Con-Dor (running March 2-4 at the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center) is celebrating its 19th year as San Diego's science fiction and fantasy convention. The convention focuses on the literary and is known for its intimacy and panel programming.
You could say ConDor lives in the shadow of Comic-Con. Comic-Con draws upwards of 125,000 attendees and attracts Hollywood celebrities. ConDor draws less than 1,000 and focuses more on the literary end of science fiction, horror, and fantasy. But the two are kindred spirits in their devotion to highlighting an aspect of pop culture.
This year's theme at ConDor is Men In Black: Aliens, Conspiracies, & Feds, Oh My!. One of the guests of honor is Lowell Cunningham, the author of "The Men in Black" comic that inspired the "Men in Black" film franchise (the latest installation of which, "Men in Black III," is due out May 25).
The thing that distinguishes ConDor is its intimacy that allows attendees to really meet and speak with panelists and authors. ConDor also features a dealers room, art show, masquerade, as well as Regency and Steampunk dances.
Vernor Vinge is one of the writers who will be appearing on panels. His latest book is "The Children of the Sky," and it features some interesting aliens to tie in with the convention theme.
