Tag: pop culture

Rob Prior paints cool mural during Comic-Con!

Comic book artist Rob Prior paints a cool mural inside the Theatre Box in San Diego.
Comic book artist Rob Prior paints an awesome mural inside the Theatre Box in San Diego.

I stepped into the Theatre Box in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter this morning and made a cool discovery! During 2019 Comic-Con, an absolutely awesome mural is being painted on the wall behind the Theatre Box’s grand staircase!

The artist is Rob Prior, a popular comic book artist who has worked for Marvel, DC, Todd McFarlane and Image Comics, as well as video game companies and major advertisers.

Check out this cool artwork! I didn’t go right up and disturb Rob Prior as he worked, but I did manage to photograph some of the characters. I captured Darth Vader and a stormtrooper from Star Wars, Thanos and Black Panther from Marvel Comics, and Wonder Woman from DC Comics. It appears that Marvel’s Deadpool might be part of the mural, too! All of these characters have appeared in recent movies.

I was told that this mural, when completed, will be a permanent decoration at the Theatre Box. Look for it in the lobby at the top of that first flight of stairs!

Rob Prior works on a mural that includes several well-known pop culture characters.
Rob Prior works on a mural that includes several well-known pop culture characters.

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

Amazing, fantastic, crazy cosplay everywhere!

Cosplay out of control!

Amazing, fantastic, super creative cosplay everywhere!

The explanation? It must be another Saturday afternoon around San Diego Comic-Con!

Late this afternoon and into the evening, a few blocks of the Gaslamp Quarter were so jammed with cosplayers posing in their elaborate costumes and onlookers turning every which way with phones and cameras, a person could barely move!

I’m not even going to attempt to identify every one of these great cosplays. It’s just too much. (But I must confess I really like both Ron Burgundy and the Sand-witch.)

As you can tell by these photos, 2019 Comic-Con is just as crazy and as wonderful as ever!

One more day of Comic-Con to come!

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

Snoopy soars with NASA on Moon Landing Anniversary!

Charlie Brown welcomes visitors to the Peanuts Pop-Up Shop in San Diego during 2019 Comic-Con, on the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing.
Charlie Brown welcomes visitors to the Peanuts Pop-Up Shop in San Diego during 2019 Comic-Con, on the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.

Today is the 50th Anniversary of the first human landing on the Moon. Half a century ago, Neil Armstrong, one of three astronauts of the Apollo 11 mission, stepped down onto the lunar surface and proclaimed: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

That first step by a man might not have happened without the help of a beloved cartoon dog.

Visitors to the Peanuts Pop-Up shop in San Diego during 2019 Comic-Con have the opportunity to see fun displays that recall how Charles Schulz, creator of Peanuts, one of the world’s most popular comic strips, helped NASA to safely complete their missions to the moon.

This very special Comic-Con exhibition is titled To the Moon: Snoopy Soars with NASA. The exhibit, which includes humorous comic strips, is on loan from the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, California.

If a couple of my photos appear unusual, that’s because I converted them into cartoons!

To read the signs, click those photos and they will enlarge.

Astronaut Snoopy graphic on the outside of Bubbles Boutique in the Gaslamp Quarter, where the Peanuts Pop-Up Shop is located during Comic-Con.
Astronaut Snoopy graphic on the outside of Bubbles Boutique in the Gaslamp Quarter, where the Peanuts Pop-Up Shop is located during Comic-Con.
A look inside the Peanuts Pop-Up Shop at two walls of the exhibit. (My photo was blurry so I changed it into a fun cartoon!)
A look inside the Peanuts Pop-Up Shop at two walls of the exhibit.
One of two Peanuts comic strips on display. Snoopy won't need dinner now that he's heading to the moon.
One of two Peanuts comic strips on display. Snoopy won’t need dinner now that he’s heading to the moon.

Peanuts, NASA, and the 21st Century. NASA and Peanuts Worldwide have partnered to inspire generations of students to learn about space exploration.
Peanuts, NASA, and the 21st Century. NASA and Peanuts Worldwide have partnered to inspire generations of students to learn about space exploration.
Snoopy to the Rescue. Snoopy became NASA's safety mascot after the fire that killed three Apollo 1 astronauts.
Snoopy to the Rescue. Snoopy became NASA’s safety mascot after the fire that killed three Apollo 1 astronauts.

50th Anniversary of Apollo 10. The Apollo 10 crew chose the call sign for the lunar module during their mission: Snoopy.
50th Anniversary of Apollo 10. The Apollo 10 crew chose the call sign for the lunar module during their mission: Snoopy.

The Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center has the world's largest collection of original Peanuts comic strips.
The Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center has the world’s largest collection of original Peanuts comic strips.
Charles M. Schulz, 1922-2000. Many of his popular characters were named after art instructors he met.
Charles M. Schulz, 1922-2000. Many of his popular characters were named after art instructors he met.

The second of two Peanuts comic strips on display. Snoopy beat the neighbor's cat to the moon.
The second of two Peanuts comic strips on display. Snoopy beat the neighbor’s cat to the moon.
Photos from the Apollo missions, and how Snoopy was an important part of that history.
Photos from the Apollo missions, and how Snoopy was an important part of that history.

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

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

Post Office celebrates San Diego Comic-Con!

Look what I discovered walking along the Embarcadero this morning! The United States Postal Service has set up a special booth between Seaport Village and the USS Midway Museum in celebration of 2019 San Diego Comic-Con!

Not only do they have a very cool R2-D2 mailbox on display, but there are all sorts of awesome souvenirs for sale. I saw Marvel Comics postcards and collectible DC Comics prints, plus tote bags, pins, commemorative stamps (of course) and stationery with an assortment of pop culture characters including Snoopy. They even have Spider-Man dolls for the kids!

Should you walk along the Embarcadero during Comic-Con, make sure to check it out!

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

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

A quick look inside The Orville Experience.

Kanoot.
Kanoot.

I’ve never watched The Orville. Most of the people I’ve spoken to say it’s pretty good. I suppose I’ll have to watch an episode or two.

I was walking to another San Diego Comic-Con destination today when I passed The Orville Experience activation in East Village. So I went in!

My camera is old and struggles in dim lighting, but I was able to get a few good shots. I used flash to capture the costumes, but I’m afraid I recorded no information about them.

The exhibition is definitely cool, with props and models and all sorts of amazing stuff from the show.

Those of you who do watch The Orville might recognize all this:

The Orville Experience can be enjoyed freely by the public during 2019 San Diego Comic-Con.
The Orville Experience can be enjoyed freely by the public during 2019 San Diego Comic-Con.
Model of the USS Orville (ECV-197).
Model of the USS Orville (ECV-197).
Display panels on The USS Orville.
Display panels on the USS Orville.
Uniforms worn aboard The USS Orville.
Uniforms worn aboard the USS Orville.

Bortus with Moustache.
Bortus with Moustache.

Unk.
Unk.

Captain Blavaroch.
Captain Blavaroch.

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

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

Comic-Con panel: The rise of Mexican filmmaking.

Today I attended a fascinating panel at 2019 Comic-Con titled Making a Bridge with Genre Movies. The panel wasn’t held in the San Diego Convention Center, but offsite in Barrio Logan, in the Artists’ Loft at BarrioHaus. Panels at this location tend to concentrate on Latinx culture and contributions to the popular arts.

Four panelists–Victor Osuna, Frank Rodriguez, Sebastian Finck and Mitch Hyman–discussed the rise of independent Mexican filmmaking and how Latin filmmakers have increasingly achieved success reaching an international audience. I was introduced to the hashtag #Jallywood, which is a combination of Jalisco and Hollywood. Filmmakers are striving to attract creative people for projects in Mexico.

I learned that using today’s technology, a quality film can be produced by anyone anywhere. With the internet, to achieve substantial success no longer requires a relocation to Hollywood or other media centers–it requires vision, passion, persistence, and a broadly appealing story. Good stories are universal in nature–all people react similarly to powerful human dramas and themes. Genres, styles and topics might be diverse, but basic human emotions are shared by all. Spicing a film with the culture of Mexico, or any other place, simply adds uniqueness and authenticity. The trick is connection: creating that irresistible appeal.

I learned that not only is the cost of producing a film in Mexico much less expensive than the United States, but there are fantastic settings (and stories) just waiting to be tapped. The opportunities in Mexico are wide open to any creator who is optimistic–who can see and grasp that unlimited future.

In this digital world, isn’t that true for much creative activity? While good equipment and skilled production is essential for filmmaking, isn’t it the extent to which the end product achieves likes and shares and downloads and streams that increasingly determines real success?

At the panel’s conclusion, the audience was asked to share their experience on social media.

Seems to me like good advice!

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Why did this panel fascinate me? I do a little writing here.

More super cool cosplay at Comic-Con!

Thanos with Infinity Gauntlet and Jean Grey as Phoenix cosplay.
Thanos with Infinity Gauntlet and Jean Grey as Phoenix cosplay.

Check out all these super cool cosplay photos that I took yesterday at 2019 San Diego Comic-Con!

Negan and "Macho Man" Randy Savage cosplay.
Negan and “Macho Man” Randy Savage cosplay.
Shazam cosplay.
Shazam cosplay.
Ape Avengers cosplay!
Ape Avengers cosplay!
Spider-Man cosplay.
Spider-Man cosplay.
Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn cosplay.
Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn cosplay.
Joker cosplay.
Joker in mask from The Dark Knight cosplay.
Cool dystopian character cosplay.
Cool dystopian character cosplay.
Captain Hook, Peter Pan and Tinker Bell cosplay.
Captain Hook, Peter Pan and Tinker Bell cosplay.
Jedi cosplay.
Jedi cosplay.
Cover Girl (G.I. Joe) and Firefly (Cobra) cosplay.
Cover Girl (G.I. Joe) and Firefly (Cobra) cosplay.
It's Sunny, mascot of the San Diego Sockers! Not sure if this is considered cosplay, but whatever.
It’s Sunny, mascot of the San Diego Sockers! Not sure if this is considered cosplay, but whatever.
John Coffey of The Green Mile cosplay.
John Coffey of The Green Mile cosplay.
Maleficent cosplay.
Maleficent cosplay.
Cool versions of Thor (or perhaps Steel) and Superman at Comic-Con.
Cool versions of Thor (or perhaps Steel) and Superman at Comic-Con.
Marge Simpson cosplay times three!
Marge Simpson cosplay times three!
Fred Flintstone cosplay.
Fred Flintstone cosplay.
Catwoman cosplay.
Catwoman cosplay.
Thor cosplay.
Thor cosplay.
Captain America cosplay.
Captain America cosplay.
Drax the Destroyer and Gamora cosplay.
Drax the Destroyer and Gamora cosplay.
Deadpool cosplay.
Deadpool cosplay.
Obi-Wan Kenobi cosplay.
Obi-Wan Kenobi cosplay.
Riddler and Harley Quinn on motorcycles cosplay!
Riddler and Harley Quinn on motorcycles cosplay!
Lots of cool cosplay can be seen at 2019 San Diego Comic-Con!
Lots of very cool cosplay can be seen at 2019 San Diego Comic-Con!

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

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

A fun, easy walk outside 2019 Comic-Con!

Come with me on an easy walk outside San Diego Comic-Con! It’s Thursday, and I’ve selected a bunch of fun photos.

So take a seat, get comfortable and come along!

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

Starfleet Museum’s future Picard exhibit in San Diego!

One of many future Starfleet artifacts that can be seen in San Diego during 2019 Comic-Con.
One of many future Starfleet artifacts that can now be seen in San Diego during 2019 Comic-Con.

The Starfleet Museum has sent many interesting artifacts from the future back in time to be exhibited during 2019 San Diego Comic-Con.

This very special exhibition, titled Jean-Luc Picard: The First Duty, traces the life and exploits of Admiral Jean-Luc Picard, whose exemplary service to Starfleet has made him a legend throughout the galaxy.

I took photographs of a few of these very rare museum pieces for the enjoyment of my readers. They will remain on loan from the future during the duration of San Diego Comic-Con. If you can, head down to the Gaslamp Quarter and enjoy a fascinating glimpse into future history!

Friendly smiles greeted a curious visitor to Star Trek's cool Jean-Luc Picard: The First Duty exhibit.
Friendly smiles greeted a curious visitor to Star Trek’s cool Jean-Luc Picard: The First Duty exhibit.
The first duty of every Starfleet officer is to the truth...
The first duty of every Starfleet officer is to the truth…
USS Stargazer NCC-2893, Constellation-class Starship. Picard served as Stargazer's captain for 22 years.
USS Stargazer NCC-2893, Constellation-class starship. Picard served as Stargazer’s captain for 22 years.
Cadet Jean-Luc Picard, 2326.
Cadet Jean-Luc Picard, 2326.
Ensign Jean-Luc Picard, 2330.
Ensign Jean-Luc Picard, 2330.
Starfleet Officer's Service Uniform, 2364.
Starfleet Officer’s Service Uniform, 2364.
Starfleet Communicator Badges.
Starfleet Communicator Badges.
A painting by Lieutenant Commander Data.
A painting by Lieutenant Commander Data.
A painting by Lieutenant Commander Data.
A painting by Lieutenant Commander Data.
Dixon Hill Novels. Picard enjoyed reading Shakespeare and these Dixon Hill detective novels from author Tracy Tormé.
Dixon Hill Novels. Picard enjoyed reading Shakespeare and these Dixon Hill detective novels from author Tracy Tormé.
SHADOWS OF KATAAN. An Evening of Music and Discourse with Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
SHADOWS OF KATAAN. An Evening of Music and Discourse with Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
Ressikan Flute.
Ressikan Flute.
USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D, Galaxy-class starship. Picard commanded the Enterprise-D from 2364 to 2371.
USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D, Galaxy-class starship. Picard commanded the Enterprise-D from 2364 to 2371.
Third Dynasty Kurlan Naiskos, a revered artifact of the ancient, extinct civilization of the planet Kurl.
Third Dynasty Kurlan Naiskos, a revered artifact of the ancient, extinct civilization of the planet Kurl.
Tamarian Knife, a gift to Picard in 2368, by Tamarian ship captain Dathon.
Tamarian Knife, a gift to Picard in 2368, by Tamarian ship captain Dathon.
Tea cups, one option when ordering hot beverages from the Enterprise's replicator system.
Tea cups, one option when ordering hot beverages from the Enterprise’s replicator system.
A wall with many plaques and trophies awarded to Admiral Picard during his long and illustrious career in Starfleet.
A wall with many plaques and trophies awarded to Admiral Picard during his long and illustrious career in Starfleet.
Admiral Picard Family Album.
Admiral Picard Family Album.
Photos of older brother Robert Picard and mother Yvette Gassard-Picard.
Photos of older brother Robert Picard and mother Yvette Gassard-Picard.
Borg Queen Skull. After her defeat, the Queen's cybernetic skull and other remaining components were retained by Starfleet for further study.
Borg Queen Skull. After her defeat, the Queen’s cybernetic skull and other remaining components were retained by Starfleet for further study.
Artifacts from the marriage of Commander William Riker and Commander Deanna Troi in 2379.
Artifacts from the marriage of Commander William Riker and Commander Deanna Troi in 2379.
Chateau Picard Wine. The Picard family vineyards near La Barre, France produce one of Earth's premiere red wines.
Chateau Picard Wine. The Picard family vineyards near La Barre, France produce one of Earth’s premiere red wines.
Jean-Luc Picard Civilian Attire, 2399.
Jean-Luc Picard Civilian Attire, 2399.
The special exhibition, Jean-Luc Picard: The First Duty is on loan from the Starfleet Museum. It is on display in San Diego during 2019 Comic-Con.
The special exhibition, Jean-Luc Picard: The First Duty, is on loan from the Starfleet Museum. It is on display in San Diego during 2019 Comic-Con.

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

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

Cosplay and fun stuff early Thursday morning!

Pennywise cosplay at 2019 San Diego Comic-Con.
Pennywise cosplay at 2019 San Diego Comic-Con.

Around seven o’clock this morning, people were trickling in for the first day of 2019 San Diego Comic-Con. Lines were forming at the convention center and at various offsite activations, most of which open around ten o’clock.

Walking about I observed the early morning activity, and I encountered many fun examples of cosplay!

Raven cosplay.
Raven cosplay.
The Fairly OddParents cosplay.
The Fairly OddParents cosplay.
Early Thursday morning, guys are wading in the Childrens Park fountain putting up some cool Animation Domination balloons.
Early Thursday morning, guys are wading in the Childrens Park fountain putting up some cool Animation Domination balloons.
WATCH OUT FOR FREAKS
WATCH OUT FOR FREAKS
The Handmaid's Tale cosplay.
The Handmaid’s Tale cosplay.
This guy informed me his cosplay is a cross between The Comedian and Negan.
This guy informed me his cosplay is a cross between The Comedian and Negan.
Spider-Man cosplay.
Spider-Man cosplay.
The Interactive Zone at Petco Park wasn't open yet. I'll check it out today or tomorrow!
The Interactive Zone at Petco Park wasn’t open yet. I’ll check it out today or tomorrow!
Fans are already waiting in line for NBC's Brooklyn Nine-Nine activation.
Fans are already waiting in line for NBC’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine activation.
Rey is a popular cosplay this year.
Rey is a popular cosplay this year.
Star Trek cosplay with a Vulcan salute. Live long and prosper!
Star Trek cosplay with a Vulcan salute. Live long and prosper!
Setting up for the Stan Lee's Alliances offsite in the Gaslamp.
Setting up for the Stan Lee’s Alliances offsite in the Gaslamp.
Wolverine cosplay.
Wolverine cosplay.

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

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