant.
Madness is already rampant and we haven’t even started.
William, a cool San Diego artist, spray paints a character from South Park.
William, a cool San Diego artist, spray paints a character from South Park.
Some blood has already been spattered at DeadQuarters.
Some blood has already been spattered at DeadQuarters.
When that door opens, diners might encounter an unexpected surprise.
When that door opens, diners might encounter an unexpected surprise.
Interdimensional Hole of Pancakes.
Interdimensional Hole of Pancakes.
Snoopy rides through space at the Peanuts Pop-Up Shop.
Snoopy rides through space at the Peanuts Pop-Up Shop.
Entertainment Weekly teams were handing out their Comic-Con edition.
Entertainment Weekly teams were handing out their San Diego Comic-Con edition.
David Glanzer of Comic-Con International gives an interview.
David Glanzer of Comic-Con International gives an interview.
There's a lot of police line taped over video screens at Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
There’s a lot of yellow police line blocking video screens at Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
This arcade game lets you Test your Seinfeld knowledge and WIN!
This arcade game lets you Test your Seinfeld knowledge and WIN!
Pikachu pic.
A perfect Pikachu pic.
Hey kid! Over here! It's me, Shazam!
Hey kid! Over here! It’s me, Shazam!
A cool Star Wars speeder at Ripley's Believe It or Not's unusual Car Lot.
A cool Star Wars speeder at Ripley’s Believe It or Not’s unusual Car Lot.
A fantastic Carnival Row wrap on a bus.
A fantastic Carnival Row wrap on a bus.
An activation being prepared at the Interactive Zone at Petco Park.
An activation being prepared at the last minute in the Interactive Zone at Petco Park.
Sharkzilla is back for Shark Week! I expects some pallets and surfboards might be for lunch.
Sharkzilla is back for Shark Week! I expect some wooden pallets and surfboards might get chomped.
Ride this mustardy hot dog at Adult Swim on the Green!
Ride this mustardy hot dog at Adult Swim on the Green!
Princess Pennywise cosplay!
Princess Pennywise cosplay!
A boat in the Marriott Marina has a Batman banner flying in the wind.
A boat in the Marriott Marina has a Batman banner flying in the wind.
Posing for a cool pic in the Dragon Ball Z line.
Posing for a cool pic in the Dragon Ball Z line.
Here comes another Entertainment Weekly team.
Here comes another Entertainment Weekly team passing out magazines to those in the line.
Dragonball Z cosplay.
Dragonball Z cosplay. I thought the one on the right might be Rick and everyone laughed at my absolute ignorance!
Rey demonstrated her powerful Force Punch.
Rey demonstrated her powerful Force Punch.
A line has formed for Comic-Con pre-ordered merchandise.
A line has formed for Comic-Con pre-ordered merchandise.
Cool Dragon Ball Z graphics greet those entering the lobby of the Marriott Marina.
Cool Dragon Ball Z graphics greet those entering the main lobby of the Marriott Marquis hotel.
A couple of Team Coco swag bags.
A couple of Team Coco swag bags.
ABC will have their Comic-Con live desk inside the window of the Chuck Jones Gallery.
ABC will have their Comic-Con live desk inside the window of the Chuck Jones Gallery.
SoCal Pro Wrestling will have a cool Comic-Con event!
SoCal Pro Wrestling will have a cool Comic-Con event tonight!
Iron Man is nicely dressed in this Gaslamp shop.
Iron Man is nicely dressed in this Gaslamp shop.
The Watchmen offsite is being built on Wednesday afternoon, just in time for Comic-Con.
HBO’s Watchmen offsite is being built on Wednesday afternoon, just in time for Comic-Con.
There's a functioning Stargate inside the Theatre Box!
There’s a functioning Stargate now inside the Theatre Box lobby!
Even more cool Dragon Ball Z cosplay!
Even more cool Dragon Ball Z cosplay!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

A morning walk before Comic-Con Preview Night!

Here come loads of photos from my morning walk around 2019 San Diego Comic-Con before Preview Night. It’s Wednesday, and everyone is working furiously to get wraps and offsites ready!

I walked everywhere: through East Village, the Gaslamp Quarter, around the San Diego Convention Center and Marriott Marquis, and down MLK Promenade.

Among other things I observed . . . the Nerdist offsite has received Museum of Mayhem window wraps. The Watchmen offsite had barely even begun their construction. The Syfy wrap is finished. The entrance of the Star Trek: Picard offsite appears ready, with the words Jean-Luc Picard: The First Duty and Starfleet Museum. DeadQuarters is a radioactive zone, and that airplane appears to have crash landed. The South Park miniature golf is about ready. The Marriott appears ready to host the Esports Lounge. One or two people walking about are already engaging in cosplay. The Dragon Ball Z activation looks really cool now. The IMDb yacht appears about ready. The Adult Swim and FX offsites are both looking pretty awesome, with some mysterious objects that make me wonder what they are. The Petco Park wraps are done, including one for ABC’s Emergence. A gigantic The Twilight Zone wrap is on the brand new Park 12 high-rise near Petco Park. The Interactive Zone at Petco Park is still setting up, and will include a Ripley’s Believe It or Not “Car Lot” with various unusual vehicles. The Chilladelphia activation has carnival games including a Shazam ring toss. I’m starting to see people hauling swag bags about. The Star Trek: Discovery wrap on the Omni is done. So are all the wraps on the Hard Rock Hotel, where IGN will be filming live on a balcony.

And if you’re tired after all this, have a seat on the Seinfeld couch!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Stay tuned for lots more 2019 Comic-Con photos!

A new flag is raised for San Diego’s 250th Anniversary!

Kumeyaay bird songs are performed on stage during the San Diego 250 Civic Commemoration Ceremony.
Kumeyaay traditional Bird Songs are performed during the San Diego 250 Civic Commemoration Ceremony.

This evening a very special event was held in San Diego.

A crowd gathered near the top of Presidio Hill, in the parking lot just below the Serra Museum, to take part in the San Diego 250 Civic Commemoration Ceremony.

The historic event was staged in the same spot overlooking San Diego Bay where the first Spanish mission and presidio were built in 1769. It is where San Diego began 250 years ago.

The first part of the San Diego 250 Civic Commemoration Ceremony featured cultural entertainment representing our remarkably diverse city. Several colorful dances were followed by speeches by politicians, dignitaries and diplomats, plus several leaders of the Native American Kumeyaay people–those who have lived in this region many thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. The audience experienced a Kumeyaay blessing and traditional Bird Songs. With sincere words past injustices and the suffering of the Kumeyaay were acknowledged, and optimism was expressed that our city’s future will be inclusive and bright.

For as long as I can remember, three flagpoles have stood at this place where the Spanish built their first outpost in California. Three banners have flown representing the history of San Diego: the flags of Spain, Mexico and the United States.

A fourth flagpole was recently installed. Today, at the close of the ceremony, a flag incorporating the different tribes of the Kumeyaay Nation was blessed with white sage smoke–to purify minds and hearts-and raised proudly, acknowledging and honoring San Diego’s first people.

I took some photographs of this important historical event.

Early arrivals for San Diego's big 250th Anniversary event claim a seat and await some cultural entertainment.
Early arrivals for San Diego’s big 250th Anniversary event claim a seat and await some cultural entertainment.
A variety of tents could be visited for food, drink and information about San Diego and its history.
A variety of tents could be visited for food, drink and information about San Diego and its history.
Kumeyaay tools and crafts are on display at one table.
Kumeyaay tools and crafts are on display at one table.
Map shows the different Kumeyaay villages of our region. The village of Cosoy was located near the base of Presidio Hill, where Old Town is located today.
Map shows the different Kumeyaay villages of our region. The village of Cosoy was located near the base of Presidio Hill, where Old Town is located today.
Prior to the ceremony, I walked a bit through Presidio Park. I took a photograph of VIPs arriving by Old Town Trolley at the Serra Museum.
Prior to the ceremony, I walked a bit through Presidio Park. I took a photograph of VIPs arriving by Old Town Trolley at the Serra Museum.
Performers lounge on grass behind the stage before the program begins.
Performers lounge on grass behind the stage before the program begins.
Someone takes a seat in the VIP section as Lion Dancers begin the multicultural entertainment.
Someone takes a seat in the VIP section as Lion Dancers begin the multicultural entertainment.

The ballet folklorico dancing that followed was enthusiastic, colorful and loudly applauded.
The ballet folklorico dancing that followed was enthusiastic, joyous and loudly applauded.

Dancers representing San Diego's Portuguese community take the stage.
Dancers representing San Diego’s Portuguese community take the stage.

A dance followed that represented San Diego's Vietnamese community.
A dance followed that represented San Diego’s Vietnamese community.

The VIPs take their seats as speeches are about to commence.
The VIPs take their seats as speeches are about to commence.
There are four flagpoles, but only three flags are flying.
There are four flagpoles, but only three flags are flying.
Mayor Faulconer addresses the crowd, urging unity and a positive future for all.
Mayor Faulconer addresses the crowd, urging unity and a positive future for all who live in San Diego.
A leader of the Kumeyaay Nation addresses those assembled.
A leader of the Kumeyaay Nation addresses those assembled.
Kumeyaay women sway in front of the stage as the men perform traditional bird songs.
Kumeyaay women sway in front of the stage as the men perform traditional Bird Songs.

A presentation is made to the San Diego History Center, which operates the Serra Museum and helped to arrange this special ceremony.
A presentation is made to the San Diego History Center, which operates the Junipero Serra Museum and helped to arrange this special ceremony.
Before the event concludes, everybody's attention turns to the flagpoles.
Before the event concludes, everyone’s attention is directed to the four flagpoles.
The Kumeyaay color guard stands ready.
The Kumeyaay color guard stands ready.
The flag of the Kumeyaay Nation is unfolded and blessed.
The flag of the Kumeyaay Nation is unfolded and blessed.
It is raised.
It is raised.
The Kumeyaay color guard poses proudly for a photograph.
The Kumeyaay color guard poses with pride for a photograph.
The flag of the Kumeyaay Nation now flies on historic Presidio Hill, in a place of honor.
The flag of the Kumeyaay Nation now flies on historic Presidio Hill, in a place of honor.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

History of IDW at San Diego Comic Art Gallery.

The San Diego Comic Art Gallery at Liberty Station in Point Loma has a current exhibition that might interest those who are attending 2019 Comic-Con. The History of IDW Publishing is now on display in the museum-like gallery, which is located inside of IDW’s San Diego-based corporate headquarters.

The exhibit describes the evolution of IDW and their popular artwork, from the company’s 1999 local inception in Pacific Beach to its very successful present day.

Visitors to the San Diego Comic Art Gallery can enjoy artwork from many diverse IDW projects, including art books like that of Ashley Wood; comic books like 30 Days Of Night, CSI, The Transformers, Star Trek, Locke & Key and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; reprinted material from The Library of American Comics; art magazines like Swallow; and IDW Games.

In addition, one section of IDW’s art gallery contains some of the amazing work of Justin “J-Po” Ponsor, a comic book artist born and raised in San Diego. It’s a fine tribute to a talented colorist who worked on many major series including Ultimate Spider-Man, Avengers and Star Wars. He passed away two months ago.

For more information about the San Diego Comic Art Gallery, visit their website here.

The following photos are from the gallery’s wall that pays tribute to Justin Ponsor.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

Revisiting history on San Diego’s 250th Anniversary.

An event of great historical importance is scheduled for this evening.

At five o’clock, on Presidio Hill near the Serra Museum, a ceremony will be held to mark the 250th Anniversary of San Diego. I plan to be there.

To remember the birth of our city (which began precisely where the above photo was taken), I’ve decided to revisit that history and provide links to various past blog posts.

If you plan to attend today’s event, there’s a trail to the top of Presidio Hill that starts near the small golf course east of Old Town. Today my feet will again follow that path.

The following photo of a display inside the Serra Museum shows the location of the original Spanish presidio, now a ruin hidden beneath grassy mounds.

The following blog posts contain a great deal of information about San Diego’s early history.

Here are the links:

Walk from Old Town to the San Diego Presidio.

Photos of historical plaques on Presidio Hill.

Photos of The Padre sculpture in Presidio Park.

San Diego’s early history at the Serra Museum.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

More fun (and funny) stuff for 2019 Comic-Con!

You don't really eat these pancakes, it's more like they eat you. A funny The Good Place quote at the door of Maryjane's restaurant during 2019 Comic-Con.
You don’t really eat these pancakes, it’s more like they eat you. A funny The Good Place quote at the door of Maryjane’s restaurant during 2019 Comic-Con.

I spotted even more fun (and funny) stuff outside 2019 Comic-Con during my walk this morning!

There are some building wraps I hadn’t previously seen, and I found a couple new ones that are now being applied. I saw that the lobby of the Hard Rock Hotel is being converted into the Superstore. I also noted the Warner Brothers offsite on the grass south of the Omni hotel, which will feature Detective Pikachu and Shazam, is starting to take shape…

Two days until the start of Comic-Con!

Wraps are being placed on the Hard Rock Hotel promoting NBC's The Good Place and Superstore for Comic-Con.
Wraps are being placed on the Hard Rock Hotel promoting NBC’s The Good Place and Superstore for Comic-Con.
A wrap on the building's south side shows characters from Superstore.
A wrap on the building’s south side shows characters from NBC’s Superstore. Comedy Starts Here.
Putting on the fun building wrap, with two days until the start of Comic-Con.
Putting on the fun building wrap, with two days until the start of Comic-Con.
Superstore graphics now decorate the lobby of the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego.
Superstore graphics now decorate the lobby of the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego.
Across Fifth Avenue, the Amazon wraps are done. This one promotes The Boys. That's one hero I'd prefer to avoid.
Across Fifth Avenue, the Amazon wraps are done. This one promotes The Boys. That’s one smiling superhero I’d prefer to avoid.
Other stuff is springing up around downtown, like this big banner on a building advertising Tik Tok.
Other stuff is springing up around downtown, like this somewhat goofy-looking banner on a building advertising Tik Tok.
Businesses in the Gaslamp are jumping on the bandwagon.
Businesses in the Gaslamp Quarter are jumping on the Comic-Con bandwagon. Game of Thrones and Stan Lee inspired cocktails?
Syfy has moved to Seventh and J Street for 2019 Comic-Con. I believe you can catch their karaoke bus and trivia trolleys here.
Syfy has moved to Seventh and J Street for 2019 Comic-Con. I believe you can catch their fun karaoke bus and trivia trolleys here.
A cool wrap is being applied to the north side of the Omni Hotel. I'm afraid I don't recognize this show. If you do, leave a comment!
A cool Star Trek: Discovery wrap is being applied to the north side of the Omni Hotel.
The Warner Brothers offsite has erected an archway that says Chilladelphia Winter Carnival. You might remember the scene in Shazam.
The Warner Brothers offsite has erected an archway that says Chilladelphia Winter Carnival. You might remember the big, climactic scene in Shazam!
Freddy Freeman and his pal Shazam are perched atop another arch!
Freddy Freeman and his pal Shazam are perched atop another arch!

Stay tuned for more photos of Comic-Con preparation when I walk about this afternoon. I’ll post an update here!

UPDATE!

I did indeed walk about in the afternoon, and I found more fun stuff!

Batwoman banners now adorn the fences along the trolley tracks.
Batwoman banners now adorn the fences along the trolley tracks.
I'm Mad. You're Mad.
I’m Mad. You’re Mad.
The Stranger Things trolley station is returning for 2019 San Diego Comic-Con!
The Stranger Things trolley station is returning for 2019 San Diego Comic-Con!
Comedy Central's South Park offsite features mini golf this year.
Comedy Central’s South Park offsite features mini golf this year.
Play golf with South Park characters!
Play golf with South Park characters!
Amazon Prime Video was setting up displays along MLK Promenade.
Amazon Prime Video was setting up displays along MLK Promenade.
Flags at one end of Childrens Park, where the FOX Fan Fair will be.
Flags at one end of Childrens Park, where the FOX Fan Fair will be.
Another small glimpse of the FOX Fun Fair from the sidewalk.
Another small glimpse of the FOX Fun Fair from the sidewalk.
Check out the characters on the Ferris wheel!
Check out the characters on the Ferris wheel!
Bandai is staging their Dragon Ball Z offsite in the Marriott's Marina Terrace this year again.
Bandai is staging their Dragon Ball Z offsite in the Marriott’s Marina Terrace this year again.
Check out this The Boys wrap on the Marriott Marquis!
Check out this The Boys wrap on the Marriott Marquis!
Today exhibitors were moving their stuff into the San Diego Convention Center for Comic-Con.
Today exhibitors were moving their stuff into the San Diego Convention Center for Comic-Con.
The cool FX Devs wrap on the Hilton is looking good.
The cool FX Devs wrap on the Hilton is looking good.
Adult Swim is getting their offsite ready behind the San Diego Convention Center.
Adult Swim is getting their offsite ready behind the San Diego Convention Center.
Rick's balloon head isn't inflated yet.
Rick’s balloon head isn’t inflated yet.
FX has colorful graphics on the fence around part of their Fearless Forum.
FX has colorful graphics on the fence around part of their Fearless Forum.
A super cool FX event space is being prepared!
A super cool FX event space is being prepared!
More Comic-Con street art on windows of Sweet Things Frozen Yogurt.
More Comic-Con street art on windows of Sweet Things Frozen Yogurt.
A wrap is being applied to a corner of Petco Park. I'm clueless.
A wrap is being applied to a corner of Petco Park. I’m clueless.
The first activation is being built at the Interactive Zone at Petco Park. Not sure what it is, either.
The first activation is being built at the Interactive Zone at Petco Park. Not sure what it is, either.
Another new wrap appearing on a corner of Petco Park. Resembles the Stumptown trolley wrap.
Another new wrap appearing on a corner of Petco Park. Resembles the Stumptown trolley wrap.
History has a wrap on Petco Park promoting Project Blue Book, like last year.
History has a wrap on Petco Park promoting Project Blue Book, like last year.
The Tin Fish is getting decorated with NBC Comedy graphics.
The Tin Fish is getting decorated with NBC Comedy graphics.
Hot Damn!
Hot Damn!
Sweeping the back steps of Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Sweeping the back steps of Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
The Statue of Liberty has found a new home in San Diego!
The Statue of Liberty has found a new home in San Diego!
I detect Detective Pikachu at the Warner Brothers offsite!
I detect Detective Pikachu at the Warner Brothers offsite!

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

Statue of Liberty arrives for Comic-Con!

The Statue of Liberty was transported by truck this morning to San Diego’s Gaslamp Square!

She’s wearing cool sunglasses!

The statue will soon be erected at NBC’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine offsite for 2019 Comic-Con!

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!