31/07/2025
Deborah Steffens Tucci and I returned from San Diego Tuesday night at 11:30pm and after a day of adjustments, we're back at it.
Here's my report:
Comic-Con International in San Diego is now in the books and was one for the ages! The world’s greatest comic, media, gaming and pop-culture convention celebrated 53 years with over 175,000 attendees, exhibitors and guests.
To celebrate Shi: Gatecrasher’s ready for press-time, Deb, me, along with Aaron Lopresti Andy Smith Art, and Helen Smith were hosted to an incredible dinner at Brian Malarkey’ ANIMAE restaurant by our amazing print rep, Jenebeth Ortiz. It as truly one of the best dining experiences I've ever had and a special treat was when Executive Chef Tara Monsod stopped by to say hello!
FRIENDS AND FAMILY AT SDCC!
Booth 1801 saw a parade of celebrities swing by to say hello or hangout including comic book legends, Todd McFarlane, Jim Lee Jennifer Stevens Bawcum, Kevin VanHook, Paul Jenkins, Frank Forte, Jim Krueger, Jaime Hodge James Jameson, Jeffrey Vaughn, Matt Hawkins, Frank Tieri Frank Mastromauro, Cully Hamner and Tia Carrere!
Every year, the traffic of professionals and fans continue to grow. This year was no exception as it as great seeing old friends and meeting new ones. Words alone cannot express my gratitude for everyone stopping by and making this our most successful Comic-Con since 1996!
A SPECIAL GIFT FROM JIM LEE!
One of the true highlights of Comic-Con was when superstar Jim Lee (dressed in 1930's attire) signed and remarqued a special holofoil edition of Batman: Hush 2 for our son, Matthew.
Jim is a personal hero of Matthew and the two share a common bond of wrestling in college at the NCAA level. Rarely do you find a humbler and more generous friend than you do in Jim Lee. For him to take the time out of his insanely busy schedule and to not just sign Matthew’s book (knowing what it would mean to him), but to remarque it as well just shows he truly is one of the great creators and ambassador’s comics has ever had. We are forever grateful for what he did for our son.
PANELS!
Deb and I were also a part of two panels, “The Comic Book Couples” featuring Amanda Conner, Robyn Moore, Francisca Pulido Terry Moore, Palmiotti and Brian Pulido. The panel focused on what it’s like to be married to a comic book creator and was moderated by Steven Peros and Deana Ruggieri and “Shi: 30 Years of Independence!” Featuring Billy, Deb, Amanda, Steven and Brian Haberlin. The panel was wonderfully moderated by Jimmy.
Always, amongst SDCC’s favorite events, the panels were full of memories, laughs and a look into the future.
LEGENDARY FRIENDS AND CREATORS!
It was just great seeing and hanging with Matt Hawkins, Dan DiDio, Leilani DiDio, Dan Jurgens, Erik Ko, Jackie Estrada Maggie Thompson, Mike Peros, Dave Peiser, Dennis L Barger Jr, Isaac Snowden, Steve Millendorf, Aline Drucker Fornaris (Mark), David K Wray, Joseph Kuhr, Jerome Maida, Jeffrey Vaughn Mark Haynes, Scott Lamky, Steven Houston, Matt Stapleton, Trey Gonzalez, Stefanie Gonzalez and so, so many others.
Of course we couldn't have done it without our great con-family of Robert Fraga, Rick VanDiver, Mike Renzine, Chris Quan, Paul Krumenacker, Brandy Sparkles and especially, Crystal McMain-VanDiver.
I'm sure I left out a few as I'm still exhausted, but from the bottom of my heart, thank you again for an amazing SDCC!
Billy & Deb Tucci.
