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:
Sarah Hovland
Where are you traveling from for San Diego Comic-Con?
Seattle, WA
How many years have you been attending?
Every year since 2018.
What was your favorite panel and why?
The first Funko Sunday panel in Hall H, I think in 2022? Simu Liu and William Zabka were both awesome and clearly very excited to be there (Simu Liu did a back flip!), it was just a super entertaining and fun panel all around – and the free giveaway of several Pops didn’t hurt!
What is your favorite exhibitor or artist booth and why?
Patrick Ballesteros! I was introduced to his work via the blog, and ever since I have been giving him oodles of my money. I have so many prints and stickers from him, and even commissioned a piece featuring the boys from one of my favorite shows of all time, Supernatural! His booth is always super busy at SDCC and the line always long, but definitely worth the wait!
What is your favorite item you’ve ever taken home from the convention (swag, exclusive, merch, etc.)?
Last year, I commissioned a piece from Mary Bellamy (Zorlita) of my dog, Kylo, as a My Little Pony. She did such an awesome job, and even included little touches like all of the stuff he eats that he isn’t supposed to (like banana peels, remote controls, pencils, hot sauce, etc. He is a little terror!). I have attached pictures of the inspiration and the art!
A close second is my “I’m a fan” fan 🙂
What was your favorite autograph session and why?
Last year the McElroy’s came to SDCC. I am a huge fan of The Adventure Zone, so it was super awesome to meet them all and have them sign the latest edition of their graphic novel. They were all really great and took the time to chat with each person who came through their line.
Tell us about your most memorable celebrity encounter at the convention.
I haven’t really had any celebrity encounters yet- wait…..does meeting Kerry and James count?! I went to the blog party in 2022, and it was by far the best party I have gone to since I started going to SDCC (a place to sit! good food! arts and crafts! A chance to meet the people who have put in countless hours to make our convention experiences more accessible and enjoyable! What else can you ask for??).
What was your favorite offsite and why?
It’s a tie between the Dungeons and Dragons offsite and the Our Flag Means Death fan meet-up on the Voodoo Ranger pirate ship. The DnD offsite line was so well-managed (I never expected I would have so many opinions about line management when I first started coming to SDCC), and the experience itself was very immersive and well done. The OFMD fan meet-up was so special, it was great to be around people who are so passionate and inclusive, and the cosplay was absolutely incredible. Plus, I got to win my first ever prize mule drop!
Where is your favorite place to eat during the con?
Joe’s Crab Shack! It is our tradition to go there for lunch on the last day of the con.
What is your favorite thing about San Diego Comic-Con?
It’s incredible to be around so many people that are so passionate! The cosplay, the art, the spectacle, the excitement of everyone to just be there, it is all amazing! It’s a special feeling to know that you probably have a lot in common with the person standing in line next to you. To see everyone being proud of what they love and what moves them, to witness the dedication to their craft, it is such a privilege to be a part of it all.
What is your best tip having a good con?
Be adaptable. There will be lines that are capped/too long. There will be exclusives that sell out before you get one. There will be things that you cannot make it to, and that is ok. There are too many things to do at once, but having that many opportunities in one place is a great problem to have. Making a schedule or a plan is great, but be ready to make changes as the day unfolds – the unexpected moments are usually the most memorable. Also, bring snacks – you don’t want to get hangry!
Do you tend to do the convention solo or with friends?
How would you describe SDCC to someone who has never been before?
It’s like every holiday, music festival, Black Friday, and all other conventions mashed into one overwhelming, incredible whirlwind that goes by in the blink of an eye!
Want to be featured as our Attendee of the Week? Find out how!
