Anyone can get the Comic-Con experience they want. A high point for me this year was actually to come in early and venture off-site to Balboa Park. Much closer to the Gaslamp District than I thought, it’s the site of the Comic-Con Museum. I’m a charter member, but that support started around the time of COVID-19, so what should have been my initial trip became virtual.
When they set aside some time for press visits this year, I jumped at the chance. And two weeks later, still sorting through photos, interviews, and experiences, the museum still stands out. The best part? You can visit any time of year. It’s three floors of exhibits, and it kind of stole my heart. I’ll run a few pieces to cover the individual exhibits currently running.
Though it’s not my focus, the sheer talent of cosplayers (which has gone at least semi-professional) always impresses me. Clearly, it impresses staff at the Museum as well. In a large corner of the lower level, the Museum has a tribute to cosplayers, at least one of whom actually is professional, having contributed to MCU films. And dazzled me forgot to write down the names of the costumers, so if anyone does know, please write to me and help me fill in the blanks.
First up, the costume I want and have no place to put:
There’s a small collection of “rococo” versions of known characters — first up, the Queen and King of Hearts…
I’m not sure if this was at last year’s Hellfire Gala, but the rococo version of Emma Frost, the White Queen:
The DC Bombshells get representation. Here’s the 1940s Poison Ivy — in a league of her own:
My wife stopped to admire her hero, Xena, and flash her Deadpool and Wolverine manicure. We cosplay in little ways.
It’s only a taste here. Because Balboa Park also serves as home to the San Diego Zoo (now with PANDAS!) and a plethora of other museums, it’s worth a couple of day trips.
