Tag: comic books

Donald Duck comes to life at Comic-Con Museum!

Patrick Block draws the face of Donald Duck during the Creating a Comics Story event at the future home of the Comic-Con Museum.
Patrick Block, long-time Disney comics artist, draws the famous face of Donald Duck. A beloved character comes to life during the Creating a Comics Story event at the future home of the Comic-Con Museum.

This afternoon I attended one of the coolest events EVER!

I and other spellbound people sat in the auditorium of the future Comic-Con Museum, watching as veteran Disney comics artists Patrick and Shelley Block brought Donald Duck to life! With the help of the audience, right before our eyes, they created an absolutely original, hilarious and brilliant comic book story! The penciled five page story was about Donald Duck working as janitor at a comic book convention, and much of the story’s essential plot came spontaneously from the audience!

It was pure magic. Patrick sketched with practiced ease while sharing his thought process, and Shelley Block contributed humorous banter and brilliant inspiration.  From the tip of a number 7 mechanical pencil, Donald Duck emerged into our world–reminding readers that much in life is inherently funny, and that a cartoon about a zany “everyperson” duck can reinforce a sense of our own humanity.

During the event all sorts of questions were asked by the smart audience, and I wish I had taken notes. But the entire experience was simply too mesmerizing.

If this is a preview of coming events at the Comic-Con Museum, which we learned is slated to open in May of 2021, it’s going to be one of the most amazing museums in the world. That’s no exaggeration.

I can’t wait!

Art and writing team Patrick and Shelly Block, Disney comics creators for 26 years, talk about the creative process.
Art and writing team Patrick and Shelly Block, Disney comics creators for 26 years, talk about the creative process.
Three pages of the five page Donald Duck comic are nearly done. Through an odd series of events, Donald has become janitor at a comic book convention!
Three pages of the five page Donald Duck comic are nearly done. Through an odd series of funny events, Donald has become janitor at a comic book convention!
Donald Duck wants to see the masquerade ball, and after many gags and catastrophes ends up winning it!
Donald Duck wants to see the masquerade ball, and after many gags and catastrophes ends up winning it!
Original artwork created by Patrick and Shelly Block for the Comic-Con Museum. Don't forget us funny animal comics!
Original Donald Duck artwork created by Patrick and Shelly Block for the Comic-Con Museum. Don’t forget us funny animal comics!

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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!

Justice League superheroes patrol Balboa Park!

Wonder Woman and Batman pose for photos in Balboa Park. It seems these superheroes can never get enough public adulation.
Wonder Woman and Batman pose for photos in Balboa Park. It seems these superheroes can never get enough public adulation.

The Justice League was out in force today patrolling Balboa Park!

Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman were leading a team of powerful superheroes and supposedly reformed supervillains down El Prado, keeping an eye out for nefarious doings.

I followed the superhero team in order to capture a bit of the action.

(I learned this cosplay group is called the Science Fiction Coalition. It was cool to see many of these guys later on in the cafe inside the Federal Building, future home of the Comic-Con Museum. It kind of reminded me of that superhero-themed eatery Planet Krypton in the graphic novel Kingdom Come!)

I spotted Penguin and Riddler with members of the Justice League. Fortunately, Batman stood nearby keeping an eye on these supposedly reformed supervillains.
I spotted Penguin and Riddler with members of the Justice League. Fortunately, Batman stood nearby keeping an eye on these two supposedly reformed supervillains.
Batman! The Penguin is coming after me with one of his sinister umbrellas! Help!
Batman! The Penguin is coming after me with one of his sinister umbrellas! Help!
I escaped unscathed. Now it's time for the heroic Justice League to begin their patrol of Balboa Park.
I was subjected to a Burgess Meredith-style quack-laugh from Penguin, but escaped otherwise unscathed. Now it’s time for the heroic Justice League to begin their patrol of Balboa Park.
DC superheroes (and villains) in full costume begin down El Prado, looking for some action.
DC superheroes (and villains) in full costume begin down El Prado, looking for some action.
Batwoman has a young fan. Yes, another photo.
Batwoman has a young fan. Yes, another photo.
More small fans show up and the JLA gladly poses for even more photos. Watch out! Penguin is lurking nearby again.
More small fans show up and the JLA gladly poses for even more photos. Watch out! Penguin is lurking nearby again.
Batman is tailing that fowl Penguin to make sure there is no evildoing today.
Batman is tailing that fowl Penguin to make sure there is no more evildoing today.
Super powered folk amble casually into Plaza de Panama. The Justice League patrol of Balboa Park has been a resounding success.
Another typical San Diego afternoon. Super powered folk amble casually into Plaza de Panama. The Justice League patrol of Balboa Park has been a resounding success.
Penguin, Clark Kent, Riddler, Wonder Woman and Mera are tired out and rest on a bench awaiting their trip home.
Penguin, Clark Kent, Riddler, Wonder Woman and Mera are tired out from all the superhero action and rest on a bench awaiting their trip home.
The JLA poses in Balboa Park. Members of San Diego's Science Fiction Coalition enjoy cosplay as Mera, Batwoman, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Clark Kent, another Wonder Woman, Penguin, Riddler and Superboy!
DC comic book characters gather in Balboa Park. Members of San Diego’s Science Fiction Coalition enjoy cosplay as Mera, Batwoman, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Clark Kent, another Wonder Woman, Penguin, Riddler and Superboy!

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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!

Even more cool street art in Logan Heights!

Juggernaut street art in Logan Heights.
Juggernaut street art in Logan Heights.

During my walk about Logan Heights today I met a few friendly members of the San Diego Art Team. They were creating even more cool street art just north of the intersection of 31st Street and Commercial Street.

Some of their recently spray painted art features popular Marvel Comics characters, particularly those related to the X-Men!

If the style of their work seems familiar, I blogged their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle mural (which has since been painted over) here and some of their other graffiti-style artwork here.

The San Diego Art Team is composed of Logan Heights community members who enjoy being creative and energizing their neighborhood with bold, colorful public art!

Very cool!

Spiderman faces off against a member of the X-Men in street art in Logan Heights.
Spiderman faces off against a member of the X-Men in street art in Logan Heights.
Cyclops, Nightcrawler and Sentinel street art in Logan Heights.
Cyclops, Nightcrawler and a Sentinel street art in Logan Heights.
I believe that's Wolverine.
I believe that’s Wolverine.
I'm certain that's Wolverine!
I’m certain that’s Wolverine!
Cyclops in action street art in Logan Heights.
Cyclops in action street art in Logan Heights.
Jean Grey as Phoenix street art in Logan Heights.
Jean Grey as Phoenix street art in Logan Heights.

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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!

Cool comic book and superhero street art!

Cool comic book superheroes, villains and other characters are spray painted on a long wall in Logan Heights!
Cool comic book superheroes, villains and other characters are spray painted on a long wall in Logan Heights!

Check out this awesome spray paint street art on a wall south of the intersection of 31st Street and Commercial Street in Logan Heights! It’s loaded with comic book superheroes, villains and other cool characters!

The mural is a work currently in progress. Today I was fortunate to meet the primary artist, who goes by the name Fizix. I learned that most of the characters in the large, colorful mural are his artwork. I also learned that additional work on this very cool mural is by the artist ABSO.

Does the name Fizix ring a bell? Perhaps you’ve seen his work here and here. Because I photograph so much street art all around San Diego, it’s possible his work appears elsewhere on Cool San Diego Sights and I simply don’t realize it.

Fizix is actually Alex Julian, a talented artist in San Diego who can be found @alexfizix. His blog, which features some really good graphic novel art and his bio, can be enjoyed here.

His expertise is illustration, book covers, digital art, murals, horror caricatures and comic book coloring. His artwork has a distinctive style that I really like.

Check out the following photos!

Judge Dredd street art by Fizix.
Judge Dredd street art by Fizix.
Fizix at work on a new commissioned mural featuring superheroes, supervillains and a few other characters.
Fizix at work on a commissioned mural featuring superheroes, supervillains and a few other characters.
A neighbor in Logan Heights loves old school Jazz, so Fizix included this cool musician in the large mural.
A neighbor in Logan Heights loves old school Jazz, so Fizix included this cool musician in the large mural.
Another neighbor in Logan Heights has a dog that resembles this cool spray paint artwork by Fizix!
Another neighbor in Logan Heights has a dog that resembles this cool spray paint artwork by Fizix!
This very awesome sunset portion of the mural is by the artist ABSO. It looks like street art one might find in Ocean Beach.
This very awesome sunset portion of the mural is by the artist ABSO. It looks like the sort of street art one might find in Ocean Beach.
Carnage street art by Fizix.
Carnage street art by Fizix.
I don't recognize this character. Leave a comment if you do!
Rose of Black Dog and Rebel Rose street art by Fizix.
Spawn street art by Fizix.
Spawn street art by Fizix.
Leave a comment if you know this character. I'm clueless.
The Maxx street art by Fizix.
Hela street art by Fizix.
Hela street art by Fizix.
Ghost Rider street art by Fizix.
Ghost Rider street art by Fizix.
Iron Man street art by Fizix.
Iron Man street art by Fizix.
Wonder Woman street art by Fizix.
Wonder Woman street art by Fizix.
Miles Morales street art by Fizix.
Miles Morales version of Spiderman street art by Fizix.
Hellboy street art by Fizix.
Hellboy street art by Fizix.
Rocket Raccoon street art by Fizix.
Rocket Raccoon street art by the artist ABSO.
Cool characters from pop culture can be enjoyed by anyone who drives down Commercial Street in San Diego!
Cool characters from pop culture can be enjoyed by anyone who drives down Commercial Street in San Diego!

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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!

More fun and funny photos from Comic-Con!

Fun pop culture palm frond art. I recognize Ronald McDonald and Batman.
Fun palm frond art. I recognize Ronald McDonald and Batman.

Here’s one last batch of fun and funny photos from 2018 San Diego Comic-Con, including more great examples of cosplay.

I confess I didn’t stand in long lines for some of the more popular offsite attractions–I mainly just walked around. Watching people. Taking it all in. That’s what I love to do.

I hope you had as much fun as I did!

Now I’ll probably take a rest from blogging until next weekend. On Saturday, I’m going on a special tour at the San Diego Museum of Art.

Have a great week!

They never showed it in the Star Wars movies, but Darth Vader likes to wear sunglasses.
They never showed it in the Star Wars movies, but Darth Vader likes to wear sunglasses.
Why would an astronaut in an airless environment need camouflage?
Why would an astronaut in an airless environment need camouflage?
I'm Single. Free Drinks If You Find Me.
I’m Single. Free Drinks If You Find Me.
Stay Puft has a Mini-Marshmallow-Me!
Stay Puft has a Mini-Marshmallow-Me!
Shouldn't that guy be in some sort of containment bubble?
Shouldn’t that guy be in his containment bubble?
It's a Harley-cycle and a Bat-cycle!
It’s a Harley-cycle and a Bat-cycle!
I know San Diego gets a lot of tourists, but Spiderman?
I know San Diego gets a lot of tourists, but Spiderman?
The gentleman on the right goes by the name Colorful Guy.
The gentleman on the right goes by the name Colorful Guy.
Cosplay of Jinx from Teen Titans. Now that's some big hair.
Cosplay of Jinx from Teen Titans. Now that’s some big hair.
I believe I recognize Aladdin and Tinker Bell.
I believe I recognize Aladdin and Tinker Bell.
I was interested to learn that the rather unusual character on the right is named Bananapool.
I was interested to learn that the rather unusual character on the right is named Bananapool.
A zombie's about to have lunch at Dead Quarters.
A zombie’s about to have lunch at Dead Quarters.
Thank goodness for that fence!
Thank goodness for that fence!
This is what Comic-Con is really all about. This is how it started.
This is what Comic-Con is really all about. This is how it started.
Frozone strikes his action pose.
Frozone strikes his action pose.
At San Diego Comic-Con, you're never quite sure what you will see next.
At San Diego Comic-Con, you’re never quite sure what you will see next.
Azog and Nazgul cosplay.
Azog and Nazgul cosplay.
A sidewalk artist creating a fun cartoon.
A sidewalk artist creating a fun cartoon.
A very cool LEGO Cyborg cosplay made out of cardboard.
A very cool LEGO Cyborg cosplay made out of cardboard.
A small version of the Guardians of the Galaxy!
A small version of the Guardians of the Galaxy!
This guy said his unique cosplay is a combination of the Old West and Mad Max.
This guy said his unique cosplay is a combination of the Old West and Mad Max.
Spock enters a scene featuring Boba Fett. I'm detecting a bit of franchise confusion.
Spock enters a scene featuring Boba Fett. I’m detecting a bit of franchise confusion.
A dog in a tiny police car meets a real officer of the SDPD.
A dog in a tiny police car meets a real officer of the SDPD. Thanks to police heroes everyone was safe during Comic-Con.
Three peculiar versions of Deadpool. Take your pick.
Three peculiar versions of Deadpool. Take your pick.
Spock is now where he belongs.
Spock is now back where he belongs.
This guy is called One Punch Man. One is all it takes!
This guy is called One Punch Man. One is all it takes!
I see some Speed Racer characters!
I see some Speed Racer characters!
Cosplay of Rocksteady and Bebop from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
Cosplay of Rocksteady and Bebop from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

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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!

Lovely cultists, Sharkzilla feedings at Comic-Con!

Sharkzilla has taken another bite of a surfboard at The Experience during 2018 San Diego Comic-Con!
Sharkzilla has taken another bite of a surfboard at The Experience during 2018 San Diego Comic-Con!

As you will see, I had quite an experience at The Experience late this morning. This free public attraction is one of many offsites found around downtown during 2018 San Diego Comic-Con.

The very moment you enter, prepare to be mesmerized…

Looking down at The Experience in Petco Park's Lexus Premier Lot from the Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge.
Looking down at The Experience in Petco Park’s Lexus Premier Lot from the Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge.
People stream into the fun Comic-Con offsite.
People stream into the fun, free to the public Comic-Con offsite.
Near the entrance, buses from hotels around the city drop off a motley group of Comic-Con attendees.
Near the entrance, buses from hotels around the city drop off a motley group of Comic-Con attendees.
Shark fins bob past the big stage at The Experience.
Shark fins bob past the big stage at The Experience.
People relax and watch a demo video game up on a big screen.
People relax and watch a demo video game up on a big screen.
Shortly after I arrive, three lovely, sweet, irresistible ladies with Sacred Lies prepare to encircle me with their scarfs.
Shortly after I arrive, three lovely, sweet, irresistible ladies with Sacred Lies prepare to encircle me with their scarfs.
Hello! Sign me up for your cult, or whatever it is!
I’m encircled! Hello! Sign me up for your cult, or whatever it is!
I spotted Pac-Gentleman again, near Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. That seems a lot of marshmallow for a gentleman to waka-waka-waka gobble all at once.
I spotted Pac-Gentleman again, near Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. That seems a lot of marshmallow for a gentleman to waka-waka-waka gobble all at once.
But I could easily gobble a few free scoops of DC Super Hero Ice Cream!
But I could probably digest a few free scoops of DC Super Hero Ice Cream!
At the Cloak and Dagger activation, this nice lady seemed about ready to give a sermon.
At the Cloak and Dagger activation, this nice lady seemed about ready to dazzle me with a sermon.
People who line up at Ghostbusters World can have their photo taken next to the original ECTO-1 from the movies.
People who line up at Ghostbusters World can have their photo taken next to the original ECTO-1 from the movies.
Hopefully Hulk doesn't become too angry when you get your group hug at the Marvel activation.
Hopefully Hulk doesn’t become too angry when you get your group hug at the Marvel Avengers activation.
The Impractical Jokers had a food truck serving Scoopski Potatoes.
The Impractical Jokers had a food truck serving Scoopski Potatoes.
I believe people could get free samples of Shin Black Noodle Soup, but I didn't check it out.
I believe people could get free samples of Shin Black Noodle Soup, but I didn’t check it out.
Project Blue Book had a Top Secret tent but with my sketchy background, I don't have clearance, so I averted my eyes.
Project Blue Book had a Top Secret tent. With my sketchy background, I don’t have clearance, so I averted my eyes.
A huge cool sculpture at the Guild Wars 2 activation.
A huge cool sculpture at the Guild Wars 2 activation.
Discovery Channel celebrates Shark Week with an enormous life-size Megalodon named Sharkzilla.
Discovery Channel celebrates Shark Week with an enormous life-size mechanical Megalodon named Sharkzilla.
I arrived in time for a Sharkzilla feeding. The huge shark is going to chomp on a wooden pallet!
I arrived in time for a Sharkzilla feeding. The huge hungry shark is going to chomp on a wooden pallet!
Personally, I find pallets to be unpalatable.
Personally, I find pallets to be unpalatable.
Maybe a surfboard tastes better.
Maybe a surfboard tastes better.
I remember having something like this done when I was a kid and got my braces.
I remember having something like this done when I was a kid and got my braces.
Some tasty bloody zombies that will be fed to Sharkzilla later in the day.
Some tasty bloody zombies that will be fed to Sharkzilla later in the day.

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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!

Cosplay and magic at 2018 Comic-Con!

Cosplay and magic fill the area behind the San Diego Convention Center during 2018 Comic-Con!
Cosplay and magic fill the area behind the San Diego Convention Center during 2018 Comic-Con!

Late this morning I enjoyed Comic-Con by walking behind the San Diego Convention Center, then through The Experience by Petco Park. This first batch of fun photos is from the area behind the convention center.

As usual, I encountered a bunch of super creative cosplay and magic at every turn!

A Star Wars stormtropper holds a humorous sign. Support the Troops.
A Star Wars stormtropper holds a humorous sign. Support the Troops.
Long morning lines wrapped this way and that, but nobody seemed to mind.
Long morning lines wrapped this way and that, but nobody seemed to mind.
Cedric Diggory cosplay. An early glimpse of magic.
Cedric Diggory cosplay. An early glimpse of magic.
Some cosplay pooches are part of the big spectacle.
Some cosplay pooches are part of the big spectacle.
These Wonder Women made cool skirts out of old Justice League swag bags!
These Wonder Women made cool superhero skirts out of old Justice League swag bags!
Good thing Nick Fury called Captain Marvel. Here she comes now to save the day!
Good thing Nick Fury called Captain Marvel. Here she comes now to save the day!
These zombies paused for a photo at the foot of the steps up to the convention center.
These zombies paused for a photo at the foot of the steps up to the convention center.
I was told this cosplay is Bird Person.
I was told this cosplay is Bird Person.
Check out this awesome cosplay! It's Fire Archangel Velajuel, a Summoners War Sky Arena Monster.
Check out this awesome cosplay! It’s Fire Archangel Velajuel, a Summoners War Sky Arena Monster.
I was told this funny cosplay is Pac-Gentleman.
I was told this funny cosplay is Pac-Gentleman.
Lots of visitors to 2018 Comic-Con were checking out the Bandai Dragon Ball activation.
Lots of visitors to 2018 Comic-Con were checking out the Bandai Dragon Ball activation.
Vegeta cosplay.
Vegeta cosplay.
Mario and Luigi prepare for battle.
Mario and Luigi prepare for battle.
I was told this cosplay is Radioactive Man.
I was told this cosplay is Radioactive Man.
That's my kind of superhero. One who brings ice cream! Who needs a utility belt?
That’s my kind of superhero. One who brings ice cream! Who needs a utility belt?
Cyclops was good enough not to remove his visor.
Cyclops was good enough not to remove his visor. The ice cream might melt.
Cosplay of some Mad Max post-apocalyptic characters.
Amazing cosplay of some Mad Max post-apocalyptic characters.
Hopefully Kylo Ren does me in before I have to witness one of his temper tantrums.
Hopefully Kylo Ren does me in before I have to witness another one of his ridiculous temper tantrums.
At the FOX activation for The Passage, a scientist in a white lab jacket shows the first human to be resistant to all known diseases. Unfortunately he has to drink blood.
At the FOX activation for The Passage, a scientist in a white lab jacket shows me the first human to be resistant to all known diseases. Unfortunately he has to drink human blood.
Rorschach cosplay. Somehow he could make the inkblot on his mask change appearance.
Rorschach cosplay. Somehow using his lips he could make the inkblot on his mask change appearance.
Some poor guy is caught between a fight between Peter Griffin and Ernie the Giant Chicken.
Some poor guy is caught between a fight between Peter Griffin and Ernie the Giant Chicken.
A look at the FXhibition area near the Hilton Bayfront, behind the San Diego Convention Center.
A look at the FXhibition area near the Hilton Bayfront, behind the San Diego Convention Center.
Another look. It's late Saturday morning at 2018 Comic-Con.
Another look. It’s late Saturday morning at 2018 Comic-Con.
People place their heads in Archer character cubes for an unusual photo opportunity.
People place their heads in Archer character cubes for an unusual photo opportunity.
Here's Camp Paddy's outhouse.
Here’s Camp Paddy’s outhouse.
Now that's one very bizarre photograph being taken.
Now that’s one very bizarre photograph being taken.
Zatanna cosplay. Magic is her specialty.
Zatanna cosplay. Magic is her specialty.
She must have waved her magic wand, because there's wonderful cosplay all over the place!
She must have waved her magic wand, because there’s wonderful cosplay all over the place!
A cool FX guy poses beside a Mayans MC motorcycle for my camera.
A cool FX guy poses beside a Mayans MC motorcycle for my camera.
Mera blinked. Must be all that dry air outside of the water.
Mera blinked. Must be all that dry air above the water.
Chillin' at the FXhibition.
Chillin’ at the FXhibition.
Magicians perform, delighting young and old alike. There's endless magic at Comic-Con!
Magicians perform, delighting young and old alike. There’s endless magic at Comic-Con!

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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!