Every week from now until San Diego Comic-Con, we’re celebrating you: our readers! So let’s meet this week’s Attendee of the Week:
Rachel M
Where are you traveling from for San Diego Comic-Con?
North Carolina
How many years have you been attending?
After trying for a badge for almost 10 years, I was finally lucky and purchased a badge in November of 2019 for SDCC 2020 (we all know what happened that year). I attended for the first time in 2022, so this will be my third year!
What was your favorite panel and why?
The Sandman panel in Hall H in 2022 was my favorite for several reasons. First, I have been a fan of Neil Gaiman’s writing since the 90’s. I was first introduced to Neil Gaiman when I read The Books of Magic and Death: The High Cost of Living (I then found out about The Sandman comics). I have been following Neil Gaiman’s work ever since. Second, I was lucky enough to find the most amazing Hall H line group with the coolest people (Asgardians of the Galaxy, you know who you are) and found myself sitting in the first row of Hall H for The Sandman panel! Not only was this my first time attending SDCC, but it was also my birthday week! Finally, Kari Byron was moderating The Sandman panel, and she was dressed like Death. She saw how excited I was during the panel and at the end she threw her Ankh necklace to me! I posted a picture of me wearing the necklace on Twitter and tagged Kari Byron. She retweeted my post and wrote the sweetest comment. I will never forget that experience.
What is your favorite exhibitor or artist booth and why?
One of my favorite exhibitor booths is Yesterdays. I collect pins and their SDCC heart pins are the best!!
One of my favorite artist booths is David Mack. I have several of his prints hanging on my wall (I bought my first print from him when I attended Wizard World Chicago for the first time in the late 90’s).
What is your favorite item you’ve ever taken home from the convention (swag, exclusive, merch, etc.)?
My favorite item is the Ankh necklace from Kari Byron, but I also love the Yesterdays heart pins, the Prize Mule cards I collected from Committed Comics, and the jumbo Miss Minutes exclusive Funko Pop! (it’s a long story, but I have a love/hate relationship with Miss Minutes)!
What was your favorite autograph session and why?
I have not done an autograph session at SDCC yet.
Tell us about your most memorable celebrity encounter at the convention.
It would have to be when I was in the front row at The Sandman panel and Kari Byron gave me her Ankh necklace from her Death costume.
What was your favorite offsite and why?
I enjoyed both the Dungeons and Dragons and The Street of Immortality offsites. I really like offsites that have actors who are interactive. At the Dungeons and Dragons offsite, I was chosen with a small group to go to a room upstairs where we sat at a circular table with glyphs and a witch who stamped us with her mark. Both of these offsites were super fun, but I have always been of fan of Interview with the Vampire, so The Street of Immortality offsite was #1 for me.
Where is your favorite place to eat during the con?
I tend to bring food/snacks with me to save money, so I try not to eat out too much. However, I did get a shake from Sweet Things Frozen Yogurt almost every day. The peach milkshake from last year is my favorite!
What is your favorite thing about San Diego Comic-Con?
Being surrounded by people who geek out over the same things I do makes the fan girl in me so happy (it is so easy to make friends at SDCC)! I also love to watch the cosplayers. Lastly, there are so many new artists/comics that I get introduced to while wandering around.
What is your best tip having a good con?
Watch all the SDCC Unofficial Blog YouTube videos. Seriously, you all have really helped me navigate SDCC, which can be a little daunting when you are a newbie like me. Honestly, even some of my friends who are veterans at SDCC have learned things from watching your videos. I would also make sure to have everything you may need throughout the day in a backpack. Having snacks and water is really important when you are waiting in long lines. Have a plan but be flexible too because you never know what exciting things may happen.
Do you tend to do the convention solo or with friends?
I do both! I have friends that I share a hotel with, but I will often go off on my own to panels or offsites. I meet people everywhere I go so really, I feel like I am always with “friends”.
How would you describe SDCC to someone who has never been before?
A geek’s paradise: A place where those who love all things pop culture (comics, movies, art, games, books, cosplay, etc.) can gather without judgment to enjoy the things that make them happy.
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