I'll just jump back in again here and say that-- as someone who has attended Cons in many cities (including the lackluster, but growing one here in NYC)-- there is simply no comparison to San Diego Comic Con. You are absolutely getting what you pay for and, considering the scope and number of attendees, it runs with an amazing efficiency. I wouldn't spend my one summer vacation (well, except for this year, sorry!) flying all the way across the country for a mediocre or even a great convention. I do it because SDCC is always a fun experience.

And, of course, there is the great company, which is what I missed most of all this year.