The Walking Dead has always treated San Diego Comic-Con attendees right, offering fans at the convention a first look at the trailer each year, interactive booths and access to the show’s top talent in autograph signings. As the series heads into its final episodes this fall, AMC threw a Comic-Con bash worthy of the show’s legacy, to thank the fans for their support over the years.
Following an emotional and exciting panel moderated by Chris Hardwick, AMC welcomed lucky fans over to the Hilton Gaslamp for a Walking Dead Fan Appreciation event on Friday, July 22.
Promptly at 7:30pm, fans were ushered into an open air courtyard featuring propaganda posters, familiar oversized set pieces, maps, succulent planters adorned with rusty repurposed tin cans, metal first aid tins, and crates. Moss and ivy covered the pillars giving a very southern overgrown vibe. There was a large bar area surrounding an impressive metal set piece and a DJ was already spinning. The mood was jovial, with some fans taking the stairs two at a time, and others cosplaying as their favorite characters.
Each party-goer was given a small bag upon arrival with two drink tickets, three enamel pins randomly selected from a group of 12 Walking Dead icons, and a Commomwealth Raffle ticket. The pins
The bar offered three specialty cocktails, including a delicious non-alcoholic option.
Hearty choices were presented for those feeling the pangs of hunger after waiting outside to get in, including a Chili Mac & Cheese served in a tiny “tin” can. After a day of forgoing food for panels and the exhibit floor, it was nice to get a substantial bite in.
Along one outside wall were several full sizes character models depicting fan favorite characters over the years, including Michonne with Walkers, Negan with his bat, Merle kneeling, Rick, and Daryl. These models were a hub of activity, with fans taking selfies and photos all night long.
Norman Reedus joined the party with Greg Nicotero to survey his likeness as well as take photos with fans eager to meet him, which was a highlight for many attending. Even after Reedus departed, Nicotero stayed to mingle, take more photos, and meet fans. Later, actor Cailey Fleming spent a great deal of time interacting with fans and taking photos.
Just off of the venue was a gallery with comfortable seating and a gallery of iconic props used in the television show. On display were Rick’s boots, Glen’s hat, the Bicycle girl model, the Shiva puppet, and many more recognizable artifacts from the history of the show.
Also inside was a screen printing t-shirt station, printing up souvenir shirts for fans from a selection of designs. The printing process itself only took a few minutes but the line for shirts extended out into the courtyard causing about a 30 minute wait. We overheard that the shirts had been sourced that day locally, causing some inconsistencies in the sizing, colors and materials, but fans didn’t seem to mind at all.
Those wanting to immerse themselves even more could have “walker” face makeup applied by professional make-up artists.
Roaming Walkers in full make up and prosthetics peppered the venue, sneaking up on folks and stopping just long enough to pose while making a “swipe” at a potential victim. Attendees enjoyed the interactions with the Walkers, who never once broke character.
Our very own Shawn from Parks And Cons made a full walk-though video highlighting all of the exciting moments.
One of the most exciting but bittersweet moments of the event was when the cast and crew appeared on the DJ balcony above the crowd. They acknowledged the impact that The Walking Dead has made on its fans, the long journey they have all taken together, and the importance that San Diego Comic-Con has held since they first attended in 2010.
Unlike many San Diego Comic-Con events, which are trying to boost attention for a new series or property, the Walking Dead Fan Celebration was pure fan service — a touching, and very appropriate, way to honor the fandom which has embraced these characters since the very start. As The Walking Dead moves into its next incarnation, with Tales of the Walking Dead as well as the newly announced Rick & Michonne series, we look forward to what this universe holds for fans next.
