2018 Comic-Con getting ready in high gear!

A car appears to have mysteriously crashed into the Childrens Park fountain! It's part of the Castle Rock offsite for 2018 San Diego Comic-Con. Surprises await visitors around every corner.
A car appears to have mysteriously crashed into the Childrens Park fountain! It’s part of the Castle Rock offsite for 2018 San Diego Comic-Con. Surprises await visitors around every corner.

Four days to go until 2018 San Diego Comic-Con! There’s so much cool stuff popping up around the convention center, I can hardly keep track of it all!

This afternoon I walked around the entire area, checking out some of the building wraps and offsites that have begun to appear. Construction hasn’t begun on the Experience at Comic-Con or Deadquarters yet. I was told Comedy Central will occupy the same space at the Broad City indoor coloring book last year, but I could see no indication of activity there, either.

Check out these photos and read the captions for more information. It seems Comic-Con gets bigger and more exciting every year!

A photo of the Castle Rock sign from across Harbor Drive.
A photo of the Castle Rock sign from across Harbor Drive.
These mannequins will be part of Hulu's surprising Castle Rock experience!
These mannequins will be part of Hulu’s surprising Castle Rock experience!
A guy working on the Castle Rock offsite said this is the bed and breakfast.
A guy working on the Castle Rock offsite said this is the bed and breakfast.
Picnic benches have been placed in Childrens Park, which will become a spooky Castle Rock forest.
Picnic tables have been placed in Childrens Park, which will become a spooky Castle Rock forest.
At Amazon's Jack Ryan Experience, more progress is being made.
At Amazon’s Jack Ryan Experience, more progress is being made.
Visitors to the Jack Ryan Experience can enjoy shade under camouflage netting!
Visitors to the Jack Ryan Experience can enjoy shade under camouflage netting!
The big Conan wrap on the Marriott Marquis is almost completed!
The big Conan wrap on the Marriott Marquis is almost completed!
Another photo I took walking around the Gaslamp four days before 2018 San Diego Comic-Con.
Another photo I took walking around the Gaslamp four days before 2018 San Diego Comic-Con.
The prominent DC Universe wrap is wrapped up!
The prominent DC Universe wrap is wrapped up!
A Doom Patrol sign on a portion of the DC Universe Experience. This must be Chief's (Dr. Niles Caulder) Lab.
A Doom Patrol sign on a temporary structure inside the DC Universe Experience. This must be Chief’s (Dr. Niles Caulder) Lab.
A Marvel building wrap is being applied above the Lou & Mickey's sign.
A Marvel building wrap is being applied above the Lou & Mickey’s sign.
Inside The Chuck Jones Gallery in the Gaslamp you'll find a bunch of cool Star Wars art.
Inside The Chuck Jones Gallery in the Gaslamp you’ll find a bunch of cool Star Wars art.
Plus some super cool Alex Ross artwork depicting DC's most popular heroes.
Plus some super cool Alex Ross artwork depicting DC’s most popular heroes.
The line for LAIKA LIVE San Diego is growing as Comic-Con approaches.
The line for LAIKA LIVE San Diego is growing as Comic-Con approaches.
Lots of construction activity around the hub of Comic-Con's outdoor campus.
Lots of construction activity around the hub of Comic-Con’s outdoor campus.
An ice cream vendor crosses Fifth Avenue. The Gifted wrap on the Omni appears above the offsite for The Good Place, now under construction.
An ice cream vendor crosses Fifth Avenue. The Gifted wrap on the Omni appears above the offsite for The Good Place, now under construction.
Some guys are working on NBC's The Good Place offsite at 2018 San Diego Comic-Con.
Some guys are working on NBC’s The Good Place offsite at 2018 San Diego Comic-Con.
On Friday I spoke briefly to a guy putting The Good Place stickers on the Tin Fish's outdoor tables.
On Friday I spoke briefly to a guy putting The Good Place stickers on the Tin Fish’s outdoor tables.
Turning back for another photo as I walk along.
Turning back for another photo as I walk along.
Here comes a restored PCC trolley on the Silver Line. I love riding these old trolleys, but not today. More stuff to see.
Here comes a restored PCC streetcar on the San Diego Trolley’s downtown loop Silver Line. I love riding these old trolleys, but not today. More stuff to see!
Crossing the Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge, I see the tents outside the San Diego Convention Center are already set up.
Crossing the Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge, I see the tents outside the San Diego Convention Center are already set up.
There's that Jack Ryan wrap on the Omni Hotel that I photographed a couple days ago. It's nearly finished.
There’s that Jack Ryan wrap on the Omni Hotel that I photographed a couple days ago. It’s nearly finished.
The FXhibition area is under construction now. Those shady canopies when seen from above spell FX.
The FXhibition area is under construction now. Those shady canopies when seen from above spell FX.
I learned this structure will help promote the FX show Legion.
I learned this interesting structure will help promote the FX show Legion.
Looking across the grass of Hilton Waterfront Park. Lots of Comic-Con offsite construction activity!
Looking across the grass of Hilton Waterfront Park. Lots of Comic-Con offsite construction activity!
FOX and National Geographic will be previewing Cosmos Possible Worlds.
FOX and National Geographic will be previewing Cosmos Possible Worlds.
That big wrap on the Hilton San Diego Bayfront is in fact for the upcoming FX television series Mayan MC.
That big wrap on the Hilton San Diego Bayfront is in fact for the upcoming FX television series Mayan MC, a spin-off of the popular Sons of Anarchy.
I believe this winding blue track will be Adult Swim's lazy river, where go-kart
I believe this winding blue track will be Adult Swim’s lazy river, where go-kart “canoes” will race. I imagine those races will be visually funny!
Another Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan building wrap, this one on the side of the Marriott Marquis. Amazon is promoting the upcoming show in a big way at SDCC2018.
Another Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan building wrap, this one on the side of the Marriott Marquis. Amazon Video is promoting their upcoming show in a very big way at SDCC 2018.
A colorful Dragon Ball Super, The Movie wrap on the Marriott's recent meeting room expansion.
A colorful Dragon Ball Super: The Movie wrap on the Marriott’s recent meeting room expansion.

UPDATE!

I walked around Monday morning and got lots of new pics! More wraps and offsites are appearing!

Manifest, an upcoming NBC television series, promoted on a building wrap being applied to the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego for 2018 Comic-Con.
Manifest, an upcoming NBC television series, promoted on a building wrap being applied to the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego for 2018 Comic-Con.
Another graphic promoting Manifest on the convention center side of the Hard Rock Hotel.
Another graphic promoting Manifest on the convention center side of the Hard Rock Hotel.
The symbol for Marvel hero Iron Fist in a building wrap near the Gaslamp Quarter landmark sign.
The symbol for Marvel hero Iron Fist in a building wrap near the Gaslamp Quarter landmark sign.
Construction continues on The Good Place offsite near the Tin Fish.
Construction continues on The Good Place offsite near the Tin Fish.
Getting video screens ready at NBC's The Good Place offsite.
Getting video screens ready at NBC’s The Good Place offsite.
Looks like Comic-Con fans might be served yogurt.
Looks like Comic-Con fans might be served yogurt.
It would be really, really hard to eat yogurt with that gigantic fork, however!
It would be really, really hard to eat yogurt with that gigantic fork, however!
The upper story of The Good Place.
The upper story of The Good Place.
The Experience at Comic-Con in Petco Park's adjacent Lexux Premier Lot is barely getting started on Monday morning.
The Experience at Comic-Con in Petco Park’s adjacent Lexus Premier Lot is barely getting started on Monday morning. Better get to work in a hurry!
Behind the San Diego Convention Center, near the Hilton Bayfront, the FXhibition is under construction. I saw these graphics which I believe will be used to promote Archer.
Behind the San Diego Convention Center, near the Hilton Bayfront, the FXhibition is under construction. I saw these graphics which I believe will be used to promote the FX show Archer.
I see FOX will be promoting The Passage in their section of Hilton Waterfront Park.
I see FOX will be promoting The Passage in their section of Hilton Waterfront Park.
I believe this is the Adult Swim lazy river. Workers would tell me nothing. Top Secret, apparently!
I believe this is part of the Adult Swim lazy river. Workers would tell me nothing. Top Secret, apparently!
Another photo of the Adult Swim offsite under construction.
Another photo of the Adult Swim offsite under construction.
Comic-Con exhibitors were unloading their stuff as a small fleet of forklifts zipped about.
Comic-Con exhibitors were unloading their stuff as a small fleet of forklifts zipped about.
Bandai is setting up an offsite in the terrace by the Marriott Marina, where Conival was last year.
Bandai is setting up an offsite in the terrace by the Marriott Marina, where Conival was last year.
The left portion of the big Dragon Ball Super wrap is done. Very cool!
The left portion of that big Dragon Ball Super wrap is done. Very cool!
The Jack Ryan wrap on the Marriott Marquis is about half finished on Monday morning.
The Jack Ryan wrap on the Marriott Marquis is about half finished on Monday morning.
Syfy wraps are being applied to The New Childrens Museum.
Syfy wraps are being applied to The New Children’s Museum.
Getting ready for 2018 Comic-Con--just three days away!
Getting ready for 2018 Comic-Con–just three days away!
In Hulu's Castle Rock forest, some sort of structure is being set up.
In Hulu’s Castle Rock forest, some sort of structure is being set up.
The South Park Escape Room is just getting started.
The South Park Escape Room is just getting started.
Dead Quarters is also just getting started. It's going to feature a slide!
Dead Quarters is also just getting started. It’s going to feature a slide!
And a zombie meat grinder!
And a zombie meat grinder!
With a bloody conveyor belt!
With a bloody conveyor belt!
The Impractical Jokers Block Party is starting to set up at Petco Park.
Purge City is starting to set up at Petco Park.
Another photo of Comic-Con preparation in front of the Western Metal Supply Co. building.
Another photo of Comic-Con preparation in front of the Western Metal Supply Co. building.
I learned this lot at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Island Avenue will feature a gigantic Dell laptop!
I learned this lot at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Island Avenue will feature a gigantic 20 foot tall Dell laptop!
A peek into the space where the Mr. Mercedes Immersive Experience will be during 2018 San Diego Comic-Con.
A peek into the space where the Mr. Mercedes Immersive Experience will be during 2018 San Diego Comic-Con.

ANOTHER UPDATE!

I walked all over the place on Monday afternoon, and even more Comic-Con stuff is appearing around the San Diego Convention Center, Petco Park and the Gaslamp!

Here comes yet another batch of photos!

Characters from South Park are readied outside a Comic-Con escape room being prepared at the Comedy Central offsite.
Characters from South Park are readied outside a Comic-Con escape room being prepared at the Comedy Central offsite.
Cool mural for Mayans MC in courtyard by the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.
Cool mural for Mayans MC in courtyard by the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.
Some big teepees and wooden bridges over the lazy river canoe track have appeared at the Adult Swim offsite on Monday afternoon.
Some big teepees and wooden bridges over the lazy river canoe track have appeared at the Adult Swim offsite on Monday afternoon.
Left side of the Adult Swim entrance.
Left side of the Adult Swim entrance.
Welcome to Adult Swim State Park!
Welcome to Adult Swim State Park!
Wraps on Petco Park are appearing. The two I spotted promote Whiskey Cavalier on ABC.
Wraps on Petco Park are appearing. The two I spotted promote Whiskey Cavalier on ABC. (UPDATE! I was wrong! As it turned out this first one promotes The Rookie on ABC.)
The second Whiskey Cavalier building wrap is farther along.
The second Whiskey Cavalier building wrap is farther along.
I believe this will be a big stage in one corner of the Experience at Comic-Con.
I believe this will be a big stage in one corner of the Experience at Comic-Con.
Sacred Lies, an upcoming show on Facebook Watch, will be promoted near one entrance to the Experience at Comic-Con.
Sacred Lies, an upcoming show on Facebook Watch, will be promoted near one entrance to the Experience at Comic-Con.
Erecting the huge stage in a Petco Park parking lot.
Erecting the huge stage in a Petco Park parking lot.
Spherical shrubs at The Good Place match circular windows.
Spherical shrubs at The Good Place match circular windows.
I believe that's Harley Quinn in a window of Toscana Cafe & Wine Bar in the Gaslamp.
I believe that’s Harley Quinn in a window of Toscana Cafe & Wine Bar in the Gaslamp.
Alita Battle Angel promoted on a pedicab on the Embarcadero.
Alita Battle Angel promoted on a pedicab on the Embarcadero.
The Team Coco House on Fourth Avenue is being prepared.
The Team Coco House on Fourth Avenue is being prepared.
Dell will be building that huge laptop here.
Dell will be building that huge laptop here.
At Dead Quarters, they must realize that blood meal makes for great fertilizer.
At Dead Quarters, they must realize that blood meal makes for great fertilizer.
The Syfy wrap on The New Children's Museum is looking good.
The Syfy wrap on The New Children’s Museum is looking good.
So is the facade of the bed and breakfast at Hulu's Castle Rock offsite.
So is the facade of the bed and breakfast at Hulu’s Castle Rock offsite.
Props are being placed in the Castle Rock Forest, otherwise known as Children's Park.
Props are being placed in the Castle Rock forest, otherwise known as Children’s Park.
Lawn chairs face a stage.
Lawn chairs face a stage.
Part of a Middle Eastern bazaar on MLK Promenade beckons people to head up First Avenue to the Jack Ryan Experience.
Part of a Middle Eastern bazaar on MLK Promenade beckons people to head up First Avenue to the Jack Ryan Experience.
A huge bazaar is about ready at the Jack Ryan Experience offsite by Amazon Prime Video.
A huge bazaar is about ready at the Jack Ryan Experience offsite by Amazon Prime Video.
I learned visitors will climb to the helicopter, descend by wire to a top floor, then head over to the zip line. Once on the ground, there's more training to do involving some sort of vehicles.
I learned visitors will climb to the helicopter, descend by wire to a top floor, then head over to the zip line. Once on the ground, there’s more training to do involving some sort of vehicle.
The Dark Ops emblem is ready on the bunker-like escape room.
The Dark Ops emblem is ready on the bunker-like escape room.
I was told the escape room will be pretty intense.
I was told the escape room will be pretty intense.

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!

Photos of tour inside LAIKA LIVE San Diego!

Dozens of amazing stop-motion puppets can be viewed inside LAIKA LIVE San Diego at 2018 Comic-Con!
Dozens of amazing stop-motion puppets can be viewed inside LAIKA LIVE San Diego at 2018 Comic-Con!

Wow!

If you thought last year’s Laika Experience at Comic-Con was great, you’ll be absolutely stunned by LAIKA LIVE San Diego in 2018!

Not only are there lots of detailed puppets, models and scale movie sets, but during the tour visitors can meet and talk to an actual working armaturist and an animator! Anyone interested in how Laika produces their films can ask any sort of question, and the friendly guys explain everything–from how puppets, their armatures and costumes are created and manipulated, to how scenes are conceived and filmed.

Visitors to LAIKA LIVE San Diego also get a preview of the upcoming funny and heartwarming movie Missing Link.

If you can, visit this Comic-Con offsite before Comic-Con actually begins and the lines get really, really long.

Here are some photos. Read the captions for more info. I’m no expert, so I hope I’ve described things correctly.

There’s a lot more to see than what I cover here. Many detailed displays that visitors can view during the tour explain the complicated process of making a Laika movie!

Before beginning the tour, visitors can pose with various Laika characters, like Other Mother, for a photo.
Before beginning the tour, visitors can pose with various Laika characters, like Other Mother, for a photo.
While we wait to begin the tour, we watch a video explaining various aspects of Laika's animation and how their fantastic movies are produced.
While we wait to begin the tour, we watch a video explaining various aspects of Laika’s animation and how their fantastic movies are produced.
Visitors are encouraged to vote for this LEGO model of Coraline's house by photographing a QR code. Given enough votes, LEGO will produce the kit!
Visitors are encouraged to vote for this LEGO model of Coraline’s house by photographing a QR code. Given enough votes, LEGO will produce the kit!
A board contains Laika fan art and letters.
A board contains Laika fan art and letters.
Examples of one letter and some fan art.
Examples of one letter and some fan art.
Visitors to LAIKA LIVE San Diego get character fans as free swag.
Visitors to LAIKA LIVE San Diego get character fans as free swag.
The tour has begun. First up we see a large model of Coraline's Other World House Exterior, or Pink Palace. The 1/16 scale miniature was used to film several exterior scenes.
The tour has begun. Here we see a large model of Coraline’s Other World House Exterior, or Pink Palace. The 1/16 scale miniature was used to film several exterior scenes.
A closer look, with models of Coraline characters on the porch.
A closer look, with models of Coraline characters on the porch.
A friendly LAIKA Armaturist describes how puppets are made, manipulated and repaired at his workstation, dubbed the Puppet Hospital. He answered every sort of question!
A friendly LAIKA armaturist describes how puppets are made, manipulated and repaired at his workstation, dubbed the Puppet Hospital. He answered every sort of question!
Two of the puppets, I believe from ParaNorman.
Two of the puppets, I believe from ParaNorman.
A look at the Puppet Hospital and some of the tools used to make, modify and repair Laika's many puppets.
A look at the Puppet Hospital and some of the tools used to make, modify and repair Laika’s many puppets.
Once a puppet's physical posture is slightly altered, a key tightens up the armature for another camera shot.
Once a puppet’s physical posture is slightly altered, the turn of a key tightens up the armature for another camera shot.
Next we see how this Laika Animator captures images of Kubo on a small set of his village using a camera on a running rig.
Next we see how this Laika animator captures images of Kubo on a small set of his village using a camera on a running rig.
One camera shot is observed.
One camera shot is analyzed.
Software allows many frames to be merged and edited into a completed film.
Software allows many frames to be merged and edited into a completed film.
Some puppets have many faces that can be attached, each with a slightly different expression.
Some puppets have many faces that can be attached, each with a slightly different expression.
The tour continues to a large set that is being used to film Laika's upcoming funny movie Missing Link. The detail of the Pacific Northwest forest is extraordinary.
The tour continues to a large set that is being used to film Laika’s upcoming funny movie Missing Link. The detail of the Pacific Northwest forest is extraordinary.
The friendly LAIKA tour guide poses for a fun photo!
The friendly LAIKA tour guide poses for a fun photo!
Near the end of the tour, there is a life-size replica of Coraline's Other World Living Room.
Near the end of the tour, there is a life-size replica of Coraline’s Other World Living Room.
A fantastic model and puppets used in the filming of The Boxtrolls.
A fantastic set and puppets used in the filming of The Boxtrolls.
More cool sights during an amazing tour of LAIKA LIVE San Diego at 2018 Comic-Con!
More cool sights during an amazing tour of LAIKA LIVE San Diego at 2018 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!

More cool stuff appears outside 2018 Comic-Con!

A gigantic bunker-like structure has been built in one corner of Amazon's Jack Ryan Experience off-site for 2018 San Diego Comic-Con.
A large bunker-like structure has been built in one corner of Amazon’s huge Jack Ryan Experience offsite for 2018 San Diego Comic-Con.

A week to go and more stuff is showing up outside 2018 San Diego Comic-Con!

I walked around the Gaslamp Quarter and East Village after work and got some photos! Nothing has appeared yet behind the San Diego Convention Center, or outside Petco Park. Once the ESRI conference ends and the Padres finish their home stand, I’ll bet that changes rapidly!

Read the captions!

Another photo of the Jack Ryan Experience taken one week before Comic-Con.
Another photo of the Jack Ryan Experience taken one week before Comic-Con. You can see the zip line.
The huge helicopter now stands near a building whose doors have Moorish-looking arches.
The huge helicopter now stands near a mock building whose doors have Moorish-looking arches.
Guys work on the helicopter which seems to have a fresh coat of glossy paint.
Guys work on the helicopter which seems to have a fresh coat of glossy paint.
The entrance to LAIKA LIVE San Diego appears ready to go. It opens Friday afternoon, six days before 2018 Comic-Con!
The entrance to LAIKA LIVE San Diego appears ready to go. It opens tomorrow–Friday afternoon–six days before 2018 Comic-Con!
If you read the spoiler update near the end of my last blog post, you'll recognize this mystery object!
If you read the final update near the end of my last blog post, you’ll recognize this mystery object!
The cool DC Universe wrap on the Hilton Gaslamp appears to be halfway applied.
The cool DC Universe wrap on the Hilton Gaslamp appears to be halfway applied.
A building wrap on the Omni Hotel is just getting started. Looks to me like it promotes The Gifted.
A building wrap on the Omni Hotel is just getting started. Looks to me like it promotes The Gifted.
Walking through the Gaslamp yesterday, I saw this scary clown head on the Fifth Avenue sidewalk, but today it's gone!
Walking through the Gaslamp yesterday, I saw this scary clown head on the Fifth Avenue sidewalk, but today it’s gone!
Amazon is erecting an offsite that promotes their Fire TV and popular channels that it features.
Amazon is erecting an offsite that promotes their Fire TV and popular channels that it features. You can find it at the corner of Market Street and Seventh Avenue.
Graphic on the Fire TV tent. Watch Disenchantment on Netflix starting August 17.
Graphic on the Fire TV tent. Watch Disenchantment on Netflix starting August 17.

UPDATE!

Here are photos taken late Friday. Lots of new offsites and wraps are beginning to appear!

With less than a week to go, Comic-Con International logos have appeared all over the San Diego Convention Center!
With less than a week to go, Comic-Con International logos have appeared all over the San Diego Convention Center!
A guy driving a lift around the convention center is getting stuff ready for 2018 Comic-Con!
A guy driving a lift around the convention center is getting stuff ready for 2018 Comic-Con!
A big building wrap on the Omni Hotel will promote Amazon's upcoming show Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan.
A big building wrap on the Omni Hotel will promote Amazon’s upcoming show Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan.
Hulu's offsite promoting Castle Rock is rising near the New Children's Museum in San Diego.
Hulu’s offsite promoting Castle Rock is rising near the New Children’s Museum in San Diego.
Workers get the Castle Rock activation ready for 2018 Comic-Con.
Workers get the Castle Rock activation ready for 2018 Comic-Con.
More work has been done on the Jack Ryan Experience. The Jack Ryan Training Field allows fans to immerse themselves in a hyper-reality virtual reality spy experience.
More work has been done on the Jack Ryan Experience. The Jack Ryan Training Field allows fans to immerse themselves in a hyper-reality virtual reality spy experience.
A huge bunker-like escape room in one corner of the Jack Ryan Experience has a cool seal. JACK RYAN DARK OPS.
The huge bunker-like escape room in one corner of the Jack Ryan Experience has a cool seal. JACK RYAN DARK OPS.
The cool DC Universe wrap on the Hilton Gaslamp is almost completed.
The cool DC Universe wrap on the Hilton Gaslamp is almost completed.
A wrap on the Omni Hotel promoting The Gifted, above initial construction of an NBC offsite near the Tin Fish. Fans will experience The Good Place.
A wrap on the Omni Hotel promoting The Gifted, above initial construction of an NBC offsite near the Tin Fish. Fans will experience The Good Place.
Guys in charge of erecting The Good Place offsite for 2018 San Diego Comic-Con confer.
Guys in charge of erecting The Good Place offsite for 2018 San Diego Comic-Con confer in the summer sunshine.
A big Conan O'Brien wrap is being placed on the Marriott Marquis. The design appears similar to this year's Conan trolley wrap.
A big Conan O’Brien wrap is being placed on the Marriott Marquis. The design appears similar to this year’s Conan trolley wrap.
A building wrap is being applied to the Hilton Bayfront, and the Adult Swim offsite has barely begun to appear. No FXhibition as of yet.
A building wrap is being applied to the Hilton Bayfront, and the Adult Swim offsite has barely begun to appear. No FXhibition as of yet.
I don't recognize what this wrap promotes--not yet! Feel free to leave a comment if you know!
I don’t recognize what this wrap promotes–not yet! The motorcycle suggests it might by the new FX series Mayans MC–the spin-off from Sons of Anarchy. Feel free to leave a comment if you know!

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!

I plan to take tons of photos during 2018 Comic-Con!

Huge helicopter, banners appear for 2018 Comic-Con!

A huge helicopter now stands high above the street on a steel structure for the Jack Ryan Experience at 2018 San Diego Comic-Con!
A huge helicopter now stands high above the street on a steel structure for the Jack Ryan Experience at 2018 San Diego Comic-Con!

Check it out! More cool stuff is appearing around downtown for 2018 Comic-Con!

The Jack Ryan Experience has been under construction for a few days now, and that helicopter I spied in the parking lot is now way up in the air on a huge steel structure. It appears the zip line will descend from the helicopter across a backdrop depicting a rugged Middle Eastern landscape!

I also spotted three gigantic banners hung from the parking structure of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. They advertise two upcoming video games: Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Kingdom Hearts III.

Ten days to go until Comic-Con officially opens!

The graphic backdrop appears complete. Lots of crates in the parking lot indicate there's much more set to up before this large offsite is ready.
The Jack Ryan Experience graphic backdrop appears complete. Lots of crates in the parking lot indicate there’s much more set to up before this Comic-Con offsite is ready.
A look at the gigantic Jack Ryan helicopter from across the street. A zip line will run from it down along a Middle Eastern aerial landscape.
A look at the gigantic Jack Ryan helicopter from across the street. A zip line will run from it along a Middle Eastern aerial landscape.
The Hilton Bayfront parking structure has three huge banners hung as of today for 2018 San Diego Comic-Con.
The Hilton Bayfront parking structure has three huge banners hung as of today for 2018 San Diego Comic-Con.
A prominent banner facing downtown promotes the upcoming video game Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
A prominent banner facing Petco Park and downtown promotes the upcoming video game Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
Another banner on the Harbor Drive side of the parking structure also advertises the new Tomb Raider game.
Another banner on the Harbor Drive side of the parking structure also advertises the new Tomb Raider game.
A huge banner facing the San Diego Convention Center features Disney characters and promotes Kingdom Hearts III which debuts early next year.
A huge banner facing the San Diego Convention Center features Disney characters and promotes Kingdom Hearts III which debuts early next year.

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!

LAIKA LIVE San Diego–UPDATE!

LAIKA LIVE San Diego is coming to 2018 Comic-Con...bigger and better than ever!
LAIKA LIVE San Diego is coming to 2018 Comic-Con . . . bigger and better than last year!

In my previous blog post, I discovered Laika is returning to San Diego Comic-Con. This morning I walked down to check things out again and learned that Laika’s presence in the Gaslamp this year will be substantially larger and more interesting!

The Laika Experience in 2017 was so amazingly successful, with lines that were so long, they’ve decided to enlarge the space and include even more stuff. I learned that for LAIKA LIVE San Diego this year, there will be life-size movie sets that the public can enter, including Coraline’s bedroom! (I went on the tour since I wrote this. Turns out I misinterpreted what I heard. It’s a life-size replica of Coraline’s Other World Living Room. Still very cool!)

UPDATE!

Here’s some great info I received from Laika!

Oscar®-winning animation studio LAIKA, creators of Coraline, ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls and Kubo and the Two Strings, returns to the heart of San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter with an all new, bigger-than-ever LAIKA LIVE exhibit from Friday, July 13 – Sunday, July 22, 2018 coinciding with the city’s PRIDE and Comic-Con festivities. With a new location (350 Fifth Avenue) providing three times the space as last year’s fantastically successful LAIKA installation, the free and all new exhibit will feature a huge cache of props, puppets, and sets from LAIKA’s critically acclaimed and award-winning films. Highlights include fan art, technology demonstrations, drawings for a pair of coveted Coraline Dunks from Nike, social media activations, LAIKA merchandise offered for sale (including brand new items and limited edition Coraline items), multiple giveaways, and more.  LAIKA President & CEO Travis Knight will lead a Facebook Live tour of the exhibit and do an autograph signing with a soon-to-be-announced special guest on Saturday, July 21.

Curators will explain the magical process of LAIKA’s filmmaking as guests peek behind the curtain at one of the most imaginative film studios in the world. LAIKA’s roster of costume characters (appearing both at the exhibit and throughout the Gaslamp Quarter) will pose for photos and for the first time ever will include Coraline and Other Mother, in a nod to the iconic film’s 10th anniversary (release date was February 9, 2009). In addition, fans will meet the costume character Mr. Link and see a set and Mr. Link puppet from LAIKA’s latest film Missing Link (set for release April 19, 2019).

WHERE:

350 Fifth Avenue (between J & K Streets)

WHEN:

Friday, July 13 to Sunday, July 22, 2018

Hours of Operation:

Friday, 7/13:  2-10pm
Saturday, 7/14: 2-10pm
Sunday, 7/15:  11am-5pm
Monday, 7/16:  12-5pm
Tuesday, 7/17: 12-5pm
Wednesday, 7/18: 12-5pm
Thursday, 7/19:  10am-10pm
Friday, 7/20:  10am-11pm
Saturday, 7/21: LAIKA store opens at 10am; exhibit: 2:00pm-11pm
Sunday, 7/22: 10am-6pm

HIGHLIGHTS:

Saturday, July 21 (with soon-to-be announced special guest)

11am: LAIKA President & CEO Travis Knight (director of Kubo and the Two Strings) will take Facebook Live guests on a tour of the exhibit. (Details tba)

12:30 to 2:00pm: Autograph signing session with Travis Knight. Autographs of merchandise (available at the store at LAIKA LIVE) will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, time permitting.

WHAT TO SEE at LAIKA LIVE:

●  Sets, puppets, props and technology demonstrations from all four LAIKA films as well as our hero puppet and a set from the studio’s upcoming Missing Link.
●  LAIKA merchandise available for purchase.
●  Daily drawing for one pair of collectible Coraline Dunks from Nike.
●  Photo ops with LAIKA costume characters, including:

◦ Coraline and Other Mother from Coraline
◦ Norman and Zombie Judge from ParaNorman
◦ Boxtrolls Fish and Sparky from The Boxtrolls
◦ Kubo, Monkey and Beetle from Kubo and the Two Strings
◦ Mister Link from Missing Link

LAIKA LIVE San Diego coming to 2018 Comic-Con!

Coraline graphic at entrance to the LAIKA LIVE San Diego offsite at 2018 San Diego Comic-Con.
Coraline graphic at entrance to the LAIKA LIVE San Diego offsite at 2018 San Diego Comic-Con.

Laika is returning to Comic-Con! As I walked through the Gaslamp Quarter this evening, I noticed their offsite venue for 2018 is under construction, in the old Dick’s Last Resort patio, where the Syfy Geek Love Chapel was located last year.

I loved the Laika Experience last year. Lots of cool stop-motion puppets, models and sets from their great animated movies were on display, open free to the general public. If you want to see what they had on display during Comic-Con last year, check out the related links at the bottom of this blog post.

I’m not sure right now exactly what LAIKA LIVE San Diego will be, but when I did some searching I noticed that Kubo and the Two Strings will be showing at the UltraStar Theater in Hazard Center during Comic-Con. I also know they are working on a new movie Missing Link which will debut in 2019.

LAIKA LIVE San Diego is coming to the Gaslamp Quarter for 2018 Comic-Con!
LAIKA LIVE San Diego is coming to the Gaslamp Quarter for 2018 Comic-Con!
The Boxtrolls.
The Boxtrolls.
ParaNorman.
ParaNorman.
Kubo and the Two Strings.
Kubo and the Two Strings.

UPDATE!

Here’s some great info I received from Laika!

Oscar®-winning animation studio LAIKA, creators of Coraline, ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls and Kubo and the Two Strings, returns to the heart of San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter with an all new, bigger-than-ever LAIKA LIVE exhibit from Friday, July 13 – Sunday, July 22, 2018 coinciding with the city’s PRIDE and Comic-Con festivities. With a new location (350 Fifth Avenue) providing three times the space as last year’s fantastically successful LAIKA installation, the free and all new exhibit will feature a huge cache of props, puppets, and sets from LAIKA’s critically acclaimed and award-winning films. Highlights include fan art, technology demonstrations, drawings for a pair of coveted Coraline Dunks from Nike, social media activations, LAIKA merchandise offered for sale (including brand new items and limited edition Coraline items), multiple giveaways, and more.  LAIKA President & CEO Travis Knight will lead a Facebook Live tour of the exhibit and do an autograph signing with a soon-to-be-announced special guest on Saturday, July 21.

Curators will explain the magical process of LAIKA’s filmmaking as guests peek behind the curtain at one of the most imaginative film studios in the world. LAIKA’s roster of costume characters (appearing both at the exhibit and throughout the Gaslamp Quarter) will pose for photos and for the first time ever will include Coraline and Other Mother, in a nod to the iconic film’s 10th anniversary (release date was February 9, 2009). In addition, fans will meet the costume character Mr. Link and see a set and Mr. Link puppet from LAIKA’s latest film Missing Link (set for release April 19, 2019).

WHERE:

350 Fifth Avenue (between J & K Streets)

WHEN:

Friday, July 13 to Sunday, July 22, 2018

Hours of Operation:

Friday, 7/13:  2-10pm
Saturday, 7/14: 2-10pm
Sunday, 7/15:  11am-5pm
Monday, 7/16:  12-5pm
Tuesday, 7/17: 12-5pm
Wednesday, 7/18: 12-5pm
Thursday, 7/19:  10am-10pm
Friday, 7/20:  10am-11pm
Saturday, 7/21: LAIKA store opens at 10am; exhibit: 2:00pm-11pm
Sunday, 7/22: 10am-6pm

HIGHLIGHTS:

Saturday, July 21 (with soon-to-be announced special guest)

11am: LAIKA President & CEO Travis Knight (director of Kubo and the Two Strings) will take Facebook Live guests on a tour of the exhibit. (Details tba)

12:30 to 2:00pm: Autograph signing session with Travis Knight. Autographs of merchandise (available at the store at LAIKA LIVE) will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, time permitting.

WHAT TO SEE at LAIKA LIVE:

●  Sets, puppets, props and technology demonstrations from all four LAIKA films as well as our hero puppet and a set from the studio’s upcoming Missing Link.
●  LAIKA merchandise available for purchase.
●  Daily drawing for one pair of collectible Coraline Dunks from Nike.
●  Photo ops with LAIKA costume characters, including:

◦ Coraline and Other Mother from Coraline
◦ Norman and Zombie Judge from ParaNorman
◦ Boxtrolls Fish and Sparky from The Boxtrolls
◦ Kubo, Monkey and Beetle from Kubo and the Two Strings
◦ Mister Link from Missing Link

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!

Jack Ryan Experience under construction!

It’s going to be gigantic! Check it out!

Amazon will be promoting their new Jack Ryan web television series in a big way during 2018 San Diego Comic-Con, and their cool offsite The Jack Ryan Experience is now under construction.

You’ll find it in that big parking lot off First Avenue, north of Harbor Drive, where Blade Runner 2049 was located last year.

UPDATE!

I took those first two photos this morning–Friday. This evening after work I swung on by again and noticed that red steps are now in place that climb up to a zip line.

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UPDATE!

I took more photos on Sunday afternoon. Some graphics are going up, plus what appears to be a large United States military helicopter in the middle of the parking lot. I’m told visitors to The Jack Ryan Experience will find themselves immersed in a Middle Eastern setting. It will be interesting to see what develops!

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UPDATE!

I’ve taken a bunch more photos! You can see how the construction has progressed by checking out one of my later San Diego Comic-Con blog posts, by clicking here.

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 signs that 2018 Comic-Con is coming!

According to a sign in a window, the retail space at 635 Fifth Avenue is available as a temporary space for San Diego Comic-Con.
According to a sign in a window, the retail space at 635 Fifth Avenue is available as a temporary space for San Diego Comic-Con.

Two weeks to go and counting!

I’ve spotted a few more signs that San Diego Comic-Con is on the way!

I suspect most of the building wraps, banners, and offsite venue construction will begin materializing sometime next week.

I’ll keep watching for new stuff!

Pacific San Diego Magazine's latest issue has hit the streets. It includes an article about Aquaman appearing at 2018 Comic-Con
Pacific San Diego Magazine’s latest issue has hit the streets. It includes an article about Aquaman appearing at 2018 Comic-Con
Omnia nightclub has its lineup ready for Comic-Con weekend.
Omnia nightclub has its lineup ready for Comic-Con weekend.
An advertisement for the upcoming movie Skyscraper has been conveniently slapped on a construction site near the center of the Gaslamp Quarter.
An advertisement for the upcoming movie Skyscraper has been conveniently slapped on a construction site near the center of the Gaslamp Quarter.
Chef Santiago of the Donut Bar has his cool Deadpool Ferrari parked on B Street.
Chef Santiago of the Donut Bar has his cool Deadpool Ferrari parked on B Street.
A couple posters promoting Castle Rock have appeared in the Gaslamp, including a spot near the Tin Fish.
A couple of posters promoting Castle Rock have appeared in the Gaslamp, including a coveted spot near the Tin Fish.
The City of San Diego has placed signage out indicating street closures during Comic-Con!
The City of San Diego has placed signage out indicating street closures for a very special event: 2018 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!

Early signs that 2018 Comic-Con is coming!

Spreckels Theatre marquee welcomes Conan O'Brien for Comic-Con. His funny TBS talk show will be in San Diego on July 18-21.
Spreckels Theatre marquee welcomes Conan O’Brien for Comic-Con. His funny TBS talk show will be in San Diego on July 18-21.

Just three weeks to go until 2018 Comic-Con!

In addition to Marvel banners now hung up and down streets throughout downtown, and numerous trolley wraps that I’ve been tracking down to photograph lately, a few other signs that 2018 Comic-Con is approaching have slowly begun to appear…

A trolley wrap during Comic-Con advertises SDCCU, Your Credit Union Superhero!
A trolley wrap during Comic-Con advertises SDCCU, Your Credit Union Superhero!
Cool psychedelic artwork in the window of Sparks Gallery includes Marvel, DC, and other pop culture characters.
Cool artwork in the window of Sparks Gallery in the Gaslamp Quarter includes Marvel, DC, and other pop culture characters.
Sign in window of the San Diego Law Library concerns the Lindley Lecture on Law and Comics, which will be held in the Neil Morgan Auditorium of the Central Library during Comic-Con.
Sign in window of the San Diego Law Library concerns the Lindley Lecture on Law and Comics. There’s a new location and time. Crowdfunding to Hollywood: Comics in 2018 will be held in the Neil Morgan Auditorium of the Central Library a couple days before Comic-Con.
Homer Simpson and Rick and Morty socks in the window of the Find Your Feet store in the Gaslamp.
Homer Simpson and Rick and Morty socks are now in the window of the Find Your Feet store in the Gaslamp!

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!

Whiskey Cavalier trolley for 2018 Comic-Con!

A trolley wrap for 2018 Comic-Con promotes ABC's upcoming drama Whiskey Cavalier. Lauren Cohan costars with Scott Foley. Both are CIA operatives.
A trolley wrap for 2018 Comic-Con promotes ABC’s upcoming show Whiskey Cavalier. Lauren Cohan costars with Scott Foley. She’s a CIA operative; he’s with the FBI.

I was completely wrong! In a recent Comic-Con trolley post, I surmised that ABC wouldn’t have a trolley wrap this year. Look what I spied this morning! Whiskey Cavalier, a show that’s coming to the ABC television network, is being promoted in San Diego.

A quick check of the San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog shows there are two additional Bob’s Burgers wraps debuting, as well. There are so many trolley wraps now I can hardly keep track of them!

Now I have to keep my eyes peeled for those new Bob’s Burgers trolleys! And who knows what else?

What fun!

Another cool trolley wrap for 2018 San Diego Comic-Con spotted at the Fifth Avenue station downtown.
Another cool trolley wrap for 2018 San Diego Comic-Con spotted at the Fifth Avenue station downtown.
Whiskey Cavalier is coming soon to ABC television. Two CIA agents deal with relationships and office politics while occasionally saving the world.
Whiskey Cavalier is coming soon to ABC television. An FBI and a CIA agent deal with relationships and office politics while occasionally saving the world.
The face of agent Will Chase played by Scott Foley. Opposite him, Lauren Cohan plays Francesca "Frankie" Trowbridge.
The face of FBI agent Will Chase played by Scott Foley. Opposite him, Lauren Cohan plays CIA operative Francesca “Frankie” Trowbridge.

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!