Under the Tents 2023: J. Michael Straczynski, Effin' Birds, Squishmallows, Toddland, Victoria Ying

Under the Tents 2023: J. Michael Straczynski, Effin’ Birds, Squishmallows, Toddland, Victoria Ying

This time of year, it can feel like the WonderCon-show, as the March convention news is pouring in. But we haven’t forgotten about the big show, and we’ve got plenty of San Diego Comic-Con 2023 updates for you. Whether you’re looking for teases from some of our favorite writers, exclusives companies, and more, we’ve got you covered.

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

If you were as excited as we were by last year’s Effin’ Birds San Diego Comic-Con pin exclusives, apparently prepare to lose your effin’ mind over this year’s offerings. We can’t effin’ wait.

You're gonna lose your mind when you see what I have coming for this year. It's great.
— Effin' Birds at MegaCon Orlando, Mar 30 – Apr 2 (@EffinBirds) February 28, 2023

And speaking of exclusives, did you see that Squishmallows announced their first — and likely the overall first — exclusive for San Diego Comic-Con 2023? For those not attending, looks like you may be able to find it elsewhere, but we’ll have to stay tuned for more details.

Let's just say we've got a few tricks up our sleeves 👀🤐
— Squishmallows (@squishmallows) March 7, 2023

If you were worried that Toddland wouldn’t have The Great North merch at San Diego Comic-Con this year… well, fear not, because it looks like they’ve already got some meat-y ideas.

Fans: I wonder what TGN things toddland is gonna have fit @Comic_Con ?

Us: https://t.co/UlylvMLNLP
— toddland #stayrad® (@toddlandstore) March 5, 2023

Illustrator Shelly Rodriguez, otherwise known as inki-Drop, has just two conventions on her schedule this year. And luckily, SDCC is one of them, so prepare to pick up adorable plush, pins, and more.

I have two convention appearances this year:

🌸Sakuracon (April 7-9th, Seattle, WA)
🌴🏄‍♀️ San Diego Comic-Con (July 19-23rd)

Hope to see you there! ☀️
— shelly @ Sakuracon Dlrs 612 (@inki_drop) March 3, 2023

Murphy the Traveling Goat and his human are making the trek to San Diego Comic-Con this year as well, where you can find them in Artist Alley.

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A post shared by Murphy the Traveling Goat (@murphysplushtrips)

Writer J. Michael Stracznski is a perennial San Diego Comic-Con favorite, and we’re excited that he’ll be back. Which of his many projects will he be on hand to discuss? We’ll have to stay tuned to find out, but he’s already making a list, and it promises to be “epic”.

Just putting together a list of all the things I'll be able to discuss, announce, reveal, unveil and show at SDCC in July, and folks, this year is going to be *epic*.
— J. Michael Straczynski (@straczynski) March 9, 2023

What we do know about Straczynski’s SDCC presence is that he’ll be signing. Plus maybe more.

Yes, I'll be signing at SDCC, and potentially one other. More later. https://t.co/UlOOTxVJM3
— J. Michael Straczynski (@straczynski) March 15, 2023

Chart a course for Levi & the Emerald Vampire, an epic fantasy YA series that will be heading to San Diego Comic-Con with giveaways, games, and prizes.

See LEVI AND THE EMERALD VAMPIRE! This summer at San Diego Comic Con! https://t.co/pXdbKHdgKe @comic_con pic.twitter.com/7ICebLQ5hd
— Nikita T Piper (@SavannaBluJaz) March 6, 2023

Forget hunting wabbits, we’re hunting artists who will be at San Diego Comic-Con! And we caught one: Jim Calafiore, who has San Diego Comic-Con on his list. You can even get a jumpstart on your commission list by hopping into his DMs.

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A post shared by Jim Calafiore (@jim_calafiore)

Fine OK Press is hittin’ the road, with stops all over the country — including, of course, San Diego Comic-Con.

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There are unfortunately some regulars who you won’t be seeing at San Diego Comic-Con this year, including Star Wars, Stranger Things, and Doctor Who author Adam Christopher.

I'm also skipping SDCC this year, so my 2023 palm tree deficiency will be truly epic. But hope to see you at SWC!
— Adam Christopher 🔜 SWCE (@ghostfinder) March 14, 2023

And this one really stings, but illustrator and author, as well as longtime SDCC exhibitor, Victoria Ying will also be missing this year. We feel weird about it too.