ComicBook Countdown: San Diego Comic-Con Edition!

There's nary a week when great comics, movies, or television shows aren't all vying for our attention. It can be hard to keep up with it all, but that's why we're here. With Comic-Con International only a few days away, we take a look at the five most exciting things coming to the world of fandom in San Diego next week.

5. Star Wars: The Force Awakens Panel | Lucasfilm

You've probably heard horror stories about Hall H. Here's the thing: It's probably worse than whatever you've imagined. It's an incredibly long wait starting late at night while everyone else is having fun in order to sit all day to hopefully see something new and spot a favorite celebrity. But if you feel the need to go to Hall H any day, that day should be Friday. Lucasfilm is returning to Comic Con and will doubtlessly have something incredible to show with Star Wars: The Force Awakens less than 6 months away. Plus, both The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones are on before the main event at 5:30pm.

4. Action Comics #1 Set | Lego

Much like Hall H, I'm not one for waiting in long lines to snag exclusive toys and collectibles. However, as soon as Lego announced they were commemorating the cover of Action Comics #1 with a limited edition set, I fell in love. This is a perfect Comic Con exclusive. It's affordable, compact, and coming from a great brand. Most importantly though, it celebrates comic books. This iconic image of has been lovingly recreated to make a set that anyone would be proud to place on their desk or bookshelves. Check out more details here.

3. David Brothers' Panels | Publisher

There are literally hundreds of panels to pick from when attending Comic Con, so it's hard to know which ones are most worth your time. I'm here to tell you that any panel featuring David Brothers as a moderator is one you want to attend. Brothers, who works at Image as an editor, always manages to make his panels noteworthy. Despite possessing a brilliant grasp of the material, he minimizes his own presence and draws out the most interesting observations, anecdotes, and ideas from creators. Attending a panel hosted by David Brothers is a sure fire way to learn something new about comics in an entertaining setting. If you're attending Comic Con and want to attend some great comics panels, be sure to check out Brothers' schedule here.

2. Harmontown | Tin Roof

Any fans of podcasts here will almost certainly heard of Harmontown before. A live show will be recorded at Tin Roof after Comic Con ends on Sunday night at 7pm. The show features Dan Harmon, creator of Community and co-creator of Rick & Morty, as he discusses current events, drinks vodka, and plays Dungeons & Dragons. The show has evolved from an hour of talk to a much larger community that embraces its audience just as much as its stars. The documentary Harmontown on Netflix shows the love, fun, and insight that has developed in this truly unique podcast. If you're staying in San Diego Sunday night, be sure to check out this one-of-a-kind event.

1. Creators | Publisher

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of exclusive collectibles, packed panels, and Hall H, but don't forget the reason Comic Con exists.

Hint: It's in the title.

Extra Hint: It's the name of the website you're at right now.

There are a ridiculous amount of incredibly talented comics creators who attend San Diego each year, and many are surprisingly easy to approach. Legendary cartoonists like Stan Sakai, Jeff Smith, Jim Steranko, and Sergio Aragonés all have their own tables and manageable lines. You'll never find easier opportunities to hold a conversation with some of the medium's absolute best. If you're attending Comic Con for the comics, then it's impossible to have a bad time.

What are you looking forward to at San Diego Comic Con this week? Share in the comments below.