Winner of the DarkHorse SDCC contest.

[Otto66]

This is in answer to a previously posted thread by elhuevosupremo.

From the DarkHorse site:
"The polls have closed, the ballots were counted, and the winners have been selected for our Win a Trip to Comic Con International Contest. Congratulations to Treden Wagoner, our Grand Prize Winner!!!!!! Treden and a friend of his choice will be flying out to San Diego this July for one heck of a good 'ol time at the worlds largest comic convention in North America - Comic Con International. Also, congratulations to our 5 Runners-up: Tracey Christian, PJ Hruschak, Karen Moore, Mary Besse, and Russell DeGregory."

Hope Tredon (who I think may be a member of this forum and my Christmas Xchange buddy)
has a great time. And congrats to the runners-up.

[Neil Hill]

Yeah, congratulations to any winners who are also board members! You'll have a blast at the show I'm sure! :D

[treden]

I am very excited to go to San Diego. I don't have to apologize to this group or hide my excitement. I have wanted to go since comics were a quarter and now I have a chance. Over the years there was always something that kept me from going including work but mostly lack of money.

As I haven't been before I welcome any tips anyone has to share on the convention for first timers.

I will do my best to grab some extra swag and find some fair way to distribute it here.

Darkhorse has been really great. Just in case you are reading, thanks and congratulations on your anniversary.

Treden

[Neil Hill]

As I haven't been before I welcome any tips anyone has to share on the convention for first timers.

OMG there are a tons of tips, many of them to be found in this Thread:

http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=123926

I've been going since 1997 and have been hooked ever since. Every year I've learned some nrew little tidbit which I didn't know the year previous.

One thing I'd mention if you tend to get weighted down easily with tons of crap (like I do). Park your car (rental or otherwise) in the parking garage at the convention center, so that you'll have easy access to it and can make as many trips as you desire. This may mean that you'll have to get up extra early in the morning to get a decent spot, but it's totally and completely worth it. Also, regarding any plans you may have to purchase Original Art. Go to the show with a certain price range in mind, but do some looking around before settling on a particular piece, unless it's one that you just can't live without. You may see something you like better at a different booth and in a more suiteable price range. Also, bring something sturdy along to put the artwork in once you've purchased it. Some people prefer large portfolios, but I find those cumbersome. I've actually custom created a holder that slings over my back and keeps my hands free. There's nothing more annoying than having all of your hands full of stuff, and then having to set it all down when you're reaching for a book to have someone sign or even just to shake someone's hand.

Lastly, and this cannot be stressed enough, bring plenty of water and snacks. Walking all afternoon or even just standing can be quite taxing on those of us who aren't used to that sort of activity (like most of us). If you start to feel light-headed or out of it, just stop for a bit, gather yourself, and reach for a quick Powerbar or some other snack to get you going again. Those booths will still be there after you're finished. :)

Most of all however, HAVE FUN! Again, congrats on your win Treden!!

[Maija]

Congratulations, Treden! I hope you have a fantastic time. It's quite an amazing experience, especially the first time you go.

Con tips can be found in the Travel Thread. (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=46971)

EDIT: D'Oh! Stygian beat me to it, never the less...

There are also a few little tidbits in the SDCC 2005 (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=52655) thread, and of course watch the 2006 thread (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=119846), now that you're going!

If DarkHorse is putting you up in a nearby hotel, then you get to make like a bandit and dump all your loot right in your room!

Do you get to do any special behind-the-scenes type stuff through Dark Horse?

Can't wait to hear your report when you return!

[hellboyone]

Congrats, Treden! You're gonna have a blast.

[jnapper]

Whao! Congrats!

[treden]

I am not sure if there is any Darkhorse swag involved. It is great just to be part of the Darkhorse SDCCI experience. I understand that I will get a VIP pass to Darkhorse related events. I am not sure what that means but I will soon find out.

I am planning on keeping notes on the experience and doing a full write up with pictures which I will post on my web site somewhere. I will be sure to share all with you.

Thanks again.

[morna]

that's so kool! Congrats! we look forward to your report :)

[SpydaWeb]

My only tip to Treden is to take me with.

[jnapper]

My only tip to Treden is to take me with.

Hahahhahahahah!!

Coolness, reply made me LOL--

[Otto66]

Since you'll probobley be meeting Scott (Beloved Editor) Allie at SDCC,
you should ask him about any plans for Mignola to do a cover for the
TPB of the Conan stories he's writing. Oh, and just how close are we
to sees the Lobster Johnson story? Think Mignola mentioned that they
needed to find an artist *COUGH*Craig Rousseau*COUGH*.;)

[THE REAL kirk]

Wow...someone on this board won. Now that is cool. And someone that has never been, even better!

Have a great time (I know you will) and pace yourself. It can be rather overwhelming to a first timer.