Preview Night and Day One at San Diego Comic Con 2024 - The Adventure Begins
With the major Hollywood strikes finally in the rearview mirror, San Diego Comic Con (SDCC) celebrated a proper return to form with a packed preview night. The atmosphere was electric as fans and creators alike converged to kick off one of the most anticipated pop culture events of the year.
Preview Night: A Sneak Peek into the Magic
For those unfamiliar with the structure of the show, preview night is an exclusive opportunity for fans to get on the show floor early, offering a brief window of shopping on the exhibit hall floor. It's a perfect time to grab exclusives, soak in the ambiance, and get a lay of the land before the main events begin.
My first stop was BOOM! Studios, a hub of excitement with a variety of exclusives on sale. Fans flocked to the booth for Power Rangers blind bags and some incredible variant covers for "Something is Killing the Children" and "BRZRKR." The energy was contagious, with collectors eagerly showcasing their latest finds and sharing the thrill of the hunt.
Next, I made my way to Felix Comic Art to meet one of my favorite creators in comics: Daniel Warren Johnson (DWJ). Johnson, known for his dynamic art and storytelling, was there signing issues of his "Transformers" series, as well as trade paperback volumes. He even added personalized remarks, making each signature a cherished keepsake. The line was long but filled with camaraderie as fans discussed their favorite DWJ moments.
Felix Comic Art also brought the immensely talented Tradd Moore to the show. Known for his work on "Silver Surfer Black" and "Doctor Strange: Fall Sunrise," Moore’s art is a visual feast of mind-bending beauty. Meeting Tradd and sharing my appreciation for his work was a highlight of the evening. His humility and passion for his craft were evident in every conversation he had with fans.
The evening closed with a celebration of IDW's 25th anniversary. As the careful steward of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" for many years, IDW's presence was strongly felt. Much of their marketing this year centered around the re-launch of TMNT with Jason Aaron at the helm. Alongside fellow enthusiasts like Lance from Comic Book Keepers, Chris Hacker from the Oblivion Bar Podcast, and Brad and Lisa from Comic Book Couples Counseling, we enjoyed great food and even better company. The celebration was a fitting end to an exhilarating preview night.
Day One: The Official Start of SDCC
Thursday marked the official start of SDCC, and it was a whirlwind from the get-go. The exhibit hall buzzed with activity as fans navigated through the maze of booths, eager to score more exclusives and meet their favorite creators.
My day kicked off with a shopping spree in the morning, followed by the highly anticipated Minor Threats panel, headed up by Patton Oswalt. The team discussed upcoming titles, including "The Brood," and announced the ongoing development of the third volume. They also gave a sneak peek into the Netflix series adaptation, currently in the early stages of development. The panel was packed, with fans eager to hear from Oswalt and his team.
Scott Snyder’s Absolute Power Panel
Following the Minor Threats panel, I attended Scott Snyder's panel on the "Absolute Power" event. The buzz around this event has been substantial, and Snyder did not disappoint. Set in a world where iconic DC heroes have been rendered powerless by Amanda Waller, the story explores how they retain their heroic qualities despite the loss of their powers.
The “Big 3” have some marked differences that were covered as well -
Batman: Still a vigilante, but with Alfred as a bounty hunter using his military training as opposed to his loyal butler.
Superman: Raised in isolation, presenting a darker take on his origin.
Wonder Woman: Raised in Hell and part witch, adding a unique twist to her character.
The concept art was breathtaking, leaving fans, including myself, eagerly anticipating its release later this year.
Anime and Video Game Art Panel
Later in the afternoon, I attended a panel focused on drawing favorite anime and video game characters. This panel featured the legendary Kenichi Sonoda, known for his work on Bubblegum Crisis and Hitoshi Ariga, famed for his contributions to Megaman Mastermix/MegaMix and GigaMix. (It was announced later in the weekend that Udon had acquired the rights to make more Mega Man comics, including for the X and ZX franchises…while writers/artists have not been confirmed, we can only hope Ariga will lend his talent to these series!) Both artists were recognized by the Comic Con board with Inkpot awards for their contributions to comics and animation, a surprise moment that delighted everyone in attendance.
The panel included several "art battles," where Sonoda and Ariga drew beloved characters from anime and video games, with the audience judging their creations. The competitive yet friendly spirit made it an unforgettable experience.
Missing Hall H but Ending on a High Note
Although I couldn't attend the Hall H screening of "Deadpool & Wolverine," I ended my Thursday with a trip to the movies to see it with some good friends. It was the perfect end to an action-packed first day at SDCC.
Stay tuned for my article covering Days 2 through 4, where I dive into more panels, exclusive reveals, and the vibrant cosplay culture that makes SDCC a unique experience. I will also spotlight vendors like Bandai Namco, Atsuko, and the Funko Pop Yourself! experience, among others.
The adventure has only just begun!
