Sunday, July 27, 3:35 p.m.

The Con throws some great parties. Or rather the studios that come to the Con throw some great parties. I'm not actually sure WHAT the Con DOES. I'm finally home, as after last night, my body couldn't take any more. I've been clean living the past few months. That all flew out the window (only briefly, body! I promise!) in San Diego. Last night's events blew away parties I've attended in Sundance or Toronto (Cannes ... well, let's not get crazy). First up was Focus' "Hamlet 2" party on the roof of the Hard Rock hotel. Free booze and food, a bunch of Sexy Jesuses walking around, a Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright sighting ("Hamlet 2" star Steve Coogan was reportedly there but I didn't see him) ... basically a good night's start. However, it was the Sci-Fi/Entertainment Weekly party that was the real deal. Greg Ellwood told me not to miss it, that it was the best party at Comic-Con, and I can't disagree. It was a gorgeous, fun affair, in numerous ways. If you like celeb-spotting, and people-watching-people-watching-celebs, here was the place. Matthew Fox (Jack on "Lost") was there, along with some cute actress from "Pushing Daisies," Zachary Quinto, who plays Sylar on "Heroes" (and soon will play Spock in "Star Trek") and my personal favorite, Nathan Fillion, former star of "Firefly" and "Serenity," and the creepiest minister you've ever seen, during the final season of "Buffy." I broke my don't-approach-the-celebs rule and gushed all over him. Amazingly nice guy ...

And then I saw John Cho at the bar. He grabbed my collared shirt and said "You clean up well." I asked if I looked that bad during our interview (I was wearing my pissed-off monkey T-shirt, after all!). He gave me the "so-so" hand gesture. And there you go, my friends. Wisdom from Comic-Con: If you want to make an impression, you don't need to dress like the Joker. You just need to be yourself. In my case, a complete slob. The Con is over. Keep an eye out for our next big event coverage: 2008 Toronto Film Festival.

Saturday, July 26, 5:30 p.m.

Just returned from interviewing John Cho and Kal Penn, the stars, respectively of both "Harold and Kumar" films (Personal shout out here to my friend Vanessa: I was too elite to watch either film until she convinced me to check them out. And now I love them). First off, they were not stoned. Bummer. Anyway, they are here promoting the DVD release of the second film, "Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo," and we conducted our brief chat on a wobbly platform (no, I wasn't stoned either) that looks out over the crazy convention floor. Oh, and there is a unicorn next to us. Not a REAL unicorn, silly! But it does look quite a bit like the animal Neil Patrick Harris rode during his mushroom trip in the second film. If you've seen it, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't ... why are you reading a blog posting about Harold and Kumar?

Anyway, the interview. Even though both men are there for the second film, all the talk at the Con is about "Harold and Kumar 3," which Variety announced was in production ... which is news to the two stars. "Yeah, we'd consider it if they asked us," said Penn. They haven't been ASKED? "Nope, it was news to us too." That gets our conversation started. Since these stoner comedies are as much about subverting and mocking racial stereotypes as they are about smoking the sticky-icky (plus, offer up good ol' fashion gratuitous nudity. Whoo-hoo!), I asked if they should just make Harold and Kumar a black guy and a Native American. This cracks up Cho, who was looking tired and distracted a lot of the interview. "Oh, man ... Samuel L. Jackson IS Harold Lee!" It'd take a lot of work, but, sure, I'd see that. I'd really miss Cho though.

Saturday, July 26, 12:49 p.m. 

'Spaced' Out: Tiny little dream come true for me today when I got a one-on-three interview with the creators of "Spaced": Jessica Stevenson, Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg (the latter two collaborated on the genre-bending comedies "Hot Fuzz" and "Shaun of the Dead"). If you don't know "Spaced," turn off your computer NOW, run out to a DVD shop and buy it. Don't bother with NetFlix. You'll want to own this. It was a short lived British TV show (season one ran on the BBC in 1999; season two in 2001). It's an adoring, hysterical and touching look at slackerdom, love (between men friends, and, ultimately between two lonely male and female roommates) and all things pop culture... especially Hollywood pop culture. It created a huge cult following and got Pegg and Wright their first recognition, and lead to the success of "Shaun" and "Fuzz." Until last week, you could only see "Spaced" if a buddy passed off a ratty old bootleg. Now it's arrived in America and the trio is running around the States pimping the show Wright and Pegg called "beyond personal and dear to their heart."

"Running" is the key word. Pegg especially looks especially exhausted, while Stevenson apparently hasn't been eating. While trying to catch up by throwing down a muffin, the poor woman almost choked to death. "Quit dying during the bloody interview!" Pegg ordered. I asked whether it was fun revisiting their old labor of love, and Pegg said "It was at the beginning of last week," but beneath that typical droll English response, you get the sense that all three are beyond happy to talk about "Spaced." In fact, all three want to do a film version of the show, all the while fighting Warner Brothers who threatened to make an American remake (McG was part of that idiotic idea, but apparently it has fallen apart). Problem is they are all so hot, are working on other film projects that they don't know when they can next work together. Sigh.

The interview was short and sweet, and honestly, it was a completely selfish request on my part. Yes, I want to promote "Spaced" (seriously, go buy it and thank me later). But more so, I wanted to meet these three people that I truly feel are geniuses. And I got my picture taken too. Unprofessional? Perhaps. But I'm at Comic Con. This weekend I'm not a journalist. I am a fanboy geek.

Speaking of which... it's time to go meet Harold and Kumar. Perhaps they are holding: "We're so high... We're not low!"

Indeed.

Heroes of Comic-Con: In a move that surprised everyone and further aligned the legions of fans, the producers and cast of "Heroes" just screened the season-premiere episode in its entirety for the crowd of nearly 6,000 gathered for the panel. The attendees went absolutely nuts and watched it intently.

On other fronts, our correspondent, Dave Hill, has continued to wow the crowds milling around the floor. We are getting great footage and seeing a huge cross-section of the crowd. These folks are passionate about their favorite shows, books, comics, movies, etc ... Be sure to check out our video footage as we're adding more as the days go on. As we have been here, not only has the crowd grown, but also the amount of festgoers in costume has substantially gone up. Starting to feel more out of place not in costume. Good thing I quickly picked up a clone trooper mask and an orange jump suit from "Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanomo Bay."

Friday, July 25, 12:30 p.m. 

Snob Out of Water: So, the reality of Comic-Con, for me, hit during dinner last night. Below I said how I "got" the event, how seeing Buffy's stake brought out my inner geek. But the convention floor -- where all of the promo items, comic books, Buffy's stake and, yes, even the unicorn from "Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo" (You can get your photo taken atop it! Even topless!) is honestly the small part of the event. The real action, the stuff Greg Ellwood and Don Kaye (and soon Kim Morgan) have covered, is upstairs in the halls. There is where the movie studios preview their upcoming hits like "Watchmen" and "Twilight," and where TV studios show clips from new shows and fan favorites like "Battlestar Galactica" and "Lost." And as you've read these panels are crazy, fans go nuts, stars shine, etc. A surprise preview of "Tron 2" (no one even KNEW this was being made) created huge buzz yesterday.

But here's the thing: I hate previews. I'm not a fan of trailers. I often close my eyes during them in movie theaters. In fact, I don't want to know ANYTHING about a movie before I see it (and being the editor of MSN Movies, that is fairly impossible). I am all about the final product. This is why I love film festivals. And as I'm finding out, it's why Comic Con, on a cinematic level, is doing nothing for me. I love seeing the fans and the costumes and the Gaslamp district of San Diego throws a great party. I love the "pop culture" nature of it. But when I get a call from Ellwood, asking if he should save me a seat at the "Watchmen" panel, I finally had to admit: No, I simply don't care. Call me next summer when it comes out.

Does this make me weird? Write me at heymsn@microsoft.com or post comments on our message board

Tomorrow, however, I will be jumping back into my journalism shoes. I'm interviewing Harold and Kumar (sober) and Simon Pegg, Edgar Wright (they of "Shaun of the Dead" and "Hot Fuzz" fame) and Jessica Stevenson about their hilarious British cult TV classic, "Spaced" (now on DVD). So, come back for that.

Thursday, July 24, 8:04 p.m.

I get it now. I've been making fun of Comic-Con but upon my second tour of the convention floor, I understood the geeky part of this event. All it took was Buffy. How can folks walk around in costumes, or wait in lines for hours to meet, say, the guy who played Chewbacca? (Seriously, he is here ... and he looks really bored). Or look at rubbery masks?

Then out of the corner of my eye I saw it. It was a beautifully carved piece of wood, and usually I wouldn't have paid much attention to it. But above it was the face of Sarah Michelle Gellar and below? A stake. A gorgeous, brown weapon of destruction carved and created to destroy evil. Vampires. Not only a stake ... but a BUFFY stake. I nearly wept ... this is what Buffy used to vanquish so many sharp-toothed, quip-uttering monsters during the seven-year run of TV's greatest show. And I wanted it SO bad. I stopped and stared and drooled and tried to explain to my colleagues what it meant. And they just grinned. And it finally hit me:

I'm at home now. I miss "Buffy." My journey to this stuffy convention center makes sense. I traveled from Seattle to San Diego to see a piece of wood. And I'm the happiest dude you've ever read.

Thursday, July 24, 3:27 p.m.

Where to begin? It's a different world in the blocks surrounding Comic-Con, and it grows to an indescribable level once inside. We've been back and forth between our production area and the actual convention a number of times, and the amount of surreal moments are adding up.

Looking across the street at a very upscale hotel with women and men, dressed up for the day and evening, waiting for their luxury cars to roll up. And there, in front of them walks a group of Storm Troopers. I'm not talking cool plastic mask storm troopers. I'm talking full-on, head-to-toe "Star Wars" armor. Everyone ignores the dichotomy and acts as if it's just an everyday experience. No one pays any attention on either side, as if nothing is out of the ordinary. Crazy. Fun. Scary ...

I am currently hunting down my writer. I sent him into the melee earlier this morning and haven't heard a peep. He hasn't come up for air yet, so hopefully he hasn't been swallowed by that which is Comic-Con.

P.S. Have we talked about security? Well, the TSA or any other entity similar is not on the clock here. The amount of people walking around with huge guns, ammo, swords (light sabers), shields and the like is unbelievable. And no one bats an eye. Or checks a bag. It's like an oasis from any sort of Homeland Security.

Thursday, July 24, 3:24 p.m.

Hard Day's... Event: Greg Ellwood has survived the "Twilight" panel. But we have no idea where our video team is. Perhaps they've been kidnapped by vampires.

Either way, we'll have full coverage tonight. Check back soon ...

Thursday, July 24, 2:16 p.m.

Oh My God: Right before I walked in, I saw a woman wearing a "Comic-Con Virgin" T-shirt. Glad I'm not the only one. I must say: I was skeptical about the buzz. But damn, if this isn't one of the craziest, busiest events I've ever seen. Wall-to-wall people and primary colors, flashing screens and costumes ... Give me some decent music, and I'd feel like I was back at a Grateful Dead show.

Ok, back to the event. The bottom convention floor is about four or five football fields long. I saw people in line for things as small as key chains and as prominent as a huge spaceship prop from "Watchmen." One side of the floor is filled with movies and TV promotions and booths; the other is comic book-centric, where a quiet eeriness takes over. People are respectful bordering on worshipful. It sorta reminded me of the new Vegas strip vs. old-school Vegas ... except, ya know, more dudes. Lots of dudes. With light sabers.

Enough of my rambling. Ellwood contacted me earlier and said Hugh Jackman wowed the crowd with a surprise appearance for "Wolverine." That's the big news on day one. So far ...

Back into the fray ...

Thursday, July 24, 11:33 a.m.

Hey kids-

Breaking news... and walls: Word and photo just sent from man on the scene, Greg Ellwood:

"Hall already packed 45 min. before first panel (Keanu Reeves and "The Day the Earth Stood Still"). People, girls screamed for a few seconds. Security raced to 'catch' the rest of the wall from falling. Announcer said, 'Please stay in your seats.' Splattering of laughter. Cheers for the security guys who caught it."

A wall in the main hall -- the site of all big panels -- collapses, terrifying fans, journalists and probably confused talent. Two hours into Comic-Con 2008, and things are literally falling apart.

Heading over to the convention center now. On the way in, here is my geek scorecard: three Darth Vaders, one Stormtrooper, several "V for Vendetta" masks, mom and dad from "The Incredibles" and a bunch of pirates.

Thursday, July 24, 11:00 a.m.

Hey everyone!

Yes, it was crazy last night for being a "Preview" night for Comic-Con. The streets were and are streaming with folks heading to the convention center, and the police are going nuts. Told my driver if he got pulled over to just try to talk in Klingon so they would just roll their eyes and let us pass through. I'm pretty sure the police here are the same guys who picked on the majority of these people in high school. Interesting confluence of people.

This morning we are back for more of the pain and a full-fledged day at Comic-Con. We told our cabbie on the way over that we would be the best smelling group he would have all day and that none of us live in our mother's basement. His deadpan comment back to us was, "Everyone is 300lbs plus. What the hell? What do they do all day?" Ah, a great way to kickoff the day.

So, we're off to head back into the convention center. And it's chaos inside. From the TV side, we have a few things about to start up: "Knight Rider," "Doctor Who" and "The Middleman." Our evening will be capped with a "Dexter" panel and party. Tomorrow gets really busy with many more panels and interviews. Be sure to check back for our latest video from our man on the street, comedian Dave Hill.

Off to the great unknown ...

Thursday, July 24, 1:44 a.m.

Hey kids-

It begins. Actually, it began, all through yesterday but I was (as usual) late to the party. Traffic sucks. What can I say? Regardless, Comic-Con has started and so let's get this blog thing going.

While driving in from Los Angeles, I got a call from Greg Ellwood who told me that about 30 people were already lining up for the "Twilight" panel... which takes place Thursday... at 1 p.m. Yikes. We'll have full coverage of that tomorrow, plus video.

Another co-worker did a walk-through of the convention hall and said that even though it was billed as a "press only" event, it felt and smelled like a full blown mosh pit. He also said it was 98% men. He is also married and said something about feeling superior, in terms of sexual experience, than his fellow men. Look, I'm going to reserve judgment until I experience this insanity for myself tomorrow. And, regardless, one man's signed "X-Men" poster is another man's... nevermind.

G'night.

Sunday, July 13, 5:15 p.m.

Hey kids-

So, yes, as K.O. mentions below (hi K.O.!), this kicks off MSN's official 2008 Comic-Con blog. Yeah, the event is still over a week away but I thought I've give you an idea of what to expect. Basically, MSN is invading San Diego from July 24-27 to bring you all the news from the pop culture extravaganza/geek fest. We'll be shooting video, interview celebrities and covering all of the big panels, where movie and TV studios will present previews and the stars from all of the hottest movies/shows you'll see over the next year plus ("Watchmen" to "Star Trek," "Lost" to "Heroes"). Comic-Con veteran Greg Ellwood and event virgins Kim Morgan and Don Kaye will provide daily write-ups. Our video crew will give you exclusive interviews and our partnership with Xbox will help give you peaks at the panels. Our comedian-on-the-scene David Hill will, well, give you a view from the trenches: interviews with crazy, costumed fans on the sweaty, insane convention floor. Poor bastard. Plus, you'll see a ton of photos -- both celebrities and fans -- throughout the event.

In addition, me and my buddy/colleague and MSN TV Editor K.O. will be blogging from the event in San Diego. Neither of us has been, both of us are scared and we hope these blogs won't be the last our families and friends ever hear from us again. All I know about Comic-Con is what friends have told me and what I saw on that one episode of "Entourage." So, I've decided to dress up as Johnny Drama. No, not Drama in his "Viking Quest" garb. Just Johnny Drama. Victory!

And you, K.O.? Are you excited about this thing? Are you going as Chewbacca? Nice animated photo by the way. At least you don't look like Frankenstein like I do.

Friday, July 11, 12:15 p.m.

Hey everyone!

Welcome to MSN's coverage of Comic-Con 2008. The festival runs July 24 through 27, so check back often for updated blogs, photos, video and much more. In the meantime, click around our guide and get ready for all the fun that is Comic-Con.

Sound off on our message boards!