by Eric McKeever

Created on: August 10, 2010

Prologue

Once upon a time, in a land, far, far away called San Diego, a man, an ordinary man had a dream.  That dream was to further his love of comic books, sci-fi fiction and movies and share that dream with others who loved them as much as he did.  Thus Sheldon Dorf, with the aid of his friend Ken Kruger, created the Golden State Comic-Con.  For three days, nearly 300 people attended the convention held in the US Grant Hotel.  Author Ray Bradbury appeared at the convention as an honored guest.

Chapter 1

The following year the Golden State Comic-Con moved to a new location, Muir College in La Jolla, California and by 1972 was back in San Diego at the El Cortez Hotel and now under the guise of San Diego’s West Coast Comic Convention. 

Chapter 2

In 1973 the gathering became officially named: San Diego Comic-Con.  By 1974, Comic-Con was back at the El Cortez Hotel and attendance had grown from the initial 300 to approximately 2,500.

Chapter 3

1975 was a banner year as the convention was held twice, once in late July/early August and again November.  The total number of people to attend both events was over 3,500.  Special appearances are made by the likes of Chuck Norris, Robert Bloch, Will Eisner (credited with the creation of the graphic novel) and comic book legend Stan Lee.  Comic-Con also secured its status as a non-profit.

Chapter 4

From 1976 to 1978, Comic-Con grew in stature.  Going from over 3,000 to nearly 5,000 in two years.  Still held at the El Cortez Hotel, the convention features a slide presentation of a soon-to-be released Star Wars. 

Chapter 5

Over the next few years, attendance ranges between 5,000 and 6,000 attendees.  The convention is held at multiple locations including the Convention and Performing Arts Center, the El Cortez Hotel, the Us Grant Hotel and the Hotel San Diego.  In 1981 Blade Runner screens.

Chapter 6

The anime department debuts in1988.  Attendance goes up to 8,000 and among the special guests is Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons.  The convention is still held at the Convention and Performing Arts Center.

Chapter 7

Due to increased growth, Comic-Con creator Sheldon Dorf had stepped down as the head of Comic-Con, but still attended the annual convention.  By 1991, the convention had moved to its current home the San Diego Convention Center and attendance was at a record 15,000.

Chapter 8

By 1992, the appeal of Comic-Con was reaching

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