The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards , commonly shortened to the Eisner Awards , are awards for creative achievement in American comic books . They are regarded as the most prestigious and significant awards in the comic industry, often referred to as the industry's equivalent to the Academy Awards .
92-725: The first Eisners were conferred in 1988, for works published in 1987. The Eisner Awards ceremony has been held at San Diego Comic-Con every year since 1991. The awards are named in honor of pioneering cartoonist and writer Will Eisner , who was a regular participant in the ceremony until his death in 2005. The nominations in each category are generated by a five to six-member jury, then voted on by comic book professionals. The jury often consists of at least one comics retailer, one librarian (since 2005), and one academic researcher, among other comic experts. As of 2021, awards are presented in 32 categories. The Eisner Awards and Harvey Awards were first conferred in 1988, both created in response to
184-499: A trade fair called the "San Diego Comic Book Expo" was held in association with San Diego Comic-Con; David Scroggy was the organizer. In 1995, the convention's official name was changed to Comic-Con International: San Diego . According to Forbes , the convention is the "largest convention of its kind in the world"; Publishers Weekly wrote "Comic-Con International: San Diego is the largest show in North America"; it
276-496: A 2011 documentary feature film set at the convention, Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope . Writer Robert Salkowitz also used the 2011 Comic-Con as a backdrop for his book Comic-Con and the Business of Pop Culture , an analysis of the comics industry's 21st-century dilemmas and what the future may hold. From 2015 to 2019, Conan O'Brien recorded a week of live shows from Comic-Con at the nearby Spreckels Theatre . In 2015,
368-513: A badge. In 2018, it was estimated that nearly 200,000 people would be in downtown San Diego due to Comic-Con related exhibits and events. Capacity attendance at Comic-Con in 2006 and 2007 has caused crowding issues. Concerns have been raised that the event is possibly too large for the San Diego Convention Center , Comic-Con's home through at least 2024. In 2006, Comic-Con, for the first time, had to close registration for
460-643: A collection of all five volumes of the series in English in 2016. Other comics set at the convention include Archie No. 538 (September 2003), Archie Giant Series No. 601 (October 1989) and No. 624 (October 1991), G.I. Joe No. 180 (July 2012), Dazzler No. 30 (January 1984), Lobo Convention Special ([September] 1993) and Fanboys Vs Zombies . 1992–1995 the Con partnered with Dark Horse Comics for an annual San Diego Comic Con Comics giveaway to attendees spotlighting characters published by Dark Horse. Comic-Con
552-496: A decade. The neon stars on the western face no longer shine. ... Its hand-carved wooden doors, well-worn bar stools and polished brass fixtures have been auctioned off. Starting with its purchase in 1978 by Morris Cerullo, the El Cortez began a slippery slide to its current sad state." In 1989, Grosvenor sold the hotel to Minami Corp. of Japan. Grosvenor remained involved as the developer and announced plans to renovate El Cortez as
644-635: A feature-length documentary about Comic-Con, based on the book and podcast series. Comic-Con Magazine , formerly known as Update , is the official magazine of Comic-Con, WonderCon , and SAM: Storytelling Across Media, published free by San Diego Comic-Con International in the United States. The seed of Comic-Con Magazine was a short one-shot issue of The Spirit , based on Comic-Con and sold exclusively in 1976 at Comic-Con. The Comic-Con Magazine debuted as Update in July 2005 and mainly focused on
736-534: A few hours on Saturday to accommodate crowds. In response, for 2007, Comic-Con introduced a new three-day membership that did not include Saturday. Nevertheless, the 2007 show went on to sell out Saturday, as well as Friday and Sunday for the first time. Additionally, both the four-day and three-day memberships sold out for the first time. For 2008, the three-day memberships were abandoned and the convention decided to sell memberships only in advance, with no on-site registration. In 2008, all memberships were sold out before
828-583: A guest cartoonist responding to improvisational prompts and games (a la Whose Line Is It Anyway? ), and animation expert Jerry Beck 's program featuring TV's "worst cartoons ever", as well as over 350 hours of other programming on all aspects of comic books and pop culture. Like most comic book conventions, Comic-Con features a large floorspace for exhibitors. These include media companies such as movie studios and TV networks, as well as comic-book dealers and collectibles merchants. And like most comics conventions, Comic-Con includes an autograph area, as well as
920-426: A little more than two years after acquiring El Cortez, Cerullo put the hotel back on the market for $ 20.8 million. The building was resold again several times to various owners in the 1980s and 1990s. El Cortez Associates, led by Denver developer Terry Considine , bought the property and proposed the site in 1983 as a location for the planned San Diego Convention Center . However, the city ultimately chose to build
1012-545: A lottery and need-based system. The main exhibit hall, which includes larger well-recognized companies, takes up halls F through A. These companies sell or promote new and upcoming movies, television shows, and video games as well as featuring toys and exclusives with many selling for hundreds or even thousands on the secondary markets outside the convention. Some notable recurring companies include Lego , Hasbro , Funko , Hallmark Cards , Nickelodeon , Cartoon Network , The Walt Disney Company , and Blizzard Entertainment . In
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#17327834267241104-476: A motel and moving sidewalk known as the Travolator in 1959. Handlery's most remembered changes were the addition of the world's first outside hydraulic glass elevator and the first moving sidewalk in the 1950s. The outdoor glass elevator, reportedly a bellboy's idea, was "the world's first in 1956." Known as the "Starlight Express," the elevator brought visitors to the hotel's dining facilities with views of
1196-446: A non-profit organization. By the late 1970s, the show had grown to such an extent that Bob Schreck recalled visiting with his then-boss Gary Berman of Creation Conventions and reflecting, "While [Berman] kept repeating (attempting to convince himself) 'This show's not any bigger than ours!' I was quietly walking the floor stunned and in awe of just how much bigger it really was. I was blown away." From 1984 to c. 1994 ,
1288-562: A panel from Matt Groening (creator of Futurama as well as The Simpsons ) on his new show "Futurella" (a twist on the title of the show and a parody of its cancellation by Fox ). In "It's My Party and I'll Bang If I Want To", an episode of the 2011 season of The Real World: San Diego , the cast attends Comic-Con made up as zombies in order to pass out promotional flyers for the House of Blues , where they worked as part of their season work assignment. Filmmaker Morgan Spurlock released
1380-464: A perfect fit for us. It's expensive, whether it be paying for the street signs that tell you what streets are closed, or for any police or the hall or any of the myriad things, it's expensive. But it's a great city. There's been some talk of expansion of the center, which we would certainly welcome. Hopefully if everything lines up, we will be here for many more years. Heidi McDonald reported on her blog The Beat as of October 7, 2009, Preview Night for
1472-476: A proactive move to avoid possible legal issues in the wake of this ruling. They then filed a motion in an Arizona Federal Court to strike down San Diego Comic Convention's trademark. In 2017, the Salt Lake Comic Con changed its name to FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention (or just FanX). On January 16, 2018, Salt Lake Comic Con filed a motion for a new trial. El Cortez (San Diego) El Cortez
1564-472: A public vote), and partly because the city lost the rights to the only contiguous parcel of land where expansion could occur. Other cities, including Los Angeles, began to seek to have Comic-Con move out of San Diego; In 2015, Comic-Con entered into negotiations with San Diego. As a result of these negotiations, Comic-Con entered into a contract to stay in San Diego through 2018. The commitment to San Diego
1656-842: A recent negative test required for admission, and face masks being mandatory. The full-scale convention returned in July 2022; once again, face masks and proof of full COVID-19 vaccination was required. On July 13, 2023, SAG-AFTRA approved a strike after failing to renew its contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), marking the first time that both actors and writers have concurrently been on strike since 1960. As SAG-AFTRA members would be prohibited from participating in promotional work such as panels, multiple major media companies preemptively pulled out of Comic-Con as early as June, including Disney (including subsidiaries Marvel and Lucasfilm ), Netflix, Inc. , Sony Pictures , and Universal Pictures . On
1748-454: A red neon sign with the words "El Cortez", which was first added in 1937. The sign was expanded in 1951 and restored in 1999. Each letter is 12 feet (3.6 m) high. For 36 years, El Cortez was San Diego's tallest building, and its exterior glass elevator, Travolator, and Starlight restaurant made it a San Diego landmark. On December 8, 1941, the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, an anti-aircraft battery and radar station were installed on
1840-610: A suspect was arrested on Sunday at the San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina. Police later stated that the teenage girl was injured in a fall, and the arrested individual was released without any charges. In 2024, a three-alarm kitchen fire started in a nearby steakhouse caused the evacuation of around 1200 attendees of an "Iceberg Lounge" promotional event for the HBO series The Penguin . The next day, actress Jennifer Garner got stuck in an elevator and had to call
1932-652: A target opening date of late 2020 or 2022. On April 17, 2020, the 53rd convention was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in California and two stay-at-home orders issued by California governor Gavin Newsom . It was originally scheduled to occur from July 23 to 26, 2020, to coincide with the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, which was postponed to 2021 due to the pandemic. An "SDCC@Home" digital streaming event
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#17327834267242024-486: A veteran front desk clerk who watched Cerullo's television special offered these comments: "The second time he (Cerullo) said the Lord spoke to him and told him to buy 'that beautiful old hotel,' the lord spoke to me too. And the Lord told me to turn that guy off. So I switched the channel." Upon taking over the hotel, Cerullo reportedly spent $ 4 million to convert the hotel into his evangelism center. The work included gutting
2116-606: A video channel was created to host Comic-Con related content. In 2015, through a limited liability company , Comic-Con International purchased three buildings in Barrio Logan . In 2018 Comic-Con International purchased a 29,000-square-foot (2,700 m ) office in San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood. In 2017, the organization acquired a lease to the Federal Building in Balboa Park , originally built for
2208-487: Is a comic book convention and multi-genre entertainment event held annually in San Diego, California . It is held at the San Diego Convention Center . Originally showcasing primarily comic books and science fiction/fantasy media, Comic-Con has grown to include a large range of pop culture and entertainment elements across virtually all genres. According to Forbes , Comic-Con is the "largest convention of its kind in
2300-420: Is a condominium building in San Diego, California . Built from 1926 to 1927, El Cortez was the tallest building in San Diego when it opened. It sits atop a hill at the north end of downtown San Diego , where it dominated the city skyline for many years and became a landmark hotel. The building is the 40th tallest building in San Diego, based on its height of 310 ft (94 m). From its opening in 1927 through
2392-401: Is also the largest convention held in San Diego. The convention has an estimated annual regional economic impact of more than $ 140 million. Yet, in 2009, the estimated economic impact was criticized for allegedly negatively impacting seasonal businesses outside of Comic-Con, low individual spending estimates of attendees, that a large number of attendees live in San Diego, and that the impact of
2484-548: Is also used, with its main ballroom (Indigo) seating up to 2,600. The other neighboring hotel, the Marriott Marquis & Marina , also hosts a lot of Comic-Con activity. Among other things, the hotel serves as the anime headquarters and is where the nighttime films are shown. Comic-Con has served as the setting for Mark Hamill 's Comic Book: The Movie , and for an episode of the HBO television series Entourage ,
2576-667: Is mentioned in the long-running CBS geek-targeted sitcom The Big Bang Theory in several episodes, and in NBC 's Chuck in the episode " Chuck Versus the Sandworm ", as an event the characters enjoy attending. On the Futurama episode " Lrrreconcilable Ndndifferences ", the main characters attend the 3010 convention (with it being referred to as "Comic-Con Intergalactic" and the iconic eye logo now sporting multiple eyes), where Fry looks for approval for his own comic while Bender attends
2668-485: Is told by over 50 of the original contributors. Among the founders there are also interviews with celebrities like Felicia Day , Ho Che Anderson , Jackie Estrada , Scott Aukerman , Trina Robbins , Kevin Smith , Neil Gaiman , and Bruce Campbell . The podcast was hosted by Brinke Stevens of Slumber Party Massacre . The podcast was expanded into the book See You at San Diego: An Oral History of Comic-Con, Fandom, and
2760-638: The California Pacific International Exposition and previously occupied by the San Diego Hall of Champions , with the intention of opening a Comic-Con Museum . By October 2017, the organization began to hire staff for the museum. Nearly a year after acquiring the lease, the museum was not yet open. During the 2018 Comic-Con, one reason stated for why the museum had not yet opened was the need for additional funds. Organizers are hoping to raise $ 25 million with
2852-650: The Food Network series Cake Masters had an episode where Duff Goldman presented a cake at Comic-Con to the cast of Fantastic Four . In 2020, SiriusXM in association with Stitcher started production on COMIC-CON BEGINS: Origin Stories of the San Diego Comic-Con and the Rise of Modern Fandom . The podcast is a six-part mini-series chronicling the birth and evolution of San Diego Comic-Con, and
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2944-630: The public-benefit nonprofit corporation behind Comic-Con. The corporation also organizes WonderCon , an annual convention held in Anaheim, California , and SAM: Storytelling Across Media, a symposium held at Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park . The convention was founded in 1970 by Shel Dorf , Richard Alf , Ken Krueger , Mike Towry , Ron Graf, Barry Alfonso, Bob Sourk, and Greg Bear . Initial comic book and sci-fi club meetings would be held at Krueger's Alert Books in Ocean Beach , where much of
3036-446: The 1950s, it was a renowned apartment-hotel in San Diego. The large "El Cortez" sign, which is illuminated at night, was added in 1937 and could be seen for miles. In the 1950s, the world's first outside glass elevator was built at El Cortez. During the late 1960s and 1970s, El Cortez fell on harder times. El Cortez closed as a hotel in 1978 when it was purchased by evangelist Morris Cerullo to serve as an evangelism school. Cerullo sold
3128-431: The 2010 show had already been sold out. On February 23, 2010, The Orange County Register reported that the larger Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim would be making a bid to become the new home of Comic-Con starting in 2013. On September 30, 2010, Comic Con announced that they had extended their stay up to 2015. The North County Times reported on July 26, 2010, that 4-day passes with access to Preview night for
3220-416: The 2010 show had already sold out. Glazner explained the early sell-out: For 2010 the decision was made to offer an option (of whether they wanted to attend Preview Night) to those who pre-registered for four-day badges. We limited the number of badges for Preview Night to the number of those who attended in 2008. Mark Evanier on his blog News from ME noted as of November 9, 2009, that all 4-day passes for
3312-533: The 2011 Convention had sold out two hours before the 2010 convention closed. Comic-Con International announced that 4-day passes for the 2014 convention (July 24–27) would no longer be available and only single days would be sold. Due to overcrowding, organizers of the event capped attendance; this cap has been in place since 2007. As of October 2013, a $ 520 million proposed expansion to the San Diego Convention Center received approval from
3404-556: The 2011 convention, at least 80 TV shows were represented, compared to about 35 films. The shows not only promote in the exhibit halls, but also use screenings and panels of various actors, writers, producers, and others from their shows. Premium cable channels HBO and Showtime have used the con to promote programs like Game of Thrones (HBO), Dexter (Showtime), Shameless (Showtime) and True Blood (HBO). Streaming services , including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video , have also had an increased presence at Comic-Con since
3496-626: The 21st century, the convention has drawn toy and collectibles designers who sell "Comic-Con Exclusive" products. Most such exclusives are licensed properties of film, comic book and animation characters. The other type of exhibitors include offsite exhibitors, booths and events which are located outside the convention center. These locations are usually within walking distance of the convention center but have been moving into nearby parks in recent years. Some notable examples include Gaslamp Quarter , Petco Park , and Children's Park . In recent years, these offsite events have no connection to Comic-Con. In
3588-539: The Artists' Alley where comics artists can sign autographs and sell or do free sketches. Despite the name, artists' alleys can include writers and even models. Academics and comic industry professionals annually hold the Comics Arts Conference at Comic-Con, presenting scholarly studies on comics as a medium. In recent years, the number of television shows that are promoted far outnumber films. During
3680-582: The California Coastal Commission. The proposed expansion would increase the available space within the convention center and had a target completion date of early 2016. The expansion would add approximately 225,000 square feet of exhibit space, an additional 35%; and a brand-new 80,000 square foot ballroom, 20% larger than Hall H. The plan would also add a second tower to the Hilton Bayfront hotel, adding 500 rooms adjacent to
3772-581: The Comic-Con [organizing] committee base by networking with other fandoms such as the Society for Creative Anachronism and the Mythopoeic Society , among others. (We found a lot of talent and strength through diversity)". In a Rolling Stone article about the origins of Comic-Con, it noted the work of Krueger, who handled early business matters, and worked to get the event to be organized by
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3864-484: The Convention Center. Due to the proposed expansion of the convention center, Comic Con extended its contract for San Diego to 2016. In 2014, convention center expansion was halted due to a lawsuit. As of July 2015, convention center expansion is effectively frozen, partly because the city no longer has financing lined up for it (any financing plan would involve taxpayer money and would have to be approved by
3956-808: The El Cortez Owners Association obtained the federal trademark rights to the El Cortez name and image from the United States Patent and Trademark Office under registration number 3422531. The trademark was cancelled in 2018. They also obtained the same state protection from the Secretary of State of California under registration number 64167. Guests who have visited the hotel include U.S. Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower , Lyndon B. Johnson , and Gerald Ford , and singers Bing Crosby , Elvis Presley , and Roy Rogers , actress Jane Wyatt and bandleader Skitch Henderson. The hotel
4048-407: The El Cortez roof. The anti-aircraft battery remained atop El Cortez for the duration of the war. One of the soldiers who manned the battery later recalled: "Since I was the search light battery commander, I would observe the action of the search lights at night. So some times I had to go on the roof of the El Cortez and there was no way of getting up there except through this bar that was on top. It
4140-473: The Pueblo crew were lodged at El Cortez. In 1978, Paul Handlery sold El Cortez to evangelist and faith healer Morris Cerullo for $ 7.5 million. Cerullo converted the hotel into a school of evangelism and a headquarters for Morris Cerullo World Evangelism, Inc. Cerullo sponsored an hour-long television special to raise money to purchase El Cortez. Facing the prospect of layoffs if the acquisition went through,
4232-522: The Triumph of Geek Culture by creator Mathew Klickstein and published by Fantagraphics on September 6, 2022. The book includes forewords by cartoonists Stan Sakai and Jeff Smith , and an afterword by Wu-Tang Clan 's RZA . The audiobook version was released on the same day by Blackstone Audio . On March 28, 2024, it was announced that Academy Award and Emmy Award nominated executive producer David Permut and producer Oscar Boyson will be creating
4324-595: The Wednesday evening prior to the official opening, professionals, exhibitors, and pre-registered guests for all four days can attend a pre-event, dubbed "Preview Night", to give attendees the opportunity to walk the exhibit hall and see what will be available during the convention. Along with panels, seminars , and workshops with comic book professionals, there are previews of upcoming feature films and portfolio review sessions with top comic book and video game companies. The evenings include events such as awards ceremonies,
4416-566: The annual Masquerade costume contest, and the Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival, which showcases shorts and feature-length movies that do not have distribution or distribution deals. Traditional events include an eclectic film program, screening rooms devoted to Japanese animation , gaming, programs such as cartoonist Scott Shaw! 's "Oddball Comics" slide show, Quick Draw! hosted by Mark Evanier with Shaw!, Sergio Aragones and
4508-409: The balcony of a local high-rise, but nearby stuntmen prevented it. In 2014, multiple pedestrians marching in an off-site ZombieWalk were struck by a car forcing its way through an intersection. A 64-year-old woman sustained serious injuries to her arm; two others had minor injuries. The same year, a teenage cosplayer was initially thought to have been sexually assaulted early Sunday morning, and
4600-476: The building's historic designation and successfully had it listed on the National Register of Historic Places in order to qualify for renovation tax credits. By the late 1990s, El Cortez had become an eyesore. In 1999, developers Peter Janopaul and Anthony Block obtained a loan from San Diego's redevelopment agency to renovate the building, including restoration of some historic elements. Initially,
4692-415: The centerpiece of a $ 250 million project that would include four new mixed-use towers, 362 residential units and 400 hotels rooms. However, in 1990, Minami lost interest in the ambitious project and announced that it was instead considering demolishing the hotel. Preservationists stepped in and succeeded in having El Cortez declared a San Diego historic site in 1990. In the late 1990s, the new owners embraced
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#17327834267244784-590: The city. The design of El Cortez's outside glass elevator was later copied by the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco and The Ilikai in Hawaii. Some considered the glass elevator to be one of Handlery's novelties, but it served as an attraction to draw visitors back to the downtown hotel. In 1989, a controversy arose when the owner, San Diego hotelier Mark Grosvenor, proposed a renovation plan that omitted
4876-402: The condominium homeowners and the developers. Several units were repossessed by lenders and were listed at prices less than half their original purchase prices. The homeowners sought $ 13 million in damages for construction defects, underfunding of the homeowners association reserves, and the developers’ plans to build another tower next door. In order to protect the name and image of El Cortez,
4968-491: The convention as president or manager, variously, for years until becoming estranged from the organization. Alf co-chaired the first convention with Krueger and became chairman in 1971. Following the initial gathering, Dorf's first three-day San Diego comic convention, San Diego Golden State Comic-Con , drew 300 people. The venue was held in the basement of the U.S. Grant Hotel , having been secured by Graf, from August 1–3, 1970. The first few Comic-Cons operated under
5060-462: The convention center on the bayfront. After the convention center plan was rejected, proposals were made to restore El Cortez using funds from city-backed bonds or with the help of historic preservation tax credits. Those proposals were not executed, and Considine put the property on the market in 1986. At the time, the hotel's furnishings had been stripped and auctioned by Cerullo, and El Cortez's 250 guest rooms were empty. Considine subsequently sold
5152-526: The convention for the first time. This sellout has given rise to the new phenomenon of Comic-Con memberships being scalped for exorbitant prices on websites such as eBay and Craigslist . In April 2008, David Glanzer, Comic-Con's director of marketing and public relations, commented on the organization's desire to remain in San Diego: We've been approached by other cities, [but] I don't think anybody wants to leave San Diego. I certainly don't. It's
5244-522: The convention was more cultural than financial. The estimated economic impact of that year's convention was $ 180 million. In 2014, the estimated impact of that year's convention was $ 177.8 million. In 2016, the estimated impact of that year's convention was down to $ 150 million. By 2018, San Diego Comic-Con saw increasing competition from other comic conventions in places such as New York City, and Washington, D.C., which caused it to compete for attendees and companies time and budget; yet San Diego Comic-Con
5336-400: The developers leased the restored units as luxury apartments, but in 2004, they converted the building to condominiums. They divided the building into 85 residential condominium units along with commercial and office space, and the restored Don Room. By 2007, maintenance problems, including bursting pipes and backed-up plumbing, and declining values resulted in contentious litigation between
5428-500: The discontinuation of the Kirby Awards in 1987. Dave Olbrich started the non-profit organization. There was no Eisner Awards ceremony, or awards distributed, in 1990, due to widespread balloting mix-ups. The previous administrator, Dave Olbrich, left the position, and Jackie Estrada has been the award administrator since 1990. The Eisner Awards ceremony has been held at San Diego Comic-Con every year since 1991. In 2006, it
5520-589: The entrance is an open-air garden retreat." More than sixty years later, the Times noted that El Cortez's "graceful proportions and unique layout, with angular side wings embracing the main entrance, make it especially inviting." The hotel's main ballroom, the Don Room, was known as one of the most beautiful rooms in the city with an ornately carved sandalwood ceiling supported by large pillars, and an inlaid maple floor. The 200-seat Aztec Dining Room also reflected
5612-565: The fire department to get her out. Also in 2024, the "San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force" conducted a multi-agency undercover operation that arrested 14 and rescued 10 victims. According to the California Attorney General's Office , "sex buyers were using the San Diego Comic-Con Convention to seek out potential victims". In 2014, San Diego Comic-Con sent a cease and desist order to
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#17327834267245704-514: The foundation of the early Cons coalesced. In the mid-1960s, Dorf, a Detroit -born comics fan, had mounted the Detroit Triple-Fan Fair , one of the first commercial comics-fan conventions. When he moved to San Diego in 1970, he organized a one-day convention known as San Diego's Golden State Comic-Minicon on March 21, 1970, "as a kind of 'dry run' for the larger convention he hoped to stage". Dorf went on to be associated with
5796-431: The glass elevator. Grosvenor announced plans to remove some of the non-original elements, including the glass elevator and rooftop sign and neon stars, leading to a split among preservationists. Grosvenor was concerned about structural problems with the elevator and the unavailability of spare parts. Some preservationists approved of Grosvenor's plan, opining that Handlery's additions were "fifties kitsch" that detracted from
5888-427: The hotel's exterior and ripping out the ornate interiors to accommodate cafeterias rather than fine dining. In the end, Cerullo needed only half of the hotel's 550 rooms to house students of his three-month $ 1,400 evangelism school. The balance of the rooms were kept open for public use. Cerullo also made an attempt at reopening the Don Room, without liquor, but it was closed after a short time. In early 1981, after
5980-411: The hotel's opulence. Critics dubbed it "the outstanding eating rendezvous of the community ... because of its vast windows, brilliant ceiling and handsome equipment." The art deco style Sky Room, added in 1940, became renowned for its glass walls and 360-degree view of the city. At a height of 310 feet (94 m), penthouse guests could see up to 30 miles (48 km) away. The top of the building includes
6072-422: The hotel. Some contend that the transition from father to son signaled the decline of El Cortez as a center of the downtown social world. Harry Handlery had frequently made rounds throughout the hotel checking on every detail of service and quality. Some employees complained that Paul Handlery did not spend enough money for renovations and repairs on the hotel. During the 1968 Pueblo incident , family members of
6164-679: The interior and exterior in his effort to make it "the finest hotel on the Pacific Coast," promising that "the hammers will never be still as long as I own the Cortez." To attract visitors, Handlery added a swimming pool in 1952, the Caribbean wing (an eight-story addition with a grand ballroom) in 1954, the Starlight Room (located on the twelfth floor and known for its views and chic experience) in 1956, an exterior glass elevator, and
6256-535: The landmark to the Grosvenor family. In 1984 and 1985 a community theater, Tom Rusch Productions, operated out of the Don Room. Productions included Godspell and Pirates of Penzance . After a decade of decline, the Los Angeles Times reported in 1989 as follows: "Once the crown jewel of downtown San Diego, the 61-year-old El Cortez Hotel has been mostly empty and off-limits to the public for nearly
6348-499: The late-2010s. In 2013, there were 1075 total panels held during the convention, the plurality of which were anime-focused (29%), followed by comic-focused panels (26%). The 2013 convention had 1036 vendors. There are at least 17 separate rooms in the convention center used for panels and screenings, ranging in size from 280 seats to 6,100 seats. The two biggest are Ballroom 20, which seats approximately 4,900; and Hall H, which seats just over 6,100. The neighboring Hilton Bayfront
6440-515: The latter of which, while set at the event, was not filmed there. Comic-Con also served as an excuse for the fictional characters Seth Cohen and Ryan Atwood 's trip to Tijuana, Mexico in episode 7 ("The Escape") of the first season of TV series The O.C. The convention also featured prominently as a setting for the Numb3rs episode " Graphic ". In season 4 of Beauty and the Geek , an episode
6532-542: The main exhibitor hall. Artist Alley is for up and coming artists who are new to the pop culture world by selling their new books, comics, toys, and or services. They range from local companies and businesses in Southern California to international ones, but are mainly private endeavors. Artist Alley is usually located in Hall G of the convention center. Spaces for these exhibitors are highly sought after and are on
6624-542: The major meeting rooms, including the International Room, Cotillion Room, Starlight Room, Caribbean Room and kitchen. The living quarters were converted into dormitory-style accommodations, and the hotel's luxury furnishings were sold. During the time he owned the building, Cerullo became involved in several disputes with contractors, students, real estate brokers and labor unions. He was also criticized for installing individual air conditioning units that altered
6716-504: The moving walkway to attend events at El Cortez. The Travolator ceased operating in 1981 and San Diego's homeless started sleeping on the bridge. In 1986, the owners sold the motel for $ 4.5 million, and there was no longer a need for a connecting bridge between the two properties. Accordingly, the Travolator bridge was demolished in June 1986. In 1965, Harry Handlery died of a heart attack. His younger son, Paul Handlery, took over management of
6808-466: The name San Diego West Coast Comic Convention until 1973, when it changed to San Diego Comic-Con . Other locations in the convention's early years included El Cortez Hotel , the University of California, San Diego , and Golden Hall , before being moved to the San Diego Convention Center in 1991. Richard Alf, chairman in 1971, has noted an early factor in the Con's growth was an effort "to expand
6900-494: The opening—a third of the San Diego population. When the building was first opened, it had 117 rooms, 85 of these used for apartments, and 32 for hotel rooms. At the time of the opening, the Los Angeles Times reported: "The building is Spanish Renaissance in design. In keeping with the architecture, approach to the building is made through a Spanish garden of flowers, cool green lawns and fountains. Just above
6992-492: The organizers of Salt Lake Comic Con , asserting that "Comic-Con" and "Comic-Con International" were registered trademarks of the convention, and that use of the term "comic con" in any form was trademark infringement as it implies an unauthorized association with San Diego Comic-Con. A U.S. court ruled in favor of San Diego Comic-Con and awarded $ 20,000 in damages (albeit not considering the infringement to be willful). Phoenix Comiccon changed its name to Phoenix Comic Fest as
7084-403: The original Spanish architecture. Others regarded the elevator as a key element in the hotel's historic significance. One member of the local historic site board noted, "It was the elevator that made a night at the El Cortez so thrilling. Any restoration that doesn't include the elevator is incomplete." The federal government ultimately endorsed proposals to remove the 1950s alterations and restore
7176-573: The original appearance. Handerly also built the Travolator bridge in 1959 to connect El Cortez with his new motel across the street. Designed by architect Clarence J. Paderewski for the Otis Elevator Company, the Travolator was essentially a flat escalator. The same design was later used at airports in London, Atlanta and Los Angeles. Some objected to the Travolator's garish orange exterior, but in its early years, San Diego's elite used
7268-535: The past, most sites have not required a Comic-Con badge. In 2017, one example was a virtual reality and immersive set based on the movie Blade Runner 2049 . In 2018, these examples included a Taco Bell Demolition Man themed pop-up restaurant in the Gaslamp and a Shake Shack Bob's Burgers themed pop-up restaurant in Mission Valley . However, there are some official offsite events that require
7360-527: The property in 1981, and El Cortez was threatened with demolition until the San Diego Historic Site Board designated it as a historic site in 1990. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. Many of the original elements remain in place, though substantial interior modifications have been made. Construction of El Cortez began in 1926 and was completed the next year at a cost of $ 2.5 million. The 14-story hotel
7452-614: The winners of the Eisner Awards . The last Update issue appeared in July 2008; then it went on hiatus. When it came back, it was as Comic-Con Magazine , which not only covered San Diego Comic-Con, but also WonderCon and the Alternative Press Expo , more commonly known as APE (which the con owned through 2014). The new Comic-Con Magazine features interviews with Comic-Con attendees and complete coverage of Comic-Con events. The fourth issue of Comic-Con Magazine
7544-520: The world". Since 2010, Comic-Con has filled the San Diego Convention Center to capacity with over 130,000 attendees. Comic-Con is home to the Eisner Awards , which recognizes creative achievement in American comic books, often referred to as the comic industry's equivalent to the Academy Awards . San Diego Comic Convention, doing business as Comic-Con International, is the corporate name of
7636-535: Was a beautiful bar. [To] the people sitting at the table, I had to 'excuse me' and there I am in my uniform stepping on their table and getting out the window, walking up the fire escape to the top of the El Cortez to look at the mission." In 1951, hotelier Harry Handlery purchased El Cortez from the El Cortez Company for $ 1.5 million. Handlery reportedly fell in love with the hotel and made it his permanent residence. Handlery made numerous changes both to
7728-419: Was a hybrid with Comic-Con's Souvenir Book with cover art by Alex Ross , in full color and exclusive to Comic-Con attendees. A large number of exhibitors from art, comics, games, film, TV, and publishing make their appearance at Comic-Con. There are three types of exhibitors at San Diego Comic Con. Inside the convention center, which requires a badge to visit during the convention, includes artists alley and
7820-663: Was announced that the archives of the Eisner Awards would be housed at the James Branch Cabell Library of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia . The Eisner Awards are awarded in the following categories: As of 2021, awards are presented in 32 categories for works published in 2020. Other comic-related awards given at San Diego Comic-Con: Other comics-related awards: San Diego Comic-Con San Diego Comic-Con ( SDCC )
7912-624: Was built by Richard T. Robinson, Jr., and designed by architects Albert R. Walker and Percy Eisen in a Spanish Churrigueresque style. The building utilizes the Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style. The hotel was built on the site of Ulysses S. Grant, Jr. 's home, 175 feet (53 m) above sea level. The building is named for the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés . El Cortez Hotel opened on Thanksgiving Day on November 26, 1927. A crowd of 50,000 people were present at
8004-473: Was described by Publishers Weekly as "a must-do". The convention is organized by a panel of 13 board members, 16 to 20 full-time and part-time workers, and 80 volunteers who assist via committees. Comic-Con International is a non-profit organization, and proceeds of the event go to funding it, as well as SAM: Storytelling Across Media and WonderCon . The convention logo was designed by Richard Bruning and Josh Beatman in 1995. In 2015, working with Lionsgate ,
8096-463: Was extended to 2021, then to 2024. In 2012, a 53-year-old woman was struck and killed by a motorist Tuesday as she tried to cross the street in front of the San Diego Convention Center, police said. The woman tripped and hit the car while crossing at the intersection of 5th and Harbor. She had been part of the crowd camping out for the Twilight panel. In 2013, a young woman attempted to jump off
8188-633: Was featured where the contestants traveled to Comic-Con 07 and were given a challenge to create their own superheroes. In an episode of Punk'd , Hilary Swank gets Punk'd after an "attack from talking robot". In season 5, episode six, of the Showtime show Weeds , attendees from Comic-Con 2009 are seen in Silas and Doug's medicinal marijuana club. Comic-Con featured at some length in the 2011 movie Paul which stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost . Issue No. 72 of The Invincible Iron Man (January 1975)
8280-416: Was held during the same time period as a replacement for the 2020 event. Although plans were made for the convention to possibly return in 2021 (with 2020 badge holders given the option to receive a full refund or to roll over their badge to 2021), it was announced on March 1, 2021, that the convention would be cancelled once again. Despite availability of COVID-19 vaccines , the organizers assessed that it
8372-620: Was set at the July–August 1974 Comic-Con at the El Cortez Hotel and featured cameos by a few of the special guests. The fifth Kelly Green graphic novel The Comic-Con Heist (1987) written by Leonard Starr and drawn by Stan Drake was set at the 1983 con and depicted such regulars as Will Eisner , Milton Caniff , Burne Hogarth and Jack Kirby along with Shel Dorf ; it initially only appeared in French until Classic Comics Press issued
8464-496: Was still premature and unsafe to hold an in-person event at Comic-Con's full scale on the originally-scheduled dates, and that Comic-Con International was exploring the possibility of holding a smaller in-person spin-off event later in the year. SDCC@Home would again be held, but in a downsized form. A smaller in-person event, "San Diego Comic-Con Special Edition" was hosted in November 2021, with proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or
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