SDCC23

That time of year again! SDCC2023 !! Since 2015 I’ve been attending Comic- Con International, and this was my first year back since covid. San Diego Comic Con is my ultimate favorite convention, it is a whole different level of Geek fandom. The entire city transforms itself, and all of Downtown San Diego takes part in this celebration. From the hotels to the restaurants Con goers are literally everywhere. The city is full of professionals, creators, artists, celebrities, exhibitors, cosplayers, and fans. However this year was a little different due to the ongoing strikes by the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA.

San Diego Comic-Con 2023: Back to Its Roots – You can check out my coverage HERE on The Cherry Picks! (Trailers, Announcements & more) Though actors and big movie/TV promos were missing this year, there was still plenty to see and do…

https://www.thecherrypicks.com/stories/san-diego-comic-con-2023/

I wanted to share this experience and some highlights from this years convention. I attended a lot of great panels this year, and saw some amazing toys and figures. I also had a great time seeing some of my favorite artists, and attending the McFarlane Toys party and Disney’s X-Men Hellfire Gala! Check out my gallery from the con below!

ARTIST ALLEY/ EXHIBITORS

ASPEN COMICS Peter Steigerwald (Aspen Comics co-owner)

Superstar Marvel artist Marco Chechetto

BOOM Studios! Saw my Buddy Khary Randolph

Best of 2000 AD

SIGNINGS

James Tynion IV, Lee Bermejo, Marco Chechetto

PANELS

Spotlight on John Romita Jr. Come meet famed Spidier-Man artist John Romita Jr.! John began his career with a six-page story entitled “Chaos at the Coffee Bean!” in The Amazing Spider-Man Annual (1977). His early popularity began with his run on Iron Man with writer David Michelinie and artist Bob Layton, in 1978. The creative team introduced several supporting characters, including Tony Stark’s bodyguard girlfriend Bethany Cabe and rival industrialist Justin Hammer. In the early 1980s, he had his first regular run on the series The Amazing Spider-Man and in 2022 he returned to the book.

Invincible – Invincible 20th Anniversary Panel and A Conversation with the Cast and Creator of Prime Video’s Invincible

The Best Superhero Comic Book in the Universe celebrates its 20th anniversary with a look back at the franchise and a look forward at what’s to come in the worlds of comics, animation, video games, tabletop games, and more! Featuring Invincible creators Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, and Ryan Ottley,along with Sean Mackiewicz (SVP/publisher, Skybound), Marge Dean (head of studio, Skybound Animation), and Mike Rogers (creative director, Skybound).

ASPEN COMICS

I got to hang with one of my favorite publishers the Aspen Comics team, and celebrate their 20th Anniversary! The Official Aspen Comics Panel 2023

Check out my tribute to my favorite legendary artist Turner: Michael Turner Tribute Rest his soul

http://www.aspencomics.com/

David Maisel (founder of Marvel Studios and Mythos Studios), Frank Mastromauro (Aspen Comics co-owner), Peter Steigerwald (Aspen Comics co-owner), Vince Hernandez (Aspen Comics VP/editor-in-chief), Mark Roslan (Aspen Comics VP/director of design), J.T. Krul (writer of Soulfire, Teen Titans), and Alex Konat (artist of Michael Turner’s Fathom). Featuring the first public conversation with the Aspen team about what inspired the new Ekos Universe. All fans in attendance will receive a free gift courtesy of Aspen Comics.

DSTLRY: Drinking from The Devil’s Cut

The Devil’s Cut is your introduction to DSTLRY, a new publisher redefining creator-owned comics. In the aging process, the whiskey that evaporates is called the Angel’s Share. But the most potent spirits are captured in the wood—the Devil’s Cut. Available at the convention, The Devil’s Cut overflows with unfiltered stories from the most fearless creators, offering a distinct taste of the quality to come. A murderer’s row of the book’s contributors—including Tula Lotay, Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Jock, Joëlle Jones, Marc Bernardin, Ariela Kristantina, Mirka Andolfo, Becky Cloonan, and Ram V—alongside DSTLRY founding editor Will Dennis provide an exclusive preview of the first stories behind the creator-owned revolution.

A24’s TALK TO ME

Danny and Michael Philippou (a.k.a. RackaRacka) discuss their journey from YouTube creators to their feature debut and how their love of genre led them to make the most anticipated horror film of the summer.

EVENTS/ PARTIES

I had the pleasure of attending the McFarlane Toys VIP party, and got to hang with the legend Todd McFarlane. They had massive displays of the McFarlane Toys lines including DC gold label, Spawn, Mortal Kombat and more! They also always give away the best goodie bags!

Got to attend Disney’s The Haunted Mansion after party. It was an awesome interactive party with photo-ops, good music and free festive drinks.

My favorite event was the incredible HELLFIRE X-Men Gala. One of the most impressive comic-con after parties iv’e ever seen was the illustrious ticketed and sold-out D23 X-Men Hellfire Gala. The fiercest fashion event of the summer was a callback to the comics and the biggest mutant celebration in the Marvel Universe.

We decided to go as Ronin and Phoenix Echo. A callback to the original Ronin – Maya Lopez, in her latest iteration Phoenix Song. I created my own gala design and made my own dress for the event.