Tag: pop culture

Comic-Con events announced for Horton Plaza Park!

A huge IMAX movie screen is being set up in Horton Plaza Park for 2017 San Diego Comic-Con!
A huge IMAX movie screen is being set up in Horton Plaza Park for 2017 San Diego Comic-Con!

I just learned a bunch of cool events are coming to Horton Plaza Park for 2017 San Diego Comic-Con!

On Thursday at 7:30pm there will be an exclusive IMAX movie. I saw them setting up the equipment an hour or so ago. At the time of this posting I still don’t know what movie! (UPDATE! The movie is NOT Atomic Blonde as I surmised, but something else entirely. It’s called #IMAXandThrill, an exclusive IMAX Experience, featuring the one-of-a-kind IMAX pop-up theatre that you see in my photo!)

On Friday from 10am-4pm Netflix will be giving away branded koozies in the park.

On Saturday from 12pm-4pm there will be a Nickelodeon ice cream cart with free ice cream sandwiches. They will be promoting the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie.

On Saturday 6pm-7:30pm there will be an ATOMIC BLONDE fan event that requires a Comic-Con badge.

On Sunday 4pm-4:30pm there will be a Cartoon Network Steven Universe music video taping open to the public, and a big surprise is promised!

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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!

Comic-Con prepares for a zombie apocalypse!

The first of the walking dead have arrived in San Diego for 2017 Comic-Con. Fortunately, this guy was able to jump out of a hungry zombie's grasp just in time.
The first of the Walking Dead have arrived in San Diego for 2017 Comic-Con. Fortunately, this guy was able to jump out of a hungry zombie’s grasp just in time.

Workers at AMC’s Deadquarters on MLK Promenade are busy preparing for a zombie apocalypse! A small army of walking dead will be attending 2017 San Diego Comic-Con, and we’d like these hungry zombies to feel right at home.

As I walked around downtown this morning taking photos, it appeared to me that some of the living dead have already arrived!

In anticipation of rampaging zombies, workers at AMC's Deadquarters on MLK Promendade are applying dirt up the shabby furniture.
In anticipation of rampaging zombies, workers at AMC’s Deadquarters on MLK Promenade are applying stains to the shabby furniture.
This worker is busy applying blood to a file cabinet. Because the walking dead like to feel welcome when they gather around old, dilapidated junk.
This worker is busy applying blood to a file cabinet. Because gory zombies like to feel at home when they gather around old, dilapidated junk.
A lot of work is required to prepare for your average zombie apocalypse.
A lot of work is required to prepare for your average zombie apocalypse.
I saw this bloody Derry High School bus in the Petco Interactive Zone. Looks to me like it already brought in some zombies. They might be walking around San Diego right now...
I saw this bloody-looking Derry High School bus in the Petco Interactive Zone. Looks to me like it already brought in a few zombies. They might be walking around San Diego right now…

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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 fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

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.

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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 fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

Photos of The Tick taking over San Diego!

A corner of San Diego is being taken over. Amazon Original The Tick streams on Prime starting August 25.
A corner of San Diego is being taken over by The Tick. The Amazon original series streams on Prime starting August 25.

Here are some photos of The Tick Takeover being built today for 2017 San Diego Comic-Con. I realize it might be difficult for a good-natured but rather dimwitted superhero to take over an entire city, but it seems The Tick will at least watch over a stretch of Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade, near the corner of Harbor Drive and First Avenue!

Graphic on rear of The Tick Takeover building shows Arthur Everest and The Tick.
Graphic on rear of The Tick Takeover building shows Arthur Everest and The Tick.
Superian says: Not everything that glows gives you superpowers!
Superian says: Not everything that glows gives you superpowers!
The Tick Takeover is under construction at the corner of First Avenue and Harbor Drive. This is the first of three sections.
The Tick Takeover is under construction at the corner of First Avenue and Harbor Drive. This is the first of three sections.
No graffiti, but lots of plastered advertisements.
No graffiti, but lots of plastered advertisements.
The inside of the building appears to be a small store.
The inside of the building appears to be a small store.
An upside down car and some rubble beside the building.
An upside down car and some rubble beside the building.
Another look.
Another look.
The second section, I learned, is where the 20 foot animatronic Tick will be located. That blue thing is part of his huge empty head.
The second section, I learned, is where the 20 foot animatronic Tick will be located. That blue thing is part of his huge (empty) head.
Workers are getting The Tick Takeover ready for 2017 San Diego Comic-Con.
Workers are getting The Tick Takeover ready for 2017 San Diego Comic-Con.
Two halves of The Tick's head lie on the ground.
Two halves of The Tick’s animatronic head lie on the ground.
Some of The Tick's characters depicted on one wall include Ramses IV, Superian and Overkill.
Some of The Tick’s characters depicted on one wall include Ramses IV, Superian and Overkill.

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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!

An enraged King Kong arrives in San Diego!

Workers push a gigantic ape hand into position. This will be part of Kong Skull Island, an outdoor San Diego Comic-Con site next to the Omni Hotel.
Workers push a gigantic ape hand into position. This will be part of Kong: Skull Island, an outdoor San Diego Comic-Con site next to the Omni Hotel.

King Kong arrived in San Diego this morning! And he doesn’t appear to be very happy about it!

I spied the gigantic, enraged ape near the Omni Hotel, in a patch of grass to be known as Skull Island during 2017 Comic-Con. Many workers were using all of their strength to wrestle King Kong into position. I didn’t see a huge cage or massive leg restraints. It appears the ferocious beast is being set loose in our city. Good thing Dole’s cargo ships carry millions of bananas each day into the marine terminal near the Hilton. Maybe that will tame the big monkey.

I'm not sure I'd want to be caught in the grip of King Kong. Those guys better be careful.
I’m not sure I’d want to be caught in the grip of King Kong. Those guys better be careful.
Another sun? We have enough tropical humidity here in San Diego during our monsoon weather.
Another sun? We have enough tropical humidity here in San Diego during our monsoon weather.
King Kong is so enraged it takes two sturdy workers to hold him at bay! I hope the movie ape doesn't escape and go on a rampage during Comic-Con!
King Kong is so enraged it takes two sturdy workers to hold him at bay! I hope the movie ape doesn’t go on a rampage during 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!

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!

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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!

Photos of how to get Wrecked at Comic-Con!

A desert island can be found directly behind the convention center, floating on San Diego Bay. There you'll find the Wrecked Pop-Up Island Tour during Comic-Con!
A desert island can be found directly behind the convention center, floating on San Diego Bay. There you’ll find the Wrecked Pop-Up Island Tour during 2017 Comic-Con!

Perhaps you’ve considered getting Wrecked while walking about during 2017 Comic-Con. Well, here’s what you need to do. Head directly behind the San Diego Convention Center and look for the small, flat, strangely rectangular desert island floating on the bay. You might note some palm trees on this island, and a conveniently wrecked aircraft. And a rather large hashtag. That’s where you need to go.

I’ll share some photos of my fun visit this afternoon. Then perhaps you might check out the second season of Wrecked on TBS which just started in June…

I feared this guy might film me riding the wild boar, so I avoided making too big a fool of myself.
I feared this guy might film me riding the wild boar, so I avoided making too big a fool of myself.
At first I thought this flight attendant was seating passengers on the wrecked aircraft. Looks to me like a nice shady spot--just avoid the sharp edges!
At first I thought this flight attendant was seating passengers on the wrecked aircraft. Looks to me like a nice shady spot–just avoid the sharp edges!
Instead, she introduced me to a hut full of friends. You know--the type Tom Hanks had in the movie Castaway.
Instead, she introduced me to a primitive hut full of friends. You know–the type Tom Hanks had in the movie Castaway.
Someone might have finally captured that wild boar running about the island.
Someone might have finally captured that wild boar running about the island.
Does this explain the name Wrecked?
Does this explain the name Wrecked?
I wonder if they use the dials on that ruined aircraft instrument panel to keep score while playing miniature golf?
I wonder if they use the dials on that ruined aircraft instrument panel to keep score while playing miniature golf?
Fortunately, the Watering Hole isn't very far from the Lotus Air Lavatories!
Fortunately, the Watering Hole isn’t very far from the Lotus Air Lavatories!
Thank you for a fun tour of the island! Maybe getting Wrecked ain't so bad after all!
Thank you for a fun tour of the island! Maybe getting Wrecked during Comic-Con ain’t so bad after all!

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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!

Update: The Tick…Midnight, Texas…Blade Runner 2049!

The positively huge Blade Runner 2049 Experience is under construction on First Avenue for 2017 San Diego Comic-Con!
The positively huge Blade Runner 2049 Experience is under construction on First Avenue for 2017 San Diego Comic-Con!

I was wrong! In a previous post, I thought the huge structure being built on First Avenue just north of Harbor Drive was for a private party. Wrong! It’s going to house the Blade Runner 2049 Experience. And it’s positively enormous! I also learned it will be free to the public–no Comic-Con badge required. You can bet I’ll be checking that out!

Today I also saw that progress has been made at Amazon’s The Tick Takeover site at the corner of First Avenue and Harbor Drive, and at the Midnight, Texas site near the Tin Fish. Here are some photos. Six days to go until Comic-Con!

A cool 4D experience being built near the Tin Fish promotes the upcoming NBC show Midnight, Texas.
A cool 4D experience being built near the Tin Fish promotes the upcoming NBC show Midnight, Texas.
It appears to me this old motorhome will be part of the spooky Midnight, Texas attraction at Comic-Con.
It appears to me this old motorhome will be part of a spooky Midnight, Texas attraction at Comic-Con.
A building with broken windows and a big gaping hole has appeared along MLK Promenade for Amazon's The Tick Takeover.
A building with broken windows and a big gaping hole has appeared along MLK Promenade for Amazon’s The Tick Takeover.
Every hero must face their destiny. Are you ready to face yours? The Tick.
And attached to the building is this. Every hero must face their destiny. Are you ready to face yours? The Tick.

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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!

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!

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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!

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.

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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!