Con fatigue finally caught up with me. Though we got home late Sunday night, it was late Monday afternoon before I suddenly got that Bataan Death March sensation. In fact, I began to feel a lot like the above fellow, whose photo I snapped in an aisle at the con. It may be a few days before normal blogging resumes on this site.
As I said, I had a great time. I sometimes think that anyone can have a great time at that convention if they'll only do a little advance planning and make the effort to find the convention they want to attend. There are a lot of conventions occurring simultaneously in that hall, ranging in intensity from the high-tech, high-pressure trade show located where the toy and videogame companies are situated, all the way down to the friendly and creative low-tech con in and around Artists' Alley. What interests you is probably in there somewhere but you have to go looking for it. It won't find you.
I've received a lot of e-mails from folks who agree with my wish that the con would bar light sabers…and all kinds of swords and staffs, for that matter. There were a lot of people in the hall who had them but few seemed aware that one end of them might be gouging passers-by. Those giant tote bags that Warners handed out to people did a lot to make the aisles more crowded than they had to be. I'd also like to see the convention start charging triple to any exhibitor who insists on having a microphone at their booth.
Before I forget: We've been telling you here for some time that, despite rumors to the contrary, the convention was not (repeat: NOT) about to move to another city. The convention management has now confirmed this, announcing that they've secured firm dates in San Diego through 2012, which is about as far ahead as any city or convention will ever commit. The 2008 convention will be July 24 through 27.
Also: If you shot video of any of my panels — especially Sunday's Cartoon Voice Panel with Maurice LaMarche, Jess Harnell, April Stewart, Gregg Berger, Tom Kenny and Michael Bell — please drop me a line and I'll tell you how to e-mail me a copy.
There will be more postings about the con. I just need a little more sleep before I can get to them.