The center of attention of this years San Diego Comic Con’s massive Exhbit Hall, literally at it’s center, at the Lego Booth. The Lego company always deliver’s impressive setups at it’s booth, with a different theme dispay every year. This year, somw lego artists outdid all previous years with a miniature abridged scale of the entire SDCC Exhibit Hall, and some panels, and the outside entrance, and so much more with more than 200,000 bricks.
Truly amazing, and here are some shots of the it’s massive display.
The San Diego Comic Con Exhibit Hall floor is the center of arguably the largest pop-culture gathering in the world. It is immersion. It’s main showroom interior is huge, with over half a million square feet, testing the limit of how many thousands it can hold throughout its four days. To walk from one end to the other is a slow walk through crowds, interecting lines for experiences and exclusives, and many, many distractions. During the event, I foretell others I need at least 20 minutes minimum to walk through area A to area H.
Through it all is beautiful madness with its many merchants, studios, publishers, creators, and much more, all sharing attention. Here are a few snapshots with matching notes…
That last picture hides something wonderous, of which I will share next.
I have recovered from my annual trip to the San Diego Comic-Con, going on 31 years.
What remains are wonderful memories. The moments are mostly with friends, exploring the exhibit floor, interacting and listening to the great creative talent, checking out performances with music, art, dance, comedy, and much more. I have many pictures, some with notes of which i finally organized.
Love a beautiful crepe, masterful in detail of its presentation, to be enjoyed twice. Once in visuals, then in devouring.
This is poetry from creation, a consious part of the preprarers pride on both what’s inside and outside, for a dish that brings heavenly delight to your senses.
The crepe itself was from Crepe de France, a small cafe within Seattle’s Pike Place market. It was full of strawberries, topped with nutella and whip. The texture of the pancake itself was fantastique!
“We only drink animal blood, but it’s your scent. It’s like a drug to me. It’s like you’re my own personal brand of heroin.” – Edward Cullin
The worst love stories never die. They often become unforgettable creatures of the night finding ways to haunt as surreal, haunting apparitions floating in our strange minds.
– Orion T
The above taken through a long, very tired walk through Seattle’s Capitol Hill district.
Where some see piles of wood, pallets, discarded metal sheets…others see canvases, ramps, blocks, connecters, stuff needing to be assembled in some unintended order. It’s all shapes with variances of density, waiting for some direction. Figuring some of that out is part of the fun!
After all, arent all tangible things just shapes with variance in density, just waiting for purpose or repurpose? Waste is so very unnatural.
Don’t thing about that above statements too much. That would be a poor use of your time. Find stuff to put together instead!
– Orion
The above picture is from Cal Anderson Park, Capital Hill district, Seattle. It was a day of light peaceful rain, shortly after the new year turn from 2024 to 2025. I regret not doing a new year’s post. Maybe I should do a late one. Hmm, I am late on a lot of things.
I took time to ponder this moshing of letters in the back of an abandoned supermarket, during the recent Punk Rock Flea Market in the heart of Seattle.
Yet, I am sad to see more empty buildings in the Emerald City we call Seattle. I worry aboutf their use and eventually de-use, as many are torn down and replaced with sky high overly modernized apartments catered to high earners of the snobbish variety.
Then, I cheer up to see many of their shells painted upon to display a vibrant image not everyone will understand, but anyone can appreciate.
Each great used canvas becomes a reminder of what helped build this great city, and we should also be preserving: our past rich with creative visual talent who dared to take the more difficult path daring what they love, loving what they do, in those buildings built to better welcome them from kinder decades… Kenneth Callihan, Guy Anderson, Veronica Sauer, Ryan “Henry” Ward, Mark Tobey, and many more.
The art upon these old mostly abandoned buildings I find beautiful, where I am fortunate to see the parts of Seattle I want to keep seeing, from those who don’t this for money, those I hope many are paid well, do they can keep making this city beautiful, where it needs it most.
…
The picture above is in the Belltown district of Seattle. The art is recent, though I could not identify the artist. But I do now the significance of Zanada, Years ago, Zanadu was a mighty comic book store I would often visit. I do miss it, along with many other stores around here.
For the 28th time on my 30th year (two years done virtually during the pandemic). And as usual, at least a couple weeks ago had to pass for me to fully gather my thoughts and share more this most special of traditions.
The San Diego Comic-Con remains one of the biggest geeky gathering celebrating science fiction, fantasy, and all related centered around sequential arts since 1971, around the world.
Every year in attendance is special for me. The San Diego Comic-Con adds more always in pop-culture, delivery high on expectations, and exceeding them in presenting the best of creativity across all mediums (with some relation to the sequential arts) through a variety of activities for all present to discovery and expand upon.
But what brings it all together is the people.
As always, the people who take part in the SDCC share highest importance. Among them are many friends, who I see every year or every other year, having the best time. Also important are the creatve talent, people (mostly artists and writers) I admire or get to know, often promoting and sharing the best of themselves. Fandom, fans who dress up, wear silly shirts, express who they are both visually and verbally. Always fun together through any aspect of the cons whether on the showroom floor, panels, offsite parties. You can never really be alone at these things.
Here are some highlights from this year of just some of those most wonderous people of the SDCC!
Manga artist Hitoshi Ariga presents my Mega Man commission sketch!Me and cartoonist Bryan O’Malley (best known for Scott Pilgrim)Writer fav Tom Taylor showing me his next big comics work on Detective Comics.Me and long time con friends of many years sporting our free Meth Gator shirtsMe and artist Matt Kindt, who drew me a sketch from his dreams! Guile picking a fight with the wrong Ken!Colorful cosplayers!Deadpool and Wolverines meetup at the Marvel BoothPrince Daemon Targaryen brought his dragon!Live draw with Mirka Andolfo!The Barbielorian!A small protion of the Exhibit Hall!
So there was the best of the 2024 San Diego Comic Con! I look forward to the next year and any more, and sharing the best parts of this grand show!
Stroll along the Seine River in Paris on days of tolerant weather, near to the Sainte-Chapelle and Notre Dame cathedrals by Point Neuf, and you’ll see many vintage dark green book stands set atop the centuries old riverbank walls.
Each little stand holds many books mixed with magazines, graphic novels, posters, postcards, music, and much in ephermera mostly vintage in French language. You’ll find much treasure within, of wonderous literature and art of historical variety in these antiquatiarian stalls.
These are The Bouquinistes of Paris, a long-standing tradition of used indie booksellers in operation dating back to the 16th century.
Each stand regulated with the city of Paris, limited to four “boxes” with strict size and placement regulations. There are over 200 stands, holding hundreds of thousands of mostly vintage French language books of every subject. You’ll find much in modern day creative works as well.
Personally, The Bouquinistes of Paris is among my favorite features of this great city. I love book and magazine stands, and sadly I feel these are vanishing in the big cities I frequent. To see the many here in the most beautiful of city walkways, preserving history much like the surrounding architecture, sculptures, museums Paris is known for, is refreshing.
I bought two thin small books , and an old photograph, something I would like to share in a separate found treasures post for another day.
I shall certainly return and set aside more time to browse. You should too!
Behold, in the northwest central region of the great City of Lights that is greater known as Paris (France), is the Cemetery of Montmartre.
This is the third largest cemetery in Paris, nearly two centuries old. It was created out of necessity from an abandoned gypsum quarry. past used to house bodies during the French Revolution. Since then, here buried are many locally known artists, composers, writers, and other well-respected folk likely to have their remains held in Parisian decor and prestige.
One can easily view the Cemetery of Montmartre above the Rue (Street) Caulaincourt bridge (where the pictures above and below came from). I had no plans or even knew of this cemetery. I just happened to pass by it on a very long later afternoon walk through the city, taken by surprise. There is a public entrance for a closer look. Sadly, I was a little late in my walk to enter through. Perhaps next time I visit this City of Lights..
I recall back to last fall, early October, as I cycle through old phone pics. Posting now, this is what I recall…
The steak and frites were okay, could use more seasoning on both. The wine was good, but a bit weird to have with les pommes frites. Is that a normal thing in France? Or do the French just have wine with anything? I took it as a reccomendation. Sorry, I don’t recall what the wine was.
So there I was alone at some late night diner, across from the Seine River and close to the Louvre Museum, which I did visit. This was my first dinner of a trip that would start in Paris, continued through the countryside to and through southern France, back to Paris, and eventually Amsterdam. I did not mind this lackluster experience, as this gave me much to look forward for more great food experiences. I knew there was better for the days ahead, so I was excited.
After eating asked for a tip, which I knew this not a thing away from the touristy areas. Did I tip though? I don’t remember. But oddly, the waiter took a smoke break shortly after my order, right in front of my table (see picture above). Is that a thing french waiters causally do? I hope not.
“All good music resembles something. Good music stirs by its mysterious resemblance to the objects and feelings which motivated it.” – Jean Cocteau, French poet, playwright, novelist, many other things.
Jean speaks true. Musical instraments are beautiful things, with no limit to what grandness one is capable in motivated hands.
– Orion T
The picture above is from a morning walk near the Porte de Clignancourt, an hour walk north of the Seine River in Paris.That was near a large market where I have stories to share for another day.
In the grand Jardin des Tuileries (Tuileries Garden) of Paris, I walked around to admire this vast open area of statues, art sculptures, strategically grown trees. It’s a beautiful place rich in history and inspiration, with plenty of room to sit down, relax, think how fortunate one is to find a moment of peace in such a wonderful place.
I noticed a broken statue of some lion, adorned with fresh bananas. I was a little hungry and the bananas looked tempting.
But then I thought, let’s not touch the art.
In truth, the bananas are made of bronze and hand painted by modern-day artist Tony Matelli. But that did not stop from wanting to eat the art.
– Orion T
Picture was taken last fall. Just felt this was a good time to share it, because life is bananas.
On a path I did not expect to take, feeling a little loss. I come across a sign that lost its signal. The sign would tell you something, but it’s not a big deal. Does that make the sign useless? No. It just has a different meaning now. You still know it was a sign. It just has a different message now. What is it? I don’t know. Let’s just call it art.
– Orion T
Picture above is from a stroll in Paris, France some months ago. I was a little lost, but that’s all right. Paris is a great city to get lost in. More soon!
To be able to look up through a Sakura tree, appreciate fresh blossoms scattering silky pink petals arranged perfectly for the coming days ahead, is a most wonderful way to welcome the new Spring season.
Happy Pi Day to all, of which we celebrate pie with the Pi, a mathematical equation that starts with 3.14 and never shuts up with its infinite number parade. With great pie there is similarity, as you may enjoy the moment of what’s there, but its wonderfulness shall forever go on past your partaking.
That in mind, you should often treat yourself to a good slice of pie. My favorite and top suggested is always some hot and fresh apple pie a la mode (slice with ice cream). What’s yours?!
The above picture is of last year from central Aix En Province in south France, at the La Pizza restaurant. I’ve been told it’s common for the French to serve with the top crust served below, and the ice cream to the side. J’ai apprécié chaque bouchée!
– Orion T
And yes, I am very late in will be much more sharing of my adventures in France. I have my reasons, but promise that in good time, my musings will be worthwhile and plentiful in sharing. This is a good day to start on them!
The year began here with heavy smoke caught in the dense fog. The Space Needle within 15 seconds of the new year dissapeared. But that didnt stop the fireworks from making a colorful spectacle…
Thick fog drifted through Seattle yesterday, adding chill density to the end of Fall. The holiday night lights are not denied, as their colorful luminosity is enhanced. The fog is unusually dense for the early evening. The streets are a quiet and spooky. The ground seems a bit slippery, dampened by the heavy mist.
I walk slowly, not so much to be careful, but to admire this moody, beautiful atmosphere.
Since I stood by among cheering folk and enjoyed a good parade. Not just any parade, but the annual (33rd!) Fremont Solstice Parade, here in north Seattle.
To those not familiar with this local tradition, the Fremont Solstice Parade is celebration of raw art and talent, produce by the Fremont Arts Council. The floats and costumes are all home-made, of the highest creative spririt and imagination. No corporations or logos, as funding is propelled by the locals. Spectators join in cheers as positive messages of love, peace, laughter, inspiration, expression, culture are welcome through the streets of Fremont.
It’s all vibrant, beautiful to witness. Here’s some pictures, sharing in my joy…
Where a grand structure is newly built, opportunity is exponetially grown from its foundation. There leads new stories waiting to be told, starting with every new corner turned and higher places to ponder the next journey. Best be there to gaze out the new windows, see fresh perspectives of old roads and people walking about. Nothing is truly boring of a new structure, unless you are a very boring person.
That said, I love the new Seattle Convention Center Summit building, replacing an public transit station. The new modern, seemingly cublic structure rose from construction during the recent global pandemic, just another sign of the constantly growing metropolis. Behold, this 573,770 square foot, 14-hour structure of glass and steel. Within, many new rooms and a large outdoor garden terrace, I spent much time with a few visits, having the most fun exploring at the recent Emerald City Comic Con. Over the Pine Street side, I awed though the wonderous way to the top over a series of escalators. Looking back down truly glorious.
Being there different days, the skies vary as Seattle weather is often never consitant. Yet gazing out through the inside, is an experience to be cherished each time.
Then, for those fortunate inside to enjoy this fresh structure after sunset, may gaze out at the citylife active through the light of the street and surrounding buildings of old and new. Mix the cozy lit atmosphere of the inside, shares a different social experience. the top floor wide walkways are perfect for parties (I was at one!). Notice the side window reflections, adding new layers of inside life. Yet, you may still admire the outside citylife, depending on the angle of you.
I have more pictures to share of different views of this new convention center, for a different day. And I will probably have more as I look forward to coming back here, for any reason I will happily take.
Here’s a moment after a lengthy hike in Canada, coming back to central Vancouver, looking to the sky on a short ferry ride.
The time was near the end of last year and has been on my phone for a bit. I apologize for not sharing sooner, as time moves faster with more else is happening in 2023. But looking back on my phone to delete pictures, I narrow what I should have been sharing here on my sadly neglected blog of lately.
And then, I see this moment. What a site, coming back from North Vancouver to the Central Area to have dinner with an old friend. The sun is setting and the air is cold. I look to my destination, to the sky in awe. There is a perfect split in wait, the day letting the night cover itself like a blanket. The sun would peek in and out, very playful in this golden hour.
This is just another amazing moment to be shared, as it’s never too late to enjoy a saved beautiful moment.
Flying periodically between Southern California and Washington, I constantly look down with awe and wonder. I love a good view, and window seat delivers well. Then, comes two usual questions as I stare down; where am I, and what is that?
I often notice these large man-made circles upon rural flat farmlands of the western U.S. These circles are large and many, very even, and filled with variances of light-dark earthy tones, often adjacent to each other. In clusters, the perfect geometric shapes are wonderous to behold, unreal as part of some gigantic artwork in the grand museum that is our modern world. Or if I imagine hard enough, a surreal game of Connect 4 played by giants.
I learned these man-made wonders are actually center-pivot irrigation circles, where farmland is watered in rotation from a rotating sprinkler anchored at the center. This supposedly cuts down on labor costs and remains an alternative to ground irrigation. I can’t say I understand much more. Irrigation is a complex subject with debates on what is best and the future for our world challenged with climate change and continuous droughts. But, seeing the patterns from above, I see the impact humans have upon the very landscape, where they are microscopic in comparison. Our impact for better or worse, is its own unintended art.
Sorry, I am not truly punctual with this timing. 2022 was a helluva year for me, and some of that is seeping through this fresh 2023 year.
But not alone lately, as my great time felt plentiful yet mixed with others in a flurry of cheers and goofy moments, close around and through social networks. These times are worthwhile, but time management with what’s left to me is difficult.
2023 will be an interesting year for me. A new job starts soon, with a company I worked through the Fall, doing a mix of project management, coding, design, and admin assist duties. Exciting stuff, especially for a management team that truly listens, appreciates practical thinking, and utilizes my best skills while keeping my brain challenged. Unfortunately, not much I can share here. But the work brings back my skills and love for Javascript coding and the use of Adobe InDesign. Much of that will carry into some personal projects that I will delve more into soon.
That ties into a huge side endeavor I’ve been sporadically building, simply titled Stranger Worlds. This is set on a long road with ambitious goals, sharing a love for (and promoting) indie creativity in genre art and literature. I will share more when details, planning, and funding are a bit more solid. I will occasionally do more as Traveling Orion, as I still have exciting adventures and much to tell. And, I do have some exciting adventures to share!
But for now, I am typing with oily fingers while eating the greasiest pizza ever, in the midst of a layover at the San Francisco airport. My laptop has some strange lag issues. Every sentence is a bit sluggish. But, this is my only chance for a while to reach out, before I return to Seattle. Then, I must catch up and move forward with 2023!
I am very excited and will share more soon. In the meantime, I hope 2023 will be a great and exciting year for you too.
It’s another fine festive day, though cold and wet across much of the Pacific Northwest. The freezing rain days ago brought a little shut down through the streets of Seattle. The weather, reminding us of the necessity to have our holiday season through the Winter Solstice. The air is colder and the sky darker. We do our best to keep warm and illuminate, both in spirit and body to be vibrant enough to endure well. That calls for a little extra cocoa for me.
Soon, I will be far and away on an almost cancelled place ride twice, and still a delay. The destination is Los Angeles with many hours by rail, while I have little sleep from the night before. I shall meet with friends and family for dinner with both eyes open and a warm heart, then likely pass out shortly after.
And so, the Merry Christmas. I wish the same of yours, as warm and bright as can be.
Christmas season lights, everywhere again. I love it all.
They bring a necessity of cheer to the coldest, wettest time of the year to our northern hemisphere. These colorful beacons repeal the peak darkness and gloom that can be a bit rough sometimes, especially here in the Pacific Northwest. In Seattle, I welcome them especially under the heavy rain. they inspire fantasy and magic, an extra sparkle to the surroundings with dazzling reflections. The more the rain and darker the air, the more mystical magic I see of the holiday season.
Of course, I take some phone pictures for sharing….
May these visions brighten your season too, or go out look for lights in your area!!
– Orion T
Pics were taken at the Westlake Center in Seattle, a fine spot to enjoy the Holiday Season with shopping and happy rain!
I love small press and homegrown creativity, especially from the Short Run Comix and Arts Festival.
This recent annual event, at its 10th Anniversary in Seattle, drew hundreds of people to a big room to share in that support to meet and shop. Through the many tables, a chance to buy small and limited runs of books, zines, prints, stickers, and a lot of other cool oddities mostly from Pacific Northwest residents. To partake in the joy of creativity and discovery of fresh literature and art, especially the sequential, is delightful.
I have missed this much, as the Covid pandemic has kept the Short Run away for over two years. Now, it’s back to the Fisher Pavilion at the Seattle Center, bigger than ever.
There was an awesome variety of homegrown material for anyone, any age to take in on pretty much any subject. However, much of it is not cheap, as creators often take a difficult path in their devotion to their craft, often taking sacrifice in time and funds of their own. The best we can do to keep them going in offering such driven creativity, is support by paying the extra bucks. The opportunity through the Short Run is most grand.
Also, the Short Run Comix & Arts Festival is a free event. I think that’s a big reason for the support. Accessibility for all, feels more open and inviting. Though the lines during the prime hours to get in were quite long, with at least 15 minutes wait to get in…worth it.
So here are some great moments of the show, including some of the wonderful people I chatted with, and some purchases from me (last picture).
TRAVELING ORION 