San Diego Comic-Con 2011 is well underway as fans have united in their love of all things geek. Under the large roof of the San Diego Convention Center, thousands of fans of comics, novels, manga, video games, anime, film, and television are packed together for four plus days. That plus counts for the preview night. That first night is only three hours and exists, or rather existed at one point to give fans a taste of things to come for the following days. In recent years, it has bloomed into almost another convention day. In a sense, it's original purpose is still intact, if only more intense. The 2011 show did not disappoint in that regard as the show floor was flooded with fans rushing to any number of booths.

As anyone who's attended these already knows, lines are a staple of conventions and wont be going anywhere soon. Just being in line is usually not enough either, you have to get in line early. The reports spread Tuesday about the line formed already for a panel which did not start until Thursday. The lines such as this one, where people camp out days ahead have been a trend building for several years now.

This has been due to the rise of the film and television studio presence at comic conventions. The former has been led by the big screen storm known as Twilight. This for the most part includes people who might not normally even attend a comic convention. It's been said that this is good because it's brought more people in the mix. It has also been stated that it's overshadowed the comic aspect, the original focus, to the level of having turned many comic fans away. While this is true to some degree, comics still retain a heavy degree of significance. The mainstream news attention has just shifted in favor of the small and big screen portion.

I have spent a significant amount of time in other lines. Several of them have been to meet many of my favorite creators, some of whom were expected and a few others I was unaware would be in attendance. Some of the creators I met and took pictures with has included Humberto Ramos, who has drawn the X-Men and Amazing Spider-Man; Amanda Conner of Power Girl fame; and Batman: Streets of Gotham artist Dustin Nguyen, amongst others.

I was ecstatic to meet in his first U.S. appearance, the talented artist of Birds of Prey and Justice League of America, Ed Benes. As he signed some of my books, I was able to chat briefly with him with the aid of his translator. Through her, he conveyed that he's enjoyed coming here to be around and meet his fans.

The programming for the weekend is full of subjects that will undoubtedly keep your attention. Many signings and appearance are scheduled. More announcements to be made as well.

For those of you who could not make the trip, you will still get your news fix as not only fan media sites report convention happenings, but also the news outlets on site who cover the event. To all who have come and will be coming out to join in on the festivities of this amazing weekend, safe travels to you and yours. Have a great weekend.