The Wanderlust Librarian | San Diego Comic-Con

Shameless picture of me and Nathan Fillion! 
(He's on Castle!)

I know what you're thinking, "Am I at the right blog? Doesn't this girl write about travel?" Don't worry, you're at the right place and I'll be taking you into the annual magic that is San Diego Comic Con (affectionately known as SDCC). This year marked the third time I made my way to San Diego. The convention runs every July for four days: Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the San Diego Convention Center.

There are a "few" people walking around. 

Staggering fact:

Attendance for SDCC 2012 was over 126,000! (Manteca's total population was 68,410 as of January 1, 2011). It sells out every year by February or March when tickets are released.

Disturbing fact:

I don't read many comic books. In fact, I rarely read them.

Why would I attend SDCC, you ask? For the simple fact that it has more than comic books! It's everything from science fiction / fantasy / video gaming and animation . I love movies and television. When studios want to advertise new or returning shows and new movies, they go all out. Stars from the movies and shows frequently show up to the panels. The most popular panels are held in Hall H (capacity 6,500) and Ballroom 20 (capacity 4,900) and are packed with fans clamoring to hear about their favorite shows. 

Doctor Who Cast: (Left to Right) Matt Smith,
Arthur Darvill, Karen Gillan

Popular panels from this year's SDCC:

• Firefly 10th Anniversary panel 
• Game of Thrones
• True Blood
• Doctor Who
• Dexter
• Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn 2
• Big Bang Theory
• Walking Dead
• Iron Man 3
• Frankenweenie

The fun doesn't end once you leave the Convention Center. The area called The Gaslamp Quarter comes alive after sundown with the hoards of attendees and celebrities walking the streets to grab a bite to eat, catch an off site show or making their way to a multitude of restaurants or parties. Companies rent out restaurants and transform them into Adventure Time, or shows from The Hub! Nerdy pursuits from the world of the Interwebs show their presence outside of the SDCC. Geek & Sundry, Nerd HQ and CNET stake their headquarter claims in the Gaslamp during the Con.


Picture of me and Joss Whedon
He wanted to remain in his hood and hat. I was okay with that! 

If Comic Con had a king, it would most definitely be Stan Lee. It's amazing just how much his work has influenced entertainment! The list of books and dvds the library carries bearing his brand are staggering! If Comic Con had a prince, his name would be Joss Whedon. Never heard of him? Maybe you've heard of Buffy the Vampire Slayer or a little movie called ...The Avengers? Yeah...both of them Joss. If you think this man is small potatoes, check out the list of items that bear HIS name!

Traveling is pushing yourself to learning and experiencing new things. Don't be discouraged from visiting a new place because you think that you may not like it. In the case of Comic-Con... I'm thrilled that I went to check it out because it's now one of my favorite things!

Remember, readers: Adventure, Daleks and Avengers are out there!