I got home late and don't have a lot of time to post this but I wanted to get something out about Anaheim ComicCon which started today and runs through Sunday, April 18th. (info)

Thumbs up.  It was entertaining and delivered on a lot of what you go to Cons for.  

I went with OCSWA board members Eric Hensman (Lennexe Productions) and Chris Stambouli.  Eric has been to many shows of this type but for Chris it was his first since he doesn't do the fanboy thing much.  Both enjoyed it as did I.

Sure - it's a lot (many degrees) smaller than San Diego ComicCon but that's to be expected.  Even in its first year, I have to say they've done a good job.  Everything went fairly smoothly as far as registration and parking.  There were plenty of exhibitors and I didn't hear any griping about the staff or even any gripes from the staff.  The hall was nicely laid out and exhibitors seemed to have all the room they needed to hawk their wares.

Plenty of toy, comic book and collectible vendors.  Some neat costumes from the the fan boys and girls.  Lots of little pockets of neat activities like a "shoot the Sand People" section (cheesy but fun.)  

For the guys, The Suicide Girls were there as were some cheerleader-types dressed in skimpy costumes who danced and did acrobatics on a stage that seemed better suited for a sedentary activity since it kept moving around as they danced on it.

What amazed me were the amount of autograph booths.  One staff member I talked to characterized it as "my TV life in the 80's" since people from shows like "Magnum P.I.," "Three's Company,"  the original "Battlestar Galactica," and dozens others were there to sign autographs for eager fans.  I was totally blown away when I unexpectedly ran into some of the actors I've worked with on some of my films - it was fun catching up and they all said they were enjoying themselves.  Even the ones who groused about the drive (my buddy Larry Manetti for example) said he was having fun.  Adam West from the original "Batman" TV series made an appearance - man, that's reaching back.  Tomorrow William Shatner, Kevin Sorbo, Shannen Doherty and Holly-Marie Combs ("Charmed") and many others will be in attendance.  I'm sure the place will be rocking.

So - go.  It's fun and worth it.  Not San Diego but enough to make you smile for hours.

More later.

Mark