By Luis Monteagudo Jr.
For pop culture fanboys and fangirls, the biggest week of the year is here – Comic-Con 2013.
This year’s version of the ultimate geek out kicks off on Wednesday night, as usual, with Preview Night and runs through the weekend.
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Pop Goes Patch is already stocking up on aspirin, granola bars, bottles of water and all the life-saving necessities needed to survive Comic-Con week.
If you’re going to Comic-Con, congratulations on being one of the lucky few to snag passes to the Popapalooza of pop culture. If you’re not, console yourself with the fact that there’s always next year and the reality that you can still soak in the atmosphere by hanging out in the Gaslamp and watching the madness unfold.
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After taking a look at the Comic-Con schedule and other information, here’s the official Pop Goes Patch guide to the week:
Most Anticipated Panel: Comic-Con is chock full of fascinating panels where fans can hear from actors, writers and creators. The panel we’re most looking forward to this year is the 20th anniversary reunion of “The X-Files.” It’s hard to believe that it’s been two decades since the end of one of TV’s most popular and influential genre show, but on Friday, we’ll relive the show that introduced us to Mulder, Scully, Skinner and Cigarette Smoking Man. So far, there’s no word on whether stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson will attend. But, “I want to believe.” If they do make a surprise appearance, expect the roof to blow off the Convention Center.
Fan Friendliest Panel: Pop culture fans created history earlier this year when they donated enough money through a Kickstarter campaign to fund “Veronica Mars” movie. The movie is still a ways off but fans will get their first installment on their investment when the cast and creators of the show/movie meet for a panel Friday morning. Expect the room to be filled with much love between fans and the talent.
Most Feared Hall H Day: All Comic-Con veterans have war stories about Hall H, the cavernous ballroom that annually hosts the biggest movie and TV panels and the biggest celebrities. Hall H is hard to get into and Con attendees tend to camp out in the Hall for days, rarely seeing San Diego’s brilliant sunshine. In recent years, getting into Hall H has required camping out for hours, or days, on the entrance line.
This year’s craziest Hall H Day is expected to be Friday. The morning kicks off with the “Veronica Mars” panel and picks up momentum with Universal Pictures showcasing “Riddick” and “Kick Ass 2” followed by back-to-back panels of two of TVs most popular shows, “The Walking Dead” and “Game of Thrones.” But wait, it’s not over. Later there’s a preview of the rebooted “RoboCop” and “The Amazing Spider-Man 2.” Basically, just plan to spend your whole day at Hall H.
Coolest Merchandise: Each year, vendors bring exclusive toys, comic books and other items to sell at Comic-Con and fans rush to get them early before they are sold out. One of our favorite items from a previous Con was a Christmas ornament of “The Simpsons” Comic Book Guy wearing a shirt saying, “Worst Con Ever.” This year, we’re saving our money for the Firefly Gold Key Chain from Quantum Mechanix. Who wouldn’t want their car keys dangling off a shiny version of the Serenity ship?
Most Impressive Set Display: TV and film studios try to outdo each other every year by creating an elaborate display showcasing an upcoming show or movie. Last year, the displays for NBC’s “Grimm” and “Revolution” took the prize. Who will it be this year? We’ll have to wait until Con week starts to see what the coolest display is but we’re sure we won’t be disappointed.
Best Way to Enjoy Comic-Con If You Don’t Have a Pass: If you couldn’t get a pass to Comic-Con this year or if you’ve never been and are curious about it, you can still enjoy it without having to pay for a pass. The easiest way is to simply plop yourself down in a Gaslamp restaurant and watch the parade of costumed fans walk by. But, the best way is to attend what has become a great annual tradition – the Zombie Walk through the Gaslamp. Dozens, perhaps even a couple of hundred, fans dress up as zombies and walk up and down Fifth Avenue, in front of the Convention Center. The makeup can be elaborate and there are all kinds of zombies, including children with their parents. It’s Halloween in July and you can stand on Fifth Avenue and watch it for free. Just beware that the Zombie Walk has become incredibly popular so get there early if you want a good viewing spot. This year's Zombie Walk is Saturday at 630 p.m.
Patch Goes Pop can be reached at patchgoespop@yahoo.com
