Every week from now until San Diego Comic-Con, we’re celebrating you: our readers! So let’s meet this week’s Attendee of the Week:

Damian Da Cruz

@Azmoedeus

Where are you traveling from for San Diego Comic-Con?

Northern Virginia

How many years have you been attending?

I’ve been coming every year since 2017.

What was your favorite panel and why?

The Magicians panel moderated by Chris Hardwick. I love the show and was just very excited to see the cast. I went up to ask a question and Chris complimented my accent. I then got Rick Worthy and Jade Tailor to do an impromptu duet by asking about what their character’s walk-out music would be.

What is your favorite exhibitor or artist booth and why?

This is probably a UBlog cliché but it has to be Patrick Ballesteros. I just love his art style and he’s always been so happy and friendly when I’ve met him.

What is your favorite item you’ve ever taken home from the convention (swag, exclusive, merch, etc.)?

I think it would have to be one of the free daily panel guides from 2017. My sister was in the front row at the Stan Lee panel, and they used a picture with her in it on the front cover. It was a very unflattering photo of her, which I found hilarious.

What was your favorite autograph session and why?

I’ve only done one autograph session, which was for the Guild 10th Anniversary. What I loved about it was that the cast had also been at Awesome Con in DC about a month before and they remembered me when I came up.

Tell us about your most memorable celebrity encounter at the convention.

Last year I had a couple of amazing encounters – I was lucky enough to get the Omni, and managed to meet a lot of the UBlog team. Also, I’m a big Felicia Day fan and she had a meet-up at an ice-cream parlor in the Gaslamp. It was a lot of fun hanging with Felicia and a bunch of fans for an hour or so.

What was your favorite offsite and why?

I really enjoyed The Boys offsite a few years ago but have to say that getting to drop off the UBlog Meatball as an offering at the Immortal Universe offsite last year, immediately jumps to the top. It was an amazing, immersive experience, with music, activities, and some fun swag. Who could ask for more?

Where is your favorite place to eat during the con?

I don’t have a favorite place to eat, I like to try at least 1 new place each con. That said, I had a great, greasy burger at The Melt a few years ago, I usually get one meal at the Old Spaghetti Factory because it’s easy to get in late after a day at the con, and this year I’m really hoping to get the Breakfast Company flight – I tried last year but their waffle maker was broken.

What is your favorite thing about San Diego Comic-Con?

It has to be the atmosphere. There’s so much to see and do. I love the way the con takes over the whole Gaslamp district.

What is your best tip having a good con?

Don’t over plan your day, just pick a couple of key things and have a backup plan. Also be prepared for long lines, have snacks and drinks available and don’t be afraid to start up a conversation with the people around you in line. You clearly love the same things, and the attendees at the con are generally a very friendly bunch who are happy to speak with you about their fandoms!

Do you tend to do the convention solo or with friends?

I’ve always gone with friends and family but this year I’ll be flying solo.

How would you describe SDCC to someone who has never been before?

The biggest collection of fans of all genres gathered into the beautiful downtown San Diego Gaslamp district, which fully embraces the con with pop ups, banners, and street events to keep you entertained. There are amazing cos players and, in my experience, everyone there is friendly and very excited to be there.

If you are a fan of anything, books, comics, film, television, or video game related, you should definitely add it to your bucket list.

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