Comic-Con 2009 roundup

So we're a bit behind on our coverage, but we spent 3 glorious days in San Diego for Comic-Con 2009. And while it certainly lived up to its reputation for a mecca for general geekery, it was also apparent that it's in a schizophrenic crisis: is it a "popular arts" festival as the organizers have tagged it, or is it a comic convention? What does "Twilight" have to do with comics? or "Fringe?" Is 120,000+ people just too many, even for the massive convention center? Yes. The average wait for the main hall was 2+ hours. Even the secondary halls had hour-plus wait times, or were simply at capacity.

Some of the highlights:

• The homemade "Twilight ruined comic-con" signs just about everywhere
• The "free hugs" meme--not sure what that was about
• As always, the costumes -- geeks in their element -- priceless
• Getting sprayed with red food coloring during a promotion Gwar concert
• The 2000ad booth and Judge Dredd actors
• Anything and everything with Peter Jackson in it (I know, not comics)
• Edward James Olmos singing autographs
• Matt Groening giving away prizes when good questions were asked during the Futurama panel ("I was them doing this on the LOST panel," he said)
• Stan Lee, despite the lackluster "Time Jumper" digi-comic promo, enthusiastically being the national treasure that he is
• The show floor--where the real gems could be found amongst the crowded aisles
• Excellent weather
• Time and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job -- Live!

More recollections soon.