Tag: gaslamp

More fun and cool cosplay at SDCC 2017!

A fan at 2017 San Diego Comic-Con grabbed Conan by the tie for a selfie!
A fan at 2017 San Diego Comic-Con grabbed Conan by the tie for a selfie!

Here are more fun photos from today! I was careless this time about recording unfamiliar cosplay, so leave a comment if you can help!

The Iron Patriot is on patrol in the Gaslamp during Comic-Con.
The Iron Patriot is on patrol in the Gaslamp during Comic-Con.
A good Star Wars cosplay!
A good Star Wars cosplay!
The Syfy band was entertaining the crowd on Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp for SDCC 2017.
The Syfy band was entertaining the crowd on Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter for SDCC 2017.
Dancing to the music!
Dancing to the music!
I saw lots of Wonder Woman cosplay. Not sure about the cowboyish guy.
I saw lots of Wonder Woman cosplay. Not sure about the cowboy guy.
An awesome Loki cosplay!
An awesome Loki cosplay!
Looks like Captain Jack Sparrow found himself a friend.
Looks like Captain Jack Sparrow found himself a friend.
He told me his cool cosplay but I didn't write it down. Leave a comment if you know!
He told me his cool cosplay but I didn’t write it down. Leave a comment if you know!
The San Diego USO was having people Flex 4 Forces.
The San Diego USO was having people Flex 4 Forces.
This Sentinel Services guy wanted me to get tested for the X-Gene. But he implied if I was positive, I'd be sent away on one of those Mutant Transport trolleys!
This Sentinel Services guy wanted me to get tested for the X-Gene. But he implied if I was positive, I’d be sent away on one of those Mutant Transport trolleys!
Super cool cosplay--and I didn't write this one down either. Sorry!
Some very cool Overwatch cosplay!
Broad City had a fan man dancing about.
Broad City had a fan man dancing about.
Syfy had a handy Cosplay Repair cart along MLK Promenade!
Syfy had a handy Cosplay Repair cart along MLK Promenade!
These items can be useful in repairing a costume or makeup during Comic-Con!
These items can be useful in repairing a costume or makeup during Comic-Con!
People peddle the Syfy Trivia Trolley while answering questions for prizes!
People peddle the Syfy Trivia Trolley while answering questions for prizes!
Lots of fun and cosplay everywhere I turned!
Lots of fun and cosplay everywhere I turned!
A lucha libre mask!
A lucha libre mask!
Santa Claus is busy taking a photo of something up ahead...
Santa Claus is busy taking a photo of something up ahead…
Supergirl on stilts!
Supergirl on stilts!
Superman had to settle for a Segway. Some kryptonite de-powered him for the moment. I think Batman might have done it.
Superman had to settle for a Segway. Some kryptonite de-powered him for the moment. I think Batman might have done it.
Now that's a real, genuine Silver Surfer!
Now that’s a real, genuine Silver Surfer!
Another Wonder Woman and cosplay friend.
Another Wonder Woman and cosplay friend.
It's Lady Thor in the Petco Interactive Zone!
It’s Lady Thor in the Petco Interactive Zone!
Cosplayers at Comic-Con are interviewed by Comedy Central.
Cosplayers at Comic-Con are interviewed by Comedy Central.
The Joker is on the scene!
Joker is on the scene!
A super awesome Voltron group photo!
A super awesome Voltron group cosplay photo!
Have you seen her paladin?
Have you seen her Paladin?
Schick Hydro-man is a superhero to the rescue, but it's a close shave.
Schick Hydro Robot Razor is a superhero to the rescue, but it’s a close shave.
Fans of the series Mr. Mercedes get ready for a photo.
Fans of the series Mr. Mercedes get ready for a photo.
I found the Holy Grail at 2017 San Diego Comic-Con!
I found the Holy Grail at 2017 San Diego 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 fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

Rabbitville gallery celebrates Gaslamp during Comic-Con.

Rabbits have been painted to commemorate the history of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter, which once was nicknamed Rabbitville.
Rabbits have been created to commemorate the history of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, which once was nicknamed Rabbitville.

A “hop-up” art gallery can be found in the Gaslamp during 2017 San Diego Comic-Con! This fun Rabbitville exhibition, located at 453 Fifth Avenue, features a roomful of large colorful rabbits created by local artists! Their artwork celebrates the rich, unique history of the Gaslamp Quarter and San Diego.

You might recall we saw the Willabee rabbit at the Jacaranda Spring Thing, when I blogged about it here. Well, now you can enjoy a whole warren of art bunnies!

Swing on by during Comic-Con (through Sunday) and check them out!

People attending 2017 San Diego Comic-Con look at an artfully painted rabbit outside the Rabbitville "Hop-Up" Gallery.
People attending 2017 San Diego Comic-Con look at an artfully painted rabbit outside the Rabbitville “Hop-Up” Gallery.
Honoring the Disdained, by artist Tasha Hobbs. Art that honors the contributions of Chinese immigrants in early San Diego.
Honoring the Disdained: Carp Jumping Dragon Gate, by artist Tasha Hobbs. Art that honors the contributions of Chinese immigrants in early San Diego.
Alonzo Horton is the father of modern San Diego. He journeyed to San Diego in 1867, then purchased the area now known as downtown and called it New Town.
Alonzo Horton is the father of modern San Diego. He journeyed to San Diego in 1867, then purchased the area now known as downtown and called it New Town.
The Stingaree was a red-light district filled with prostitutes and gamblers, including the famous Wyatt Earp, who would run three gambling halls in San Diego.
The Stingaree was a red-light district filled with prostitutes and gamblers, including the famous Wyatt Earp, who would run three gambling halls in San Diego.

Steampunk author Jack Tyler is writing an exciting novel about San Diego’s infamous Stingaree. I blogged about it here!

It’s an exciting read. Check it out!

Mirrored Rabbit, by artist Mario Herbelin-Canelas.
Mirrored Rabbit, by artist Mario Herbelin-Canelas.
Ordinate, by artist Rebecca Nuvoletta. This rabbit celebrates the visions of a distant future in the founding of New Town.
Ordinate, by artist Rebecca Nuvoletta. This rabbit celebrates the visions of a distant future in the founding of New Town.
Willabee, by artist Matt Forderer. This rabbit has traveled through time to collect historical images of San Diego.
Willabee, by artist Matt Forderer. This rabbit has traveled through time to collect historical images of San Diego.
Against All Odds, We Thrive! by artist Sarah Soward. Alonzo Horton's passion and vision for San Diego are celebrated.
Against All Odds, We Thrive! by artist Sarah Soward. Alonzo Horton’s passion and vision for San Diego is celebrated.
Diego, by artist Monty Montgomery. The colors and shapes on this rabbit are visual impressions of experiences on the streets of San Diego.
Diego, by artist Monty Montgomery. The colors and shapes on this rabbit are visual impressions of experiences on the streets of San Diego.

…

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 fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

Fun stuff outside Comic-Con on Preview Night!

Scary cosplay outside in the Gaslamp promoting the TV series Medinah. It's late Wednesday afternoon. It's 2017 San Diego Comic-Con Preview Night!
Scary cosplay outside in the Gaslamp promoting the TV series Medinah. It’s late Wednesday afternoon. It’s 2017 San Diego Comic-Con Preview Night!

I couldn’t go into the San Diego Convention Center for Preview Night this year. (I was fortunate to do so a couple times in the past.) So instead I walked around outside and took photos of the late afternoon fun.

Not much cosplay, but I did spot a couple instances of it. Mostly it was just people wandering about looking at the many pop culture attractions that are open free to the public. That’s one very cool aspect of San Diego Comic-Con!

I spotted Iron Man outside Atomic in the Gaslamp. He says they have cool Comic-Con exhibits upstairs.
I spotted Iron Man outside Atomic in the Gaslamp. He told me they have a cool Comic-Con exhibit upstairs.
This cool Darth Vader with hookah was outside the Myst Lounge.
This cool Darth Vader with hookah was outside the Myst Lounge.
A nice lady representing the Gaslamp Quarter told me their Rabbitville exhibit will be open tomorrow.
A nice lady representing the Gaslamp Quarter told me their Rabbitville exhibit will be open tomorrow.
Lego superheroes in the windows of My Yogurt.
Lego superheroes in the windows of My Yogurt.
Outside of a Snoopy & Belle pop-up shop in the Gaslamp.
Outside of the Snoopy & Belle pop-up shop in the Gaslamp.
People peer into AMC's Deadquarters. It opens tomorrow.
People peer into AMC’s Deadquarters. It opens tomorrow.
This guy is secretly peering through the fence, perhaps hoping to see zombies.
This guy is secretly peering through the fence, perhaps hoping to see zombies.
An amazing feat of super-strength at Kong: Skull Island!
An amazing feat of super strength at Kong: Skull Island!
You can have your photo taken while posing between gigantic teeth!
You can have your photo taken while posing between gigantic teeth!
A Syfy bus wrap proclaims--Attention Time Travelers: No Spoilers.
A Syfy bus wrap proclaims–Attention Time Travelers: No Spoilers.
Here comes Zatanna behind the convention center!
Here comes Zatanna walking behind the convention center!
The Turner yacht is all dressed up and ready to go when Comic-Con opens tomorrow.
The big Turner yacht is all dressed up and ready to go when Comic-Con opens tomorrow.
It looks like they were testing the Viking longship out on San Diego Bay. It will be used for the Viking funeral Friday evening!
It looks like they were testing the Viking longship out on San Diego Bay. It will be used for the Viking funeral Friday evening!
Television reporter Ashlie Rodriguez of KUSI gets ready to interview the person first in line for Hall H.
Television reporter Ashlie Rodriguez of KUSI gets ready to interview the person who is first in line for Hall H.
Workers are still unloading stuff behind the convention center.
Workers are still unloading stuff behind the convention center.
I wonder if the Knights Templar had power tools...
I wonder if the Knights Templar had power tools?
I wonder how much gas is at the Midnight, Texas attraction...
I wonder how much gas is at the Midnight, Texas attraction?
Uh,oh! Here comes a small army of FBI field agents. Perhaps they think I look suspicious.
Uh,oh! Here comes a small army of FBI field agents. Perhaps they think I look suspicious.
Reporter for the Syfy Wire interviews a kid about the coolness of San Diego Comic-Con!
Reporter for the Syfy Wire interviews a kid about the coolness of San Diego 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 fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

Hall H line begins, and photos of other stuff.

The line for Hall H had just gotten started Wednesday morning. Come tomorrow, it will be hundreds of feet long.
The line for Hall H had just gotten started Wednesday morning when I walked by. Come tomorrow, it will be hundreds of feet long.

Late this morning, behind the San Diego Convention Center, I was surprised to see that the line for Hall H wasn’t long at all. As I post this blog, I’ll bet that’s no longer the case! Hall H is where the blockbuster panels take place…starting tomorrow. It will be a nice warm night to enjoy camping on concrete!

One more day until Comic-Con officially begins. I saw some cool stuff as I walked about, so naturally I took photos…

Buses advertise the new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction at the Disney California Adventure park.
Buses entering the Gaslamp advertise the new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction at the Disney California Adventure park.
The very cool Marvel Inhumans wrap is finished on Petco Park. It's my favorite this year.
The very cool Marvel Inhumans wrap is finished on Petco Park. It’s my favorite this year.
Looks like The Strain will have a creepy exhibit in the FXhibition area behind the convention center.
Looks like The Strain will have a creepy exhibit in the FXhibition area behind the convention center.
The Orville Space Training Center is being built in the FOX area! Will there be bungee cords?
The Orville Space Training Center is being built in the FOX area! Will there be bungee cords?
Workers get The Orville Space Training Center ready for tomorrow's massive crowds.
Workers get The Orville Space Training Center ready for tomorrow’s massive crowds.
Some final adjustments to banners enclosing the Adult Swim on the Green.
Some final adjustments to banners enclosing the Adult Swim on the Green.
A big Rick head balloon, from Rick and Morty.
A big Rick head balloon, from Rick and Morty.
The IMDb superyacht is being prepared behind the convention center.
The IMDb superyacht is being prepared behind the convention center.
A few fans were arriving early, perhaps to get in the line for Hall H, where the blockbuster panels are during Comic-Con.
A few fans were arriving early, perhaps to get in the line for Hall H, where the blockbuster panels are during Comic-Con.
The Petco Interactive Zone is rapidly being completed. One more day!
The Petco Interactive Zone is rapidly being completed. One more day!
Lots of event attendees and exhibitors in lots of cool t-shirts. I even saw a few early swag bags.
Lots of event attendees and exhibitors in lots of cool t-shirts. I even saw a few early swag bags.
Tonight is Preview Night. Tomorrow is when 2017 San Diego Comic-Con begins in earnest!
Tonight is Preview Night. Tomorrow is when 2017 San Diego Comic-Con begins in earnest!

…

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!

Stingaree: an exciting novel set in early San Diego!

Historical photo of the First and Last Chance Saloon, inside San Diego's rowdy Stingaree District.
Historical photo of the First and Last Chance Saloon, inside San Diego’s rowdy Stingaree District.

Murder! Gambling halls and brothels! Wyatt Earp! Corrupt police! Scheming businessmen! Secretive gangs! Pirates! A rip-roaring story dripping with suspense and excitement!

Would you like to read the first few chapters of a thrilling novel set in late 19th century San Diego? Jack Tyler, a talented author of adventure and steampunk fiction, is now writing an action-packed novel titled Stingaree, which takes place in San Diego’s old red-light district–an area of town that today is part of the Gaslamp Quarter. He has made many great chapters available to the public–for free! Click here to visit his website, then find the link to Stingaree.

In the late 1800s, the Stingaree was where sailors, ranch hands, and the working class sought their thrills in a depressed and rather desolate city. It was home to dozens of gambling parlors, whorehouses and saloons. Law-abiding citizens stayed away for their own safety. To be seen in the Stingaree might destroy one’s reputation. At night all hell would break loose. Those who prospered running tawdry businesses in the Stingaree had to pay the police bribes and watch their own backs.

In the novel Stingaree, the reader will recognize a variety of historical persons and locations. From the construction of the Hotel del Coronado, to George Marston’s department store, to the Horton House Hotel–the story is an exciting journey back in time. Jack Tyler successfully presents a city full of danger, uncertainty and great promise. From his imagination emerges an assortment of wonderfully inventive characters.

I must say I really enjoyed reading the completed chapters. This is the sort of smart, well-constructed story that would make for a really entertaining movie or television series. Cliffhangers and plot twists abound. Enjoy a fun read by clicking here and look for the link to Stingaree!

SDCC 2017 photographs of everyone getting ready!

Colorful graphics are up at the Midnight, Texas 4D Experience for 2017 San Diego Comic-Con. Everyone is getting ready!
Colorful graphics are now up at the Midnight, Texas 4D Experience for 2017 San Diego Comic-Con.

Downtown San Diego is a beehive of activity this morning! Everybody is getting ready for 2017 Comic-Con!

Check out these photos and experience a bit of the growing excitement!

A wrap is going up on Petco Park promoting History channel's new series Knightfall, concerning the Knights Templar.
A wrap is going up on Petco Park promoting History’s new series Knightfall, concerning the Knights Templar.
Local businesses in the Gaslamp are also getting ready for Comic-Con, which officially begins in three days!
Local businesses in the Gaslamp are also getting ready for Comic-Con, which officially begins in less than three days!
It looks like a cool Archangel wrap is now going up on the Hard Rock Hotel. Skydance Interactive's first virtual reality offering should be popular at Comic-Con.
It looks like a cool Archangel wrap is now going up on the Hard Rock Hotel. Skydance Interactive’s first virtual reality offering should be popular at Comic-Con.
Parking will be difficult downtown during Comic-Con. Take the trolley!
Parking will be very difficult in downtown San Diego during Comic-Con. Take the trolley!
Nearby businesses are looking forward to the crowds!
Nearby businesses are looking forward to the crowds!
This will be AMC's Deadquarters. I expect there will be zombies.
This will be AMC’s Deadquarters. I expect there will be zombies.
Some stuff in a pile that will probably be used as props at Deadquarters.
Some stuff in a pile that will probably be used as props at Deadquarters.
At The Tick Takeover, the superhero and Arthur are accompanied by a worker in this hole. I'm told smoke will come out once completed!
At The Tick Takeover, the superhero and Arthur are accompanied by a worker. I’m told smoke will come out of this blasted hole once everything is completed!
These huge tick antennae will move about!
Two huge Tick antennae will also move about!
Arthur seems to be in a bad situation at The Tick Takeover site at Comic-Con.
Arthur seems to be in a bad situation at The Tick Takeover site at Comic-Con.
A cool convergence near Harbor Drive.
A cool convergence near Harbor Drive. Dozens of trolley cars are now wrapped and ready.
The People of Earth wrap on the Marriott Marquis is approaching completion.
The People of Earth wrap on the Marriott Marquis is approaching completion.
The front of the Blade Runner 2049 Experience hasn't changed much. I'm sure lots of cool stuff is inside the pavilion.
The front of the Blade Runner 2049 Experience hasn’t changed much in the past couple days. I’m sure lots of cool stuff is jammed inside the gigantic pavilion.
Workers carry stuff into the Hilton Gaslamp, where Netflix is headquartered.
Workers carry stuff into the Hilton Gaslamp, where Netflix is headquartered.
Everybody is getting ready, including the police. Homeless are removed from the area before Comic-Con.
Everybody is getting ready, including the police. Homeless are removed from the area before Comic-Con. A tragic, extremely sad truth that many visitors won’t see.
The Midnight, Texas site promoting the new NBC show is starting to look really cool.
The Midnight, Texas site promoting the new NBC show is starting to look interesting.
The area near the Tin Fish has a Midnight, Texas theme this year.
The area near the Tin Fish has a Midnight, Texas theme this year.
Banners now hang along the Tin Fish.
Banners now hang along the Tin Fish.
There seems to be a room with video walls inside the Midnight, Texas 4D Experience.
There seems to be a room with video walls inside the Midnight, Texas 4D Experience.
Lots of equipment to move and work to be done!
Lots of equipment to move, and work to be done!
Some more graphics are up for Kong Skull Island near the Omni.
Some more graphics are up for Kong: Skull Island near the Omni Hotel.
A closeup photo of one Skull Island graphic.
A closeup photo of one Skull Island graphic.
Guys are putting up these long banners promoting HBO's Game of Thrones.
Guys are putting up these long banners promoting HBO’s Game of Thrones.
No wraps up yet on this corner of Petco Park.
No wraps up yet on this corner of Petco Park.
Construction has just commenced in the Petco Interactive Zone, now that the Padres have left for a road trip.
Construction has just commenced in the Petco Interactive Zone, now that the Padres have left for a road trip.
Shady canopies are up at the San Diego Convention Center. Looks to me like 2017 Comic-Con is almost here!
Lots of canopies for long lines are up at the San Diego Convention Center. Looks to me like 2017 Comic-Con is almost here!
The FXhibition outdoor site near the Hilton Bayfront is still under construction.
The FXhibition outdoor site near the Hilton Bayfront is still under construction.
I see there will be an X-Gene Screening Station in Fox Television's outdoor area.
I see there will be an X-Gene Screening Station in Fox Television’s outdoor area.
A reminder that Syfy will provide live coverage of Comic-Con.
A reminder that Syfy will provide live coverage of Comic-Con.
Exhibitors are unloading behind the convention center. I bet there's a mad scramble inside as booths are prepared. Check out all the comic book boxes!
Exhibitors large and small are unloading behind the convention center. I bet there’s a mad scramble inside as booths are prepared. (Check out all the comic book boxes! That’s a lot of reading material!)
A cool-looking Legion wrap is going up on the Hilton for 2017 San Diego Comic-Con!
A cool Legion wrap is going up on the Hilton for 2017 San Diego Comic-Con!

UPDATE!

Here are more photos taken in the mid-afternoon…

The Knightfall wrap is now complete at Petco.
The Knightfall wrap is now complete at Petco.
More graphics have appeared at Kong: Skull Island.
More graphics have appeared at Kong: Skull Island.
And so has a skull!
And so has a skull!
And more huge bones!
And more huge bones!
One of various Midnight, Texas posters up now at the Gaslamp trolley station.
One of various Midnight, Texas posters up now at the Gaslamp trolley station.
A wrap is going up on this section of Petco Park. I believe this will promote Once Upon a Time.
A wrap is going up on this section of Petco Park. I believe this will promote Once Upon a Time.
I now see Archer graphics in the FX area near the Hilton.
I now see Archer graphics in the FX area near the Hilton.
And more X-Gene Screening Station stuff in the FOX area.
And more X-Gene Screening Station stuff in the FOX area.
I see Adult Swim will give away free shirts again this year.
I see Adult Swim will give away free shirts again this year.
The big Legion wrap is making progress as you can see beyond the Adult Swim site.
The big Legion wrap is making progress as you can see beyond the Adult Swim site.
The Legion wrap on the Hilton, as seen from Embarcadero Marina Park South.
The Legion wrap not quite complete on the Hilton, as seen from Embarcadero Marina Park South.

…

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 fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

2017 Comic-Con wraps, construction underway!

Lots of activity on the grass behind the San Diego Convention Center. It's the Saturday before 2017 Comic-Con! A wrap is being applied to the Bayfront Hilton!
Lots of activity on the grass behind the San Diego Convention Center. It’s the Saturday before 2017 Comic-Con! A big wrap is being applied to the Bayfront Hilton!

This afternoon I walked all around the San Diego Convention Center and the Gaslamp Quarter. The application of building wraps and the construction of most outdoor venues is well underway with five days to go until Comic-Con! I didn’t walk around Petco Park. The Giants are in town through Sunday. I’ll probably head that way in the next couple days to see what, if anything, is going on!

These guys are starting to set up the Adult Swim site.
These guys are starting to set up the Adult Swim site.
A guy said Fox will have their site in the middle area of the grass, like last year.
A guy said Fox will have their site in the middle area of the grass, like last year.
Looks like a lot of work is still to be done! They've got five days!
Looks like a lot of work is still to be done! They’ve got five days!
I see a wrap being applied to the Marriott Marquis!
I see a wrap being applied to the Marriott Marquis!
The outdoor site for FX this year, like past years, will be on the grass right in front of the Hilton.
The outdoor site for FX this year, like past years, will be on the grass right in front of the Hilton.
A closer look at the developing Marriott wrap. It will promote the TBS comedy television series People of Earth.
A closer look at the developing Marriott wrap. It will promote the TBS comedy television series People of Earth.
Working on the Midnight, Texas attraction near the Tin Fish.
Working on the Midnight, Texas attraction near the Tin Fish.
More Netflix wraps are going up on the Hilton Gaslamp.
More Netflix wraps are going up on the Hilton Gaslamp.
Will Smith peers brightly from between palm trees.
Will Smith peers brightly from between palm trees.
Looks like another strange thing is being attached to a building in downtown San Diego. Five days until the start of 2017 Comic-Con!
Looks like another strange thing is being attached to a building in downtown San Diego. Five days until the start of 2017 Comic-Con!

I also noticed that work continues at The Tick Takeover site! I haven’t seen a 20-foot-tall animatronic Tick yet! You’ll see it shortly after I see it!

…

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!

A look inside the Laika Experience at Comic-Con!

Models of characters in the stop motion animated film ParaNorman displayed inside the Laika Experience San Diego for Comic-Con.
Models of characters in the stop motion animated film ParaNorman displayed inside the Laika Experience San Diego for 2017 Comic-Con.

The Laika Experience San Diego opened this afternoon! This very cool exhibit created in the Gaslamp by Laika Entertainment runs through the end of Comic-Con. It’s free to the public and well worth checking out! You can find it at 520 Fifth Avenue.

Here are a few photos I took of the many highly detailed models, props, sets and puppets used by Laika in making their four films: Coraline, ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls, and Kubo and the Two Strings.

Laika still uses the stop motion method to create their awesome animation. I learned they only use CGI sparingly, for things that are difficult to animate, like fire and water. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and the kids in our small group had a blast. There are lots of amazing models from each of their four movies, and a video and informative displays that explain the stop motion animation process.

Kubo greets passersby in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. A free exhibit by Laika Entertainment demonstrates their animation process and includes puppets, sets and props.
Kubo greets passersby in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. A free exhibit by Laika Entertainment demonstrates their stop motion animation and includes puppets, sets and props.
This cool artwork, made of LED lights, is from Laika's acclaimed first movie Coraline.
This cool artwork, made of LED lights, is from Laika’s acclaimed first movie Coraline.
Detailed model of Beldam from the movie Coraline.
Detailed model of Beldam from the movie Coraline.
Awesome model of the crooked house from ParaNorman!
Awesome model of the crooked house from ParaNorman!
Cool models of characters from ParaNorman.
Cool models of characters from ParaNorman.
From a hallway locker scene in ParaNorman!
From that hallway locker scene in ParaNorman!
Archibald Snatcher in his giant robot in the movie The Boxtrolls. Amazing detail!
Archibald Snatcher in his giant robot in the movie The Boxtrolls. Amazing detail!
A miniature set from Kubo and the Two Strings.
A miniature set from Kubo and the Two Strings.
The model of The Moon Beast from Kubo and the Two Strings was made using 3-D printing.
This model of the Moon Beast from Kubo and the Two Strings was made using 3-D printing then pieced together.
Norman is out on a San Diego sidewalk! You can meet him during Comic-Con and see a very cool exhibit created by Laika!
Norman is out on a San Diego sidewalk! You can meet him during Comic-Con and see a very cool free exhibit created by the stop motion animation wizards at Laika!
Shoe and Fish of the Boxtrolls wave hello!
Shoe and Fish of the Boxtrolls wave hello!

…

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!

Comic-Con: Netflix wraps in the Gaslamp and more!

A cool wrap promoting The Defenders on Netflix has been applied to a Gaslamp building for 2017 San Diego Comic-Con.
A cool wrap promoting The Defenders on Netflix has been applied to a Gaslamp building for 2017 San Diego Comic-Con.

This morning there’s some Comic-Con preparation going on in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. Three Netflix wraps are already up and construction has just begun on the Midnight Texas outdoor experience by the Tin Fish!

I got some photos!

A large Comic-Con wrap in the Gaslamp promotes Stranger Things 2, the second season for the series about the supernatural on Netflix.
A Comic-Con wrap in the Gaslamp promotes the second season of Stranger Things. The supernatural series thrills audiences on Netflix.
Construction has begun on the Midnight Texas outdoor experience near the Tin Fish, across from the San Diego Convention Center. The show is coming to NBC.
Construction has begun on the Midnight, Texas 4D experience near the Tin Fish, across from the San Diego Convention Center. The show is coming to NBC.
A third Netflix wrap on a Gaslamp building for Comic-Con. This one promotes upcoming fantasy film Bright, starring Will Smith and Joel Edgerton.
A third Netflix wrap on a Gaslamp building for Comic-Con. This one promotes upcoming fantasy film Bright, starring Will Smith and Joel Edgerton.

…

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 2017 Comic-Con is almost here!

A pad has been set up near the Convention Center trolley station on MLK Promenade. I'm pretty sure Amazon will set up their animatronic The Tick venue here.
A pad has been set up near the Convention Center Trolley Station on MLK Promenade. Amazon will set up their The Tick venue here.

While no building wraps are being applied quite yet, a few interesting things have popped up near the San Diego Convention Center that indicate 2017 Comic-Con will soon be here! I walked all over the place after work and this is what I saw. A week and a half to go! (I spoke to a guy at the Amazon site, and he said they’re getting started a bit early, before lots of other construction trucks arrive in the coming days.)

Another nearby pad that I also believe will be utilized by Amazon during 2017 San Diego Comic-Con.
Another nearby pad that I also believe will be utilized by Amazon during 2017 San Diego Comic-Con.
Have u seen this person? I noticed these flyers around the Gaslamp and also in Mission Valley today. It appears Nickelodeon is engaging in a guerrilla marketing campaign during 2017 San Diego Comic-Con.
Have u seen this person? I noticed these flyers all around the Gaslamp Quarter and also along Friars Road in Mission Valley today. It appears Nickelodeon is engaging in a guerrilla marketing campaign during 2017 San Diego Comic-Con.
The second of three types of flyers I spotted. It appears we're supposed to search for characters in the popular animated television series Hey Arnold!
The second of three types of flyers I spotted. It seems we’re supposed to search for characters in the popular animated television series Hey Arnold!
The Chuck Jones Gallery in the Gaslamp will be featuring DC and Marvel Comics fine art, and other great stuff.
The Chuck Jones Gallery in the Gaslamp will be featuring DC and Marvel Comics fine art, and other great pop culture stuff, as usual!
A poster promoting Shooter on USA Network near the Tin Fish.
A poster promoting Shooter on USA Network is already up near the Tin Fish and Hard Rock Hotel.
The Omnia Nightclub will have Rave of Thrones during Comic-Con weekend!
The Omnia Nightclub will have Rave of Thrones during Comic-Con weekend!
The San Diego Trading Company in the Gaslamp is stocked up on lots of Comic-Con gear!
The San Diego Trading Company in the Gaslamp is already stocked up with lots of Comic-Con gear!
I spotted Supergirl patrolling the Gaslamp, making sure no supervillains have appeared yet.
Finally, I spotted Supergirl patrolling the Gaslamp, making sure no supervillains have appeared yet!

…

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!