SDFP Writer Inundated with Comic-Con Related Emails
By Brent E. Beltrán
Last year I covered Comic-Con for San Diego Free Press. I wrote five articles in a series I called Adventures in Comic-Conlandia: A Nerds-eye View. You can read them here: Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV & Part 5. This was my first attempt at writing about something I had loved since I started attending back in 1986. Though grueling I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and will cover the event again this week. I plan on being not so ambitious this year.
Sometimes Comic-Con sneaks up on you. You don’t know it is here until trolley station signs are written in Klingon or you’re standing in line for a happy hour beverage next to a Stormtrooper.
For me that wasn’t the case this year. You see, I’ve been inundated with press releases for the past month and it’s picked up even more within the last week. I’ve been sent hundreds of emails from the various media, toy and comic book companies that want to get the word out about their latest film, action figure or storyline.
Getting a media badge for Comic-Con not only entitles you to free entrance into the world’s largest geek gathering it also opens you up to whatever it is these companies want to promote. All the companies that pay to be at Comic-Con are given access to all of the credentialed media that plans on attending. And they want you to review their products, interview their TV and movie talent and attend their parties and functions.
Most of the time I ignore the press releases since I don’t have the time or energy to cover them. But I thought I’d share with San Diego Free Press readers the type of stuff that I’ve received lately. You’re welcome.
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TNT Invades Comic-Con with Legends, The Last Ship and Falling Skies
Legends at Center of First-Ever Branded Takeover of San Diego Airport
TNT is bringing its eagerly anticipated drama Legends to Comic-Con International: San Diego 2014 with multiple events and initiatives, including the first-ever branded takeover of San Diego International Airport. The gripping undercover drama starring Sean Bean (Game of Thrones, The Lord of the Rings) is the centerpiece of TNT’s extensive presence at this year’s Comic-Con, which takes place July 24-27 at the San Diego Convention Center.
This year’s Comic-Con will also feature events spotlighting TNT’s top-rated new series The Last Ship, including a party with CraveOnline aboard the USS Midway, and Falling Skies, with a special alien cocoon experience highlighting a key element in the show’s fourth season. In addition, stars and producers from all three shows are set to participate in discussion panels and Q&A sessions.
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NBC, UNIVERSAL TELEVISION READY TO INVADE COMIC-CON WITH PANELS AND PARTIES
“Constantine,” “The Blacklist,” “Hannibal,” “Grimm,” “Bates Motel” and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog to Share Secrets With Fans
The network will present panels for returning series “The Blacklist” and “Hannibal” while Universal Television will host panels for NBC’s “Grimm,” its A&E series “Bates Motel” as well as a new untitled series coming to Adult Swim that stars Triumph the Insult Comic Dog and “30 Rock” alumnus Jack McBrayer. Also, Warner Bros. Television will present multiple screenings and a panel for new NBC Friday night series “Constantine.”
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Cartoon Network Comedy Phenoms Set to Animate Comic-Con® International: San Diego 2014
Adventure Time, Regular Show, Steven Universe, Uncle Grandpa and Clarence
Panels, Signings, Screenings and More!
Cartoon Network invades Comic-Con® International: San Diego 2014 showcasing all of its’ hit original animated comedy series with star studded panels, signings, screenings, costume contests, exclusive giveaways and more! The Network will offer the ultimate fan experience! Get an inside look at the hottest animated shows on TV with exclusive clips, panels and Q&A sessions sure to answer all of those burning questions — straight from the series creators, producers and voice talent. Fanboys and fangirls rejoice! The epic Adventure Time ConQuest will return for the third consecutive year with an all new treasure-filled journey throughout the San Diego Convention Center.
Always a favorite on the Convention floor, the Cartoon Network booth will pay homage to popular series Adventure Time, Regular Show, Steven Universe, Uncle Grandpa, and Clarence. Fans can immerse themselves in their favorite shows, with three different one-of-a-kind “selfie” photo experiences and collect exclusive Comic-Con giveaways including five different Cartoon Network themedbuttons each day.
The party doesn’t stop when the convention floor closes! For the first time ever, Cartoon Network will present special night time screenings exclusively for the Comic-Con audience, offering fans an insider look at some of their favorite shows. Other Cartoon Network series featured at San Diego Comic-Con include Teen Titans Go!, LEGO® Ninjago, and LEGO® Legends of CHIMA™.
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Adult Swim Announces Annual San Diego Comic-Con Take-Over
The Meatwad Full Dome Experience Offers Surreal Visual Ride for Fans
Adult Swim Fun House Returns with Puzzling New Rooms
Series Panels for Fan Favorite Shows and New Series
This year at San Diego Comic-Con, Adult Swim will once again amaze and inspire fans inside and outside the convention center with an all new Adult Swim booth, unique fan experiences and celebrity filled signings and panels featuring series stars, creators and producers from the network’s most popular shows such as Robot Chicken, The Venture Bros., Childrens Hospital, and Rick and Morty. Adult Swim will also offer fans a first -look at their highly anticipated new series Mike Tyson Mysteries and the live-action series starring Triumph the Insult Comic Dogand Jack McBrayer. Adult Swim stars and creators on hand will include Mike Tyson, Aaron McGruder, Seth Green, Dan Harmon, Rob Corddry, Jackson Publick, Doc Hammer, Christy Karacas, and many more.
Adult Swim will also have a major presence at the Petco Park parking lot across from the convention center starting at 3pm Thursday, July 24 through Saturday, July 26th. Named the #1 brand activation at last year’s convention by AdWeek, the Adult Swim Fun House will return for a second year of Robot Pumps and Spasm Chasms. Multiple challenges will force guests to crawl, slide, and sing their way to get through this giant castle. Don’t miss your chance to get publicly dumped.
Nestled next to the Fun House, the Meatwad Full Dome Experience will be making its debut at this year’s convention. This familiar fast-food friend will guide guests on a journey through a mind-fudging interdimensional-space-coaster-love-canal. We are breaking theoretical physics here. Once attendees successfully escape the Dome or Fun House, they will be treated to free, live screen printed t-shirts, photo opportunities, and get to watch as others attempt to break free of the castle. Free for all fans aged 18 and up, tickets will be distributed at the Fun House and the Dome daily starting at 12:00 p.m. and will be open Thursday, July 24 – Saturday, July 26 from 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. each night.
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Enter to Win a Limited Edition Peavey Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Guitar at Diamond’s Booth at San Diego Comic-Con
Peavey Electronics® and Diamond Comic Distributors have teamed up at the Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) to give away a Limited Edition 2014 Comic-Con Eastman/Laird Rockmaster® Glow-in-the-Dark TMNT Guitar from Peavey.
Attendees can enter to win exclusively at the Diamond PREVIEWS world Booth #2401 starting July 23 until July 27.
The Peavey Limited Edition 2014 Comic-Con Eastman/Laird Rockmaster® guitar features officially licensed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles® “Glow-in-the-dark” artwork by TMNT creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. In 1983, these two friends and comic book writers created what would become an iconic brand of pizza-eating, skateboarding, crime-fighting mutant reptiles.
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FORENSIC PSYCHIATRISTS AND HORROR SCREENWRITER EXAMINE THE MINDS OF ICONIC SLASHER FILM VILLAINS
Comic-Con 2014 Panel Analyzes Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger, and Jason Voorhees
Once again, the doctors of Broadcast Thought, H. Eric Bender, M.D., Praveen R. Kambam, M.D., and Vasilis K. Pozios, M.D., return to Comic-Con International with a must-see panel. On Thursday, July 24, 2014, from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm in Room 7AB, they team up with very special guest, Mark Swift, co-writer of Friday the 13th (2009) and Freddy vs. Jason, to present “Freddy vs. Jason vs. Michael! Inside the Minds of Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, & Michael Myers.”
The panelists consider whether Michael is simply a sociopathic stalker, Freddy merely a manipulative monster, and Jason just a killing machine. Or is there more to these slashers when we slice below the surface? Can we make sense of a vengeful boogeyman’s sister obsession? Could fire turn a sexually violent predator into a sadistic serial killer? Did “mommy issues” and bullying birth a brutish butcher? Who’s the most dangerous killer, and which, if any, might be considered insane? Join the discussion moderated by horror meister Evan Dickson of Bloody Disgusting! Discover the answers to these and other questions, and come take a stab at these iconic slashers!
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ThinkGeek Beams into San Diego Comic-Con 2014 with Functional Star Trek Phaser
Scotty in engineering is still working out how it was done
ThinkGeek is proud to announce the reveal of The Wand Company’s latest Universal Remote Control – a Star Trek: The Original Series Phaser Universal Remote Control. This exceptionally accurate and highly detailed working replica will be revealed at San Diego Comic Con on July 23 and can be experienced first-hand at ThinkGeek’s booth (#3849).
Created from meticulous 3D scans of the last known hero prop from the original Star Trek series, the Phaser Universal Remote Control is a fully functional gesture-based universal remote control suitable for controlling many home entertainment systems and other IR controlled devices.
“The Star Trek Phaser is one of the most iconic pieces of sci-fi gadgetry,” said Chris Barnardo from The Wand Company, “We’ve spent hundreds of hours creating a collectable prop replica gadget that will bring new levels of action and enjoyment to Star Trek fans as they boldly go on their adventures.”
Seamlessly blending functionality and perfect form, the 1:1 scale Phaser is equipped with 10 authentic phaser firing sounds, tactile force-feedback, a customizable personal lock code, and can store up to 36 remote commands.
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UBISOFT® ANNOUNCES COMIC-CON LINEUP
Today, Ubisoft announced its Comic-Con International: San Diego lineup featuring a selection of Ubisoft’s highly anticipated titles including, Assassin’s Creed® Unity™, Far Cry 4™, The Crew™ and Just Dance® 2015. In addition to hands-on time with some of the games, fans will have access to panels featuring Ubisoft titles.
San Diego Comic-Con attendees will be able to truly immerse themselves in the Assassin’s Creed Universe with the Assassin’s Creed Experience, a massive parkour obstacle course located on the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade at Harbor Dr. The Assassin’s Creed Experience allows fans the opportunity to become a Master Assassin and try free-running techniques such as rolling and vaulting, including a separate 25-foot “Leap of Faith.” Fans who complete the course will receive a free limited edition Assassin’s Creed Experience T-shirt (while supplies last) and bragging rights. The latest single-player demo of Assassin’s Creed Unity, showcasing the new hero, setting and features will also be shown at the Assassin’s Creed Experience. Additionally, consumers who pre-order the game on-site will receive a free Assassin’s Creed guillotine T-shirt (while supplies last).
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SDCC ReAction Figures Alien Egg Chamber Playset Pre-Order
In response to the unexpected outpouring of enthusiasm and support for the Alien Egg Chamber Playset, we are thrilled to offer this limited pre-order for the black box edition of the playset for fans of Alien and ReAction Figures everywhere. This version features the black packaging and a charcoal base with printed cardboard inserts with custom artwork. As this was originally a labor of love project for us here at Super7, we had no idea it would touch the hearts of as many fans as it has. Thank you so much for your support of Super7 and this crazy playset of ours, we hope you enjoy it as much as we do, and that we can continue to make special and unique items like this in the future for you.
The Alien Egg Chamber Playset will be available for pre-order during all days of on site at SDCC and online at our website www.super7store.com. The pre-order will coincide with the show, and will only be available for pre-order from Wednesday July 21st at 6pm through Sunday July 27th at 5pm. All playsets will be limited to the number of orders received and made to order. Playset bases will be made from hand cast resin unless enough orders are received to manufacture the bases in injection molded plastic. Delivery date for resin bases will be 3-4 months, and injection bases will be 6-7 months (hopefully faster). $100 each + $15 shipping (this is a really big box and base), available for pre-order from Wednesday July 21st at 6pm through Sunday July 27th at 5pm, quantities will be made to order.
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The 2nd Annual Musical Anatomy of a Superhero At Comic-Con
Thursday, July 24th, 2014
Projects include Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Age of Ultron, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Fox’s Gotham, CW’s The Flash, Edge of Tomorrow & more!
Leading Hollywood composers discuss the process of creating the musical voice behind the superhero, explain the challenges when bringing a comic book character or story to life and writing music to reflect the story line. Panelists will show film clips of their work, some from never-before-seen projects. Event produced by Costa Communications.
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The Mighty Marvel Shop Returns to San Diego with a Cavalcade of Limited Edition Merchandise!
The Marvel Shop at San Diego Comic Con International is back and ready to blow the doors off the joint*! (Booth #2329) In addition to breathtaking announcements, stunning reveals, creator signings and special events, Marvel will be bringing a wide line of incredible, for sale, limited edition merchandise to the Marvel booth (while supplies last) including t-shirts, variant comics, hoodies and more!
Check out our reveal of the limited edition Rocket Raccoon Ravager variant plush and women’s SSR tee in this week’s Marvel’s The Watcher! Product line announcements will continue beginning tomorrow, July 17th, on Marvel.com.
Join Marvel this year at San Diego Comic-Con and for more on Marvel’s latest announcements, please visit Marvel.com. Join the conversation on Twitter with #Marvel and don’t forget to follow us at @Marvel.
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ANGRY VIDEO GAME NERD: THE MOVIE
Based on the hit web series of the same name, ANGRY VIDEO GAME NERD: THE MOVIE blends science fiction, adventure, and comedy to follow a disgruntled gamer who must overcome his fear of the worst video game of all time in order to save his fans. Hilarity ensues as a simple road trip becomes an extravagant pursuit of the unexpected.
It was in 2006 that Rolfe uploaded his first review clip, establishing the popular persona that has made him a digital-age star. His motor-mouthed alter ego became a web sensation and the lure of the big screen came calling. Rolfe, his co-writer/director Kevin Finn, and producer Sean Keegan, have met the challenge with this inventive and off-kilter homage to B-grade cinema.
Entirely crowd-funded by the webseries’ large international fan-base, ANGRY VIDEO GAME NERD: THE MOVIE raised what was, at the time in 2012, the second most ever for a film campaign online. The film also tapped into its fans in the Industry, with more than 80 VFX artist volunteers contributing to the film and a score by AVGN fan and Emmy-Award winning composer, Bear McCreary (The Walking Dead, Battlestar Galactica)
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PREPARE FOR THE NEXT WAVE OF TURTLE DOMINATION BY DISCOVERING WHERE IT ALL BEGAN WITH THE CO-CREATOR OF THE ENDURING HEROES AND TEAM BEHIND THE COMPREHENSIVE NEW FILM
TURTLE POWER: THE DEFINITIVE HISTORY OF THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES
Comic-Con Q&A To Include Sneak Peek At The Revealing New Documentary!
Go behind-the-scenes and beneath the streets to discover the real origin story of four of the most unlikely superheroes of all time with their co-creator and the director of the fascinating new film TURTLE POWER: The Definitive History of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Get an exclusive sneak peek at the documentary followed by a Q&A discussion moderated by Jose “FUBAR” Sanchez of “Electric Playground” and learn how this so-called “happy accident” defied every naysayer to become one of the most popular and beloved franchises in the world.
TURTLE POWER: The Definitive History of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles debuts on DVD, VOD and Digital HD August 12, 2014.
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CRAZY BITCHES’ Guinevere Turner Joins San Diego Comic-Con International’s Queer Horror Panel July 25
Queer screenwriter, filmmaker and actress Guinevere Turner (AMERICAN PSYCHO, The L Word, CHASING AMY) has announced that she will join San Diego Comic-Con International’s Queer Horror Panel on Friday, July 25. The panel follows tonight’s Outfest premiere of Jane Clark’s (METH HEAD) new film CRAZY BITCHES, starring Turner as Belinda, a hard-luck actress with dreams of stardom. The Queer Horror panel takes place Friday July 25, from 7:00pm – 8:00pm, Room 28DE of the Convention Center.
Turner is joined on the panel by Prism Comics and moderator/horror expert Sean Abley (Fangoria’s Gay of the Dead; Out in the Dark) and panelists Jeffrey Reddick (FINAL DESTINATION; DAY OF THE DEAD), J. T. Seaton (GEORGE: A ZOMBIE INTERNVENTION, NOLA Horror Film Festival), Tim Sullivan (2001 MANIACS; CHILLERAMA), and writer/actor Michael Varrati (TALES OF POE; SINS OF DRACULA).
The panel discusses how authors, filmmakers, and comics creators are always looking for new twists to their mediums, including presenting LGBT subtext, plot elements, and characters. But does a gay horror genre exist, and if so what makes it different from mainstream horror? Do queer horror creators bring a different sensibility to the medium? Has the current surge of LGBTQ acceptance and civil rights influenced the horror genre? The panel explores these and other aspects of this popular medium from a queer perspective
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BIF BANG POW! ANNOUNCES NEW LICENSING DEAL WITH WARNER BROS. CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND WARNER BROS. ANIMATION FOR MIKE TYSON MYSTERIES™ COLLECTIBLES
World-renowned manufacturer Bif Bang Pow! has announced a new partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products with Warner Bros. Animation (WBA), to release a series of new products from the upcoming animated comedy series Mike Tyson Mysteries™, which is premiering this fall on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim block.
Bif Bang Pow! is proud to add the Mike Tyson Mysteries collection of action figures to its ever-expanding lineup of iconic products. Bif Bang Pow! will debut a Mike Tyson Mysteries Mike Tyson with Boxing Gloves 8-Inch Action Figure Convention Exclusive at San Diego Comic-Con 2014, July 23-27, at the Entertainment Earth booth (2343).
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Pizza Hut to Unveil 12-Foot Tall, 16-Feet Long, Live-Action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle “Pizza Thrower” at Comic-Con
Pizza Hut Continues Summer-Long Ninja Turtles Promotion with Tribute to iconic Pizza Thrower Toy, Sampling of Cheesy Bites at Event
Comic Con attendees will have a new attraction to feast their eyes on this year. The attraction weighs 2 tons. Stands 12 feet high. Took 7 weeks to build. And fires pizzas. From a custom cannon. Up to 30 feet! From a seat perched on top of turret.
Starting Wednesday at the Petco Park Interactive Zone, Pizza Hut will reveal a life-size, fully-functional “Pizza Thrower,” a nod to the classic TMNT toy and the latest way the pizza company is partnering with Paramount on the upcoming movie release. The Pizza Thrower (rendering and video below, spec sheet attached) will be open to the public to try throughout the convention. The Thrower will fire faux Cheesy Bites Pizzas at Ninja Turtles enemies, and participants will receive free slices of the popular Pizza Hut pizza.
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Saban’s Iconic Power Rangers To Take Over San Diego Comic-Con International – SUPER MEGAFORCE Style
San Diego will be POWERED UP with Power Ranger Appearances, Autograph Signings with the Legendary Green & Black Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Super Megaforce Cast, along with Exclusive New Product, Game Demos and More
Saban’s Power Rangers will be back in full force at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con International (July 24-27), showcasing the strength of the entertainment franchise. From meet and greets with the original Mighty Morphin Green Ranger, Jason David Frank, and the current Power Rangers Super Megaforce cast, to experiencing early gaming demos and sneak peeks of upcoming products, fans can expect nothing less than another action-packed Power Ranger Comic-Con experience.
“We’re bringing the Power Rangers to this year’s show with exciting appearances, Comic-Con exclusive merchandise, cast autograph signings and much more,” said Elie Dekel, President of Saban Brands. “Attendees can expect an interactive, powered up experience for fans of all ages to celebrate the legacy of the brand through the current television show, Power Rangers Super Megaforce, which brings back legendary Power Rangers from the past 20 seasons.”
On Friday, July 25, the Power Rangers will have back-to-back signings with Jason David Frank and the cast of Power Rangers Super Megaforce. Jason David Frank, the original Green Ranger from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, will appear at the Shout! Factory booth (#4248) for an autograph signing from 3-4 p.m. Fans can also meet the cast of Power Rangers Super Megaforce at an autograph signing at the Nickelodeon booth (#4113) on Friday, July 25, from 4-5 p.m. Actors Andrew Gray (Red Ranger), John Mark Loudermilk (Blue Ranger), Christina Masterson (Pink Ranger), Ciara Hanna (Yellow Ranger), Azim Rizk (Green Ranger) and Cameron Jebo (the new Silver Ranger) will be on-hand to meet and take photos with fans.
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SUICIDEGIRLS: BLACKHEART BURLESQUE ANNOUNCES SPECIAL COMIC-CON PERFORMANCE!
The SuicideGirls: Blackheart Burlesque will be performing at San Diego Comic-Con! The internet’s top community celebrating alternative beauty and indie culture has announced a spectacular midnight, geek fantasy show, SuicideGirls: Blackheart Burlesque, which will be held on July 26th at House of Blues in San Diego, CA. Tickets are on sale now at http://blackheartburlesque.com/.
Additionally, SuicideGirls will also have a booth (#1730) on the Comic-Con convention floor that will feature signings by Blackheart Burlesque artist Lora Zombie and SuicideGirls Comic Book Series illustrator Cameron Stewart.
SuicideGirls: Blackheart Burlesque show features performances and music, complete with tongue-in-cheek humor and raw erotic sexuality. The show will feature stunning choreography from renowned instructor and choreographer, Manwe Sauls-Addison, who has worked with world famous performers such as Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga. He has assembled a team of the sexiest, most talented SuicideGirls to create the ultimate provocative tribute to pop-culture that Burlesque has ever seen. With striptease performances poking fun at Star Wars, Game of Thrones, Donnie Darko, Planet of the Apes and more, this will be unlike and other Burlesque show on the planet.
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SCIENCE CHANNEL RETURNS TO COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL WITH THE UNEXPLAINED FILES
Star of the “The Exorcism” Linda Blair makes a special guest appearance
Science Channel announced today that Comic-Con International audiences will get an exclusive, first-look at the sophomore season of the network’s hit series THE UNEXPLAINED FILES. On Friday, July 25 at 7 PM PT in Room 7AB, Science Channel panelists will reveal never-before-seen footage from the series, and share eye-witness accounts of strange happenings including the location of a possible paranormal superhighway, evidence of the Mexican Chupacabra, and the real story of the exorcism that inspired the film The Exorcist. In addition, Linda Blair, star of the 1973 classic film The Exorcist, will also join THE UNEXPLAINED FILES panel to discuss her experiences on the set of the film.
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This was but a small sample of the press releases I’ve received over the past month. So many activities go on during Comic-Con that the general public has no idea about. Many are free and you don’t need a badge to participate in. Some events you have to pay for. DiscoverSD has a list of some other Comic-Con related happenings that you don’t need a badge to attend. For the official Comic-Con International 2014 schedule go here.
Brent E. Beltrán
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The Meatwad Full Dome Experience gets my vote. I can hear Tina Turner singing “We don’t need another hero (sandwich).”
When I read that press release I knew I had to share! Who doesn’t like wads of meat? And it’s free!
Meatwad — Wasn’t that what Archie called Michael in “All in the Family”? ;-)
Notice Pizza Hut thinks that 12 is singular (12-foot tall) while 16 is plural (16-feet long). Or maybe vertical is singular but length is plural…?
And who could resist the StarTrek phaser universal remote?!
Y’all are doppelganger Tea Partyers.
And they have NOT STOPPED!!!!
Serious.
Saturday 7/26 at 5pm —8th Annual San Diego Zombie Walk – Always FREE, no ticket required. Open to all ages. Meet at Children’s Park, near the corner of Island Ave. and 1st Ave. in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter at 5pm. Walks starts promptly at 5:15pm. Please come dressed as a zombie to join the walk… or find a spot in the area to watch as thousands of zombies stumble through the area. Check out walk guidelines at http://sdzombiewalk.com or go to Facebook…Zombie Walk: San Diego or twitter @sdzombiewalk