SDCC '12

The big impression from the first pre-day here backs up what we've been thinking just from reading the PR: if you can't bring the people to the con, bring the con to the people. Events and pop-ups and displays and lounges have taken over the entire Gaslamp up to about Market Street. Skype even has a tricked-out airstream trailer parked by Horton Plaza where you can chat with friends and family and win tickets to the Wired Café.

It's PR but it includes FREE ICE CREAM. And LUFFY. We glimpsed the brand new Viz booth last night and it looks spectacular.

Bongo Comics have announced a new comic for next year, which they'll also be unveiling at SDCC. And it's based on Coldplay's 5th album, Mylo Xyloto.

Comic book cosmetics are definitely on the rise. The M.A.C. line of Wonder Woman makeup a few years back was a sellout, and Sephora's Hello Kitty is still going strong; of course, there was also Spider-Man nail polish and so on. M.A.C. is following up with a line inspired by Archie Comics. While the PR hasn't revealed any shades we'd expect the Archie's Girls line to include bold reds and greens. And to launch the line, Archie's Dan Parent will be at the San Diego M.A.C. store on Fifth, signing and drawing.

A whirlwind tour of what's going on around town...and in the Hall!

Image, Skybound, and Top Cow announce their CCI exclusives! Get there early for The Walking Dead hardcover!

Boom! Studios announces all their awesome stuff, including a very public party on Thursday evening!

Billy Tucci will be at Comic-Con, promoting his new non-fiction graphic novel series about private security firm Blackwater. Previews available below, and a limited number of print previews will be available at CCI!

Comic-Con International is a bazaar of the bizarre, and many exhibitors offer limited editions and convention exclusives to generate interest and buzz! Here are some that caught my eye, and I'm already making a list for eBay after the Con!

Brian Wood and Carlos D'Anda have been announced as the creative team for a new Star Wars series debuting next year, from Dark Horse Comics.

Let's not get into any "it had to happen" stuff here. It didn't have to happen. But it did. A 53-year-old Twilight fan was struck by a car as she rushed across Harbor Drive to get a spot in line for Thursday morning's panel, and lated died from her injuries.

The fire marshal has decided that strollers in panel rooms is not a good idea and banned them -- but only from panel rooms. There will be stroller parking available. Meaning if you must bring your bairn to Hall H you must bring him or her in a sling.