San Diego Comic-Con International 2023 SDCC : The good, the bad, and the ugly

“I can’t believe I finally had the chance to attend San Diego Comic-Con after three long years. The last time I went was in 2019 during the famous Black Widow movie announcement and the Ant-Man and the Wasp movie quantum realm reveal. Returning to the event this year in 2023 was truly special, thanks to the financial support from my family and friends who helped me make it there.

During this year’s con, there was a strike by writers and actors, which resulted in many big studios like Marvel, DC, Warner Bros, Sony, Paramount, and Universal Studios opting out of attending San Diego Comic-Con. While it was disappointing not to see their presentations, I must say that Comic-Con is more than just movies and TV shows; it’s about comics, books, fans, and much more. I wholeheartedly support the strike, and I appreciated that the panels mainly featured behind-the-scenes crew members from various TV shows, providing valuable insights into the making of the shows.

One highlight for me was attending the panel for ‘The Continental,’ set in the John Wick world. It was refreshing to hear from the director, producer, stunt coordinator, editor, and set decorator, which allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the John Wick universe. While having actors present would have been exciting too, I enjoyed the different perspective that the panel offered.

Though I couldn’t attend as many panels this year due to conflicting schedules and my desire to explore all the attractions, I did manage to visit some unique experiences. However, one of them, the Paramount Plus Lodge, wasn’t exactly to my taste, as it focused on an open bar and drinks, which I don’t consume. The photo ops were okay, but the staff’s handling of the situation when someone tried to cut in line was unprofessional, leading to a negative experience.

On a more positive note, the Peanuts exhibit by Apple Plus was a delightful experience. The scavenger hunt, cute photo ops, postcard writing, and coloring area were enjoyable for both adults and kids. The only downside was that some of the merchandise sold out quickly, but overall, it was a pleasant experience.

I also had a mixed experience at the Hulu booth. While they catered more towards adults with their TV shows, the photo ops were well-managed and organized. However, some videos shown in the waiting area contained explicit language and scenes, making it uncomfortable for parents with kids. It’s essential for parents to be aware of the content and ensure it’s suitable for their children.

During the convention, I had a regrettable encounter with some attendees who were disrespectful and even aggressive in their pursuit of photos and videos. Despite being at the event to enjoy the camaraderie and exciting experiences, I had to deal with these unpleasant incidents. It’s essential for everyone attending such conventions to show respect to others and behave appropriately.

On a brighter note, it was heartwarming to see fans coming together after the pandemic, sharing joy and excitement during the event. The Grand Hyatt hotel, where I stayed, provided excellent accommodations and customer service, making my stay even more enjoyable.

As a blogger, I had the honor of being invited to cover the Her Universe fashion show and an interview with Nano Blocks. These opportunities made my experience at the convention even more special, and I am truly grateful for the support and recognition my blog, Headphone Thoughts, received.

Overall, despite some disappointments, I had a fantastic time at San Diego Comic-Con, and I am already looking forward to attending next year. Thank you all for your continued support, and please feel free to share your experiences at San Diego Comic-Con if you’ve been there!”