Notes from the floor of Comic-Con International 2008, by Ashley Fisher

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Far more than just a comic book collector's show, Comic-Con International 2008 held in sunny San Diego at the massive Convention Center was nothing less than a freewheeling, four day lovefest for all things comic, literary and fringe.

And luckily, I could count myself in as an attendee.

From a prime position on the floor, working in the Penguin booth to greet fellow comic lovers and readers, and to distribute some of our new reads and samplers, I was pleased to be in the middle of all the excitement, reveling in the spirit of community to be found there, gawking at the endlessly elaborate and clever costumed fans (one good looking Joker, Indiana Jones, and Cat Woman after another), and exploring aisle after aisle of offerings from small press vendors and artists-collecting a small mountain of freebies from the movie studios, networks, and the comic industry heavyweights present.

Posters, buttons, graphic novels, oversized bags and tees-my nearly bursting carry-on luggage was at the sheer mercy of its overworked zipper.

And there really was something for everyone, and every taste, here. From vintage movie art and cult classic dvds, to hard-to-find comics and figures, eclectic handcrafted tees and corsets, to film screenings, video game previews, panels and signings with writers, illustrators, and stars-there was room and an audience for it all. Readers heading by the Penguin booth, not only could pick up our Ace/Roc and DAW samplers and get a preview of some hot new reads, but we were also hosting book signings by the one-and-only Dresden Files creator Jim Butcher and Charlaine Harris-the pen behind the Southern Vampire novels that are soon-to-become an HBO series called True Blood.

Pulsing with life, creativity and celebration, the Comic-Con certainly didn't disappoint this year.

But one parting word of advice if you're set on attending next year and sharing in on the melee in Southern California-be sure to book early. Hotels, and passes to the convention sell out quick-and I know I'd throw a Wonder Woman sized fit if I couldn't get in next year!

View Penguin's photos from Comic-Con!

Read a review of Comic-Con preview night by DK's Rachel Kempster

Cheers!

-- Ashley Fisher, Manager Advertising & Promotion - Mass Market Ad/Promo

Comic-Con, Comic Con, Comics, fantasy, Sci-Fi,SF, Star Wars, anime, Penguin books, books