Comic-Con 2012: ‘Twilight’ Fans Camp Out; ‘Firefly’ Anniversary

San Diego Comic-Con kicked off with its usual bang on Thursday, as attendees practically stampeded the exhibit hall when doors opened. I was already in the main room, and I've never seen the opening from that side before. I was a little frightened because people were in such a hurry. I overheard one security guard reminding people to walk, not run, but people ignored him and kept running. That's Comic-Con in a nutshell. Some of us enthusiastic fans do listen, but many are too excited.

Besides an eagerness to get through the doors to see all the major exhibits and displays from studios, attendees were fighting to get convention exclusives. Toy companies like Hasbro, Toynami, and Mattel offer limited items that are only available at the convention, and in some cases, it's first come, first serve. Many people rushing to get the exclusives buy the maximum number they can (there's normally a per person limit), and then they turn the collectibles around on eBay. I've perused the auctions the week after Comic-Con; those early buyers made good investments.

While the initial swarm of people trampled into the convention center building, other attendees were sleeping in line for panels or just getting into line. I am simply amazed at the dedication people have to their favorite television shows and movies. They wait not just for hours but for days! Fans of “Twilight” started camping outside the convention center on Tuesday even though the panel wasn't until Thursday. Those fans in particular were rewarded because they were treated to the first seven minutes of the final installment of the series, “Breaking Dawn, Part 2.”

Aside from the “Twilight” news, Thursday was somewhat slow for television and movie panels. The biggest news of the convention focused on comics. Acclaimed author Neil Gaiman is returning to the world of “Sandman” for a six issue series. His characters and tales in those books are beloved by fans, and the excitement over the announcement was like a ripple going through the exhibit hall. Also fun is that IDW Publishing announced they will be adapting “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” into comic book format.

Friday’s panels are practically all about on-screen entertainment. Everyone is incredibly hyped for the “Firefly” ten year anniversary panel. I saw fans lined up on the sidewalk for it last night at 11 p.m. Stay tuned.