There is a special feeling one gets as you catch your first glimpse of the San Diego skyline during the best week in July. Your heart starts to race, giddiness sets in and then panic sets in. As you exit the freeway it suddenly becomes a mad rush to check into the hotel and then hit the ground running. Your valet greets you and is wearing a red cape. The hotel staff that checks you into your home away from home for the next several days are donned in superhero shirts. You look to your left and see Negan patiently waiting for his room key.
All this can only mean one thing…
IT IS SAN DIEGO COMIC CON!
On preview night the convention center and surrounding area is a flurry of last minute activity. The show floor is receiving last minute touches and the offsite events are finishing up their build. It’s a good day to grab a relaxed lunch and review your plans for the next four days.
The exhibit hall is only open for a few hours but the crowds aren’t too bad. I felt like it was manageable with two small children in tow. This is the day that eBay aficionados pick up their “Con exclusives” for immediate resale while the rest of us stuff our giant swag bags with…well…free swag.
Points of interest in the exhibit hall:

AMC‘s “The Walking Dead” has zombies in terrifyingly screen accurate makeup that freaked out my kids and honestly, made me a little nervous. One actor got a jump scare out of me without even trying.

Warner Bros has a couple photo ops with two props from the movie IT. As well as a photo op in the living room set of “Big Bang Theory.” There is more to discover and we will be heading back for more over the next few days.

Sideshow Collectibles had a HUGE booth area that had something for everyone. From super heroes to aliens to Star Wars they have it all in the way of high end busts and figures. If you can’t afford one, take a picture and put it on your wish list.

On the lawn of the Hilton Bayfront, Fx is still building their offsite event that features “American Horror Story, Atlanta,” “Legion,” “Archer,” and “The Strain.”

There are many offsite experiences peppered throughout the convention area and throughout the Gaslamp. So, if you didn’t get a badge for all 4 days then you’ll still have plenty of entertainment to satisfy your geek urge.

Cosplay tonight was light, as it usually is on preview night. We are looking forward to some amazing cosplay on the first full day of San Diego Comic Con. Especially with our own two children!