We come. We swarm. We leave chaos in our wake. No, I’m not talking about xenomorphs. I’m talking about fandom descending upon San Diego each year for the San Diego Comic-Con. But this year xenomorphs are happening, too.
To be fair, the city of San Diego makes more in tax revenue over the 5+ days of fandom than they do the rest of the year. But that’s a bureaucracy. It’s important to be kind to the people who are making this whole thing possible. Plenty of businesses around the Convention Center, particularly in the Gaslamp District, do well and let’s face it, would even if they didn’t embrace Comic-Con fully. But take an extra careful look at those that do — as I noted last year, even the Ace Hardware store has posters of Milestone Media’s Hardware up in the windows. They know who we are; I just don’t know if I need a power tool during Comic-Con.
As I write this, it’s the Tuesday before Comic-Con, and the general nerditry is slowly coming to life. What IP will take over the Hard Rock Hotel’s great breakfast place, Maryjane’s? Nothing seems to have happened so far, but I’m not sure I want it to be Starz’ new Spartacus prequel. But down a block and across the street, the Hasta Mañana Cantina promises not just good food (I’ll vouch for it), but an appropriate Comic-Con spin — Lucha Libre Land.
They’ll have giveaways of luchador masks and capes, and particularly good happy hour offerings after a long day in the outdoor activations. Outside of the happy hour, they have a delicious take on the old-fashioned, with a molé twist.
Many of us will be hoofing it between the Convention Center and the Hilton Bayfront, which hosts a lot of programming in its ballrooms. They also host outdoor activations, including a visit to Arlen, Texas this year.
As you walk over to their escalators, you may notice Sweet Things, which I wrote about last year. Once again thanks to artist Shirish Villaseñor, they prove they get us. Stop for the window art, stay a little longer for an acai bowl or a smoothie. Or a milk shake — it’s Comic-Con. Sure, the Thunderbolts are offering free ice cream treats, but that’s not near actual Comic-Con programming.
This year, maybe you don’t have to catch ’em all, but you do owe it to yourself to catch a break. (Also, I could only come up with one appropriate pun for the windows, which was to note they have an aςaiduck. You’re welcome.)
One thing I have to note this year: a lot of these places are understaffed so far, and I have to assume it’s because of the impact of ICE. So leave a healthy tip when and where you can. The people helping us out are working harder than ever.
