Patricia Watkins 
SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – Dedicated and casual fans are all back for Comic-Con in San Diego this weekend.
“I’m super excited like I already got some goods. Already tried other stuff. It’s actually my first Comic-Con, ”said Jane Vines, who was from Alabama.
“I wouldn’t have missed it,” said Andy Holt, visiting Orange County, with his mascot in hand. “Scree, are you so glad to be here? He’s excited. Really, he is.
Those who are also excited about the comic book’s return are the companies that are a stone’s throw, or a thor’s hammer throw, from the convention center.
“Comic-Con has always been a big money generator for all of the businesses here from all down on Market Street and everything in between,” said Sherman Schoate, Cerveza Jack’s general manager. “Getting them back, even if it’s on a smaller scale, it’s huge for us.
Getting them back means that money from out of town is reinvested in the local economy in places like hotels, restaurants and other local and small businesses.
“If my husband watches this, not a lot!” But, yeah, probably around 500 or something, ”Vines said.
“Yeah, the hotel was expensive! Yes, a few hundred dollars, ”said Holt.
This may be a smaller Comic-Con than in the past. But, having the event is better than not having it.
“So we hope to see an increase of at least 20% if possible. So far so good, ”said Schoate.
What’s also good is what the comeback embodies.
Daniel Fitzgerald, regional director of the San Diego and Imperial Small Business Development Center, told ABC 10News that it was making more than money for the region.
“It’s not just a symbol to the business community here in San Diego that conventions are making a comeback. But also at conventions across the country, ”said Fitzgerald. “And, it’s good to come to San Diego and it’s good to come and spend money here.
Fitzgerald said it was a holiday weekend with dedicated shopping that can help boost income for these local businesses in addition to comics.
