The Four Toed Foot: 4TF on the Floor

August 03, 2008

4TF on the Floor - Comic Con '08

The Exhibit Hall Floor at Comic Con is a true zoo not for the faint at heart. Some of the info and experiences I've shared have already turned away some would-be conventioners. Also keep in mind that I typically try to avoid large crowds, and get a bit claustrophobic if stuck in them for too long. I've always been more into the small clubs over the stadium shows. And Comic Con is like the Mother of all stadium shows.

I knew from doing some research and talking to veterans that if i wanted to see the exhibit floor in all its glory, the earlier the better. As soon as the doors open thousands file in and begin the mad dash for swag. Swag or schwag = free stuff, usually in the form of postcards, magnets, buttons, posters, and other random doo-dads of a promotional nature handed out by the various companies and studios all competing for your already scrambled attention-span.

So I decided I would make an attempt at getting some of the goods and figuring on lines, arrived at around 8am, an hour and a half prior to the time that doors open. One of the funniest things I learned about Comic Con is the way that people are moved and lines are formed defies all logic.

Friday morning exhibit hall line

For example, to get in line for the exhibit hall that morning, I had to go IN through the building, go UP the escalator, walk 3/4 of the way AROUND the hall, and then back OUTSIDE onto a huge balcony. I often found the line for whatever room I wished to be in was started about 5 miles away from said room. Ok, ok, I exaggerate, but if you've experienced this madness you understand where I'm coming from.

Saturday afternoon line for Hall H

However, for the most part, everyone was incredibly friendly. In fact I need to do a separate post just highlighting some of the great people I met. No matter what line you were in, there was always something you could find in common with the person behind you. I mean come on, it's a big nerd convention! Comic book fans. Gamers. Sci-fi computer geeks. As Patton Oswalt addressed us at the Sarah Silverman panel, "Look at all the pasty shut-ins!"

Ah...my people!

This is why I did not mind the crowds, the bottlenecks of bodies packed into certain high-traffic spots, nor the occasionally rude person or staff. Maybe I'm twisted, but it was really fun.

Exhibit floor in the morning, when there is still space between people!

So what did I get? Well, my prize was 3 of the 4 Star Trek posters Paramount had unveiled. When you put them all together it forms the complete poster and insignia. I am a big-time Trekkie (yay Dad!) and even met George Takei at a convention a long time ago in a galaxy far far away. There was a notable absence of Trek at Comic Con, and only a slight mention of it to J.J. Abrams at the FRINGE panel. I thought this was a bit odd, since all over town the lamp posts had huge Comic Con / Star Trek signs on them.

New Star Trek poster when completed with all 4 panels

Soooo...does anyone have a copy of the Nero panel? Upper left...grey colored...
I tried very hard to get one, so if anyone has a tip on how I can still find a copy, please contact me!!!

Of course, the costumes and exhibit displays are also a huge part of the experience. As a graphic designer, I am always in awe of large-scale presentations, as I have only had minimal time working on trade shows. Here are a few photos of my favorites...enjoy!