Comic-Con Today: Friday

 

Comic-Con Special Edition – Bring It 

Welcome to Comic-Con Special Edition. We know that Comic-Con is not just an event for many people. It’s a way of life. Comic-Con people plan their lives around the annual event, and not being able to have a live in-person convention for the last two years has been a blow. It’s been that way for us too. 

Our hope with Comic-Con Special Edition is to help open up society and finally be able to gather in person as a community. Of paramount concern is the health and safety of our fans, exhibitors, volunteers, staff, and industry professionals. Comic-Con Special Edition allows us to test the waters on how to safely produce events in light of current health concerns with the least negative impact on all involved.

Due to current COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines, Comic-Con Special Edition is not intended to be the mass gathering of the summer event. Comic-Con Special Edition is meant to be a more intimate gathering while still evoking the fun community feeling Comic-Con is known for, including great exhibits, programs, cosplay, gaming, and other events. To long-time attendees, Special Edition may seem like the Ghost of Comic-Con Past, and we’re proud of that. 

We’ll be the first to admit that the Comic-Con summer event can be an ordeal at times. We hope that Special Edition helps us all ease back into Comic-Con life. More importantly, while everyone else is out fighting the crowds on Black Friday, we’re glad you’ve chosen to do Fannish Friday Shopping at Special Edition with us. After all, who needs Bluetooth headphones, large-screen TVs, and air fryers, when there are comics, books, artwork, action figures, games, anime, and the like to be had.

For the staff at Comic-Con Today, Special Edition is also allowing us to experiment with a digital format for the newsletter. We know that most people access information on their smartphones. This gives us a chance to play with formats that work on the device in your pocket and maybe save a few trees in the process.

The effects of the pandemic have been challenging in many ways not only for our organization but also for others within the popular arts and culture community, including delaying the construction and opening of the Comic-Con Museum in 2020. We are very excited that in conjunction with Special Edition the limited opening of the Comic-Con Museum starts today (details below). We’re looking forward to the grand opening scheduled in 2022.

It’s been a difficult time, and we could not have done any of this without you, the loyal Comic-Con fans. We’re very grateful for your continued support, and we’re glad you’re here spending Thanksgiving weekend with us. Thank you.

Comic-Con Special Edition’s Commitment to Safety

We are working to provide a safe and enjoyable event and trust that all attendee groups, including but not limited to exhibitors, guests, staff, press, professionals, volunteers, and cosplayers, will do so as well. Please be aware that adjustments may need to be made to these policies and guidelines during the event in order to ensure the health and safety of all attendee groups. We ask that everyone please follow the directions on informational signage and from all staff.

COVID-19 Policy FAQ

Am I required to wear a face covering during the convention?

Yes. 

In addition to following current healthcare and governmental guidelines, everyone attending Comic-Con Special Edition is required to wear an approved face covering regardless of vaccination status.

For more information and requirements on acceptable face coverings, please see the Mask Guidelines here. 

What do I need to provide to show proof of vaccination?

As a megaevent under the California guidelines, Comic-Con Special Edition is taking all possible precautions to ensure the health and safety of our attendees. Proof of vaccination* or a recent negative test (taken on or after Tuesday, November 23, 2021) is required for all in attendance. Masks are required indoors regardless of vaccination status. We are following CDC guidelines and California state and local requirements and may be adjusting our safety protocols as needed.

*Acceptable methods of proof include:

• The CDC or WHO COVID-19 vaccination record card received when you were vaccinated

• A photocopy of the vaccine card (front and back)

• A photo of the vaccine card (front and back) on a phone or any other electronic device 

• A digital record issued by the Department of Public Health or an approved company that includes a QR code that when scanned by a SMART Health Card reader displays your date of birth, vaccine dates, and vaccine type

• People who were vaccinated in California can get a free digital COVID-19 Vaccination Record at myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov

There are two types of viral tests that can be used: nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and antigen tests. Test results must be provided in the form of written documentation (paper or electronic copy). The documentation must include:

• Type of test (indicating it is a PCR/NAAT or antigen test)

• Entity issuing the result (e.g., laboratory, healthcare provider, or telehealth service)

• Specimen collection date. A negative test result must show the specimen was collected on or after Tuesday, November 23, 2021

• Information that identifies the person (full name plus at least one other identifier such as date of birth) and matches ID shown

• Negative test result

I am unvaccinated, how do I attend Comic-Con Special Edition?

For adults and children who are not fully vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 test result must be obtained on or after Tuesday, November 23, 2021.

All COVID-19 tests must be done by a certified lab, clinic, or physician. Both PCR and antigen are acceptable as long as testing is conducted on or after Tuesday, November 23, 2021.

What do I need to provide to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test?

Your negative COVID-19 test documentation needs to be directly from the healthcare provider that performed the test and the test must be taken on or after Tuesday, November 23, 2021.

You can display your proof on your smartphone or present a physical copy, along with an appropriate government-issued ID matching the name on the documentation. Those younger than 18 may use a government-issued ID, birth certificate, social security card, school ID, or locally-issued ID.

All COVID-19 tests must be done by a certified lab or clinic, home tests cannot be accepted.

Does my child (12 and under) need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test?

Yes. Your child’s negative COVID-19 test documentation needs to be directly from the healthcare provider that performed the test and the results must be obtained on or after Tuesday, November 23, 2021.

What does “full” vaccination mean?

“Full vaccination” means that the day you pick up your Comic-Con Special Edition badge must be at least 14 days after your final vaccine dose.

I received my last shot days before coming to Comic-Con Special Edition. Do I just need proof of vaccination?

If your final vaccine shot is less than 14 days before you pick up your Comic-Con Special Edition badge, you are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken on or after Tuesday, November 23, 2021.

What is the attendee refund policy if I am unable to attend due to COVID-19?

CLICK HERE to view our full badge cancellation/refund policy. If you test positive for COVID-19 72 hours prior to Comic-Con Special Edition, you may request a refund if you provide proof of a positive COVID-19 test. Please do not bring your proof onsite. Email refunds@comic-con.org and attach your positive test results.

I cannot wear a mask due to a medical concern. What are my options?

If you are unable to wear a mask due to a medical concern, we ask you not to attend Comic-Con Special Edition. All attendees are required to wear a mask at all times and follow the mask guidelines outlined here. Hopefully, we will be able to see you in person once healthcare guidelines are relaxed.

I am bringing my child with me to Comic-Con Special Edition. Are they required to wear a mask?

Yes. All attendees, regardless of age, are required to wear a mask at all times and follow the mask guidelines outlined here.

Are masks available at the event?

Please bring your own mask or approved face covering to Comic-Con Special Edition.

Will you remove guests who do not comply with the face mask policy?

Yes. This policy is in place to ensure the health and safety of all fans. Security will be onsite to support adherence to the policy.

I’m in cosplay and a mask doesn’t fit properly – what are my options?

An approved mask or face covering must be worn at all times. We look forward to seeing your creativity!

Do children still need to be present to pick up badges or can parents do that without them?

Children (age 12 and under) must be present to be registered for a badge and adults are required to provide emergency contact information for any child registrant.

Autograph Area

All signings are in the Autograph Area on the Upper Level of the Convention Center in the Sails Pavilion.

Ticketed Signing Today – Brent Spiner 
Comic-Con Special Edition is proud to announce a limited signing with Brent Spiner, actor/author (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Fan Fiction: A Mem-Noir). Tickets for this signing will be distributed by a random drawing. To participate in the drawing, please go to the Autograph Area upstairs in the Sails Pavilion beginning at 1:00 pm. Two signings are scheduled in AA06, 3:00–4:00 pm and 6:30–7:00 pm.
Addition
Patrick Labyorteaux, actor (NCIS, The Last Sharknado: It's About Time, JAG)
AA15 | 3:30–7:00 pm

Cancellations
Gigi Bannister
Reggie Bannister

Additions and Corrections

Exhibit Hall Location Updates
AA Staff Tables – MM 40-44 (not OO 42-44)
Accessory Alchemy – F-5 (not F-6)
Akanyte – F-17 (not D-6)
Art of Thaderules – F-16 (not D-8)
Blacc Lamb – C-4 (not C-16)
Browncoats – 419 (not 311)
Comic and Figure Addicts – 511/513/610/612 (not 504)
Creators Guild – C-22 (not C-17)
Cypritree – E-2 (not D-10)
Flowerette Jewelers – G-14 (not G-10)
FM Design – E-22 (not E-12)
I Had Those Toys – 505/604 (not 427)
JC Collectibles – 1105/1107/1206 (New Exhibitor added)
Matsumoto Art – E-4 (not E-15)
Miyune – G-17 (not G-11)
Naoko Mullally – E-5 (not E-14)
Ototobo – E-3 (not D-9)
Protect My Collection by Zinc Insurance – B-4 (not C-14)
RPG Entertainment – B-18 (not C-12)
Super Chill Mango – H-14 (not H-13)
Tempting Toyz – A-19 (not C-13)

Games Updates
Comic-Con Games acknowledges the contributions of the following Paint & Take figure and paint sponsors:

• The Army Painter https://www.thearmypainter.com/

• CMON https://cmon.com/

• Dust USA https://www.dustusa.net/

• Monument Creature Caster https://creaturecaster.com/

All Starship Artemis game events are in Room 6B not 6A. Room 6A is not an active room for attendees.

Program Cancellations
4:30–5:30 | VFX: Creating Fan-Favorite Thrillers, Room 5AB
5:30–6:30 | ASIFA-Hollywood, Room 5AB
6:00–7:00 | How to Become Superhero Fit, Room 2
7:00–8:00 | Empowering Filmmakers and Content Creators, Room 29AB
7:30–8:30 | Rod Serling's Night Gallery: An After-Hours Tour, Room 8  

 

 

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