Under The Tents 2024: Nan Hockin, Patrick Ballesteros, Crusade Comics, Little Shop of Pins

Truth be told, I’m only writing this to take my mind off of the interminable wait between Hotelpocalypse and Hotel Placements. The five longest days just to see where I’ll be sleeping for the five shortest days. *Sigh*

Anyway…luckily there has been some fun and exciting non-hotel related news tidbits that have snuck out. A few crochet items that will be up for grabs have been revealed, along with a brand new Ballesteros to watch out for, a promise from Dan Veesenmeyer, and much more. 

Let’s take a look at the news you might have missed:

  • This is the happiest little can of meat you’ll ever meet. And you can do that at San Diego Comic-Con because artist Nan Hockin is bringing these new stickers with her. You’ll be able to snag Spam, ramen, kimchi stickers, and more. 
  • With panel submission deadlines looming, even Steven “ColliderFrosty” Weintraub is keeping his fingers crossed that his duo of panels will be accepted. Weintraub’s panels are always fun and high caliber so let’s keep our own fingers crossed for him.

  • Artist Karen Hallion took to Facebook to post some pin ideas for San Diego Comic-Con 2024 and solicit some feedback. What’s your favorite potential pin? 

  • Do you have the hots for the Goblin Queen? Join the club, pal. Artist Dan Veesenmeyer is promising an X-Men ’97 Maddie print just for San Diego Comic-Con, and he won’t be following the art direction on the action figure. Tell us how you really feel, Dan!

  • The Geeky Hooker’s hooks have been hooking non-stop in preparation for Comic-Con. These little crocheted masterpieces will be hidden in the vicinity of SDCC for attendees to find. The roster for 2024’s giveaways already includes Superman, Batman and Gudetama with more to come. Check out their site for more details.
  • If Patrick Ballesteros draws a mini-original every day between now and SDCC, like he says he wants to….that’s like….*doing math, using fingers, carry the 2…* that’s SO MANY ORIGINALS! Yet, still somehow, not enough. We hope Patrick’s been keeping up on his goal.

  • The team over at Crusade Comics is preparing to embark on a tour celebrating the 30th Anniversary of their tentpole character, Shi, created by Billy Tucci. Shi fans will be happy to see that San Diego Comic-Con is on their itinerary

  • Hidden inside this little tweet from Mondo is news that exclusive San Diego Comic-Con colorways of their Godzilla vs Kong figures are forthcoming. This also lets us know that Mondo will once again have a presence at the convention, likely as part of whatever monstrosity Funko is planning.

  • The annual  San Diego Comic-Con Art Show is now open for submissions. Artists of all levels are invited to submit art which will be on display and available to purchase during the event, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. All the details can be found on the website. A badge is not required to either enter the art show, or to view the artwork.

  • Looking to have fun at the convention AND make some scratch? You might be the perfect fit, no, not for the Catnip Bravo costume, but for working at the Symbiote Studios booth. They are looking for a few good cosplayers for some paid gigs. Hit them up if you are interested.

  • Sometimes San Diego Comic-Con teases can be a little cryptic, and we’re okag with that. Take for instance, this tweet from Quirkies, the streetwear/intellectual property/NFT company. Sounds like they are cooking up some big plans.

  • Long time editor Scott Dunbier recently announced on Facebook that while he has now parted ways with IDW Publishing, he’s not leaving the industry anytime soon. Whatever he’s working on he’s hoping to be able to announce at San Diego Comic-Con. We hope all the stars align for the talented Dunbier and that we’ll be hearing from him in July.

  • If you are a seasoned Dungeon Master you could be a part of the Dungeons & Dragons 50th Anniversary festivities by leading Adventure League D&D games during San Diego Comic-Con. It won’t all be raiding and fighting though. DMs will receive a complimentary 5-day badge so they can enjoy the convention as well. Check out the Facebook post for more details.
  • Thunder Bay Press has announced on Facebook that they will be bringing their special unique brand of non-fiction books specializing in pop culture related arts, crafts and puzzling fun to San Diego Comic-Con and booth #1117. I’m not too proud to say I love me a good adult coloring book. And don’t even get me started on word searches, I am a word search wizard!

  • Looks like there will be not just one Ballesteros in Artist Alley this year, but TWO! Melissa Ballesteros Parada, artist from Guadalarja, Mexico will be at booth #BB-23. Let’s be sure to give this first timer a very warm welcome to Comic-Con.
 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Melissa Ballesteros P. (@melivillosa)

  • Animator and Storyboard Artist Marie Lum posted her summer schedule on Instagram and San Diego Comic-Con has made the cut. Lum is currently working for Disney and if you read the fine print, offers a mystery prize for social media followers who stop by during conventions. 
 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Marie Lum (@puccanoodles)

  • They might be called “Little Shop of Pins” but they always make a big, big splash at San Diego Comic-Con so we are so happy to see that they will be returning in July and look forward to seeing what fun exclusives they bring.
 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Little Shop of Pins | Enamel Pin Shop (@littleshopofpins)

  • Got a sweet tooth? Get ready to take a bite out of this year’s San Diego Convention Center’s San Diego Comic-Con exclusive bars, as the fan favorite sweets will be returning. Each year, the chefs at the Convention Center cook up custom, geek-themed flavors for fans. We can’t wait to see what they’re mixing up for 2024.

  • And lastly today, Seaport Village will be filled with the sights, sounds and tastes of Mexico for the third year in a row as the Mexican Consul of San Diego will be hosting Casa Mexico in conjunction with San Diego Comic-Con. You can expect to see art demonstrations, live music and more.

Anything we missed? Let us know by dropping us a line, or tweet us at @SD_Comic_Con.

If you missed our previous Under the Tents posts, you can find them HERE.

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