Shots from the Mezzanine Level
Here we are at San Diego Comic-Con 2010, and we all have our schedules filled to overflowing with interviews, screenings and panels. "But wait!" you exclaim. "Isn’t there more to The Con (side note: those of us who have been more than once and believe that the trip to San Diego is actually more of a pilgrimmage, call the San Diego Comic Convention The Con) than just panels and celebrities?" And you would be correct. The Con is a bastion of collectibles – from golden age to modern comic books, action figures and statues foreign and domestic, artwork of all types, anime and manga and even music. This year I thought I’d take you on a tour of the less glamorous, but equally necessary part of The Con known simply as The Floor.
The Floor is actually like a city in its diversity of areas. Most everyone is selling something, but there are congregations of like products. There is the secondary market area that sells toys, magazines and comic books, most of which have been sold to the retailers from another’s collection. Next is the small/independent press. These are publishers who have a good idea and are trying to get noticed, either by a larger company or by enough of us to warrant their inclusion in the trade distribution cycle. The larger publishers are also in attendance but they don’t want your cash today; they will show you their products for future purchases from your local store. Also showing their wares are a variety of TV and movie companies showing us what’s in store in our futures. The gaming community has expanded as of late with the video game companies finding compatibility together, and they are grouped together (for now).
Next is Artists Alley. Much like the small/independent press, these are struggling artists who sell prints, original art and commissioned artwork. The art here ranges from mediocre to magnificent and in various forms: posters, prints, cells, original panels and statues. Last but not least are the manga/anime/miscellaneous groups. These groups are interspersed among the other areas but can be the most easily recognized with their huge banners and bright colors.
This description of the groupings is overly simplified because The Floor is much more complex. The trek though these territories can only be compared to the Warriors trying to get home.
There’s more to The Floor than capitalist activity, though. There are signings and sightings, previews and promotions, freebies and friends. Let’s take a little tour of the floor and see some of the attractions.
We'll start with the meat and potatoes of the floor – the dealers. Here are the folks that sell comics for all ages, toys, statues, shirts, posters and lots of miscellaneous merchandise.
Music
Toys
Posters
Comics
Shirts
Toys And Comics
More toys (and statues)
Next in our journey is the small press area. This can be attractive with its wide open aisles, bright colors, and interesting new material. You can find comics, prints, and even toys and statues. Have a look.
Dan Bois Graphics and Family
Jim Balent At Broadsword Comics
Open aisles!
Charles Schultz is remembered
Spoon!!!
Exhibitors are next. These companies have some of the biggest and brightest displays around. Movies and TV stations abound here.
Sideshow Collectibles
Some of Sideshow's Collectibles
These full-sized busts were impressive!
Want to guess what's being promoted at the Marvel Pavillion?
Don’t forget games! This area was the hardest to get pictures of because the game fans are some of the more dedicated patrons to grace an exhibit.
Last but not least is Artist Alley/art dealers. Here is where you will find the widest variety of art merchandise. Young artists with prints and one of a kind commissioned work, established artists with high quality prints and originals, movie cells, comic panels and pages and several statues. Have a look!
An Artist Alley resident
An alley
The Shifflett Brothers booth and Mom
You never know who's selling artwork at Comic-Con!
Don’t forget the costumes. And the celebrities! These sightings on the floor are more satisfying than standing in line to see them. I talked wrestling with Jerry Lawler, complimented Glen Danzig on his newest album, said hi to Sid Haig, shot the breeze with R.A. Mihailoff, made Orlando Jones laugh and stood in awe as Stan Lee walked past. Unfortunately, I didn’t have my camera at the ready for most of these, but here are a couple.
Original costumes abound
Jerry Lawler poses with a fan
Sid Haig is a fan as well as a celeb
Orlando Jones signs autographs at After Dark Films
I hope you enjoyed this small glimpse into the heart of The Con. I’ll be back next year with more stories from The Floor. 'Til then, keep ComicsOnline.com at the top of your favorites for more news and reviews!
