COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL 2011: JULY 21–24 Each summer a whole new world awaits you at the San Diego Convention Center. Comics publishers, writers, and artists, movie and television studios, and exhibitors from around the globe are right this moment making plans and getting ready to see you at Comic-Con. Comic-Con Annual offers you a first look at the upcoming show, including bios and photos of the guests confirmed for 2011, information on themes and anniversaries, a preliminary hotel info, and news on how to be a part of events such as the Eisner Awards and the Masquerade. It all starts here with information about the largest comics and popular arts event of its kind in the world . . . but it doesn’t stop here! Please keep checking our website for updates and new information about Comic-Con International 2011 throughout the year. This information will be updated numerous times between now and when Comic-Con opens its doors on Wednesday, July 20 for Preview Night. Comic-Con offers the very best in exclusive comics, science fiction and fantasy, and movie and television guests and programs, games, anime, and of course, the world-famous giant Exhibit Hall. Bookmark www.comic-con.org for complete, up-to-date details as we count down to the biggest event of the summer!
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COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL 2011 BADGES
Comic-Con International 2011 has already seen unprecedented interest. As of press time, we are anticipating that 4-day badges have sold out and 1-day badges will be well on their way to being sold out. As in previous years, Comic-Con will be selling 4-day and 1-day badges that have been turned in for refunds by attendees who cannot attend. Check our website frequently for updates, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/comic_con for the most up-to-date registration information.
RESELLING, SHARING, OR TRANSFERRING A COMIC-CON BADGE OR COMPLIMENTARY PASS IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you cannot attend Comic-Con 2011, you may request a refund by June 20, 2011, by e-mailing Comic-Con at refunds@comic-con.org or by mailing your information to Comic-Con Refund Request, P.O. Box 128458, San Diego, CA 92112-8458. All refunds after June 20, 2011 are subject to approval and delay and may be refunded after Comic-Con 2011. All refunds requested after July 20, 2011 must be submitted on the Refund Consideration Form, which is available on the main registration page at www. comic-con.org.
THEMES AND ANNIVERSARIES
Each year, Comic-Con International celebrates special themes and anniversaries from throughout the many worlds of pop culture, including comics, science fiction and fantasy, film and television, just to mention a few. This year’s initial themes include:
COMIC FANDOM’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY (See the article on page 36!)
There have been comic book fans since the first copy of Funnies on Parade rolled off the presses in 1933. But something happened in 1961: a coalescence of fans, fanzines, and the rise of the Silver Age of Comics all combined to make comics fandom a force. Comic-Con is proud to present some of the founders of fandom, reuniting for this special celebration, including Richard and Pat Lupoff, Maggie Thompson, Roy Thomas, Richard Kyle, and historian Bill Schelly.
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FANTASTIC FOUR’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY (See the article on page 40!) Fifty years ago Reed Richards, Ben Grimm, Susan Storm, and Johnny Storm rode a rocket to the stars, and the rest is history. Co-creators Stan Lee and Jack Kirby jumpstarted the Marvel Age of Comics with the first issue of Fantastic Four, and comics haven’t been the same since. (Art from Fantastic Four #558 by Comic-Con special guest Alan Davis.)
1986: THE YEAR COMICS GREW UP (See the article on page 44!)
TM & © 2011 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved.
No matter how you look at it, 1986 was a watershed year for comics. Watchmen, Batman: The Dark Knight, and Maus all debuted, along with numerous other firsts (Dark Horse Comics, the CBLDF, and Slave Labor Graphics all premiered in 1986). Twenty-five years later, 1986 still resonates in comics as the year the industry took a major step forward.
You can be a part of Comic-Con’s 2011 themes and anniversaries. Visit www.comic-con.org and click on the “Souvenir Book” button for details on how to contribute art and articles based on our special celebrations! More themes and anniversaries may be added . . . check the website regularly. 34 COMIC-CON ANNUAL 2011
Photo by Henry Lee