Comic-Con this year was once again held in the beautiful city of San Diego, California. It's a huge event where people from all sorts of fandoms across the world gather to revel in sneak peeks and new merchandise from big names such as Marvel, Game of Thrones, Star Wars, and DC. This year was no exception to the magic that Comic-Con brings every year. Here are ten events that we all wish we hadn't missed when we weren't able to get our ticket to the 2016 San Diego Comic Convention.
1. All those beautiful panels with all your favs
Everything that could have a panel, a question and answer session with key producers and actors, had a panel this year at SDCC. A few panels to mention were the Game of Thrones Panel, with both alive and dead characters, the Marvel Studios panel, with exclusive sneak peeks into Dr. Strange and just where the Cinematic Universe is headed, and even a Walking Dead panel, where the cast and producers discuss everything you can expect from the new episodes in August. Other big names such as Supernatural, Pokemon GO, DC: Rebirth, Star Trek, Stephen Universe, and even the Animaniacs had their own panels this year, just to name a few more.
2. World premiere of Star Trek Beyond with introductions by the cast and live music by the San Diego Symphony
Star Trek Beyond rolled out the red carpet this year at Comic-Con with it's World Premiere! Tickets to the event were given to SDCC goers by random raffle. Those who won got to enjoy the magic of Star Trek Beyond, with a live introduction from the cast and live music performed by the world renowned San Diego Symphony. The movie pays tribute to the late Leonard Nimoy, the original Mr. Spock, and Anton Yelchin, who tragically met his demise at the young age of 27. It was an exciting and somber night for the crew of the USS Enterprise, and I'm anxiously waiting for it to come out in theaters to see it myself.
3. All the gorgeous cosplay!
The cosplay this year was truly amazing, everyone from Harley Quinn, DC Comics, to Judy Hops, Zootopia's only bunny cop, made it to San Diego this year to join in on the fun. A few of my personal favorite cosplays include John Barrowman dressing up as The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, and gender bent Harley Quinn. Pictures above is just one of the many cosplay "meet-ups" that happen around the Con. This one shows only the DC fraction of con cosplayers, imagine how many others there are!
4) Hamilton even invaded the Con!
It was revealed at Comedy Central's panel that Lin Miranda, former Hamilton star, would be appearing on Comedy Central's Drunk History to narrate the story of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr while completely intoxicated. Fans were hooting and hollering with excitement, but the noise grew even louder when it was confirmed that Hamilton and it's original cast were going to be professionally filmed for the world to see.
5. Exclusive Pokemon Go!
Since the release of Niantic's hit game Pokemon Go's spot in SDCC went from a room for 438 people to the biggest hall they had available. It was everywhere at Comic-Con this year, with rumors of exclusive Pokemon, and you couldn't get through a panel anywhere without someone bringing it up at least once. Many celebrities shared their thoughts on the hit game, including Director Oliver Stone who said it was data mining at it's finest. Through negative and positive reviews, the game was a sure point of connection between Con goers and served to create both friends and frenemies.
6. Game of Thrones exclusives, including an interactive Hall of Faces
In an off-site event, Game of Thrones fans were given the opportunity to add their own faces to an interactive Hall of Faces. Using an App on your phone you could filter your face and see it on the Hall of Faces Tower. You could also sit on the iron throne and hold Arya Stark's sword "Needle". There were many other cool off-site events this year at SDCC such as Mr. Robot set recreations and VR experiences, a South Park school bus, and an Adult Swim play area to name a few.
7. All the amazingly like minded people.
Comic-Con is great because, no matter where you go, you know you'll be surrounded by like minded people. It's a time to put away your business suit and to dress like a superhero. Not only do you get to geek out over all the great things Comic-Con has to offer, you get to realize that you're are not the only one geeking out about it. Comic-Con is a shared experience for all fans and it's one of the reasons it's so great!
8. Crazy Awesome Merch!
Exclusives from Pop Funko to crafty Gamer tees. There was so much to buy at SDCC this year that it wasn't even funny. There was merchandise at SDCC for any fans most obscure needs.
9. COMICS GALORE
Comic-Con always has exclusive comics and prints available nowhere else in the world. It's one of it's greatest draws as a convention. This year was no exception with exclusive prints from every big or small name.
10. It’s LITERALLY HEAVEN ON EARTH AND YOU WEREN'T THERE!
I think that's more than enough reasons to break out the ice cream and celebrate all the Comic Conventions that have come and gone without you tonight. But no worries! Maybe you can make it to Comic-Con next year?!
