Hello friends, sorry for the lateness of this blog, usually I have some event coverage right after the event but I've had a busy weekend. Visiting a friend that I haven't seen a while and trying to tie things up at home. I went on Friday with my brother and friend and managed to get some footage for my pals on Capcom-Unity and 1UP. I'm sorting things out now and have broken down the San Diego Comic Con for those that couldn't make it. Armed with a brand new custom made El Fuerte mask (good eye Baberific), a camera and a small camcorder I filmed until the batteries went out.

Each of these videos captures an aspect of the convention that you might or might not find interesting. So feel free to skip any that don't strike your interests. We'll begin with a look at the packed booths and what Capcom was up to that Friday. They were keeping the convention momentum with favorable showings at the E3 and Anime Expo, however I think the crowds at the Comic Con exceeded those by a wide margin. Capcom had a lineup that included Dark Void, Lost Planet 2, Ace Attorney, Spyborgs, MvC and Tatsunoko vs Capcom. Each day saw a different event and goodies for atendees. When I went there was a free comic book giveaway featuring an autograph session with Dark Void producer Morgan Gray and soundtrack composer Bear McCreary. Below is the entire video including the Tatsunoko vs Capcom tournament. Keep an eye out for staffers and Capcom Unity members.

Capcom at the SDCC 2009 from Noe V. on Vimeo.

The SDCC really exploded into popularity when the other entertainment industries (movies, TV and videogames) began attending. One of the more popular showings are from the toy and collectable industries. Some of the items debut at the show or are made in such small numbers that the general population will never see them. Serious collectors wait hours (if not days) for many of these toys. Some of the items featured in the next video are like that but most will hit the masses by this holiday season.

Toys and Figures at the SDCC 2009 from Noe V. on Vimeo.

For those that don't want to look like kooks for buying toys there are always "collectables." Statues, clothing, replicas and various (decidedly) non-toys to sit on a shelf of coffee table as a conversation piece. Some single items, like those made by WETA workshop going for over $1300. Below is a video featuring some of the best items from the con, including an extensive look at Sideshow Collectables.

The comic con has always revolved around art and artists. Many of these artists are veterans, working for various publishers and amassing a lifetime of work. The majority meeting their biggest supporters. However there are also young artists looking for some exposure, trying to get their work, stories and characters noticed and build a following. These artists are working the traditional medium of graphic arts as well as pushing the boundaries in the new mediums like sculpture and urban vinyl. Here is a quick look at some of the artists. Fans of fighting games, and action in general should check out Ryan Benjamin and his Pancratia book. Hopefully we'll see his work turn up in figure form, as the statues at the SDCC suggested. Mr. Benjamin's friend Sean "Cheeks" Galloway and his wicked Kuta vinyl shared a booth.

Other artists to keep an eye on, especially those working in urban vinyl, include Bard Sculpture Studio (Coraline / Monsters vs Aliens), whom also test sculpted some of the mice from the Oswald Chronicles. The pricey but awesome Thor by Plastic Booty. The Nemoids by Front Line Studios, the Vinyl Assassin by Imaginism Studios, Patrick Morgan's Whaleboy, Sculpster.com the site of Vin Teng and some amazing paintings by Tae Young Choi.

Of course there are also the people that go to the SDCC to have some fun, make some friends and earn great memories. To see those looking for costumes the last video is for you. Hope you've enjoyed this look at the Comic Con 2009 and hello to all the friends I saw there!