I just returned from my first Dragon*Con and my head is still spinning. I’ll be honest with you, I didn’t think any event could match Comic-Con for geek impact and intensity, but I was wrong.
A lot of people like to compare the two Cons in a heated exchange. I think this is unnecessary. Both are fantastic events with vast and varied programming, cosplay opportunities, and star gazing. It’s important to understand the key differences between the two if your time and budget limitations allow for only one event each year.
One of the frequent gripes in the SciFi community is the lack of quality programming for our genre. The shows that do come along don’t seem to get the network and/or fan support they deserve and often end up cancelled before they hit their stride. We all whine, wail, and barbarically yelp about this subject all the time.
So imagine my pleasant surprise when I picked up the April 11-17 issue of TV Guide and saw their SciFi Review. Not only did they spotlight upcoming new shows like Falling Skies (TNT’s alien invasion drama) and FOX’s Terra Nova (now set to premiere in the fall), but they reminded viewers of existing standbys set to begin new episodes or seasons this spring, like Chuck, Torchwood, Sanctuary, and Dr. Who. This list didn’t even include other renewed favorites like Eureka, Warehouse 13, and SyFy’s very successful American version of Being Human.
With all these shows (including all the ones I didn’t name), paranormal fare like Vampire Diaries and Supernatural, as well as the Wonder Woman reboot, I’m left wondering, What exactly are we complaining about?
As some of you are aware, I’m a writer and I’m searching for an agent right now. With the possible exception of the fourteenth century’s Black Death outbreak, I’ve picked the worst time in history to be an unknown author with a book to sell. As a writer, I’m following publishing news daily and trying to stay current on an industry that is both changing rapidly and struggling to keep from changing too much. While being a writer is more difficult than ever, it’s a fantastic time to be a reader, which all of us here at GWC are.
I’d like to give you a layperson’s glimpse of some of the bigger book trends, how they’re affecting both writers and readers, and who I believe comes out ahead with each new innovation.
How much living can you cram into 24 hours at Comic-Con? Is it worth all the travel, effort, and cash to be there for such a short time frame? I’d say, yes, yes, and YES!
My 24 hours began at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 23rd when I arrived back at our oceanside condo and found a DM on Twitter from Lady D: “Listen to your voicemail!” she said. It seems they had an extra VIP ticket to that evening’s Bear McCreary concert. “Was I interested?” Needless to say, I said a quick goodbye to the family and jumped in the car.
Read on past the jump for the rest of my SDCC experiences, including my first Slave Leia (above).
Just a small morsel to temp your taste buds on the exhibit hall floor! The next Food Network Star? You saw it here first! (Or maybe at your local con. Either way!) Friday was such a great day. We’re all beat. More details later as my mind is still on hyper-drive.
Here we are in line for the panel room where I’ll spend my day. I must say that some of the other friendliest folks in sci-fi are here in line with us! Energy and excitement is at fever pitch. I’ve got lots to say about Bear’s concert last night, but I’ll save it for a long post. TGIF GWC!
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