The Thing by Emilio Soltero

 

The Thing by Emilio Soltero....a long ago treasure.

BTW, check out the movie. You are sure to enjoy it.

25 Tips for Your San Diego SDCCI Comic-Con visit...Prepare!

 1) Wear comfortable shoes with good padding.

2) Drink plenty of water.

3) Bring money to buy your special items. You can get some bargains at the end of the show, but you risk that the item is sold out.

4) Be ready to stand in line for many events and booths, you may need to get a get ticket prior to a signing at the Sails section on the upper floor--check the times, usually 6-9 am every morning.

5) Check the health status for attending the convention--check the SDCC website for rules.

6) You can buy SDCC merchandise online and then pick it up in person, including at the Cartoonist Across America & the World booth.

7) Look for cancelled appearances or events, pick up the update sheets or try the unofficial blog.

8) Harbor Blvd. may be closed off--plan ahead for your ride, check the site.

9) Check out the San Diego Zoo not just Comic-Con events, or maybe take a visit to the Comic-Con Museum.

10) There are many evening events, some at adjoining hotels, fields, theaters, and related areas.

11) Be kind and shower--there are lots of people throughout the city. Be courteous and give folks room.

12) There is a child badge w/adult ticket, see the website for info., this is usually done onsite.

13) Bring pens and paper if you want autographs.

14) Be kind to artists, event folks, cosplayers, and each other--all of them are here to have fun and stay safe.

15) Bring snacks--you will need them while waiting in line or sitting in halls, same with water. The coffee and snack lanes may be long.

16) Don't leave your items (do not forget them), including coaster, train, trolley, rooms, and convention center. Make sure to take your belongings with you--double check as you leave.

17) Do not carry big or heavy items--check them in to your hotel, or better yet, check them in at the coat check in the lobby of the convention floor.

18) There are plenty of things to do outside of the convention. There are literally hundreds of giveaways, tents, and folks giving out great goodies outside the convention area. Check out the food at the Gaslamp district.

19) There are many, many panels full of actors, writers, artists, and fans. Take a look and attend a panel.

There is a panel by Emilio Soltero, Figure Drawing for Popular media---Thursday afternoon. See the schedule for more info.

20) Take public transportation (Red Trolley, bus, shuttle), carpool with friends and family, walk, bike, ferry, or jog.

21) There is a souvenir book that you can download for free--at the Comic-Con website.

22) Support the artists from artist alley, many of them actual create comics--y'know, what the convention is named after.

23) Get earlier to a panel, there might be a long line hours prior. This way you can make sure to get in.

24) Some events and signings require a ticket prior---check it out first.

25) You will do lots of walking, and there will be many things to see---plan out your schedule if you can.

26) Stay at a hotel where you can take a shuttle or the red trolley.

A Tribute to Jim Shooter by Emilio Soltero

 Jim had an incredible life starting out as a writer for DC at age 14, under the auspices of

a grumpy editor.

A. Tribute to Jack Katz by Emilio Soltero

 

FF cover, Dr. Doom by Emilio Soltero...process to end!

 Dr. Doom...by Dr. Soltero.

Check out his figure drawing demo at Comic-Con this year!!

Jack Katz Sep. 27, 1927-- April 24, 2025

 Remembering the talented Jack Katz who passed away this year.

He was a maverick creating and publishing his epic, The First Kingdom, with the support of many, including Bud Plant.

Jack was also a great figure artist and he continued to draw and attend smaller cons until shortly.

When he was young, he did not speak until age 5, and he had plenty of incredible dreams as a child...as Katz himself explained in an interview long ago.

Connie Francis is making a comeback after 60 years with Pretty Little Baby!

Pretty Little Baby by Connie Francis has exploded on TikTok and Youtube and other platforms, with millions of views, and hundreds of cover versions.

Now if everyone can donate just one penny, or one dollar, for every post or view....then Connie can have

a nice retirement at the youthful age of 86.

Connie and her talent demonstrated foresight, with recordings of said song in Japanese, Spanish, and Italian...back in 1962.

Check it out.

 Who's crying now.

photos © respective owners.

Tributes by Emilio Soltero Todd McFarland and Jack Kirby!!

If you are headed to Comic-Con check out Soltero's lecture/demo on Thursday. It is a popular and exciting event...at SDDCCI

Frazetta McFarlane Conan swipe, homage or inspiration

 McFarlane's Conan and a cover of Thunda by Frazetta. A coincidence, a swipe or inspiration.

WonderCon like Comic-Con

 

If you didn't score a ticket to Comic-Con this summer, then try WonderCon. It is run by the same great folks, and same great programming but without the huge crowds. They still have tickets available.

Comic-Con or Wondercon...you can get tickets

 You probably have a better chance of scoring Wondercon tickets.

Both cons are from SDCCI. WonderCon is smaller but still fun.

Buy your tickets today.