12:49pm

I run like a madman out of the convention center. I must look like a freak to the people walking around...the people dressed like various characters of TV and film. Work with me, here.

A car pulls up in front of the center. The window rolls down.

"Get in!"

"Glen?"

Security's nipping at my heels. I dive into the back seat. The car peels off.

I glance at something wrapped in plastic. Action Comics #1.

"What the hell is this?"

"Oh, that's just something I picked up."

This ain't hard to figure at all. "You stole this!"

"I stole it back from the son of a bitch who stole it from me. Fair is fair."

"Well, Billie Jean, your little mission could get us arrested."

"That's a hell of a way to say 'thank you'."

"I've never been in trouble with the law before. Why would I say thank you?"

"I'm really getting this from the guy who went onto Craigslist looking for Comic-Con tickets?"

"Fair point."

1:22pm

My luggage sits on the curb in front of the hotel. Kind of a miracle nothing was stolen.

I grab my things and head back into the back seat.

"Does this car go to the airport?"

3:35pm

Sucking down quesadillas at the airport. Not the most auspicious ending to this year's Con, but, hey, at least I didn't get arrested.

I glance up at the television screen. There I am again.

I guess this meal is to go.

4:22pm

My flight doesn't leave for another three hours. Not sure I can avoid detection for that long. Still, getting a taste of awesomeness for a few days only to have it cruelly snatched away from you when you need to return to real life...isn't that what Comic-Con is all about?

Sunday, 12:00am

"What do you mean, 'he's not here'?"

Monty advances on me. "I'll try again in English: he's not here."

"We each got back around ten. He's gone." Lila glances from the bed.

"Where do you think he went?"

"Hell if I know."

"I don't know about you, but I'm going back to bed."

"Me too. Glen knows the way."

"Yeah." I strip my clothes off and settle into bed. At last, there's room on one of the beds. Still, what the hell happened to him?

8:22am

I get up. Everyone else seems to be dressed, but they don't look very excited.

"What's wrong?"

"I don't know about you, but we're headed for the airport."

"But there's one more day of Con."

"Yeah. Sunday."

"Besides, there's only so many times I can watch that "Buffy" episode with a crowd."

"Well, I want to get the full four day experience."

"Do whatever you want."

"I will."

9:04am

What a bunch of babies. I don't need them. I just need these next few hours of fun. Ah, pancakes. Breakfast of champions.

9:55am

My shuttle bus pulls up. Those guys don't know what their missing. I get off the bus.

10:12am

Maybe, it's the performers or the stories or something in the water, but I find myself drawn to these direct-to-DVD "Scooby-Doo" movies. This new one, "Frankencreepy", looks decent.

10:56am

I head for the show floor. Time to take advantage of discounts.

The crowd gathered around the comic has recommiserated. Action Comics #1 is gone.

I turn around. Pictures of the Con-victs flash across a big screen.

I'm not sure if my picture has appeared yet. I run the hell out of there.

11:35am

Okay, I probably should be hiding, but I want to see at least one more panel before I get pinched.

What better one than "Cartoon Voices"?

12:39pm

All right. I've managed to avoid capture and let go of my stress, for now. All I need now is to find a way to get back to the hotel. No doubt the drivers have been made aware.

12:46pm

I'm not quite out of the center yet. I just need to get past that gathering of "Adventure Time" cosplayers. Man, those guys don't mess around.

A hand grabs my shoulder. My heart stops right then and there. I fall out.

It's Angelica. "Whoa. Are you okay?"

"Sort of."

"This wouldn't have anything to do with your picture on a screen in the show floor, would it?"

"Hashtag, Craigslist, six people in one room, curfew, mad haxxor skills."

"I didn't understand one word of that."

"The threat of incarceration tends to jumble my thoughts."

"Well, you best get the fudge out."

"I'm trying." I hurry off.

I'm almost at the exit. Better slow my roll, so as not to arouse suspicion.

"Hey!", I hear someone shout from high above me.

And that plan's down the tubes. I doubt this would've happened at C2E2.

2:24pm

"Angelica?"

"What's up?"

"Just having some lunch."

"Yeah, I can see that. Any plans for later?"

"Well, I'm gonna go to the 'Big Trouble in Little China' panel. You?"

"I wanted to go to the Weird Al panel, but tickets sold out, so I'm going to the 'Spotlight on Willie Ito'. He's this animator who worked with Chuck Jones and animated on "The Flintstones" and Lady and the Tramp."

"Sounds awesome."

"Yeah."

An awkward silence.

"Are things really gonna be weird between us?"

She shrugs. "They shouldn't have to be. You're a great guy."

"I try."

I dig back into my burrito.

"So, you seeing anyone else?"

I almost choke. Would she be mad if I was? "I haven't really found anyone yet."

"Oh. Neither have I."

Was that a hint? Does she want us to be a thing? Why can't girls be more overt about this? It would save countless amounts of trouble.

"Well, I'll see you."

"Take care." I take a huge sip of root beer to get my breath back.

3:01pm

Back at the Con. Something happening outside the show floor. Pinkie Pie confronted by Marvel's god of chaos.

Okey dokey Loki, indeed.

3:43pm

I've really been digging the Big Trouble in Little China comic, which is odd when you consider I've only seen bits and pieces of film. Just another one of those things I never got around to.

Still, I can't wait to see where the comic goes. Pretty cool how so many follow-ups that likely wouldn't have been produced otherwise are appearing in comic form.

The mind boggles at how many follow-ups I'd kill to see, even as mere comic books.

4:24pm

The panel lets out. I head for the show floor.

A crowd gathers around. I hear snatches of whispers: '...most expensive comic...' '...give my left nut...' '...been showing it off for fifteen years...'

Action Comics #1. Must be a sight.

5:09pm

I really liked "Gargoyles" when I was a kid, so of course, I felt I should attend the 20th anniversary panel. Should be fun hearing about what went into making it.

6:00pm

What a panel. I thought I was going to go deaf when Keith David took the stage.

"Hey, you!"

"Angelica?"

"You got to stop being so surprised to see me."

"Sorry."

"So, any plans for tonight?"

"I just thought I'd turn in early. There's nothing going on."

"Seriously, grandpa? There's always something going on."

She drags me off.

6:55pm

"...all I'm saying is that they probably shouldn't have put a deaf guy behind the wheel."

"I just hope that poor woman is okay."

"Me too."

She still has me by the hand. Afraid I'll run off, probably.

7:42pm

Don't think I've been here before. A lot of people here having fun. After all this time, I'm still worried about looking foolish in public?

Ah, what the hell.

11:54pm

It happened again. I can hardly remember what happened and I'm breaking curfew. Whatever happened to Dexter and Valk, I really don't want to happen to me. I want to be here for Saturday.

11:59pm

I head for the room, unsure of what yarn I need to spin to avoid "disappearing".

I open the door. "Glen, I know what you're going to say, but..."

"Save it, Shep." Monty greets me.

"Where the hell were you?" Lila stares at me from bed.

"Getting lucky, from the looks of it." Peggy points at my neck. I run to the mirror. A hickey.

Monty shrugs. "I guess I can't be too mad. Oh, and Glen's not here."

"What?!"

Saturday, 7:38am

Okay, Dexter and Valk are gone. What the hell am I supposed to think about this?

The other Convicts are waking up.

They look around. They don't say anthing, either. I guess none of them want to end up as victims. Good call, really.

8:22am

Well, I'm showered and almost about to get dressed. I grab my badge. There's a Post-It on the back: 'Bat zipline - 12:30'. Curioser and curioser.

9:09am

French toast and sausage. Awesome.

9:44am

I drew '4'. Still waiting for the bus. I hope I don't miss the first panel.

10:12am

Unlike the guy from Thursday night, the guy at this door is cool. I guess everyone else - and I mean everyone else - wanted to crash the "Simpsons" and "Phineas and Ferb" panels. Meanwhile, here I am at the 'Why Not Serious?: Comedy vs. Drama in Animation' panel.

My thinking is that animated drama won't sell. Got no problem with that. Still, I might learn something.

10:56am

Interesting panel. Next...a conflict. I flip a coin.

Tails.

11:05am

I really enjoy the "Ninja Turtles" cartoon on Nickelodeon...making it unfortunate that the coin didn't come up heads.

Still, I love me some "Regular Show". The crowd goes up in an 'Ohhhhhhhhhh!'. This is going to be a lot of fun.

11:48am

I was right. A preview reel and a script read. Plus, someone asked if Eileen would be featured more. The answer...'maybe'.

Okay, that someone was me. I'm still giddy.

12:06pm

Okay, this was new: Harley and Ivy as Anna and Elsa. Of course, I'm getting a picture. Even with that eye-popping sight, I'm still nervous about this meeting...and even more at the zip-line.

12:24pm

Here I am in line. Should I have been here at 12:30 exactly or am I too early for--

"So, you got my note."

"Lila?"

"That's the name...sort of."

"Why did you want to see me?"

"You're curious about what happened to the others, aren't you?"

"A little."

"You ever see the movie 21?"

"Yeah."

"Bingo."

"What, Glen was banned from coming here again?"

"Most likely. Just keep your eyes open. He might be planning something."

"Okay. By the way, why'd you want to meet me up here?"

"'Cause I wanted to try this, duh." Lila gets hooked in. I try to turn back, but the crowd gets unruly.

"Comic-Connnnnnnnnnn!" Well, she's enjoying herself.

"You next?"

"I guess."

I get strapped into the harness. My heart pounding in my head makes it hard to hear any of the directions the guy is giving me.

"Remember all that, and you'll be fine."

Might as well jump.

A loud, unmasculine scream comes out of me. I'm not afraid of heights, but this is too much to handle.

The people below are certainly looking at me and wondering if a human can really make such a noise.

I'm collected by the guy at the bottom. Somehow, I lived.

12:52pm

I needed to sit down. After what just happened, I wasn't in any mood to move.

1:04pm

I love movie trailers. Produced right, they allow a glimpse at the filmmaking climates of the time.

'Warner Archive Collection: Trailers from Hell Live!'

The lights go dim. The first trailer begins. I feel like I should have some popcorn with this panel.

1:56pm

I head for Ballroom 20 for the "American Dad" panel. Holy balls, this line is crazy.

You know, screw it. I'm starving.

2:23pm

La Puerta. Southern Cal Burrito. There is no substitute.

As I tear into it, I hear a voice.

"Room for one more?"

4:57pm

"Why did you run away from me before?"

"You really don't remember last year?"

As clear as yesterday. "I'd forgotten about it."

"Come on." She starts to walk away.

"Where are you going?"

"My next panel starts in a few minutes. I don't want to be late."

"You're on a panel?"

"Please be smart about this."

"Well, I need to get to a panel, too, but we still need to talk."

"Catch you later."

"Definitely."

5:06pm

With all the things that could go wrong, it's a miracle of science that movies even get made. Still, there are those projects that never hit air. I'm about to hear about some of them. Not a lot of cosplayers here. Just serious (and curious) film fans like myself. Neat.

5:35pm

Saw some footage from Jodorowsky's Dune. I've only a passing familiarity with the David Lynch movie, but this sounds even more nuts. And now, someone mentioned the pilot for "Heat Vision and Jack". Interesting.

I glance a few rows ahead. No way. Angelica's here, too? Well, duh. She loves movies. Of course, she'd have a fascination with those that didn't get made.

6:04pm

Taking a few minutes to rest before my next panel. Hey, there goes Valk. What's he running after? Two security guards are chasing him. Hope they don't catch him. Who knows what that could do to my trip?

6:47pm

Simon Kinberg is being interviewed about X-Men: Days of Future Past. It's rather intriguing hearing about how the film came together.

"How the hell did Kitty Pryde get time-travel powers?"

I'm sure that would've come up, but I think the MST3K mantra comes into play: 'Just repeat to yourself, 'It's just a show/I should really just relax'.'

7:32pm

'Rotten Tomatoes Critics vs. Fans'

The urge to defend The Lone Ranger and R.I.P.D. is too strong. Do I dare go for it and risk the scorn of the crowd?

8:29pm

Fuck yes. As the panel lets out, the people passing me either shake their heads, insult me or point and laugh, which you'd think would be discouraged at a place like this.

8:52pm

God, the city looks nice at night. I'd consider coming here at a non-Con time of year, but it just wouldn't be the same.

Not that far from curfew. I'd better go back.

I see Peggy at the shuttle stop. I rush up to her.

"Hey."

"Hey."

"Good day, huh?"

"Yeah. Went to 'How to Be a Nerd for a Living'."

"That sounds cool."

"Then, there was the 'Gravity Falls' panel."

"Yeah, that was awesome."

"Then, there was 'The Witty Women of Steampunk' and 'Archer', then 'Orphan Black'."

"Cool." I really should go for it. "So...where are you from, really?"

"Delaware. You?"

"New York."

The bus pulls up.

"One of us should get on."

I start to move my feet, but she gets on first.

"Catch you later."

9:43pm

I'm back at the hotel, enjoying a burger and fries. Another good day down. I can only wonder what tomorrow will bring...and whether I should worry about what happened to Valk.

1:03pm

The crowd, some of whom are dressed like the characters, settles in for the "Gravity Falls" panel.

1:07pm

Kristen Schaal greets everyone as Mabel. The crowd goes nuts. Can you blame them?

1:21pm

That was some sizzle reel. August cannot get here soon enough.

1:47pm

And a script read. Okay, this is in the running for best panel this year.

2:09pm

Not sure what could top that, so I'm just walking around. May as well stop by IDW's booth and get that TP of "Indestructible" I've been avoiding. This is still Comic-Con, right?

2:44pm

I'm actually having a good time just sitting on the floor and watching people. Yet another Anna and Elsa.

3:11pm

I check my schedule. The 'Free Enterprise 15th Anniversary Panel' starts at 3:30pm. Sounds like a plan. I liked the movie. I flip the page.

Holy crap. The "Bob's Burgers" panel starts at 4:00. If my experience last night taught me anything, it's that overlapping panels will not work out in my favor.

"A hunter that chases two rabbits will catch neither." Read it in a fanfiction once. To this day, I have no idea who said it. I'll have to look that up when I get back.

May as well flip a coin.

Tails.

3:44pm

"Bob's Burgers" it is. Damn, what a long line. Don't care. I'm getting in.

4:06pm

And so I did. I glance around. "Tina" from earlier is sitting a few seats down. No one's in my way. I scooch myself a couple seats closer. I don't think she notices.

4:24pm

Neat preview reel. Looking forward to the new season.

4:54pm

The panel ends. I'm still laughing at the Q and A, especially that one question about Louise.

I turn to "Tina". "Awesome cosplay. Can I get a picture?"

"You really don't recognize me?"

"Nnnnnnnnnnnnno?"

She takes off the glasses.

"Angelica?!"

7:45am

Didn't think this was worth mentioning because, hey, what are the chances it would apply to me, but Glen instituted a curfew for all of us. Dexter broke it and now, he seems to be gone. Okay, either he's been sent packing or he's...okay, that's a little out there.

I wake up and head for the bathroom. Perhaps, a shower will help me to relax.

8:23am

"Okay. Second day of the Con. Just remember what I told you and you'll be fine."

I glance over to "Peggy". I'd really like to get to know her better.

"Anything you want to share with us, Shep?"

"What? No."

"Then why are you looking at Peggy?"

"I thought I saw a fire ant on her."

"There's nothing there."

"Eyes must be playing tricks."

I look away. No way did he buy that, but let's worry about that afterwards.

8:54am

Pancakes and sausage. Very nice breakfast.

9:23am

I drew '2'. Can't wait for today. I get on the shuttle bus. A lot of cosplayers staying in this hotel, most of them seemingly from anime.

10:15am

'The Black Panel'. I've been curious about this for years, but I never could go. Other panels and all.

Really fascinating stuff.

11:04am

On the convention floor. I've got time before my next panel.

Wow. That's a pretty good human Maud Pie. I have to get a picture of her.

11:45am

Really liking this "Rocky and Bullwinkle" short. I can only wonder if it leads to anything more, like a feature. I still say the 2000 movie was too underappreciated.

12:42pm

On my way through the crowd. I see a dead-on Tina Belcher. The outfit, the hair, the glasses...it's uncanny.

"Hey!", I call after her.

She rushes off. I try to follow, but the crowd is so thick.

I lose her. Was it something I said?

3:59pm

Well, I didn't hate it.

4:06pm

Now, I know of the mythology. I know of the characters. I know the classic moments through cultural osmosis and I've seen both entries in the rebooted franchise. Yet, I've never really gotten into "Star Trek".

So, why am I at the "'Star Trek' at 50" panel? I don't know. Something to do. Might learn a couple things.

4:42pm

Okay, I'm learning quite a bit here. I just might check out the reruns on Me-TV when I get back.

5:16pm

The show floor is still open. May as well get some prime people watching done.

Two more Anna and Elsa duos, the latter bringing along Kristoff.

Oh. Lady Loki. Must get a picture.

Whoa. Someone was truly committed to that Electro costume. Shame about the movie, though.

6:08pm

'Breaking into Animation Writing'

As has been said on ScriptShadow, if you walk out of a bad movie thinking 'I could do so much better', you will fail.

Conversely, with all the alleged cartoons airing on television today, I can't help but think that I can do better.

6:53pm

Wouldn't you know it? They had clips of the so-called cartoons showing us what we should aspire to. I think I need a shower.

7:46pm

Okay, this is much better. I've named (mentally, anyway) at least 30 of these movies, which is weird, given my generally low scores at thehorrorquiz.com. Somehow, I think that someone else will have named all of them.

8:25pm

I didn't win, but damn, did I have fun. I'm headed next door. Hopefully, the guy guarding the door is cool.

8:26pm

The guy at the door was not cool. Too bad; 'Tournament of Nerds' sounded like fun.

9:23pm

Dinner at La Puerta. Southern Cal Burrito. (Why mess with a good thing?)

10:17pm

Okay, maybe two of them in one day was a less than smart idea...but damn, they were tasty.

I schlub my way to the shuttle bus stop. I really hope that none of my fellow Con-victs (or Con-men...eh, why not?) are waiting. Glen seemed to be quite clear on that.

Oh. None of them are here. Probably partying. It's just as well. If I don't find a bathroom...I don't even want to think about it.

I'm going home. Good night.

12:59pm

Okay. good-ass burrito, but lugging it and myself back to the Con wasn't easy.

1:08pm

Given my curiosity about the art of cartoon voice acting, it's strange that I'm only getting to see "I Know That Voice" now. You'd think I'd already have it in my collection.

These clips are pretty damn neat. I must get the DVD.

1:55pm

Cool panel. Some really funny stuff from the panelists. I just need to make my way to the next panel. Huh. Just saw "Valk" taking a picture of The Lego Movie's Wyldstyle. I'm sure I'll get my shot.

2:15pm

Loving this movies of 1984 panel. As I'm sure I said before, there really is nothing like living vicariously through other's experiences. In fact, with the influx of panels like this, I can't help but think that I was born way too late to truly enjoy this kind of stuff. Oh, well.

3:06pm

Yet another film music panel. This one focuses on composers for superhero movies. I'm really surprised that Graeme Revell is doing "Gotham". I guess I'll have to watch it, now.

3:44pm

About to watch a clip from Guardians of the Galaxy. Could this be the score that turns me around on Tyler Bates?

July 24th, 7:13amish, I guess.

"Pick a name."

I can barely hear Glen's voice. I'm still asleep. I feel someone (him?) shaking me.

"Pick a name."

Not really comprehending what's happening, I mumble something out.

July 24th, 7:13am...for real.

I wake up, stiff as a board. Two chairs does not a bed make. Glen's staring me in the face.

"Good morning, Shep."

I shake my head. "I beg your pardon?"

"Shep Franklin. The name you gave me last night." He hands me a license.

"Anchorage, Alaska?"

"Hard to trace. Thousands of people go to San Diego Comic-Con every year. A few people try to game the system, which they do, thanks to guys like me. Sound off!"

"Dexter Baxter: Grand Rapids, Michigan!"

"Lila St. Lawrence: Wilmington, North Carolina!"

"Monty Cliff: London, Ontario!"

"Valk Ilmer: New Orleans, Louisiana!"

"Peggy Salt: Buffalo, New York!" My eyes widen. Glen points to me.

"Oh. Shep Franklin: Anchorage, Alaska."

"Now, it is important that none of you are seen together at the Con. People start putting things together, it could prove dangerous for the operation. All of you leave in shifts. One of you leaves at 9:00, then 9:15, then 9:30 and so on."

'Monty' raises his hand. "How do we determine who leaves first?"

9:45am

A bunch of numbers, 1 to 6, in a hat. I was fourth.

Had a nice breakfast. Thankfully, I had some money squirrelled away in my luggage.

Just waiting for the shuttle bus to Comic-Con. Too bad we can't be seen together. Peggy's kind of cute.

10:08am

My ID and badge checked out. Must be some good hacking that made that happen.

I head for the convention floor. Just as big as I remember.

Not even here for 15 minutes and I've seen six pairs of girls as Frozen's Anna and Elsa. Probably thinking they'd be the only ones.

I can't find any of my fellow...shall I say, Con-victs. Okay. That shit is sticking.

10:37am

Settling in for Behind the Music: Crime, Death and Resurrection. Actually, I've been here since 10:30. Other people are finding their seats.

The composers gather on stage to wild applause. Of course, I'm a part of it.

11:12am

Caught a clip of Deliver Us from Evil. Neat score. Hope it gets a release. Looks like they're playing a clip of "Fargo". One of those shows I keep meaning to get into, but don't. I should be less lazy about this.

11:35pm

Yet another Anna and Elsa, with a little baby dressed as Olaf. How darling.

Plenty of cosplay to absorb, but I'm a little hungry. Only one place on my mind.

12:07pm

La Puerta!

Good thing that nearly everyone is still at the Con. Plenty of seats available.

I've already ordered the Southern Cal Burrito.

I glance around the restaurant. Wow. Sitting at a far-off table..."Peggy".

Glen told us not to associate at the Con...but we're in a restaurant. Fair game.

I sit at her table. "Hello."

"Hi, Shep."

"Yeah. What brings you here?"

"Heard about this place online. My next panel isn't until two. Figured I'd give it a shot."

"You're gonna love it."

"Anything you recommend?"

"I already ordered the Southern Cal Burrito. Care to split it?"

'Peggy' laughs a little. "You're not worried about germs?"

"I don't know. Maybe, you could save some cash."

"Thanks, anyway."

"Nice to meet you."

"You too, Shep."

I go back to my table. She's a nice-looking girl: brown hair, pretty face, sweet voice.

Have I done it again: have I bumbled into a relationship with a girl who, by all logic, should be out of my league?

I guess so.

July 23rd, 9:32pm - Pacific Time

Here I am at San Diego Airport. I'm hella nervous. Do I just take a cab to La Quinta Mission Valley or what? Eh. I may as well. I can't stay at the airport all night. Besides, there's Comic-Conning to be done.

10:35pm

The cab drops me off. Huh. Nice place. I head right for the front desk. Here's hoping that I can get some rest for the night.

"I'm sorry, sir, but there are no reservations under that name."

Perfect. Well, $300 down the crapper. I'm going home.

"hashtag 'would do anything to go to San Diego Comic-Con'?"

I'm almost afraid to say... "Yes?"

"Hey. Glen Tyler. You're the last to get here."

"So...I'm not the only one?"

"Oh, no. There are a few others upstairs." He starts to walk toward the elevator. "Come on."

Grabbing my luggage, I nervously follow him. The guy at the front desk starts to dial on the phone, but Glen holds his hand up. I guess that means 'He's with me".

11:12pm

Nice room. Apparently, that $300 went toward decent lodging. I flip on the lights. Okay. There seem to be people already in the beds. I turn off the lights.

I set up two chairs to face each other. Odd, but it beats sleeping on the floor. I'm sure that the first day of Comic-Con will heal any sleeping pains.

July 22nd, 11:38pm

My flight leaves tomorrow morning. Before I go to bed, I need to make sure that I have everything:

- Spending money

- Poster tube

- Shorts

- Sneakers

- Socks and underwear

- Whimsically-themed T-shirts

- Cell phone and charger

- Laptop with charger

- CD player and soundtracks to be autographed

- AA batteries

- Credit cards

- Toiletries

- Comic-Con schedule

- Confirmations of badge and flight

- A backpack to hold my stuff

Everything is a go. No condoms, though; I've given up on the finding love thing. Still, I keep one in the chamber (read: wallet), in case you're ponderin'.

Won't be long, now.

July 9th, 1:25pm

Just got through with lunch. I contacted the guy who placed the Craigslist ad. I'm still waiting to hear back from him. What hotel am I staying at?

I check my e-mail. 'La Quinta Inn Mission Valley'.

I next go to the Comic-Con site. '5.1 miles...34 minute shuttle...ooh, continental buffet'.

Okay, this might not be so bad.

July 8th, 3:23pm

Okay, got my flight booked. However, I don't have a hotel. I'm sure as hell not staying on the street, no matter how nice the weather is in San Diego.

Sweet God, I hope I'm not making the mistake I think I am. I just want to go to Comic-Con, not end up a statistic.

July 3rd, 9:27pm

Oh, I almost forgot. 'What kind of wheeling and dealing did you have to do?' Well, I vented about my rage on Twitter with the hashtag '#woulddoanythingtogotoSDCC'...and by a strange coincidence, six other people used that same hashtag.

A few hours later, I get a PM directing me to a Craigslist ad. I just needed to cough up $300. Not too much of a problem, right? I get a link to a badge. It'll be waiting at a San Diego hotel. But which one? 'Details to follow'.

The hell have I gotten myself into?

July 1st, 10:29pm

I entered every single opportunity for DC Access Watch and Win, but they didn't even let anyone know who won. (Why even hold a contest if you're not letting people know who won it? Even more, why even ask for our Twitter handles if you're not telling us through there? So unprofessional.)

I had to do quite a bit of wheeling and dealing, but I am going to Comic-Con this year.