SDCC 2025

San Diego Comic Con was last weekend and, again, I was lucky to attend thanks to Vani. I spent more time on the floor this year than I have since probably 2016. It was a combination of having the time off and needing to get out of the apartment that got me there early and kept me there late. I attended my first preview night in a long time and remembered that it’s probably my favorite part of Comic Con. I’m not there for panels and I’m not often looking for the exclusives. What I like about it is that every booth and vendor has all of their stock available. If I need something from Fantagraphics? Preview night. Tamagotchi booth? Preview night. While Friday and Saturday are the big event days, vendors are often out of half of their stock. If I do my main shopping on preview night then I can chill and not run around the rest of the days. My favorite day is when Vani and I get to walk around together. She’s generally working at the convention for most of the days. We had the most fun in small press and artist alley, as usual!

The Stern Pinball Lounge was a mess this year. It really wasn’t their fault. The crowd was generally rude and it soured me on what is usually one of my favorite off-site events. Folks were cutting in line, kids were starting four players on games and then running away. There was a drunk guy who wouldn’t get off of one machine and, when I asked if maybe someone else could have a turn, he yelled at me and his wife. I played two games and realized that free pinball wasn’t worth the hassle this year.

Overall, a great time. I say this every year, but I’m always pleasantly surprised by how much I still enjoy SDCC. It’s chaotic and messy, you have to wait in line to get in line, but there’s still a whole bunch of cool stuff to find, and neat people to talk to. As always, I’m looking forward to next year.        

-Ian