Impressions of Comic Con San Diego, 2001, or… Darth Vader’s in the Crosswalk, and isn’t that The Tick?

Wednesday, August 1st, 2001

I know a little bit about comics, because I read a bit of anime and graphic novels.  I know a little bit about midsize gaming conventions, because I have friends with that addiction.  I know a little bit about science fiction fandom, again, mostly from friends.  None of these prepared me for the event which is the San Diego Comic Con.

It’s huge.  Any dealers room with aisle numbers into the four or five digits is startling for the uninitiated!  I was thrilled that I had remembered to wear comfortable shoes.

A local friend of mine had convinced me (after two years of wheedling) to drive down from Los Angeles this year.  She had previously introduced me to some wonderful woman comic artists, like Roberta Gregory, Colleen Doran, Diane DiMassa, and Donna Barr.  Their work is pretty hard to find in small comic shops, so she thought we’d have better luck at the con.

A few days before, I had found out that Michael Shanks, a Stargate SG-1 actor, would be attending, who rarely if ever does public appearances. I don’t collect autographs and have never felt the need to meet anyone affiliated with any shows I’ve enjoyed, but there’s a first time for everything…
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