Tag: comic books

Cool cosplay and fun outside San Diego Comic-Con.

I'm given a hearty greeting by the Mighty Thor. Last year this awesome guy cosplayed as Batman.
I’m given a hearty greeting by the Mighty Thor. Last year this awesome guy cosplayed as Batman.

Here’s a bunch of fun photos showing activity outside the convention center during 2015 San Diego Comic-Con. There’s so much to see, to absorb, one could happily spend hours just walking around. Most of these pics are from this evening–Thursday. A few are from Wednesday.

Visitors to Horton Plaza are invited to become colorful superheroes during San Diego Comic-Con.
Visitors to Horton Plaza are invited to become colorful superheroes during San Diego Comic-Con.
Just inside door of Spreckels Theater Building where Conan O'Brien audience picks up tickets.
Just inside door of Spreckels Theater Building where Conan O’Brien audience picks up tickets.
Snoopy with granny glasses peers from Gaslamp shop window.
Snoopy with granny glasses peers from Gaslamp shop window.
Poster in Gaslamp advertises William Shatner's Man O' War.
Poster in Gaslamp advertises William Shatner’s Man O’ War.
Entertainment Weekly had lots of people posing for photographs. Superheroes of San Diego!
Entertainment Weekly had lots of people posing for photographs. Superheroes of San Diego!
It does indeed look like Fear Begins Here.
It does indeed look like Fear Begins Here.
Video board promotes exciting NBC television programming in Gaslamp Square.
Video board promotes exciting NBC television programming in Gaslamp Square.
Heroes Reborn venue had huge images of the powerful characters around the black structure.
Heroes Reborn venue had huge images of the powerful characters around the black structure.
Their biggest mistake was betting against him. The Player. Thursdays this Fall on NBC.
Their biggest mistake was betting against him. The Player. Thursdays this Fall on NBC.
Photo of crowd swarming across Harbor Drive and trolley tracks between San Diego Convention Center and Gaslamp Square.
Photo of crowd crossing Harbor Drive and trolley tracks between San Diego Convention Center and Gaslamp Square.
LEGO Bane is on the wall of the Hard Rock Hotel!
LEGO Bane is on the wall of the Hard Rock Hotel!
The cosmic wrap and astronaut figure on the Hard Rock Hotel building advertises The Expanse, coming soon on SyFy.
The cosmic wrap and astronaut figure on the Hard Rock Hotel building advertises The Expanse, coming soon on Syfy.
Ladies in Sharknado 3 shark heads hold signs indicating It's Your Patriotic Duty to Embrace the 'Nado!
Ladies in Sharknado 3 shark heads hold signs indicating It’s Your Patriotic Duty to Embrace the ‘Nado!
The downright silly new Colonel Sanders is shown as a unicorn standing by Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade.
The downright silly new Colonel Sanders is shown as a unicorn standing by Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade.
Awesome cosplay in downtown San Diego for 2015 Comic-Con. Three against one! I don't have a chance!
Awesome cosplay in downtown San Diego for 2015 Comic-Con. Three against one! I don’t have a chance!
A large troop of Colony soldiers marches down Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade during Comic-Con.
A large troop of Colony soldiers marches down Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade during Comic-Con.
Schick offered free shaves near the Assassin's Creed obstacle course. Schick has partnered with software developer Ubisoft.
Schick offered free shaves near the Assassin’s Creed obstacle course. Schick has partnered with software developer Ubisoft.
You, get in here! It seems everyone is trying to attract the attention of thousands of Comic-Con attendees.
You, get in here! It seems everyone is trying to attract the attention of thousands of Comic-Con attendees.
Webtoon. Long live comics!
Webtoon. Long live comics!
People dine at the Tin Fish, which is completely wrapped in NBC Blindspot graphics. A mind erased. A body of clues.
People dine at the Tin Fish, which is completely wrapped in NBC Blindspot graphics. A mind erased. A body of clues.
It's LEGO Homer Simpson! He's equipped with some tough-looking Transformer-like armor, which includes Wonder Woman and Gollum on top!
It’s LEGO Homer Simpson! He’s equipped with some tough-looking Transformer-like armor, which includes Wonder Woman and Gollum on top!
These suited bald guys with barcode tattoos on their necks are lined up to promote Hitman, Agent 47.
These suited bald guys with barcode tattoos on their necks are lined up to promote Hitman: Agent 47.
It looks like Hulk shrank a bit!
It looks like Hulk shrank a bit!
Obi-Wan Kenobi seemed to have the situation in hand. That's a pretty big crowd passing by, however, and I've seen a number of nasty-looking villains!
Obi-Wan Kenobi seemed to have the situation in hand. That’s a pretty big crowd passing by, however, and I’ve seen a number of nasty-looking villains!
You scream, I scream, the Scream Queens serve ice cream!
You scream, I scream, the Scream Queens serve ice cream!
This huge super cool robot is called MegaBot. It arrived near Petco Park for Comic-Con on Wednesday.
This huge super cool robot is called MegaBot. It arrived near Petco Park for Comic-Con on Wednesday.
Dark Souls III has a cool backdrop at the Comic-Con Interactive Zone next to Petco Park. Can these guys remove the sword from the stone wall.
Dark Souls III has a cool backdrop at the Comic-Con Interactive Zone next to Petco Park. Can these guys remove the sword from the stone wall?
Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse is an upcoming movie, and a fun venue in the Interactive Zone.
Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse is an upcoming movie, and a fun venue in the Interactive Zone.
Darth Vader challenged me to a light saber duel. I declined. I like my limbs.
Darth Vader challenged me to a light saber duel. I declined. I like my limbs.
Inflatable slides at the Comic-Con Interactive Zone were set up to promote The Peanuts Movie.
Inflatable slides at the Comic-Con Interactive Zone were set up to promote The Peanuts Movie.
Is that Snow White smiling at me. Don't bite that apple!
Is that Snow White smiling at me? Don’t bite that apple!
That is either a Spartan, a Trojan, or a guy who likes USC football.
That is either a Spartan, a Trojan, or a guy who likes USC football.
Batman has seen enough of this rabble. He's looking grim and determined to do something.
Batman has seen enough of this rabble. He’s looking grim and determined to do something.
Stoop Kid's afraid to leave his stoop. Or remove his Star Trek uniform.
Stoop Kid’s afraid to leave his stoop. Or perhaps remove a Star Trek uniform.
As the evening progresses and the FX Fearless Arena Experience closes for the day, Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll are abandoned.
As the evening progresses and the FX Fearless Arena Experience closes for the day, Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll are abandoned.
Archer graphic in the Hilton Bayfront Park.
Archer graphic in the Hilton Bayfront Park.
American Horror Story Hotel has closed for the day and a video photographer exits. Was it too scary for him.
American Horror Story Hotel has closed for the day and a video photographer exits. Was it too scary for him?
Model grabs at swirling dollar bills in window of American Horror Story Hotel while being filmed.
Model grabs at swirling dollar bills in window of American Horror Story Hotel while being filmed.
Kid checks out vacant entrance to the Bastard Executioner venue. Escape the forest duel.
Kid checks out vacant entrance to the Bastard Executioner venue. Escape the forest duel!
I'm guessing this passage near the exit is where thrill-seekers escape the forest duel.
I’m guessing this passage near the exit is where thrill-seekers escape the forest duel.
Upside down Louie seems to wait in line for Hall H with thousands of Comic-Con fans. They'll be sleeping outside all night on the grass or concrete. That's dedication!
Upside down Louie seems to wait in line for Hall H with thousands of Comic-Con fans. They’ll be sleeping outside all night on the grass or concrete. That’s dedication!
Hunkering down for a long wait behind the San Diego Convention Center. These guys are near the Adult Swim carnival.
Hunkering down for a long wait behind the San Diego Convention Center. These guys are near the Adult Swim carnival.
Now that's a lot of people waiting to see panels in Hall H tomorrow. And there are more behind me!
Now that’s a lot of people waiting to see panels in Hall H tomorrow. And there are many more behind me!
Folks riding a unicorn prepare to launch above the Omni Hotel into the cloudy blue sky, over a gigantic bubble resting on the grass!
Folks riding a unicorn prepare to launch above the Omni Hotel into the cloudy blue sky, over a gigantic bubble resting on the grass!
That bubble is actually a huge, working snow globe promoting Fargo. The Waffle Hut is inside!
That bubble is actually a huge, working snow globe promoting Fargo. The Waffle Hut is inside!
Oh, dear. More zombies on the loose.
Oh, dear. More zombies on the loose.
Time to head back across Harbor Drive as the day ends. Even a pair of Leias have to eat dinner.
Time to head back across Harbor Drive as the day ends. Even a pair of Leias have to eat dinner.
Looking down from Harbor Drive bridge at San Diego rail yard and a bus with Game of Thrones wrap turning about.
Looking down from Harbor Drive bridge at San Diego rail yard and a bus with Game of Thrones wrap turning about.
Everybody had a great time. Day 1 of San Diego Comic-Con is coming to a close.
Everybody had a great time. Day 1 of San Diego Comic-Con is coming to a close.
A couple slowly walks along after a busy day. That's one gigantic swag bag!
A couple slowly walks along after a busy day. That’s one gigantic swag bag!

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More cool photos from Comic-Con Preview Night!

Pop culture fans at Preview Night were checking out an old school Batman. Pow!
Pop culture fans at Preview Night were checking out an old school Batman. Pow!

Without further ado, here comes a second batch of cool photos taken during Preview Night at 2015 San Diego Comic-Con. Enjoy!

Cool graphics promoting upcoming movie Batman v Superman Dawn of Justice at 2015 San Diego Comic-Con.
Cool graphics promoting upcoming movie Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice at 2015 San Diego Comic-Con.
Super awesome suits of armor at the fantastic Weta Workshop exhibit.
Super awesome suits of armor at the fantastic Weta Workshop exhibit.
Flaming Balrog figurine from the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Flaming Balrog figurine from the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Model of Chappie, from the recent science fiction film.
Model of Chappie, from the recent science fiction film.
Super Mario and other video game characters have a big presence at 2015 San Diego Comic-Con.
Super Mario and other video game characters have a big presence at 2015 San Diego Comic-Con.
Everyone was snapping photos of this cool Superman Hot Wheels car!
Everyone was snapping photos of this ultra cool Superman Hot Wheels car!
And here's another cool Hot Wheels car modeled after a Star Wars stormtrooper helmet.
And here’s another cool Hot Wheels car modeled after a Star Wars stormtrooper helmet.
Awesome Star Lord costume and helmet from Guardians of the Galaxy!
Awesome Star Lord costume and helmet from Guardians of the Galaxy!
I believe this prop is used in the upcoming Ghostbusters sequel.
I believe this prop is used in the upcoming Ghostbusters sequel.
Smaller, independent comic book publishers are out in force, promoting their brands and cool characters.
Smaller, independent comic book publishers are out in force at San Diego Comic-Con, promoting their brands and original characters.
Clive Barker is back at Comic-Con this year with more of his horror-themed artwork.
Clive Barker is back at Comic-Con this year with more of his horror-themed artwork.
IDW, a comic book publisher right here in San Diego, has their titles on display including Back to the Future.
IDW, a comic book publisher right here in San Diego, has their titles on display including Back to the Future.
Zombies and the dead are still in fashion. Here are buckets of bloody bones and other gruesome body parts.
Zombies and the dead are still in fashion. Here are buckets of bloody bones and other gruesome body parts.
It's the Legend of Zelda!
It’s the Legend of Zelda!
Super cool model of Star Wars snowtroopers in an ice cave.
Super cool model of Star Wars snowtroopers in an ice cave.
Nerds like sexy stuff, it seems! These female stormtroopers are being a bit risque.
Nerds like sexy stuff, it seems! These female stormtroopers are being a bit risque.
And, of course, we nerds love straight up, good old-fashioned comic book action figures.
And, of course, we nerds love straight up, good old-fashioned comic book action figures.
A big Captain Marvel graphic next to an exhibit that promotes Ant-Man, which comes out in a couple weeks. I'm stoked!
A big Captain Marvel graphic next to an exhibit that promotes Ant-Man, which comes out in a couple weeks. I’m stoked!
I see good old Charlie Brown. The classics live on!
I see good old Charlie Brown. The classics live on!
The DC Comics area is similar to last year, but with lots of new stuff.
The DC Comics area is similar to last year, but with lots of new stuff.
Costume worn by the Reverse Flash on the CW television show.
Costume worn by the Reverse Flash on the CW television show.
DC's big three superheroes on display on the San Diego Convention Center floor. Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman.
DC’s big three superheroes on display on the San Diego Convention Center floor: Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.
Alfred E. Neuman looks down on huge crowds pressing through hundreds of cool Comic-Con exhibits.
Alfred E. Neuman looks down on huge crowds pressing through hundreds of cool Comic-Con exhibits.
Alfred E. Neuman encourages everyone to take a stupid selfie!
Alfred E. Neuman encourages everyone to take a stupid selfie!
Some of the models at Comic-Con are so detailed and amazing it almost blows the mind.
Some of the models at Comic-Con are so detailed and amazing it almost blows the mind.
Just a random pic of something I liked walking down one aisle.
Just a random pic of something I liked walking down one aisle.
Cool t-shirts and merchandise is everywhere. If I had a million dollars in my pocket, it wouldn't have been enough.
Cool t-shirts and merchandise is everywhere. If I had a million dollars in my pocket, it wouldn’t have been enough.
More colorful comic book art on a table.
More colorful comic book art on a table.
Some psychedelic artwork seems to glow in the dim light of the convention center.
Some psychedelic artwork seems to glow in the dim light of the convention center.
Sinister face on large ComicBase software graphic seems to be looking down at an exhibitor as he ties his shoelace!
Sinister face on large ComicBase software graphic seems to be looking down at an exhibitor as he ties his shoelace!
There are boxes and boxes and more boxes of comic books, naturally!
There are boxes and boxes and more boxes of comic books, naturally!
If you have 40 grand to spare, you can grab this issue of Marvel Comics.
If you have 40 grand to spare, you can grab this issue of Marvel Comics.
Monsters and villains easily outnumber heroes and cute characters. As they say, the bad guys often seem to be more interesting.
Monsters and villains easily outnumber heroes and cute characters. As they say, the bad guys often seem to be more interesting.
Here's a big Wonder Woman poster. Almost nine o'clock and time to walk home. It's quite nice to live downtown!
Here’s a big Wonder Woman poster. Almost nine o’clock and time to walk home. It’s quite nice to live downtown!
Bob the Angry Flower wasn't too miffed to be captivated by a comic book.
Bob the Angry Flower wasn’t too miffed to be captivated by a comic book.

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Signs and omens…Comic-Con is around the corner!

Superman was spotted walking through the Gaslamp two weeks before San Diego Comic-Con!
Superman has been spotted walking through the Gaslamp two weeks before San Diego Comic-Con!

Two weeks to go until 2015 San Diego Comic-Con! Signs and omens of the super popular event’s coming are popping up around downtown, especially in the Gaslamp Quarter. Here’s what I spotted in the past couple days…

MTS has Comic-Con trolley passes that can be purchased with your smartphone.
MTS has Comic-Con trolley passes that can be purchased with your smartphone.
Game of Thrones advertisement at a trolley station. A Conan Live at Comic-Con trolley wrap passes by.
Game of Thrones advertisement at a trolley station. A Conan Live at Comic-Con trolley wrap passes by.
The latest Comic-Con trolley wrap promotes The Muppets! Yea!
The latest Comic-Con trolley wrap promotes soon to debut The Muppets television series on ABC!
Kermit drives a trolley full of Muppet fun. Naked frogs. Egotistical pigs. Welcome to Hollywood.
Kermit drives a trolley full of Muppet fun. Naked frogs. Egotistical pigs. Welcome to Hollywood.
Miss Piggy gets her own personal section, because she's such a big star.
Miss Piggy gets her own personal section, because she’s such a big star.
Who attending Comic-Con wouldn't love to have Kermit driving them on the San Diego trolley?
Who attending Comic-Con wouldn’t love to have Kermit driving them on the San Diego trolley?
Shops in downtown San Diego have stocked up on superhero gear for coming throngs of pop culture fans and cosplayers.
Shops in downtown San Diego have stocked up on superhero gear for coming throngs of pop culture fans and cosplayers.
Shirt in store window features Darth Vader saying: "Soy tu padre, mijo."
Shirt in store window features Darth Vader saying: “Soy tu padre, mijo.”
Here come Batman, Thor, Wonder Woman and other powerful heroes. Villains in San Diego, beware!
Here come Batman, Thor, Wonder Woman and other powerful heroes. Villains in San Diego, beware!
Trust me. I'm a superhero. The San Diego Trading Company on Fifth Avenue will have lots of Comic-Con deals, so swing on by! The lady at the counter is really nice!
Trust me. I’m a superhero. The San Diego Trading Company on Fifth Avenue will have lots of Comic-Con deals, so swing on by! The lady at the counter is really nice!
Comic-Con Weekend at the Onyx Room is an unofficial party many will attend!
Comic-Con Weekend at the Onyx Room is an unofficial party many will attend!
The House of Blues asks whether you're ready to rock. San Diego will be rocking big time in a couple weeks! I can't wait!
The House of Blues asks whether you’re ready to rock. San Diego will be rocking big time in a couple weeks! I can’t wait!
The Hulk is busting loose! He's coming to San Diego!
The Hulk is busting loose! He’s coming to San Diego!

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Photos of San Diego library’s Art of Comic-Con exhibit!

People enter the Art of Comic-Con exhibit, opening today at the downtown San Diego Public Library.
People enter the Art of Comic-Con exhibit, opening today at the downtown San Diego Public Library.

Today a very special exhibition opened at the downtown library’s 9th floor gallery. The Art of Comic-Con, developed by Comic-Con International and the San Diego Public Library, contains a huge collection of original artwork used throughout the 45 year history of San Diego Comic-Con.

The exhibition runs through August 30 and should draw a crowd during Comic-Con week. During today’s two hour opening reception, super popular cartoonist Sergio Aragones was on hand to talk with fans and sign copies of his 40th anniversary Comic-Con cover. He was very friendly and spoke with everyone in line for a minute or two, always smiling and laughing and posing for the camera. He’s into his fourth decade of writing and drawing the adventures of the hilarious and very successful Groo the Wanderer!

Here are a bunch of photos! My small camera did its best in the dim light of the gallery…

Someone heading in to check out the gallery is wearing a 1997 Comic-Con International shirt.
Someone heading in to check out the gallery is wearing a 1997 Comic-Con International shirt.
The Art of Comic-Con is a first ever museum exhibition consisting of original artwork used for past conventions.
The Art of Comic-Con is a first ever museum exhibition consisting of original artwork used for past comic conventions.
A cool mural composed of covers from past San Diego Comic-Con programs, plus other affiliated conventions.
A cool mural composed of covers from past San Diego Comic-Con programs, plus other affiliated conventions.
Past souvenir program covers feature many different superheroes and pop culture characters.
Past souvenir program covers feature many different superheroes and pop culture characters.
A riot of fun images dazzled many visitors to the opening of this special exhibit.
A riot of fun images dazzled many visitors to the opening of this special exhibit.
Close photo of part of the Comic-Con program book mural.
Close photo of part of the Comic-Con program book mural.
I see Bart Simpson, a bunch of Marvel heroes, Star Wars characters, Balboa Park and much more.
I see Bart Simpson, a bunch of Marvel heroes, Star Wars characters, Balboa Park and much more.
This part of the exhibit traces the history of the Comic-Con International logo and the development of the popular toucan mascot.
This part of the exhibit traces the history of the Comic-Con International logo and the development of the popular toucan mascot.
Fun artwork that was used during the 40th anniversary of San Diego Comic-Con.
Fun artwork that was used during the 40th anniversary of San Diego Comic-Con.
The toucan is flapping around anticipating another Comic-Con!
The toucan is flapping around anticipating another Comic-Con!
Someone checks out a display case containing an example of an Inkpot Award. These are presented to outstanding authors, artists and other creative luminaries every year during Comic-Con.
Someone checks out a display case containing an example of an Inkpot Award. These are presented to outstanding authors, artists and other creative luminaries every year during Comic-Con.
I spotted Krypto the Superdog taking a nap among more enthusiastic human Comic-Con fans.
I spotted Krypto the Superdog taking a nap among more enthusiastic human Comic-Con fans.
Visitors check out original comic book art created for Comic-Con souvenir program books over the past 45 years.
Visitors check out original comic book art created for Comic-Con souvenir program books over the past 45 years.
The Art of Comic-Con special exhibit contains original work from more than 60 notable cartoon and comic book artists
The Art of Comic-Con special exhibit contains original work from more than 60 notable cartoon and comic book artists
All kinds of animals hang out in San Diego!
All kinds of animals hang out in San Diego!
Space alien asks Marmaduke for directions to Comics Con. It will be mere blocks from the Central Library! In a few weeks, I expect to see a few aliens walking around San Diego, too!
Space alien asks Marmaduke for directions to Comics Con. It will be mere blocks from the Central Library! In a few weeks, I expect to see a few aliens walking around San Diego, too!
I guess Jimmy Carter was having troubles during a past Comic-Con.
I guess Jimmy Carter was having troubles during a past Comic-Con.
Cartoonists of every stripe have contributed greetings for the Comic-Con souvenir book over the years.
Cartoonists of every stripe have contributed greetings for the Comic-Con souvenir book over the years.
I spotted Conan the Librarian in downtown San Diego's incredible new library!
I spotted Conan the Librarian in downtown San Diego’s incredible new library!
Commander Spock of Vulcan visited Earth back in 1974. Comic-Con then was held in the El Cortez Hotel, a couple blocks from where I'm preparing this blog!
Commander Spock of Vulcan visited Earth back in 1974. Comic-Con then was held in the El Cortez Hotel, a couple blocks from where I’m preparing this blog!
Mickey Mouse headed down to San Diego one year. I'm willing to bet he'll be here again this year!
Mickey Mouse headed down to San Diego one year. I’m willing to bet he’ll be here again this year!
In 1981, Peter Parker lost a game of strip poker with Mary Jane Watson!
In 1981, Peter Parker lost a game of strip poker with Mary Jane Watson!
This guy is probably still looking for the San Diago Convention Center.
This guy is probably still looking for the San Diago Convention Center.
Kid checks out a hands on exhibit showing how comic books are produced and printed.
Kid checks out a hands on exhibit showing how comic books are produced and printed.
A penciled panel featuring Batgirl in action. Part of a cool display which demonstrates the processes involved in creating a comic book.
A penciled panel featuring Batgirl in action. Part of a cool display which demonstrates the processes involved in creating a comic book.
Inked and finished cover of the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con souvenir book. The art celebrates the 75th Anniversary of Will Eisner's The Spirit, by artist Michael Cho.
Inked and finished cover of the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con souvenir book. The art celebrates the 75th Anniversary of Will Eisner’s The Spirit, by artist Michael Cho.
Visitors to the San Diego's Art of Comic-Con museum exhibit enjoy a huge mural from a 2008 book cover created by legendary cartoonist Sergio Aragones.
Visitors to the San Diego’s Art of Comic-Con museum exhibit enjoy a huge mural from a 2008 book cover created by legendary cartoonist Sergio Aragones.
Check this out! The mural by Sergio Aragones, of Groo the Wanderer fame, contains hundreds of characters romping about San Diego during Comic-Con!
Check this out! The mural by Sergio Aragones, of Groo the Wanderer fame, contains hundreds of characters romping about San Diego during Comic-Con!
Everyone is heading toward San Diego! I bet they'll crowd into the Gaslamp for an enormous cosplay and pop culture party!
Everyone is heading toward San Diego! I bet they’ll crowd into the Gaslamp for an enormous cosplay and pop culture party!
Gazillions of fans and cosplayers are assembled in front of the San Diego Convention Center!
Gazillions of fans and cosplayers are assembled in front of the San Diego Convention Center!
Superheroes are swinging and flying all over the place!
Superheroes are swinging and flying all over the place!
The silly Sergio Aragones characters have materialized in San Diego from a fertile imagination.
The silly Sergio Aragones characters have materialized in San Diego from a fertile imagination.
One wall in the Central Library museum contained original art used to created past Comic-Con souvenir book covers.
One wall in the Central Library museum contained original art used to create past Comic-Con souvenir book covers.
Artwork used in the 1989 program book cover.
Artwork used for the 1989 program book cover.
1993 cover artwork from the legendary comic book and graphic novel artist Frank Miller.
1993 cover artwork from the legendary comic book and graphic novel artist Frank Miller.
The Justice League flies into action in this original 2011 cover art from fan favorite Jim Lee.
The Justice League flies into action in this original 2011 cover art from fan favorite Jim Lee.
John Romita, Jr. drew Marvel Avengers for the 2012 San Diego Comic-Con souvenir book.
John Romita, Jr. drew some of Marvel’s Avengers for the 2012 San Diego Comic-Con souvenir book.
Dave McKean cover artwork for 2013 Comic-Con.
Dave McKean cover artwork for 2013 Comic-Con.
Jim Lee drew Superman for this WonderCon program book cover in 2013.
Jim Lee drew Superman for this WonderCon program book cover in 2013.
Cliff Chiang's Wonder Woman graced the cover of WonderCon's program book in 2014.
Cliff Chiang’s Wonder Woman graced the cover of WonderCon’s program book in 2014.
Sergio Aragones signed his covers from the 2008 book Comic-Con 40 Years of Artists, Writers, Fans and Friends. He's a super friendly guy!
Sergio Aragones signed his covers from the 2008 book “Comic-Con 40 Years of Artists, Writers, Fans and Friends”. He’s a super friendly guy!
If you're going to 2015 San Diego Comic-Con, head to the 9th floor of the downtown library. The gallery is up there, along with some great views of the city!
If you’re going to 2015 San Diego Comic-Con, head to the 9th floor of the downtown library. The gallery is up there, along with some great views of the city!

Comic-Con is coming! I’ll be taking lots of pics!

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Ant-Man street banners in San Diego for Comic-Con.

Ant-Man banners in downtown San Diego decorate street lamps for 2015 Comic-Con. The tiny Marvel superhero better not park here!
Ant-Man banners in downtown San Diego decorate street lamps for 2015 Comic-Con. According to a nearby sign, the tiny Marvel superhero better not park here!

I just got home from a short walk after work through downtown San Diego. I wandered down Broadway and a bit through the Gaslamp. I noticed a bunch of new street lamp banners are up for 2015 Comic-Con. They all promoted the upcoming Marvel Ant-Man movie!

I’ve also included a couple bonus pics, just for fun!

While I walked around, I spotted this cool guitarist making music by the door of the Hard Rock Cafe.
While I walked around, I spotted this cool guitarist making music by the door of the Hard Rock Cafe.
A bar called Analog in the Gaslamp had a huge (non-digital) Rubik's Cube out on the sidewalk! The security guard said it's there just for fun!
A bar called Analog in the Gaslamp had a huge (non-digital) Rubik’s Cube out on the sidewalk! The security guard said it’s there just for fun!
Large Marvel Ant-Man movie banners flutter in the breeze down the center of Broadway.
Large Marvel Ant-Man movie banners flutter in the breeze down the center of Broadway.

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at IDW comic art gallery!

A very cool comic art gallery created by IDW Publishing opened a little over a week ago in San Diego's Liberty Station.
A very cool comic art gallery created by IDW Publishing opened a little over a week ago in San Diego’s Liberty Station.

This morning I enjoyed an incredible treat. I checked out the new San Diego Comic Art Gallery, part of IDW Publishing’s new headquarters at NTC Liberty Station. IDW is the fourth largest comic book publisher in the United States, and their rapid expansion was the reason for their move. Their new home is in a renovated barracks at the historic Naval Training Center San Diego, located in Point Loma. NTC Liberty Station has become home to a number of other museums, galleries and cultural attractions, a few of which I’ve blogged about already.

The first exhibition at the San Diego Comic Art Gallery concerns the art of Kevin Eastman. He is a co-creator of the stupendously successful Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He and Peter Laird imagined the funny characters during a casual brainstorming session over thirty years ago. Their Mirage Studios was founded in 1983. IDW now owns publishing rights to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, so original artwork provided by Kevin Eastman appropriately fills the comic gallery for the public to freely enjoy. Perhaps the most incredible part of the exhibition is a realistic representation of his studio, filled with creative materials and his own personal collectibles. There are shelves and shelves of toys, figurines and cool pop culture stuff!

Flash photography is not allowed in the museum-like gallery, because the light degrades the extremely valuable artwork. Consequently, many of my photos came out dim or blurred. Here are a few which turned out reasonably okay. They provide a flavor of what you’ll see should you visit!

The first exhibition of the San Diego Comic Art Gallery features the work of Kevin Eastman, co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
The first exhibition of the San Diego Comic Art Gallery features the work of Kevin Eastman, co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Kevin Eastman began reading comics and drawing at a very young age. Major influences include Jack Kirby and science fiction. He created a character named Ninja Turtle just for fun.
Kevin Eastman began reading comics and drawing at a very young age. Major influences include Jack Kirby and science fiction. He created a character named Ninja Turtle just for fun.
One of several TMNT drawings in a front window at the new San Diego Comic Art Gallery.
One of several TMNT drawings in a front window at the new San Diego Comic Art Gallery.
Many examples of original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle artwork are on display in the fun, family-friendly museum.
Many examples of original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle artwork are on display in the fun, family-friendly museum.
Foot Warrior Chick and a Foot Ninja with cloak, two enemies of the world-famous comic book, movie and cartoon turtles.
Foot Warrior Chick and a Foot Ninja with cloak, two enemies of the world-famous comic book, movie and cartoon turtles.
Images in one display show some work of comic artist Kevin Eastman and the studio where he has worked.
Images in one display show some work of comic artist Kevin Eastman and the studio where he has worked.
The studio you see before you is what I work in today. Every item has been brought from my home studio, and personal collections spanning over thirty five years. Cowabunga Dude!
The studio you see before you is what I work in today. Every item has been brought from my home studio, and personal collections spanning over thirty five years. Cowabunga Dude!
Photo through glass of the Kevin Eastman studio, transported to San Diego for this special exhibition.
Photo through glass of the Kevin Eastman studio, transported to San Diego for this special exhibition.
Wood panel by studio window shows the four funny, dynamic turtles in action.
Wood panel by studio window shows the four funny, dynamic turtles in action.
Leonardo, wearing a blue mask, overlooks visitors to a room where kids and adults are encouraged to draw, experience and read about comic art.
Venus, wearing a blue mask, overlooks visitors to a room where kids and adults are encouraged to draw, experience and read about comic art.
Inked panel is one sample of the fun TMNT artwork on display at the Kevin Eastman exhibition.
Inked panel is one sample of the fun TMNT artwork on display at the Kevin Eastman exhibition.
From sketch to finished page, visitors to the gallery can view a comic book's creative process.
From sketch to finished page, visitors to the gallery can view a comic book’s creative process.
Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael, Donatello and Splinter, the Turtles’ sensei.
Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael, Donatello and Splinter, the Turtles’ sensei.
Shredder, the villainous leader of the Foot Clan in New York City.
Shredder, the villainous leader of the Foot Clan in New York City.
Colorful graphic depicts Raphael, of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Colorful graphic depicts Raphael, of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Life is Art. Paint your Dreams.
Life is Art. Paint your Dreams.

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Photos of crazy fun at 2014 San Diego Comic-Con.

Wonder Woman in a glass case and passing fans.
Wonder Woman in a glass case and passing fans.

2015 San Diego Comic-Con is less than a month away! As everyone gets ready, it’s time to remember some of the crazy fun stuff we experienced in 2014. Here’s a collection of blogs which contain numerous photos from SDCC last year.

Because I live in downtown San Diego, I’ll attempt to photograph a whole bunch of cool sights and Comic-Con craziness again this year, including trolley wraps, building wraps, special events, exhibits, cosplay and miscellaneous stuff around the Gaslamp! Stay tuned!

Click to enjoy:

Cosplay and Comic-Con craziness in the Gaslamp!

Comic-Con morning near the convention center.

Pics of 2014 San Diego Comic-Con Preview Night!

EXCLUSIVE: Cool stuff rises at 2014 Comic-Con!

S.H.I.E.L.D. rises on a black San Diego trolley!

Gotham wrap on San Diego Comic-Con trolley!

Cool detailed model of Boba Fett.
Cool detailed model of Boba Fett.

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