This is my first attempt at live blogging. You would think after 20 years of blogging I would’ve done this at least once. Now live blogging is now passé, but I’m gonna do it anyway. I’m using voice transcription so things may not come out exactly right.
I’m not a huge Comicon fan. Once you’ve been to one, you’ve pretty much seen them all, especially a local con like this. However, this year William Shatner is here. We’re turning this into a Star Trek day with new ST Discovery episodes followed by Galaxy Quest.
I grabbed my big camera and audio recorder so I look semi-professional, but I also donned a com badge.
8:45
Parking was confusing. The folks working didn’t seem to know what was going on. I got park and didn’t have to wait in line to buy a ticket. The line to get in, however, stretched around the hall.
Even Mandolorians had to wait in line.
9:30
Line hasn’t moved, but, then again, the hall doesn’t open until 10:00. Chatted with the guy in front of me. Seemed like a nice guy, though he wasn’t into Star Trek or Star Wars.
9:45
Lots of older overweight male nerds here. I fit right in. Also lots of people wearing Star Trek T-shirts. Makes sense.
9:57
My years as an elementary teacher have made me a bit OCD about lines. A group came in the back way and started an intersecting line. Some staff sorted them out, but I’m sure they weren’t happy about moving. As I get older it doesn’t matter to me as much.
10:15
The line finally started moving, and we were inside quickly. As we walked toward the door, I could see that the line wrapped around several times outside. I’m glad I got here when I did. First thing I did was headed over to the media area, but none of the media guests were there. I guess I’ll have to wait a little bit later to see Captain Kirk.
10:40
After first, heading to the wrong side of the building, I finally found a guy who is also looking for Shatner, and he said we needed to head the other way. I found where they were signing autographs, and there was quite the crowd. I was able to get a good photo of William Shatner.
I tried to take a photo of John Rhys-Davies but some bodyguard dude came up and said “no Photos!” Got one anyway on my Nikon. Will add it later.
10:55
I’m just about nerded out.
I took a picture of this character, and she pulled a gemstone from a black bag and gave it to me. I wonder if it has magical powers.
More characters.
11:10
I stopped by J. Chris Campbell’s booth. I have a set of his original robot prints. Always like to see what new things he’s created.
11:15
A cute elf tried to sell me some ears. I resisted.
11:25
I’m giving up. I feed her tired, and I’m tired of walking. Crowds are getting larger, and I don’t do well in crowds.
Here’s some last-minute weirdness.
The thing that amazes me is that there are so many booths with artist who’ve made their own versions of someone else’s artwork.
11:30
There’s a long line outside, still waiting to buy tickets, and an even longer line inside waiting to get in. It looks like they are metering who comes in and who leaves. Looks like they have reached capacity inside, and they only let someone in when someone leaves. Good thing I decided to leave now.
11:38
Traffic is backed up on Highway 291. It’s even gridlock around the convention center. I don’t think I’ve ever seen traffic this bad on this highway unless there was an accident.